China eyes Africa's Western coast. China seeks to increase its footprint in Western Africa. US blocking China's efforts to establish military bases in Africa. The US is alarmed, Beijing has been trying to station its forces along the Atlantic coast of African countries while Washington has been trying to counter its efforts with concessions. Watch to know more!

China seeking bases in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea?

On #ThisWorld with Vikram Chandra: Who will be Pakistan's next Prime Minister? Imran Khan-backed Independents have won the highest number of seats in Pakistan elections. Nawaz Sharif's PML-N has emerged as the party with the most seats, followed by Bilawal Bhutto's PPP. But no one has the numbers to form a govt alone. Will Sharif and Bhutto join hands to keep Imran Khan out?

Pakistan Election: Imran Khan claims victory, Nawaz Sharif calls for a coalition

Latest in Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif reaching out to rival parties PPP, MQM-P, JUI-F for coalition government. Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif said, "all parties to sit together and form a government." Pakistan's voters have spoken but the Mandate is anything but clear as the counting process inches close to a finish no single party has received a required majority to form the government. Now this has led to a hung Parliament. Now in the latest press conference PTI chairman has said that the party will not negotiate with anyone. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan responds to WION over alliance formation

A special counsel concluded Thursday that Joe Biden should not face criminal charges for retaining classified documents, but painted a damaging portrait of the US president as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." Joe Biden defended his memory and handling of classified documents after this incident in a surprise speech.

US Vice President Kamala Harris comes into Biden's defence | Biden's 'poor memory' row

The global mean temperature has been breached. The average worldwide temperature rose above 1.5° Celsius for the first time, as per the European climate agency.

Global mean temperature breaches 1.5° Celsius threshold for an entire year for the first time

With the clock ticking down to what has been called the biggest party on Earth, Brazilian dancer Pedro H. Gaspar confesses he is "excited... and tired."

Tired from long months of intense rehearsals. Excited because Rio de Janeiro's legendary carnival is about to start.

"We talk a lot here about 'PCT': pre-carnival tension, which every samba school performer feels," says the smiling, elegant Gaspar, a 30-year-old member of Unidos de Vila Isabel, one of 12 schools that will compete in Rio's famed carnival parade competition Sunday and Monday nights.

"Carnival is here" is one of Rio's favourite catch-phrases. The iconic beach city has been criss-crossed for weeks by "blocos," the street parties that draw throngs of revelers in alternately skimpy and extravagant costumes this time of year, drunk on happiness and beer.

But the pinnacle of the party will be the samba schools' sumptuous strut down the avenue at the city's "Sambadrome," the 70,000-capacity parade venue designed by modern architect Oscar Niemeyer, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

Samba, the Afro-Brazilian musical genre that fuels the festivities, is for its part a century old, but still as explosively creative as ever.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-police-seize-former-prez-bolsonaros-passport-arrest-close-aides-amid-alleged-coup-investigation-688364">Brazil police to seize former prez Bolsonaro’s passport, arrest close aides amid alleged coup investigation</a>

With towering floats, thundering drum sections and gorgeous dancers in sparkling, barely-there outfits, each samba school will vie for the coveted title of carnival champions.

<h2>'Fundamental issues'</h2>

But beyond the glitter, carnival also raises pressing political and social issues.

Many of the parades this year will pay tribute to little-known heroes of black history or celebrate Brazil's African and Indigenous roots.

One famed school, Salgueiro, will tell the story of the Yanomami Indigenous people, who are suffering a humanitarian emergency blamed on illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest.

Their plight reached crisis level under far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. But his successor, veteran leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has struggled to reverse the unfolding tragedy.

"The samba school parades continue to be a place for Brazil to self-reflect," says anthropologist Mauro Cordeiro.

"Rio carnival is a space where we talk about Brazil's fundamental political and social issues."

Not that there isn't plenty of room for silliness and fun: the biggest hit single of the 2024 parades is a light-hearted samba singing the praises of the cashew fruit.

But carnival is also serious business.

The party, which is projected to bring in more than $1 billion in revenues this year, faces many of the same problems as Brazil at large.

