*) US ready to join talks on Iran nuclear deal

The US says it's ready to join talks with Iran to return to the 2015 nuclear deal.

The country’s State Department says it would accept an invitation to the EU-led meeting of the participants in the original agreement.

The US also began easing strict travel limits on Iranian diplomats in New York accredited to the UN.

*) Myanmar protests focus on junta's economic support

Nationwide anti-coup protests continue in Myanmar, with demonstrators focused on wearing down the army's economic support.

Daily calls for civil disobedience have resulted in a civil servants strike and the closure of all private banks.

Protesters want the international community to act with tough economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

*) Danger far from over as US freezes under deadly winter storms

Power has been restored to some US states hit by a deadly winter weather system that brought record-busting cold to the southern and central United States.

But the crisis is far from over as many in the South lack safe drinking water.

Over four dozen people have died from a week of historic winter storms.

*) Rich nations stockpiling more Covid-19 shots than they need

A new report by advocacy group ONE campaign has found that wealthy countries will have over a billion more Covid-19 vaccines than they need, leaving poorer nations scrambling for leftovers.

The group says rich nations should share the excess doses to supercharge a global response to the pandemic.

A failure to do so would deny vaccinations to billions and would prolong the pandemic, it added.

And finally…

*) NASA's Perseverance rover successfully lands on Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover has successfully landed on Mars.

The rover is there to hunt for signs of life on the red planet.

Perseverance is a car-sized rover equipped with a helicopter drone among its high-tech instruments.

*) Millions without electricity as second icy storm moves across US

Texas, the energy capital of the US, is without power for a third day as large parts of the country remain in the middle of a deadly winter storm.

At least 28 people have died and more than a 100 million Americans remain under weather warnings.

Forecasters say another storm is on its way as an Arctic air mass moves across east Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Maryland.

*) Protester shot as rallies continue in Myanmar

One protester in Myanmar’s Mandalay has been shot and injured after security forces opened fire on protesters.

The military has also issued arrest warrants for six celebrities for encouraging mass rallies.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands of protesters blocked streets in the country's largest city Yangon, as a show of rejection to the army's claim that people overwhelmingly supported its coup.

*) US charges three North Koreans in $1.3B hacking spree

The US has charged three North Korean computer programmers with a massive hacking spree.

It was aimed at stealing more than $1.3 billion in money and cryptocurrency, affecting companies from banks to Hollywood movie studios.

The indictment alleges the hackers stole money while working for North Korea's military intelligence services.

*) Facebook blocks Australians from sharing news on its platform

Facebook has blocked Australian users from accessing news on its platform.

The move comes as a proposed law in Australia would force tech giants like Facebook and Google to pay publishers for the content reposted from news outlets.

Facebook says the law misrepresents the relationship between the platform and publishers.

And finally…

*) Fresh clashes in Spain over rapper's arrest

Police in Spain clashed with thousands protesting for the release of jailed Spanish rapper Pablo Hasel.

His case has caused widespread controversy with many saying it’s a dangerous assault on free speech.

The singer insulted the monarchy and accused police of brutality and murder in a series of tweets.

*) French lawmakers approve controversial 'anti-separatism' bill

France's controversial anti-separatism bill has survived a crucial vote in the lower house of parliament.

The proposed law is widely criticised by the Muslim community, who say it will impose restrictions on almost every aspect of their lives.

President Emmanuel Macron says he's trying to protect France's secular values through the bill that will now be debated in the senate.

*) Plunging temperatures cause road chaos, power emergency

Millions are without power as a winter storm grips the southern and central US with record-low temperatures.

At least 20 people died in Texas, Kentucky and Missouri.

The storm is carrying heavy snow and freezing rain and prompted warnings for Canada and Mexico.

*) UN warns of possible escalation in Myanmar violence

The UN is warning of a possible escalation in violence in Myanmar as demonstrators gather to protest the military coup.

Protesters aim to show the army's assertion of widespread public support for seizing power and holding new elections was false.

The military also filed new charges against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in a move that drew condemnation from the US, the UN and the UK.

*) US urges Houthi movement to halt advance on city of Marib

The US is urging Yemen’s Houthis to halt their offensive in Marib and engage in a UN-led peace process.

