Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to seven years in jail for an unlawful marriage, deemed 'un-Islamic' by a Pakistan court. This marks Khan's fourth conviction since 2022, adding to his challenges ahead of the general elections. The case, filed by Bibi's ex-husband Khawar Maneka, alleged violation of Islamic practices, including the absence of the mandatory pause between marriages. The court also fined the couple Rs 5,00,000 each. Khan, currently serving time for other convictions, denounced the verdict, claiming it was intended to humiliate him and his spouse.

Despite repeated air strikes by the US and UK against Houthi rebels in Yemen, ship attacks in the region have intensified, with nine incidents reported in the past three weeks. Most targets now have ties to American or British entities, diverging from initial attacks linked to Israel. The Houthi tactics have also shifted, concentrating recent strikes further south in the Gulf of Aden. This escalation has led to a 29% drop in shipping along the vital Red Sea trade route. Measures taken by ship operators include employing armed security teams and disabling AIS tracking systems to mitigate risks.

An explosion shook the vicinity of Pakistan's Election Commission office in Karachi, just days before the scheduled Parliamentary elections on February 8. According to local media, the blast, which occurred on Friday, caused no casualties. Initial reports suggested that the explosive materials were concealed in a shopping bag near the poll panel's office. Karachi Police dispatched a bomb disposal squad to the site as investigations continue to determine the nature and motive behind the explosion. The incident adds to the security concerns as Pakistan grapples with multiple bomb and grenade attacks, particularly in the restive Balochistan province, ahead of the polls.

Belgian farmers intensify protests, blocking border crossings to the Netherlands over grievances on high taxes, rising costs, and bureaucracy. Antwerp, a key city and port, witnesses disruptions. Dutch authorities advise against travel to Belgium. Zeebrugge port faces truck blockades, with nearly 2,000 vehicles stranded. Local police provide support to drivers. The unrest echoes in Germany, Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Romania, revealing tensions over the EU's climate initiatives and trade dynamics. Protests highlight concerns about the impact on farming amid climate change measures and the influx of inexpensive Ukrainian imports.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with four others, was acquitted in a London trial for breaking public protest laws during an oil and gas conference blockade. The judge ruled that the police failed to properly organize or communicate the public order to the protesters, leading to their acquittal. The arrests occurred during a protest at the Energy Intelligence Forum, where oil and gas executives were present. The trial sheds light on increased policing of protests following new laws enacted by the Conservative Government. Despite police efforts to impose a public order act, protesters were not adequately informed and were arrested prematurely.          

A massive gas explosion in Nairobi, Kenya claims at least three lives and injures nearly 300 as a gas-laden truck detonates in the Embakasi district. The blast, occurring around 23:30, engulfs the area in flames, damaging homes, businesses, and vehicles. Investigations into the explosion's cause are underway. One arrest has been made, and the death toll could rise. Many injured, including children, have been treated, while a search and rescue operation continues. Authorities clarify the explosion involved a truck in a parking yard, not a gas plant. The illegal gas facility's owners face calls for compensation and accountability.

More than 800 officials from the US and Europe, including the UK, France, and Germany, have signed a statement warning that their governments' policies on the Israel-Gaza war may amount to "grave violations of international law." The "transatlantic statement" suggests complicity in one of the worst human catastrophes of the century, citing Israel's military operations in Gaza. Dissent within key Western allies is evident, with officials expressing concern over the lack of conditions or accountability in supporting Israel. The officials assert that political and ideological considerations have overridden their professional advice.

Cash-strapped Pakistan pledged assistance to the Maldives following India's aid reduction. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar, in a phone call with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, discussed reinforcing bilateral ties and addressing the Maldives' immediate development needs. The President's Office confirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting the island nation. The leaders also explored collaboration on shared priorities and strengthening international cooperation. Additionally, Kakar expressed solidarity with the Maldives in tackling climate change. Despite Pakistan's alliance with China, President Muizzu is known for his pro-Beijing stance, as diplomatic relations between the two nations date back to 1966.

Multiple shots were fired at the home of Simranjeet Singh, an associate of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, British Columbia in June. The incident occurred in South Surrey, with no reported injuries. RCMP confirmed the shooting and believe it to be isolated, but pro-Khalistan groups allege Indian involvement due to Singh's recent activism. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, expressed concerns over the attack's possible connection to Indian interests. The incident adds to a string of gang-related violence in the region, including recent drive-by shootings.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a staggering 2050% increase in H-1B visa registration fees, effective from April 1. The move, revealed by the Department of Homeland Security, also includes hikes in L-1 and EB-5 visa fees. The new H-1B registration cost will be $215, up from $10. Netizens express concern, labeling it an assault on legal immigration. The DHS cites updated volume forecasts and increased workload as reasons for the changes. The move comes amid ongoing discussions on immigration policies and raises questions about its impact on skilled professionals.