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The US State Department has halted passport applications featuring "X" sex markers and changes to gender identity following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which asserts that the US recognizes only two sexes: male and female. Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated this directive, emphasizing that an individual's sex is immutable. The order, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism," mandates that all official documents reflect this binary classification, effectively suspending applications for those seeking to change their sex marker. While passports issued with the "X" marker since April 2022 remain valid, concerns persist regarding their renewal. The policy has drawn criticism for its restrictive approach to gender identity, with potential ramifications for the broader LGBTQ+ community as it seeks to navigate this new regulatory landscape. The full impact of these changes on current passport holders remains unclear as the situation develops. 
Published: Jan 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Friday that the company plans to invest at least $60 billion in artificial intelligence by 2025, positioning itself as a leader in the sector. In a Facebook post, Zuckerberg described 2025 as a "defining year for AI," with aspirations for Meta AI to become the leading digital assistant, utilized by over a billion users. He also revealed plans for a new AI "engineer" to enhance Meta's research and development efforts, alongside the construction of a large datacenter to support these initiatives. This announcement follows US President Donald Trump's recent declaration of a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure through the Stargate initiative, backed by SoftBank and OpenAI. Meanwhile, Microsoft President Brad Smith stated that his company is set to invest around $80 billion this fiscal year in AI advancements, emphasizing the US's potential leadership in this technological wave.
Published: Jan 25 2025, 1 ameznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of attempting to manipulate former US President Donald Trump amid recent comments from the Kremlin chief, who praised Trump as a "smart" leader and expressed readiness for peace talks. Zelensky, emphasizing Ukraine's exclusion from any negotiations regarding its fate, stated, "He wants to negotiate the fate of Europe—without Europe," reiterating that no Russian manipulations would succeed. The backdrop of these diplomatic tensions is the ongoing conflict, which has seen escalating violence, including recent Russian airstrikes near Kyiv that killed three people. In response, Trump has threatened to impose severe sanctions on Russia if the war continues, while suggesting that lower oil prices could end the conflict. Despite these statements, both nations show no signs of de-escalation, with Ukraine launching drone attacks on Russian targets and Russia continuing its military operations.
Published: Jan 25 2025, 2 ameznews.inDuring a visit to hurricane-stricken North Carolina, US President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order aimed at overhauling or potentially eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is responsible for assisting states in disaster response. "I'll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA," Trump stated to reporters. This move comes in the wake of significant damage caused by recent hurricanes, highlighting ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and structure of federal disaster response agencies. Trump's comments signal a significant shift in policy as he seeks to address concerns over disaster management in the US.
Published: Jan 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the upcoming AI Summit in France, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit, scheduled for February 10-11, aims to foster international dialogue on artificial intelligence, with participation from various heads of state and government representatives. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that further updates regarding Modi's visit will be provided soon. President Macron emphasized the significance of the summit, which will include discussions on AI's global implications and the need to tackle issues such as disinformation and misuse of technology. The event will also feature a formal dinner for leaders on February 10 and a dedicated session for heads of state on February 11, highlighting the summit's role in shaping the future of AI collaboration among major global powers, including the US, China, and India.
Published: Jan 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for the United States to approach Taiwan "prudently" during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking their first talks since Donald Trump assumed office. Wang reiterated China's firm stance on Taiwan, stating, "We will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China," and urged the US to honor its commitment to the one-China policy. He asserted China's right to development while insisting that Beijing does not seek to surpass any nation. The conversation comes amid rising tensions, as the US remains a key supporter of Taiwan, providing it with military assistance despite not formally recognizing it. Rubio, during his Senate confirmation hearing, described China as a "dangerous" superpower and pledged to bolster support for Taiwan. Wang called for improved communication and cooperation to ensure stable China-US relations at this "new important juncture."
Published: Jan 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a recent Fox News interview, former President Donald Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should not have resisted Russia's invasion, arguing that the power imbalance made resistance futile. Trump claimed, "Zelenskyy was fighting a much bigger entity," and implied that a negotiated deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin would have been preferable. This view starkly contrasts with current President Joe Biden's support for Ukraine's right to defend itself and his imposition of sanctions on Russia. The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating casualties, with estimates in the hundreds of thousands. While Trump expressed skepticism about Zelenskyy's leadership, he also warned that the U.S. would impose "massive tariffs" and "big sanctions" if Russia does not settle the war soon. Trump's comments have raised concerns about his foreign policy approach, especially as he claimed he could end the war within a day, despite the complexities involved.
Published: Jan 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inFourteen individuals have been arrested in connection with a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, which claimed the lives of 78 people, according to state media reports on Friday. The Anadolu news agency revealed that eight of those detained were presented to prosecutors, including the hotel's owner, his son-in-law, the general manager, and the chief electrician, alongside the local fire chief. Investigators suspect negligence as a key factor in the tragedy, with survivors reporting a lack of fire alarms, safety exits, and fire doors, which left many trapped inside the 12-storey building. Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 238 guests, predominantly families with children, were present at the hotel when the fire broke out early Tuesday.
Published: Jan 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inIndia is demonstrating its diplomatic prowess by balancing relations with rival nations, as highlighted by recent visits from key officials. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar returned to New Delhi after a five-day trip to the US for Donald Trump's inauguration, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to engage with China. Jaishankar noted India's unique ability to maintain dialogues with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Iran, amidst a polarized global landscape. As tensions rise between the US and China over tariffs and military involvement, India seeks to foster constructive outcomes. Misri's visit to Beijing follows a thaw in relations after a prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control. The agenda includes discussions on boundary talks, regional stability, and shared global concerns, such as sanctions and climate agreements, reflecting India's commitment to peace and cooperation in a challenging geopolitical environment.
Published: Jan 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has rescinded federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top health official who played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, had been receiving security under the National Institutes of Health. This decision, reported by CNN, marks a notable shift in the former president's stance toward Fauci, who had been a prominent figure in the nation's response to the health crisis. The move has raised questions about the safety and security of public health officials who have faced scrutiny and backlash during and after the pandemic.
Published: Jan 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIndian students in the U.S. are increasingly quitting their part-time jobs due to fears of deportation, as stricter immigration policies loom in the wake of President Trump's inauguration. Many students rely on these jobs, often working off-campus in restaurants and retail to cover essential expenses, but the risk of losing their student visa status has prompted them to prioritize their futures. Arjun, a graduate student in Illinois, shared his decision to leave his café job after hearing about potential immigration crackdowns, despite having taken out a $50,000 loan for his education. Similarly, Master's student Neha in New York expressed concerns about random workplace checks, leading her and friends to stop working. Students now face financial strain, relying on savings or borrowing from friends and family, which raises mental health issues amid their emotional stress. India's External Affairs Minister has acknowledged the possibility of repatriating undocumented nationals amid ongoing immigration discussions.
Published: Jan 24 2025, 8 pm
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