The offensive on Yemen government’s last northern stronghold is sparking fears of a new humanitarian crisis.

Marib has served as a sanctuary for around a million Yemenis who fled violence in the capital Sanaa in 2014.

And finally…

*) Italy's Mount Etna shoots lava into night sky, after leaping into action

Europe's most active volcano Mount Etna has erupted several times, shooting lava and spewing ash into the sky.

The volcanic activity at the popular tourist destination was expected and posed no danger to the surrounding villages.

The eruptions that are spectacular to watch at night also prompted authorities to shut down a nearby airport.

*) Turkey summons US envoy over conditional condemnation

Ankara has slammed US reaction to the PKK terror group’s execution of 13 Turkish citizens in northern Iraq.

The bodies of hostages were found in a cave following an anti-terror operation by Turkish Armed Forces.

The US State Department issued a conditional condemnation following the attack, which Turkish officials described as a “joke”.

*) Dozens killed, hundreds missing in DRC boat accident

At least 60 people have died after a passenger barge carrying more than 700 sank in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some 300 survivors were found near the scene of the accident in the Congo River.

Efforts are being made to find more than 240 people who are still missing.

*) Rockets strike near US base in Iraq

A rocket attack at a US-led military base in northern Iraq has killed a civilian contractor and wounded five other people, including a US service member.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the US will support Baghdad in investigating and holding accountable those who are responsible.

It was the most deadly attack to hit the US forces in Iraq in almost a year.

*) Protests continue despite increasing crackdown in Myanmar

Myanmar’s army has deployed extra troops around the country to intensify the crackdown on anti-coup protests.

The internet was also blocked for a second night in a row, prompting condemnation from the UN.

Myanmar's citizens continue to defy the military and protest the coup which overthrew leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

And finally...

*) Jaguar cars go fully electric from 2025

Indian-owned Jaguar plans to go fully electric from 2025.

The company hopes the move will help turn around the fortunes of the 86-year-old luxury brand, which has struggled in recent years.

Previously British owned, Jaguar was bought by India’s Tata Motors during the global financial crisis of 2008.

*) Myanmar junta shuts down internet

Myanmar has cut down internet service and deployed troops around the country in signs of a feared crackdown on anti-coup protests.

The junta has escalated efforts to quell a civil disobedience campaign that demands the return of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The military has instructed journalists in the country not to cover the coup protests that are continuing to expand across Myanmar.

*) PKK terrorists kill 13 Turkish citizens in N Iraq

Turkish forces have found the bodies of 13 Turkish nationals murdered in a cave in northern Iraq.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar says PKK terrorists executed all 13 hostages before they could be rescued in an operation.

Akar says all terrorists in the cave were killed by Turkish forces.

*) Senate acquits Trump of inciting Capitol attack

US Senate has acquitted former president Donald Trump of the charge of inciting last month's Capitol riots.

Seven Republicans joined all Democrats in the most bipartisan impeachment vote ever, but it fell far short of the 67 votes needed for Trump's conviction.

The trial of the deadly January 6 riots has left a divided nation to come to terms with the violence sparked by Trump's defeated presidency.

*) Several killed in DRC militia attack

At least 11 civilians, including a 10-year-old girl, have been killed in a militant attack on northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Local officials said fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces attacked the town of Ndalya. Three soldiers also died in the ambush.

The UN says 468 deaths in the country’s east were attributed to the ADF in the second half of 2020, including 15 children.

And finally...

*) Bitcoin pulls back from brink of $50,000

Bitcoin has pulled back from a record high and other cryptocurrencies have slipped.

The crypto market saw a decline, as investors took profits from a record-breaking rally that has pushed Bitcoin close to $50,000.

Bitcoin fell as much as 5.6 percent to under $46,000 in Asian trading hours after posting a record peak of $49,715 on Sunday.

*) Prosecutors conclude arguments in Trump impeachment trial

Prosecutors gave their final arguments in Donald Trump's impeachment trial, warning he could do it again if not convicted.

They called on senators to use their common sense to convict Trump for inciting the US Capitol insurrection.

A two-thirds majority in an evenly split 100 member senate is needed to convict the former president.

