January 2020 International Affairs

Sakshi Education

Israel officially allows its citizens to visit Saudi Arabia
Israel officially gave its citizens the right to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious and business visits, in the latest sign of warming ties between the two countries.

The interior ministry's announcement will have limited practical impact, as Israelis had previously been travelling to Saudi Arabia via third countries, especially Jordan.

But Israel had never granted official approval for such travel by its citizens.

Israel would also allow its citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in business meetings or seek investments for trips not exceeding 90 days.
Growth slowdown in India appears to be temporary: IMF chief
International Monetary Fund, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said growth slowdown in India appears to be temporary.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 at Davos, she said the world appears a better place in January 2020 compared to what it was when IMF announced its World Economic Outlook in October 2019.

The factors driving this positive momentum include receding trade tension after the US-China first phase trade deal and synchronized tax cuts, among others.
Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec resigns
Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec announced for step down and called for fresh elections, following weeks of rising tensions within his minority five-party coalition government. His resignation came almost at the same time as Finance Minister Andrej Bertoncelj announced that he too would quit in a row over health care funding.

Mr Sarec is Slovenia's youngest-ever Prime Minister. He was previously best known as a comedian and political satirist before he launched himself as an anti-establishment politician.
Nepal’s newly elected Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota assumes office
Nepal’s newly elected Speaker of House of Representatives, the Lower House of the Parliament, Agni Prasad Sapkota has assumed the office.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr.Saptoka at the President's House in Kathmandu today.

Earlier, ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Agni Prasad Sapkota was unanimously elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. The post of Speaker was lying vacant since October last year after Mr. Krishna BahadurMahara resigned following allegations of attempted rape.
Bangladesh to allow formal education for Rohingya Children
The Rohingya children living in refugee camps in Bangladesh will be allowed to receive formal education. This was announced today by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen in an interview to AFP. Dr.Momen said that Bangladesh does not want a lost generation of Rohingyas and it will provide education to them. The decision came after a meeting of a national taskforce set up by the government.

Government plans to provide school education to Rohingya children up to the age of 14. Older children will be provided skill based training.

A pilot programme involving more than 10,000 students would be launched soon, with UNICEF and government agencies jointly designing the curriculum.

The Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh were earlier barred from formal education. They received primary education in temporary learning centres set up by the UN children's agency UNICEF.

The move will make it easier for the Rohingyas to go back home to Myanmar when the time is right for their return. Organisations working for Rohingya refugees and Human rights bodies have also welcomed this step of the government.

Close to a million Rohingyas who fled Myanmar after a military crackdown in 2017 are living in refugee camps in Myanmar.
Qatar names Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz Al Thani new PM
Qatar appointed a new Prime Minister replacing Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz Al Thani has been named as the new Prime Minister.

The state-run Qatar News Agency reported that no reason for the change has been specified.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu formally indicted on corruption charges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was formally indicted on corruption charges, hours after he withdrew his request for Parliamentary immunity in the three graft cases against him. Netanyahu has been charged with bribery and fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit submitted the indictment in Jerusalem District Court.

Mr Netanyahu will be the first sitting Prime Minister to face trial in the country's history. A trial date has not been set yet, but the legal process could possibly take years.

Under Israeli law, he does not have to resign upon indictment. He only has to resign, if he is convicted and that conviction is upheld through the appeals process. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu withdrew his request for Parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges.

In November, Prime Minister Netanyahu was indicted by the Attorney General on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.
US House passes bill on sanctions against Chinese officials for meddling in Dalai Lama's succession
US House of Representatives has passed a bill that authorises financial and travel sanctions against Chinese officials who interfere in the process of selecting the successor to the Dalai Lama.

Introduced by Congressman James P McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the bill was passed by a overwhelming vote of 392 to 22.

The bill, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by the president, will also prohibit China from opening any new consulate in the US until Beijing allows Washington to open its diplomatic station in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital.

According to the bill, the succession or reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including a future 15th Dalai Lama, is an exclusively religious matter that should be decided solely by the Tibetan Buddhist community.

Under the draft legislation, Washington would freeze any American asset and ban US travel of Chinese officials if they are found to be involved in identifying or installing a Dalai Lama approved by Beijing.

The Global Magnitsky Act allows the US to sanction foreign government officials implicated in human rights abuses anywhere in the world.

The bill also mandates the US State Department to begin collaborative and multinational efforts to protect the environment and water resources of the Tibetan Plateau.
US developing vaccine against deadly Novel Coronavirus; urges Beijing’s cooperation
The United States has said that it was developing a vaccine against the deadly Novel Coronavirus that originated in China. It has urged Beijing’s cooperation with international health authorities in this regard. The US Government is keen to place its own teams on the ground to review the raw data and learn more about the virus, which has so far claimed over 100 lives.

The process would take three months to start the first trial, three more months to gather data, before being able to move into its second phase.

China was severely criticized for its handling of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic of 2002-03, which claimed hundreds of lives, mostly on the mainland and in Hong Kong. During that health emergency, scientists had begun to develop a vaccine, but it was never deployed.

United States has offered China assistance three times in dealing with the crisis so far without success. It has urged China for more cooperation and transparency to develop more effective response to the pathogen.

China was quick to sequence the genome of the 2019 novel Corona virus and make it public, allowing scientists around the world to develop diagnostic tools and winning praise for its efforts. However, experts are standing by ready, willing and will be able to go immediately to China if it accepts the assistance offered by the US.
South Korea reports first local human-to-human transmission of deadly Wuhan virus
South Korea reported the first local case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly virus that spread to more than a dozen countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Korea confirmed two more cases today bringing the total six.

The announcement comes as international airlines are either suspending back services in and out of China in a bid to halt the virus reaching further.

Also Read: All about Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention
WHO convenes emergency meeting over coronavirus outbreak in China
World Health Organisation (WHO) has convened an emergency meeting on 30 January, 2020 over the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China. Emergency Committee on the novel coronavirus under the International Health Regulations will meet in Geneva.

The Committee will advise the Director-General on whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and what recommendations should be made to manage it.

Also Read: All about Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention

Union Health Ministry has urged people to refrain from travelling to China in view of outbreak of Corona Virus. It has also advised all the travelers from China to monitor their health closely.

The Ministry also reviewed the preparedness for prevention and management of Novel Coronavirus in the country with States and Union territories. A 24x7 Call Centre is active for responding to queries on the virus. The number is 011-23978046.
Donald Trump signs new USMCA North American trade deal
US President Donald Trump has signed the new USMCA North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico into law, pronouncing a glorious future for US industry.

