India/ South Asia

INDIAN FARMERS CALL FOR A NATIONWIDE SHUTDOWN

The protesting farmers have said that the government will have to accept their demands for reinstating the Minimum guarantee for their produce. They have also asked to re-instate the hoarding rules. They are asking for India's population to support the shutdown from 11 AM to 3 PM to show solidarity. Bankers are not participating even though they have expressed solidarity with the farmers protesting against the new farm laws.

A MYSTERIOUS DISEASE HAS HIT ANDHRA PRADESH

One person has died and 292 have fallen sick in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, a South Indian state. The patients show symptoms of fits and nausea but the cause of the disease has not been established as yet. A 24*7 control room has been set up in the Eluru Municipal Corporation office.

UK/Europe

UK PREPARES TO GIVE FIRST COVID-19 VACCINATIONS AS THE WORLD WATCHES

The Vaccinations will be given starting Today in England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland said it would start administering the vaccine early in the week but did not specify which day. The government has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine so far, enough to vaccinate 20 million people. More deaths from Covid-19 have been recorded in the UK than anywhere else in Europe. The vaccination of 20 million people is expected to bring down the death rate by 99.9%.

THE UK-EU TALKS RESUME IN FINAL PUSH FOR TRADE DEAL

Disputes overfishing and business rules remain, but the UK government said the agreement was "still possible" with time in "short supply". The prime minister's spokesman said: "We are in the final stages, but we are prepared to negotiate for as long as we have time available if we think an agreement is still possible."

US/ North America

PFIZER TELLS U.S OFFICIALS IT CANNOT SUPPLY ADDITIONAL VACCINE UNTIL LATE JUNE OR JULY

The U.S. government will have 100 million doses of the two-shot Pfizer vaccine purchased earlier this year, far fewer than it initially planned. Many today doubt whether the US can keep to its aggressive schedule to vaccinate most Americans by late spring or early summer. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an order today that would prioritize vaccinating Americans before providing doses to other countries, according to a senior official.

MOST OF CALIFORNIA IS UNDER STRICT LOCKDOWN AS CASES SURGE

The stay-at-home order affects around 85% of the state's 40 million people. It will be in place for at least three weeks and cover the Christmas holiday. Many businesses will be closed, and people will be banned from meeting anyone outside their household. The country has seen a sharp rise in cases and Covid-related deaths in recent weeks

Latin America/ South America

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS WIDELY REJECTED THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE VENEZUELAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

President Nicolas Maduro celebrated his victory with 67% of National Assembly seats on Monday. "It's a great victory without a doubt for democracy," Maduro said. However, the opposition is seeking support and is largely rejecting the election results.

SPANISH HEAD OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TROPICAL AGRICULTURE HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED IN COLOMBIA

According to the Colombian Police, Jesus Quintana Garcia was kidnapped on Sunday on his way to Huila. He was trapped by a criminal group. Colombian Defense Minister has identified Gracia as an official with diplomatic status in Colombia. He has requested the kidnapper to release Gracia as soon as possible.

Asia

INDONESIA GETS 1.2 MILLION DOSES OF COVID-19 VACCINE

The first official authorised batch of covid-19 vaccines have arrived in Indonesia. The second batch of 1.8 million doses of sinovac vaccine will also be available by January 2021. Indonesia is drafting rules for the distribution of covid-19 vaccines across the country. On Monday, the ministry heading the national Covid-19 task force said that the arrival and availability of the vaccines will be gradual. The vaccination programme, which will be carried out gradually, with priority given to the medical workers and public service officers.

DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE 1 BILLION PEOPLE IN ASIA TO FACE LETHAL HEATWAVE CONDITIONS BY 2050

If proper measures aren't taken to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, Asia is expected to see temperature rises of more than two degrees from pre-industrial levels. The major part of subcontinental Asian countries are at high risk. Countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia would face more frequent, dangerous heat conditions.