lama i am a reader or in singapore. the headlines: —— mariko oi. two men arrested in australia due in court, accused of plotting to bring down a plane. more pressure on president trump asa plane. more pressure on president trump as a grand jury is set up to investigate allegations of russian interference in last year's collections. i am alpa patel in london. also on the programme: one of the world's tallest building is in dubai is engulfed in flames for the second time in two years. and you are never too old to rock ‘n‘ roll, meet singapore's grandma mary as she prepares for the gig of her life. i am 81 years old this year andi life. i am 81 years old this year and i am rocking at singapore national day parade. live from our studios in singapore and london,

this is bbc world news. it's newsday. good morning. it's 7am in singapore, midnight in london and nine in the morning in sydney australia, where two men arrested on suspicion of plotting to bring down an aeroplane are due to appear in court. both men have been charged with terror offences and could be jailed for life if convicted. the men were detained on saturday in a series of raids across sydney. for more i'm joined by the bbc‘s hywel griffith from sydney. firstly, what do we know about these men? as you said, two of the four arrested at the weekend, they have

been arrested for five days for questioning. they were charged last night sydney time and will appear before the court. we know they are 49—year—old from la kemba before the court. we know they are 49—year—old from lakemba and 32—year—old from punchbowl. we are not certain of the relationship between them. that will come out in the court proceedings. there were another two people arrested. one of those remains in detention. a fourth man was released without charge. all four according to the police in australia were part of a plot, a conspiracy. they initially thought to bring down an aeroplane. as i said one of the four men released without charge. two of the fort due to appear in the next hour in court. i understand we are expecting to hear from the police shortly. what can we expect from them? yes, we may learn more about their investigation. we know they have been searching for several days now six different properties across sydney. forensically looking for any

indication or any evidence that might help piece together what is alleged plot may have been. we know that actually the australian authorities were tipped off by anotherforeign authorities were tipped off by another foreign agency before acting, before carrying out the arrest by the federal police to hold their press conference within the next hour. and what's happening to the security measures implemented at the security measures implemented at the airport after the arrest over the airport after the arrest over the weekend? is it going to stay? yes, so, well, the first few days meant there were delays initially alfred adores sydney airport. people we re alfred adores sydney airport. people were told to add one allah to their arrival times to the airport —— to initially add on. those procedures we re initially add on. those procedures were said to be ramped down. arrival times would go back to normal. however, it's not entirely business as usual. there is increased security still at australian airports. and we know that the aviation threat is one being taken seriously. although we've heard of

several plots being stopped here in australia in the last few years, this is potentially the largest co—ordinated plot, the authorities say they have managed to disrupt, the 13th in the last three years. thank you. let's go to the us now, where the investigation into claims of russian interference in last year's presidential election has taken a significant turn in the last few hours. us media is reporting that special counsel robert mueller has assembled a grand jury in washington. it is a sign the inquiry is intensifying. earlier i spoke with our correspondent laura bicker to get the latest on this from washington. well, grand juries are a way of investigators finding out whether or not there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges. now, they have the power to demand witness statements. they have the power to demand documents. we're already hearing that they may have —— they may have been at work for a few

weeks. we're hearing from us media that they also have issued subpoenas with regards to a meeting that took place between donald trump with regards to a meeting that took place between donald trumer and a russian lawyer. now, you might remember this meeting because there was an e—mail chain published by donald trump jr himself, was an e—mail chain published by donald trumer himself, where he appears to accept the meeting because he wants incriminating evidence about hillary clinton that this russian lawyer offered. now, we're hearing that this grand jury has asked for documents and they haveissued has asked for documents and they have issued subpoenas with regards to that meeting. and when it comes to that meeting. and when it comes to this kind of development, what this means is that the investigation is stepping up, it is intensifying. it isa is stepping up, it is intensifying. it is a significant development, although it is the next step for robert mueller, if he was to look and take this investigation seriously, this is exactly what he should be doing. the white house has reacted. remember, donald trump has

in the past described this enquiry asa in the past described this enquiry as a witch—hunt. the special counsel for the white house has said it was committed to cooperating fully with mr muller and wants to help to accelerate this conclusion of his work fairly. if we can return to the other story in washington today, the lea ks other story in washington today, the leaks from the conversations between donald trump and world leaders, and a particularly interesting one with the australian prime minister. well, you might remember at the time back injanuary you might remember at the time back in january that they were voters saying that this call between donald trump and malcolm turnbull, the very first call, was slightly testy. well, certainly when you see the transcripts, it really went downhill rather rapidly. so, when they got to discussing whether or not the us should accept refugees in australian detention centres, a deal that was struck between malcolm turnbull and president obama, donald trump gets rather angry. he goes onto say that

