Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Indian women defy temple ban, and Netflix caves on Saudi complaint.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for January 2nd.

Women enter Indian temple in defiance of centuries-old ban

Two women entered a Hindu temple in Kerala on Wednesday in defiance of a centuries-old ban on entry for women of menstruating age.

India's Supreme Court voided the ban last year.

Hindu hardliners are protesting the move.

Taiwan's reunification with China is 'inevitable' - Xi

In a speech on Wednesday, China's president said unification with Taiwan was "inevitable."

China and Taiwan split in 1949. China says Taiwan is a renegade province.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state.

But the island has never declared independence, which China says would invite war.

DRC says it cut the internet to avoid an 'uprising'

The DRC government says it has cut the country's internet to avert a "popular uprising."

The move comes as votes are being counted after Sunday's presidential election.

A successful transition would be the first peaceful handover of power since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

China flies to the dark side of the moon

A Chinese space probe is getting ready to land on the dark side of the moon.

It's not clear whether that's because Pink Floyd might be popular in China, or maybe Optimus Prime might be hiding there.

In any case it's a first, as China builds its space program to rival those of the US and Russia.

Netflix caves to Saudi Arabia on comedy show

And finally,

Netflix has caved to Saudi Arabia and pulled an episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.

The Muslim American comic pulled no punches, slamming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Netflix claims it was just complying with local law. Saudis can still watch the episode on YouTube.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Indian women defy temple ban, and Netflix caves on Saudi complaint.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for January 2nd.

Women enter Indian temple in defiance of centuries-old ban

Two women entered a Hindu temple in Kerala on Wednesday in defiance of a centuries-old ban on entry for women of menstruating age.

India's Supreme Court voided the ban last year.

Hindu hardliners are protesting the move.

Taiwan's reunification with China is 'inevitable' - Xi

In a speech on Wednesday, China's president said unification with Taiwan was "inevitable."

China and Taiwan split in 1949. China says Taiwan is a renegade province.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state.

But the island has never declared independence, which China says would invite war.

DRC says it cut the internet to avoid an 'uprising'

The DRC government says it has cut the country's internet to avert a "popular uprising."

The move comes as votes are being counted after Sunday's presidential election.

A successful transition would be the first peaceful handover of power since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

China flies to the dark side of the moon

A Chinese space probe is getting ready to land on the dark side of the moon.

It's not clear whether that's because Pink Floyd might be popular in China, or maybe Optimus Prime might be hiding there.

In any case it's a first, as China builds its space program to rival those of the US and Russia.

Netflix caves to Saudi Arabia on comedy show

And finally,

Netflix has caved to Saudi Arabia and pulled an episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.

The Muslim American comic pulled no punches, slamming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Netflix claims it was just complying with local law. Saudis can still watch the episode on YouTube.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Indian women defy temple ban, and Netflix caves on Saudi complaint.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for January 2nd.

Women enter Indian temple in defiance of centuries-old ban

Two women entered a Hindu temple in Kerala on Wednesday in defiance of a centuries-old ban on entry for women of menstruating age.

India's Supreme Court voided the ban last year.

Hindu hardliners are protesting the move.

Taiwan's reunification with China is 'inevitable' - Xi

In a speech on Wednesday, China's president said unification with Taiwan was "inevitable."

China and Taiwan split in 1949. China says Taiwan is a renegade province.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state.

But the island has never declared independence, which China says would invite war.

DRC says it cut the internet to avoid an 'uprising'

The DRC government says it has cut the country's internet to avert a "popular uprising."

The move comes as votes are being counted after Sunday's presidential election.

A successful transition would be the first peaceful handover of power since the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

China flies to the dark side of the moon

A Chinese space probe is getting ready to land on the dark side of the moon.

It's not clear whether that's because Pink Floyd might be popular in China, or maybe Optimus Prime might be hiding there.

In any case it's a first, as China builds its space program to rival those of the US and Russia.

Netflix caves to Saudi Arabia on comedy show

And finally,

Netflix has caved to Saudi Arabia and pulled an episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.

The Muslim American comic pulled no punches, slamming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Netflix claims it was just complying with local law. Saudis can still watch the episode on YouTube.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Trumps says he's slowing down the US pullout from Syria, and it's Serena versus Roger in Hopman Cup tennis.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, January 1st.

Trump slows down pullout from Syria

Donald Trump says he's slowing down the US pullout from Syria.

That follows a meeting with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who said the US could not abandon its quote unquote "Kurdish allies," a reference to the YPG, which is the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist organisation.

Turkey slammed Graham, reminding him that the US cannot be allies with terrorists.

