i'm rico hizon in singapore. the headlines: confusion around the death of kimjong—nam: the half—brother of north korea's leader is killed at a malaysian airport. as millions of indonesians head to the polls, can the governor of jakarta keep his job amid a political scandal? we're live injakarta with the latest. i'm babita sharma in london. what did the president know and when did he know it? speculation mounts over the resignation of trump's security advisor. and we report on how pressure is mounting to end the sale of fake indigenous art to protect aboriginal culture. glad you could join us.

it's 9am in singapore, 1am in london and 9am in kuala lumpur where it's reported that the half—brother of the north korean leader, kim jong—un, was killed. police say kim jong—nam was found dead at kuala lumpur airport. american intelligence sources say they strongly believe that he was murdered by north korean agents. our correspondent rupert wingfield—hayes sent this report from tokyo. this is kim jong—nam, whose body is thought to be the one now lying in a malaysian morgue. officials there say he died after being sprayed in the face with something at kuala lumpur airport this morning. south korean media immediately claimed north korean agents had assassinated kim on the orders of his own younger brother, kim jong—un. north korea's young dictator has been tightening his grip on power, ruthlessly purging

potential opponents. what's so sensitive? last year i saw for myself how strange north korea can be. i was detained and expelled for insulting the kim leadership. much more telling is what he did to his own uncle, seen here on the left. jang sung—taek was hauled away from a party meeting, accused of treachery, and executed. has he now also eliminated his brother? kim jong—nam was once his father's favourite, being groomed to one day take over as north korea's supreme leader. but his downfall began here in tokyo, when he was caught sneaking into japan on a fake passport. these pictures of his humiliating deportation from japan are said to have deeply angered his father, north korea's late dictator kim jong—il. his place at his father's side

was taken instead by his younger brother kim jong—un. kim jong—nam then went into exile in macau. in interviews, he repeatedly said he had no interest in power. so why kill him? kimjong—nam, although he had been quiet and lying low for a while, not low enough it seems, had gone off—message badly before. he'd said some stuff about not believing in hereditary succession. and maybe, in this kind of a system, like medieval europe, any other possible claimant to the kingship could potentially be a threat. in the 21st century, fratricide is normally confined to history books. yet again, north korea is showing it is not a normal country. rupert wingfield hayes, bbc news, tokyo. a short time ago i spoke to kevin kim in the south korean capital seoul and i asked him if he knew anymore about what happened

to kimjong—nam in malaysia. well, the government in seoul is being very cautious, and officials have yet to reveal or confirm any information. how the attack actually unfolded is still unclear. initially, the south korean media sourced an unnamed airport official, and papers said that kim jong—nam was killed by a poisonous needle by two female agents. the other reports in malaysia mention a spray, and the latest account seems to be that, at the airport, a woman had approached mr kim from behind, and covered his face with a cloth laced with a liquid. based on all of these reports, it seems highly likely an investigation is likely to take place, focused on a deliberate attempt of murder through poisoning, and an autopsy may take place to reveal the exact cause of death. some analysts believe this

could have been a deliberate attempt of assassination by the leadership in pyongyang. let's take a look at some of the day's other news. millions of indonesians will be making their way to polls shortly in regional elections, with the focus on jakarta where the seat for governor is up for grabs. so, will this man — basuki tjahaja purnama, the current governor of jakarta — manage to secure any votes while also facing a trial for alleged blasphemy? the bbc‘s rebecca henschke is in jakarta for us. rebecca, all eyes are on how this result is going to shape up for the current governor of jakarta. that's right. because the election campaign has kind of raised issues here about the fact that he is a christian and

