Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, updates from New Delhi, G7, COP30, and Venezuela. Locally, the Govt. pushes ahead with the 27th Amendment, Islamabad hit by a deadly suicide bombing, and PML-N set for a clean sweep in by-polls.

☕ Grab your chaye, let’s go.

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Around The World

Delhi blast. Indian police are investigating a deadly car explosion in New Delhi under an anti-terrorism law, as forensic experts worked to determine the cause of the blast. The explosion occurred near the historic Red Fort late Monday, killing at least eight people and injuring several others. Senior police officials reported that a case was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which allows broader powers to investigate agencies to detain suspects. Security forces have been placed on high alert across major states and cities as the investigation continues.

COP-up. Top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) democracies are converging in Ontario amid rising tensions between the US and traditional allies like Canada over defense spending, trade, and uncertainty over Trump’s ceasefire plan in Gaza and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. A main point of contention has been defense spending. All G7 members except for Japan are members of NATO, and Trump has demanded that the alliance partners spend 5% of their annual gross domestic product on defense. While several countries have agreed, Canada and Italy have distanced themselves from the goal.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people joined an Indigenous-led protest on the second day of the 30th annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in the Brazilian city of Belem, highlighting tensions with the Brazilian government’s claim that the meeting is open to indigenous voices. Dozens of indigenous protesters forced their way into the COP30 on Tuesday evening, reaffirming their statements of wanting their lands “free from agribusiness, oil exploration, illegal miners, and illegal loggers.”

Hot in here. Venezuela has announced it is launching a mobilization of military personnel, weapons, and equipment in the event of an invasion or military attack by the US. Land, air, naval, and reserve forces will carry out exercises through Wednesday. The exercises will also involve the Bolivarian Militia – a reserve force made up of civilians that was created by the late President Hugo Chávez.

The announcement comes as the arrival of a US aircraft carrier in the region fuels speculation of possible military action aimed at collapsing the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. On Tuesday, the Pentagon confirmed that the Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes the world’s largest aircraft carrier, had arrived in the Caribbean Sea, bearing at least 4,000 sailors and tactical aircraft.

Pakistan

Santa’s clause. The National Assembly resumed debate on the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment bill, which proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, revision of the military command structure, and granting lifetime immunity to the president. The government maintains that the amendment aims to strengthen governance and justice delivery, while the PTI and other opposition parties have denounced it as an attempt to “protect the ruling elite” and undermine the judiciary. Despite widespread protests, the PML-N-led coalition, which commands a two-thirds majority, is expected to pass the bill already approved by the Senate, amid calls from Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for dialogue and opposition warnings of democratic backsliding.

From all corners. A suicide bomber struck outside Islamabad’s district and sessions courts on Tuesday, killing 12 people and wounding at least 36 in the capital’s first such attack in nearly 3 years, as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility. Officials said the attacker targeted a police vehicle at the main gate, who police believe came to Islamabad from outside the city and waited about 12 minutes before detonating an explosive device after failing to enter the complex.  

Additionally, security sources said all attackers, including 1 suicide bomber and four others involved in the Cadet College Wana assault, have been killed after being cornered in the administrative block, with troops clearing the site amid landmine fears and confirming no students or teachers were harmed. Interior Minister Naqvi alleged clear Afghan involvement, while Defence Minister Asif said strikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan couldn’t be ruled out.

Landslide. The PML-N is projected to win all five Faisalabad constituencies, NA-96, NA-104, PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116, in the Nov 23 by-polls, as the PTI is boycotting the elections, the TLP faces a ban, and the PPP has not fielded candidates. The seats fell vacant after the disqualification of PTI-backed lawmakers convicted in the May 9 riot cases. 

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has begun preparations for local government elections in Quetta, scheduled for December 28, following the Balochistan High Court’s dismissal of petitions seeking to delay the process. Over 870,000 registered voters will elect ward and Union Council members, followed by reserved seats and the selection of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Quetta. 

What Else Is Happening?

🐘 Pakistan’s National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases has successfully performed the country’s first-ever “Total Arch Replacement with the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique” on a 16-year-old patient, a complex 16-hour surgery carried out free of cost with the collaboration of Turkish expert Prof. Ugursay Kiziltepe.

👑A Chinese woman, dubbed “crypto queen”, was sentenced by a UK court on Tuesday to over 11 years in prison. She was found with 5 billion pounds ($6.6 billion) in Bitcoin after defrauding more than 128,000 people in China in a Ponzi scheme.

⛹️More than 70 athletes have joined rights groups in calling for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel due to rights abuses against Palestinians. This is a continuation of a campaign demanding that UEFA ban Israel from its events, citing atrocities committed during its war on Gaza.