Russia arrests US citizen on espionage allegations

Russia has arrested a US citizen on spy charges.

The Federal Security Service says it detained Paul Whelan in Moscow.

Spying carries a prison term in Russia of up to 20 years.

NASA probe flies by Ultima Thule

If it went according to plan, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has flown by Ultima Thule.

It's 6.4 billion kilometers from Earth, out beyond Pluto.

The pictures should be getting back about the time you're hearing this.

Turkey, S Korea move against plastic bags

And on a more mundane but important topic, Turkey and South Korea have moved to limit the use of plastic bags.

Turkish retailers will start to charge for plastic bags starting today.

And a ban on single-use plastic bags also starts today, in South Korea.

They join countries like the UK, Germany, Tanzania and Botswana that are trying to do the right thing by the planet.

Williams faces Federer at Hopman Cup

And finally,

It's Serena versus Roger.

Serena Williams lines up for the US today in a mixed doubles match against Switzerland and Roger Federer.

They're playing in the Hopman Cup, in Perth.

And yes, there will be two other players on the court.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Trumps says he's slowing down the US pullout from Syria, and it's Serena versus Roger in Hopman Cup tennis.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, January 1st.

Trump slows down pullout from Syria

Donald Trump says he's slowing down the US pullout from Syria.

That follows a meeting with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who said the US could not abandon its quote unquote "Kurdish allies," a reference to the YPG, which is the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist organisation.

Turkey slammed Graham, reminding him that the US cannot be allies with terrorists.

Russia arrests US citizen on espionage allegations

Russia has arrested a US citizen on spy charges.

The Federal Security Service says it detained Paul Whelan in Moscow.

Spying carries a prison term in Russia of up to 20 years.

NASA probe flies by Ultima Thule

If it went according to plan, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has flown by Ultima Thule.

It's 6.4 billion kilometers from Earth, out beyond Pluto.

The pictures should be getting back about the time you're hearing this.

Turkey, S Korea move against plastic bags

And on a more mundane but important topic, Turkey and South Korea have moved to limit the use of plastic bags.

Turkish retailers will start to charge for plastic bags starting today.

And a ban on single-use plastic bags also starts today, in South Korea.

They join countries like the UK, Germany, Tanzania and Botswana that are trying to do the right thing by the planet.

Williams faces Federer at Hopman Cup

And finally,

It's Serena versus Roger.

Serena Williams lines up for the US today in a mixed doubles match against Switzerland and Roger Federer.

They're playing in the Hopman Cup, in Perth.

And yes, there will be two other players on the court.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Trumps says he's slowing down the US pullout from Syria, and it's Serena versus Roger in Hopman Cup tennis.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, January 1st.

Trump slows down pullout from Syria

Donald Trump says he's slowing down the US pullout from Syria.

That follows a meeting with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who said the US could not abandon its quote unquote "Kurdish allies," a reference to the YPG, which is the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist organisation.

Turkey slammed Graham, reminding him that the US cannot be allies with terrorists.

Russia arrests US citizen on espionage allegations

Russia has arrested a US citizen on spy charges.

The Federal Security Service says it detained Paul Whelan in Moscow.

Spying carries a prison term in Russia of up to 20 years.

NASA probe flies by Ultima Thule

If it went according to plan, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has flown by Ultima Thule.

It's 6.4 billion kilometers from Earth, out beyond Pluto.

The pictures should be getting back about the time you're hearing this.

Turkey, S Korea move against plastic bags

And on a more mundane but important topic, Turkey and South Korea have moved to limit the use of plastic bags.

Turkish retailers will start to charge for plastic bags starting today.

And a ban on single-use plastic bags also starts today, in South Korea.

They join countries like the UK, Germany, Tanzania and Botswana that are trying to do the right thing by the planet.

Williams faces Federer at Hopman Cup

And finally,

It's Serena versus Roger.

Serena Williams lines up for the US today in a mixed doubles match against Switzerland and Roger Federer.

They're playing in the Hopman Cup, in Perth.

And yes, there will be two other players on the court.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Monday, December 31, 2018


The US could be slowing down its pullout from Syria, and a new year beckons.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Monday, December 31st.

Turkey questions US on pace of pullout from Syria

Turkey's ambassador to the US has questioned comments on Syria made by Senator Lindsey Graham.

Serdar Kilic questioned what Graham meant when he spoke about "our Kurdish allies."

The US is backing the SDF in Syria. The SDF is dominated by the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist group.

Trump recently said he was pulling US troops out of Syria.

Now Graham says the president has ordered that process to be slowed down.

Awami League-led coalition wins third term in Bangladesh

The government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh has been returned to office for a third time.

