US/ North America

TWO CORONAVIRUS VACCINES AVAILABLE IN US IN COMING WEEKS

The first two vaccines against the novel coronavirus could be available to Americans before Christmas, Health Secretary Alex Azar said on Monday, after Moderna became the second vaccine maker likely to receive U.S. emergency authorization. The federal government will ship the vaccines through its normal vaccine distribution system, with state governors determining where they should go first, Azar said.

CANADA EXTENDS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Canada has announced an extension of restrictions on international travel in an effort to prevent the further spread of coronavirus. In a statement issued on Sunday, travel restrictions on US citizens would be extended until December 21, and curbs on people arriving from other countries would be extended until January 21, 2021. The restrictions, which were brought forward on March 16, ban most foreign nationals from entering Canada for non-essential travel.

India/ South Asia

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER ATTACKS OPPOSITION PARTIES OVER FARMER PROTEST

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked the opposition parties over the farmer protest against the new farm laws. He accused these parties of playing tricks against the farmers. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister appealed to the people of Delhi to extend all possible help to the farmers protesting at the border of the national capital.

INDIA REFUSES TO BE PART OF 'ONE BELT ONE ROAD' AT SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO) SUMMIT

India has always maintained that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is a part of this initiative, runs through Pakistan-Occupied-Jammu and Kashmir. It violates Territorial integrity and sovereignty. The occupation of India's territory by China is a long pending issue.

UK/Europe

UK BANS NEW 5G NETWORK EQUIPMENT FROM SEPTEMBER 2021

Wireless carriers in the U.K. won't be allowed to install Huawei equipment in their high-speed 5G networks after September 2021. The British government said on Monday, hardening its line against the Chinese technology company. There has been low trust in Chinese equipment as it may have security risk of surveillance technology.

SWISS VOTE TO REJECT RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS INITIATIVE

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal which would have made businesses liable for human rights or environmental violations they cause around the world.

Even though voters backed the initiative by a narrow majority, it failed to win support in a majority of Swiss cantons as required. The government and many business leaders had come out against the plan. Another proposal to ban public financing of arms manufacturers was also rejected.

Latin America/ South America

REMOTE WORKING LATIN AMERICAN GUIDE INTRODUCED IN LIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC

Covid-19 has forced the governments to implement necessary changes in the present working models. These could benefit both the company and the employee. The regional Employment & Compensation team launched a remote working Latin American guide to ease the process. Individual organisations along with the government are responding positively to the remote working models. It is becoming a new trend.

LATIN AMERICA'S LARGEST BANK, PICKS AMAZON WEB SERVICES AS THEIR CLOUD PROVIDER

Itaú Unibanco Holding, Latin America's largest bank has chosen AWS as their long term partners. The bank is aiming at enhancing the banking experience of 56 million customers through digital remodelling. "AWS is helping Itaú Unibanco deliver the transformative benefits of online banking and digital payments to its customers in Latin America and around the globe," said Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon Web Services.

Asia

MALAYSIA BECOMES THE FIRST COUNTRY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO MAKE A DEAL WITH US DRUGMAKERS

Malaysia has agreed to purchase 12.8 million doses of Covid-19 drug called Pfizer NSE from the US drugmakers. This drug is manufactured in the United States. Malaysia became the first country in Southeast Asia to announce a vaccine deal with the US. This American drug will deliver the initial one million drugs by the first quarter of 2021. The deal will cover 20%-30% of the Malaysian population.

MODERNA TO REQUEST EMERGENCY FDA AUTHORIZATION FOR COVID-19 VACCINE

On Monday US biotech company Moderna announced that after the final results from a late-stage study indicated its Covid-19 vaccine candidate was found 94.1 per cent effective. The company plans to request an Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and conditional approval from the European Medicines Agency. Modern