*)Assault on Idlib continues

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is warning that there may be another refugee crisis in Syria.

The warning comes as strikes against Idlib province by regime and Russian warplanes continue.

The escalation in violence prompted a Turkish delegation to head to Russia to discuss the situation in Idlib.

*)Modi defends citizenship law

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bullishly defending a new citizenship law, despite deadly nationwide protests against it.

At least 23 people have been killed since protests began earlier this month.

The law gives migrants fleeing persecution from neighbouring countries an easier path to citizenship, unless they’re Muslims.

*)Australia's PM defends climate stance amid wildfire disaster

Australia’s embattled prime minister defends his climate policy as authorities warn the wildfire crisis could fester for months.

Around 200 wildfires are burning across four states in Australia.

The disaster led to criticism that Prime Minister Scott Morrison's conservative government has not taken enough action on climate change.

*)Afghanistan's Ghani wins second term as president

After months of delays, Ashraf Ghani has won a second term as Afghanistan's president.

According to preliminary results, Ghani secured just over 50 percent in September's election.

His main rival Abdullah Abdullah says he will contest the result.

And finally,

*)Reventador volcano erupts

Reventador, one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes, lit up the night sky as it shot out lava during an eruption.

It's located in Ecuador's northern Amazon region.

Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has a total of 25 volcanic locations.

*)At least 3 killed in India protests

At least three people were killed in protests against a controversial citizenship law in India.

Demonstrations are taking place in at least 15 cities, despite a ban.

The law gives migrants fleeing persecution from neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh an easier path to citizenship, but Muslims are excluded.

*)Unclarity over next move in Trump impeachment

It's still unclear what will come next in President Donald Trump's political future.

He's the third president in US history to be impeached and has been charged with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The Republican-controlled Senate has been asked to call more witnesses, but it’s likely that Trump will be acquitted.

*)Russian FSB agent killed in Moscow

A Russian FSB officer was shot and killed at the intelligence agency's headquarters in Moscow.

FSB says the attacker was also killed.

The motive for the attack is being investigated.

*)Protests continue despite new PM in Lebanon

Anti-government protests in Lebanon continue despite the announcement of a new prime minister.

Former education minister Hassan Diab was nominated by a majority of lawmakers.

He takes over as the country is going through its worst economic crisis since its civil war.

And finally,

*)Final Star Wars movie hits theatres

The final installment of the Star Wars saga hits theatres this weekend.

Hardcore fans have been camping out days ahead of its release in Hollywood.

The global phenomenon has delighted generations of moviegoers for more than 40 years.

*)US House votes to impeach Trump for abuse of power

Donald Trump has become the third US president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives.

Accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, Trump will now be tried in the Senate.

The impeachment vote followed a long-drawn investigation into whether Trump pressured Ukraine to dig up dirt on his political rival Joe Biden.

*)Protests against citizenship law spread in India

India braces for a day of massive protests as public anger grows over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act.

Multiple protests are planned in the capital New Delhi.

A curfew has been imposed in the state of Uttar Pradesh and parts of Bangalore following violent protests.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court refused to delay the implementation of the new law which is seen as anti-Muslim.

*)State of emergency declared as bushfires rage in Australia

A state of emergency has been declared in Australia’s state of New South Wales as a heatwave exacerbates bushfires.

Several blazes are burning out of control, with authorities warning the situation could become dangerous.

It comes as Australia sweltered through its hottest day on Wednesday, breaking Tuesday’s record.

*)Muslim leaders gather in Malaysia for summit

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the fate of the world's 1.7 billion Muslims is no longer in the hands of five countries.

Erdogan was referring to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council during his speech at the Kuala Lumpur Summit.

More than 450 Islamic leaders and thinkers gathered in Malaysia’s capital to find solutions to problems plaguing the Muslim world.

And finally,

*)Mesut Ozil deleted from computer game in China

China has deleted Arsenal star Mesut Ozil from a computer football game for condemning what he called China’s persecution of Uighur Muslims.

Ozil, who is Muslim, accused other Muslims of staying silent over the issue.

Chinese company NetEase says it will remove Ozil from its three existing games including its most popular edition, PES 2020 Mobile.

*)Impeachment vote set for Wednesday as Trump lashes out

Donald Trump could become the third US President to be impeached if today’s House vote favours his trial.

Trump said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that he was being subjected to an "attempted coup" and a witch trial.

Trump is accused of attempting to force Ukraine to investigate his main 2020 re-election rival, Joe Biden.

*)US Congress authorises sanctions on Syria, Iran, Russia

US lawmakers have approved a bill that seeks to place new sanctions on Syria, Iran and Russia for alleged war crimes in Syria.

The sanctions could target Syrian security officials and companies doing business with the regime.

The bill is known as the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act of 2019.

UN urges 'reboot' of response to refugees as millions displaced

The UN has called on governments and businesses to 'reboot' their response to refugees.

