UNCERTAINTY ENDS, PAK. DECIDES TO HOLD NATIONAL ELECTION IN JAN. 2024

Pakistan will hold delayed elections in January next year, the Election Commission announced on Thursday, as the country grapples with overlapping political, economic and security crises.

A caretaker government has been ruling Pakistan since Parliament was dissolved on August 9, days after the country’s most popular politician, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was imprisoned for graft and barred from contesting elections.

Polls were supposed to have taken place within 90 days, but the Election Commission said it needed more time to redraw constituencies following the latest population census.

“The final list of constituencies will be published on November 30. After that, the elections will be held in the last week of January 2024, after a 54-day election program,” the Commission said in a statement.

One political analyst suggested the date may not be set in stone.

“The announcement of a date is a positive and significant sign, however Pakistani politics is so unstable that one can’t predict what will happen after three months,” Hasan Askari Rizvi said.

“But all the sufferings of the common people due to inflation and price hikes will have a direct bearing — provided all parties are allowed to campaign and contest elections,” he added.

CHINA GEARS UP FOR ASIAN GAMES, SIGNALING A RETURN TO NORMALCY

Amidst the backdrop of a damp and overcast day, the 'Big Lotus,' officially named the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, stands as a beacon of anticipation. This 81,000-seat coliseum, inspired by ancient silk textures and weaving patterns, rises tall against Hangzhou's gleaming skyscrapers. It is here that the forthcoming Asian Games will unfold, marking China's fourth time hosting such a grand event in the last fifteen years—a testament to their seasoned expertise in orchestrating large-scale sports spectacles.

While there's no doubt that China will reign supreme in the medal tally, poised to secure twice as many gold medals as the second-place country, the significance of the Asian Games extends beyond the realm of sports. According to Marcus Chu, a professor at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, China views this event as an opportunity to underscore its continued competitiveness, not merely in sports, but also on the global economic and geopolitical stages.

If the Beijing Olympics of 2008 symbolized China's global emergence, the Hangzhou Asian Games serve as a poignant representation of the nation's return to normalcy following the trials posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an occasion for China to reaffirm its position as a highly successful and influential global economy.

ZELENSKY TRIES TO WOO US LAWMAKERS FOR WAR AID

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky embarked on a crucial visit to Washington, seeking to solidify US support for his nation's ongoing conflict with Russia while facing mounting questions regarding the flow of American aid that has sustained Ukraine's resistance for the past 19 months. During private discussions with both Republican and Democratic leaders, Zelensky conveyed a message of optimism regarding the progress of Ukraine's war efforts, assuring lawmakers that "they are winning" in a pivotal moment when global attention is focused on Western support for Kyiv.

In addition to meetings with key figures in Congress, Zelensky also held talks with President Joe Biden at the White House and engaged with military leaders at the Pentagon. The Biden administration has been diligently working to rally congressional backing for an additional $24 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, all while some Republican legislators grow increasingly doubtful about Kyiv's sluggish counteroffensive.

Zelensky, addressing at least 50 senators, made a dire plea, stating, "If we don't get the aid, we will lose the war," an appeal relayed by Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer. Facing probing questions from House Republican leaders about Ukraine's counteroffensive strategy, Zelensky conceded the difficulties of overcoming entrenched defenses. While Ukraine anticipates gradual progress, the challenges ahead are not to be underestimated.

This visit by Zelensky is of utmost significance, occurring as Ukraine grapples with breaking through Russian frontlines in a counteroffensive concentrated in the south and east. With winter approaching, military operations face the prospect of halting, underscoring the urgency of securing support from the United States. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the US has dispatched approximately $113 billion in security and humanitarian aid to bolster Zelensky's government.

ESCALATION IN UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT: CROSS-BORDER STRIKES AND DENIALS

In a startling escalation of hostilities, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Moscow's invasion as "criminal" during a United Nations address. Almost immediately, Russia retaliated with its most significant missile assault in weeks, targeting multiple Ukrainian cities. The attacks resulted in casualties, damaged energy facilities, and led to power outages in various regions, according to Ukrainian authorities. Cities such as Lviv, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Rivne were among the targets, with Ukraine's military managing to intercept some of the incoming missiles.

