Evening News Wrap: Bondi Beach Shooting, BJP Appointment, and More

Sydney, Australia is reeling from a mass shooting at Bondi Beach that has left at least 11 dead and many more injured. The attack occurred on Sunday evening during a Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad of Bondi. Gunshots were reported near Campbell Parade, causing widespread panic as people sought shelter.

Police responded to the incident around 6:45 PM (AEDT), with officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and other resources deployed. As of late Sunday evening, police confirmed that 10 people were dead, including one of the suspected shooters. Another alleged shooter is in critical condition. At least 11 others are injured, including two police officers. The number of casualties is expected to change as the operation continues.

The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force has declared the incident a terrorist attack. According to NSW Police and the director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, one of the shooters was known to authorities, but not considered an immediate threat. A vehicle on Campbell Parade is under investigation by the bomb disposal unit, with authorities suspecting it may contain improvised explosive devices.

Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as the shooting unfolded. Camilo Diaz, a student from Chile, told AFP that he heard a series of gunshots that felt like "10 minutes of just bang, bang, bang". Video footage circulating online shows people fleeing the beach and victims receiving treatment on the ground. One video appears to show a bystander disarming one of the shooters.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack as an "act of evil antisemitism" and a "dark moment for our nation". NSW Premier Chris Minns called it "a terrible night for Sydney".

In other news, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Nitin Nabin as its National Working President. Nabin, a cabinet minister in the Bihar government, is a four-time MLA from Bankipur and is known for his strong electoral record. The decision was made by the party's parliamentary board, and the appointment is effective immediately. Nabin has held several organizational positions within the BJP, including National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and State President of BJYM Bihar. The appointment is seen as a significant move ahead of party elections, with Prime Minister Modi and Rajnath Singh praising Nabin's organizational experience and humble nature.

Internationally, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has urged the Government of Pakistan to address reports of inhumane detention conditions for former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Edwards warned that the conditions could amount to torture or degrading treatment. Khan is reportedly held in a small cell lacking natural light and adequate ventilation, leading to health issues.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Ditwah and Cyclone Senyar caused significant flooding in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand, with hundreds of fatalities confirmed.