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The second term of US President Donald Trump has reignited discussions around arms control, particularly involving China. Following Trump's recent proposal for denuclearisation, which he discussed with Vladimir Putin, he expressed intent to include China in future arms control negotiations. Beijing's response was cautious, urging the US to make the first move. Trump's previous attempt at arms control ended poorly, but he now argues for reducing military spending, citing the billions wasted on nuclear arms. As the US modernizes its nuclear arsenal, including the introduction of new warheads, concerns grow over the implications of such developments. Meanwhile, Russia, while maintaining its nuclear capabilities, appears open to discussions, potentially seeking to leverage talks to buy time for modernization. China's expansion of its ICBM capabilities complicates the landscape, as it remains wary of bilateral negotiations, preferring a multilateral approach that includes all nuclear powers. The evolving dynamics suggest a complex future for global arms control. 
Published: Feb 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNegotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom resumed in New Delhi, marking a significant step after a months-long hiatus. UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, met with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the advanced-stage talks aimed at tripling bilateral trade, currently valued at $20 billion annually, over the next decade. Goyal described the potential deal as "pathbreaking," emphasizing the need for a robust agreement that benefits both nations in the long term. Both ministers highlighted the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship, which could unlock business opportunities and strengthen existing ties. They also clarified that immigration issues are not part of the trade negotiations, with Goyal reaffirming that discussions focus solely on trade and investment. The FTA talks began on January 13, 2022, and are seen as a priority for both countries.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGoogle's DeepMind has unveiled AlphaGeometry2, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) math system that surpasses human gold medalists at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Capable of solving 84% of geometry problems, AlphaGeometry2 outperforms the average gold medalist's 81.8% success rate. Initially launched in January last year, the AI had already matched the performance of silver medallists but has since been enhanced to tackle more complex problems, including those involving object movements and linear equations. The improvements have increased the system's coverage of IMO geometry problems from 66% to 88%. Despite this progress, Google acknowledges limitations in the AI's capabilities, particularly regarding variable points and non-linear equations. Researchers aim for full automation in geometry problem-solving, focusing on improving inference speed and system reliability in the future.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA violent clash at a Bangladesh Air Force base in Cox's Bazar on Monday resulted in the death of a local trader, Shihab Kabir, and injuries to several others, including four Air Force personnel. The confrontation reportedly began when air force personnel stopped a biker at a checkpoint, leading to an aggressive response from over 200 locals. The military's Inter Service Public Relations stated that "miscreants" attacked the base, while the Air Force fired blank shots to protect the installation, denying the use of live ammunition. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with claims that Kabir was shot by Air Force personnel. Amid rising crime concerns, the government has initiated "Operation Devil Hunt," resulting in over 8,600 arrests in a crackdown on alleged gangs linked to the previous regime. The military has pledged to maintain order until a new elected government is established, emphasizing the need for restraint in their operations.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIndia and the UK have announced the resumption of trade agreement negotiations, as confirmed by Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal during a joint press conference with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in New Delhi. The talks, which were paused last year due to general elections in both nations, are now being expedited in light of increasing global uncertainties, including potential import tariffs from the U.S. The discussions aim to establish a bilateral free trade agreement and an investment treaty, marking the first negotiations since the UK Labour Party took power in July 2023. Reynolds emphasized that securing a deal is a "top priority" for the UK government. Additionally, UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson plans to engage with investors in Mumbai and Bengaluru to encourage Indian investments. Current bilateral trade between the two countries reached £41 billion ($52 billion) in the year leading up to September 2024.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a dramatic turn of events, U.S. government workers are grappling with uncertainty as President Donald Trump enlists billionaire Elon Musk to oversee significant budget cuts. Musk has mandated that civil-service employees submit summaries of their work by a tight deadline, creating confusion across various agencies. While some, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, have complied, others like the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security have advised against responding. The turmoil has resulted in mass layoffs, with Trump announcing the termination of 1,600 employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development, jeopardizing global humanitarian efforts. Musk, who has already laid off over 20,000 workers in his private ventures, aims to slash $1 trillion from the federal budget, igniting bipartisan debate over his authority and the impact on the economy. As financial insecurity looms, many workers are left questioning their futures, with some facing the prospect of selling their homes amid the chaos.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inNestle India is contemplating modest price increases for its products to mitigate the impact of rising inflation in coffee, cocoa, and edible oil, while striving to sustain sales, according to Managing Director Suresh Narayanan. Speaking at an industry conference in Mumbai, Narayanan acknowledged that profits within Corporate India faced challenges in the October-December quarter due to inflationary pressures and declining consumer spending in urban areas. He emphasized that any price hikes would be kept minimal, as they could adversely affect volume growth. Additionally, the Indian government's proposal to reduce personal income tax rates in fiscal 2026 may enhance disposable income and stimulate consumption. Despite affluent consumers increasingly utilizing rapid delivery services like Swiggy's Instamart and Zomato's Blinkit, Narayanan noted that the long-term viability of these platforms remains uncertain, especially as they currently operate at a loss. Last month, Nestle India reported a quarterly profit that fell short of expectations due to these market dynamics.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inChinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, according to state media reports. The discussion, which took place in the afternoon of February 24, was initiated at Putin's invitation, as stated by China's state broadcaster CCTV. The call underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations, reflecting their close ties amid a complex geopolitical landscape. Further details regarding the content of the conversation have not been disclosed. This interaction comes as both leaders navigate their respective national interests and international relations. The communication highlights the significance of Sino-Russian relations, particularly in the context of global political dynamics.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA company in Shandong province, China, has faced backlash after threatening to dismiss single and divorced employees who failed to marry by the end of September. Shandong Shuntian Chemical Group Co. Ltd. issued a notice mandating that employees aged 28 to 58 must settle down or face severe consequences, including writing self-criticism letters and potential job loss. The controversial policy, intended to promote traditional values such as loyalty and filial piety, sparked outrage on Chinese social media, where users highlighted violations of marriage laws and personal rights. Following widespread criticism, local authorities intervened, revoking the notice for contravening labor laws. The company acknowledged the backlash and stated it would enhance its understanding of relevant regulations to prevent future incidents, admitting that its approach to encourage marriage was overly simplistic and misapplied.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inPakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stirred controversy with his recent remarks at a rally in Dera Ghazi Khan, where he asserted that his name would cease to exist if Pakistan fails to surpass India in economic development. Known for his animated speeches, Sharif passionately declared his commitment to improving the nation's situation, swearing on the life of his brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, to work tirelessly for Pakistan's greatness. However, his comments drew widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing him of making "tall promises" lacking substantive action, especially as Pakistan grapples with severe economic challenges and a significant debt burden. Notably, just days prior, Sharif had called for dialogue with India, a request complicated by India's insistence that Pakistan must first tackle terrorism. This juxtaposition of rhetoric has intensified scrutiny of Sharif's leadership amid ongoing economic struggles.
Published: Feb 24 2025, 5 pm
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