Iran launches deadly attacks on Kurdish region of northern Iraq

*) Russia paves way to annex parts of Ukraine after 'sham' referendums

Kremlin-supported authorities in four Ukrainian regions under Russian control have claimed victory in annexation votes, drawing global outrage.
Ukraine and its allies have denounced the so-called referendums as a "sham". Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the votes mean Kiev will not negotiate with Moscow.
Moscow hopes to annex Luhansk and Donetsk in the east and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south, regions that make up about 15 percent of Ukraine.
*) Leaders blame Russia-Europe pipeline leaks on sabotage
Sabotage is the likely cause of leaks in two Baltic Sea gas pipelines between Russia and Europe, European leaders have said, while the Kremlin too has maintained that "no option can be ruled out".
Seismologists have reported explosions around the Nord Stream pipelines. Two "massive releases of energy" were recorded by the Swedish National Seismic Network shortly before the gas leaks.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines have been at the centre of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in suspected retaliation against Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.
*) Erdogan hits out at Western countries protecting terrorists
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised European countries that protect terrorist organisations, including the PKK and FETO.
The murderers who shed blood are embraced in almost every country in Europe, particularly in the Lavrion camp in Greece, Erdogan told a meeting in Ankara on Tuesday.
Erdogan said he expects all countries, especially Türkiye’s neighbours, to take necessary measures against terror groups.
*) Hurricane Ian leaves Cuba without power, takes aim at Florida
Powerful Hurricane Ian has left a trail of destruction and caused widespread blackout in Cuba, while Florida residents are bracing for a direct hit from the storm.
Ian hit Cuba's western regions for more than five hours, before moving out over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm damaged Cuba's power network and plunged the island into darkness, leaving it "without electrical service," state electricity company Union Electrica said on Twitter.
And finally…
*) Alzheimer's drug succeeds in 'slowing' cognitive decline


An experimental Alzheimer's drug has significantly slowed the cognitive and functional decline in a large trial of patients in the early stages of the disease.

The injected drug slowed the progress of the brain-wasting disease by 27 percent compared to a placebo, meeting the study's main goal after a trial among 1,800 patients.

It offers an apparent win for the drug manufacturers and potentially for patients and their families desperate for an effective treatment.

*) Kremlin admits call-up 'errors' but no decision to close border

The Kremlin has admitted errors during the mobilisation of reservists for the military action in Ukraine and said no decision has been taken to close Russia's borders.

It has also admitted that there have been cases when the mobilisation decree was violated, but added that the instances of non-compliance were decreasing.

President Vladimir Putin last week announced the call-up of thousands of reservists for the conflict in Ukraine, sparking protests and a rush among Russian men for the borders.

*) Greek military buildup: Türkiye won't fail to defend itself, Erdogan vows

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slammed Greece over its latest provocations, saying his country will not fail to defend its rights and interests.

Erdogan's remarks came after Turkish army drones recorded Greek deployment of armoured vehicles on two Aegean islands — which is in violation of international law.

Türkiye has summoned the Greek ambassador and called for an end to violations on the Aegean islands and restoring their non-military status, according to the Foreign Ministry.

*) Russia school shooting kills 15, including children

At least 15 people, including 11 children, have been killed after a man opened fire at his former school in central Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the "inhuman terrorist attack" in the city of Izhevsk (E-zeevsk), the Kremlin said.

According to investigators, the attacker — who killed himself — "was wearing a black top with Nazi symbols and a balaclava" when his body was discovered.

*) Japan holds controversial state funeral for assassinated Shinzo Abe

Japan has held a controversial state funeral for assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, with thousands of mourners, including dignitaries, attending the ceremony in Tokyo.

Gatherers offered flowers and prayers in honour of Abe, even as the decision to hold a state funeral has sparked protests due to his policies panned by critics and the costs of the ceremony.

Abe was Japan's longest-serving prime minister known for cultivating international alliances and his "Abenomics" economic strategy.

And finally…

*) NASA strikes asteroid in key test of planetary defence

A NASA spaceship has struck an asteroid seven million miles away in order to deflect its orbit, succeeding in a historic test of preventing a celestial object from devastating life on Earth.

The director of NASA's planetary science division hailed a new era after its Double Asteroid Redirection Test impactor hit its target, a 530-foot space rock, at 2314 GMT on Monday.

To be sure, the asteroid posed no threat to Earth, but NASA has deemed the experiment important to carry out before an actual need is discovered.

*) Giorgia Meloni's far-right triumphs in Italy vote

Giorgia Meloni looks set to become Italy's first woman prime minister at the head of its most right-wing government since World War Two.

Near-final results show the rightist bloc should have a solid majority in both houses of parliament. Meloni has said she is ready to govern for "all Italians".

Her success in the general elections represents a seismic change in Italy — a founding member of the European Union — and for the EU, just weeks after the far-right outperformed in elections in Sweden.

