JAPAN GRAPPLES WITH DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI FALLOUT

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Noto region on New Year's Day, causing extensive destruction, including homes and highways. Over 50 aftershocks followed, triggering tsunami waves over a meter high. Urgent evacuation orders were issued, prompting residents to seek higher ground immediately.

The quake, reported at a magnitude of 7.6 by Japan's weather agency, highlighted festive season seismic activity. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged evacuation, interrupting regular TV programming to relay vital information. Tsunami warnings were initially severe, reaching 1.2 meters in Wajima port. The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded the threat to three meters after about four hours, as confirmed deaths reached at least 13.

Central Japan, including the Noto Peninsula, faced structural damage, fires, and ongoing aftershocks. Rubble and seismic activity hindered rescue operations. The earthquake led to bullet train suspensions, highway closures, flight disruptions, and mobile network issues. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara deployed 1,000 military personnel and 20 aircraft for relief efforts.

Despite challenges, Japanese communities showcased resilience amid natural disasters. The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned about potential additional quakes, emphasizing ongoing vigilance. Meanwhile, the nation grappled with damage assessment, with at least a dozen lives lost, wrecked buildings, and power outages affecting homes.

The preliminary 7.6 magnitude quake struck Monday afternoon, prompting coastal residents to flee to higher ground. Damaged roads and closed airports posed obstacles to rescue efforts. Thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers were dispatched to Noto Peninsula's worst-hit areas. The Japanese government ordered over 97,000 evacuations to sports halls and school gymnasiums. Many returned home as tsunami warnings were lifted, emphasizing the nation's preparedness.

ISRAEL SC REJECTS REJECTS LAW LIMITING JUDICIAL POWERS

Israel’s Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government by striking down a law meant to limit the court's powers, with a majority of eight judges to seven. The law, passed in July, aimed to restrict judges from using the legal standard of “reasonableness” to overturn decisions made by government ministers. This ruling, expected to reignite a domestic crisis, signals a potential showdown between the judiciary and the ruling coalition, potentially reshaping Israeli democracy.

Netanyahu's conservative coalition contends that the Supreme Court has exceeded its authority, undermining the elected government's will. They argue that the concept of “reasonableness” is vague and subjective. However, defenders of Israel’s liberal democracy view the court as a crucial check on government power, considering "reasonableness" a key tool for judges. The decision could fundamentally alter the power dynamics between the government and the judiciary.

The Likud party criticized the Supreme Court's decision, claiming it goes against the nation's desire for unity, especially during wartime. They questioned the timing of the ruling, given the ongoing conflict. Activist groups, previously involved in protests against judicial reforms, welcomed the decision, considering it a victory for democracy. The ruling creates a tense political atmosphere, heightening the conflict over the balance of power within Israel's political and legal systems.

IN A SHIFT OF TACTICS, ISRAEL REDUCES PRESENCE OF TROOPS INSIDE GAZA

Israel reduced its troop presence in some Gaza City districts on Monday, removing tanks from areas like Sheikh Radwan and al-Mina. The move comes as Israel shifts tactics, planning to draw down forces inside Gaza in the coming month and transitioning to more localized "mopping up" operations. The troop reduction aims to allow reservists to return to civilian life, support the war-affected economy, and potentially prepare for a broader conflict in the north with Hezbollah. However, fighting persists in other parts of Gaza, with ongoing airstrikes and tank movements, as Israel signals a prolonged offensive in the region. The Palestinian death toll has surpassed 21,978, according to Gaza health authorities.

IRANIAN WARSHIP ENTERS RED SEA AMID TENSIONS

Iran’s Alborz warship has entered the Red Sea, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The development occurs amid heightened tensions in the region due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and attacks on vessels by groups aligned with Tehran. Tasnim didn't provide specific details about Alborz’s mission but highlighted Iran’s consistent deployment of warships in open waters since 2009 to secure shipping routes and combat piracy. The move follows the pattern of Iranian naval operations. The UK defense secretary, Grant Shapps, stated that Britain is "willing to take direct action" against Houthi rebels, framing the situation as a crucial test for the international community. The Alborz entered the Red Sea through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with unconfirmed reports suggesting its arrival on Saturday. The state media announcement comes after US Navy helicopters targeted Houthi rebels trying to board a cargo ship off Yemen, resulting in reported casualties among the rebels.

