PM Oli calls for revitalising SAARC process for region’s prosperity
Kathmandu, Dec 8: Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Sunday called for revitalizing the stalled SAARC process to promote shared interest and prosperity of the people in the region. In a message on the occasion of the 40th Charter Day of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Oli extended warm greetings and cordial felicitation to the governments and people of the member states of the SAARC. Oli also underscored SAARC’s prominent role in fostering mutual trust, understanding and cooperation among member states and expressed firm commitments of Nepal – current SAARC Chair – to its Charters for building a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry. Highlighting persisting socioeconomic and environmental challenges, including climate change and transnational organised crimes, Oli called for revitalizing the SAARC process to promote shared interest and prosperity of the people in the region. (PTI)
Rescuers search for victims after explosion that killed at least 5
The Hague, Dec 8: Emergency services on Sunday searched for a second day through the debris of an apartment block that was destroyed by an explosion and fire, killing at least five people, but held out little hope of finding any more survivors. The cause of the Saturday morning disaster was unclear. Mayor Jan van Zanen said investigators were looking into “all possibilities”. Police said they are looking for a car seen leaving the scene in case that helps with the investigation. The fire service said five bodies were found, and five injured people were rescued. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, given that the “slim chance of survival” under what’s left of the apartments. However, one person was rescued alive many hours after the explosion. (AP)
Wife charged with planning husband’s kidnapping
Johannesburg, Dec 8: The wife of a prominent South African Indian-origin businessman has been charged with allegedly masterminding his abduction for a hefty ransom. Ashraf Kader, popularly known as Baboo Kaytex after the family business he owns, and his 47-year-old wife Fatima Ismail were abducted near their business premises in Pretoria on Sunday last week. He was rescued unharmed a day later on Monday by the authorities. A multidisciplinary team comprising the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, law enforcement agencies, and private investigators traced the suspects to a house in the suburb of Mamelodi, where Ismail was reportedly found socialising with three alleged accomplices. The four suspects were charged with kidnapping, demanding a ransom, and other serious offences, including hijacking the vehicle used in the abduction after ramming into Kader’s car. A close family friend told local media that a fifth suspect, whose bank account allegedly received a transfer from Kader’s funds, has also been arrested. (PTI)