Israel strikes in Syria in more open assault on Iran

Israel struck in Syria early on Monday as part of its increasingly open assault on Iran's presence there, shaking the night sky over Damascus with an hour of loud explosions in a second consecutive night of military action.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2sCFTNh

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Modern China's birth rate falls to lowest ever

China's birth rate last year fell to its lowest since the founding of the People's Republic of China 70 years ago, official data showed on Monday, as looser population controls fail to encourage couples to have more babies.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2ARb6jZ

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Russia opens civil proceedings against Facebook, Twitter: Ifax

Russia's communication watchdog said on Monday it was opening administrative proceedings against Twitter and Facebook for failing to comply with data laws, the Interfax news agency reported.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2Mog24o

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At a top Chinese university, activist 'confessions' strike fear into students

In late December, on the leafy streets of China's prestigious Peking University, a handful of students held up banners to protest against a takeover of the campus Marxist society by the Chinese Communist Party-affiliated Student Association.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2FEYW22

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Poundland 'gift of nothing' sparks eco-rage

The retailer's Valentine's Day gift, an empty heart-shaped package, angers environmental groups.

from BBC News - Business https://bbc.in/2CDeQ9c

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Arctic blast brings dangerous cold to Midwest, New England

Winter winds and ice sheets will bring extreme cold and ice-slick roads to the Midwestern and Eastern United States on Monday.

from Reuters: U.S. https://reut.rs/2FFtBfz

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Chinese scientist who made gene-edited babies evaded oversight to seek fame: report

A Chinese scientist who said he made the world's first "gene-edited" babies intentionally evaded oversight and broke national guidelines in a quest for fame and fortune, according to a government investigation quoted in state media on Monday.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2U8kcAl

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Germany bans Iranian airline on suspicion of spying, terror

Berlin has revoked Iranian airline Mahan's right to operate in Germany, a senior government source told Reuters on Monday, giving both safety concerns and the suspicion that the airline was being used for military purposes as reasons.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2W6OXr9

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German economy minister optimistic a hard Brexit can be avoided

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Monday that he was upbeat a hard Brexit could be avoided but stressed that the German government was prepared for all possibilities.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2R0tUTi

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Ireland will not engage in bilateral Brexit negotiations: minister

Ireland will not engage in bilateral talks on Brexit and will only negotiate as part of the 27 remaining members of the European Union, Ireland's European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said on Monday.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2W5mCS2

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German foreign minister urges UK to find Brexit solution

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has urged Britain to act in a serious and matter-of-fact way to find a solution on Brexit and he stressed the responsibility that Britain bears in doing so.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2R2FMnK

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Rohingya Muslim group fleeing India to Bangladesh stuck on 'zero line'

Bangladesh has denied entry to 31 Rohingya Muslims trying to enter from India and they are stuck in no-man's land on the border, Bangladesh authorities said on Monday, as India cracks down on members of the community.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2FRGTEK

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No politics please for Baghdad bikers aiming to unite Iraq

Roaring along Baghdad's highways, the "Iraq Bikers" are doing more than showing off their love of outsized motorcycles and black leather: they want their shared enthusiasm to help heal Iraq's deep sectarian rifts.

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2S02ul8

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'Sitting ducks': Volunteer describes rescue at besieged Kenyan hotel

As the sun set on an upmarket hotel complex in Nairobi, Serge Medic's phone pinged with a message from his son: "Dad, are you OK?... Don't do anything silly, please."

from Reuters: World News https://reut.rs/2VZVAeG

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