7 "hot" events of the world in the past 24 hours

1. At least 21 people died in riots in Iran

Iranian protesters confront police at Iran University in Tehran, December 30, 2017. Photo: AFP.

Nine more people have died, including an 11-year-old boy, as anti-government protests across Iran entered a sixth day.

This brings the death toll in six days of unrest to at least 21, according to the Guardian. Iranian state television reported that six rioters died in the town of Qahdarijan, during an attack on a police station. The violence broke out when protesters tried to steal guns.

Two people, a 20-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy, were killed in the town of Khomeinishahr. Yesterday, a policeman was shot dead and three people were wounded.

Protests broke out on December 28 in Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, amid anger over the sluggish economy and rising food prices. The demonstrations spread to several cities, with people chanting slogans against the government and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hundreds of people were arrested. It was the largest demonstration in Iran since the 2009 presidential election.

2. Cuba jubilantly celebrates the 59th anniversary of the successful Revolution

Tourists visit the Che Guevara monument in Santa Clara, Cuba. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Cuba marks the start of the New Year 2018 with the celebration of the 59th anniversary of the successful Revolution and the achievements made in the effort to improve the quality of life of its people.

At the moment of transition between the new year and the old year, at the San Carlos de La Cabana fortress in the East of Havana Bay, 21 cannon shots were fired in a military ceremony in a bustling atmosphere to celebrate the day the Cuban uprising led by legendary leader Fidel Castro overthrew the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, starting the process of building socialism on this "island of freedom".

Millions of Cubans and tourists poured into the streets of the capital city of Havana to join in the jubilant atmosphere of the celebration. Cultural and artistic activities also took place in many places across the country to welcome the New Year 2018 with the hope of new successes.

3. Gas pipeline explosion at Pakistan hospital, 6 people died

Scene of the explosion. Photo: AP

At least six people, including two children, were killed and 12 others injured in a gas pipeline explosion at Attock City Hospital.

Pakistan's Geo TV channel said the explosion caused part of the hospital to collapse. Geo TV also said many people were still believed to be trapped in the rubble of the building.

Punjab provincial authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. A special Pakistani committee has visited the site of the accident and will present a report on those responsible for the blast within the next 72 hours./.

4. Nigeria opens fire at church, more than 20 people killed

A Christian church in Nigeria. Photo: NAU.

A group of gunmen has attacked worshippers at a church in Rivers state, southern Nigeria, killing at least 21 people.

The attack occurred on January 1 (local time) near the town of Omoku, where gunmen opened fire on a crowd of people leaving the church.

No individual or organization has yet claimed responsibility for the daring attack. The attack is believed to be part of a conflict between rival religious groups.

The security situation in Nigeria remains unstable due to the activities of the extremist group Boko Haram, which has pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group./.

5. China: Officially appoints Deputy Mayor of Tianjin City

Mr. Truong Quoc Thanh. Source: Getty Images

Mr. Zhang Guoqing, former Mayor of Chongqing, has been appointed as Vice Mayor of Tianjin City, China and will temporarily hold the position of acting mayor of the city.

According to the People's Daily on January 2, Mr. Zhang Guoqing will temporarily hold the position of acting mayor of Tianjin City, replacing Mr. Huang Xingguo, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in September 2017 for bribery.

Along with the above decision, former Deputy Mayor of Tianjin, Yan Qingmin, was appointed as Vice Chairman of the China Securities Commission./.

6. President Putin has a new female rival

Ms. Aina Gamzatova. Photo: Riss.ru

Aina Gamzatova, head of Russia’s largest Islamic media holding company, filed her presidential candidacy with the Central Election Commission on January 1, RT reported. She was nominated by a local initiative in Russia’s Dagestan Republic in December 2017 and ran as an independent candidate.

Gamzatova is the wife of the Islamic leader of Dagestan and his government and public relations adviser. The 46-year-old journalist also runs several charities.

Running as an independent candidate without the backing of a political party means Gamzatova must collect 300,000 signatures from supporters across Russia. Candidates running for parties in Russia's parliament do not have to collect any signatures, while those running for parties without seats in parliament need 100,000.

7. Narita International Airport (Japan) bomb threat

Narita Airport. Photo: Narita Airport Corporation.

According to Japanese media, on the afternoon of January 1, Narita International Airport in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan received an anonymous voice message threatening to blow up planes at the airport if airport operators did not suspend plans to expand the runway.

According to police, the anonymous voice message was sent to the flight information service department of Narita International Airport at around 4:50 p.m. on January 1 (local time) by a woman, threatening to blow up planes of several airlines at Narita Airport.

Immediately after receiving the information, Japanese police searched for explosive materials and devices. However, no materials were found. Meanwhile, Jetstar Japan also had to cancel a flight due to security concerns.