he is also of chinese descent. he is the first non— muslim to hold the position and in a way that we haven't seen here before. his two opposing candidates, who are muslim, have really raised the issues of race and religion that will test indonesia's bounding principles of pluralism and this very tolerant muslim society and you mention, at the same time, basuki tjahaja purnama is on trial for blasphemy, and accused of insulting islam and faces up to five years in jail, even if he is re—elected today. faces up to five years in jail, even if he is re-elected today. as is a lwa ys if he is re-elected today. as is always the case with predictions and poll estimates, how is he likely to do, according to the pundits? before the trial, the blasphemy case and controversy, he was well ahead in the polls and was predicted to win this election by a landslide. he has seen the polls drop significantly

and is very tight with another candidate and it looks like those two will go to a second round. neither will win the majority needed to win today outright and again, as you say, this could be wrong and there is a lot of concern here about voterfraud. there is a lot of concern here about voter fraud. just there is a lot of concern here about voterfraud. just a few there is a lot of concern here about voter fraud. just a few minutes ago behind me, the officials here made quite a show of showing the ballot boxes empty and all the papers untampered because the candidates are warning of voter fraud here today. rebecca, live in jakarta, thank you. she will keep us updated as soon as we get those results in. millions across the country are voting in those regional elections. also making news today: authorities have declared it safe for people to return to their homes, after they were evacuated from the area around lake oroville in california. 200,000 residents were told to leave on sunday over fears that a spillway could give way and cause catastrophic flooding. the united nations has warned of a serious escalation in the conflict in

the east of ukraine. an official said since january the distance between government and rebel forces had narrowed to hundreds of metres, and in some places it's almost face to face. a new study has warned that india's air pollution now rivals china's. the report by the us—based health effects institute suggests india's worsening air quality causes over a million premature deaths there every year. and staying in india — the country hopes to set a new space record later, by launching 104 satellites into space in a single mission. these pictures are from the indian space research organisation that launched eight satellites with one rocket in september last year. russia currently holds the record, with 39 satellites sent into space in a single mission. and the front cover of vogue paris. it is to feature a transgender model on its cover for the first time next month.

the brazilian model, valentina sampaio, has more than 32,000 followers on instagram and she posted this image of herself on the cover of the french fashion magazine, saying, "so proud and super happy." back to our main story now — the death of the north korean leader's half—brother. david kang is the director of the korean studies institute at usc and joins us in los angeles. david, great to have you with us. the spotlight has now turned to north korea. how credible are suggestions that its agents killed kimjong—nam? suggestions that its agents killed kim jong-nam? i'd really caution that we wait until the authorities come up with much more information.

it's really easy to believe the most exaggerated claims about north korea and are quite likely could have been and are quite likely could have been an assassination but it might not be. i really caution that we wait and see until we draw any conclusions. what about the location that north koreans killed or assassinated kim jong—nam?|j that north koreans killed or assassinated kim jong-nam? i doubt it, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. kim jong—nam had it, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. kimjong—nam had taken himself out of the running for any political authority in north korea and wants his half brother, kim jong—un took power, he stopped criticising north korea. he was not trying to build a power base. he posed no threat. if kim jong—un wa nted posed no threat. if kim jong—un wanted to send a message to defectors, there is a much more obvious target him to and assassinate rather than his brother so he might have had it done but it does not make a lot of sense. so what does the death of kim jong—nam

mean for his half brother, kim jong—un? mean for his half brother, kim jong-un? well, not clear. if he did have his half brother assassinated, is that a sign of strength or weakness? a lot of people think this means is becoming increasingly nervous and paranoid. but it also could be a sign of strength, that is reaching out in showing everybody around the world that he has the ability to strike back. it's hard to draw conclusion about whether its strong orfor kim draw conclusion about whether its strong or for kim jong—un. draw conclusion about whether its strong or for kim jong-un. what does this mean for defectors? this assassination or killing of kim jong—nam? assassination or killing of kim jong-nam? that's exactly what are the arguments which shows this is about strength. if taking at people who have defected, this is chilling for anybody who escapes from north korea, they have to be on guard so in that sense, if it is the case, it would be very scary situation for most north korean defectors. thank

