*) Trump finally concedes to Biden

US President Trump has finally conceded election defeat to Joe Biden and also condemned his supporters for their deadly raid on congress.

It comes as chaos on Capitol Hill led to resignations in the Trump administration and calls for the president’s impeachment.

The siege of the Capitol building left four protesters and one police officer dead.

Now, an increasingly isolated Trump has promised to participate in a transition to the new administration on January 20.

*) Air strike, suicide bombing hit southern Afghanistan

At least 23 civilians and security forces have been killed in separate attacks in southern Afghanistan.

A suicide bomber killed six security forces near a military base in southern Uruzgan province, while an airstrike in Helmand province killed at least five people.

In northern Kunduz province, Taliban fighters stormed a military checkpoint killing at least 12 security personnel.

*) WhatsApp to share data with Facebook

WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, has announced a change in its privacy policy which will allow Facebook to access user data.

Over 2 billion users will be presented with "an ultimatum" on February 8th to either accept the new privacy policies or delete their accounts.

WhatsApp had assured users that their data would remain private when Facebook acquired it in 2014.

*) Pfizer study suggests vaccine works against virus variants

New research has shown that Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine can protect against a mutation found in two highly contagious variants of the virus spreading in UK and South Africa.

The variants share a common mutation – a slight alteration of the spike protein coating the virus that could be responsible for greater transmissibility.

The not-yet peer-reviewed study by Pfizer and scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch indicated the vaccine was effective in neutralising virus with the mutation of the spike protein.

And finally…

*) Turkey launches fifth-generation satellite

Turkey's new communications satellite that has been launched from the US-based company SpaceX at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

With Turksat 5A in service, Turkey will add the Middle East and Africa to its coverage area, the country’s transportation minister said.

Turkey will launch another communication satellite, the Turksat 5B, in June.

*) Mob storms US Capitol as Trump accused of 'coup'

We start in the US, where Donald Trump's supporters stormed a session of Congress to certify Joe Biden's election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and accusations the president was attempting a coup.

At least four people died in the ensuing violence as supporters gathered outside Capitol Hill with a demand to overturn the presidential election results.

In surreal scenes, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building, smashed windows and forced lawmakers into hiding.

Social media platforms Facebook and Twitter temporarily blocked Trump's accounts for what they call inflammatory posts during the chaos.

*) Some 2.2 million displaced by fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray

Around 2.2 million people have been displaced within Ethiopia’s Tigray region since fighting erupted there in November last year.

That’s according to an official in the interim administration in Tigray appointed by the federal government.

Ethiopia's government restricted access to Tigray after fighting flared between its troops and the TPLF, a political party governing the province.

*) Covid-19 claimed lives of over 600 journalists

The coronavirus has taken the lives of 600 journalists since March 1 last year, a press freedom organisation says.

The Press Emblem Campaign said that 303 deaths were from Latin America.

Some 145 deaths were recorded in Asia, with 94 in Europe, 32 in North America, and 28 in Africa.

*) WikiLeaks founder Assange denied bail in UK

A court in the UK has denied bail to Julian Assange, ruling he must stay in a British prison.

The judge is the same one who blocked the Australian's extradition to the US a few days ago.

The founder of Wikileaks has been incarcerated at London's Belmarsh Prison since April 2019.

And finally…

*) Bitcoin hits new record high, breaks above $35,000

Bitcoin has broken a new record, rising to a high of thirty-five thousand, eight hundred and seventy-nine dollars ($35,879).

The rise extends a rally that has seen the digital currency increase in value by more than 800 percent since mid-March.

Bitcoin's advance has reflected expectations it will become a mainstream payment method.

*) Gulf Arab leaders sign declaration to ease rift with Qatar

Gulf Arab leaders have ended a three-year blockade against Qatar.

In a symbolic sign of warming relations, the Saudi crown prince embraced Qatar's emir after he arrived for a regional summit.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism and being close to Iran, an accusation Doha denied.

*) Ballot counting underway in Georgia ran-off election

Democrats have claimed a major victory in the Georgia run-offs where candidate Raphael Warnock has declared he's won a seat in the US Senate.

On the second senate seat, Democrat Jon Ossoff and his Republican challenger David Perdue are still in a neck and neck contest.

Republicans only need one seat to retain their majority, but Democrats need to win both.

The outcome could change how the incoming Biden administration works with lawmakers.

*) Dozens of Hong Kong activists arrested

Hong Kong police have arrested more than 50 opposition lawmakers and activists under its national security law.

The new security law criminalises acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers to intervene in the its affairs.

