Two Indian American men from Glastonbury face federal charges for allegedly using thousands of stolen identities to defraud online gambling platforms, including FanDuel, of approximately $3 million. Amitoj Kapoor and Siddharth Lillaney are accused of exploiting new user incentives with illicitly obtained personal data, leading to charges of fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.

Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi has received over seven additional years in prison, alongside a two-year travel ban and internal exile, according to her lawyer. The Iranian activist, already incarcerated, is reportedly on a hunger strike. This latest sentence follows her persistent campaigning against the regime’s human rights abuses, including the death penalty and mandatory dress

An 18-month-old girl, Amalia, was hospitalized with a life-threatening respiratory illness while detained by US immigration authorities. She was returned to custody and denied medication after her release from the hospital, amidst a measles outbreak at the Dilley, Texas facility. Her parents, also detained, sued for their release.

Shashi Tharoor captivated Dubai at the Emirates Literature Festival, sharing insights on language’s power to shape thought and culture. His “Wonderland of Words” session, blending humour and anecdotes, highlighted linguistic connections and the importance of clear communication. Tharoor also stressed lifelong reading for children and cautioned against over-reliance on AI for writing.

Actor Ian McKellen performed a Shakespearean monologue on immigration. He linked current events to historical anti-immigrant feelings. McKellen emphasized the humanity of immigrants. Other artists also spoke out against US immigration policies. Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga criticized ICE. McKellen’s performance focused attention on immigration struggles.

Japan’s ruling LDP, led by PM Sanae Takaichi, is poised for a significant win in snap elections, exit polls suggest. This victory could empower Takaichi to advance her conservative agenda, including increased defense spending. However, voter concerns about inflation and economic stability persist, alongside heightened regional tensions with China.

Syria and Saudi Arabia inked major economic pacts recently, launching a joint airline and a $1 billion telecoms project to rebuild war-torn Syria. These agreements aim to boost regional connectivity, enhance digital infrastructure and attract vital foreign investment, signalling a significant shift in the nation’s post-conflict recovery and deepening bilateral ties.