Germany has decided to resume its plan to evacuate 535 Afghan nationals from Pakistan, who had been temporarily sheltered in the country. These individuals had provided support to German troops in Afghanistan before their withdrawal and now face threats from the Taliban-led government. The decision comes after Pakistan’s intense pressure on Germany to expedite the evacuation process.
Germany had temporarily halted the evacuation plan under the orders of Chancellor Fredrik Merz, but the country has now agreed to bring 535 out of 650 Afghan nationals to Germany immediately. London, one of the world’s most expensive cities, has made it to the list of the top 15 cities globally.
In other news, an attack on a subway train station in Taipei, Taiwan, has left three people dead and five injured. The attack is believed to have been carried out in response to the death of Shiekh Hussain, a prominent leader of the 2024 July Movement against Sheikh Hasina, while he was receiving treatment in Singapore.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has stated that his country is willing to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, based on the principles outlined last year. The principles include the need for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
In a separate development, China has asked India to rectify its telecom tariff policy. Israel has accused a Russian national of spying for Iran, claiming that the individual took pictures of Israeli ports and installations at the behest of Iranian intelligence.
US President Donald Trump has stated that his administration will not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela. He has also announced plans to seize more oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela.
In a separate incident, a man has been killed in a shooting at a bondi beach in Australia. The victim, Ahmed Ahmed, was praised for his bravery in tackling the gunman. The incident has sparked a fundraising campaign, with over $2.5 million (AUD) raised to support the victim’s family.
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake has struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, causing widespread damage. In a separate incident, a journalist has been killed in India, bringing the total number of journalists killed in the country to 186 over the past three years.
Japan is set to lose its last remaining giant panda, as a couple is being sent back to China. The move has sparked concerns about the country’s ability to care for the endangered species.
Finally, US President Donald Trump has announced that he will suspend the green card lottery program following a series of shootings at universities in the United States.
In related news, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has given the Mary administration a deadline to resolve outstanding issues.
