China is set to launch its new K-visa scheme on October 1, targeting young foreign professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This initiative comes at a time when global competition for skilled workers is intensifying, particularly as the United States imposes a hefty $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, the primary route for skilled foreign workers to enter the U.S. job market. The K-visa, introduced as part of China’s revised visa rules on August 14, brings the total number of visa categories to 13. It is specifically designed for individuals aged 18 to 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher from reputable universities or research institutions, particularly in STEM or related fields. The visa is expected to attract specialists in artificial intelligence, quantum communication, and life sciences. Unlike traditional visa schemes, the K-visa does not require applicants to secure a job offer or sponsorship from a Chinese employer. Additionally, it allows holders to bring their spouses and minor children to China and offers flexible terms regarding the number of entries, validity period, and length of stay. Once in China, K-visa holders can engage in various activities, including education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and business. Liu Shaoshan, director of the Center for Embodied AI at the Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, highlighted that the K-visa significantly lowers barriers for foreign talent to work and innovate in China. The move contrasts sharply with the U.S. H-1B visa program, which has faced criticism for its high costs and restrictive policies. China’s approach aims to foster global collaboration and innovation, positioning itself as a hub for technological advancement. However, concerns about national security and espionage may pose challenges for some foreign professionals considering the K-visa.
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Eurovision body to hold vote on Israel’s participation
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced a pivotal vote to determine whether Israel will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. This decision follows mounting controversy over Israel’s inclusion due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The vote, set to take place at the EBU’s general assembly in early November, will involve all 68 member countries, including non-participating broadcasters from nations such as Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, Jordan, and Lebanon. A simple majority will decide the outcome, potentially excluding Israel if over 50% of members vote in favor.
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Namibians warned against holding parties at cemeteries after ‘disgraceful’ event
Namibian authorities have issued a stern warning against holding social gatherings in cemeteries following a controversial incident at Gammams cemetery in Windhoek last weekend. The event, which featured seating arrangements, cooler boxes, and alcohol, has been widely condemned as disrespectful and inappropriate. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with car boots open, people drinking, and litter scattered across the sacred grounds. One resident expressed her dismay on Facebook, stating that the cemetery resembled a shebeen (informal drinking establishment) rather than a place of rest. In response, the City of Windhoek released a statement on Thursday, labeling the behavior ‘unacceptable’ and emphasizing that it ‘disrespects the dignity of the deceased and disturbs other grieving families.’ The authorities reminded the public that littering in cemeteries is a criminal offense and announced plans for ‘strict monitoring and enforcement’ to preserve the sanctity of burial sites. This incident is not the first time Gammams cemetery has been in the spotlight; in 2021, a man was arrested for firing shots during a funeral, and cars were reportedly spun in the parking area nearby. The Namibian government has reiterated that cemeteries are sacred spaces reserved solely for burials and remembrance, prohibiting social gatherings, alcohol consumption, and littering.
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Two Dutch teenagers arrested in spying case linked to Russia
Two 17-year-old boys have been apprehended in the Netherlands on suspicion of ‘state interference,’ with reported connections to Russian espionage activities, according to prosecutors. Dutch media revealed that the teenagers were allegedly contacted by pro-Russian hackers via the messaging app Telegram. One of the suspects was reportedly spotted near the offices of Europol, Eurojust, and the Canadian embassy in The Hague, carrying a ‘wi-fi sniffer’—a device capable of identifying and intercepting wi-fi networks. The duo appeared in court on Thursday, where one was ordered to remain in detention, while the other was placed under strict home bail conditions pending a hearing scheduled within the next two weeks. The father of one of the boys informed De Telegraaf, a Dutch newspaper, that his son was arrested on Monday afternoon while completing his homework. He stated that police linked the arrest to espionage and providing services to a foreign nation. The teenager, described as tech-savvy with a keen interest in hacking, also works part-time at a supermarket. The Netherlands’ domestic intelligence and security agency declined to comment on the case when approached by the BBC.
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Huge sting operation across Africa sees 260 arrested for sextortion and romance scams
In a sweeping international effort, Interpol has spearheaded a major operation targeting cybercriminals across 14 African nations, resulting in the arrest of 260 suspects. The initiative, funded by the UK, focused on dismantling criminal networks exploiting social media and digital platforms to perpetrate romance scams and sextortion schemes. These scams involve blackmailing victims using explicit imagery, causing both financial and psychological harm. Over 1,400 victims were identified across countries including Ghana, Kenya, and Angola, with estimated losses nearing $2.8 million. The operation, conducted between July and August, led to the seizure of critical digital evidence, including USB drives, Sim cards, and forged documents, as well as the takedown of 81 cybercrime infrastructures. Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, highlighted the alarming rise in digital-enabled crimes across Africa, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. In Ghana alone, 68 suspects were arrested, and $70,000 was recovered from an estimated $450,000 in losses. Similar successes were reported in Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Angola, where scammers used fake profiles and fraudulent documents to deceive victims. The operation, part of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime project, underscores the global police network’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals online.