In recent months, Hong Kong has jailed many activists including Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow for their involvement in anti-Beijing protests.

*) Iran issues Interpol notice for Trump's arrest

Iran has issued a second arrest warrant for US President Donald Trump and 47 other US officials over last year’s killing of general Qasem Soleimani.

Iran has also requested Interpol to issue a red notice for their arrest, a request comes two weeks before Trump has to leave the White House.

Interpol said it does not consider requests for a red notice that are deemed to be motivated by political or military concerns.

And finally…

*) Premier League sees record number of Covid-19 cases

The English Premier League has announced that a total of 40 individuals have tested positive for Covid-19.

Since the new season kicked off, 171 individuals in the English top-flight have tested positive for the virus in 19 rounds of testing.

The league did not name the people who tested positive but said they will self-isolate for 10 days.

*) Saudi Arabia to lift Qatar embargo

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain are reopening their airspace and land and sea borders to Qatar after three years.

Riyadh and its allies launched the blockade in 2017, accusing Doha of supporting extremist groups and having warm ties with Iran.

A senior Trump administration official said that an agreement to end their dispute is to be signed in Saudi Arabia.

*) UK judge refuses US extradition of Assange

A British judge has rejected a US’ request to extradite Julian Assange to face espionage charges over the publication of secret US documents.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said that Assange was likely to commit suicide if sent to the US.

Lawyers for the government said they would appeal the decision,

as the Department of Justice will continue to seek the WikiLeaks founder’s extradition.

*) Iran prepares for drone exercise as tensions rise in region

Tensions are brewing in the Middle East ahead of the administration change in Washington.

Iran recently announced that it had begun enriching uranium up to 20 percent in violation of Tehran's 2015 nuclear pact with six major powers.

Citing threats from Iran, the Pentagon said it was reversing the decision to bring back aircraft carrier USS Nimitz home from the Gulf.

*) Pakistan provincial court bans virginity tests on rape victims

A top provincial court in Pakistan has outlawed virginity tests on rape victims, a longstanding practice in the country.

Critics of the tests, including an invasive "two-finger test”, had filed petitions in the eastern city of Lahore in a bid to have them outlawed.

The World Health Organization has said there is no scientific merit to the examinations and considers them a human rights violation.

And finally…

*) Alibaba founder disappears, fueling speculation about his whereabouts

Alibaba founder Jack Ma’s absence from public view has raised more questions after the Wall Street Journal reported that China aimed to take a bigger role in his empire.

Jack Ma has not appeared in a public setting since a late October forum in Shanghai where he blasted China’s regulatory system in a speech.

Chinese regulators have zeroed in on Ma's businesses since his October speech, including launching an antitrust probe into Alibaba.

*) Leaked call reveals Trump pressured Georgia election official

US President Donald Trump has attempted to influence the results of the November 3 presidential election, according to a Washington Post report.

The newspaper published a recording of a telephone call Trump had with election officials in the state of Georgia.

Trump is heard pressuring Georgia's secretary of state to "find" enough votes in an attempt to overturn the state's election result.

*) Gunmen kill 11 Shia Hazara coal miners in Pakistan

Gunmen have killed at least 11 miners from Pakistan’s minority Shia Hazaras in Balochistan province.

The attack took place early on Sunday morning near a coal mine in the Mach area of Balochistan's Bolan district.

Initial investigation revealed the attackers identified the miners as being from the Hazara community before taking them away for execution.

*) India's approval of homegrown vaccine criticised over lack of data

India's emergency-use approval of a locally developed vaccine has faced criticism.

Industry experts and opposition lawmakers said the step was taken without publishing efficacy data for the coronavirus vaccine by Bharat Biotech.

India also approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which is being produced locally for poorer countries but has banned its export until local demand has been met.

*) Israeli prosecutors spell out charges against Netanyahu

Israeli prosecutors have released an amended indictment spelling out detailed corruption charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It is alleged there were 315 incidents of Walla news agency being asked to make its coverage more favourable for Netanyahu and his family.

The prosecutors said there were indications that Netanyahu was personally involved in 150 of those incidents.

And finally…

*) Over two-millennia-old Aphrodite temple discovered in Turkey

A team of Turkish scientists and archaeologists have discovered the 2,500-year-old remains of an Aphrodite temple in Turkey’s Urla-Cesme peninsula.

Aphrodite is an ancient goddess from Greek mythology associated with passion, beauty, pleasure and procreation.

The first traces of the temple were discovered back in 2016 and were announced to the world by a journal article.

*) New year, same dilemmas

It is officially 2021 but 2020's problems are still looming.

This year, Britain will learn to go it alone after ending nearly 50 years in the EU common market.

And US President Donald Trump's first term is ending, paving the way for a Biden presidency and a raft of policy changes.

This will all be under the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic as rich countries begin vaccine rollouts but that relief remains elusive to most poor countries.

*) Brexit comes into effect

We can all stop complaining about long quibbling Brexit negotiations now because the UK has now officially exited the European Union.

Britain is no longer bound by EU rules as new policies on trades, travels, immigration, and security co-operation come into effect.

The immediate consequence is an end to the free movement of more than 500 million people between Britain and the 27 EU states.

*) UN ends peacekeeping mission in Sudan’s Darfur

On to another exit, the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur has ended after 13 years of peacekeeping in the Sudanese region.

The phased withdrawal of some 8,000 of the UN’s armed and civilian personnel will begin in January and be completed within six months.

UN troops entered the area after fighting erupted in 2003 between ethnic minority rebels and the Arab-dominated government, killing 300,000 people.

*) US to move aircraft carrier out of Mideast amid Iran tension

To the Middle East now, where the United States has decided to move its aircraft carrier out of the region.

The decision comes two days after the US military flew strategic bombers over the Gulf as a show of force against Iran.

Washington said the bombers were meant to deter Tehran from American or allied targets in the region.

And finally…

*) World ushers in New Year in shadow of pandemic

Hello, 2021. This New Year’s Eve was celebrated like no other, with Covid-19 pandemic restrictions limiting crowds.

After a grinding year that has seen at least 1.8 million people die from the virus, fresh waves of infection have sparked renewed lockdowns globally.

But China’s Wuhan, where the virus first appeared last year, saw thousands gather to ring in the new year.

Daily News Brief for Thursday, December 31st:

*) Brexit is finally real

We begin in the UK where a Brexit deal with the EU has been granted the royal assent by the queen and support by Britain's parliament.

The deal, which is now enshrined in British law, comes into effect at 11pm London time on the 31st when the UK finally leaves the EU's single market.

The deal delivers control over UK law, money and borders and trade deals, but business and travel with Europe will involve more red tape.

*) Deadly blast hits Yemen’s Aden

Explosions have hit an airport in Yemen’s southern city of Aden, as the newly formed government arrived from Saudi Arabia.

At least 26 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the blast that occurred as hundreds gathered at the airport to greet the delegation.

The cabinet members were unharmed and taken to the city's presidential palace.

*) Iran to pay $150,000 to each family of Ukraine crash victims

Iran has announced that it will pay $150,000 to each family of those killed in the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane on January 8.

Kiev called the move "unacceptable", arguing the compensation amount should be the subject of negotiations.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran, killing all 176 people aboard.

Tehran admitted three days later that its forces mistakenly shot down the Kiev-bound plane after firing two missiles, amid US-Iran tensions.

*) Argentina legalises abortion

Argentina’s Senate has passed a bill legalising elective abortion after a marathon 12-hour session, clearing its final hurdle to become law.

Abortion will now be legal up to the fourteenth week of pregnancy, and will be legal after that period in cases of rape or danger to the mother’s life.

Argentina is the largest Latin American country to legalise abortion in a region where the Catholic Church has held cultural and political sway for centuries.

And finally…

*) Brazil prosecutors look into alleged Neymar New Year bash

Football star Neymar is in hot water over reports that he is organising a New Year's Eve party at his Brazillian home despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Brazilian prosecutors are investigating the claims and asked Neymar to clarify any health measures in place and the number of guests.

Sources close to the striker said he was not planning on hosting a party at his pad near Rio de Janeiro.

*) First batch of China's Sinovac vaccines arrives in Turkey

A plane carrying the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines made by China’s SinoVac has arrived in Turkey.

The Turkish Airlines plane carrying three million doses of vaccines for 1.5 million people landed at Esenboga Airport in capital Ankara.

Turkey's Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said that the first 20 million doses of 50 million ordered from Sinovac will be delivered during December and January.

*) Trump’s $2,000 checks stall in Senate as GOP blocks vote

President Donald Trump's push for bigger $2,000 Covid-19 relief checks has been blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate.

The roadblock mounted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may not be sustainable as pressure mounts.

The issue to raise relief cheques from $600 for millions of Americans is a rare occasion that has not only divided the Republicans but put Trump on the same side as the Democrats.

*) Turkey, UK ink to extend free-trade deal

Turkey and the United Kingdom have extended their free-trade deal, days before Brexit, to keep up the existing flow of goods.

The trade ministers of two countries signed the agreement in a televised video conference call.

Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said the deal will take effect on January 1, 2021, ensuring a quick transition after the existing deal ends.

*) Magnitude 6.4 earthquake hits Croatia

A strong earthquake has hit Croatia that left at least seven people dead and injured several others causing considerable damage to roofs **(rooves like hoof/hooves--British pronunciation) and buildings.

The tremor was felt as far afield as Vienna while the damage was concentrated in and around Petrinja, a town at the south of capital Zagreb.

The GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said the quake hit at a depth of 10 kilometres.

And finally…

*) Boeing 737 MAX returns to US skies

The first commercial flight of a Boeing 737 MAX has taken off in the US following its grounding in the aftermath of two deadly crashes.

Boeing struggled through 20 months that the plane was barred from skies globally, a situation made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The planemaker has sought to reassure the public over the aircraft's safety after it was cleared by US regulators in November to resume flights.

Fate of President Donald Trump's $2,000 Covid-19 relief cheques now rests with GOP-led Senate, and drones could soon be making commercial delivery of packages in the US

*) US House approves $2,000 Covid-19 relief bill

The US House has voted overwhelmingly to increase Covid-19 relief cheques to $2,000, sending the bill to the GOP-controlled Senate.

The new measure, long-backed by the Democrats, would provide more money to low-income Americans only.

By sending the measure to the Senate, Democrats are using the rare point of agreement with Trump to advance the proposal, or at least put Republicans on record against it.

*) Telecom towers targeted in Indian farmer protests

Protesters in India have attacked more than 1,500 masts of companies that they believe have profited from new farm laws at their expense.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been demonstrating near the capital New Delhi to protest new laws implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Farmers leaders say the reforms will lead to a takeover of the agriculture business by Indian conglomerates.

*) Three French soldiers killed in Mali

At least three French soldiers were killed in Mali after an improvised explosive device hit their armoured vehicle.

France has more than 5,000 troops deployed in West Africa to help fight militant groups there as part of Operation Barkhane.

Militants, who were forced from power in northern Mali after a 2013 French-led operation, now launch frequent attacks in the region.

*) Saudi court hands jail sentence to women's rights activist

A Saudi terrorism court has sentenced prominent women's rights activist Loujain al Hathloul to five years and eight months in prison.

Hathloul has been held since 2018 after being arrested along with at least a dozen other women's rights activists.

The court suspended two years and 10 months of her sentence.

And finally…

*) US to allow small drones to fly over people and at night

Small drones will be allowed to fly over people and at night in the United States.

Most drones will need to be equipped so they can be identified remotely by law enforcement officials.

Drones are the fastest-growing segment in US transportation, and the latest move will potentially give a boost to commercial use of the machines.

*) Trump signs Covid-19 relief bill

US President Donald Trump has averted a government shutdown, by finally signing a $2.4 trillion package that includes Covid-19 relief funding.

The White House says the Senate will now begin a process for a vote to increase direct payments to jobless Americans to 2,000 dollars.

The bill's signing comes after confusion and uncertainty over whether those out of work would be able to pay their rent and buy groceries.

*) Central African Republic votes under threat of violence

Voters in the Central African Republic have participated in general elections held by a government under attack by rebels.

Militias hostile to President Faustin-Archange Touadera*, who is seeking a second term, have recently stepped up attacks over perceived vote-rigging.

Tensions rose after the Central African Republic's constitutional court rejected several candidacies, including that of former president Francois Bozize.

*) GCC discusses steps to resolve Qatar dispute

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has told the Gulf Cooperation Council to invite all members, including Qatar, to its summit in Riyadh on January fifth.

The invitation comes amid hopes the three-year-long dispute between Saudi Arabia and its allies and Qatar may be settled.

Earlier this month, Kuwait said that progress had been made between the Saudis and Qataris towards resolving the dispute.

*) Niger votes in historic elections

Elections in Niger over the weekend are expected to seal, for the first time, a peaceful handover between elected presidents.

A smooth transition would be a ray of hope rare for a country that has seen several coups and faces poverty and deadly violence.

Some 7.4 million Nigeriens were registered to vote to elect legislators and the successor to President Mahamadou Issoufou.

And finally…

*) Ronaldo crowned player of the century

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been named player of the century at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

Beating out Barcelona's Leo Messi and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Ronaldo was voted best player of the 2000s by a 23-person jury.

The five-time UEFA Champions League winner led the Portugal national team to win their first-ever major title, the UEFA Euro 2016.