A Virus on the Move: From Birds to HumansThe H5N1 avian influenza virus, known as bird flu, has evolved into a serious public health concern in the United States and globally. Once limited to birds, the virus has now spread to over 1,000 dairy cattle herds and caused more than 70 human infections across 13 U.S. states and Canada since March 2024, with one confirmed death.Why Scientists Are AlarmedAccording to the Global Virus Network (GVN) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1’s continued transmission among mammals, including domestic pets, raises the risk of mutations that could enable
Mark Carney, Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister, has declared a defiant victory, pledging that the country will “never” yield to mounting threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. In a powerful victory speech early Tuesday, Carney condemned Trump’s aggressive trade measures and rhetoric, framing the election as a turning point for Canadian sovereignty.Carney’s Liberal Party secured 169 seats in the federal election—just shy of the 172 required for a majority—ushering in a fourth consecutive term, but this time with a minority government. Despite the narrow margin, the win marked a dramatic political comeback fuelled by a surge in anti-Trump sentiment across
Following the April 23, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, demanding that Islamabad permanently cease support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty, signed in 1960, governs the use of the Indus River system and its tributaries, dividing the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) for India and western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily for Pakistan. Former Indus Water Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena stated that India, as the upper riparian country, has many strategic options. These include halting flood data sharing, changing reservoir operations, ignoring past design objections from Pakistan,
In a series of provocative statements, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir reignited tensions with India by declaring that Kashmir remains Pakistan's "jugular vein" and by reinforcing the controversial two-nation theory that led to the 1947 Partition. Addressing an audience of overseas Pakistanis, Munir urged them to embrace Pakistan's distinct identity and cultural ideology, contrasting it sharply with that of India. He insisted that the foundation of Pakistan lay in the belief that Muslims and Hindus are fundamentally different in every aspect of life—customs, traditions, religion, and ambitions.The remarks drew swift condemnation from New Delhi. India's Ministry of External Affairs
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, Hong Kong's postal service, Hongkong Post, has announced it will suspend the handling of packages to and from the United States. This move comes in response to a recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump that eliminates the long-standing “de minimis” exemption for international shipments valued under $800. The exemption had previously allowed lower-value goods to enter the U.S. from Hong Kong without being subject to heavy tariffs or customs inspections.Under the new rules, effective May 2, items from Hong Kong—including e-commerce goods—will be subjected to a 120% tariff or a minimum
In a major shake-up of federal community service initiatives, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) volunteers have been discharged prematurely due to federal budget cuts under the Trump administration. The decision aligns with the broader efforts led by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, to reduce federal workforce and services. This move has directly impacted AmeriCorps, a program that has long been at the forefront of disaster response and community service in the United States.AmeriCorps, founded in 1994, engages over 2,000 young adults aged 18 to 26 each year, placing them in projects with
The Pink Full Moon in 2025, which peaked in Libra on Saturday, April 12 at 8:22 p.m. EDT, marks a powerful lunar event filled with symbolic meaning and astrological influence. Traditionally named after the blooming of the moss pink Phlox flower in North America, this moon signifies renewal, transformation, and emotional cleansing. The radiant glow of the Pink Moon is not only beautiful to witness but also deeply influential, stirring inner awareness and prompting change across all zodiac signs.This year, the Pink Moon falls in Libra, a sign associated with balance, relationships, and harmony. As the moon reaches its peak,
In a dramatic shift in U.S. trade policy, President Donald Trump has announced a sharp escalation of tariffs exclusively targeting China, while temporarily easing trade tensions with 75 other nations. Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump revealed that Chinese imports to the U.S. will now be subject to a staggering 125% tariff, effective immediately. The decision comes as part of Trump’s ongoing crusade against what he calls China’s “unfair trade practices,” including currency manipulation and unjust subsidies.Just a week after introducing sweeping reciprocal tariffs on numerous U.S. trading partners, Trump has now hit the brakes—at least temporarily—on most of
In a surprising and troubling move, U.S. immigration authorities have recently begun targeting international students, including those with minor criminal offenses such as traffic violations. According to a report by The New York Times, at least 147 international students—many of them from India—have received emails from their Designated School Officials (DSOs) informing them that their F-1 student visas are no longer valid.These emails cite past criminal offenses ranging from speeding, lane shifting, and shoplifting to more serious charges like drunk driving. Despite these cases being months or even years old, and resolved with fines or other legal procedures, students are
