The Tax Court of Cologne has asked the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to consider whether the current version of Germany’s anti- ‘treaty shopping’ rules is compatible with EU law.
New figures reveal extent of UK modern slavery and human trafficking
The extent to which modern slavery and human trafficking are taking place in the UK is far wider than previously thought, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Singapore authorities issue warning on digital tokens
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) have issued advice to consumers on the potential risks of digital token and virtual currency-related investment schemes.
Shoot-to-kill: India hunts serial killer elephant that left 15 dead
India’s top hunter on Friday led a shoot-to-kill pursuit of an elephant whose murderous rampage through villages has left 15 people dead.
The government has turned to sharpshooter Nawab Shafat Ali Khan ahead of World Elephant Day on Saturday to hunt the animal who crushed four victims in the eastern state of Bihar in March before crossing into neighbouring Jharkhand and killing 11 more.
Jharkhand’s chief forest and wildlife conservator L.R. Singh said the decision to kill the animal…
Indonesia arrests alleged Islamic State recruiter for Philippine city siege
Indonesian police on Friday arrested an alleged recruiter and fundraiser for pro-Islamic State (IS) militants locked in a bloody battle for control of the southern Philippine city of Marawi.
Nearly 700 people, 120 soldiers among them, have been killed in the conflict after an alliance of militant groups launched an audacious assault to capture the Philippine city on May 23.
Philippine military and police have yet to regain control of all of Marawi, a city of about 200,000 people, amid ferocious…
North Korea could have up to 60 nuclear weapons by 2021, US think tank finds
North Korea is projected by the end of 2020 to have 25 to 50 nuclear weapons, and possibly as many as 60, according to a US think tank’s report on Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities. David Albright, founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based security think tank, said on Tuesday the “worst case” estimate of 60 nuclear weapons would involve the operation of the Experimental Light Water Reactor, a type of thermal-…
Fox now expecting Sky takeover deal to close ‘by June 2018’
The planned £11.7 billion acquisition of Sky plc by 21st Century Fox is now expected to close in the first half of next year, according to Fox chief executive James Murdoch.
Japan to supply chopper parts for Philippines military in bid to gain regional influence
Japan’s army will give thousands of helicopter parts to keep Philippine military choppers airborne, helping Tokyo gain clout with Manila in a contest with China to secure influence over the strategic South China Sea nation, four sources said.
Military diplomacy is a new means for Japan to confound China’s bid for control in the bitterly contested South China Sea as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks a regional military role amid a retreat from decades of state pacifism.
The pact could…
New Zealand politician resigns after admitting welfare fraud more than 20 years ago
The co-leader of New Zealand’s Green Party resigned Wednesday, three weeks after confessing she committed welfare fraud as a struggling young mother more than 20 years ago.
Metiria Turei said the scrutiny on her family following her disclosure had become unbearable and she worried she was hindering her party’s chances six weeks ahead of an election.
Polls indicate support for the Green Party has dropped significantly since Turei’s confession and the appointment last week of…
Commission finds no competition concerns in Santander acquisition of Banco Popular
The European Commission has found that Santander’s proposed acquisition of Banco Popular will not raise competition concerns, allowing a resolution scheme proposed by the Single Resolution Board (SRB) to go ahead.