The USMCA, crafted over years of negotiation between the three countries, replaces the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.

It also makes changes to e-commerce, intellectual property protections and dispute settlement for investors, as well as imposing tougher labor provisions, requiring reforms to Mexico's laws.

The signing ceremony event in Washington featured hundreds of business and farm leaders from around the country and scores of Republican officials. No Democratic members of Congress were on the White House guest list.

Trump has long campaigned against NAFTA, which he said resulted in shipping US jobs abroad.
EU Parliament approves Brexit deal with Britain
European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to approve the Brexit deal with London, clearing the final hurdle for Britain's departure from the EU.

The vote was 621 to 49 in favour of the Brexit deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated with the other 27 EU leaders.

After Britain's departure at 11 PM London time on Friday, the UK will remain within the EU's economic arrangements until the end of the year.

However, UK will not have any say in policy as it will not be a member of the EU anymore. Britain is the first country to leave the EU.

UK's official departure will reduce the number of countries in the bloc to 27.
Britain officially leaves European Union
The UK has officially left the European Union membership, more than three years after the referendum in favour of Brexit.

The historic moment, which happened at 23:00 GMT last night, was marked by both celebrations and anti-Brexit protests.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised a new era of friendly cooperation with the European Union as Britain prepared to leave the bloc.

Johnson acknowledged there may be bumps in the road ahead but promised the departure was an opportunity for stunning success

Now that the country is no longer in the European Union, UK citizens will notice few immediate changes.

Most EU laws will continue to be in force, including the free movement of people, until 31st December, when the transition period comes to an end. The UK is aiming to sign a permanent free trade agreement with the EU, along the lines of the one the EU has with Canada. But European leaders have warned that the UK faces a tough battle to get a deal by that deadline.
World leaders agree new push for Libya peace
World leaders committed to ending all foreign meddling in Libya's war and to uphold a weapons embargo at a Berlin summit on 19 January, 2020. This was part of a broader plan to end the spiralling conflict. The presidents of Russia, Turkey and France were among global chiefs signing up to the plan to stop interfering in the war. This includes through weapons, troops or financing.

But the talks failed to deliver serious dialogue between the warring parties -- strongman Khalifa Haftar and the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj. It also failed to get both sides to sign up to a permanent truce.

Berlin Summit host Chancellor Angela Merkel said that they have a very disparate situation in Libya, where ensuring that a ceasefire is immediately respected is simply not easy to guarantee.

Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
China reports SARS-like virus spreads across country, nearly 140 new cases
China reported that a mysterious SARS-like virus had spread across the country, including to Beijing. This is raising concerns as millions of people are begining trips for the Lunar New Year. Nearly 140 cases of the disease were announced, and a third person was confirmed to have died.

The new coronavirus strain has caused alarm because of its connection to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, SARS. SARS killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.
China reports 9 deaths due to Noval Coronavirus infection
China has confirmed 9 deaths due to novel coronavirus which has spread to many cities in China including Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai and southern Guondong province. A total of 440 cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus had been reported in China and neighbouring countries. 3 cases confirmed in Thailand and 1 each in Japan and South Korea. Authorities stepped up efforts to control the outbreak by discouraging public gatherings in Hubei province where outbreak started.

Meanwhile, Emergency Committee of World Health Organisation has convened a meeting today under in Geneva to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern”.

"As transmission of virus between humans is confirmed it has become a major cause of concern for the health officials. Among the major challenges, first is to find out the origin of the virus which is yet to be identified. And second is the new virus was adapting and mutating which has increased the challenges in controlling the outbreak. There are no medication or vaccine available for it as of now. China has shared the genome sequence to the WHO and scientists worldwide to get a probable vaccine for this. All eyes are now on WHO emergency meeting which will take place in few hours from now as to how the experts across the world see this problem and what kind of steps are needed.
US Senate rejects Democratic bid for documents in Trump impeachment trial
The US Senate has rejected repeated Democratic attempts to secure new evidence in President Donald Trump's impeachment as his trial began. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell meanwhile backed off on a plan to fast-track the hearings after coming under pressure from fellow Republicans. Democrats said this would have been no less than a cover-up. Mr Trump is charged with abuse of power and obstructing the congressional inquiry. He denies wrongdoing.

Senators have taken oaths to act as impartial jurors, hearing arguments for six hours a day, six days a week in a trial presided over by the US Chief Justice, John Roberts. The impeachment trial began yesterday and comes nearly a week after the House of Representatives, voted to send articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate.

It is only the third time in US history that a president is facing an impeachment trial and it is unclear how long it will last.
36 civilians killed in terrorist attack in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, 36 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack on 20 January, 2020, said the Communications Minister Remis Fulgance Dandjinou. The Burkina Parliament adopted unanimously a law allowing for the recruitment of local volunteers in the fight against Jihadists, providing them with light weapons.

Burkina Faso, as well as neighbouring Mali and Niger, has seen frequent Jihadist attacks which have left hundreds of people dead since the start of 2015 when Islamist extremist violence began to spread across the Sahel region.

According to the United Nations, around 4,000 people were killed in Jihadist attacks in the three Sahel countries last year. There are 4,500 French troops deployed in the Sahel region as well as a 13,000-strong UN Peacekeeping Force in Mali to fight insurgents, backing up national forces of the G5 -- Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
Dhaka Airport start screening passengers over coronavirus
The Hazrat Shahjalal International airport at Dhaka has started screening the passengers for the SARS like virus Hazrat Shahjalal International airport at Dhaka in view of the outbreak reported from China.

The airport authorities started screening of all the passengers who travelled to China in the last two weeks and report flu like symptoms. In case of symptoms, they will be reported to the institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Dhaka for further tests.

The airport will provide the travelers from China a health card to contact the IEDCR if they have fever within 14 days from arrival.

The Chattogram International Airport has started screening the passengers though it does not have any direct flights from China.

The virus outbreak was first reported from Wuhan in China this year. Six people have died and more than 300 affected by the Virus in China.

The alarm has been raised after China confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus which is similar to the SARS virus in its genetic composition.

Wuhan on Tuesday (21 January, 2020) announced the cancellation of the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations in which lacs of people participate. Earlier the Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered 'resolute efforts' to curb the spread of the virus on Monday (20 January, 2020).

