eznews.in
The U.S. government has introduced a stringent policy banning American personnel, their families, and contractors with security clearances from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens. Implemented by former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in January, this "non-fraternisation" rule marks a significant shift from previous guidelines, which only restricted relationships with certain roles, such as embassy guards. The policy, driven by concerns over potential security risks and China's alleged tactics to extract sensitive information, applies to U.S. personnel stationed in mainland China and Hong Kong. Those with existing relationships can seek exemptions but must end them or resign if denied. Violations of the policy could lead to immediate expulsion from China. This move underscores the escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing amid broader geopolitical disputes, while highlighting similar restrictions imposed by China on its officials abroad. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, held their first meeting at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, amid rising tensions following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2022. This interaction, attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, comes as India remains wary of Bangladesh's increasing ties with China. Relations have soured since the regime change, with India expressing concerns over minority rights in Bangladesh, which Dhaka insists are internal matters. Yunus's comments during a recent trip to China, where he referred to India's Northeastern states as "landlocked" and positioned Bangladesh as their "guardian of the ocean," provoked backlash from regional leaders, including Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who condemned the remarks as offensive. Modi previously emphasized the importance of mutual sensitivity in a letter to Yunus, marking the shared history between the two nations.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who transitioned from a prominent prosecutor to the presidency in a short span, was impeached on Friday, becoming only the second president in the country’s history to be ousted from office. His downfall followed a controversial martial law decree that sparked protests and led to a swift parliamentary vote for impeachment, which the Constitutional Court upheld unanimously. Despite remaining defiant, Yoon faced significant public discontent over issues including inflation and his administration's handling of a deadly Halloween crowd crush. His controversial actions, including a proposed abolition of the gender equality ministry and a scandal involving his wife, further tarnished his reputation. While Yoon maintained a hardline stance against North Korea and sought closer ties with the U.S., his legacy may ultimately be defined by the extreme political factions he mobilized, which could pose ongoing challenges to South Korea’s democracy.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe United States has announced a reduction in the import duties imposed on India, lowering the rate from 27% to 26%, effective April 9. This adjustment was revealed in a White House document during the announcement of reciprocal tariffs for various countries, including China, the UK, and the European Union. A chart displayed during the briefing indicated that India currently imposes tariffs of 52%, attributed to factors like currency manipulation and trade barriers. Consequently, the U.S. will now apply a discounted reciprocal tariff of 26% to Indian goods. Industry experts noted that the one-percentage-point decrease is unlikely to significantly impact trade dynamics between the two nations.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inAs nations respond to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, reports reveal that the calculations behind these tariffs are not entirely reciprocal. According to the *Wall Street Journal*, over half of the countries received a flat reciprocal tariff of 10%, while others faced additional levies. A simple formula was used to determine these tariffs, focusing on trade deficits and exports to the US, as noted by *CNN*. Mike O'Rourke from Jones Trading emphasized that the tariffs appear to target countries with significant trade surpluses. Notably, China faces a steep 54% tariff, while the European Union and Japan are subject to 20% and 24% tariffs, respectively. For India, the US has reduced proposed import duties from 27% to 26%, effective April 9. In 2023-24, India recorded a trade surplus of $35.32 billion with the US, with key exports including pharmaceuticals and telecom instruments.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump has introduced a sweeping set of tariffs that now encompass nearly every nation, including remote territories hosting American military installations such as Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific. The British Indian Ocean Territory, which houses the Diego Garcia military base, is notably affected despite having no civilian population and minimal economic activity. Approximately 3,000 US and British military personnel operate from the base, which plays a vital role in US military operations across Asia and the Middle East. The Marshall Islands, another strategic partner under the Compact of Free Association, also finds its exports subjected to a 10% tariff, despite its close ties to the US. Experts have suggested that the tariffs will have little practical impact on military operations, as overseas bases are typically exempt. The announcement was made during a press event dubbed "Liberation Day."
Published: Apr 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has emphasized that developing nations will face significant challenges in meeting climate targets unless developed countries fulfill their financial commitments, particularly ahead of COP30 in Brazil. At the BRICS Environment Ministers' meeting in Brasilia, India highlighted the need for equitable use of the world's carbon budget and called for a substantial increase in climate finance from the proposed USD 300 billion to the USD 1.3 trillion required annually by 2035. The country urged BRICS members to collaborate on the "Baku to Belem Roadmap to 1.3T" to enhance support for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and stressed the importance of adaptation efforts, particularly with 2025 on the horizon. India also pointed to the expanded BRICS membership as a means to amplify the group's influence in global climate negotiations, advocating for a united front to address the environmental challenges faced by developing nations and to drive sustainable development initiatives.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inA newly published paper, allegedly the first "peer-reviewed" research on climate change authored by artificial intelligence, is drawing scrutiny from experts who caution that it promotes flawed arguments against human-induced global warming. Titled "A Critical Reassessment of the Anthropogenic CO2-Global Warming Hypothesis," the paper has gained traction on social media, particularly after being shared by Covid-19 contrarian Robert Malone. Critics highlight that the paper, which claims to have been written by Elon Musk's Grok 3 AI, lacks transparency regarding its methodology and references discredited studies by known climate contrarians. Experts warn that the use of AI in research could create an illusion of objectivity, as the technology does not possess reasoning abilities. The paper's rapid publication and opaque review process have raised further concerns about its credibility, with leading scientists emphasizing that it perpetuates longstanding misconceptions about climate science.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndia's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is spearheading rescue and relief operations in Myanmar following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28. As part of Operation Brahma, NDRF Deputy Commander Kunal Tiwari reported that a team of 80 personnel, equipped with advanced tools and four trained canines, is actively engaged in recovery efforts, including the dignified handling of mortal remains. Tiwari emphasized the strong bond between India and Myanmar, noting the local population's warm support for the Indian team's work. Safety protocols are strictly followed to protect personnel amid potential aftershocks. As of Tuesday, India has delivered 625 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid, with the Indian Army establishing a field hospital that has conducted numerous surgeries and medical procedures. The earthquake has tragically resulted in over 3,000 confirmed deaths, prompting a military truce to facilitate relief efforts.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inA 24-year-old YouTuber, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, was arrested after illegally visiting North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to the isolated and hostile Sentinelese tribe. Despite a ban on approaching the island to protect the tribe from external diseases, Polyakov made a nine-hour journey to leave a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as a tribute, attempting to attract the tribe's attention. After waiting for an hour without success, he filmed a video on the beach, declaring, "I have landed here. I am a solo traveller," before returning to his boat. Local fishermen reported his presence to authorities, leading to his arrest. Polyakov has a history of risky adventures, including a previous attempt to visit the tribe and a controversial trip to Afghanistan, where he interacted with the Taliban. His actions raise concerns about the safety and preservation of the indigenous people.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inNew research published in *Science* reveals insights into bacterial evolution, suggesting some lineages capable of using oxygen existed 900 million years before the Great Oxidation Event, approximately 2.4 billion years ago. Scientists utilized machine learning to analyze the genomes of modern bacteria, establishing a timeline of their evolution by correlating genetic data with geological events. Bacteria, primarily single-celled organisms, have left limited traces in the fossil record, complicating the understanding of their early development. The study highlights that cyanobacteria, essential for oxygen production through photosynthesis, may have evolved oxygen utilization before developing this capability. This research not only refines our knowledge of bacterial history but also emphasizes how life has adapted to Earth's changing environments. The findings underscore the significance of the Great Oxidation Event in shaping the evolution of life on Earth.
Published: Apr 04 2025, 11 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact