Several dead as gunman opens fire in occupied East Jerusalem

*) Blinken to visit Mideast as Palestine mourns killings by Israel

Top American diplomat Antony Blinken will travel to Egypt, Israel and Palestine this weekend, the State Department has announced, as the US expressed alarm about escalating violence after Israel's single deadliest operation in the occupied West Bank in 20 years.

Blinken's visit to Israel has been planned for weeks, but the Israeli raid on a West Bank refugee camp earlier on Thursday — that killed nine people, including a 61-year-old woman — will likely dominate his talks in Jerusalem and Ramallah.

The Israeli military also fatally shot a 22-year-old Palestinian later in the day.

*) Peru army, police to unblock roads controlled by protesters

The Peruvian government has said that police and soldiers would soon move to dismantle roadblocks on the nation's highways erected by protesters who have demanded for weeks the resignation of President Dina Boluarte.

The move announced by the defence and interior ministries on Thursday comes as shortages of basic goods including food and fuel have escalated in the South American country, with freight deliveries to the south compromised.

*) Biden calls Republicans' economic plans dangerous for US economy

US President Joe Biden has said he will veto any Republican legislation that threatens to sow "chaos" in the country's economy.

"I will not let it happen. Not on my watch. I will veto everything," he said in a speech laying out his economic vision at a Virginia pipe fitters union hall.

Biden said congressional Republicans' push to block expansion of the nation's borrowing limit, threatening a US debt default, would spark "chaos" and "pain" for the world's number one economy.

*) Ukraine calls for banning Djokovic's father for flanking pro-Russia fans

Ukraine's ambassador to Australia has urged tennis officials to ban Novak Djokovic's father from the Australian Open after he was filmed posing with fans brandishing Russian flags.

Myroshnychenko also called on Djokovic, who is preparing to face Tommy Paul in the semi-finals of the tournament, to personally apologise and to clarify his stance on the Russian invasion.

And finally…

*) New excavation unearths tombs and sarcophagus in Egypt

Egypt has unveiled dozens of new archaeological discoveries, including two ancient tombs at a Pharaonic necropolis just outside of the capital Cairo.

The artefacts, unearthed during a year-long excavation, were found beneath an ancient stone enclosure near the Saqqara pyramids, the excavation team said.

One of the uncovered tombs belonged to a priest from the fifth dynasty known as Khnumdjedef, while the other belonged to an official named Meri, who held the title of “the keeper of the secrets,” the team said.

*) Ukraine seeks long-range missiles as fighting rages in Bakhmut

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he wanted the West to send long-range missiles and jets to his war-torn country to help repel Russian troops.

"I've spoken with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today," Zelenskyy said after the United States and Germany announced they would send heavy tanks to Ukraine.

"We must also open deliveries of long-range missiles to Ukraine, it is important — we must expand our cooperation in artillery," Zelenskyy said, also adding that Ukraine needed jets. "This is a dream. And this is a task."

*) Thousands join 'Invasion Day' protests on Australia Day holiday

Thousands of Australians have marked the country's national holiday with rallies in support of the nation's Indigenous people, many of whom describe the anniversary of the day a British fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour as "Invasion Day".

In Sydney, the capital of New South Wales — Australia's most populous state — social media showed a large crowd gathered at an "Invasion Day" rally on Thursday in the central business district, where some people carried Aboriginal flags and an Indigenous smoking ceremony took place.

*) More potential unmarked graves discovered at Canada school


An investigative team has found 66 more potential unmarked graves at a former residential school in British Columbia, the Williams Lake First Nation [WLFN] said at a press conference.

The announcement of the discovery on Wednesday brings the number to 159 found at the former St Joseph's Mission Residential School — 93 were uncovered in May 2021.

Run by the Catholic Oblates order, thousands of Indigenous children were forced to attend the Mission operated between 1886 and 1981

*) India's Gautam Adani accused of pulling 'largest con in corporate history'


Asia's richest man Gautam Adani has seen his net worth drop by nearly $11 billion after a US investment firm accused him of "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud".

Adani, 60, is the world's third-richest person, with an estimated fortune of around $120 billion and interests ranging from Australian coal mines to India's busiest ports.

But the magnate lost billions after allegations by short-selling firm Hindenburg Research that caused shares in its companies to plunge as investors rushed to sell shares in his group of companies.



And finally…

*) Bollywood star 'King Khan' returns to big screen amid Hindu far-right ire

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has returned to the silver screen for the first time in four years with a big-budget action movie that has sparked ire from Hindu far-right groups.

"Pathaan", which hit cinemas on Wednesday, a day ahead of India's Republic Day celebrations, also features Bollywood heartthrob Deepika Padukone and action hero John Abraham — as well as songs and special effects galore.

