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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, faces a significant antitrust trial in Washington, commencing on Monday, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges that it abused its market power to acquire Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate potential competition. The case, filed in December 2020, could force Meta to divest these platforms, which have since become major players in the social media landscape. The trial is presided over by Judge James Boasberg, who is also involved in a separate deportation case. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has sought to influence the Biden administration to consider a settlement, but FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has dismissed this possibility. Central to the allegations is a 2012 email from Zuckerberg expressing concern over Instagram's potential as a competitor. The trial is expected to last at least eight weeks, with both sides preparing to present extensive evidence regarding market definitions and competition. 
Published: Apr 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a case that has ignited debate in Ireland, a woman from County Meath, Catherine Byrne, 56, continued to collect her deceased mother’s pension for three years, claiming it was a way to honor her memory. Authorities discovered the ongoing payments, which had not been reported to the Department of Social Welfare following her mother’s death. During proceedings at the Dundalk Circuit Court, Byrne admitted to withdrawing the funds but argued they were used solely for flowers for her mother’s grave, not for personal gain. Despite her emotional justification, the court deemed her actions serious welfare fraud, sentencing her to 240 hours of community service and requiring her to repay the misappropriated funds in weekly instalments of €12,000. The total amount taken remains undisclosed, but officials are pursuing full recovery, prompting concerns about weaknesses in death registration systems and the oversight of public welfare payments.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inApple's primary suppliers in India, Foxconn and Tata, achieved a record $2 billion in iPhone shipments to the United States in March, as the tech giant sought to circumvent impending tariffs from the Trump administration. With concerns over potential cost increases due to tariffs, Apple ramped up production in India and chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones, including models 13, 14, 15, and 16, to the U.S. Customs data revealed that Foxconn alone exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March, doubling its shipments from January and February combined. Tata Electronics also reported a significant increase, exporting $612 million in March. To expedite the process, Apple successfully lobbied for reduced customs clearance times at Chennai airport, cutting it from 30 hours to just six. Although Trump later granted some tariff exemptions, he indicated they might not last long.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn Washington, President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks, determined to curb Tehran's advancing nuclear program. Despite Iran's initial reluctance to negotiate, the country has engaged in discussions, albeit asserting its right to reject any final proposal. To bolster his stance, Trump has positioned the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier near the Persian Gulf, joining the USS Harry S. Truman, which has been conducting airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. Trump has warned of precision airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if negotiations fail, while Iran maintains it could quickly pursue nuclear weapons with its enriched uranium. Talks held in Oman were described as "positive" by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, though Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged caution, emphasizing the need to navigate the negotiations carefully amidst a backdrop of heightened military readiness from the U.S.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump has intensified his controversial proposal to deport "homegrown" US citizens who commit violent crimes to a notorious prison in El Salvador, following discussions with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. In an interview, Trump referred to these individuals as "homegrown criminals," suggesting that they should face incarceration in El Salvador's mega-prison. He revealed that he has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to explore the feasibility of this plan, which Bukele initially offered shortly after Trump's second inauguration for a fee of $6 million. This comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump's administration, particularly regarding the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a mistakenly deported migrant whose return has been mandated by the US Supreme Court. Despite claims from Trump officials that Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, he has not been convicted of any crime.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIndia has rebuffed Pakistan's criticism of the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, asserting that Pakistan lacks the authority to comment on India's internal matters and should instead address its own poor record on minority rights. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the Act, which aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, is not about religion but about ensuring that land is used for the benefit of the community rather than a select few. Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the legislation, stating it would protect the rights of poor Muslims and tribal communities by preventing misuse of Waqf properties. However, the opposition accused the ruling BJP of undermining the Constitution and marginalizing minorities, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi symbolically tearing a copy of the Bill during the debate. The Act has sparked violent protests in West Bengal, resulting in at least three fatalities.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHarvey Weinstein's retrial on rape and sexual assault charges commenced in New York on Tuesday, reigniting the voices of survivors from the "#MeToo" movement. After his 2020 conviction was overturned by an appeals court last year due to improper handling of witness testimonies, Weinstein faces renewed scrutiny for the alleged sexual assault of former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013. Judge Curtis Farber anticipates the trial will last five to six weeks, with both Haleyi and Mann expected to testify again. Weinstein, who is currently serving a 16-year sentence for separate charges in California, maintains his innocence, claiming all interactions were consensual. His attorney, Arthur Aidala, expressed hope for a fair trial, noting a shift in public sentiment since Weinstein's initial downfall. The trial's outcome remains crucial for the ongoing fight for accountability in cases of sexual violence.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNearly a month into renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza aimed at pressuring Hamas for the release of hostages, the Palestinian group has received a new ceasefire proposal from Israel, communicated via Egyptian mediators in Cairo. The proposal suggests a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 living hostages, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander, and the release of 1,231 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Hamas is expected to respond within 48 hours, with officials indicating a desire to end hostilities but seeking guarantees from mediators that Israel will honor the agreement. The proposal includes private hostage releases and discussions on post-war scenarios, including disarmament. While Israel has not publicly commented on the proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly confirmed the intention to secure the release of the hostages involved, amidst ongoing pressure from families of the captives for a unified return.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inHarvard University has firmly rejected demands from the Trump administration to implement significant policy changes, including modifications to its diversity and inclusion initiatives, student and faculty authority, and hiring practices. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, stating that the institution should be taxed as a political entity if it does not comply. Harvard President Alan Garber responded by affirming the university's commitment to its independence and constitutional rights, emphasizing that the administration's requests infringe on First Amendment protections. The administration's letter also warned of potential loss of billions in federal funding if Harvard fails to comply, prompting a swift rejection from the university. In response, Trump's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a freeze on $60 million in government contracts and $2.2 billion in multi-year grants, escalating tensions between the institution and the White House.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRising global temperatures could lead to a nearly 50% increase in mental and behavioural disorders (MBD) such as schizophrenia and depression by 2050, according to a study from the University of Adelaide published in *Nature Climate Change*. The research highlights that high temperatures have already resulted in an annual loss of 8,458 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Australia, primarily affecting young people aged 15 to 44. Lead author Professor Peng Bi emphasized the urgent need for action to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change, warning that warmer regions face heightened risks. The study calls for targeted public health interventions, including heat-health action plans and community programmes, to support vulnerable populations and prepare healthcare systems for the anticipated rise in mental health challenges. Researchers stress that without immediate measures, the mental health crisis will escalate beyond what population growth alone would cause.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe United States has intensified challenges for Indian students seeking higher education due to stricter immigration policies, including the new scrutiny of visa applicants' social media by the USCIS. Despite these hurdles, interest in US institutions remains robust, particularly in STEM fields and emerging areas like artificial intelligence (AI), driven by the country's unmatched research environment and job opportunities. Enrollment in US universities surged by 23% for the 2023-2024 academic year, although uncertainty looms for 2025 amid evolving immigration regulations. Experts note that students are increasingly cautious, seeking clarity on immigration policies and considering alternative study destinations. The three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period for STEM graduates remains a significant draw, alongside the presence of global recruiters and innovative ecosystems. Experts advise prospective students to apply early and maintain a clean digital footprint to navigate the visa process successfully. Popular fields include AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 6 pm
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