SARS had led to the death of nearly 650 people in China and Hong Kong in 2002-03.
Sri Lanka topped the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative list
Sri Lanka topped on breastfeeding rate according to a new survey conducted by the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi).

The survey was taken among 97 countries globally.

Report Highlights:
- Sri Lanka's rank is based on its performance on ten indicators of policies and programs.
- Sri Lanka has scored 91 out of 100 points
- WBTi uses color-code to rank countries. Sri Lanka earned a green color code, which implies the best level of performance.
- Sri Lanka has been making an effort to support and provide supportive measures for breastfeeding since 2005.
- Sri Lanka has demonstrated a high level of commitment towards the health and nutrition of mothers and babies.
UK Parliament ratifies Brexit divorce law
After years of acrimonious debate, British lawmakers on Wednesday finally approved the terms of their country's historic departure from the European Union. MPs in the lower House of Commons had already backed the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which ratifies the divorce deal that Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with Brussels last year. But the unelected upper House of Lords made some changes this week, including on the rights of EU citizens and child refugees after Brexit.

In a series of votes on Wednesday, the Commons -- where Johnson's Conservatives have a large majority -- rejected all five amendments and sent the bill back to the Lords, who then reluctantly agreed to back down. The Bill is now awaiting royal assent by Queen Elizabeth II for its formal ratification, paving the way for Britain to leave the EU on January 31. The European Parliament still has to back the deal in a vote next week but its approval in London is a historic moment, as Britain edges closer to becoming the first country to leave the 28-member EU.
Sheikh Hasina launches e-passport facility in Bangladesh
Bangladesh launched the e-passport facility for its citizens. Inaugurating the facility of e-passport in Dhaka on 22 January, 2020, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that e-passport is a gift to the nation in the Mujib centenary year.

She said that it will brighten the image of the country in the digital world. Speaking about the steps taken to facilitate passport and visa services for the people Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh has setup 69 passports offices in 64 districts, 33 immigration check-posts and passports and visa wings at 75 missions abroad.

The e-passports will have an embedded chip in them which will contain the bio-metric data of the passport holder, photograph and other information contained in the passport. It will also include digital security features in it.

Bangladesh has faced the problem of counterfeit passports in the past. Introduction of the e-passport will help control the fake passports in the country. Government hopes that the e-passports will increase the acceptability of the Bangladeshi passports across the world and it will also ease immigration process globally.

Bangladesh is the first country in South Asia and 119th country in the wold to provide e-passport facility. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), over 490 million e-Passports are in circulation in the world.
EU chiefs sign Brexit deal
Brussels' two top officials, the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, signed off on Britain's EU divorce agreement, Brexit.

With Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel's formal endorsement, the text will now go to the European Parliament on 29th of January for ratification.
Katerina Sakellaropoulou becomes Greece's first woman president
High court judge and human rights advocate Katerina Sakellaropoulou has been elected Greece's first female president by parliament.

Sakellaropoulou was nominated by the ruling conservative New Democracy party, but also managed to secure the backing of the main opposition party Syriza and the center-left Movement for Change.
International Day of Education
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
At least 26 killed in torrential rains in Madagascar
In Madagascar, at least 26 people have died following almost a week of torrential rain in the north-west of the island.

The National Bureau of Disaster Risk Management announced that flooding in Mitsinjo and Maevatanana districts has claimed at least 26 lives since Sunday. It said, 15 others are still missing and thousands have been displaced.

The tropical Indian Ocean nation is in the midst of an intense six-month rainy season that often leads to casualties and widespread damage.

The rainy season usually stretches from October to April in Madagascar, a former French colony off Africa's southeastern coast.
6.8 Magnitude quake hits Eastern Turkey
In Turkey, at least four people were killed when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook the eastern part of the country.

Interior minister said, there were reports that some buildings had collapsed.

The government's disaster and emergency management agency said, the quake shook the Sivrice district in the eastern province of Elazig at around 8.55 pm (1755 GMT).

The US Geological Survey assessed the quake's magnitude at 6.7, and said it struck at a depth of 10 kilometers.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signs Brexit withdrawal deal
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has signed the Brexit withdrawal agreement paving the way for the UK's exit from the European Union next Friday. He said he hoped it would bring to an end far too many years of argument and division.

Earlier on Friday, European Union leaders signed the document in Brussels. Signings marked another step in the ratification process, following Parliament's approval of the Brexit bill earlier this week. The European Parliament will vote on the agreement on 29 January. Then, on Friday, January 31, Britain will spend its last day in the European Union before leaving the bloc at 23.00 GMT midnight in Brussels.
New virus identified as likely cause of mystery illness in China Coronavirus
Chinese state media reported that scientists have identified a new coronavirus as the likely cause of a pneumonia-like illness that has sickened dozens of people.

Researchers have sequenced the virus's genome, and fifteen patients have tested positive to the virus

Know! More about it
Coronaviruses are a specific family of viruses, with some of them causing less-severe damage, such as the common cold, and others causing respiratory and intestinal diseases.

Apart from human beings, coronaviruses can affect mammals including pigs, cattle, cats, dogs, martens, camels, hedgehogs and some birds.

So far, there are four known disease-causing coronaviruses, among which the best known are the SARS corona virus and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, both of which can cause severe respiratory diseases.

In the newly identified coronavirus, a direct link with the disease has not been established yet.

Previously, there was speculation that the mystery illness was related to the SARS epidemic in China in the latter half of 2002 that killed roughly 350 people.

Now, the new coronavirus has been detected in over 15 cases so far. No deaths have been reported, nor has any case been reported of human-to-human transmission.

The municipal health commission says that it is trying to isolate the virus from patients to identify the pathogen and its potential source.

The health commission says there's no evidence that the infection is being passed between people, suggesting it is not transmitted easily in humans.

The infection is probably an emerging zoonotic virus - infections that spread from animals to humans

Such infections often first appear in colder months when animal pathogens can survive and spread to people.
US Senate to begin impeachment trial against President Trump on January 21
The United States Senate is likely to begin the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump on 21st of January after the House of Representatives last month impeached him for pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival

After holding it on for weeks, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to send its impeachment to the Senate sometime this week and that could be as early as today.

The impeachment in the Senate is unlikely to pass through given that Republican Party has majority in the 100-member Senate. Following submission of the articles of impeachment, the Senate is likely to take a few days to deal with logistics of the trial.

The Senate will also pass a resolution establishing the trial rules.

