Travel Advisory Issued for Sri Lanka's Tourist Areas Due to Terrorism Threat
The Israeli national security council and US embassy in Sri Lanka have issued a travel advisory warning tourists to avoid certain areas due to a potential terrorist threat. The affected regions include Arugam Bay and beaches in southern Sri Lanka. Authorities are urging visitors to exercise caution and refrain from large gatherings.
US Presidential Candidates Trump and Harris Turn to Podcasts for Election Boost
Cuba faces a severe energy crisis after a power plant collapse and Hurricane Oscar. The government has extended workplace and school shutdowns until Sunday to conserve energy. The country is working to restore its grid, with 70% of the population having access to electricity again. However, a 30% energy deficit remains during peak hours. Cuba's aging infrastructure and reliance on oil-fired thermoelectric plants have contributed to the crisis.
A reported "terror attack" occurred at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in Ankara, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. According to the interior minister, the incident was a terrorist attack. The site is one of Turkey's most important defense and aviation companies, producing national combat aircraft like KAAN. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene.
Russian Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has called for the extradition of former Putin aide Anatoly Chubais, citing corruption allegations. Chubais served as Kremlin's climate envoy before leaving Russia in 2022 amid the invasion of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin previously suggested Chubais fled to avoid criminal prosecution over financial irregularities at Rosnano. Chubais has been a prominent figure in Russian politics, serving as architect of privatization and market reforms.
Reports of an attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries' Ankara Kahramankazan facilities have emerged, with Turkey's interior minister confirming "dead and wounded". The incident occurred as a major trade fair for the defence and aerospace industries was taking place in Istanbul. No claim has been made for the attack, which happened near the capital city Ankara.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has sent soldiers to Chad, sparking speculation over his motives. The move has raised questions about whether Orban is seeking private benefits or if the new friendship with Chad aims to secure a European military friend for current President Idriss Deby. Critics point out that Deby's legitimacy remains uncertain, and his government has been accused of human rights violations.
US Presidential candidate Donald Trump has filed a legal complaint against the UK's Labour Party, alleging "blatant foreign interference" in the upcoming presidential election. The complaint claims that Labour officials have been sending senior advisers and volunteers to US battleground states to support Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The party denies any wrongdoing, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying that the volunteers are doing so in their spare time. An investigation is expected by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
Tensions surrounding Israel's political influence have risen ahead of the US presidential election, with a dark-money group linked to Republicans running ads critical of Vice President Kamala Harris' stance on the issue. The group, America First Action Fund (BAF), does not disclose its donors and can spend unlimited sums on US elections as long as it's not their primary purpose. Critics argue this lack of transparency undermines American democracy.
Attack reported at Turkish aviation company, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), near Ankara. Initial reports indicate a blast and gunfire, with authorities labeling the incident as a terror attack. The country's Interior Minister has confirmed "martyrs" and injured people. Firefighters and medical teams are on the scene.
Russia's Foreign Ministry reported an "unprecedented" cyber attack on its official website, coinciding with the BRICS summit. The attack was described as a large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. This incident has raised concerns about cybersecurity in the midst of international diplomatic efforts.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit next year. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, where they reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors and exchanged views on key regional and global issues. The summit aims to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed offers from BRICS leaders to mediate in the Ukraine conflict. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, many countries have expressed a desire to contribute more actively to resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, Putin highlighted "the very positive dynamics on the front for the Russian armed forces" during private talks with other leaders.
A Pakistani content creator, Rana Hamza Saif, has gone viral on social media after showcasing a palm scanning payment method in China. The technology allows individuals to make payments by simply waving their hand, registered or not. The video shows Saif and his friends trying out the system at a grocery store in Zhuzhou.
Breaking news: The US has confirmed that North Korea has sent troops to Russia, with South Korea's intelligence agency estimating around 3,000 soldiers being trained for deployment in Ukraine. Russian authorities have denied the troop deployments as "fake news". The move comes amid growing tensions between North Korea and the West. Germany has summoned North Korea's envoy over its support of Russia's war efforts.
Tragedy Strikes in Washington State: Teen Arrested for Allegedly Killing Five Family Members
A 15-year-old boy has been detained after allegedly killing five members of a family and injuring another at a home in Fall City, Washington. The incident occurred on Monday, with police finding two adults and three children dead, and another teenage girl injured and shot twice.
The French mass rape trial has taken a dramatic turn with Gisele Pelicot's powerful testimony. The 57-year-old grandmother, who was drugged and raped by her former husband Dominique Pelicot and multiple men, testified that the shame of rape should be on the perpetrators, not the victims. Her detailed and emotional account highlighted the devastating impact of sexual violence.
Police in Russia's Kursk region search lawmaker's business over border defense failures. The investigation targets civilian contractors and reportedly involves a company where the regional lawmaker, Maxim Vasilyev, works. Vasilyev was not personally charged with any crimes.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated that he has not seen evidence of a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut. This comes after Israel's military claimed that Hezbollah had stashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold in the bunker. Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker and director of the hospital, has denied the claims, calling them "false and slanderous." The US and Israel are working together to gather more information on the matter.
Russian President Putin announces that over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS grouping, a move that aims to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties among member states. The development comes as the group prepares for its annual summit in Kazan, Russia.