Colombia earthquake kills at least 22 as buildings collapse in several cities

  Australian authorities have charged a 27-year-old Russian-Australian man with foreign interference after alleging that he attempted to pass sensitive information about Ukrainian military activities to individuals connected to Russian intelligence. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the man had undertaken what police described as “military-style” training in Russia in October 2024. After completing the training, he returned to Australia and allegedly remained in contact with people he believed were associated with Russian intelligence agencies. According to investigators, the man later travelled to Ukraine in 2025 and enlisted in the Ukrainian armed forces. His position allegedly gave him access to sensitive information concerning Ukrainian military personnel, military units and their locations. Police claim that the man subsequently provided, or attempted to provide, information obtained during his time in Ukraine to people he believed were working for Russian intelligence. Authorities said the alleged actions could have placed Ukrainian military personnel at risk by exposing information about their movements, units or locations. Commissioner Barrett stressed that Australia would not tolerate individuals using the country as a base for foreign interference activities. She said the case demonstrated the government’s determination to protect Australia and its international partners from espionage and interference conducted on behalf of foreign powers. Police also confirmed that there was no evidence the accused had received military training in Australia. At the time of his arrest, he was unemployed. His identity has not been publicly released. Investigators from the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation worked together on the case. Several search warrants have already been carried out as part of the investigation. Barrett said further arrests could not be ruled out as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged activities.   ASIO Deputy Director-General Claire McGuinness also issued a warning to foreign governments involved in interference operations. She said the case demonstrated Australia’s “zero tolerance” approach toward foreign interference and espionage. The accused was scheduled to appear before a court in Brisbane on Friday to face the charges. If convicted of intentionally engaging in foreign interference, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under Australian law. The case is the eighth instance in which an individual has been charged in Australia with offences connected to espionage or foreign interference. Australian security officials have previously identified Russia as a significant espionage threat. In 2024, authorities charged Russian-born Australian citizens Kira Korolev and her husband, Igor, with allegedly spying for Moscow. Police accused the couple of obtaining sensitive material linked to Australia’s military. Both had lived in Australia for more than a decade, became Australian citizens and retained Russian passports. The latest investigation highlights Australia’s growing concerns over foreign intelligence operations and the potential use of individuals with access to military or national-security information. Authorities have emphasized that anyone suspected of assisting foreign intelligence services could face serious criminal consequences under Australia’s foreign-interference laws.

  British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a new package of measures aimed at easing financial pressure on households as the UK continues to face concerns over the cost of living. The government says it will take action against business practices that can leave consumers paying more than expected, including misleading discounts and difficult-to-cancel subscriptions. The measures form part of Burnham’s wider “everyday fixes” agenda, which focuses on addressing common financial frustrations faced by families across the country. One of the first priorities will be an accelerated crackdown on so-called “subscription traps”, under which consumers can find themselves automatically paying for services they no longer want. The government also plans to tackle misleading pricing practices used by retailers. These include fake “was” prices, invented reductions and misleading recommended retail prices that can make a product appear to offer a much larger discount than it actually does. The changes are intended to prevent businesses from artificially increasing the price of an item before reducing it, creating the impression that shoppers are receiving a significant bargain. Burnham said consumers should be able to trust the discounts advertised to them, particularly at a time when household budgets remain under pressure. He argued that if a product is promoted as being half price, customers should be confident that they are genuinely receiving a 50% reduction. Subscription services are another major focus of the government’s plans. According to government figures, there are approximately 155 million active subscriptions across the UK, while unwanted subscriptions cost consumers around £1.6 billion every year. The average consumer has several subscriptions, ranging from streaming and entertainment services to magazines, beauty products and other recurring services. Under the new rules, companies will be required to provide clearer information before customers sign up and remind them when free or discounted trials are approaching their end. Businesses will also have to make cancellation procedures significantly easier. Consumers who sign up online will be able to cancel through a straightforward online process rather than being forced to navigate lengthy telephone calls or complicated cancellation systems. Another important protection will be a 14-day cooling-off period following the end of certain trials or the renewal of long-term contracts. This will give customers additional time to reconsider a subscription and leave if they no longer want it. The government estimates that consumers could save an average of £14 a month for every unwanted subscription they successfully cancel early. Overall, the wider consumer-protection measures are expected to provide substantial financial benefits to households. The subscription rules are being brought forward from the previous timetable, with the government aiming for the new protections to take effect in January 2027. The changes are designed to give consumers greater control over their spending while putting greater responsibility on companies to make their pricing and cancellation policies transparent. Burnham has described the measures as an effort to make everyday life fairer and less frustrating for British families. While the reforms will not resolve every aspect of the cost-of-living pressures facing households, the government says they are intended to deliver practical savings and prevent consumers from being caught out by unfair commercial practices.

  Armed resistance against the Taliban appears to be expanding in Afghanistan, with a new anti-Taliban group reportedly emerging in the northern province of Faryab. Sources say growing opposition to the Taliban’s style of governance, alleged ethnic discrimination and corruption has fueled resistance among sections of the Afghan population. Opposition has also increased over restrictions on education, employment and basic human rights, while the ongoing situation has contributed to a rise in Afghan migration toward Europe. According to sources, fighters affiliated with the newly formed Liberation Front carried out an attack against Taliban forces in Faryab province on Monday. The group is expected to formally announce its organisational structure, leadership and future activities within the next few days. The emergence of the new group comes as other anti-Taliban factions also signal plans to intensify their activities. General Sami Sadat, head of the Afghanistan United Front, and General Yasin Zia of the Afghanistan Freedom Front have both announced their intention to step up resistance against the Taliban. The developments indicate growing challenges for the Taliban as it continues to face opposition from armed groups as well as criticism over its policies on governance, human rights, education and employment.