KASHMIR: Flash floods have killed at least 34 people in Indian-controlled Kashmir while over 200,000 people have been displaced over the border in Pakistan.

Heavy rains have caused landslides, including the collapse of part of a mountainside onto a Hindu pilgrimage route, which caused most of the fatalities. 

Meteorologists blame climate change for increasingly heavy monsoons, which have killed over 800 people in Pakistan this summer.

AUSTRALIA: A man charged with torching a Melbourne synagogue has been remanded in custody. Ali Younes, 20, was the second suspect charged with the anti-semitic attack, which Australia’s secret service accuses Iran of orchestrating.

Iran has denied involvement and said the accusation is political and part of a backlash against Australia’s proposal to recognise a Palestinian state next month.

SYRIA: Eight soldiers were killed in an Israeli bombing raid over Damascus, the Foreign Ministry said today.

It slammed a “clear breach of [Syria’s] sovereignty and territorial integrity” that took place “in the context of the repeated aggressive policies pursued by the Israeli occupation aimed at undermining security and stability in the region.” 

Israel has bombed Syria at will for years.

GERMANY: The government unveiled a plan to increase the size of the army through voluntary recruitment today, saying it could ask parliament to reintroduce conscription if not enough people join.

Berlin wants the Bundeswehr to grow from 180,000 soldiers to 260,000. Citizens turning 18 will now fill in questionnaires about their willingness to serve and greater flexibility will be introduced on duration of service. 

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the aim was “deterrence toward Russia.”