An Oslo court convicted Zaniar Matapour, a Norwegian citizen born in Iran, of murder and terrorism for the deadly shooting at Oslo’s 2022 Pride celebrations. The attack at the London Pub, a significant venue in Oslo’s LGBTQ+ community, resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries. Matapour, described by police as a radicalized Islamist with mental health issues, faced charges related to murder and aggravated terrorism.
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles to discuss enhancing defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Singh emphasized the value India places on its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, reflecting the strategic importance of their bilateral relationship.
The Governor of Jharkhand, CP Radhakrishnan, appointed Hemant Soren as the nominated Chief Minister, inviting him to take the oath of office. This political development marks a significant step in the state’s leadership amidst ongoing political dynamics.
Hemant Soren
In Nepal, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) withdrew its support from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, leading to the resignation of all its ministers. This move aligns with a new agreement between the party and the Nepali Congress to form a coalition government for the next three years.
Israeli forces and Hezbollah engaged in cross-border fire, with more than 100 rockets targeting Israel. This exchange marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two sides, further complicating the geopolitical situation in the region.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the SCO summit, emphasizing the need for complete disengagement in Eastern Ladakh to restore peace and normalcy in bilateral relations. Jaishankar stressed the importance of respecting the Line of Actual Control and adhering to past agreements.
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated incoming European Council President Antonio Costa just before the European Commission’s planned import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. The tariffs, set up to 37.6%, are a response to alleged heavy state subsidies provided by China to its firms.
A petition filed in the Supreme Court of India calls for a structural audit of all existing and under-construction bridges in Bihar. The petition, responding to recent bridge collapses, urges the demolition or retrofitting of weak structures to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.