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Search resumes for missing fisherman after vessel ran aground
A comprehensive search operation is underway for a fisherman who went missing off the coast of County Sligo in the Republic of Ireland. The emergency response was initiated on Thursday evening at approximately 20:00 local time after a concerned member of the public reported a fishing vessel stranded near Mullaghamore Head. The multi-agency search effort, involving various rescue teams, is focused on the area off Mullaghmore and extends into Donegal Bay. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) confirmed that the search persisted throughout the night and resumed early Friday morning. A spokesperson for the RNLI detailed that the Sligo Bay and Bundoran RNLI’s inshore lifeboats were redirected from a routine training exercise by the Irish Coast Guard following the distress call. The alarm was raised after a grounded boat with its engine still running was spotted near Cliffoney Beach. The search operation also includes the Arranmore and Ballyglass RNLI’s all-weather lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo, and the Killybegs Coast Guard’s inshore lifeboat. Additionally, the Gardaí (Irish police) are actively supporting the search efforts.
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Trump ‘will move’ World Cup games from ‘unsafe’ cities
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to relocate matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from cities he deems unsafe. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with the US set to host 78 games, including the final. Eleven US cities—Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—are slated to host matches. However, Trump’s unilateral decision to move games has raised questions about his authority and the logistical challenges involved. FIFA, the global governing body of football, is responsible for organizing the tournament and selecting host cities. Despite this, Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his role as chair of the World Cup taskforce may influence the process. In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized, ‘It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.’ He specifically mentioned Democratic-led cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, which are set to host multiple games. Trump’s focus on safety aligns with his broader agenda on crime reduction. In recent months, he has deployed National Guard troops to cities like Washington DC, Memphis, and Chicago, citing concerns over public safety. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in history. Trump’s comments add to his controversial history with the tournament, including past remarks about Russia’s participation and tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
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Interpol says 260 suspects in online romance scams have been arrested in Africa
In a sweeping operation coordinated by Interpol, 260 individuals suspected of involvement in online romance and extortion scams have been arrested across 14 African countries. The crackdown, conducted in July and August, targeted schemes where perpetrators manipulated victims into financial exploitation or blackmail using explicit images. According to Interpol, these scams affected over 1,400 victims, resulting in losses nearing $2.8 million. Cyril Gout, acting executive director of police services at Interpol, highlighted the surge in digital-enabled crimes, emphasizing the dual impact of financial and psychological harm on victims. Among the arrests, Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to deceive victims into paying fraudulent fees and recording explicit videos for blackmail. In Senegal, 22 individuals were apprehended for impersonating celebrities on social media and dating platforms, scamming over 100 people out of approximately $34,000. Similarly, Ivory Coast authorities arrested 24 suspects for exploiting fake profiles to blackmail victims with intimate images. Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, serves as the world’s largest international police network, facilitating collaboration among 196 member countries to combat crimes ranging from cybercrime to organized crime. The organization continues to address emerging challenges, including the escalating caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, amid growing divisions among its members.
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Taiwan convicts ex-presidential aide of spying for China
A Taiwan court has convicted four individuals, including a former presidential aide, for espionage activities on behalf of China. Among the convicted is Huang Chu-jung, a former assistant to a Taipei councillor, who received the harshest sentence of 10 years. The other three, including Ho Jen-chieh, a former staffer in the office of then Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, were sentenced to jail terms ranging from four to 10 years. The court revealed that the espionage activities spanned a significant period and involved the leakage of critical diplomatic intelligence. Huang was accused of instructing Ho to gather information from Wu, which was then transmitted to Chinese Communist Party intelligence using encrypted software. Additionally, Huang collaborated with Chiu Shih-yuan, another ex-DPP staffer, to collect further intelligence, including details about President Lai Ching-te’s travel itineraries. The court disclosed that Huang received nearly NT$5 million from the Chinese government, while Chiu was paid over NT$2 million. The convictions are part of Taiwan’s intensified efforts to combat alleged Chinese espionage, with 64 individuals prosecuted in 2024 alone, a notable increase from previous years. The espionage cases have further strained Taiwan-China relations, with President Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) taking a firm stance against China, while the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) advocates for more dialogue. Critics of the DPP accuse the ruling party of using espionage allegations to suppress opposition voices. Meanwhile, China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan, regularly testing the island’s naval and air defenses.
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Sikh granny deported after ‘unacceptable’ treatment by US immigration
A 73-year-old Sikh grandmother, Harjit Kaur, who had lived in the United States for over three decades, has been deported to India. Kaur, who had unsuccessfully applied for asylum in the US, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on September 8, causing widespread shock and sympathy within the Sikh community. Kaur moved to California in 1991 with her two young sons to escape political turmoil in Punjab. Despite living and working in the US for years, her asylum attempts were repeatedly denied. Her lawyer, Deepak Ahluwalia, has criticized ICE’s treatment of Kaur, describing it as ‘unacceptable.’ He alleged that Kaur, who has no criminal record, was forced to sleep on the floor for 60-70 hours despite having undergone double knee replacements. She was also reportedly given ice to take medication and denied appropriate food. Kaur was moved to a holding facility in Georgia on September 19 and deported to India on September 22, without the opportunity to bid farewell to her family and friends. Her deportation has sparked outrage in the Sikh community, with protests held in California. Kaur’s case highlights the broader crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration, which has targeted both undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Critics argue that even individuals without criminal records, who follow due process, have been affected. Kaur’s story underscores the challenges faced by long-term residents caught in the complexities of US immigration policy.