Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden, widely believed had died is alive and leading al-Qaeda.

Hamza, 34, was previously reported dead in 2019, and reportedly based in Jalalabad, a known terrorist hub east of Kabul.

The development is now raising serious concerns about the continuation of Osama bin Laden’s legacy and the potential for further violence and terrorism, UK Mirror reports.

According to the report, Hamza, also known as the “Crown Prince of Terror,” is said to be secretly commanding the terrorist network, alongside his brother Abdullah.

The report said intelligence suggests that both brothers have established a militant dynasty.

They are assumed to have 10 major terror training camps in Afghanistan and connections to other global extremist groups.

The report further revealed that Hamza has camps where he trains fighters and suicide bombers, and teach them how to slip out of Afghanistan to launch threats against Western targets.

“Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but actively involved in al-Qaeda’s resurgence, a fact well-known among senior Taliban leaders. These leaders engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family,” a report seen by the Mirror stated.

Source: Caveat

New York is considering paying reparations to the descendants of slaves under new plans approved by the City Council.

The proposals are yet to be signed into law by Democratic Mayor Eric Adams. They are aimed at acknowledging and addressing the impact of slavery in New York City

According to the City Council, New York City had one of the highest rates of slave ownership in the country during the 1700s, before abolishing it in 1872.

However, businesses across the city, including the predecessors of some modern banks, continued to benefit financially from the slave trade up until 1866.

The lawmakers behind the proposals noted that the harms caused by the institution are still felt by Black Americans today.

One of the proposals would also require the city to install a sign on Wall Street in Manhattan to mark the site of New York’s first slave market. The market operated between 1711 and 1762.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said: “The wealth of Wall Street banks was built on the backs of the human beings sold on that very spot.

“And we have a moral obligation to accurately acknowledge this slave market’s tragic history, the pain of enslaved people in our city, and the role slavery had in New York’s economy, one which has echoed painfully across generations.”

Council Member Farah Louis, a Democrat who sponsored one of the bills, told the City Council on Thursday: “The reparations movement is often misunderstood as merely a call for compensation.”

She added that systemic forms of oppression still affected Black American’s today, including through the underfunding of crucial services in predominantly black neighbourhoods.

“Does that mean we are going to hand everyone a check? No,” Louis said.

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“But starting the conversation is the most important part.”

City Hall signaled the mayor’s support in a statement calling the legislation “another crucial step towards addressing systemic inequities, fostering reconciliation, and creating a more just and equitable future for all New Yorkers.”

However, not all city council members were on board with the new bill.

Joseph Borelli, the Republican minority leader of the city council, who represents Staten Island, criticized the plans.

“I bear no responsibility for slavery,” Borelli said.

“Unless someone could explain to me why I should bear some individual and societal guilt through my taxes, I’m going to be opposed.”

The new bills would direct the city’s Commission on Racial Equity to suggest remedies to the legacy of slavery, including reparations.

It would also create a truth and reconciliation process to establish historical facts about slavery in the state.

The commission would work with the existing state commission, which is also considering the possibility of reparations.

Credit: MailOnline

The United Kingdom government has introduced new financial requirements for foreign nationals intending to study in the country, with the proof of funds amount significantly increased.

According to the Home Office, students planning to study in London must now show evidence of having £1,483 per month to cover living costs, while those studying outside London must have £1,136 per month.

This marks a rise from the previous rates of £1,334 for London and £1,023 for other UK cities.

Under the new rules, students studying in London for nine or more months will need at least £13,348 in savings to apply for a visa.

The Home Office explained that this adjustment is intended to align the financial requirements for foreign students with the revised maintenance loans available for domestic students, ensuring that both groups have adequate funds for living expenses.

The Home Office stated that the increase is essential to align with the updated cost of living in the UK.

Student applicants must meet the maintenance requirement, which will cover each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months.

According to the office, these changes will take effect for students arriving in the UK on or after January 2, 2025.

However, if a student has already paid a deposit for accommodation in the UK, this amount can be deducted from the total funds they are required to show.

The Home Office also noted that it will continue adjusting the financial requirement to reflect inflation and increases in domestic maintenance loans.