PUTIN VOWS TO 'INTENSIFY' ATTACKS AGAINST UKRAINE MILITARY TARGETS

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to "intensify" attacks against Ukrainian military targets amid ongoing aerial bombardments in the conflict. Speaking during a visit to a military hospital in Moscow, Putin announced the continued targeting of Ukrainian military installations. He labeled Ukraine's air raid on the Russian city of Belgorod a "deliberate strike against civilians," resulting in 25 casualties. Putin asserted that the war is shifting in Moscow's favor, expressing a desire for a quick resolution on Russia's terms. He identified Ukraine's Western supporters as a major obstacle but claimed their rhetoric was changing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered Putin's assertion, emphasizing Russia's casualty figures and the failure to capture a significant city in 2023. Zelensky expressed frustration with Kyiv's Western allies, noting a loss of urgency. Both leaders delivered New Year messages, with Putin praising Russian soldiers as "heroes," and Zelensky promising a substantial increase in weapon production, aiming for at least a million drones.

XI SAYS WILLING TO WORK WITH U.S. FOR STABLE RELATIONSHIP

China’s President Xi Jinping said he was willing to work with the U.S. to promote stable bilateral ties, exchanging congratulations with his U.S. counterpart on the anniversary of diplomatic relations. Mr. Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden met in San Francisco in November, vowing to improve communication to stop competition from spilling over into conflict.

UK TO GET RID OF PASSPORT DESKS AND ROLL OUT FACIAL TECH AT AIRPORTS

The UK's Border Force is set to implement advanced facial technology at airports, aiming for "frictionless travel" without the need for presenting passports. Plans align with Dubai and Australia, utilizing facial recognition for 50 nationalities. Passport desks will gradually be replaced by next-generation egates with advanced facial recognition capabilities. Phil Douglas, Border Force Director-General, aims to create an "intelligent border" with more upfront information. Trials for the technology will commence in 2024, coinciding with the ETA (electronic travel authorization) rollout to replace visas for certain purposes. ETA, costing £10 per passenger, will last for two years and is initially available to Qataris, expanding to more nationalities in February 2024. Travellers will answer questions, scan their passport, and upload a photo for entry approval before boarding. ETA decisions will be made within three days.

KIM TELLS MILITARY TO ANNIHILATE S KOREA AND US IF PROVOKED

Seoul : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his military should “thoroughly annihilate” the US and South Korea if provoked, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Monday, after he vowed to boost national defence to cope with what he called an unprecedented US-led confrontation. In ameeting Sunday with commanding army officers, Kim said it is urgent to sharpen “the treasured sword” to safeguard national security, an apparent reference to his country’s nuclear weapons programme. He cited “the US and other hostile forces’ military confrontation moves.” Kim stressed that “our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilising all the toughest means and potentialities” if they opt for military confrontation and provocations, KCNA said.

‘IMRAN NOMINATION PAPERS DENIED ON MORAL GROUNDS’

Islamabad : Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan's nomination papers for the February 8 general elections were rejected due to his conviction in a corruption case for "moral turpitude" and other reasons, according to the returning officer of the National Assembly seat in Lahore (NA-122). The Election Commission cited the additional session judge's judgment establishing Khan's conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case. Objections were also raised against his nomination papers, noting that the proposer and seconder did not belong to the respective constituencies.

PAKISTAN ARRESTS 21 MEMBERS OF TTP OVER ATTACKS ACROSS COUNTRY

MULTAN: Pakistan’s counterterrorism police said they arrested 21 members of outlawed militant group Pakistani Taliban, which has been behind several deadly attacks across the country. The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is a separate group but allied with the Afghan Taliban.

SAUDI ARABIA HANGS 170 IN 2023, INCLUDING FOUR ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia executed 170 people in 2023, including four on New Year's Eve — an increase from the previous year’s figure. A total of 147 convicts were executed in 2022 in the Gulf state, routinely criticised by human rights activists who condemn its prolific use of capital punishment. A record 187 executions took place in 2019.

SRI LANKA RAISES TAXES AHEAD OF FOREIGN DEBT RESTRUCTURING DEAL

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka slapped a new 18% value added tax (VAT) on fuel, mobile phones and computers to raise desperately needed revenue ahead of a foreign debt restructuring. An earlier VAT of 15% on other consumer goods was also increased to 18% as Sri Lanka emerges from its worst economic crisis.

LEE JAE-MYUNG: SOUTH KOREA OPPOSITION LEADER STABBED IN BUSAN.

South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed on the left side of his neck during a news conference in Busan. The attacker, a man in his 50s or 60s, approached Lee asking for an autograph before stabbing him. Lee, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election and is expected to run in the April 2024 general election. He has faced corruption charges, which he denies. The attacker was arrested, and Lee was transferred to the hospital, conscious but in stable condition.