The success of "Pathaan", where Khan plays a spy fighting a militant outfit, is crucial for the Indian film industry that has seen a spate of high-profile flops since the Covid-19 pandemic began, as Netflix and Amazon have provided varied and much cheaper content at home.

*) US possible tank deliveries to Ukraine disturbs Russia

The Biden administration could approve sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to fortify Kiev's firepower against Russia, according to US officials.

Moscow called the possible approval of the tanks a "blatant provocation" against Russia.

"If the United States decides to supply tanks, then justifying such a step with arguments about 'defensive weapons' will definitely not work", Russia's ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said.


*) New Zealand has new prime minister

Chris Hipkins has been sworn in as New Zealand's 41st prime minister, following the unexpected resignation of Jacinda Ardern last week.
Hipkins has promised a back-to-basics approach focusing on the economy and what he described as the "pandemic of inflation”.
He will have less than nine months before contesting a tough general election, with opinion polls indicating his Labour Party is trailing its conservative opposition.

*) Bulgaria announces snap general elections

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has said he would set April 2 as the date for the country's parliamentary election, a fifth within two years.

The president will dissolve the parliament after polls in last October failed to produce a working government.

Bulgaria has been governed by caretaker governments, appointed by Radev for much of the past two years in the absence of a stable elected coalition.


*) NASA, Pentagon to develop nuclear-powered rocket for Mars

NASA is partnering with the Pentagon's research agency, DARPA, to develop a nuclear-powered rocket engine in preparation for sending astronauts to Mars.

"With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever — a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said.

NASA conducted its last nuclear thermal rocket engine tests more than 50 years ago, but the program was abandoned due to budget cuts and Cold War tensions.


And finally…

*) Türkiye suspends talks with Sweden, Finland over NATO accession

Türkiye has postponed a trilateral meeting with Sweden and Finland over their NATO bid scheduled for February, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

The decision was made after Sweden allowed Denmark’s far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line) Party's anti-Muslim leader Rasmus Paludan to burn a copy of Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.

The sources did not specify when the meeting would take place.

*) Constant Russian shelling and attacks in Ukraine

Russian forces have been shelling and attacking Ukrainian positions on the front lines of the conflict around the clock according to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In his nightly video message, Zelenskyy said the battle for the Donbass region and for the south goes on.

He added that Ukraine is aware of how Russia is massing its forces and knows how to respond.

*) Seven dead in new California shooting

At least seven people have been killed in a mass shooting at two locations in the coastal northern California city of Half Moon Bay.

The suspect was arrested after he drove to a police parking lot apparently to hand himself in. He is cooperating with investigators, according to the county sheriff.

The shootings came after a gunman opened fire and killed 11 people at a dance club in Los Angeles over the weekend.

*) UN seeking to reverse ban on women workers in Afghanistan

The UN humanitarian chief has arrived in Afghanistan in a bid to reverse the Taliban administration’s ban on Afghan women and girls going to schools and working for humanitarian organisations.

Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths was joined by two major international aid organisations and the UN children’s agency, UNICEF.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said last month’s ban on Afghan women working for NGOs is sowing fears that the already dire humanitarian situation will get even worse.

*) Without respect for Islam, Sweden gets no NATO boost: Türkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Sweden should not expect any good news from Türkiye on its NATO bid “if it does not show respect to Islam.”

The remarks came after Rasmus Paludan, the leader of Denmark’s far-right Stram Kurs Party burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.

The anti-Muslim act was done under police protection and with permission from the Swedish government.

*) Dutch leader of far-right group desecrates copy of Quran

The Dutch leader of a far-right group known as Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West has desecrated the Quran in the Netherlands.

In a video posted on social media, anti-Muslim provocateur Edwin Wagensveld tore apart a copy of Islam's holy book, then set it on fire.

Wagensveld, who claimed he had permission from the city of The Hague for the destruction of the Quran, was arrested twice before for his anti-Muslim activities.

*) Suspect in California mass shooting found dead

The suspect of a mass shooting in California, which left 10 people dead during the Lunar New Year, has died apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Los Angeles Sherrif said the gunman, named as 72-year-old Huu Can Tran, committed suicide when police approached a wanted van.

Investigations are ongoing as homicide detectives are working on determining the motive behind the attack.

*) Netanyahu removes top minister over Supreme Court ruling

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has removed a top minister from office following a Supreme Court ruling.

Aryeh Deri, leader of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish party Shas, was appointed health and interior minister last month.

But the Supreme Court ruled that Netanyahu must remove Deri from his position due to a tax evasion conviction last year.

*) Hundreds protest outside Swedish Consulate in Istanbul over Quran burning

The Quran-burning incident in Sweden has ignited a second day of protests in Türkiye, reflecting a growing global condemnation against anti-Muslim hatred.

Some 250 people gathered outside the Swedish Consulate in Istanbul, holding flags and banners that said: We condemn Sweden’s state-supported Islamophobia.