*) US warns Russia of 'catastrophic' consequences of nuclear strike

The United States has warned Russia privately of "catastrophic" consequences if it uses nuclear weapons as part of the Ukraine conflict, according to top US officials.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in an interview, has confirmed reports that the US has sent private warnings to Russia to steer clear of nuclear war.

Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden's national security advisor, has said in a separate interview that the US has warned Russia at "very high levels" against using nuclear arms.

*) Iranians protest for 10th night, defying judiciary warning

Iranians defied a warning from the judiciary and took to the streets for a 10th consecutive night on Sunday to protest the death of a young woman in the custody of morality police.

Public anger has flared since authorities announced the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been held for allegedly wearing a hijab headscarf in an improper way.

At least 41 people have died since the unrest began, mostly protesters but including members of Iran's security forces, according to an official toll. Other sources say the real figure is higher.

*) Five rescuers killed in Philippine typhoon

Five rescuers have been killed in the Philippines after being sent to a flooded community during a powerful typhoon, authorities have said.
The strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year has swept across the main island of Luzon, toppling trees and flooding low-lying communities.

The Philippines is regularly ravaged by storms, with scientists warning they are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer because of the climate crisis.

*) Rihanna to headline Super Bowl halftime show

Superstar Rihanna will headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February, the main event sponsor Apple Music has announced.

The move marks a long-awaited return to performing for the Barbadian-born 34-year-old singer, who had previously turned down the gig in protest.

For the past few years, the singer behind the hits "Diamonds" and "Umbrella" has put music aside, at least publicly, to focus on her various businesses.

*) Five-day annexation polls open in Ukraine's Russian-held territories

Russia-held regions of Ukraine have begun voting on whether to become part of Russia, in referendums that Kiev and the West slam as an unlawful land grab.

The five-day votes in four regions controlled entirely or in part by Russian troops will end on September 27. The ballot covers around 15 percent of Ukraine's territory.

The regions where the voting is being held are the eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions — which are self-proclaimed republics controlled by Moscow-backed separatists — and Kherson and Zaporizhia (zah-POH-reeja) provinces in the south.

*) Lapid calls for 'two-state solution' to end Israel-Palestine conflict

Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid has called for a two-state solution to end the decades-long Palestine issue.

An agreement with Palestinians, based on two states for two peoples, is the right thing for the future of our children, Lapid said at the UN General Assembly.

While Lapid was short on details, lawmakers in Israel's parliament are divided on whether they want to pursue a two-state solution with Palestine.

*) Death toll from Iran protests climbs as internet restricted

The US has placed Iran's morality police on its sanctions blacklist following the death in custody of a 22-year-old arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab headscarf improperly.

The move came as violent protests erupted across Iran following Mahsa Amini’s death last week. According to an official count, at least 17 people have died in the unrest.

With no sign of the protests easing, Iran has blocked access to Instagram and WhatsApp and imposed drastic restrictions on internet access.

*) US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as warning to North

A US aircraft carrier has arrived in South Korea for the first time in about four years. It is set to join other military vessels in a show of force intended to send a message to North Korea.

The USS Ronald Reagan and ships from its accompanying strike group docked at a naval base in the southern port city of Busan ahead of joint drills with South Korean forces.

Its arrival marks the most significant deployment yet under a new push to have more US "strategic assets" operate in the area to deter North Korea.

*) Djokovic has no regrets about missing Slams due to unvaccinated status

Tennis star Novak Djokovic, who missed two of this year's four Grand Slams due to not being vaccinated against the coronavirus, has said he has no regrets about his decision.

The 35-year-old Serb, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, has not played since winning Wimbledon in July as he missed out on the US Open.

Djokovic is now awaiting word on whether he will be allowed in the Australian Open in January. He was deported from the country and received a three-year travel ban earlier this year due to his vaccination status.

*) Pressure on Putin as reservists called up for Ukraine campaign

President Vladimir Putin's decision to send reservists to Ukraine has triggered protests and arrests at home, while Western leaders have lashed out at the Russian leader at the United Nations.

Addressing the General Assembly, US President Joe Biden has accused Putin of "shamelessly" violating the UN Charter with an offensive aimed at "extinguishing Ukraine's right to exist as a state."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded that the world punish Russia in a dramatic video address to the session.

*) Erdogan: Russia, Ukraine swap 200 POWs under Türkiye's mediation

Ukraine and Russia have exchanged more than 200 prisoners as a result of Türkiye's mediation and diplomatic efforts, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced.

Erdogan has told reporters in New York City that the prisoner exchange was an "important step" towards ending the conflict between the two countries.

A Ukrainian official said 215 soldiers had come home, including fighters who led a months-long defence of Azovstal steelworks in Ukraine's port city of Mariupol.

*) Biden vows solidarity with Iran women as protests spread

President Ebrahim Raisi has accused the West of hypocrisy in its criticism of Iran, where eight people were reported dead in growing protests over the death of a young woman arrested by morality police.