*) Snap lockdown imposed in Australia's Victoria state

A five-day lockdown has been imposed in Australia's state of Victoria to stop an outbreak of the hyper-infectious UK strain of Covid-19, which leaked from a quarantine hotel.

Some 5 million people will have to remain indoors for five days, except for a limited number of permitted activities.

The Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament, which began in Melbourne this week, will be allowed to continue without fans.

*) US piles sanctions on Myanmar army leaders

The US has slapped more sanctions on the leaders of Myanmar's army.

The US Treasury Department blocked US assets and transactions with 10 military officials held responsible for the February 1 coup.

Demonstrations condemning the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi have largely been peaceful, although security forces this week used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets on protesters.

*) China bans BBC after its report on Uighur minority

China has banned Britain's BBC World News after the channel's report on Beijing's treatment of the Muslim Uighur minority.

The decision came just days after Britain revoked the broadcast license of China's CGTN for breaking UK law.

The relations between the two countries are strained by China's introduction of a security law in Britain's former colony, Hong Kong.

And finally...

*) Jazz legend Chick Corea dies at 79

Chick Corea, a towering jazz pianist who pushed the boundaries of the genre, has died aged 79.

Corea died of a rare form of cancer, which had only been recently discovered.

During his career, Corea won 23 Grammy Awards, produced dozens of albums and played alongside Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.

*) Trump trial video shows danger of Capitol riot

Prosecutors at Donald Trump's impeachment trial showed chilling new security video to recount the Capitol insurrection.

The video showed a mob of rioters breaking into the Capitol, smashing windows and doors and searching menacingly for Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as police begged on their radios for help.

Prosecutors detailed how Trump did nothing on January 6th to stop the attackers, despite those around him urging him to call them off.

*) Biden in call with China's Xi raises human rights, trade

US President Joe Biden spoke about trade and Beijing's crackdown on activists in Hong Kong during a phone call with China's Xi Jinping.

Biden also pressed Xi on Beijing's human rights abuses against Uighur and ethnic minorities, and its actions toward Taiwan.

Xi told Biden that China and the US should manage their disputes in a constructive manner, unlike his predecessor.

*) Prominent Saudi women’s rights activist released from prison

One of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent political activists has been released from prison.

Loujain al Hathloul, who pushed to end a ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia, was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to almost six years in prison under a broad counterterrorism law.

Her early release comes as Joe Biden vows to reassess the US-Saudi partnership and stand up for human rights and democratic principles..

*) Red Cross: Tens of thousands could die from starvation in Tigray

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society warns that tens of thousands could starve to death in the country's conflict-hit Tigray region.

The situation worsened after Ethiopian forces launched a military offensive there three months ago.

Nearly 4 million of Tigray's roughly 6 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

And finally...

*) Tokyo 2020 president to resign over sexist comments

Yoshiro Mori, the president of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics organising committee, will resign after publicly making sexist remarks.

The 83-year-old complained that Olympic committee meetings were dragging because competitive women in attendance talked too much.

His comments resulted in the resignation of over 400 Olympic volunteers and protests calling for him to step down.

*) US Senate votes to proceed with impeachment trial

US Senators in Donald Trump's historic second impeachment trial have agreed to consider the case.

The vote to proceed was 56 to 44, including six Republican senators.

Trump is accused of inciting the deadly riot at the US Capitol on January 6th.

His defence lawyers argued it was unconstitutional to convict a president on impeachment charges after he'd left office.

The New York Times is reporting Trump was unhappy with his lawyers' defence tactics, which included praise for the arguments of the House impeachment managers.

*) Thousands protest for fifth day in Myanmar, defying military orders

In Myanmar, thousands continue to protest the February first military coup for a fifth consecutive day.

Civil disobedience continued despite demonstrations turning violent the day before, leaving four people injured, including one in critical condition. Dozens have also been arrested.

Meanwhile, the military junta raided the headquarters of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party in Yangon.

*) Rescue teams search for survivors after India glacier collapse

Rescue teams in India continue searching for survivors after part of a glacier collapsed in the northern state of Uttarakhand.

The incident on Sunday triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 32 people. Another 170 are still missing and feared dead.