On Saturday, the Swedish government allowed Rasmus Paludan, a convicted racist, to burn a copy of Islam’s holy book outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

*) Canada to pay more than $2B to Indigenous survivors of abuse

Canada will pay hundreds of Indigenous communities 2.1 billion dollars in compensation for nearly a century of abuse suffered by thousands of children in residential schools.

The compensation will be used to revitalise Indigenous education, culture, and language and support the survivors, many of whom were physically and sexually abused.

The settlement with the Canadian government was the result of a class-action lawsuit brought by 324 Indigenous communities.

*) Ronaldo scores for Al Nassr in the first game after Saudi Arabia move

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a winning start to life in the Saudi Pro League as he led Al Nassr to a 1-0 victory over Ettifaq in his first match after Saudi Arabia move.

The 37-year-old moved to the team for deals totalling more than 400 million dollars, becoming the best paid football player in history.

*) Zelenskyy expects powerful Western military support

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that Ukraine is waiting for a "decision from one European capital that will activate the prepared chains of cooperation on tanks."

Zelenskyy thanked Estonia for the large package of military assistance and Sweden for its package which included howitzers and ammunition.

Zelenskyy also thanked Denmark for the NLAW, Archers and APCs.

*) Palestine tells Biden adviser to rein in Israel 'before it's too late'

Palestine's President Mahmoud Abbas meets US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, appealing to the Biden administration to stop the Israeli government from pressing ahead with escalatory measures against the Palestinians.

Abbas urged the United States to intervene before it is too late to stop the unilateral measures by the new Israeli coalition's policies.

*) Türkiye expects US to extradite FETO terrorists: Cavusoglu

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says that he hopes Washington will extradite members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization based in the US.

Speaking with members of the Turkish-American community and Ahiska Turks in Houston, Texas, Cavusoglu stressed that FETO members are "intensely" present in the city.

Cavusoglu said that FETO's educational institutions were shut down in many countries and their members were handed over to Türkiye.

*) At least 145 people feared dead in DRC boat tragedy

At least 145 passengers are missing and feared dead after a motorised boat overloaded with goods and animals sank at night on a river in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo.

About 55 people survived the disaster, officials said.

The boat was travelling to the neighbouring Republic of Congo when it capsized in the Lulonga River.

And finally…

*) Kashmir, Chad, Venezuela activists win Martin Ennals Award

Campaigners from disputed Kashmir region, Chad and Venezuela win the Martin Ennals Award, one of the world's most prestigious human rights prizes.

Khurram Parvez, a prominent rights activist in restive India-administered Kashmir, Delphine Djiraibe, one of Chad's first women lawyers and Feliciano Reyna, a rights activist in Venezuela bagged the award, the jury announced.

The award ceremony, managed by Martin Ennals Foundation, will take place in Geneva on February 16, the organisers said.

*) Türkiye tells US to delink F-16 jet sale from Nordic NATO bids

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said that the United States must approve a 20 billion dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye.

Cavusoglu said after a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the important thing on the sale of F-16 jets is whether the Biden administration will be determined.

The Turkish minister said the Biden administration should not waste the deal because of objection by some senators and should also convey to Congress that NATO bids by Finland and Sweden are not linked with F-16 sale.

*) Huge US weapons package for Ukraine

The US is finalising a massive package of military aid for Ukraine that US officials say is likely to total as much as 2.6 billion dollars.

It's expected to include for the first time nearly 100 Stryker combat vehicles and at least 50 Bradley armoured vehicles to allow Ukrainian forces to move more quickly and securely on the front lines in the war with Russia.

The officials said the numbers could change as the Biden administration goes through final deliberations on the package.

*) New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern to quit as PM next month

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to stand down no later than early February and will not seek reelection, Ardern has said in a televised statement.

Fighting back tears, she said the general election will take place on October 14 and her last day as prime minister will be on February 7.

Ardern faced a tough election campaign this year.

*) France braces for nationwide strike against Macron's pension reform

Trains will grind to a halt in France, classrooms will be shut, and businesses will be disrupted as workers walk off their jobs in an attempt to derail a planned pension reform.

The nationwide day of strikes and protests is a major test for President Emmanuel Macron, but also for the unions.

Opinion polls show French voters overwhelmingly reject a reform that the government says is vital to ensure the pension system does not go bust.

And finally…

*) Spanish great-grandmother tipped as 'world's oldest person' at 115

A Spanish great-grandmother who was born in the United States has likely become the world's oldest living person at 115, a Guinness World Records consultant said.

Maria Branyas Morera is believed to have assumed the title following the death of French nun Lucile Randon aged 118, senior consultant for gerontology Robert D. Young said.

Guinness World Records must still make the official decision after carrying out document checks and interviewing Branyas Morera's family.