Additionally, Ukraine's military reported that it had launched an attack on a Russian air base in Crimea, asserting that it had successfully struck the Saky air base in western Crimea overnight. Although Ukraine provided limited details about the attack, an intelligence source revealed that the operation had been carried out by the SBU security service and navy, employing drones and Neptune cruise missiles. The strike purportedly inflicted significant damage to the air base's equipment, a claim disputed by an adviser to a Russian-installed official in Crimea, who stated that none of Ukraine's missiles had hit their intended target. The incident marks a concerning development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in cross-border strikes and offering conflicting accounts of the outcomes.

AMID GRAIN DISPUTE, UKRAINE’S STAUNCH ALLY POLAND SAYS WON’T SEND NEW ARMS

Poland clarified that it's continuing agreed arms deliveries to Ukraine amid tensions over a grain dispute just weeks before their parliamentary election. Although Poland's decision to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain imports has strained relations, they maintain their commitment to Ukraine.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced a shift away from arming Ukraine, emphasizing the need to replenish Poland's own weapon stockpiles while ensuring national security. The extent of Poland's remaining weaponry available for Ukraine remains uncertain, potentially impacting European support for Ukraine.

Poland's upcoming parliamentary election on October 15 has intensified the debate. The ruling nationalist party faces criticism from the far-right, but it seeks to reassure voters that it won't prioritize Ukraine over Polish citizens, especially farmers affected by low grain prices blamed on cheap Ukrainian imports.

USCIS INCHES FORWARD TOWARDS H-1B REFORMS, INCLUDING TACKLING MISUSE

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken the initial step in the regulatory process by submitting a proposed rule to modernize the H-1B visa program to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This proposed rule aims to amend various aspects of the H-1B program, such as redefining the employer-employee relationship, instituting site visit requirements, addressing the F-1 cap-gap issue, and enhancing anti-fraud measures in the H-1B cap e-registration system.

The proposed rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register in December 2023, followed by a 30-60 day period for public comments. It remains uncertain if these new rules will be implemented in time for the upcoming H-1B cap filing season, typically opening in March 2024.

This move comes in response to a significant increase in H-1B cap visa e-registrations submitted in March, raising suspicions of misuse. USCIS received 758,994 eligible registrations, a 60% increase compared to the previous year, prompting investigations and referrals to law enforcement authorities for potential gaming of the E-registration system.

INDIAN AMERICAN CANDIDATES GAIN GROUND IN GOP POLLS, TRUMP LEADS

In the latest GOP polls for the crucial early primary state of New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump remains the frontrunner, according to a CNN/University of New Hampshire poll. Trump holds 39% of likely GOP primary voters, although this falls behind his national support.

Notably, Indian American presidential candidates are making significant strides in these polls. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy closely follows Trump with 13% support, while former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley is not far behind at 12%. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie also commands 11% support.

Interestingly, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, once considered a top rival to Trump, has seen a decline in his support. His drop in popularity, especially among moderates, has shifted the dynamics of the race.

Ramaswamy's appeal is strong among non-registered Republicans and younger likely voters, while Haley's increase is notable among those with higher education and moderates. Trump's pledge to shift resources from federal law enforcement agencies to the US-Mexico border if reelected is a key focus of his campaign, including expanding travel bans.

The 2024 election race in the Republican Party is shaping up to be competitive, with Trump leading but challengers gaining momentum.

SWISS HOUSE OKAYS BAN ON FULL-FACE COVERINGS, SETS FINES

Geneva : The lower house of Switzerland’s parliament voted Wednesday to give final legislative passage to a ban on face coverings, such as the burqas worn by some Muslim women.

The National Council voted 151-29 for the legislation, which was already approved by the upper House. It was pushed through by the right-wing, populist Swiss People’s Party, easily overcoming reticence expressed by centrists and the Greens.

The move follows a nationwide referendum two years ago in which Swiss voters narrowly approved forbidding niqabs, which leave slits for the eyes, and burqas as well as ski masks and bandannas that are worn by some protesters. With the lower house vote, parliament cemented the ban into federal law and set a fine of up to 1,000 francs ($1,100) for violators.

