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A British woman who changed her name to Pudsey Bear 16 years ago for charity has expressed frustration over her inability to obtain a passport due to Home Office officials deeming her name "frivolous" and potentially infringing copyright. Eileen De Bont, 53, adopted the name after an eBay auction raised £4,000 for the BBC's _Children in Need_. Despite her name being accepted by various institutions, including her bank and health services, the Passport Office has repeatedly rejected her application. De Bont maintains her new identity is integral to her life and business, which includes a tarot reading service with a significant online following. The Home Office has suggested she seek permission from the BBC, the copyright holder, before reapplying. A spokesperson confirmed that all applications are assessed on their individual merits, and they would welcome a new application from her. 
Published: Mar 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inHeathrow Airport is now "fully operational" following a significant disruption caused by a fire at a nearby power station that closed the airport for most of Friday. The blaze, which officials believe to be non-suspicious, affected approximately 1,350 flights, creating chaos for travelers. On Saturday, airport teams worked to support those impacted, with British Airways anticipating the operation of around 85 percent of its scheduled flights. To accommodate additional passengers, restrictions on overnight flights were temporarily lifted, allowing for an extra 10,000 travelers to be processed. Passengers are advised to check with airlines for the latest flight information. The incident has raised concerns about the resilience of critical travel infrastructure in the UK, prompting an investigation led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, although there is currently no indication of foul play. Heathrow serves around 230,000 passengers daily, making it one of the busiest airports worldwide.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inLebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has issued a grave warning about the potential for renewed conflict in Lebanon following Israel's commitment to retaliate against recent rocket attacks from Lebanese territory. Salam highlighted the dangers of escalating military operations along the southern border, which could lead to another devastating war for Lebanon. His remarks came after Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir vowed a severe response to the intercepted rockets, stressing Lebanon's responsibility to maintain the ceasefire agreement. The escalating tensions threaten the fragile truce that ended last year's conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with former Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for failing to ensure security. In retaliation for the cross-border fire, Israel has conducted artillery and airstrikes, further straining the ceasefire. As the situation intensifies, Salam emphasized Lebanon's determination to control its own decisions regarding war and peace.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli military conducted strikes on multiple sites in southern Lebanon on Saturday, following a morning rocket attack on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered a robust military response, targeting what they described as "dozens of terror targets" in Lebanon. The military's actions come amid ongoing hostilities in the region, reflecting Israel's commitment to retaliate against threats to its security. This latest incident underscores the fragility of peace in the area, as both sides remain on high alert following the exchange of fire. The situation continues to develop, with potential implications for broader regional stability.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 4 pmeznews.inScientists were amused when they captured footage of a Maori octopus hitchhiking on a shortfin mako shark, one of the fastest shark species, in the Hauraki Gulf off New Zealand's North Island. The video, recorded in December 2023 and released recently, shows the orange-hued octopus clinging to the shark's back, prompting marine ecologist Rochelle Constantin to initially question whether it was entangled in fishing gear. After deploying a drone for a closer look, researchers observed the unusual interaction, noting that octopuses typically reside on the seabed, where mako sharks rarely venture. Social media users reacted with astonishment, calling the octopus "a genius" for its clever mode of transport. While it remains uncertain what happened after the 10-minute observation, the encounter highlights the ocean's wonders and the importance of conservation efforts to preserve such extraordinary moments.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 12 pmeznews.inElon Musk's daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has dismissed claims suggesting her transition influenced her father's political shift to the right. In a recent Teen Vogue interview, Wilson stated, "That's just not the case," asserting that Musk's evolving political views are not a result of her identity as a transgender woman. She criticized the narrative surrounding their relationship, emphasizing that Musk's move further right is unrelated to her. Wilson, who has not spoken to Musk since 2020, expressed relief at their estrangement and highlighted the disparity between online personas and real-life beliefs. Musk's political stance has notably changed over the past few years, particularly after his increased activity on social media, where he began sharing right-wing memes and conspiracy theories. This shift coincided with Wilson's coming out, during which Musk reportedly expressed feelings of loss regarding his son and attributed his political transformation to what he termed the "woke mind virus."