The 435-member House of Representatives, where Democrats enjoy a majority, last month charged Trump with high crimes and misdemeanours and impeached in the vote that was based on bitter political divide.
World Bank predicts Sri Lanka’s economic growth at 3.3 percent for 2020
The World Bank has forecast Sri Lanka’s economic growth at 3.3 per cent for 2020 saying the growth is likely to remain below four per cent in next three years. The bank said, in its latest report of World Bank’s January 2020 Global Economic Prospects, that for 2021 and 2022, it maintains the same forecast of 3.7 per cent of economic growth in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s new government headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said recently that one of its targets include achieving a 6.5 per cent economic growth per annum from 2020 and a GDP growth of 6,500 U.S. dollars per capita.

Sri Lanka’s growth had dipped below 3 per cent last year which was attributed to Easter attacks and policy uncertainty during the previous government.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Myanmar
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Myanmar capital Naypyitaw on 17 January, 2020 on a two day visit. It is President Xi's first visit to Myanmar also the first visit by a Chinese president to Myanmar in 19 years.

During the visit of President Xi Jinping China speedy implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is on top of the agenda as Myanmar occupies an important strategic location for China at the junction of South and South East Asia. Myanmar formally joined the BRI in September 2018 after signing a 15-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China.

In an article published on Thursday in the state owned Newspaper of Myanmar President Xi said Myanmar and China need to deepen “result-oriented Belt and Road cooperation” and move from “the conceptual stage to concrete planning and implementation” of Beijing’s infrastructure projects across Myanmar. He called the relationship between the two countries as Pauk-phaw, which means siblings from the same mother in Burmese.

The 1700 km long China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), as part of the BRI, will connect Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province, to Myanmar’s Mandalay and Yangon which are its major economic hubs, and to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Under the CMEC, Myanmar has agreed to implement nine projects including the Kyaukphyu SEZ which will provide a direct access to China to the Indian Ocean.

During the visit, the two countries are expected to sign a dozen agreements including the Kyaukphyu SEZ, $1.3 billion deep-sea port at Kyaukphyu in central Rakhine state, border cooperation zones, trade, road upgrade projects among others.

Xi is scheduled to meet President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing in the capital Naypyidaw during his visit.

According to Myanmar’s government investment agency, China is the country’s second-largest foreign investor and its largest trading partner.

The visit assumes significance as China is trying hard to push its BRI initiative and revitalise its ties with Myanmar after a few setbacks like scaling down a Chinese-led deep-water port project in Kyaukpyu and the stalled hydel power dam at Myitsone and the copper mining project.

Myanmar seeks to gain from Chinese support as it battles international isolation on the issue of violence against Rohingyas in Rakhine province and a generous financial package from China.
5.3 Magnitude earthquake shakes southern Mexico
In Mexico City, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake shook the southern state of Oaxaca. The National Seismological Service said, the quake struck south of Ciudad Ixtepec.

Civil Protection authorities said that two houses have been damaged in Matias Romero, a town in the southeast of the state. In the neighboring town of Santa Maria Petapa, several houses and the public market were damaged by the quake.

State Governor Alejandro Murat said that security protocols have been activated in the earthquake's wake. In September last year, a deadly 7.1 magnitude quake hit Oaxaca. A total of 369 people were killed in the quake which shook several central states and Mexico City.
US senators sworn in to serve as jurors at President Trump impeachment trial
United States Senate opened the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump with quiet ceremony yesterday. The 100 lawmakers of the Senate were sworn in as jurors for the impending impeachment trial.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts administered the oath to the senators to do impartial justice. Republican senate leader Mitch McConnell then adjourned the pre-trial proceedings and announced the trial would begin at 1800 HRS GMT on Tuesday.

In the coming weeks, the Senators will decide whether Mr Trump should be removed from office over charges brought by the House of Representatives. The trial is scheduled to begin on 21st of January. President Trump is accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He has denied wrongdoing and branded the case against him as a hoax.
Russian government resigns as President Putin proposes constitutional changes
In Russia, entire federal government resigned after President Vladimir Putin announced that a range of constitutional changes are needed. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has also resigned.

Medvedev submitted his resignation to President Vladimir Putin.

Putin asked Medvedev to become deputy head of the National Security Council, which is chaired by Putin.

Prime Minister Medvedev said, the president's proposals will significantly change Russia's balance of power.

Hours after the government resigned, President Putin proposed the head of Russia's tax service Mikhail Mishustin for the post of prime minister.
Sikhs to be counted as separate ethnic group in US census for first time
In a first, Sikhs in the US would be counted as a separate ethnic group in the upcoming 2020 census, the US Census Bureau has said.

This comes after several Sikh organisations in the US held meetings with the Census Bureau.

As per an organization, United Sikhs, at least 10 lakh Sikhs live in the US.
Putin names tax service Chief Mikhail Mishustin as new Russian prime minister
President Vladimir Putin has named Tax Service Chief Mikhail Mishustin as Russia’s new prime minister.

Mishustin has worked in the government since 1998 and kept a low profile while serving as the head of the Federal Tax Service since 2010.

The Russian leader made the appointment after he engineered a surprise shakeup of Russia’s leadership and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev submitted his resignation earlier in the day.
Japan topped the 2020 Henley Passport Index
Henley Passport Index 2020 was launched recently by Henley & Partners. India ranked 84th in the index.

Japan has the world's strongest passport. The index was based on the data collected from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Report Highlights:
In the index, around 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations were considered.

It is based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa.

Japan has been holding the top rank positions for the past 3 years. As per the report, the citizens can access 191 destinations without the necessity of obtaining a visa in advance.

Top 5 ranking countries:
Japan ranked first

Singapore ranked second

Germany and South Korea shared third

Finland and Italy shared fourth

Denmark, Luxembourg and Spain fifth position
Arab League Chief concerned over developments in Iraq; calls for calm
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on 5th January, 2020 expressed his concern over developments in Iraq and Arab region and called for calm.

The region is currently in a dire need of calm, not escalation and extinguishing conflicts, not igniting and perpetuating them.

The Arab League is a union of Arab-speaking African and Asian countries.

It has 22 members and four observer States.
Iran decides not to abide by any of restrictions imposed by 2015 nuclear deal
Iran has declared that it will no longer abide by any of the restrictions imposed by the 2015 nuclear deal.

It will no longer observe limitations on its capacity for enrichment, the level of enrichment, the stock of enriched material, or research and development.