The first-ever global refugee forum in Geneva discussed the issues involving more than 70 million displaced people around the world.

Participants hope the optimism and promises made at the forum will translate into concrete action.

*)Pakistan’s former president handed death penalty in treason case

In Pakistan, a special court has sentenced former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to death.

The court found him guilty of treason for suspending the constitution and imposing a state of emergency in 2007 while he was president.

Musharraf is now living in exile, but is expected to file an appeal. The ruling has been criticised by both the army and the government.

And finally,

*)Australia experiences hottest day on record

Australia has sweltered through its hottest day on record.

The country's average temperature on Tuesday was 40.9 degrees Celsius, beating the 2013 record of 40.3.

Bushfires triggered by a heatwave have killed at least six people and destroyed hundreds of homes across the country in recent months.

*)Third night of clashes as Lebanon puts off talks on new PM

Supporters of Lebanon's two main Shia groups clashed with security forces in the capital.

The groups were apparently angered by a video circulating online that showed a man insulting prominent Shia figures.

The third consecutive night of violence came after Lebanon's president Michel Aoun delayed talks on naming a new prime minister.

*)Erdogan in Switzerland to co-chair Global Refugee Forum

The first Global Refugee Forum kicks off in Geneva, with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan co-chairing the event.

The UNHCR-hosted forum provides a platform for state officials to monitor the UN’s 2018 Global Compact on Refugees initiative.

Turkey hosts some 3.6 million Syrian refugees, more than any other country in the world.

*)Boeing says it will halt 737 MAX production next month

Boeing will temporarily stop producing its grounded 737 Max jet as it struggles to get regulators’ approval to put the plane back in the air.

The Chicago-based company said production would halt at its plant near Seattle, which has 12,000 employees.

The Max has been grounded since March after crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed a total of 346 people.

*)Qatar FM says talks with Saudi Arabia have broken stamelate

Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani says recent talks have broken a protracted stalemate with Saudi Arabia.

He said the country is willing to find a solution to prevent a potential future crisis with its rivals.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and trade links with Qatar in June 2017 over terrorism allegations.

*)At least 49 journalists killed worldwide in 2019 – RSF

And finally,

A total of 49 journalists have been killed across the world in 2019, Reporters Without Borders says, a “historically low” number.

They mostly died covering conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan.

The watchdog also warned that the number of journalists murdered in countries supposedly at peace is still alarmingly high.

*)India protests spread over 'anti-Muslim' law

Fresh protests are expected across India over a controversial citizenship law, after days of unrest left six people dead.

The bill grants citizenship to all religious minorities from India’s neighbouring countries, except to Muslims.

Critics say the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conflicts with India's founding as a secular republic.

*)Turkey may close military base used by US Forces - Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that "if necessary" Ankara may close two military bases that station US soldiers in Turkey.

The comments came after the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognising Armenian claims on the events of 1915.

Ankara describes the deaths in 1915 as a tragedy in which both revolting Armenians and Ottoman forces suffered casualties.

*)Philippine quake knocks over building; 3 dead, 7 missing

Rescuers in the Philippines are scrambling to find seven people trapped inside a building that collapsed after a strong earthquake.

At least five people died in Sunday’s magnitude 6.9 quake that struck Padada and outlying rural towns, cities and provinces.

The southern Philippines region has been battered by three deadly earthquakes in recent months.

*)Protests turn violent for second day in Lebanon's capital

Dozens of people were injured in a clash between protesters and security forces in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters for a second straight day.

Demanding a complete overhaul of a political system, protesters are angry about Saad Hariri's possible return to the post of prime minister.

And finally,

*)French New Wave icon Anna Karina dies at 79

Danish-French actress Anna Karina, muse of New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard, has died of cancer at the age of 79.

Karina made seven films with Godard, her partner at the time, including “Une Femme Est Une Femme'' (A Woman is a Woman).

She had won best actress award at the Berlin Film Festival for her role in the 1961 romance/drama.

*)Victorious Johnson says will 'get Brexit done on time'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Britain will leave the EU on January 31 following his sweeping election win.

The election result has been hailed a victory for English, Scottish and Irish nationalism.

After his defeat, Jeremy Corbyn said he would not lead the Labour party in any future general election campaign.

*)Vote set on Trump impeachment charges for Friday

US Democrats are set to vote on impeachment charges against President Donald Trump early on Friday morning.

The move came after the House Judiciary Committee abruptly postponed a vote on articles of impeachment.

The committee was debating two articles of impeachment accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

*)New Zealand volcano operation paused

Efforts to locate the two remaining bodies of the victims of a volcanic eruption on a New Zealand island are ongoing.

At least 16 people have died after the volcano erupted on White Island on Monday.

A total of 47 people were on the island during the eruption, including locals and tourists.

*)Algeria awaits outcome of election marred by unrest

Algerians are awaiting the outcome of a widely unpopular presidential election marred by unrest and a record low turnout.

