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Why Sea Lions Are Attacking Humans in Southern California

A recent sea lion attack on 15-year-old Pheobe Beltran off the Long Beach coast has raised concerns about erratic animal behavior along Southern California's shoreline. This incident, which occurred on March 30, marks the second attack in recent weeks, prompting experts to investigate potential causes. They suggest that a rise in algae-induced toxins, particularly from harmful algal blooms known as red tide, may be influencing sea lion aggression. John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Centre in Los Angeles, noted that the current bloom appears to be particularly severe, with affected sea lions exhibiting symptoms like lethargy and disorientation. Giancarlo Rulli, a spokesperson for the centre, emphasized the rarity of such attacks and advised the public to maintain a safe distance from marine animals. Besides Ms. Beltran, a surfer in Ventura County was also bitten by a sea lion earlier in March, describing the experience as deeply unsettling. sources

Published:
Apr 07 2025, 2 pm

Iran's Foreign Ministry: Nuclear Talks with US Start in Oman

High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear programme commenced in Muscat on Saturday, with President Donald Trump warning of military action if negotiations fail. The discussions are indirect, mediated by an intermediary, despite U.S. calls for face-to-face meetings. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leads the Iranian delegation, while Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff represents the U.S. Both sides are seeking a new nuclear deal after Trump withdrew from the 2015 agreement. Iran, facing economic sanctions and regional pressures, is looking for relief, while the U.S. aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Witkoff indicated a willingness to explore compromises, though he emphasized that the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme is a starting demand. As tensions rise, Tehran has threatened to expel UN nuclear inspectors, a move Washington warns could escalate the situation further. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 6 pm

China Warns WTO: US Tariffs Harm Developing Nations

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has warned that US tariffs will severely impact developing nations, potentially leading to a humanitarian crisis, during a conversation with World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In a statement released on Saturday, Wang criticized the US for introducing tariff measures that create global uncertainty and instability. As part of the escalating trade tensions, China announced it would implement 125 percent tariffs on US goods, closely mirroring the 145 percent tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese imports. Beijing has indicated it will not comply with any further US levies, asserting that purchasing from America is no longer economically viable. Additionally, China plans to file a lawsuit with the WTO regarding the latest tariffs. The ongoing trade conflict has led to significant market volatility, with fluctuations in stock prices, a surge in gold prices, and pressure on US government bonds. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 4 pm

Georgia Introduces First US Bill Against Hinduphobia

Georgia has introduced Senate Bill 375, aiming to formally recognize Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry within its penal code. If passed, the bill would define Hinduphobia as "antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours towards Hinduism," and require law enforcement to consider this form of discrimination when addressing hate crimes. The bipartisan effort is backed by Republican Senators Shawn Still and Clint Dixon, alongside Democratic Senators Jason Esteves and Emanuel D. Jones. This initiative builds on a resolution passed in April 2023 that condemned Hinduphobia and acknowledged Hinduism as one of the world's oldest religions, with over 1.2 billion followers globally. The resolution, led by Republican Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones, was well-received by Hindu advocacy groups and aimed to celebrate Hindu contributions while condemning hate incidents. Currently, there are approximately 2.5 million Hindus in the U.S., with over 40,000 residing in Georgia. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 4 pm

Tariff War Goes Viral: Trump and Musk in Sneaker Memes

In response to President Donald Trump's recent tariff policies, Chinese social media users have unleashed a wave of AI-generated memes and videos that satirise the potential repercussions for American manufacturing. One viral video features Trump and Elon Musk working on a Nike sneaker assembly line, while another shows Vice President JD Vance assembling an iPhone, both highlighting fears of rising manufacturing costs and consumer prices due to the new 125% tariffs. These posts, amplified by Chinese media and officials, mock Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, suggesting that his trade policies could lead to higher domestic and imported goods prices. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned the tariffs, asserting that China would not back down from provocations. Meanwhile, China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao warned that the tariffs could harm developing nations and announced plans to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization against the U.S. levies. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 5 pm

Trump Advocates Ending Daylight Saving Time Changes: Implications Explained

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his call for Congress to abolish Daylight Saving Time, arguing that the biannual clock changes impose unnecessary financial burdens on the nation. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day," emphasizing the inconvenience and costs associated with shifting time. The debate over Daylight Saving Time has persisted for decades, with various political leaders advocating for its discontinuation. Trump previously labeled the issue a "fifty-fifty" situation, acknowledging that opinions are divided on whether to maintain the tradition. Senator Ted Cruz noted that while there is consensus on ending the clock changes, there is disagreement over which time to adopt permanently. A 2022 Senate bill aimed at eliminating the clock changes stalled in the Republican-controlled House and never reached President Biden's desk. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 3 pm