Published: Mar 22 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIndia has expressed strong concerns regarding Pakistan's hospitality towards fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted this issue during a weekly briefing, noting Naik's recent meetings with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at their Raiwind estate. Jaiswal emphasized that this is not the first instance of Naik receiving such treatment in Pakistan, indicating a troubling stance by the Pakistani authorities. The situation has also drawn criticism towards former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, who faced backlash after posting pictures of his meeting with Naik on social media. Many expressed their discontent, particularly from Indian nationals, questioning the implications of such associations. Meanwhile, Reverend Azad Marshall of the Church of Pakistan has raised concerns about Naik's remarks regarding the Christian community during his visit to Pakistan.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 1 pmeznews.inElon Musk's gesture during Donald Trump's inauguration has drawn sharp criticism from his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who described it as "definitely a Nazi salute." In an interview with Teen Vogue, the 20-year-old expressed her disbelief at the moment, stating, "Honey, we're going to call a fig a fig, and we're going to call a Nazi salute what it was." Wilson condemned the crowd's complicity and emphasized that they too should be denounced. Despite her father's controversial remarks about her, including a claim that she was "killed by the woke mind virus," Wilson stated she feels little concern for Musk and is frustrated by associations with him. She has been vocal about her political views and recently described a previous interview with Jordan Peterson as "the most cathartic moment" of her life. Musk, meanwhile, defended himself against allegations of fascism, insisting the gesture was meant positively.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin's regard for former US President Donald Trump has been underscored by envoy Steve Witkoff, who revealed that Putin prayed for Trump’s recovery following an assassination attempt at a campaign rally last summer. During a podcast with Tucker Carlson, Witkoff recounted how Putin visited his local church to seek divine support for Trump, demonstrating a personal connection between the leaders. This gesture came after Trump was grazed by a bullet during the rally, an incident for which a Kremlin spokesperson attributed blame to Trump’s political foes. Additionally, Putin gifted Trump a "beautiful portrait" created by a prominent Russian artist, reflecting their amicable ties. Despite ongoing scrutiny of their relationship amid the Ukraine conflict, Trump has praised Putin, calling him a "genius" and a "strong leader." Their recent two-hour phone call aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis was described by Trump as "very good and productive."
Published: Mar 22 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA US bride, Amie Barron, 22, has faced significant backlash on social media after sharing a video of her budget wedding, where she wore jeans and a plaid shirt instead of a traditional gown. The ceremony, held in January at a public library in West Virginia, was attended by around 20 guests and cost the couple approximately $1,000. Ms. Barron and her husband, Hunter, 24, saved money by handling their own hair, makeup, music, and food, while spending $480 on a photographer and $300 on cowboy boots. Despite describing the day as a "fairytale" and sharing joyful posts, many online users criticized the event, with some calling it "ugly" and "depressing." The negativity has reportedly affected Ms. Barron emotionally, leading her to cut ties with unsupportive friends and family, yet she remains committed to sharing her wedding journey and not letting the criticism impact their marriage.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 11 ameznews.inWhile modern monarchs lack absolute power, many, like Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, possess substantial wealth. With an estimated net worth of $4 billion, Duke Henri's fortune surpasses that of the British Royal Family, whose King Charles and Queen Camilla are valued at $780 million. The Luxembourg royal wealth primarily stems from personal assets rather than the modest $11 million Sovereign Grant they receive annually, which pales in comparison to the British royals' nearly $111 million over the past three years. Duke Henri's impressive portfolio includes valuable real estate, unique jewels, and extensive landholdings, with his primary residence at Berg Castle. His decision in 2006 to auction some of his late mother’s diamonds sparked public outrage, leading him to withdraw the items. Despite their lesser popularity, Luxembourg’s royal family continues to thrive financially, showcasing the hidden wealth of European monarchies.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 11 am
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