The BRICS alliance has grown to 10 member countries with the addition of 5 new states, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are now full members of the bloc. BRICS was originally formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China as members, later expanding to include South Africa in 2010. Argentina had been approved to join but withdrew its candidacy last week. According to Putin, the new members signal the "growing authority" of BRICS on the global stage. Under Russia's 2022 presidency, BRICS will focus on strengthening multilateralism and working towards an equitable world order. Over 200 BRICS events are planned in Russia this year, culminating in a summit in Kazan in October.

Devastating collision at Tokyo's Haneda Airport claims five lives as a Japan Coast Guard aircraft collides with a Japan Airlines plane. Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirms the death of five Coast Guard crew members, while all 379 passengers and crew on the Japan Airlines flight escape unharmed. The airport is temporarily shut down, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida orders swift damage assessment. The Japan Coast Guard investigates the incident, with NHK reporting the pilot's evacuation. The Airbus A-350, JAL flight 516, bursts into flames after landing, possibly struck by the Coast Guard plane. All passengers and crew are safely evacuated.

A Japan Airlines Airbus A-350, flight 516, burst into flames on Tokyo's Haneda airport runway following a collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft. All 367 passengers, eight toddlers, and 12 crew members were safely evacuated. The Japan Coast Guard is investigating the incident. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called for a swift assessment of the damage. NHK footage revealed significant eruptions of fire and smoke from the plane. Haneda temporarily closed all runways. The collision and subsequent fire mark a grave incident, with authorities working to understand the details of the accident and ensure passenger safety.

A Japan Airlines plane caught fire on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Local TV footage showed a burst of fire from the side of the Airbus A350 as it taxied, followed by flames on the wing. Nearly 400 passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire, with the cause still unclear. The incident occurred after the aircraft reportedly collided with a Japan Coast Guard plane. Haneda, a busy airport, faced disruptions during the New Year holidays. Authorities are investigating, and Japan Airlines provided updates on the situation.

Kyiv faces renewed attacks as Russian drones strike, sparking fires in Desnianskyi district. Kyiv Mayor Klitschko warns of impending missile strikes, and air defenses in Mykolaiv bring down drones causing fires. Ukraine's air force claims to have downed 35 Russian UAVs, but alerts residents to incoming missiles targeting Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad. Recent clashes escalate, with Russia retaliating against a Ukrainian strike on Belgorod, resulting in casualties. President Putin vows intensified strikes, asserting a shift in Western rhetoric. President Zelensky counters, citing Russia's casualties and challenging claims of victory in a recent interview with The Economist.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces advancements in curbing illegal migration, highlighting a 36% drop in migrants crossing the English Channel last year and a reduction in the asylum case backlog. Sunak vows to "end the burden of illegal migration," emphasizing cost savings and reduced strain on public services. Despite the progress, concerns arise as the Immigration Services Union predicts higher migrant numbers in 2024. Sunak's commitments to address boat arrivals and clear asylum cases become pivotal election issues ahead of the expected 2024 polls. The government sees these efforts crucial for diminishing the UK's attractiveness to migrants.

South Korea's opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was stabbed in the neck while engaging with reporters in Busan. The attack occurred as Lee walked through a crowd after inspecting a new airport site. Graphic footage showed him collapsing, with onlookers rushing to assist. The assailant, who reportedly asked for an autograph before the assault, was swiftly apprehended by police. Lee, conscious and bleeding, was transported to Pusan National University Hospital. Described as an act of terror, the incident prompts calls for a thorough police investigation. Lee, a former presidential contender, faces past scandals but remains a potent political figure in South Korea's landscape.

Iran has dismissed US and UK demands to cease its support towards Houthi rebels and their attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships, labeling the accusations as unwarranted interference. The Iranian Navy deployed the Alborz destroyer to the Red Sea, emphasizing its commitment to the vital shipping lane. As tensions escalated on Sunday, the US military reported sinking three Houthi vessels in the Red Sea, resulting in 10 militant deaths. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme National Security Council praised the Houthi rebels for their "brave actions" against perceived "Zionist aggression," signaling heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Metropolitan Police have identified 16-year-old Harry Pitman as the victim stabbed to death in London on New Year's Eve. Pitman was fatally attacked during celebrations with friends on Primrose Hill around 11:40pm on Sunday, minutes before the New Year celebrations. Responding officers desperately tried to save him before he was pronounced dead shortly before midnight. A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Pitman's murder. Detectives believe an altercation between the victim and suspect sparked the unprovoked violence. They urge witnesses among holiday crowds to come forward with information. Pitman's devastated family is being supported by specialists. The deadly stabbing renews concerns over youth violence in London.

A court in Bangladesh has sentenced Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to six months in jail for labor law violations related to Grameen Telecom, a company he founded. Supporters claim the move is politically motivated ahead of the general elections, pointing to Yunus' past consideration of forming a political party. Author Taslima Nasreen alleges Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's reluctance to let any Bangladeshi surpass her father's fame. Yunus, known for microcredit efforts, faces ongoing legal battles with the government. The verdict raises concerns about the politicization of legal proceedings and its impact on Bangladesh's global image.