Under the 2015 accord, Iran agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

The announcement followed a meeting of the Iranian cabinet in Tehran. Tensions have been high over the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the US in Baghdad.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has invited Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to visit Brussels to discuss both the nuclear deal and how to defuse the crisis over the Soleimani assassination.

Earlier, Iraqi Parliament passed a non-binding resolution calling for foreign troops to leave the country after the general's killing in a drone strike at Baghdad airport on Friday.
Dhaka Court issues arrest warrant against former Chief Justice S.K.Sinha
A Dhaka court issued an arrest warrant against the former Chief Justice of Bangladesh S.K.Sinha and ten others in a case of graft and money laundering.

The Senior Special Judges’ Court of Dhaka directed the police on 05th January, 2020 to submit the report on the execution of the warrants by January 22.

All the accused in the case including former Chief Justice S.K. Sinha have been shown as fugitives in the charge sheet filed by the police.

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh had pressed the charges in December, 2019 against 11 persons.

They are accused of taking a loan of Tk 4 crore from a bank based on forged papers and depositing money in the account of Justice S.K. Sinha.
Regime air strikes kill 9 civilians in Syria
In Syria, regime air strikes killed nine civilians in the embattled opposition stronghold of Idlib on 5th January, 2020. Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 19 people were also injured in air raids in the town of Ariha.

The Damascus government has repeatedly vowed to retake Idlib, which is run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

In total 11,215 people were reported killed last year.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people including over 115,000 civilians since it started in 2011.
EU invites Iranian Foreign Minister to Brussels for de-escalation of tensions
The European Union has invited Iran's Foreign Minister to Brussels, urging for de-escalation of tensions in the Gulf after US airstrikes that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad.

The EU's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell made the offer to Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during a telephone call this weekend.

A regional political solution was the only way forward while stressing the importance of preserving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He confirmed his resolve to continue to fully play his role as coordinator and keep the unity of the remaining participants in support of the agreement and its full implementation by all parties.

There has been an increase in tensions between the US and Iran since 2018 when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the landmark accord that gave Tehran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warns not to threaten Iranian nation
Amid escalating tension between Iran and US, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on 6 January, 2020 warned not to threaten the Iranian nation.

President Rouhani by number 290 was referring to Iran Air flight 655, flight of an Iranian airliner that was shot down by the missile cruiser USS Vincennes on July 3, 1988, over the Strait of Hormuz, killing all 290 people on board. The passenger plane was in Iranian airspace.

After the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani, Mr Trump wrote in a series of tweets that if Iran makes a move to avenge the assassination of Soleimani, the United States will target 52 Iranian sites.
NATO tells Iran to avoid further violence & provocations as tension mounts in West Asia
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, has called for restraint and de-escalation in the West Asian region, as tensions soar following the killing of a top Iranian general.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned that Tehran should avoid further violence and provocations, saying that a new conflict would be in no one's interest.

At an emergency session of NATO's ruling council, US officials provided the rationale behind the action against Iranian General Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport. Soleimani was head of Tehran's West Asia operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force.

All NATO members not only supported the United States' move to kill Soleimani but also condemned Iran for allegedly supporting different terrorist groups.

NATO maintains a 500-strong mission in Iraq, preparing local forces to take on Islamic State group extremists.

However, its core training activities have now been suspended amid worsening security situations.

Tehran has vowed to avenge Soleimani's killing while US President Donald Trump has threatened major retaliation if any American targets are hit.
UAE Cabinet approves issuance of 5-Year multi-entry tourist visa
The UAE Cabinet has approved the issuance of a five-year multi-entry tourist visa for all nationalities visiting the country.

The decision was made during the Cabinet's first meeting of 2020.

The move comes in a bid to support the UAE's tourism economy, and affirm the country's position as a global tourist destination.

The country receives 21 million tourists annually and their aim is to establish the country as a major global tourist destination.

The decision is also likely to benefit the near and dear ones of the lakhs of expat population staying in UAE.
Oil surges after Iran attacks US forces in Iraq
Oil prices rose sharply, with United States crude rising nearly three dollars, today after the U.S. said its forces in Iraq were attacked by Iranian ballistic missiles, raising the prospect of a regional conflagration that could cut oil supplies.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose nearly three dollars or almost 5%, to 65.50 dollars a barrel.

Brent crude was yet to trade after dropping nearly 1%.

Gold prices also surged more than 2% today, crossing the key 1,600 US dollars per ounce.
More than dozen rockets hit two airbases of US and Coalition forces in Iraq
Two airbases of the United States and coalition forces in Iraq were hit by more than a dozen rockets early this morning. It is unclear if there were any casualties.

At least two sites were attacked, in Erbil and Al-Asad.

White House is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with the national security team.

The attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase came after pro-Tehran factions in Iraq had vowed to join forces to respond to an American drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last week.

Some 5,000 US soldiers are deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the IS terror group.

On 5 January, 2020 the Iraqi Parliament had passed a resolution to terminate the agreement that allows for US troops in the country.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a statement saying it has fired tens of ground-to-ground missiles at the airbase occupied by the terrorist and aggressive army of the United States known as Ein Al-Assad in reprisal for the martyrdom of IRGC Quds Force Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani.

The IRGC warned the US to avoid retaliating the Wednesday attack or else it will face a more painful and crushing response.

The IRGC statement also warned all the US-allied states where the terrorist army has a base, any territory that becomes the origin of any hostile and aggressive action against the Islamic Republic of Iran in any way will be targeted.

The IRGC also called on the American nation to pressure the White House to pull their troops our of the region to avoid further damage and not allow the US rulers to endanger the lives of their military men through increasing hatred.
Sri Lanka- TNA backs President's call for a new Constitution
In Sri Lanka, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to take steps to fully settle the Tamil National issue and continue with the process initiated by the former government to draft a new constitution.

Successive Governments including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had assured that the Tamil national issue will be politically resolved by means of greater devolution.

The assurance given to India on at least three occasions was to implement the thirteenth amendment in full and build upon it so as to achieve meaningful devolution including the full implementation of Tamil as an official language.

The MP asserted that Tamil minorities are ready & willing to settle the national question on the basis of a united, undivided, & indivisible country that recognizes the diversity & equality of its different people.

His comments came as Sri Lankan President has said that certain areas of 13th amendment of the constitution cannot be implemented and called for politicians to look at alternative solutions.

He has expressed his reservation on devolving of police and land powers as part of the amendment.

