Myanmar anti-coup protesters gather for mass strike in defiance of junta threat, and a prominent Greek theatre director has been arrested on rape charges

*) Myanmar gripped by strike as anti-coup protests build

Protesters have gathered in Myanmar’s biggest city despite the ruling junta’s veiled threat to use lethal force over the call for a general strike.

Three weeks after seizing power, the junta has failed to stop daily protests that are seeking a reversal of the coup and release of leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The ominous signs of potential conflict also drew attention outside Myanmar, with the US reiterating that it stood with the people of Myanmar.

*) Iran, IAEA thrash out 'temporary solution' ahead of deadline

The UN nuclear watchdog chief has announced a "temporary solution" to allow Iranian facility inspections to continue after days of talks with officials.

Under the temporary agreement, Tehran will for "three months record and keep the information of some activities and monitoring equipment", Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said.

US President Joe Biden, European powers and Tehran recently step up efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal from which Donald Trump had withdrawn.

*) US aviation body orders extra inspections of some Boeing 777s

The US Federal Aviation Administration has ordered United Airlines to conduct extra inspections of some Boeing 777 passenger jets.

The announcements came a day after a United Airlines flight suffered catastrophic engine failure, scattering debris across a Colorado community.

Japan’s regulators also ordered Japan Airways and All Nippon Airways to stop operating a combined 32 aircraft with the same engine.

*) Violent attack as Niger's voters select a new president

At least seven poll workers were killed during Niger's presidential vote when their vehicle struck a landmine.

Three others were severely injured in the explosion which occurred in Gotheye village in the Tillaberi region in the country’s west.

The attack happened while polling was almost over in the second round of the country’s presidential elections.

And finally…

*) Prominent Greek theatre director arrested on rape charges

Greek police have detained a prominent theatre director on charges of rape, adding momentum to the "MeToo" movement shaking the country's arts establishment.

Dimitris Lignadis is reportedly accused of rape by two men who were minors when the events occurred in 2010 and 2015.

Lignadis has denied any wrongdoing and turned himself into police after a prosecutor issued an arrest warrant.