Hot world events in the past 24 hours

1. UK-France Summit: Immigration issue heats up

British Prime Minister Theresa May (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss immigration. Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit London, UK on January 18 and will hold talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

In the context of the UK's ongoing process of separating from the European Union, although this is the first time visiting the UK since taking office, the agenda of French President Macron with British Prime Minister Theresa May will cover many issues, of which immigration will be an important topic of discussion.

2. India successfully tested a missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Source: zeenews.india.com

According to News Nation, on January 18, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, India successfully test-launched the Agni-5 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the country.

The Agni-5 missile, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was launched from ITR's launch pad No. 4.
The missile is capable of carrying a nuclear or conventional warhead weighing about 1.5 tons.

3. Russia denies accusations of helping North Korea evade sanctions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Photo: AFP.

A Russian Foreign Ministry source said on January 18 that the US accusation that Russia violated UN sanctions resolutions on North Korea is completely baseless.Interfaxreport

InterviewReutersOn January 17, US President Donald Trump said Russia had helped North Korea evade international sanctions. "What China is helping us with, Russia is pushing back. In other words, Russia is doing the opposite of what China is doing," he said.

4.Bus fire in Kazakhstan, 52 people died

Illustration: newsatfirst

A total of 52 people have died after a bus caught fire in north-west Kazakhstan, the BBC reported, citing the country's Interior Ministry. Only five people on board escaped and were given first aid by rescue workers at the scene.

The incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. on January 18 (local time) in Irgiz district, Aktobe region.Local media said the bus was believed to be carrying Uzbek citizens to or from Russia.

5. China builds 'huge' base near disputed area with India

Illustration

Satellite images show that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) complex is located about 10km from the flashpoint between China and India in the summer of 2017.

The new construction, located along the Doklam plateau (known as Donglang in China), includes trenches, barracks and numerous helipads. In addition, gun emplacements appear to be being built.

Additionally, troops and armored vehicles are being moved into the area, including a mechanized regiment of what appear to be ZBL-09 infantry fighting vehicles.

6.Prime Minister Hun Sen appoints son-in-law as deputy national police chief

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Photo: Reuters.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has appointed his son-in-law as deputy national police chief, a move that observers say is aimed at further consolidating power ahead of mid-year elections.

"Prime Minister Hun Sen wants to consolidate control over the Cambodian government and business community, and the appointment of his son-in-law is part of this effort,"Reutersquoted Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

7. North Korea will "pair up" with South Korea at the Olympics

North and South Korean athletes march together during the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

After days of direct talks, North and South Korea have agreed that their two sports delegations will march together under the unified Korean flag at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang next February. Not only that, the two countries will combine their women's hockey teams to compete against other countries in the games.

North Korea is expected to send a 230-member cheering squad to South Korea to cheer on the athletes and will also participate in the Paralympics, which will be held later this month, the latest positive sign since the two countries restored communication lines last week.

8. The US will not move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem this year.

US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Reuters

President Trump said the US willhas not moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem this year, thereby refuting a statement made earlier by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the process would only take three years due to difficulties in finding a suitable location for the embassy and arranging housing for staff and diplomats.