The 13th amendment was brought up as part of Indo-Sri Lanka accord in 1987 and provincial councils were set up as part of devolution of powers, to meet the aspirations of Tamil minorities.
Ukraine International Airlines plane with 180 passengers on board crashes in Iran
In Iran, a Ukrainian airplane carrying 180 passengers and crew crashed today (8 Jnauary, 2020) near an airport in Tehran. There was no immediate word on casualties.

According to the report, the plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport.

The crash is suspected to have been caused by mechanical issues, it added, without elaborating.

An investigation team was at the site of the crash in southwestern outskirts of Tehran.

Flight data from the airport showed a Ukrainian 737-800 flown by Ukraine International Airlines took off this morning, then stopped sending data almost immediately afterwards, according to website Flight Radar24.

The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The crash came hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting two bases in Iraq housing US forces in retaliation for the killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani.
US urges complete cooperation with probe into Ukrainian flight's crash in Iran
The United States urged complete cooperation with a probe into a Ukrainian flight's crash in Iran.

Iran has rejected giving the Boeing plane's black boxes to Washington.

Without naming Iran directly, secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, the US calls for complete cooperation with any investigation into the cause of the crash.

The crash came as the tense relationship between Iran and the United States had sharply worsened, with Washington killing one of Iran's top generals.

Hours before the crash Iran had fired missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops.
US must leave the region: Seyyed Ali Khamenei
Iran's Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called for an end to the presence of the United States in the region.

He was addressing thousands of people from Qom Province on the occasion of the anniversary of the 1978 uprising.

Praising his forces for the strikes against US airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq in retaliation to the American forces killing Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani, he said, the U.S. must leave the region.

Iran has claimed that 80 US army personnel have been killed and about 200 injured in missile attacks launched by Iranian Revolutionary Guards at American bases in Iraq.

Some 20 sensitive points of the military base were struck by fifteen missiles early this morning.

The Iraqi army said, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters and other military equipment have been severely damaged in the attack.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said that the White House is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with the national security team.

The attack came after the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Iraq last week.
Bangladesh-Myanmar to cooperate against terrorism and human trafficking
Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to take action against terrorism, human trafficking and illegal drugs taking place on the borders between the two countries.

Both the countries agreed to share real-time information on terrorist and secessionist activities, illicit drug trade, human trafficking and illegal border crossing.

The meeting also decided to have frequent interaction between the two countries to sustain cooperation in these fields.

Bangladesh and Myanmar also agreed to cooperate with each other in fighting transnational crimes and to notify if shooting takes place in the border areas.

In case of people unknowingly crossing the border into each other’s territory, both the countries agreed to return the citizens as per existing rules and regulations.
Iraq summons Iranian Ambassador over missile attack
Iraq’s Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Ambassador of Iran to object to the missile attack that targeted two bases in Anbar and Erbil.

Iraq rejects these attacks and consider them as a violation against the Iraqi sovereignty.

The statement also included that Iraq is an independent country, and that its internal security is a priority and a main concern.

Iraq will not allow being an arena for conflicts or a pathway to carry out attacks or a place to use its lands to harm neighbouring countries.
Ukrainian airliner was mistakenly downed by Iranian missile: US
US officials have said that the Ukraine airliner that crashed in Iran, killing all 176 people aboard, was most likely brought down accidentally by Iranian air defence missiles.

American satellites had detected the launch of two missiles shortly before the plane crashed, followed by evidence of an explosion.

Washington believes the downing of the plane was accidental. US President Donald Trump also said that the crash could have been a mistake.

Ukraine has outlined four potential scenarios to explain the crash, including a missile strike.

Iran has challenged international suggestions that the Ukrainian airliner was mistakenly downed by an Iranian missile.

Multiple intelligence sources indicate that Iran shot down the Boeing airliner after it took off from Tehran on 8 January, 2020.
2nd phase US-China trade deal may come after US elections: President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has said that negotiations for the second phase of a pending US-China trade deal will begin promptly but the outcome may wait until after this year's elections.

Mr Trump's remarks come days before Beijing's trade envoy is due in Washington to sign a phase one agreement, marking a pause in the two sides' nearly two-year trade war.

After efforts to reach a grand bargain proved elusive last year, the two sides agreed in December to a partial deal addressing only some of Washington's grievances about Chinese trade practices.

As part of the Phase One deal, China has committed to a minimum of 200 billion US Dollars in increased purchases over the next two years from the United States.
US House of Representatives votes to curb President Trump war power on Iran
The US House of Representatives has approved a symbolic resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump's ability to make war on Iran.

The measure passed the Democratic-run chamber 224-194 but faces an uphill task in the Republican-held Senate.

It aims to mandate congressional approval for any conflict with Iran except in cases of an imminent attack against the US.
Nepal is following recent developments in West Asian region with serious concern
The Government of Nepal is following with serious concern the recent

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued, the region hosts a large number of Nepali migrant workers and therefore, security and safety of Nepali people in the region becomes a matter of utmost priority for Nepal.

It has called upon all sides to exercise restraints from taking measures and actions that contribute to the escalation of tension and endanger peace and stability in the region.

It has been a principled position of Nepal that all disputes and differences must be resolved through peaceful means.
British Parliament to finally approve terms of Brexit
Britain's Parliament will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on 31st January, 2020.

The House of Commons will rush through a final day of hearings and ratify Prime Minister Boris Johnson's divorce deal with Brussels.

For much of the time since the 2016 Brexit Referendum, lawmakers have been deadlocked over how, when and even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years.

MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text.

The Brexit Bill must be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, but this is expected before 31st of January.

The Brexit deal covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership.
World Hindi Day being celebrated today (10 January)
World Hindi Day being celebrated on 10th January every year to commemorated with the objective to promote use of Hindi language abroad.

Special functions are being organized to mark the occasion.

On this day in 2006 the First World Hindi Conference was organized in Nagpur with the aim to promote the language worldwide and since then every year 10th January is being observed as the World Hindi Day.

Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Missions abroad are observing the day annually.

The use of Indian languages on web and mobile is increasing.
Second largest Muslim Congregation in the world BishwaIjtema begins in Bangladesh
The first phase of the world’s second largest Muslim congregation after Haj began on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Thousands of devotees from Bangladesh and abroad are thronging the bank of river Turag at Tongi near Dhaka to participate in the congregation called BishwaIjtema.