he hates those people and guarantees they are bad. he said that he told mr turnbull that the conversation then was the worst he had ever had and he notes that one exchange that they had gone well. he said "i had a pleasa nt they had gone well. he said "i had a pleasant call with vladimir putin". also making news today: an air france plane carrying more than 330 passengers may have come as close as 100 kilometres to an intercontinental ballistic missile, which was launched by north korea last week. air france is extending its no—fly zone around north korea as a precaution. these were the scenes in tokyo when the world's largest fish market was engulfed in flames. the outer area of the market, which is crowded with small shops and restaurants, was worst affected. there are no reports of any injuries. and just take a look at this. hamburg zoo in germany has welcomed in four

siberian tiger cubs. here are some of them making the their first public outing at hagenbeck zoo. the keepers there say all the animals doing well. one of the world's tallest residential buildings, the torch tower in dubai, has been engulfed in flames for the second time in two years. the authorities in the city say the building has been evacuated successfully and firefighters are working to bring the blaze under control. world, joining us live from dubai is simon. simon, thank you so much for joining us. we understand that you are on the corner opposite the fire. i hope you are safe. you have been uploading some footage of the fire. tell us what you are seeing. well, i think it's under control now, as you can probably see for yourself. originally the top of the building

was out of control and they had that dealt with. and then the centre of the building absolutely caught fire and you can still see the remnants of that now. and how have people been reacting? we heard from the authorities that the building has been evacuated. yeah, i went downstairs before because obviously this is a 79 story building with i think 8— ten apartments each floor, so think 8— ten apartments each floor, so there is gonna be a lot of people with nowhere to stay tonight. so i went down on the street before to see what we could do to help but at this stage there is just firefighters telling everyone to get the hell out of the way. and there is really no sort of control. it is sheer panic to be honest. and any clues as to what actually caused the fire? well, i think it is similar to

auk fire? well, i think it is similar to a uk problem. even my own building here gives warning about flammable cladding on buildings. there is warnings about not using shisha is making new balconies, no barbecues, no cigarettes. —— smoking. i think this is the third or fourth fire in to buy in the last 12 months. people keep doing it. and i guess it comes down to using the wrong cladding on buildings. so, as you say, it seems to happen quite often. it is the second time that this building is on fire in two years. so have you personally experienced one before as well? welcome to bbc news, broadcasting at home and around the globe. the headlines: radio. iwas close by. there was another building of more than 200 metres from the back orfire also of more than 200 metres from the back or fire also —— welcome to bbc news, maybe that is from the

building companies that built this in this part of town. thank you so much forjoining us and please stay safe. absolutely. in a record breaking deal that's bound to make your eyes water, football club paris saint—germain has signed brazillian footballer neymar for a transfer fee of $263 million. that doubles the previous record. the 25—year—old is now set to earn more than a million dollars every week. richard conway has more on how that deal came about from paris. it has been the transfer saga of the summer. it has been the transfer saga of the summer. it is now officially at an end. neymar is a neymar player. and what a pursuit it has been. this clu b what a pursuit it has been. this club has wanted neymarfor a number of months, even a number of years. but in the last few weeks they have really accelerated their chase. it required a world record sum of money. $260 million, 222 million

euros, £200 million, it doesn't matter what currency you call it, it isa matter what currency you call it, it is a megadeal the likes of which has never been seen before. now, the match on nations to get to this point, there were a futuristic and the road to get them to this point where he has signed for them —— machinations. la liga, spanish league officials, didn't want anything to do with the deal, telling neymar‘s lawyers that they didn't want their money, they wouldn't take the release caused sum of money. instead they had to go to barcelona, that cleared the obstacles barcelona, that cleared the o bsta cles in barcelona, that cleared the obstacles in the road and allowed neymar to become a paris st germain player. now, we will see him unveiled in due course. that is said to be some event because psg are delighted that they are finally got their man and they are ready to tell their man and they are ready to tell the world about it. ijust i just interviewed ijust interviewed neymar in tokyo several weeks ago. i can't believe how much he is going to be worth. you're watching newsday mac on the bbc. still to come on the programme:

the heat is on, millions face a deadly threat from heat and humidity brought on by global warming. also coming on the programme: getting ready to roll, singapore's grandma mary prepares for the gig of her life. the question was whether we wanted to save our people, and the japanese as well, and win the war, or whether we wanted to take a chance on being able to win the war by killing all our young men. invasion began at 2:00am this morning. mr bush, like most other people, was clearly caught by surprise. and we call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all the iraqi forces. 100 years old, and still full of vigor, vitality and enjoyment of life. no other king or queen in british history has lived so long, and the queen mother is said to be quietly very pleased indeed that she has achieved this landmark anniversary. this is a pivotal moment

for the church as an international movement. the question now is whether the american vote will lead to a split in the anglican community. this is newsday on the bbc. i'm mariko oi in singapore. i'm alpa patel in london. our top stories. two men arrested during dawn raids in australia are due in court accused of plotting to bring down a plane. president trump faces more pressure as a grand jury is set up to investigate allegations of russian interference in last year's elections. hyperloop one has carried out its latest test of a futuristic high—speed transport system

in america's nevada desert. the creators hope to carry passengers at speeds of up to 650mph in vacuum propelled pods. that story is popular on bbc.com let's take a look at some front pages from around the world. first to the japan times, and prime minster shinzo abe's new cabinet line up is on the front page. the paper calls a number of appointments of veteran politicians a gamble given the wave of gaffes and scandals over the last few months. next, the china daily, which says the country's commerce ministry is urging the world trade organsiation members to respect the rules of the pact. that comes as president trump threatens to launch a broad investigation into alleged chinese intellectual property and trade abuses. and the south china morning post features a department of health report. and toddlers in hong kong are being

given devices such as smart phones andipad given devices such as smart phones and ipad is to play with under the age of one. it is sparking questions as to whether it may be impacting their learning abilities. now mariko what stories are sparking discussions online? well there could be something rotten in the state of denmark. lots of people are wondering exactly why this man, prince henrik of denmark, has announced he won't be buried next to his wife queen margrethe when the time comes. there's speculation it's because the 83—year—old has never been happy being named as prince, rather than king. a new study suggests millions of people living in south asia face a deadly threat from heat and humidity driven by global warming. the study in the journal science advances warns that most of india, pakistan and bangladesh will experience temperatures close to the limits of survivability

by 2100 if emissions aren't reduced. we spoke to people in mumbai about how they are coping with current levels. i think that it is different, we don't really need to wear sweaters during winter. earlier, we could manage without an air conditioner, now we are getting more dependent on them. we need them. basically, it is very difficult to travel, it is very hot. it is very hot unless you have air—conditioning. it is affecting my health, i can catch any disease because i am not used to having so much heat. it is very sticky, it is

really bad for us. it is easy for the people who can afford to sit in the people who can afford to sit in the air—conditioning, but it is not easy for those who cannot afford that. it is not easy for them to deal with the humidity. we can now speak to the lead author of the report, eun soon im, assistant professor at the hong kong university of science and technology. thank you forjoining us. what's causing humidity to rise? it is the temperature in creases, due to greenhouse gases. the moisture in the area is also increasing based on the area is also increasing based on the thermodynamic principles. the moisture level in the atmosphere tends to increase under global warming —— air. tends to increase under global warming -- air. why is it that south asian countries such as pakistan and bangladesh are most vulnerable? we

have found that based on our studies, the three main reasons are to make higher temperatures in south asia, first india's transport system, there is hot air coming from that. there is also a elevation on the surface, compared to other regions. also, the mass irrigation in south asia is increasing. irrigation tends to enhance temperatures over the irrigated area. it can provide additional moisture to the atmosphere. these factors add together to make such a

higher temperature. more importantly, the location coincides with a highly dense population. population density, agriculture and other densities mean it can be seriously amplified, the social economic conditions. could the problem spread beyond south asia? if so, what countries? yes. based the analysis, historically of temperature, it shows some maps, climate change has spread. the first region is south east asia. additionally, eastern china is

identified as having a higher temperature, and hong kong as well. i plan to extend a similar study to the southern parts of china and i think that study should be performed as soon think that study should be performed as soon as think that study should be performed as soon as possible. thank you for joining us this morning. let's have a listen in to donald trump's rally in west virginia. we have a very important announcement to make tonight. does anybody know what that announcement is? does anybody know what that announcement is? we have a very, very large announcement. do you understand? large. so, iwould announcement. do you understand? large. so, i would like to invite my good friends and your governor, tim

