Thursday, January 14, 2021
*) Trump impeached for a second time
The US House of Representatives has voted 232-197 to impeach Donald Trump over last week’s Capitol riots. The articles of impeachment will now be sent on to the Senate for trial.
The Senate, currently not in session, won’t hold a trial before January 20, when Democrat Joe Biden will be sworn in as president.
Trump will, however, face a Senate trial after leaving office, and, if convicted, would be barred from seeking the presidency again in 2024.
*) Israel launches major air strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria
Israeli air strikes on east Syria have killed at least 57 people, in the deadliest strikes since the start of the conflict.
Syrian regime media said that Israel struck sites in Al Bukamal, a border town on the Euphrates river, as well as Deir Ezzor.
Those killed include at least 14 Syrian regime forces, 16 Iraqi militia fighters and 11 Afghan members of the pro-Iran Fatimid Brigade, according to a war monitor.
*) Ugandans lose voice, digital rights in pre-poll blackout
Ugandans head to the polls for a general election that pits President Yoweri Museveni against leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine.
The 76-year-old incumbent has rebuffed calls to step down after 34 years in power while authorities imposed an internet blackout on the eve of the polls.
With promises to end corruption, create jobs and invest in public services, Wine has captured the hearts of many Ugandans in his clash with Museveni.
*) WHO fact finding mission arrives in Wuhan
An international team of experts from the World Health Organisation has arrived in China to probe the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The team will investigate how the virus spread from animals to humans but the WHO has warned the public to keep expectations 'very low.'
China granted permission to the team earlier this week, just days after the WHO chief criticised Beijing for holding up the mission, after some delays.
And finally…
*) Tesla asked to recall 158,000 cars over safety-related defect
US road safety regulators have asked Tesla to recall 158,000 cars in America because of a safety-related defect.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the defect has been found in certain 2012 through 2018 Tesla Model S cars and 2016 through 2018 Model Xs.
The agency said that a problem with the cars' display screen and related failures result in loss of rear view camera and other safety-related functions.