Hot world events in the past 24 hours

1. President Putin wishes the Buddhist community a Happy New Year

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: NYT

On the occasion of Lunar New Year, the Kremlin posted a congratulatory telegram from President Vladimir Putin to Russian Buddhists on this important holiday.

“It is important that the Russian Buddhist community carefully preserves the moral and spiritual heritage and priceless traditions of its predecessors. This includes attention to education, charitable activities, family values, raising the younger generation, promoting inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogue, and strengthening peace and cooperation in society,” the telegram reads.

2. 9 people died in China in a fire and explosion at a waste treatment plant

An explosion in China. Photo: Getty.

At least nine people died in a fire at a waste treatment plant in the southern province of Guangdong on February 17.

According to Chinese media, the fire broke out early on the morning of February 17 at a waste treatment plant in Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province. The fire has now been brought under control, and one survivor with severe burns has been taken to the hospital.

Chinese police have arrested several people in connection with the fire while an investigation is ongoing. However, according to the initial investigation, falling fireworks caused the fire and when three workers tried to extinguish the flames, an explosion occurred, killing many people living nearby.

3. 18 people killed in 3 suicide bombings in Nigeria

The scene of a devastating bombing in Nigeria. Photo: Financial Tribune.

On February 17, Nigerian police announced that three suicide bombings that occurred on the evening of February 16, local time, killed at least 18 people in the city of Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria.

This is the most unstable area of ​​the country due to frequent activity by Boko Haram insurgents.

No armed group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Islamist militant groups frequently use suicide bombers in crowded areas.

Since 2009, Islamic militant groups have carried out suicide bombings, killing more than 20,000 people and forcing more than 2 million people to flee their homes.

4. Helicopter crash, Mexican Interior Minister escapes death

Helicopter crash scene in Mexico. Photo: AFP.

Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete said today that the helicopter carrying him and Oaxaca state Governor Alejandro Mura crashed while on an inspection trip to areas affected by the previous earthquake, according toRT.

The helicopter crashed while trying to land. Two Mexican officials survived, but the crash killed two people on the ground. Photos circulating on social media showed the helicopter crashing into the truck, causing it to collapse.

5. Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck will hold a press conference in Hong Kong.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on July 21, 2017. Source: AFP/VNA

Thai media reported that former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is gathering supporters and will soon hold a press conference in Hong Kong.
National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member Somchai Sawangkarn, citing diplomatic sources in Japan, said that Ms. Yingluck may hold a press conference in Hong Kong and has sought to reconnect political and business relationships during her time in Japan.
"She is coming to Hong Kong to rally support for her cause. She will also hold a press conference in late February or early March," Mr Sawangkarn said.

6. "Putin's chef" suspected of interfering in US election

Special prosecutor Robert Mueller, who is in charge of the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the US election - Photo: Reuters

Yevgeny Prigozhin, along with 12 other people and three organizations from Russia, have been charged by the US government with attempting to sway public opinion in the 2016 US election.

Prigozhin is a wealthy businessman and restaurateur said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This information is noteworthy because it is a detail that can make many people lean towards the opinion that the Russian government is involved in this election interference accusation.

7. The 54th Munich Security Conference discussed the new world order

Munich, Germany. Source: en.apa.az

The future role of the European Union (EU) and its relations with Russia and the United States were the main topics discussed at the 54th annual Munich Security Conference (MSC), which opened on the afternoon of February 16 (local time).
The world's largest security conference was attended by more than 500 officials from around the world, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and Türkiye, along with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis and US National Security Advisor HR McMaster.