justus, up to the stage to share this news with all of you. come on up,jim. —— he this news with all of you. come on up, jim. —— he is going to say a few words in these words have not been spoken by a major politicalfigure of, meaning a governor or senator in our country, for a long time ——jim justice —— —— figure, —— figure, first of all, what an incredible

honour and thank you for coming, and thank our great president for being here. i've got to tell you a couple of stories real quick. i've been to the oval office twice in the last two or three weeks. i've been there to present a programme on coal and manufacturing. i've had a great opportunity to be with our president. now, let me tell you that i have to be really serious with you forjust a moment. i have to tell you that the last session of our legislature, i drafted with all my soul. i can tell you if you will just give me just a moment, this man

and myself are not politicians. we ran to get something done. we ran and gave up part of our lives. we ran because we want nothing. we ran as ourfounding ran because we want nothing. we ran as our founding fathers did, years and years ago, to serve. now, i will promise you to my soul that no one loves promise you to my soul that no one love 5 we st promise you to my soul that no one loves west virginia more than i. and in the last session, i will tell you that there was some greatness passed with the roads and so on, but there was way too much pain. now listen to me and listen good. we hurt a lot of people. we had our vets, teachers and ourdisabled, our

people. we had our vets, teachers and our disabled, ourweek. we walked away from the old. i can promise you just this. i came to get something done —— weak —— hurt. promise you just this. i came to get something done -- weak -- hurt. the latest from the donald trump rally, we will have more on that later in the programme. you have been watching newsday. stay with us. i will have all the business news later in the programme. we will be looking at how the way people shop in asia is changing and what e—commerce giants like amazon are doing to try to cash in. and before we go, let's take a look at these pictures of a record breaking giant panda. here's haizi. she's just had twins which is something worth celebrating at any time. but haizi's 23, and that makes her the oldest ever to give birth.

hello. once again, this is beginning to get a bit overworked. it has been one of those weeks. the reason? that area of low pressure has been there across the british isles for much of the past week. there are signs of a change but it is going to be oh so slow. feeling that way across northern scotland from the word go. showers is not longer spells of rain. that is not the only area. humming away to the opposite end of the country, showers running in the bristol channel. getting up to the northern half of devon and cornwall. another feed coming northern half of devon and cornwall. anotherfeed coming in from northern half of devon and cornwall. another feed coming in from the channel itself, perhaps towards the kent and sussex coasts. further north, some dry weather across south—east, but generally speaking, the further north you go, the cloud filled in and some of those showers become ever more persistent. that will be the way of it for a good pa rt will be the way of it for a good part of the morning across the of scotland. here, that cloud beginning to break into lunchtime and the

early afternoon. the wind is not as much of a feature across the british isles through friday, as was the case for some on thursday. a bit more in the way of sunshine and showers, 22— 23. not getting quite to those heights, i don't think anyone will see another 64 on kingsbarns. the rain will not be persistent, but it could be heavier times as it could be over the eastern borders and the north—east of england. through the evening and overnight, keeping the showers going across northern and western parts. the driest through central and eastern areas. into the weekend, low pressure dominant over scandinavia. a little ridge of high pressure trying to settle things down, and it will across southern counties of england and wales. further north, there will be showers again. not too much in the way of breeze, but it

will be noticeable. temperature is nothing spectacular for this time of year. average high pressure will kill off some but not all of the showers and that makes for a chilly start to sunday underneath clear skies. sadly, those will feel in rapidly across western scotland and northern ireland. rain moving in for the afternoon. the further south and east you are, the more dry your day will be. come monday, what is left of that front will gradually start to the south—eastern quarter of the british isles. i'm alpa patel with bbc world news. our top story: two men arrested on suspicion of plotting to bring down an aeroplane are due to appear in court in australia. both men were detained on saturday in a series of raids across sydney. they've been charged with terror offences and could be jailed for life if convicted. more pressure on president trump as a grand jury is set up to investigate allegations of russian interference in last year's elections.

the special counsel investigating alleged russian involvement robert mueller is reported to have begun his inquiry in recent weeks. and this video is trending on bbc.com: hyperloop one has carried out its latest test of a futuristic high—speed transport system in america's nevada desert. the creators hope to carry passengers at speeds of up to 650mph in vacuum propelled pods. that story is popular on bbc.com. now on bbc news it's time for hardtalk.