Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Found Guilty of Bribery and Witness Manipulation
Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has been convicted on charges of bribery and tampering with witnesses.
Pakistani Rescuers Plan Helicopter Mission to Save Stranded German Climber
A critical rescue mission is set for Wednesday in northern Pakistan to evacuate Denise Herrmann-Wick, a German mountaineer and Olympic gold medallist, who has been stuck on Laila Peak in the Karakoram since Monday, as per an AP report. The episode highlights the serious logistical hurdles and dangers of high-altitude trekking in the area. Ground rescue teams had to stop their search on Tuesday night due to lack of light, leading authorities to prepare a helicopter operation at daybreak to rescue the injured climber.
Google Keeps Mum On Secret UK Request For Access To Encrypted User Data
Google has again stated that it has never created a ‘backdoor’ in its services but refused to confirm or deny whether it has received a confidential surveillance order from the UK demanding access to user data, TechCrunch reported. The company’s silence is attributed to UK laws like the Investigatory Powers Act, which include secrecy clauses preventing disclosure. This reflects the continuing conflict between tech companies that promote end-to-end encryption and governments seeking lawful access for security, raising alarms over privacy and global encryption standards.
Stellantis Could Suffer ₹14,000 Crore Tariff Blow Over USMCA Rules
Automaker Stellantis expects to incur a $1.7 billion (approx. ₹14,000 crore) loss this year due to tariffs related to non-compliance with USMCA rules for vehicles built in Canada and Mexico, according to an AP report. The firm is currently holding talks with US officials to ease the impact. To balance the losses, Stellantis plans to boost its North American earnings by rolling out new models, including a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee, as mentioned by COO Antonio Filosa.
UK PM Warns Israel Of Palestinian State Recognition Without Key Actions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Tuesday that the UK will formally acknowledge a Palestinian state by September if Israel fails to take specific steps, AP reported. After a Cabinet meeting, Starmer detailed the terms: a Gaza ceasefire, UN access for humanitarian aid, and sincere engagement in peace negotiations. The move, aimed to precede the next UN General Assembly, marks a major turn in UK’s foreign policy.
Russian Shelling Kills 27 In Ukraine As Drone War Escalates
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken more civilian lives, as reported by Al Jazeera. Russian shelling reportedly killed 27 people in Ukraine, including prisoners and a pregnant woman. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones attacked Russia’s Rostov region, killing at least one person. These events underline the growing civilian toll on both sides of the war.
Stellantis Plans New Models To Offset ₹14,000 Crore Tariff Blow
Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis North America, has announced that the company will tackle the expected $1.7 billion tariff cost by improving profits in the region. The plan includes launching new models like the Jeep Cherokee replacement, according to AP. Discussions with US authorities are ongoing to lessen the tariff impact on Canadian and Mexican-made cars.
Trinidad And Tobago Prolongs Emergency Amid Threats From Jails
Trinidad and Tobago has extended its state of emergency due to ongoing security threats from inside prisons, AP reports. The Attorney General said some jail officers and even lawyers are accused of aiding inmates in coordinating major crimes. Authorities have transferred high-risk inmates to military bases in a crackdown against gang leaders allegedly using smuggled phones to organise assassinations, robberies, and kidnappings.
Israeli TV Hosts Criticised For Mocking Gaza Starvation Victims
Israeli TV personalities are under fire for making insensitive remarks about children starving in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, one host allegedly joked that an “obese mother” ate her own baby. The controversy has drawn attention to dehumanising rhetoric amid a deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine warnings are growing.
Protesters Clash With Police In Serbia Over Student Evictions
Violent clashes broke out between police and anti-government protesters in Novi Pazar, Serbia, after students were reportedly evicted from a faculty they had been occupying for months, AP reports. The protest is part of the wider ‘Serbia Against Violence’ movement that has been active since May 2023. Protesters hurled bottles at police, who retaliated with batons, raising concerns about political freedoms in the country.