you so much feel inside. david kang, director of korean studies at the university of southern california in los angeles. you're watching newsday on the bbc. still to come on the programme: if you're a fan of steam trains, we'll tell you more about this story trending on bbc.com. also on the programme: how a tiger toy is making its mark on these rescued cubs in india. nine years and 15,000 deaths after going into afghanistan, the final soviet troops were coming home. the withdrawal completed in good —— good order that the army completing its task it had been set out to perform. the repercussions on the streets, people wonder who is next. as the airlift got under way, there

was no letup in the eruptions itself. lava streams from the greater blow down to the streets on the coast of the island but it could start blowing any time. the russians held a spectacular night launch. they call it mir, russian for peace. this is newsday on the bbc. i'm rico hizon in singapore. i'm babita sharma in london. our top stories: the half—brother of north korean leader, kimjong—un, has been killed in the malaysian capital, kuala lumpur. he is believed to have been poisoned. the white house says that donald trump's national security adviser michael flynn discussed nothing illegal in his contacts with the russian

ambassador, but resigned over an erosion of trust. let's take a look at some front pages from around the world. the japan times is reporting on the resignation of toshiba's chairman over huge company losses. the times says it is the result of the company's ailing us nuclear power unit. the paper says there is now an inquiry into a whistleblower who has been linked to the business. the south china morning post covers our main story, the killing of the estranged half—brother of north korean leader, kim jong—un, in malaysia. the paper says that sources report kim jong—nam was poisoned with needles by two women believed to be north korean agents. and the straits times says tourist spending in singapore hit historic highs last year, this was boosted by the growth of the chinese market, and visitors spending more on food, drink, shopping and accommodation. now, rico, what stories are sparking discussions online?

stea m steam trains are currently trending on bbc .com. it is a sight not seen in 50 years. rico makes train sounds normal, timetabled trains between settle and carlisle in england will be running on steam for three days. it is part of celebrations to mark the reopening of the line. i'm a little far, but if i were you, babita, i'd be buying a ticket right now. let's do it, let's go and have a newsday jolly. the white house has rejected suggestions that donald trump's presidency is in turmoil, following the resignation of his national security adviser michael flynn. he had admitted misleading colleagues over his contact with russian diplomats before mr trump took office. our north america editor jon sopel reports. they were oh—so—close,

politically inseparable. but, afterjust three weeks as national security adviser, michael flynn has gone, in a stunning fall from grace, after a day of chaos and confusion at the white house. the camera—loving president suddenly becoming camera—shy when asked about his future. do you have full confidence in him? but today, the president's spokesman came out all guns blazing. the former close friend had lost the president's trust. we got to a point, not based on a legal issue, but based on a trust issue, where the level of trust between the president and general flynn had eroded to the point where he felt he had to make a change. the president was very concerned that general flynn had misled the vice president, and others. the evolving and eroding level of trust, as a result of this situation, and a series of other questionable instances, is what led the president to ask

for general flynn's resignation. the republican leadership, always uncomfortable about the unorthodox general, were relieved to see him go. you cannot have a national security adviser misleading the vice president, and others. so i think the president was right to ask for his resignation, and i believe it was the right thing to do. this all goes back to action taken over the christmas period by the former president, barack obama, to impose sanctions against russia over its interference in the us election. on 29 december, michael flynn speaks to the russian ambassador, in the first of a series of calls. on 15 january, vice president mike pence denies that sanctions were discussed. what i can confirm, having spoken to him about it, is that those conversations, that happened to occur around the time that the united states took action to expel diplomats, had nothing whatsoever to do with those sanctions. but, in late january, the former acting attorney—general warned the white house it might have been misled by general flynn's account.