The Awami League-led coalition easily won Sunday's election.

The main opposition has rejected the result, and is calling for a new vote.

DRC awaits election result

The DRC is waiting for the results of Sunday's presidential election.

If the results are accepted, it will mark the first peaceful transfer of power since the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

94 journalists killed in 2018

The International Federation of Journalists says 94 media workers have been killed this year in the line of duty.

The most dangerous country in 2018 was Afghanistan where 16 journalists were killed.

A new year beckons

And finally,

In some parts of the world it's still 2018. And in other parts, the new year has already begun.

A new year always brings new hope.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Monday, December 31, 2018


The US could be slowing down its pullout from Syria, and a new year beckons.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Monday, December 31st.

Turkey questions US on pace of pullout from Syria

Turkey's ambassador to the US has questioned comments on Syria made by Senator Lindsey Graham.

Serdar Kilic questioned what Graham meant when he spoke about "our Kurdish allies."

The US is backing the SDF in Syria. The SDF is dominated by the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist group.

Trump recently said he was pulling US troops out of Syria.

Now Graham says the president has ordered that process to be slowed down.

Awami League-led coalition wins third term in Bangladesh

The government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh has been returned to office for a third time.

The Awami League-led coalition easily won Sunday's election.

The main opposition has rejected the result, and is calling for a new vote.

DRC awaits election result

The DRC is waiting for the results of Sunday's presidential election.

If the results are accepted, it will mark the first peaceful transfer of power since the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

94 journalists killed in 2018

The International Federation of Journalists says 94 media workers have been killed this year in the line of duty.

The most dangerous country in 2018 was Afghanistan where 16 journalists were killed.

A new year beckons

And finally,

In some parts of the world it's still 2018. And in other parts, the new year has already begun.

A new year always brings new hope.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Monday, December 31, 2018


The US could be slowing down its pullout from Syria, and a new year beckons.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Monday, December 31st.

Turkey questions US on pace of pullout from Syria

Turkey's ambassador to the US has questioned comments on Syria made by Senator Lindsey Graham.

Serdar Kilic questioned what Graham meant when he spoke about "our Kurdish allies."

The US is backing the SDF in Syria. The SDF is dominated by the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist group.

Trump recently said he was pulling US troops out of Syria.

Now Graham says the president has ordered that process to be slowed down.

Awami League-led coalition wins third term in Bangladesh

The government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh has been returned to office for a third time.

The Awami League-led coalition easily won Sunday's election.

The main opposition has rejected the result, and is calling for a new vote.

DRC awaits election result

The DRC is waiting for the results of Sunday's presidential election.

If the results are accepted, it will mark the first peaceful transfer of power since the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

94 journalists killed in 2018

The International Federation of Journalists says 94 media workers have been killed this year in the line of duty.

The most dangerous country in 2018 was Afghanistan where 16 journalists were killed.

A new year beckons

And finally,

In some parts of the world it's still 2018. And in other parts, the new year has already begun.

A new year always brings new hope.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com

Friday, December 28, 2018


The UAE and Bahrain reopen their Syrian embassies, and the Gaza border protests mark week 40.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Friday, December 28th.

UAE, Bahrain reopen their embassies in Syria

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have announced they're reopening their embassies in Syria.

Both countries closed their missions in 2011 as an uprising against the regime gathered steam.

However, that uprising now seems close to defeat.

Saudi king reshuffles some government posts

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has reshuffled his cabinet.

The move comes as the kingdom attempts to deflect criticism of the killing in Istanbul of Jamal Khashoggi by a hit squad sent from Riyadh.

The foreign minister Adel al Jubeir was one of the people downgraded. He has been the public face of Riyadh's explanation for the government critic's death.

US government closed

The US government shutdown looks like it will continue through the New Year.

It also looks like a showdown is looming between President Trump and the new Democrat-controlled Congress from January 3.

Bangladesh to vote in general election

Campaigning has ended in Bangladesh ahead of a general election on Sunday.

About 100 million people can vote in the Muslim-majority country of some 170 million.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League is seeking its third straight term against the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP.

The BNP boycotted the last vote in 2014.

Its leader - Khaleda Zia - is currently in jail on corruption charges the BNP says were trumped up.

Gaza protests mark week 40

And finally,

Protesters in Gaza will gather on its border with Israel today for the 40th Friday in a row.

The ongoing demonstrations are against Israel's decades-long occupation, and the right of return to lands taken from Palestinians when Israel was set up in 1948.

So far, over 240 people have been killed in the protests and thousands wounded.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World... For more, head to TRTWORLD.com