Syrian leader signs constitution that puts the country under an Islamist group's rule for 5 years

US immigration authorities have arrested Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from Columbia University, for participating in pro-Palestinian protests and overstaying her terminated student visa. This follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, sparking debate over free speech and antisemitism on campus. The Trump administration has demanded reforms at Columbia, threatening to cancel federal grants and contracts over allegations of failing to protect Jewish students during protests. Full Article

A coalition of leading charities is urging Labour to introduce new rental laws to prevent poorer tenants from being discriminated against by unfair guarantor rules. Research from Shelter shows that one in three renters struggle to provide a guarantor, affecting around 600,000 renters. The coalition is asking the housing secretary to amend the Renters' Rights Bill to limit guarantor liability and prevent landlords from abusing their power to request guarantors unnecessarily. Full Article

India's defence sector is set for significant growth, with defence exports projected to reach Rs 203 billion in FY25 and a target of Rs 500 billion by FY29. The report by Nuvama highlights that European defence orders could start in the first half of FY26, providing a crucial opportunity for Indian companies due to Europe's manufacturing limitations. European nations are seeking partnerships with Indian defence manufacturers to address their manufacturing capacity and workforce shortages, paving...

ESMA has issued a statement regarding the treatment of settlement fails under the CSDR penalty mechanism in light of the recent incident involving TARGET Services. The statement provides clarification on how to handle settlement fails, emphasizing the importance of adhering to guidelines to prevent future disruptions in the European financial markets. ESMA's guidance aims to ensure a more stable and resilient financial infrastructure in the EU. Full Article

Saskatchewan premier is facing a cryptocurrency scam using his photo for promotion, as reported in a video that failed to load. The premier's image was being used without consent, raising concerns about online scams and fraudulent activities. Authorities are investigating the situation, urging caution and vigilance when dealing with cryptocurrency investments. Full Article

In upcoming government spending cuts, The Times reports that a million people may lose disability benefits, with only the most severely disabled qualifying. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer warns that Vladimir Putin must not "play games" in the diplomatic push for a ceasefire in Ukraine, with a virtual meeting planned for countries interested in a future peacekeeping role. The Daily Express highlights Dame Esther Rantzen's support for the Royal College of GPs ending opposition to...