no action was taken. but then, on 9 february, the washington post revealed that flynn did discuss sanctions, and it was then that pressure grew. and democrats are not going to let the matter go. the resignation of michael flynn was brought about, not by discovering the falsehood, but by the fact that the falsehood became public. and that ought to be deeply disturbing to everyone. welcome to the stage, general mike flynn, retired united states army. michael flynn was a spear—carrier for donald trump during the election, making hillary clinton's honesty a central point of attack. we do not need a reckless president who believes she is above the law. crowd: lock her up! yeah, that's right. lock her up. but now it is michael flynn who on a question of trust has been found wanting, and finds himself very much alone. dubai hopes to have a passenger

drone up and flying byjuly. model has been unveiled. the chinese made drone flies using two small propellers and the craft can carry a passenger weighing up to 100 kilograms plus a small suitcase. after buckling into a race car style seat, the passenger can select a destination on a touchscreen pad. the battery operated, remote—control drone can fly for up to half an hour with a range of up to 50 kilometres. israel's prime minister is in washington, getting ready for his meeting on wednesday with president trump. benjamin netanyahu has been brainstorming with his advisors on how to ensure a smooth visit. his one official engagement so far is a working dinner with us secretary of state rex tillerson. but what is on the agenda for the meeting at the white house? barbara plett—usher takes a look.

this is a moment for israel and america to take stock of their relationship. so here are netanyahu and trump's four priorities. first and foremost, a chance to reset us—israeli relations at the top. obama didn't get on very well with neta nyahu. but now... ilike him. he's strong. the best thing that could have happened to israel. so get ready for lots of mutual admiration. i plan to speak to president trump about how to counter the threat of the iranian regime. at the top of netanyahu's agenda is iran. both leaders are fierce critics of the deal to curb iran's nuclear programme. this is a bad deal. it's a very bad deal. i think it was the worst deal that was ever negotiated. neta nya hu wa nts to scrap the agreement.

trump is more likely to enforce it vigorously, and take a harder line against iran. then there is the battle against the so—called islamic state. trump has vowed to crush the group in syria. neta nyahu is all for that, but he doesn't want any of this to spill over israel's shared border with syria. plus, israel may want american help to foster cohort co—operation with some arab countries, on counterterrorism, and also on a shared desire to counter iran. finally, the hot—ticket question — trump's policy for peace with palestinians. he wants to know netanyahu's plan. he is still forming his own, and it seems to stray from bedrock us positions, which are support for a palestinian state and opposition tojewish settlements built on occupied palestinian land, expected to form part of that. trump says israel should keep building, but the president has been cautiously rowing back. we don't believe the existence of current settlements is an impediment to peace,

but we believe the expansion of existing settlements beyond the current borders is not going to be helpful going forward. netanyahu is also seeking a better read on trump's positions. campaign promises are one thing, complicated realities are another, especially if the president is a businessman who harbours hopes of making the ultimate deal on middle east peace. in australia, campaigners are calling for a ban on the sale of fake aboriginal art. it is claimed tens of thousands of the boomerangs, dot paintings and didgeridoos sold every year are cheap imports from china and indonesia, which rip off the work of indigenous artists. from sydney, hywel griffith reports. following the line that traces back tens of thousands of years, dean kelly says every artwork he makes is ingrained with his identity. he learned to make traditional canoes from his grandfather and says

he will pass on his skills to the next generation. but he finds the trade in so—called ‘fake' aboriginal art offensive. they shouldn't attempt to make money from the oldest living culture in the world. it's very disrespectful, and my people aren't like that, you know. my people are very generous, very accepting. but i think any aboriginal person would be offended from people copying and replicating our art, or our styles, and making money off it. these are the kinds of things that make dean and many other indigenous artists angry. everything from paintings and didgeridoos to tea towels and flip—flops, all decorated to look as if they have come from aboriginal communities, when in fact they are imports. millions of people visit australia every year, and many want to take a souvenir home with them. and what could be more authentic