Rescue efforts are focused on several sites, including a tunnel where dozens of hydropower plant workers are possibly trapped.

*) Turkey unveils National Space Programme

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unveiled Turkey's national space programme.

Erdogan said the programme's primary objective is to embark on the country's first mission to the moon by 2023.

The first stage of the mission would be “through international cooperation,” while the second stage would utilise Turkish rockets, Erdogan said.

And finally...

*) Ethiopia’s Tsegay sets new world indoor record in 1,500 metre

Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia has set a new 1,500-metre indoor world record by finishing in 3 minutes 53.09 seconds at a meet in northern France.

A world bronze medalist, Tsegay followed the fast tempo set by the pacemaker and held on to prevail over Britain’s Laura Muir and her teammate Melissa Courtney-Bryant.

Tsegay took more than two seconds off the previous record set by fellow Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba in 2014.

*) US Senate leaders announce rules for impeachment trial

US Senate leaders from both parties have agreed on the rules for former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Tuesday.

The trial will begin with a debate and vote on whether it's even constitutional to prosecute the former president and opening arguments would begin on Wednesday.

Senate Democrats say Trump incited his supporters to riot at the US Capitol on January the sixth as lawmakers were certifying Joe Biden's 2020 election win.

Trump’s lawyers have called the entire procedure unconstitutional...because Trump is no longer president.

*) Myanmar protesters vow to disobey ban on gatherings

In Myanmar, protests are showing no sign of ending, despite curfews and bans on big gatherings.

The civil disobedience call affects hospitals, schools and government offices across the Southeast Asian country as the movement continues to grow for the fourth day in a row.

Myanmar's military leader says the coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's government was justified as her victory in the November poll was unfair.

*) Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai remains in prison

Hong Kong's top court has extended media tycoon and Beijing critic Jimmy Lai's stay in prison.

Lai has been in custody since December the third, except for a week when he was granted bail.

Now, the court has ruled that his release on bail last year was based on a misinterpretation of national security rules.

*) Teams search for survivors of Himalayan glacier collapse in India

In India, search and rescue teams are looking for survivors after part of a glacier collapsed in the northern state of Uttarakhand on Sunday.

The incident triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 26 people. Another 170 are still missing.

Rescue efforts are focused on several sites, including a tunnel where dozens of hydropower plant workers are reportedly trapped.

And finally...

*) Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes agree on a one-year contract

Lewis Hamilton has signed a one-year deal with Mercedes for the 2021 season but the Formula One team's boss indicated it could be his final season in the car.

The agreement ends the British driver's long-running contract saga with the dominant Silver Arrows ahead of the start of the new campaign in Bahrain.

Hamilton has won more races, pole positions and podiums than any other driver in the sport's history.

*) US won't lift sanctions on Iran

Joe Biden says the US will not lift sanctions on Iran until it stops enriching uranium beyond the limits set in the 2015 nuclear deal.

Biden's comments follow those by Iranian cleric Ali Khamenei, who says Tehran will only rejoin the deal if the US rescinds sanctions.

The deal has been hanging by a thread since Donald Trump decided to withdraw from it in 2018 and reimpose sanctions on Tehran.

*) Nationwide anti-coup protests continue in Myanmar

Thousands are taking a stand against the military coup in Myanmar with nationwide rallies.

They're demanding the release of leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other top politicians who were arrested.

The nationwide protests are the biggest since the 2007 Saffron Revolution.

*) Scores missing after Himalayan glacier bursts

At least 14 people were killed after a glacier burst, triggering a massive avalanche and heavy flooding in northern India.

Rescue workers are now racing to find scores of people still missing, and feared dead.

Footage on social media shows water gushing towards a small hydroelectric dam, sweeping away nearly everything in its path.

*) South Africa suspends use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine

South African health officials have suspended the rollout of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine.

The decision comes after a study found the vaccine offers only limited protection for the more contagious variant there.

Vaccines developed by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech will be used instead.

And finally...

*) Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the Super Bowl

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFL Super Bowl after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9.

The 43-year-old quarterback Tom Brady, won a coveted seventh Super Bowl, as he steered his team to victory.

Brady was also named Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player or MVP for the fifth time in his career.