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The US Supreme Court has upheld a law to ban TikTok, a platform used by 170 million Americans, citing national security concerns unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells it to an American buyer. Content creator Ayman Chaudhary expressed sadness over the potential loss of TikTok, which has been a source of income and community for many like her. As uncertainty looms, users are exploring alternatives, including Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media app gaining traction amid the TikTok controversy. Duolingo reported a surge in Americans learning Mandarin, reflecting a shift in user sentiment. Many TikTok creators are urging followers to migrate to other platforms while dismissing fears of Chinese surveillance. The app has been pivotal for micro-influencers, allowing them to thrive through its unique algorithm, which curates content based on user interests. The future of TikTok remains uncertain as creators adapt to the shifting landscape.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 5 ameznews.inIsrael's cabinet has approved a ceasefire and hostage release deal concerning Gaza, set to commence on Sunday, following days of uncertainty. This agreement aims to halt hostilities in what has been described as Gaza's deadliest conflict, allowing for the release of hostages captured during Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the plan, which includes the release of 95 Palestinians, pending government approval. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes have continued, resulting in over 100 casualties since the deal was made public. The ceasefire, facilitated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, coincides with the inauguration of Donald Trump, who claimed credit for the negotiations. Humanitarian concerns mount in Gaza, where widespread destruction has left many displaced, while the fate of remaining hostages remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inChandra Arya, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament for Nepean, has officially announced his candidacy for the Prime Minister of Canada, following the recent decision by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down. Arya, originally from Karnataka, India, and an MBA graduate from Dharwad, emphasized the need for "bold political decisions" to tackle Canada’s structural challenges, particularly those affecting the middle class and younger generations. In a statement on social media, he outlined his vision for a more efficient government focused on rebuilding the economy and securing prosperity for future generations. Arya criticized Khalistan supporters and condemned the defacing of Hindu temples in Canada, positioning himself as a strong advocate for Indian interests. He believes that Canada should embrace its ties with India as a growing market for exports and talent, asserting that decisive leadership is essential for the nation's future.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inFormer US President Barack Obama celebrated his wife Michelle's 61st birthday on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sharing a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the couple holding hands. He praised her for filling every room with "warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace," expressing his gratitude for sharing life's adventures together. Michelle responded warmly, saying, "Love you, honey!" with affectionate emojis. This affectionate exchange comes amidst swirling rumors about their marriage, sparked by Michelle's absence from the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and her non-attendance at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter earlier this month. Michelle, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, met Barack in 1989 at a law firm, and they married in 1992. The couple shares two daughters, Malia and Sasha, with Michelle often stating that her greatest achievement is being a mother.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inTikTok has announced it will "go dark" in the United States on Sunday unless the Biden Administration provides assurances that a newly upheld law, requiring its owner ByteDance to either sell the app or cease operations, will not be enforced against service providers. The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling, which supports national security concerns regarding TikTok's data practices, has intensified uncertainty for the app's 170 million American users. Despite the court's decision, the Biden White House indicated it would not enforce the ban immediately, leaving the matter to incoming President Trump, who opposes the law. TikTok's CEO Shou Chew has expressed gratitude for Trump's willingness to negotiate a solution, while the platform's future hangs in the balance as it faces potential removal from app stores. Influencers and advertisers are divided on the app's fate, with many creators voicing concerns over the implications of a shutdown.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 8 ameznews.inElon Musk faced a wave of ridicule from the gaming community after a poor performance during a livestream of "Path of Exile 2," where he claimed to have a high-ranking character. Viewers quickly pointed out his lack of familiarity with basic game mechanics, leading to accusations that he was not genuinely skilled and may have even hired help. Prominent Twitch streamer Asmongold challenged Musk to prove his gaming prowess, prompting Musk to unfollow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Musk then shared private messages suggesting Asmongold lacked independence, which further fueled online mockery. The incident has raised questions about Musk's credibility, with many users expressing doubts about his other claims of gaming success. This debacle has tarnished Musk's carefully crafted image as a superhuman multitasker, with critics dubbing him a "man-child" and questioning the authenticity of his various accomplishments.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a stark warning against potential trade hostilities, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Americans would face a "Trump tariffs tax" if President-elect Donald Trump implements his proposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Joly emphasized that such measures would ignite the largest trade war between Canada and the US in decades, prompting Canada to prepare a robust response, including potential tariffs on US goods like steel, ceramics, and orange juice. Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed these sentiments, highlighting the risks to American jobs and consumers, as well as the broader economic implications for both nations. Analysts at Scotiabank predict that a trade war could lead to a more than five percent decline in Canadian GDP, increased unemployment, and rising inflation, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of escalating trade tensions.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe Israeli cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which includes a plan for the return of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the agreement, aimed at halting ongoing hostilities, will take effect on Sunday. This decision marks a significant step towards de-escalation in the region, following intense fighting. The approval was made in the early hours of Saturday morning, reflecting the government's commitment to resolving the conflict and addressing humanitarian concerns. As tensions have escalated in recent months, this deal is seen as a crucial opportunity for peace and stability in Gaza.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe foreign ministers of the QUAD countries—Australia, India, Japan, and the US—are set to convene on January 21, marking a significant early foreign policy engagement for President Donald Trump’s second term, which begins with his inauguration on January 20. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will attend the inauguration. The QUAD meeting aims to reaffirm the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region under the new administration, as reported by Politico. Marco Rubio is anticipated to be confirmed as the new US Secretary of State before the meeting, making this his first foreign policy engagement. Analysts view the meeting as a sign of continuity in US foreign policy, reflecting an awareness of a more competitive global landscape compared to previous decades, according to Dhruva Jaishankar, executive director of ORF America.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 4 ameznews.inOpenAI has announced the imminent launch of its new reasoning AI model, o3 mini, within the next few weeks, according to CEO Sam Altman. The Microsoft-backed company has taken user feedback into account and plans to release both the application programming interface (API) and ChatGPT simultaneously. OpenAI is in competition with rivals like Alphabet's Google to develop advanced models capable of solving complex problems. Following the introduction of its o1 AI models in September 2024, which excelled at processing intricate queries in science, coding, and math, the upcoming o3 models are expected to be even more powerful. Additionally, OpenAI recently unveiled a beta feature called Tasks for ChatGPT, marking its entry into the virtual assistant market, where it will compete with established players like Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. The popularity of ChatGPT has significantly boosted investment in AI, helping OpenAI secure $6.6 billion in funding last month.
Published: Jan 18 2025, 4 am
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