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Trump Intensifies Harvard Dispute, Halts Federal Grants

In a significant escalation of tensions, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that Harvard University will be ineligible for federal grants due to alleged failures to address anti-Semitism on campus. This decision halts $2.2 billion in federal funding for Harvard, part of a broader $9 billion funding review affecting the university and others. The Trump administration has long criticized Harvard for its refusal to comply with demands for government oversight of admissions and hiring practices, claiming the institution has neglected its legal and ethical responsibilities. McMahon's letter emphasized that Harvard should no longer seek federal grants, marking a decisive end to new funding opportunities. This move aligns with the administration's crackdown on universities, which it accuses of fostering anti-Semitism and promoting diversity programs perceived as discriminatory against conservative viewpoints. Concerns are growing over potential impacts on academic freedom as the administration threatens further punitive measures against institutions and foreign students involved in protests. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 6 am

Lavish Life of Convicted Indian-Origin Billionaire: Rolls Royce, Mansion

Dubai-based Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni, known as "Abu Sabah," has been sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering linked to a criminal organization. A Dubai court also ordered the confiscation of 150 million Dirhams (approximately $40.8 million) and imposed a fine of 500,000 Dirhams (around $136,000). Following his prison term, Sahni will face deportation. The founder of the RSG Group, which operates in real estate and various industries across the Middle East, US, and India, Sahni gained notoriety for extravagant purchases, including the "D5" license plate for 33 million Dirhams. His opulent lifestyle, showcased in media, includes a luxury mansion and a collection of high-end cars. Despite his legal troubles, Sahni is also known for his philanthropic efforts in Punjab, including building hospitals and old-age homes, and he received the "Businessman of the Year" award at the Sikh Awards in Dubai in 2020. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 9 am

UN Security Council Questions Pakistan on Missile Tests

Pakistan faced intense scrutiny from United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members during closed-door consultations regarding escalating tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator dead. Sources report that UNSC members questioned Islamabad about the involvement of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba in the attack, expressing alarm over Pakistan's recent missile tests and its nuclear rhetoric, which they deemed provocative. As one of the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC, Pakistan had sought these consultations amid rising tensions. During discussions, members condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability and noting that the victims were targeted based on their religion. Additionally, they dismissed Pakistan's "false flag" narrative, reinforcing their stance on the matter. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 10 am

Harvard's Bold Response to Trump's Federal Grant Ban

Harvard University has publicly opposed what it describes as "illegal government overreach" by the Trump administration, which has halted federal research grants amidst rising tensions over pro-Palestine protests on campus. Education Secretary Linda McMahon informed Harvard's president that the university should no longer seek federal funding, citing alleged failures in legal obligations and transparency. In response, Harvard criticized the administration's actions as an attempt to impose "unprecedented and improper control" over its operations, emphasizing its commitment to compliance with the law, promoting viewpoint diversity, and combating anti-Semitism. This confrontation escalated following Harvard's lawsuit against the federal freeze on over $2.2 billion in grants, with a total of $9 billion under review. The university's stance reflects broader conflicts with the administration regarding campus activism and diversity initiatives, raising concerns about the potential impact on its funding and academic freedom. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 8 am

Balvinder Singh Sahni: Indian Billionaire Jailed for Money Laundering

Balvinder Singh Sahni, a prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman, has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined Dh500,000 for financial crimes, including money laundering. The Dubai court also ordered the confiscation of Dh150 million from Sahni, known as Abu Sabah, who was convicted alongside 33 others, including his son. The court found that Sahni laundered the funds through a network of shell companies and forged invoices. As the founder and chairman of the Raj Sahni Group, which has a significant property portfolio in the UAE and beyond, Sahni is a well-known figure in Dubai's elite circles, famous for his luxury car collection and social media presence. Following his prison term, he will be deported from the UAE. The case against him began in 2024, revealing extensive financial misconduct linked to both local and international operations. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 8 am

