Hot world events in the past 24 hours

1. Britain sent fighter jets to intercept Russian planes

A Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet. Photo: Reuters

The British Royal Air Force has dispatched two Typhoon fighter jets from Scotland to intercept Russian aircraft approaching the country's airspace, RT quoted a spokesman for the British Ministry of Defense as saying today, January 15.

According to a spokesman for the British Ministry of Defense, Typhoon fighter jets took off from Lossiemouth base in Moray, Scotland at around 9:30 a.m. this morning, January 15, to intercept the Russian planes.

It is not yet clear how many Russian aircraft were detected near UK airspace and what type. In addition to the British fighter jets, French and Belgian Air Force aircraft are believed to have also been involved in the interception.

2. South and North Korea continue negotiations on the PyeongChang Winter Olympics

South Korean officials speak before participating in dialogue with North Korea. Photo: Yonhap

South Korea and North Korea began negotiations on January 15 on North Korea's sending of an art troupe to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

North Korea has previously agreed to send a delegation of athletes, cheerleaders, an art troupe and taekwondo demonstration teams to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, which will take place from February 9-25.

“The possibility of a North Korean art delegation attending the Pyongchang Winter Olympics is attracting attention from both South Korea and the international community,” Lee Woo-sung, an official from the South Korean Ministry of Culture, said, stressing: “We will have a calm dialogue to achieve the best results.”

3. Terrorist attack in Baghdad leaves more than 100 people dead or injured

The scene of a bombing in Baghdad. Source: iraqinews.com

On January 15, the Iraqi capital Baghdad was shaken by two suicide bombings that occurred almost simultaneously, killing 26 people and injuring 95 others. These were the latest bombings in Baghdad in the past 3 days.

According to the spokesman of the Joint Operations Command, General Saad Maan, two suicide bombers detonated their explosives at al-Tayyaran square in the center of the capital Baghdad.

4. The US sent many super planes and warships close to North Korea.

US B-1B Lancer aircraft. Source: EPA/TTXVN

The US is sending several stealth bombers, at least one supercarrier and an amphibious assault ship to the Korean peninsula to boost its military presence ahead of the Winter Olympics in February.

The US decision was made despite Washington recently agreeing to postpone major military exercises with South Korea during the Olympics. North Korea immediately accused the US of trying to throw cold water on the negotiations it had just resumed with South Korea.

5. Japan criticizes China for sending submarines near disputed islands

A Chinese submarine. Photo: National Interest

Japan's defense minister on January 15 criticized China for sending a modern nuclear submarine close to disputed islands claimed by both Japan and China, according to Reuters.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs, the 110m long Shang-class submarine is capable of diving deeper and longer than older vessels. In addition, this new type of vessel is also equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

“Operating a submarine near another country's territory is against international rules,” Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters.

6. Indonesia Stock Exchange building collapses, at least 77 people injured

Injured people are treated outside the Indonesia Stock Exchange in Jakarta on January 15. Photo: Reuters

CIndonesian police said at least 77 people were injured in the collapse of the second floor of the Stock Exchange on the afternoon of January 15, according to an update from Reuters news agency.

So far, no casualties have been reported, according to Triana Tambunan, business development director at MRCC Siloam Hospital, one of the closest hospitals to the Stock Exchange. "We have received 30 patients so far," Triana told reporters.

Police have also ruled out the possibility that the building in Jakarta was bombed, although it was also the target of an IS car bomb in September 2000.

7. Knife attack at school in Russia injures 15 people

The scene of the attack. Source: Reuters

Russia has opened a criminal investigation into a knife attack at a school on January 15 in the city of Perm, 1,126 km northeast of Moscow. Fifteen people were injured in the incident, three of them seriously.

Media reports said two masked men entered the school and attacked students with knives. However, city officials said the incident was actually the result of a dispute between two students.

8.Saudi Arabia's richest man hanged upside down

Saudi Arabia's richest man was moved from the hotel where he was being held to prison, hung upside down and beaten for refusing to pay the government $1 billion.

Saudi Arabian billionaire and prince Alwaleed bin Talal was arrested two months ago in the government's anti-corruption campaign.

The prince's condition is now deteriorating as he is being moved from the restricted area at the Riyadh Ritz Carlton hotel to Saudi Arabia's most secure prison, Al Ha'ir.

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