Watch:&nbsp;Brazil: Dengue health emergency in Rio De Janeiro, 10,000 cases registered in Jan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-dengue-health-emergency-in-rio-de-janeiro-10000-cases-registered-in-jan-687705/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With Rio suffering from violent crime, authorities have announced they will deploy thousands of police during carnival.

They are also facing an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever, which has killed some 50 people. Rio declared a public-health emergency Monday, and organizers plan to distribute mosquito repellent at the Sambadrome.

<h2>Keeping the tradition alive&nbsp;</h2>

None of that is expected to break the magic of carnival, or hold back the samba schools -- institutions rooted in poor neighborhoods that revel in putting Rio's marginalized masses at the center of attention for two nights.

One is the iconic Mangueira, named for the "favela," or slum, where it was born 96 years ago, a stone's throw from the famed Maracana football stadium.

This year, the pink and green-sporting school will pay tribute to samba star Alcione to mark the 50th year of her career.

The multi-platinum singer co-founded Mangueira's youth program 36 years ago.

"It's very moving, because Alcione had a huge impact on our lives," says Mangueira native Barbara Rachel, who came up in the youth program herself and is today its cultural director.

"Not just my life, but the lives of an entire generation," says the 30-year-old, whose students will strut their stuff in their own parade when Rio holds its children's carnival Tuesday.

The next generation is set to keep the tradition alive. As Alcione sings in one of her best-known songs, "Don't Let the Samba Die."

With the clock ticking down to what has been called the biggest party on Earth, Brazilian dancer Pedro H. Gaspar confesses he is "excited... and tired." Tired from long months of intense rehearsals.

With the clock ticking down to what has been called the biggest party on Earth, Brazilian dancer Pedro H. Gaspar confesses he is "excited... and tired." Tired from long months of intense rehearsals. Excited because Rio de Janeiro's legendary carnival is about to start. "We talk a lot here about 'PCT': pre-carnival tension, which every samba school performer feels," says the smiling, elegant Gaspar, a 30-year-old member of Unidos de Vila Isabel, one of 12 schools that will compete in Rio's famed carnival parade competition Sunday and Monday nights. "Carnival is here" is one of Rio's favourite catch-phrases. The iconic beach city has been criss-crossed for weeks by "blocos," the street parties that draw throngs of revelers in alternately skimpy and extravagant costumes this time of year, drunk on happiness and beer. But the pinnacle of the party will be the samba schools' sumptuous strut down the avenue at the city's "Sambadrome," the 70,000-capacity parade venue designed by modern architect Oscar Niemeyer, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Samba, the Afro-Brazilian musical genre that fuels the festivities, is for its part a century old, but still as explosively creative as ever. Also Read: Brazil police to seize former prez Bolsonaro’s passport, arrest close aides amid alleged coup investigation With towering floats, thundering drum sections and gorgeous dancers in sparkling, barely-there outfits, each samba school will vie for the coveted title of carnival champions. 'Fundamental issues' But beyond the glitter, carnival also raises pressing political and social issues. Many of the parades this year will pay tribute to little-known heroes of black history or celebrate Brazil's African and Indigenous roots. One famed school, Salgueiro, will tell the story of the Yanomami Indigenous people, who are suffering a humanitarian emergency blamed on illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest. Their plight reached crisis level under far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. But his successor, veteran leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has struggled to reverse the unfolding tragedy. "The samba school parades continue to be a place for Brazil to self-reflect," says anthropologist Mauro Cordeiro. "Rio carnival is a space where we talk about Brazil's fundamental political and social issues." Not that there isn't plenty of room for silliness and fun: the biggest hit single of the 2024 parades is a light-hearted samba singing the praises of the cashew fruit. But carnival is also serious business. The party, which is projected to bring in more than $1 billion in revenues this year, faces many of the same problems as Brazil at large. Watch: Brazil: Dengue health emergency in Rio De Janeiro, 10,000 cases registered in Jan With Rio suffering from violent crime, authorities have announced they will deploy thousands of police during carnival. They are also facing an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever, which has killed some 50 people. Rio declared a public-health emergency Monday, and organizers plan to distribute mosquito repellent at the Sambadrome. Keeping the tradition alive None of that is expected to break the magic of carnival, or hold back the samba schools -- institutions rooted in poor neighborhoods that revel in putting Rio's marginalized masses at the center of attention for two nights. One is the iconic Mangueira, named for the "favela," or slum, where it was born 96 years ago, a stone's throw from the famed Maracana football stadium. This year, the pink and green-sporting school will pay tribute to samba star Alcione to mark the 50th year of her career. The multi-platinum singer co-founded Mangueira's youth program 36 years ago. "It's very moving, because Alcione had a huge impact on our lives," says Mangueira native Barbara Rachel, who came up in the youth program herself and is today its cultural director. "Not just my life, but the lives of an entire generation," says the 30-year-old, whose students will strut their stuff in their own parade when Rio holds its children's carnival Tuesday. The next generation is set to keep the tradition alive. As Alcione sings in one of her best-known songs, "Don't Let the Samba Die."

