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US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to BRICS nations, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on their exports if they attempt to supplant the US dollar as the dominant currency in international trade. In a statement, Trump emphasized that any efforts by BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to create a new currency or support alternatives to the dollar would not be tolerated. His comments echo earlier statements made following his recent election victory, as BRICS countries have increasingly discussed reducing reliance on the dollar, particularly after Western sanctions on Russia. Despite this push, the US dollar remains the world's leading reserve currency. Trump's tariff threats come amid broader efforts to maintain US economic dominance and have been met with skepticism from economists, who caution that such measures could elevate costs for American consumers and businesses reliant on imported goods.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 9 ameznews.inBillionaire Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, primarily for his advocacy of free speech. The nomination was announced by Slovenian European Parliament member Branko Grims, who submitted the petition to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, emphasizing Musk's contributions to the fundamental human right of freedom of speech and peace. Grims shared a confirmation email from the committee, expressing gratitude to co-proposers involved in the nomination process. He reiterated his belief that Musk deserves the accolade for his significant efforts in promoting free speech, which he described as a basic human right. This nomination follows a similar proposal made by Norwegian MP Marius Nilsen in February 2024, who praised Musk for his steadfast defense of dialogue and free expression in an increasingly polarized world, asserting that Musk's ventures have fostered greater connectivity and safety globally.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inZaya Perysian, a US-based transgender influencer, has alleged that the Trump administration has forced her to identify as male by changing the gender on her passport, despite all her other documents reflecting her identity as female. This controversy stems from an executive order signed on January 20, which asserts that "sex" refers strictly to biological classification and explicitly denies recognition of gender identity as a substitute for sex. In a recent Instagram video, Zaya displayed her passport, which she described as having a "big ugly M" under the sex designation, while emphasizing that she has undergone sex reassignment surgery. She expressed concerns for her safety while traveling and announced plans to pursue legal action, claiming the government's stance is a direct violation of her rights under the Equal Rights Amendment. Zaya remains resolute in her fight for transgender rights, stating, "I am not scared. I am not gonna cry."
Published: Jan 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn his first major crisis as president, Donald Trump addressed a devastating midair collision in Washington that resulted in 67 fatalities, initially adopting a somber tone before quickly shifting to blame. He criticized helicopter pilots and night-vision technology, but notably attributed the tragedy to diversity hiring practices, targeting former Presidents Obama and Biden. This assertion drew on his broader agenda against "woke" policies, as he sought to position himself as the decisive leader in a time of national grief. Flanked by officials who praised his leadership, Trump reiterated that the crash was not the fault of his administration, despite significant scrutiny over his plans to reshape federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which lacked a permanent leader following his cost-cutting measures. The incident raises questions about the potential impact of his controversial policies on aviation safety and crisis management.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inDominique Pelicot, a 72-year-old Frenchman previously convicted for orchestrating the rape of his then-wife Gisele by multiple men, was interrogated on Thursday regarding a 1991 rape and murder case and a 1999 attempted rape. Pelicot, who received a 20-year sentence in December, has denied involvement in the 1991 incident but admitted to the attempted rape, which DNA evidence linked to him. His lawyer stated that the investigation into these cold cases has been ongoing since October 2022. The similarities between the cases, including the use of ether, have raised concerns about Pelicot's potential involvement in other crimes. Gisele Pelicot, who bravely testified against him, has been praised for her courage throughout the trial, which resulted in convictions for all 51 defendants. Pelicot's daughter, Caroline Darian, believes she was also a victim of her father's abuse and has called for him to remain imprisoned.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 11 ameznews.inKashyap 'Kash' Patel, nominated by former President Donald Trump as the FBI chief, made headlines during his Senate confirmation hearing by warmly greeting his parents with "Jai Shri Krishna" and bowing to touch their feet. The 44-year-old Indian-origin lawyer expressed his gratitude for their presence, acknowledging their journey from India to support him. Patel, who has faced racism throughout his life, recounted painful experiences when questioned by Senator Lindsey Graham, stating he had been subjected to derogatory remarks. Born in New York to Gujarati parents and raised in East Africa, Patel holds degrees from the University of Richmond and the University College London. He has previously served as National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Intelligence Committee. If confirmed, he would become the first Hindu and Indian American to lead the FBI.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 9 ameznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic mid-air collision in Washington DC, which involved an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter, resulting in the feared loss of all 64 lives on board. In a heartfelt message posted on X, Modi extended his condolences to the families affected by the disaster, describing it as a significant tragedy for the United States, potentially marking the worst aviation incident in nearly 25 years. He emphasized India's solidarity with the American people during this difficult time, stating, "We stand in solidarity with the people of the United States." This incident has drawn widespread attention and concern, highlighting the need for thorough investigations into aviation safety protocols.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 9 ameznews.inInvestigators have recovered the black boxes from a passenger plane that collided mid-air with a military helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of 67 people. The crash occurred as American Eagle Flight 5342 was approaching Reagan National Airport, where staffing shortages in the control tower reportedly left only one controller managing both civilian and military air traffic. US President Donald Trump controversially linked the tragedy to diversity and inclusion policies, accusing his Democratic predecessors of undermining aviation safety in favor of these measures. His remarks drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who called Trump "despicable" for politicizing the disaster. Among the victims were several US figure skaters and a Russian pairs champion. Rescuers continue to search the icy waters, with over 40 bodies recovered so far.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 10 ameznews.inSince taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump has initiated a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government and private sector. While supported by some allies, these actions have drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that they threaten to exacerbate existing inequities and reverse decades of civil rights progress. Trump and his supporters contend that DEI initiatives unfairly discriminate against white individuals and undermine merit-based hiring, claiming without evidence that such programs contributed to recent disasters like California wildfires. In contrast, civil rights advocates assert that DEI efforts are crucial for addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. Polling indicates that a majority of Americans oppose Trump's moves to eliminate federal DEI initiatives, reflecting a significant divide in public opinion on this contentious issue.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inSalwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee known for controversial Koran burnings, was shot dead in Sweden late Wednesday. The 38-year-old sparked international outrage in June 2023 when he desecrated the Islamic holy book during protests, which led to diplomatic tensions, including Iraq expelling Sweden's ambassador. Momika, who had a tumultuous political background in Iraq, claimed his actions aimed to highlight what he perceived as the dangers of the Koran. Despite his defiant stance during protests, he faced numerous death threats and had police protection during public appearances. Just hours before his death, a court was set to deliver a verdict on charges against him for inciting ethnic hatred, but prosecutors later dropped the case. Momika had aspirations to enter Swedish politics, specifically with the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, although the party distanced itself from his actions. His death adds complexity to an already fraught diplomatic situation.
Published: Jan 31 2025, 6 am
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