Public anger has flared since authorities announced the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been held for allegedly wearing a hijab headscarf in an improper way.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has vowed solidarity with Iranian women, and France's Emmanuel Macron has said that he asked Raisi to show "respect for women's rights."

*) Trump, children sued for 'incredible' fraud in New York

Donald Trump and family members have been accused of lying to tax collectors, lenders and insurers for years in a scheme that routinely misstated the value of his properties.

The former president provided fraudulent statements of his net worth and false asset valuations, according to a suit filed by New York's attorney general.

The sweeping investigation is one of many criminal, civil and congressional probes into Trump, who is eyeing another run for the White House in 2024.

*) Rising obesity projected to hamper developing economies: Study

Rising obesity levels are set to cost the world economy 3.3 percent of GDP by 2060, slowing development in lower-income countries, according to a study.

The peer-reviewed paper provides the first country-by-country estimate of the economic impacts of obesity, a major driver of other non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart conditions.

Globally, nearly two in three adults are now living with overweight and obesity, according to the authors, who also say projections suggest that it will change to three in four adults by 2060.

*) Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, dies at 96

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, has died. She was 96.

Buckingham Palace announced her death in a short statement, triggering 10 days of national mourning and an outpouring of tributes to her long life and reign.

Britain's King Charles III will address a nation in mourning on Friday.

*) Türkiye nabs senior Daesh member in blow to terror group

One of the most senior executives of the Daesh terrorist group has been captured by Turkish security forces, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced.

The president said that the police and Turkish intelligence carried out an important operation against Daesh and captured Bashar Hattab Ghazal al Sumaidai, code-named Abu Zeyd and Master Zeyd.

Erdogan told reporters, "After Baghdadi and Qardash, he is one of the most important leaders of Daesh".

*) Russia, US pull no punches over arms support for Ukraine at UN

Russia's UN ambassador has called for a meeting to discuss threats to peace caused by foreign governments supplying arms and military goods to Ukraine.

The ambassador said that the Russian army consistently is destroying not only the old weaponry of Soviet models, but also the modern NATO weapons".
US deputy ambassador called Moscow's role "as the sole aggressor in what is an unnecessary and brutal war, for which the world is paying a collective price."

*) EU countries mull emergency solution to soaring energy bills

European Union countries' energy ministers will meet to search for solutions from a long list of possible measures to shield citizens from sky-high energy prices.

The basis for the talks is a set of proposals made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Among the proposals are a price cap on Russian gas, a windfall levy on non-gas power plants and emergency credit lines for power firms.

And finally…

*) US changes names of places with derogatory term for Native women

The US government has joined a ski resort and others that have quit using a racist term for a Native American woman by renaming hundreds of peaks, lakes, streams and other geographical features on federal lands in the West and elsewhere.

The Interior Secretary created a panel that will take suggestions from the public on changing other places named with derogatory terms.

*) Moscow denies forcibly relocating Ukrainians

Russia's UN envoy has denied accusations of Moscow relocating Ukrainians to Moscow-controlled areas or Russia at a UN Security Council meeting.

Defining the accusations as a "new milestone in a disinformation campaign," Russia's UN envoy said the US and allies were creating confusion with the terminology of “so-called filtration”.

​He said: “We don't really understand what is being talked about here because the return filtration doesn't have a clear definition in international humanitarian law."

*) South Korea proposes talks with North on 'separated families'

South Korea has proposed a meeting with North Korea to resume reunions of families separated by war.

South Korea’s Unification Minister said the two countries should confront the painful parts of reality and solve the matter before the term ‘separated families’ disappears.

It's unclear if North Korea would accept the offer as it has already rejected the new South Korean government's offer to provide massive aid in return for denuclearisation.

*) Last suspect in Canada knife rampage dies

The last suspect in a stabbing spree that killed 10 and wounded 18 in western Canada has died following his capture, marking the end of a hunt that stretched into a fourth day.

One official said Myles Sanderson died from self-inflicted injuries after police forced the stolen car he was driving off a highway.

The other suspect was found dead on Monday near the scene of Sunday’s attacks.

*) Memphis city shooter captured

US police have apprehended 19-year-old Ezekiel Kelly, who they say was responsible for multiple shootings in Memphis, including one that Kelly live streamed on Facebook.

The gunman was nabbed after hours of chase, authorities said.

"It's unknown how many shootings this man is connected to at this time, but there have been at least three shootings reported today by Memphis Police," Fox news reported.

*) Muslim characters invisibile in top TV shows

Muslim actors are virtually in the shadows on major TV shows, according to a new study that looked at 200 top-rated TV series in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The study by the University of Southern California examined shows that aired between 2018 and 2019, and found that the ratio of non-Muslim characters to Muslim ones was 90 to one.

"Muslims make up 25 percent of the world's population yet were only 1.1 percent of characters in popular television series," said the lead author of the survey.