'Carnival is here': Rio prepares for world's biggest party

Pakistan's voters are the most pessimistic about the economy in the years leading up to Thursday's election. That is based on a Gallup poll, which also showed Pakistani voters struggle to make ends meet in the face of the highest inflation in Asia. This report is to understand the likely impact of the economic conditions on Pakistan's elections.

Pakistan's economic pessimism hits record

The front lines are heating up in Ukraine. Russian forces are advancing its operations in various parts of Ukraine. There has been a surge in attacks in Ukraine's war ravaged Donetsk region. The Russian military has fired between 1500 to 2500 shells and Rockets and is now targeting crucial infrastructure in the region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's Avdiivka under relentless Russian shelling

The naval forces of China Russia and Iran will be holding Marine security joint exercises later this year. This comes amid rising tensions in the West Asia region where Iranian backed Houthi militias and US forces are engaged in major counter strikes. According to Iran's Navy Commander the drills will be held before March end and will be aimed at Regional security. Iran has also invited other countries to take part in the exercise but did not state where the drills will be taking place. Watch to know more!

China, Russia & Iran to hold joint Navy drills aimed at regional security

Rescue efforts continue in California after a mega storm wreaked havoc across the American state. Over 400 mudslides have been reported in Los Angeles. This is one of the wettest storms in the region's history. The city has seen more than half the amount of its expected rainfall in matter of 48 hours.

US: Over 400 mudslides reported in Los Angeles, rescue efforts underway

The European Union has called for a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, as part of its push to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. The new interim target aims at making the bloc carbon neutral by mid-century.

European Union eyes 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak played quite a gamble on National Television but it turns out that Sunak's wager has invited more criticism than applause and has cost him £1000 as well. During an interview earlier this week prime minister Sunak was asked if he is prepared to bet £1000 pounds on whether the Rwanda deportation plan would start before the UK polls...Watch to know more!

UK PM Rishi Sunak rows back on £1000 Rwanda deportation wager

New details have surfaced surrounding an alleged altercation involving Hollywood actor Jacob Elordi, best known for his role in the hit HBO series Euphoria. The incident reportedly occurred in southeast Sydney, where Australian authorities are said to be investigating claims of physical assault against a radio producer. Watch to know more!

Jacob Elordi faces police investigation in Australia

A paper published in Nature Climate Change has claimed that global temperatures have already exceeded the critical 1.5°c threshold set by the 2015 Paris agreement. Scientists have based this information on centuries-old sponges living in the Caribbean sea.

Study suggests Global Warming has already crossed 1.5°c limit

Investors will eye meta shares later on Monday after the stock rose 20% on Friday to close at an all-time high of $474.99 per share. The surge marked the biggest single-day surge in U.S. Stock market history. CEO mark Zuckerburg is now the world's fourth richest, with a $28 billion gain. Meta's $197 billion gains exceeded the $190 billion jump recorded by apple and amazon in 2022. Watch to know more!