Australian Woman Delivers Stranger's Baby Due to IVF Error

In a troubling case from Brisbane, Australia, a woman gave birth to a child that was biologically linked to another couple due to an IVF mix-up at Monash IVF, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The error, uncovered in February 2025, involved the implantation of the wrong embryo, leading to the biological parents discovering discrepancies when attempting to transfer remaining embryos. Legal experts indicate that under current Australian law, the birth mother and her partner are recognized as the legal parents, potentially leaving the biological parents without custody rights. This incident has sparked calls for greater oversight in the IVF industry and improvements in safeguards for assisted reproductive technologies. Professor Gab Kovacs, a former director at Monash IVF, described the situation as "terrible" and unprecedented in Australia, emphasizing that human mistakes can have profound consequences for all parties involved. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 3 pm

5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Pakistan, Felt in J&K

An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck Pakistan on Saturday at 13:00 IST, with tremors felt across Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MET Department, confirmed the epicentre was located 10 km beneath the Earth’s crust in Pakistan. J&K, situated in an earthquake-prone zone, has experienced significant seismic activity in the past, notably the devastating 2005 earthquake which registered 7.6 on the Richter scale, resulting in over 80,000 fatalities and leaving millions homeless. Experts have highlighted the increasing vulnerability of modern cement structures compared to traditional wood and mud buildings, which historically sustained less damage during quakes. As the Chenab Valley region continues to experience periodic tremors, authorities urge the construction of earthquake-resistant structures to mitigate future risks. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 3 pm

Trump's Fist-Pump Portrait Replaces Obama's at White House

In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump has replaced former President Barack Obama's official portrait in the White House's grand entrance hallway with a painting of himself, depicting a moment after an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. The 78-year-old Republican president relocated Obama's portrait, unveiled by President Joe Biden in 2022, to a spot previously occupied by George W. Bush, whose portrait was then moved to the staircase. Trump's new artwork features him with a raised fist, symbolizing defiance, and aligns with his rallying cry of "fight, fight, fight," which became a hallmark of his campaign. This decision underscores the ongoing rivalry between Trump and Obama, dating back to the 2016 campaign. While presidential portraits are traditionally displayed after a president leaves office, Trump has a history of self-promotion, recently showcasing a gold-framed mugshot outside the Oval Office. The White House Communications Director dismissed criticism of the change, while Trump allies, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, praised it. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 3 pm

US Man Executed by Firing Squad, Second in 15 Years

Mikal Mahdi, 42, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina on Friday, marking the state's second execution this year. Convicted for the 2004 murders of off-duty police officer James Myers and a convenience store clerk, Mahdi was pronounced dead shortly after the execution began at 6:01 PM. His defense attorney condemned the act as a "horrifying" reflection of a failed system, highlighting Mahdi's troubled upbringing and years of incarceration. Mahdi had chosen the firing squad over lethal injection or the electric chair, making him one of the few to opt for this method since it was reinstated in South Carolina. His execution adds to the 12 carried out in the U.S. this year, amidst a national debate over the death penalty, which remains abolished in 23 states. Mahdi's lawyers argued he had transformed since his youth, expressing deep remorse for his actions. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 1 pm

Spain Unveils Strict New Rules for Tourists

Spain, a popular destination for British holidaymakers, is introducing new regulations to address the challenges posed by mass tourism, which saw a record 94 million visitors in 2024. Concerns from locals in tourist-heavy areas like Barcelona and Tenerife over overcrowding and rising living costs have prompted protests and led authorities to implement stricter rules. British tourists are advised to familiarize themselves with these changes to avoid fines. Key measures include increased tourist taxes in the Balearic Islands and Barcelona, where overnight charges will rise, and a ban on smoking, playing music, and cooking on beaches in Gran Canaria. Additionally, walking tours in Mallorca will be capped at 20 participants, and certain areas will be designated as "residents only." A late-night alcohol sales ban will be in effect in various locations, while new holiday rental registrations will be restricted in Malaga's districts. sources

Published:
Apr 12 2025, 1 pm

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