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Documents released by the US Department of Justice on Friday revealed that notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had an extensive contact list featuring numerous high-profile celebrities, including US President Donald Trump, pop icon Michael Jackson, actor Alec Baldwin, and film producer Harvey Weinstein. Other notable names included former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, and supermodel Naomi Campbell, along with political figures like John Kerry and the late Ted Kennedy. The flight logs also listed individuals such as Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Additionally, the Justice Department published a censored list of 254 masseuses, whose identities were protected due to their victim status. While the documents stirred interest, sources indicated they might not disclose significant revelations about connections between Epstein and prominent figures. Epstein, who faced numerous sexual assault allegations, died by suicide in prison in 2019, leaving behind a $634 million estate, part of which was allocated to victim compensation. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIndia's first three clinics dedicated to the transgender community have ceased operations following a stop-work order from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which had been funding them. This closure affects nearly 5,000 individuals who relied on these clinics for essential services, including hormone therapy, mental health counselling, and legal aid. The funding freeze stems from a 90-day pause on foreign aid ordered by US President Donald Trump, who has criticized USAID's spending, particularly a $21 million allocation for voter turnout in India. Although the clinics, located in Hyderabad, Kalyan, and Pune, required approximately Rs 30 lakh ($34,338) annually to operate, they have received a waiver from USAID to continue providing life-saving services, such as antiretroviral medication for HIV patients. Organizers are now seeking alternative funding sources to sustain their vital work.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMicrosoft has announced that it will retire Skype this May, marking the end of the two-decade-old internet calling service that transformed global communication. The decision aims to streamline Microsoft's offerings and bolster its Teams platform, which has gained traction as a preferred tool for business communication, especially during the pandemic. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized audio and video calls, reaching hundreds of millions of users at its peak, but has struggled against competitors like Zoom and Slack in recent years. As part of the transition, Skype users will be able to access Teams for free with their existing credentials, ensuring a smooth migration of chats and contacts. This move follows other notable missteps by Microsoft, including the decline of Internet Explorer and Windows Phone. Despite its decline, Microsoft acknowledged Skype's significant role in shaping modern communication, stating, "We are honored to have been part of the journey."
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRussia has appointed Alexander Darchiev as its new ambassador to the United States, a position that has been vacant since last year, signaling a potential thaw in strained relations. Darchiev, a seasoned diplomat with experience in various roles since 1992, most recently served as the director of the Russian foreign ministry's North American department. His appointment follows high-level talks initiated by US President Donald Trump, who has aimed to mend ties with Moscow since taking office, particularly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed that the US had officially agreed to Darchiev's appointment. This development comes on the heels of diplomatic discussions held in Istanbul, which sought to address ongoing tensions exacerbated by mutual embassy staff expulsions during President Joe Biden's administration. Darchiev is expected to take up his new role in Washington shortly.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump is poised to declare English as the official language of the United States, a move aimed at enhancing national cohesion amid the country’s diverse immigrant population. According to a White House document obtained on Friday, the initiative reflects Trump's belief that recognizing English as the official language is overdue. The document, shared by an anonymous official, emphasizes that a common language is essential for fostering unity among Americans. This executive order underscores the administration's commitment to promoting a singular linguistic identity in a nation known for its multicultural fabric. The announcement has sparked discussions about the implications for non-English speakers and the broader context of immigration policy in the U.S.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inBRICS+ nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and five additional members, have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing reliance on the US dollar for global trade, despite former President Donald Trump's repeated threats of imposing steep tariffs. Trump, who has claimed that his warnings have fractured the BRICS alliance, suggested that any member discussing dollar alternatives would face tariffs of up to 150%. However, Brazilian President Lula da Silva countered that such threats would not deter the group's determination to seek alternative payment platforms. Echoing this sentiment, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that US attempts to enforce dollar dominance would ultimately backfire. While BRICS+ does not yet have a unified currency, discussions are reportedly underway, with some members already engaging in trade using local currencies. The US dollar remains the dominant global currency, but the BRICS+ nations are actively exploring options for a multi-polar financial landscape.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 8 pmeznews.inElon Musk has predicted that US Vice President JD Vance will eventually succeed Donald Trump as president, calling him the "best VP ever" on his social media platform X. Musk, who is Trump's leading donor for the 2024 presidential campaign, has praised Vance in similar terms previously. Since Trump took office last month, Musk has been granted significant authority to reduce government spending and restructure federal agencies, serving as a "special government employee" and senior adviser. Vance, who is the third-youngest vice president in US history, has a controversial past as a former "Never Trumper," having once criticized Trump harshly. However, his political fortunes changed after securing Trump's endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, marking a significant shift in his alignment with the former president.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIndia and the European Union have set a year-end deadline for a landmark free trade agreement, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi. The deal, which aims to enhance trade ties, comes as India explores similar pacts with other nations, including the UK. Past attempts at a free trade agreement have faced challenges, with negotiations stalling in 2013 and again in 2021 due to disagreements over tariffs and visa restrictions. The EU is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $137 billion in 2023-24. Modi emphasized a comprehensive collaboration blueprint covering trade, technology, and security, while von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade security. Additionally, discussions on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor were confirmed, aiming to improve connectivity and drive sustainable growth.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSouth Korean police have summoned a woman currently in Japan for questioning over allegations of kissing Jin, a member of K-pop sensation BTS, without consent during a public event in Seoul last year. The incident occurred during Jin's first public appearance following his mandatory military service, where he hugged fans and performed in front of thousands. The woman, believed to be in her 50s, reportedly kissed Jin's neck, prompting outrage among fans and a subsequent criminal complaint. The police confirmed that she has been booked and summoned, though her identity remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns. BTS, formed in 2013, has taken a hiatus since 2022 while its members fulfill military obligations, with Jin and J-Hope having completed their service. The remaining members are expected to finish by the end of 2025, with a potential return to group activities in 2026.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly considering a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to enhance agents' self-defense skills, according to _The Independent_. During a recent teleconference with the heads of the FBI's 55 field offices, Patel expressed his desire to formalize this relationship, although the agency has yet to comment officially. Some agents have labeled the proposal as "surreal" and "wacky." Patel's connection to the UFC is notable, as President Trump, a fan of the sport, has attended events, and UFC President Dana White was involved in Trump's reelection campaign. Patel, who has initiated significant changes within the bureau, emphasized a commitment to integrity and transparency in a recent social media post, vowing to uncover any hidden records or misconduct. He was confirmed as director by the Senate with a narrow 51-49 vote and aims to lead the FBI into a new era focused on accountability.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 7 pmeznews.inScientists have captured rare footage of polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the first time in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The video shows a mother bear and her three cubs navigating the icy terrain, highlighting their reliance on maternal support, as the cubs were observed outside the den without their mother only five percent of the time. This research, conducted by Polar Bears International, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the University of Toronto Scarborough, was published in the _Journal of Wildlife Management_ on International Polar Bear Day (February 27). Lead author Louise Archer noted the remarkable nature of the cubs' first steps in such a challenging environment. The study also raises concerns about polar bear families potentially leaving their dens earlier in spring, a change that may be linked to climate change, although further monitoring is needed to understand this trend fully.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 5 pm
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