*) Search for earthquake survivors enters final hours in Türkiye

The desperate search for earthquake survivors in Türkiye and Syria continues as rescuers using sniffer dogs and thermal cameras survey the rubble for any sign of life eight days after the disaster.

In Türkiye, the death toll stands at over 31,000, while the number of deaths in Syria reached over 4,500, according to the latest figures, bringing the total death toll to over 36,000.

The US says Syria’s Assad regime has agreed to open an additional two new crossing points from Türkiye allowing delivery of more aid and equipment to help millions of earthquake victims.

Opposition-run rescue group, however, criticised the UN decision, saying it gave the Assad regime “free political gain.”

*) New Russian offensive underway in Ukraine, says NATO

Ukraine’s eastern city of Bakhmut faces heavy artillery fire as the NATO chief reports that a major new Russian offensive has begun, days before the first anniversary of Moscow's operation.

Ukrainian defenders, who have already held out for months, were defending new ground attacks from Russia, Ukrainian military officials said.

Bakhmut is a prime target for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and its capture would give Russia a new foothold in the Donetsk region and a rare victory after months of setbacks.


*) Iran's President Raisi begins visit to China

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has arrived in China for a three-day visit, flanked by a large delegation including his central bank chief and ministers for trade, the economy and oil.

Raisi will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the capital Beijing, with the pair expected to sign a number of "cooperation documents", Tehran has said.

Iran and China are seeking to strengthen their economic cooperation in the coming years as the two countries try to counter the United States.

*) UN Security Council open debate on sea-level rise

The UN Security Council is set to debate the issue on sea-level rise and its implications for international peace and security.

The Maltese Council presidency said the debate aims to “address the risks in the global security architecture and invest in preventive mechanisms”.

Malta warns the continued and accelerating sea-level rise could submerge low-lying coastal communities and island states resulting in territorial loss.

It adds that sea-level rise can exacerbate instability by increasing tensions over resources such as food and water, among other things.

And finally…

*) Mexico hails 'heroic' rescue dog that died in Türkiye

Mexico has paid tribute to a military rescue dog that died while searching for survivors buried under the rubble of the quake in Türkiye.

Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval paid tribute to the German shepherd named Proteo after announcing his death.

Proteo was one of more than a dozen rescue dogs dispatched by Mexico along with 130 military personnel following the disaster that hit Türkiye and Syria last week.