Meta's $197 billion surge is biggest in stock-market history

Paytm bank's crisis continues, with an industry body asking merchants to look beyond the digital banking giant for online transactions. This comes after the reserve bank of India ordered a halt to most operations of Paytm's banking arm. Watch to know more!

Paytm Bank's Crisis: Traders urged to ditch Paytm in wake of RBI's decision

As the first month of 2024 concludes and more data comes in on the state of the global economy, economists are turning optimistic. However, the journey into the remainder of the year is not without challenges, as several uncertainties loom on the horizon. Economic commentators have turned bullish as key indicators signal optimism and recovery of major economies worldwide.

Global inflation seen moderating to 5.8%: IMF

Tesla employee from the state of Minnesota in the United States was arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill US President Joe Biden and Billionaire Elon Musk. Watch to know more!

Tesla worker arrested for threatening to kill Elon Musk, Biden

Polls have closed in El Salvador's Presidential and legislative elections held on Sunday with soaring approval ratings and no competition whatsoever Nayib Bukele is headed for a landslide Victory again and secure a five-year Presidential term. Watch to know more!

El Salvador: President Nayib Bukele poised for a second term as polls close

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: The US is actively pursuing a second hostage deal as well as humanitarian assistance to Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to West Asia again on his new crisis tour of the region. Blinken seeks to push forward a proposal to halt the devastating conflict in return for the release of hostages. Watch to know more!

Blinken's fifth West Asia visit: Talks with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel lined up

The Swiss Alps make up the most popular Ski destination in the world. But the industry now faces an existential threat as it battles the looming danger of climate change. Unusually mild temperatures have forced the closure of ski resorts across Switzerland. Watch to know more!

Switzerland: Rising temperatures force closure of Ski resorts

Parisians have voted in favour of tripling parking costs for SUVs, as the city aims to tackle air pollution and a looming climate crisis. In a closely-watched referendum, over 54 percent voted for special parking fees for heavy, large and polluting sports utility vehicles. Watch to know more!

Paris triples parking costs for SUVs to tackle air pollution

Former US president Donald Trump has again accused Israel of being a part of the plan to kill Iran's top Commander Qassem Soleimani back in early 2020. Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq. Watch to know more!

Israel a part of Qassem Soleimani killing plot ?

The assault comes days before Pakistan goes to polls. The country has seen dozens of attacks in the last few weeks. Watch to know more!

Pakistan: 10 police personnel killed as militants attack police station in northwest Pakistan

While playing video games is enjoyable, it's crucial to be aware that they can lead to serious consequences if played without caution. Find more details in this report. Watch to know more!

Rise in online gaming scams | WION Tech It Out

Voters in El Salvador are set to cast their ballots and victory for the incumbent President appears to be in the bag...El Salvador's youngest President is the front runner in Sunday's election. Watch to know more!

El Salvador: Nayib Bukele set to win second term

Donald Trump is lagging behind Biden in the money race. Legal expenses are draining Trump's campaign coffers...Can Trump's donors continue to finance his campaign & his lawyers?

US Elections 2024: Can Trump's donors continue to finance his campaign & his lawyers?

Japan to introduce six-month residency visa for 'digital nomads.' Applicants must have annual income equivalent to $68,000. I-T workers can now work remotely while travelling around the world. Watch to know more!

Japan to introduce six-month residency visa for 'digital nomads'

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US' response in Syria and Iraq. Watch to know more!

US and UK's joint strikes hit 36 Houthi targets in Yemen | Red Sea Crisis

The first back-to-back atmospheric river storms soaked southern California with drenching rains on Thursday, triggering scattered flooding and leaving vehicles stranded on heavily flooded streets. Videos showed cars driving through floodwater in the state. This is while the other vehicles lay partially submerged. Watch to know more!

US: Storm 'Pineapple Express' slams California, vehicles seen driving through flooded streets

Days after three US troops were killed in Jordan allegedly after attack by an Iraq-based and Iran-linked proxy militant group, the United States on Saturday (Feb 3) targeted a number of sites in both Iraq and Syria, pushing West Asia's edge of conflict further into the lines of war. At the time of filing this report, 40 militants have been killed in the US strikes. In other news, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3).