CHARLES BROACHES FRANCE-U.K. ENTENTE ON ENVIRONMENT AT SENATE

PARIS: King Charles III on Thursday pledged to do everything he could to strengthen the relationship between France and Britain, suggesting the “indispensable” partners should also team up to tackle the climate emergency, in a speech at the French Senate on the second day of a three-day visit to France.

U.S. OFFERS TEMPORARY WORK PERMITS TO NEARLY 500,000 VENEZUELANS

WASHINGTON: The U.S.on Wednesday announced that it will allow 472,000 Venezuelans to remain in the U.S. and work legally for 18 months. President Joe Biden’s administration extended the “Temporary Protected Status” for Venezuelans who were in the U.S. before July 31, 2023, granting them temporary protection from deportation.

SYRIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN CHINA ON FIRST VISIT SINCE BEGINNING OF WAR

BEIJING: Syrian President Bashar Assad arrived in China on Thursday on his first visit to the country since the start of Syria’s 12-year conflict during which Beijing has been one of his main backers. China’s Foreign Ministry said Mr. Assad’s visit would “further deepen political mutual trust and cooperation in various fields”.

ARMENIA DECRIES AZERBAIJAN VIOLENCE

Armenia warned the United Nations on Thursday that Azerbaijan was carrying out “ethnic cleansing” and committing a “crime against humanity” as it regained control of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Armenian Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan recalled that his country had previously warned of “looming ethnic cleansing” in Nagorno-Karabakh, stressing “now it is in progress”.

His comments came as Armenian separatists from the disputed territory joined peace talks with Azerbaijan, after agreeing to lay down their arms.

‘RADIOACTIVE’ METAL STOLEN FROM FUKUSHIMA: JAPAN

Tokyo : Construction workers stole and sold potentially radioactive scrap metal from near the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Japanese environment ministry said on Thursday. The materials went missing from a museum being demolished in a special zone around four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the atomic plant in northeast Japan knocked out by a tsunami in 2011. Japan’s environment ministry was informed of the theft by workers from a joint venture conducting the demolition work in late July and is “exchanging information with police”, ministry official Kei Osadasaid.told AFP. Osada said the metal may have been used in the frame of the building, “which means that it’s unlikely that these metals were exposed to high levels of radiation when the nuclear accident occurred”.

US MAN DRIVES OFF BRIDGE FOLLOWING MAP, GOOGLE SUED FOR NEGLIGENCE

Raleigh : The family of Philip Paxson, who tragically died when his car went off a collapsed bridge while following Google Maps directions, is suing the tech giant for negligence. Paxson drowned on September 30, 2022, when Google Maps allegedly directed him to cross a bridge that had collapsed nine years earlier and was never repaired. The lawsuit claims that Google had been informed of the collapse by multiple people over the years but failed to update its navigation system. Email records included in the filing show that a resident had reported the issue in September 2020, with Google confirming receipt but taking no further action.

KOSOVO SO AWASH WITH FAKE EURO COINS THAT THEY ARE ACCEPTED AS MONEY

At a cafe in Kosovo’s capital Pristina, staff have given up checking whether the 2-euro coins people use to pay are genuine, as such a high proportion are fake and as the high quality of some counterfeits makes it almost impossible to tell. “At the beginning everyone was worried and was checking if the 2-euro coins were fake or not,” said waiter Endrit. “Now we don’t check anymore... It is all the same.” The number of fake 2-euro coins in circulation has seen a massive increase this year, according to law enforcement agencies. Kosovo and neighbouring Montenegro are not part of the Euro Zone but nevertheless use the euro as their currency. At Pristina police’s forensic laboratory, staff examined over 30,000 coun terfeit 2-euro coins in the first half of this year, compared to 4,451 in the same period last year. Kosovo’s Central Bank told Reuters that banks should report all counterfeit money delivered by clients. But for a supermarket manager, it is easier to pass the 2-euro coins on to other customers rather than risk prosecution by taking them to a bank. “We always complained in Kosovo that we don’t have our own currency, well it looks we have now — fake 2-euro coins,” he said.