Australia plans to tax digital platforms that don't pay for news

Ministers are accused of showing "contempt" towards farmers by suspending applications for a post-Brexit payment scheme, sparking what is called a "war on farmers". Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour for canceling the sustainable farming incentive just before tax returns were due, leading to anger among farmers and protests. Despite Labour's decision, Sir Keir Starmer pointed out that the Tories had also cancelled the scheme without sufficient notice in previous years, leading to further tensions...

India's Tejas light combat aircraft successfully test-fired the indigenous air-to-air missile Astra off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha, as confirmed by the defence ministry. The missile hit the flying target directly, showcasing its precision and effectiveness, while meeting all mission parameters. Developed by DRDO, the Astra missile has a range of over 100 km and demonstrated accurate performance in engaging targets. Full Article

The CBI and Kerala Police arrested Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, wanted by the US for operating cryptocurrency exchange Garantex to launder criminal proceeds, including ransomware, with a potential $96 billion in transactions. Besciokov faces charges of money laundering, violating sanctions, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business in the US, following a provisional arrest warrant issued by the MEA. The US authorities seized assets and froze funds related to Garantex, aiming to prevent further criminal activities...

Pakistani security forces are in a deadly standoff with militants who seized a passenger train in the southwest, demanding the release of imprisoned members. At least 190 hostages have been rescued, with the militants threatening to kill hostages if their demands are not met. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group, has been targeting security forces and Chinese interests in Baluchistan, using advanced tactics like suicide bombings. Full Article

Newcastle coach Rob Stanton has no plans to leave the in-form Jets mid-season, despite uncertainty about his future, as they continue their best unbeaten run in 20 years. He believes his players are ready to continue thriving even without him next season if necessary, with the team currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak and closing in on a finals spot. Stanton is focused on developing his players to reach their full potential and is committed...

Pakistan's army has freed over 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province, with 33 militants killed during the operation. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) killed 21 civilians and four military personnel before the operation began. The military is conducting a search operation to eliminate any remaining threats, with the BLA being designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistani and Western authorities. Full Article