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-deepens-as-nearly-40-killed-in-us-strikes-on-iran-backed-groups-in-iraq-and-syria-686682">Middle East crisis deepens as US strikes Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409827-untitled-design-2024-02-03t172840620.png?imwidth=500" />

US President Joe Biden said that he directed the country's military to strike targets in Syria and Iraq.&nbsp;Washington ordered attack on&nbsp;"IRGC [Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps] and affiliated militia".&nbsp;The United States has some 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in neighbouring Iraq as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State group, a jihadist organisation that once controlled swathes of both countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-bushra-bibi-sentenced-to-7-years-imprisonment-in-un-islamic-nikah-case-686675">Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years in 'un-Islamic nikah' case</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409824-untitled-design-2024-02-03t164437989.png?imwidth=500" />

The case is related to their marriage which took place during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. The verdict was announced by senior civil judge Qudratullah after the complaint was filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka, who called their marriage “un-Islamic and illegal”, in a makeshift court located at the Adiala district jail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/honour-for-my-principles-advani-reacts-as-pm-modi-announces-bharat-ratna-honour-686706">'Honour for my principles': Advani reacts as PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409843-untitled-design-2024-02-03t191735356.png?imwidth=500" />

Less than two weeks after the temple of Lord Ram was consecrated at his birthplace in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bharatiya Janata Party co-founder Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with the country's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;The 96-year-old veteran greeted media and people at his New Delhi residence shortly after the announcement was made.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michelle-oneill-hails-new-dawn-for-n-ireland-after-appointed-first-minister-686737">Michelle O'Neill hails 'new dawn' for N Ireland after appointed first minister</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409862-succession-2024-02-03t215427943.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill on Saturday hailed her "historic" appointment as Northern Ireland's new first minister, the first time a pro-Irish unity nationalist has led the UK territory's devolved government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-declares-state-of-emergency-as-10-people-feared-dead-in-massive-forest-fires-686717">Chile declares state of emergency as 10 people feared dead in forest fires</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409851-succession-2024-02-03t195921368.jpg?imwidth=500" />

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.&nbsp;The officials fear that the forest fires have claimed the lives of 10 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-jean-carrolls-lawyer-says-trump-used-coded-version-of-c-word-against-her-686678">E Jean Carroll's lawyer says Trump used coded version of C-word against her</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409825-untitled-design-2024-02-03t165858432.png?imwidth=500" />

American writer E Jean Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kapalan has said that former United States president Donald Trump used a coded version of the C-word (C**t) against her during a deposition before she helped Carroll win the verdict in her defamation case against him. Kaplan made this remark during a podcast,&nbsp;reported&nbsp;The Guardian on Friday (Feb 2).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-many-people-injured-in-knife-attack-at-railway-station-in-paris-suspected-arrested-686625">Three injured in knife attack at major railway station in Paris, suspect arrested</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409805-2024-02-03t085557z1lynxmpek12028rtroptp4france-security.JPG?imwidth=500" />

Three people were injured in a knife attack at a major railway station in Paris on Saturday (Feb 3). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the attack took place at the Gare de Lyon railway station. The attack occurred at 8 am local time leaving one person with serious injuries while two others were mildly&nbsp;wounded.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boss-of-one-of-italys-most-violent-mafia-captured-in-france-686686">Boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia captured in France</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409830-untitled-design-2024-02-03t180146592.png?imwidth=500" />

A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said. Raduano is on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals. Italian authorities on Friday also announced the detention of Raduano's close aide Gianluigi Troiano, who was picked up near Granada in southern Spain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-dont-overhype-his-achievements-let-him-enjoy-his-cricket-gambhir-on-jaiswals-209-686733">IND v ENG: Don’t overhype his achievements, let him enjoy his cricket - Gambhir on Jaiswal’s 209</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409860-untitled-design-2024-02-03t210403244.png?imwidth=500" />