Protesters defied a heavy police presence to hold a mass rally in the capital, Algiers, and small demonstrations in provincial cities.

The vote came almost 10 months into a protest movement that resulted in the ouster of the country’s decades-long ruler, Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

And finally,

*)"Matrix" and "John Wick" sequels set for same date

Fans have proclaimed May 21, 2021 as “Keanu Day”, with release of sequels for “Matrix” and “John Wick” announced for the same day.

The scheduling by rival studios Warner Bros and Lionsgate appears to be a coincidence.

Canadian actor Keanu Reeves has surged in popularity in recent years in a phenomenon dubbed the "Keanuaissance".

*)United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

Britain is voting today to elect a new parliament.

The election comes after chaotic Brexit negotiations led lawmakers to back Prime Minister Boris Johnson's call for a vote.

The results could pave the way for Brexit under Johnson or another referendum that could reverse the decision to leave the EU.

*)At least 71 soldiers killed in an ambush in Niger

In Niger, at least seventy-one soldiers have been killed in an ambush on a military camp west of the country.

The attack took place at a base near the border with Mali.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the killings.

*)India's parliament passes contentious citizenship bill

India has deployed thousands of troops in the northeastern state of Assam after violent protests broke out over a controversial citizenship bill.

The new law will make it easier for non-Muslim minorities from some neighbouring countries to seek Indian citizenship.

Critics say it undermines the country's secular constitution by not offering protection to Muslims.

*)New Zealand continues to plan retrieval of bodies on volcanic island

In New Zealand, police will resume efforts on Friday to recover the bodies of those killed in the volcanic eruption.

Authorities have been cautious about embarking on another search on the island due to fear of another eruption.

The names of the nine people confirmed dead so far have been released.

And finally,

*)Ed Sheeran crowned artist of the decade

Ed Sheeran has been named the "UK's Official Number 1 Artist of the Decade" by Official Charts, after a record-breaking run of hits.

His global hit "Shape of You", which spent 14 weeks at number one in 2017, was also named Song of the Decade.

Previous recipients of that award include Paul McCartney and Justin Bieber.

*)Democrats unveil two articles of impeachment

US House Democrats have unveiled two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

One article alleges Trump abused his power by “corruptly” pushing Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.

The other article accuses him of obstruction of Congress. Trump called the move a [quote] “Witch Hunt” [end quote].

*)Suu Kyi told Myanmar must 'stop the genocide'

Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi [Ong San Soo Chi] has been urged to "stop the genocide" of Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi appeared before the International Court of Justice to defend Myanmar’s bloody 2017 crackdown against Rohingyas.

Even before the hearings, UN investigators said the rape and mass killings constituted a “genocide”.

*)Deadly gun battle kills six people in New Jersey

Six people, including a police officer and three bystanders, were killed in a furious gun battle in the US state of New Jersey.

The motive for the incident is yet to be known.

*)Blast outside main US base in Afghanistan wounds five

A suicide bombing outside a US military base in Afghanistan wounded at least five people.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on Bagram airbase, which is in the capital Kabul.

The attack comes as the US looks to revive stalled peace talks with Taliban militants.

And finally,

*)Not he, not she, but 'they' wins word of the year

The pronoun "they" has been named word of the year by US dictionary Merriam-Webster.

Two months ago, Merriam-Webster added the word "they" as a non-binary pronoun which identified a person as neither male nor female.

This saw searches for the word "they" jump more than 300 percent in 2019.

*)World Court hearing on genocide Rohingya genocide begins

Myanmar is facing accusations of genocide in the International Court of Justice over its treatment of Rohingya Muslims.

The country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is defending her nation’s actions in a three-day public hearing at The Hague.

More than 57 countries accuse Myanmar of trying to

destroy the Rohingya Muslims in 2017 by mass murder, rape and sexual violence.

*)Ukraine, Russia agree to a ceasefire

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners by year's end.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin met for the first time at a special summit in Paris.

Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014, triggering a war that has killed 14,000 people.

*)Second eruption imminent on White Island

New Zealand police have opened a criminal investigation after five people died and eight went missing, now presumed dead, in a volcanic eruption.

Dozens of rescued victims suffered severe burns to their bodies.

Authorities are evacuating White Island, as a second eruption is expected within the next 24 hours.

*)US war on Afghanistan was a waste – Washington Post

A trove of US government documents dubbed “The Afghanistan Papers” has been published in a report by The Washington Post.

It reveals how senior officials lied to show that Washington was winning the Afghanistan war.

The report says, the US had no clear mission or understanding of the regional dynamics of Afghanistan despite spending over a trillion dollars on the 18-year war.

And finally,

*)Flying cars ready for take-off, in next few years

Flying cars could be a reality within the next few years, according to a technological research firm.

A survey shows that investors are pushing billions of dollars into the electric air taxi industry.

Air taxis will fly low-level routes, especially from city to city, thus relieving traffic congestion on roads, and could be commercially rolled out by 2024.