The UAE's Federal Tax Authority (FTA) seized over 3.5 million illegal excise goods, including cigarettes, e-smoking devices, and tobacco products, hidden in clothing shipments during a major raid in Dubai. Valued at AED 133.2 million (approx. USD 36.27 million) in unpaid taxes, the operation is part of FTA’s efforts to combat tax evasion and enforce compliance.
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Qatar Airways is expanding its presence in Syria with the launch of flights to Aleppo starting August 10, 2025. This follows the airline’s return to Damascus earlier in the year. The new route will operate three times a week, increasing to four in September, signaling Qatar’s gradual re-entry into Syria’s airspace and regional travel market.
In Texas, ten individuals face charges for ambushing law enforcement near an ICE facility on July 4th, injuring an officer. Dressed in black, the group allegedly fired at officers and vandalized property with anti-ICE graffiti. Separately, a man in McAllen opened fire at a Border Patrol facility, injuring another officer before being killed.
Recent strikes in Gaza have resulted in numerous casualties, including children. An Israeli missile strike, intended for a militant, malfunctioned, hitting a water distribution point and killing six children. A separate strike on a Gaza City market killed 12, including a hospital consultant.
Newly unsealed documents reveal a controversial practice. The Trump administration used a pro-Israel website, Canary Mission. This website helped identify pro-Palestinian academics. The goal was potential deportation. Homeland Security formed a team. They compiled data on foreign students and scholars. Canary Mission flagged over 75 individuals. A Trump aide, Stephen Miller, was heavily involved.
Devastating floods in central Texas have resulted in a tragic loss of life, prompting scrutiny of the nation's emergency response. Despite earlier proposals to reduce FEMA's role, the Trump administration is now emphasizing the agency's swift assistance to Texas, with the president approving a major disaster declaration.
Columbia University and the Trump administration are close to a deal regarding allegations of anti-Jewish harassment. Columbia may pay hundreds of millions to settle the matter, potentially restoring some of the $400 million in federal research funding that was previously canceled. The agreement would also address civil rights violations, admissions transparency, and foreign gifts.
A WestJet flight faced a small engine fire at Vancouver International Airport. The incident occurred after its arrival from Tampa. Emergency slides were deployed, and passengers evacuated safely. No injuries reported during the evacuation. The aircraft is now out of service for maintenance checks. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the matter.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is demanding that social media giants like Meta, X, and TikTok take immediate action to block violent content. This urgent appeal follows a shooting at a local business where the perpetrator recorded and uploaded the footage, claiming responsibility. Locke emphasizes the need for these platforms to ban criminal accounts, remove content glorifying violence, and implement real-time detection tools to protect the community.
Binance’s launch of Sharia Earn marks a pivotal moment for Muslim investors seeking halal crypto solutions. Backed by Amanie Advisors and AAOIFI standards, it aligns crypto staking with core Islamic finance principles, no Riba, Gharar, or Haram involvement. By blending modern blockchain tools with faith-based ethics, Binance paves the way for inclusive, compliant participation in digital finance.
Torrential monsoon rains triggered devastating flash floods in a Himalayan valley between Nepal and China, resulting in at least one fatality and 17 missing individuals. A crucial bridge over the Bhotekoshi River, a vital link between the two nations, was destroyed. Rescue operations are underway, with nine people safely rescued in Rasuwa.