The BishwaIjtema began with the ‘aambayan’ and will end on January 12 with the final prayers ‘AkheriMunajat’.
US strikes kill 15 pro-Iran fighters in Iraq
In Iraq, fifteen fighters, including commanders, have been killed in US strikes against a pro-Iran armed group in western Iraq.

An official from the Tehran-backed Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary told AFP that several fighters were also injured in strikes.

US targeted the Iraqi Kata'ib Hezbollah in response to a barrage of 30 or more rockets that was fired on Friday at an Iraqi military base, killing a US civilian contractor.

Repeated mortar and rocket attacks have since late October targeted American interests in the country, where the US has 5,200 troops deployed as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State jihadist group.
UAE condemns terrorist car bomb attack in Saudi Arabia
The UAE has condemned an attempt by terrorist elements to carry out a sabotage operation using a car bomb in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation praised the vigilance of Saudi security forces and their efficiency in confronting such terrorist acts.

The Ministry reiterated the UAE's firm position and solidarity with Saudi Arabia in dealing with such acts and underscored its support for all measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security and stability.

Bahrain has also strongly condemned the terrorist attack attempt which took place in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Ministry stressed Bahrain’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against all attempts to threaten its security and stability, backing the Saudi efforts to combat terrorism at both the regional and international levels.

The Bahrain Foreign ministry commended the vigilance of the Saudi security forces in thwarting this cowardly terrorist attack, reiterating the Kingdom’s rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, calling for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism and dry up its financing.

Two wanted criminals who had planned an "imminent terrorist operation" were killed on Sunday in a security operation in the Saudi city of Dammam.

The two wanted men, Ahmad Abdullah Saeed Suwaid and Abdullah Hussein Saeed Al Nimer were Saudis.

The security operation resulted in the arrest of a third element whose name has not been disclosed.
UN approved a resolution
The UN General Assembly approved a resolution that will start the process of drafting an international treaty to combat cybercrime over objections from the European Union, the US and other countries.

The Russian-drafted resolution was approved by the 193-member world body by a vote of 79-60 with 33 abstentions.

It establishes an expert committee representing all regions of the world.
UN envoy warns of ‘escalation’ in Libya conflict
The military and maritime agreements signed between Turkey and the Tripoli government represent an escalation of the conflict in the North African country.

Ghassan Salame's remarks came as Egypt called for an urgent meeting of the Cairo-based Arab League to discuss developments in Libya and the possibility of an escalation there.

Libya has been mired in conflict since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with rival administrations in the east and the west vying for power.

In April, military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is based in the east, launched an assault to seize the capital Tripoli from the UN-recognised Government of National Accord.

In November Ankara signed a security and military cooperation deal with the GNA and also inked a maritime jurisdiction agreement with the Tripoli government.

Turkey is preparing to hold a vote in parliament on deploying troops in support of the GNA in its battle against Haftar, who is backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.
Sri Lankan President calls for need to bring all personal information under one data collection centre
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has called for the need to bring a gathering of all personal information under one data collection centre.

This will be instrumental in reducing time, effort and money spent on services such as National Identity Cards, driving licenses, immigration and emigration documents, registration of births and deaths.

The President pointed out that the existing practice is to gather some information by several entities but if this can be brought under one umbrella organization, it will greatly reduce delays and ensure efficiency.

This will prevent the circulation of erroneous and duplicitous information.

The inter-connectivity among ministries, departments and semi-governmental organizations is vital in the development process and a high level of productivity can be achieved by networking relevant organizations.
Several Australian cities cancel fireworks on New Year's Eve as fire danger worsens
New Year's Eve fireworks in Australia's capital city, Canberra have been cancelled as the wildfire danger worsens in the oppressive summer heat, and pressure is building up for Sydney's iconic celebrations to be similarly scrapped.

Soaring temperatures and strong winds have sparked new fires in the Australian state of Victoria, where tens of thousands of people were urged to flee.

The worsening weather started blazes and fanned existing ones across the nation's south-east today.

Crews across four states were bracing for a day of extreme fire danger.

More than 100 blazes continue to rage across Australia.

Extreme fire warnings have been issued for the states of Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania.
Russian President Putin thanks US President Trump for helping foil terrorist acts in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with President Donald Trump to thank him for providing information that helped Russia foil terrorist attacks over the New Year's holiday.

Based on the U.S. information, the Russian security forces detained two Russians suspected of preparing to carry out terrorist acts in St. Petersburg during the upcoming holiday.

The security service said it seized material from the suspects that confirm they were preparing terrorist acts.
Iraqi PM calls for end to US Embassy siege after strikes on Shiite militia
Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi urged protesters to end the violent siege of the American embassy in Baghdad which was triggered by a deadly US strike on a Shiite militia.

Dozens of protesters broke into the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, smashing the main door and setting fire to a reception area, prompting tear gas and sounds of gunfire.

The US Ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from the Embassy.

Earlier, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Embassy shortly after funerals were held for fighters of Kataib Hezbollah militia killed in Sunday night strikes that the Pentagon launched in response on a rocket attack on a Kirkuk base.
Donald Trump warns Iran over 'big price' to pay for attacks on US
United States President Donald Trump has warned Iran of significant retaliation if Americans are killed or its facilities damaged in attacks by the Islamic Republic.

That they will pay a very big price.

After pro-Iranian protesters stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad.

Mr. Trump thanked Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi and President Barham Saleh for their rapid response upon request to the embassy attack, said the White House.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declares end to moratoriums on nuclear and ballistic missile tests
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has declared that Pyongyang is abandoning its moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests.

Mr Kim further added, the world will witness a new strategic weapon to be possessed by the DPRK in the near future.
First phase of US-China trade deal to be signed on 15th January- President Trump
US President Donald Trump will sign the first phase of a trade deal with China at the White House on 15th of this month.

Mr. Trump will travel to Beijing at a later date to open talks on other sticking points in the US-China trade relationship that remain to be worked out.

In the first-step agreement announced earlier in December, the United States agreed to reduce tariffs and China agreed to buy larger quantities of US farm products.
Guinea-Bissau opposition leader wins presidential election
In the West African state of Guinea-Bissau, Opposition leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo has won presidential elections, picking up 53.55 per cent of votes.

His rival Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the country's ruling party PAIGC, bagged 46.45 percent votes.

National Electoral Commission (CNE) President Jose Pedro Sambu announced the result.
Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen defends anti-infiltration law aimed at China
China has been relentless in its attempts to influence and infiltrate Taiwan's politics and society, but the island's new ban on political interference should have no effect on normal exchanges between the sides.

