China has deployed an “alarming” number of ships in its biggest maritime mobilisation around Taiwan in years, Taipei says. Taiwanese forces were on high alert in anticipation of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) staging war games and whether they “turn into war”. Beijing has voiced fury over Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s US stopovers and call with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. China’s foreign ministry warned Taiwan last week that “seeking independence with the help of the United States will inevitably hit a wall”. It also called on Washington to “cease meddling in Taiwan-related affairs” n18oc_world n18oc_crux

Hamza al-Khatib, 13, was arrested at a 2011 anti-government rally and tortured – but Assad’s downfall has not brought his family justice. 

​Hamza al-Khatib, 13, was arrested at a 2011 anti-government rally and tortured – but Assad’s downfall has not brought his family justice.  

A Bengaluru techie, Atul Subhash, tragically died by suicide, leaving a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of driving him to the extreme step. He alleged they filed false cases and demanded Rs 3 crore, detailing a campaign of harassment and extortion. Subhash’s brother supports these claims, stating the relentless pressure led to the suicide.