Earlier this week, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt officially became members of BRICS, an influential economic group gaining prominence in the region. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa were already part of BRICS. While joining BRICS is generally beneficial for regional cooperation, the recent move raises concerns for Israel, given the historical hostility of some member countries towards Israel and their lack of condemnation for the Hamas attack on October 7. The expansion of BRICS in the region aligns with a broader trend of Middle Eastern countries joining international groupings such as BRICS and the SCO, linked to China. These collaborations serve the purpose of balancing ties with the West.
Danish Queen Margrethe II announces abdication
In a surprise New Year TV address, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has announced her abdication, formally stepping down on January 14, marking 52 years since she ascended to the throne. The 83-year-old, the world's only reigning queen and Europe's longest-serving current monarch, declared that she would pass the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. He will assume the role of King of Denmark and head of state in the constitutional monarchy, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Princess Mary, his Australian-born wife, will take on the title of Denmark's Queen Consort. Queen Margrethe disclosed that her decision came after a period of reflection following back surgery in early 2023.
Ugandan LGBTQ rights activist stabbed in hate crime
A prominent LGBTQ rights activist Steven Kabuye was brutally attacked and left severely injured by unidentified assailants in Uganda, as reported by his organisation. Coloured Voice - Truth to LGBTQ, which shared the news on the social platform X, informed the public that Kabuye is in critical condition, urging everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers. A distressing video posted on Kabuye's account reveals the extent of his injuries, depicting him in pain with a knife visible in his stomach and an apparent wound on his arm. Frank Mugisha, another respected rights activist, strongly condemned the attack, emphasising that "hate crimes have no place in Uganda."
Nigeria to prohibit degrees from Kenya and Uganda
Nigeria has expanded its suspension of degrees accreditation to include additional countries such as Kenya and Uganda. This decision comes in the wake of the recent suspension of accreditation for degrees obtained from institutions in Benin and Togo. The move is a response to the exposure of fraudulent qualifications from foreign degree mills, as revealed by the Daily Nigerian newspaper. In an undercover investigation, journalist Umar Audu detailed how he obtained a degree for a four-year program from a Benin university in less than two months. In light of these revelations, Nigeria has initiated a formal investigation into the ministries and agencies responsible for accrediting academic qualifications obtained abroad.
Indian-American developer charged in $93M fraud scheme
US authorities have filed charges against Rishi Kapoor, an Indian-origin real estate developer in Florida, accusing him of orchestrating a $93 million investment fraud scheme. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Wednesday that it had secured an asset freeze and other emergency measures related to the alleged fraud, involving Kapoor's Miami-based entities, including Location Ventures LLC, Urbin LLC, and 20 other affiliated entities. The SEC's complaint alleges that Kapoor and certain entities made material misrepresentations and omissions to solicit investors. The SEC's investigation revealed Kapoor's alleged misappropriation of at least $4.3 million in investor funds and improper commingling of around $60 million of investor capital among Location Ventures, Urbin, and other charged entities.
Pakistani-American appointed to California APIA Commission
Khydeeja Alam, with years of experience in various Sacramento-based state and advocacy organisations, has been appointed as the executive director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. In her new role, Alam will collaborate with policymakers and state agencies to address issues affecting Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout California. As the executive director, she intends to focus on combating anti-Asian hate, leading outreach initiatives, and addressing concerns related to cultural and language sensitivity within state agencies. Alam emphasises her commitment to uplifting communities across the state. In particular, Alam expressed her determination to confront anti-AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) hate directly by working with the state, the Department of Social Services, and community organisations through aid efforts and campaigns.
Largest, most venomous funnel-web spider found in Sydney
Australian wildlife experts have uncovered the largest male specimen of the world's most venomous spider, a Sydney funnel-web spider named Hercules. Measuring 7.9 cm (3.11 inches), Hercules surpassed the previous record held by another male funnel-web spider named "Colossus" in 2018. Discovered on the Central Coast, nearly 80 km north of Sydney, Hercules was initially admitted to a local hospital before being retrieved by experts from the Australian Reptile Park. The arachnid is now housed at the interactive zoo, marking a significant find and contributing to the study of these venomous creatures. In 2021, the Australian Reptile Park received its largest funnel-web spider, a female measuring 8cm from foot to foot, akin to the size of a tarantula. This formidable arachnid was appropriately named "Megaspider".
Five rescued from Slovenia cave after 55 hours
On Monday, a successful rescue operation took place in southwestern Slovenia, where five individuals, including three from the same family, were saved after spending 55 hours trapped by rising water in the Krizna Jama cave's subterranean labyrinth, according to officials. The rescue unfolded at approximately 3:05 p.m. local time at Krizna Jama cave, with six highly experienced divers successfully extracting the stranded group, as reported by Sandi Curk, the commander of the Regional Civil Protection Headquarters for the Notranjska Region, to ABC News. All five individuals, comprising two parents and their adult child, emerged from the cave in good condition and did not require medical treatment, Curk confirmed.
Imran Khan arrested in Pakistan Army headquarters attack case
The former Prime Minister, Imran Khan was arrested in connection to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi that occurred on May 9 last year. His arrest followed the issuance of a release warrant in the cipher case. Summoned by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, Khan, who is already imprisoned in cipher and graft cases, attended the court's proceedings via video link due to security concerns raised by the Adiala jail authorities. The court, presided over by Judge Ijaz Asif, oversaw hearings on at least 12 cases related to the May 9 riots involving Khan and others.