Syria State TV Returns After Assad's Ouster

Syrian state television has officially relaunched with a trial broadcast of the Alekhbariah channel, nearly five months after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The broadcast began at 5:00 PM local time from Damascus, showcasing new branding and images of the capital. Following the December takeover by new authorities, state media had suspended operations, citing delays due to sanctions and outdated equipment. Alaa Bersilo, the head of the new authority, emphasized the channel's role as a mediator between the state and society, while Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa described the launch as an emotional milestone. The previous regime's media outlets faced crackdowns, and the landscape has shifted with the rise of exiled and formerly opposition media. Despite the end of decades of repression, press freedom in Syria remains precarious, ranking 177th out of 180 on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 6 am

Pentagon Chief Cuts Four-Star Officers by 20%

In a significant restructuring move, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has mandated a minimum 20 percent reduction in active-duty four-star generals and admirals, as outlined in a memo from the Defense Secretary. This directive is part of President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to streamline military leadership, following a series of high-profile dismissals of senior officers earlier this year. The memo also calls for a 10 percent reduction in the overall number of generals and a 20 percent cut in National Guard generals, though specific implementation details remain unclear. Hegseth emphasized that the cuts aim to eliminate "redundant force structure" to enhance strategic readiness and operational effectiveness, asserting that the military's bureaucracy is overly cumbersome. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about potential politicization within the military amid these changes, which coincide with a broader push to reduce civilian staff within the Pentagon. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 6 am

Hollywood Stunned by Trump's 100% Film Tariffs Announcement

Hollywood has reacted with skepticism to President Donald Trump's announcement of a 100 percent tariff on foreign films, with industry insiders questioning the feasibility and rationale behind the policy. Entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel criticized the proposal as "nonsensical," pointing out that many US productions, including major franchises, are filmed abroad for creative reasons. Trump's directive, issued via Truth Social, aims to promote American-made films but has left the industry in turmoil, with stock prices dropping and unions uncertain about its implications for TV series. Critics argue that such tariffs would harm the US film industry by raising production costs and limiting the availability of films. While some in Hollywood support the goal of increasing domestic production, they advocate for tax rebates instead of tariffs. The White House stated that no final decision has been made, emphasizing the administration's commitment to bolstering the industry while addressing national security concerns. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 7 am

Pulitzers Recognize Coverage of Trump Assassination and Gaza War

The Pulitzer Prizes, announced Monday at Columbia University, highlighted significant coverage of global conflicts and domestic issues, including the wars in Gaza and Sudan, alongside the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The Washington Post received the breaking news reporting award for its coverage of Trump's injury during a rally, while ProPublica was recognized for its public service reporting on the dangers faced by women due to restrictive abortion laws, notably the case of Amber Thurman, who died after being denied care. The New York Times' Declan Walsh won for international reporting on Sudan's conflict and gold trade, and a Pulitzer for commentary went to Gaza poet Mosab Abu Toha for his poignant essays in The New Yorker. Additionally, Reuters won for investigative journalism on fentanyl regulation, and a New York Times photographer captured a striking moment of Trump's assassination attempt, earning recognition in breaking news photography. sources

Published:
May 06 2025, 5 am

Israel Bombs Hodeidah Port After Houthi Airport Attack

Israel has launched airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port following a missile attack by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels that targeted near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vowed retaliation against the Houthis, who have claimed their missile strikes are in solidarity with Palestinians. While most missiles from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel's defense systems, this recent missile marked a significant breach, being the first to evade interception since March. In response, the Houthis announced plans to impose a "comprehensive" aerial blockade on Israel, aiming to repeatedly target its airports, with Ben Gurion Airport as their primary focus. They urged international airlines to consider their warning seriously and cancel flights to Israel to ensure passenger safety. The Houthi's statement was reportedly communicated to the International Air Transport Association and the United Nations' aviation body. sources

Published:
May 05 2025, 11 pm

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