and australian than a boomerang? these come with aboriginal looking designs. but both are fake, both are imported from indonesia. but could you tell? tell me what these things are. what are these? boomerangs. it's aboriginal art. and how can you tell it is aboriginal art? i've seen those in a lot of places, like in parks and other places where these paintings are. aboriginal art. what if i told you they are from indonesia? why have they got australia on them? i think this one is authentic and this one isn't. what if i told you they are both from indonesia? oh, wow. that will be a surprise. campaigners want a new law in place ahead of the commonwealth games. it will go before parliament in the coming weeks. for dean, anything that can help

preserve and protect his culture is welcome. support only original art. you have been watching newsday. stay with us. as india prepares to attempt a world record by launching more than 100 satellites in one rocket, what will it mean for businesses involved in its space programmes? and, before we go, how a tiger toy is providing much—needed love for these rescued tiger cubs in india, whose mother was found dead in a wildlife park. well, the cubs didn't like taking milk from bottles held by humans, so a tiger doll was introduced that had milk bottles fitted inside. the tigers are happily feeding at the tiger reserve in the state of madhya pradesh. that's all for now. stay with bbc world news. hello, there. we are looking at changes

to our weather now. we've lost that cold, easterly grey weather. something a bit milder coming from the south. but, in the next 2a hours and for the rest of this week, weather will come in off the atlantic. and that is what we're looking at overnight. weather fronts pushing up from the south, introducing more cloud and some rain across central, northern areas, which will be clearing its way northwards. then we have two areas of rain pushing toward southern england by the end of the night. generally quite a misty, murky, cloudy night to come, but that will blanket in temperatures. we should be looking at anything from 5—9 celsius, but some chilly spots in northern scotland in the morning. we have rain pushing toward south—west england and towards south wales. heavy bursts mixed into there. wouldn't be surprised if you heard a rumble of thunder through the morning. a mild start. elsewhere, dampness across the south—east, but generally cloudy and grey, misty and murky for england and wales.

a little bit of rain, some showers affecting the irish sea coasts. some of it pushing towards northern ireland and south scotland. central northern scotland, a cold start here, perhaps a touch of frost in northern glens. but at least for you, you'll probably see the best of the sunshine. the same for northern ireland. further south, the weather front pushes northwards and eastwards as the day wears on. and again, some of it could be heavy towards the midlands and towards the south—east, potentially some heavy bursts for northern counties of england, too. a mild feel to things. a little bit cooler further north, but you have the sunshine, so it will compensate. now, that weather front pushes towards the north sea. it turns dry for england and wales. winds turn light as well. a cool night, maybe mist and fog to start thursday morning. an area of low pressure will sweep to the north of scotland. this brings frequent showers to northern ireland and much of central northern scotland and fairly strong, blustery winds. but for england and wales, actually, quite a quiet day, with light winds and sunshine. feeling pleasantly mild. the low pressure pushes towards scandinavia.

the ridge of high pressure nudges in for friday. that means with light winds and damp air we could start the day on friday with some dense fog patches around. but they should generally clear and lift, to allow for sunshine to develop, certainly through friday afternoon. this is friday in more detail. starting with dense fog. through the day skies should tend to brighten up. feeling mild, temperatures in double figures. but out west there will be strengthening winds and outbreaks of rain. into the weekend most of us stay mild. there will be a little bit of rain in the forecast, but for most of us it should stay dry. i'm babita sharma with bbc world news. our top story: the half—brother of north korea leader kimjong—un has been killed in an attack in the malaysian capital. kimjong—nam is believed to have been poisoned at kuala lumpur airport — his body's now being examined by investigators. the white house spokesman

sean spicer says the us president asked his chief adviser on national security, general michael flynn, to resign after his trust in him had eroded. and this video has been trending on bbc.com. it isa it is a sight not seen in 50 years. normal time tale —— timetabled trains to carlisle will be running for a few days to celebrate the reopening of the line. stay with us. you are up—to—date. and the top story here in the uk — paul nuttall‘s press officer has offered to resign, after saying she was to blame for "mistakes" in statements