Russia charges jailed US
citizen with espionage
MOSCOW, Aug 18: Russia has charged a jailed US citizen with espionage, state news agencies reported, upping the pressure on the US President Joe Biden's administration which has been trying to find a way to bring several detained citizens back home from Russia. Russia's RIA and TASS news agencies said that Moscow's Lefortovo court had remanded Gene Spector in pre-trial custody on suspicion of espionage, which is punishable with a jail term of 10 to 20 years. — Reuters
Ex state bank chief made
Pak finance minister
KARACHI, Aug 18: A former head of Pakistan's central bank has been appointed finance minister in the interim government leading the country to an election due in months. Shamshad Akhtar -- the only woman in the 16-strong cabinet announced Thursday -- takes charge with Pakistan's economy in dire straits, reliant on bailouts from the International Monetary Fund and loans from friendly nations to keep afloat. It is her second stint with the portfolio, having also served as finance minister in the interim government that oversaw elections in 2018. — AFP
Japan scrambles jets after Russian planes spotted off coasts
TOKYO, Aug 18: Japan scrambled fighter jets on Friday after Russian patrol aircraft were seen off the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, the country's Joint Staff said. Two planes flew along the coast between Japan's central and southern regions, passing through the Tsushima Strait and returning the same way, the Joint Staff said in a brief statement. Japan's Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets "were scrambled in response," it said. —AFP
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