Former opener Gautam Gambhir has asked the Indian fans not to overhype Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 209 in the first innings of the Vizag Test against England. Gambhir - the last Indian left-hander to complete a Test double ton (in 2008 against Australia), urged everyone to let Jaiswal enjoy his cricket instead of putting pressure on him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-punjabs-governor-resigns-in-a-sudden-move-cites-personal-reasons-686671">India: Punjab governor resigns in a sudden move, cites 'personal reasons'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/03/409820-untitled-design-2024-02-03t162200246.png?imwidth=500" />

In a sudden move, the governor of the Indian state of Punjab Banwarilal Purohit resigned citing “personal reasons and certain other commitments". The resignation of Purohit came a day after he met Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

Days after three US troops were killed in Jordan allegedly after attack by an Iraq-based and Iran-linked proxy militant group, the United States on Saturday (Feb 3) targeted a number of sites in both Iraq and Syria, pushing West Asia's edge of conflict further into the lines of war.

Days after three US troops were killed in Jordan allegedly after attack by an Iraq-based and Iran-linked proxy militant group, the United States on Saturday (Feb 3) targeted a number of sites in both Iraq and Syria, pushing West Asia's edge of conflict further into the lines of war. At the time of filing this report, 40 militants have been killed in the US strikes. In other news, Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment each by a Rawalpindi court in the "un-Islamic nikah" case on Saturday (Feb 3). Click on the headlines to read more. Middle East crisis deepens as US strikes Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria US President Joe Biden said that he directed the country's military to strike targets in Syria and Iraq. Washington ordered attack on "IRGC [Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps] and affiliated militia". The United States has some 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in neighbouring Iraq as part of an international coalition against the Islamic State group, a jihadist organisation that once controlled swathes of both countries. Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 7 years in 'un-Islamic nikah' case The case is related to their marriage which took place during Bushra Bibi's Iddat period. The verdict was announced by senior civil judge Qudratullah after the complaint was filed by Bushra’s former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka, who called their marriage “un-Islamic and illegal”, in a makeshift court located at the Adiala district jail. 'Honour for my principles': Advani reacts as PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna Less than two weeks after the temple of Lord Ram was consecrated at his birthplace in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bharatiya Janata Party co-founder Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with the country's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. The 96-year-old veteran greeted media and people at his New Delhi residence shortly after the announcement was made. Michelle O'Neill hails 'new dawn' for N Ireland after appointed first minister Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill on Saturday hailed her "historic" appointment as Northern Ireland's new first minister, the first time a pro-Irish unity nationalist has led the UK territory's devolved government. Chile declares state of emergency as 10 people feared dead in forest fires The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes. The officials fear that the forest fires have claimed the lives of 10 people. E Jean Carroll's lawyer says Trump used coded version of C-word against her American writer E Jean Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kapalan has said that former United States president Donald Trump used a coded version of the C-word (C**t) against her during a deposition before she helped Carroll win the verdict in her defamation case against him. Kaplan made this remark during a podcast, reported The Guardian on Friday (Feb 2). Three injured in knife attack at major railway station in Paris, suspect arrested Three people were injured in a knife attack at a major railway station in Paris on Saturday (Feb 3). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the attack took place at the Gare de Lyon railway station. The attack occurred at 8 am local time leaving one person with serious injuries while two others were mildly wounded. Boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia captured in France A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said. Raduano is on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals. Italian authorities on Friday also announced the detention of Raduano's close aide Gianluigi Troiano, who was picked up near Granada in southern Spain. IND v ENG: Don’t overhype his achievements, let him enjoy his cricket - Gambhir on Jaiswal’s 209 Former opener Gautam Gambhir has asked the Indian fans not to overhype Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 209 in the first innings of the Vizag Test against England. Gambhir - the last Indian left-hander to complete a Test double ton (in 2008 against Australia), urged everyone to let Jaiswal enjoy his cricket instead of putting pressure on him. India: Punjab governor resigns in a sudden move, cites 'personal reasons' In a sudden move, the governor of the Indian state of Punjab Banwarilal Purohit resigned citing “personal reasons and certain other commitments". The resignation of Purohit came a day after he met Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

Top 10 news: US strikes Iran-backed groups in Iraq & Syria, Imran Khan and wife sentenced to 7 years, and more

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