IN BRIEF

Australia

Pakistani killed in bloody attack

A Pakistani service station attendant was stabbed to death during a bloody crime spree in Australia on Thursday, leading to speculation the attack was terror-linked. The 29-year-old man was found with multiple stab wounds after allegedly being attacked by two teenage boys. Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported that "IS" appeared to be scrawled in blood on a window at the station, referring to the Islamic State group. The boys were arrested early on Friday. The Sydney Morning Herald said one of the teenager's mothers thought her son had been radicalized in recent weeks.

Endangered bird gets new wings

A team of veterinarians at a Perth zoo used matchsticks and glue to repair the wings of an endangered Carnaby's cockatoo this week. The bird was injured after coming into contact with a power line last month and suffered severe burns. Veterinarians performed a technique called "imping", which involves using glue and matchsticks to construct new wings while removing the burned tissue.

India

Arms deal with Israel worth $2b

India will buy nearly $2 billion worth of weapons technology from Israel in what's being described as the "largest defense contract" signed by the military exporting giant. The deal will see state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries provide India with an advanced defense system of medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications technology, the company said in a statement on Thursday. India - the world's largest defense importer - has been investing tens of billions in updating its Soviet-era military hardware.

United Kingdom

Fraud victims to get compensation

Lloyds Banking on Friday revealed a $125 million compensation scheme for victims of a fraud for which six people have been imprisoned as Britain's financial watchdog reopened a probe into the case. Britain's largest mortgage lender has been under pressure to compensate the victims, who say it reacted too slowly to their complaints.

Greece

Novartis likely bribed 'thousands'

Greece's justice minister on Friday said Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis had likely bribed "thousands" of doctors and civil servants to promote its products, amid an ongoing probe. Scores of people have been questioned in a probe ongoing since last year, with anti-corruption prosecutors also visiting Novartis's premises near Athens earlier this year to gather evidence.

Nigeria

Extremists torch military base

Boko Haram extremists torched a military base in northeast Nigeria, a day after the group killed seven people in a separate raid, residents said. Extremists believed to be loyal to a Boko Haram faction that is recognized by the Islamic State group on Thursday attacked the base in Wajirko village, 150 kilometers from Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, forcing the soldiers to flee.

Xinhua - AFP - Reuters