The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information leading to the arrest of Canada-based terrorist Goldy Brar and another accused wanted in an extortion and firing case in Chandigarh. The reward comes as part of the agency’s ongoing investigation into the incident that took place in March 2023, where the accused allegedly fired at a businessman’s house as part of an extortion attempt.
A French appeals court is set to decide on Wednesday whether to uphold an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar Assad, issued last year for alleged complicity in war crimes during the Syrian civil war. The decision comes after French prosecutors argued for the lifting of the warrant due to Assad’s immunity as a serving head of state, while maintaining the warrants for his brother and two generals.
American journalist Evan Gershkovich, accused of spying for the CIA, faced a closed-door trial in Russia. The prosecution alleges he gathered sensitive information about a tank manufacturer, while Gershkovich, his newspaper, and the US government maintain he was merely reporting. The trial is expected to continue for months, raising concerns about the case’s transparency and potential for political motivation.
Paramilitaries from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have pushed further into the southeastern trading hub of Sennar, escalating the 14-month war with the army. Residents fled the city after hearing fighting, while the RSF claimed they would soon take over Sennar. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, and the intensifying conflict has raised concerns over humanitarian access with the rainy season approaching.
The European Union has agreed on a new sanctions package targeting Belarus, aiming to close off a route used to circumvent restrictions against Russia. The package strengthens existing measures and addresses concerns about the export of dual-use goods and agricultural products.
After multiple delays and political disputes, the autonomous Kurdistan region in Iraq has announced that parliamentary elections will be held on October 20. The elections were originally scheduled for October 2022 and faced several postponements, most recently due to a controversy surrounding the number of seats in the legislature. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) initially boycotted the elections after a federal court ruling reduced the number of seats, but later reversed its decision after five seats were reserved for minorities. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the other major political force in the region, has consistently advocated for holding the elections.
North Korea fired a hypersonic missile off its east coast on Wednesday, which reportedly burst in midair. The launch was met with condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the United States, who see it as a threat to regional stability. The missile test comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, following North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia and its recent provocative actions, including balloon launches and fortification building near the border.
Germany has introduced stricter deportation laws for foreigners who glorify terrorist acts online. The new rules, prompted by a surge in hate posts following the Gaza war and a recent stabbing, aim to expel individuals who express support for even a single terrorist act. The government argues that such online glorification fuels a climate of violence and poses a threat to national security.
Nespresso has pledged £1 million to Change Please, a social enterprise that combats homelessness through barista training and employment opportunities. The partnership will expand Change Please’s reach to Ireland and support its efforts to provide housing, mental health support, and financial stability for those experiencing homelessness.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the budget’s collaboration with the IMF, citing prevailing circumstances. Finance Minister Aurangzeb announced significant amendments to the budget, including the revival of zero rating for export industries and stationery items, but reduced the PSDP allocation. He also proposed a ‘national financial pact’ and highlighted stricter measures for retailers and distributors outside the tax net, including increased tax rates for non-filers. The government also emphasized expenditure control and austerity measures, including pension reforms and potential ministry closures.