This was stated by Taiwan's President in her New Year's address.

The Anti-Subversion Law obtained a third and final approval in Taiwan's legislature today. It aims to prevent illegal campaign contributions, staging of political events, spread of misinformation and other acts by foreigners that could affect Taiwan's elections or government work.

It was denounced by the opposition and by China's Cabinet, but President Tsai Ing-wen defended it as having no effect on normal interactions.

The law's passage won't have any effect on freedom or violate human rights, and won't influence normal commercial exchanges.

Given China's similar actions in other countries, Taiwan's failure to prevent interference could give the impression it is untroubled by Beijing's actions.

Tsai cited the continuing protests in Hong Kong as proof its governing framework, which Beijing proposes for Taiwan, is untenable.
North Korea threatens to unveil a new strategic weapon soon
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests with a threat to demonstrate a new strategic weapon soon.

Washington has responded by urging Kim to take a different course.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed that the US wanted peace not confrontation.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he believes Kim will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as he threatened the new weapon.

A self-imposed ban on such tests has been the centrepiece of the nuclear diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington over the past two years.

Despite three meetings between Kim and Trump, little tangible progress has been made.
Pacific Island nation Palau bans ‘reef-toxic’ sunscreen
Palau's pioneering ban on "reef-toxic" sunscreens takes effect.

The tiny Pacific island nation introduced strict environmental measures.

Palau is renowned for its marine life and is regarded as one of the world's best diving destinations.

But, the government is concerned this poses an environmental cost.

There was scientific evidence that chemicals found in most sunscreens were toxic to corals.

From New Year's day, any reef-toxic sunscreen imported or sold in Palau will be confiscated and the owner will be fined. Along with the ban, Palau's much-touted marine sanctuary came into effect on January 1.

This closes 80 per cent of its exclusive economic zone to fishing and other marine activities including mining and shark finning.

It follows Palau's establishment of the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009.
Australian navy begins evacuation in fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota
The Australian navy has begun evacuating hundreds of people trapped in the fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota on the Victoria coast.

Terming it an unprecedented mass relocation, MP Darren Chester said, two ships, will pick up about 1,000 people.

Thousands of people are also fleeing neighbouring city of New South Wales where a state of emergency is in force. Since September fires have killed 19 people in the two states.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under attack for his response to the fires.

He was heckled by angry locals in Cobargo, New South Wales, and had to cut short his visit to the fire-hit town.
24 people killed in an attack on Sudan camp for internally displaced people
In Sudan, 24 people were killed after a camp for internally displaced people was attacked in West Darfur state.

Krinding Camp, east of the state capital el-Geneina, was raided over Sunday and Monday following a dispute between Arab and African ethnic groups.

The Arab tribesmen came to the IDP camp and started shooting and killing and burning.

Brokering lasting peace in Darfur and other parts of Sudan is one of the main challenges facing military and civilian authorities.

Rebel groups from Darfur have now suspended their peace talks with the government in response to the latest tribal clashes and called for an investigation.
Nepal’s President launches ‘Visit Nepal Year 2020’ campaign to promote tourism
President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari launched much-awaited Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign amidst a spectacular ceremony held at historic Dasaratha Rangashala in Kathmandu on 01 January, 2020 evening.

Chief Justice, National Assembly Chairman, former Prime Ministers and political party leaders from Nepal and dignitaries from various countries including India's Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture, Prahlad Singh Patel also graced the occasion.

The ambitious campaign is aimed to promote tourism in Nepal and attract 2 million tourists during the year 2020.

The government has a goal of making tourism one of the key pillars of Nepali economy. He said Visit Nepal Year 2020 will create a new image of Nepal in the hearts and minds of the world community.

On this occasion India's Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture, Prahlad said India and Nepal have age old cultural and social ties.

Participation and enthusiasm among youths will make the campaign successful. Visit Nepal 2020 campaign was also launched in all the seven provinces of Nepal from 01 January, 2020.

During the campaign a large number of programmes will be organized in various parts of Nepal throughout the year.
World Braille Day being celebrated today (4 Janaury)
The world Braille Day is being celebrated on 4 January every year.

The day is marked remembering the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille - for people with visual disabilities. Louis Braille was born on 4th January 1809 in the town of Coupvray in northern France.

At the age of just 3, he lost both his eyes in an accident.

This resulted in the invention of the language of 6 dots- which is popularly known as braille.
Israel holds emergency security talks
Israel held emergency security talks on 3 January, 2020 and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut short a foreign visit as the Jewish state braced itself for fallout from the assassination of a top Iranian military commander in a US air strike.

Defence Minister Naftali Bennett chaired a meeting of security chiefs, including the heads of the army, the National Security Council and the Mossad intelligence agency, his office said.

Netanyahu broke off an official visit to Greece and flew home, expressing support for the overnight US strike that killed General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

On the ground, the Israeli army closed Mount Hermon ski resort on the annexed Golan Heights, a disputed territory which borders Syria and Lebanon.
US sends 3,000 more army troops to Middle East
The United States is sending 3,000 more army troops to the Middle East as reinforcements after the killing of Iranian Commander Qasem Soleimani in a strike ordered by President Donald Trump.

They are in addition to about 700 soldiers who were deployed in Kuwait earlier this week after the storming of the United States Embassy compound in Baghdad by Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters.

Prior to this week's deployments, Trump administration had sent 14,000 additional troops to the Mideast since May, when it first publicly claimed Iran is planning attacks on US interests.

The strike marked a major escalation in the conflict between Washington and Iran, as Iran vowed harsh retaliation for the killing of the senior military leader.

The execution of Iranian Commander Qasem Soleimani by US military was aimed to stop a war and not to start a war.

Qassem was plotting attacks on US diplomats and military personnel before he was killed.

The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the strike as wholly lawful, saying that Soleimani posed an imminent threat against the United States and its interests in the region.

The United States and Iran have faced repeated crises since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed crippling sanctions.

The United States urged its citizens to leave Iraq immediately as fears mounted that the strike and any retaliation by Iran could ignite a conflict that engulfs the region.
Iran names Esmail Qaani as new Commander
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei named the Deputy Head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm Esmail Qaani to replace Qasem Soleimani as its commander.

Soleimani was killed in a pre-dawn US strike in Baghdad.

Qaani was one of the most decorated commanders of the Guards during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

The orders for the force remain exactly as they were during the leadership of Soleimani. He called on the members of the force to cooperate with General Qaani.