COLU @ CONCEPTS

Image copyright AFP Image caption Nearly 50 people were killed and the same again injured in the factory fire Around 46 people have died, 46 are injured, and 10 are unaccounted for after explosions at a fireworks factory in Indonesia. The blaze took hold at around 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT), at an industrial complex in Tangerang, west of the capital Jakarta. "We are still evacuating victims... there are 46 body bags," Tangerang Kota police chief Harry Kurniawan told AFP. The fire has been brought under control. Forensic officers are at the scene and the wounded have been taken to three hospitals. Police said many of the dead were found clustered at the back of the factory, suggesting they tried in vain to flee the flames. "Those who died are completely unrecognisable, totally burnt," firefighter Oni Sahroni told Indonesia's Metro TV. Citing witnesses, local media said there were two explosions at the warehouse - one at around 10:00 and anothe...

Image copyright AFP/GETTY IMAGES Image caption The Kurds overwhelmingly backed secession in September's controversial referendum Iraq's prime minister has rejected an offer from the Kurdistan Region to "freeze" the result of last month's independence referendum and hold talks. "We won't accept anything but its cancellation and the respect of the constitution," Haider al-Abadi said. The Arab-led central government insists the vote, in which people decisively backed secession, was illegal. The Kurdish offer came after Mr Abadi ordered the Iraqi military to retake disputed territory held by the Kurds. The operation - which also involved police, special forces and the Popular Mobilisation, a paramilitary force dominated by Iranian-backed Shia militias - sparked clashes that left dozens of people dead and many more injured. Kirkuk: Iraq's war within a war Iraqi Kurds decisively back independence Independence: What is at stake? On Tues...

Image copyright AFP Image caption Catalan president Carles Puigdemont is leading the drive for the region's independence Pressure is rising on Catalonia's President Carles Puigdemont over his regional government's drive for independence from Spain. He is expected to make a statement in Barcelona at 17:00 (15:00 GMT) to clarify his position. The Spanish government plans to strip the regional government and Mr Puigdemont of their powers. Article 155 of the Spanish constitution lets Madrid take control of institutions, police and finances. Mr Puigdemont declared independence after a referendum on 1 October, which was ruled illegal by Spain's constitutional court. But the Catalan leader immediately suspended implementation, calling for talks. What powers does Catalonia have? The case for and against independence The Spanish Senate is set to vote on triggering Article 155 on Friday. Large crowds gathered outside the regional government building ahead of ...

Image copyright HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Image caption Australian's detention centre in Papua New Guinea is due to close next week Australia should consider deploying police to help protect refugees and asylum seekers it has detained in Papua New Guinea, Human Rights Watch says. Australia holds refugees and asylum seekers arriving by boat on PNG's Manus Island and the Pacific nation of Nauru. The Manus centre is due to close next week. Australia has set up alternative accommodation in a nearby town. A Human Rights Watch report said asylum seekers risked suffering "unchecked violence" in PNG after the closure. The group, which visited the island in September, said refugees and asylum seekers had been attacked by local men "sometimes armed with sticks, rocks, knives, or screwdrivers". "(They) have suffered repeated violent attacks and robberies by locals, with inadequate hospital care on the island and no action by police,"  the group said . ...

Image copyright EPA Image caption President Michel Temer denies any wrongdoing Brazil's President Michel Temer has secured enough votes in the lower house of Congress to avoid facing trial on corruption charges. Prosecutors had accused Mr Temer of obstructing justice and racketeering, which he has repeatedly denied. Mr Temer, 77, could only face trial with the approval of two-thirds of the lower house. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Temer had tests in hospital for tests after his doctor diagnosed a urinary obstruction. Only 233 deputies voted in favour of sending Mr Temer for trial, well below the 342 votes required, while 251 rejected the move. Investigations against Mr Temer can now only resume once he steps down at the end of 2018. Analysis: Temer gets away with it Katy Watson, BBC South America correspondent, Sao Paulo As the lawmakers cast their vote, emotions ran high. Amid shouts of "Out with Temer!", some said they were voting to take a stand against ...