HOSPITALS IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND SAY THEY HAVE SEEN A "REAL RISE IN PRESSURE" AS THE NUMBER OF COVID PATIENTS NEEDING TREATMENT INCREASES

Saturday was described as one of London Ambulance Service's busiest in history amid the rapid spread of a new variant. Hospitals in Wales and Scotland are also reporting services being stretched by the impact of coronavirus.

UNITED STATES HAS REPORTED AN UNUSUAL RISE IN COVID CASES IN THE PRISONS. ONE OF THE FIVE PRISONERS ARE TESTED POSITIVE OF THE VIRUS

According to the official records, more than 1700 prisoners have died because of the virus. As covid cases continue to rise in the US, containing the virus has become a challenge in the prisons.

THAILAND ANNOUNCED ITS FIRST COVID DEATH IN 2 MONTHS

On Monday Authorities confirmed 144 new infections. With 6,141 active cases, 4,161 recovered, and 60 deaths, Thailand has marked its baby steps in this race against the novel coronavirus. The country focused on tight restrictions, proper lockdown implementation, inbound travel, s testing and contact-tracing.

INDONESIA BANS INTERNATIONAL VISITORS FOR 2 WEEKS AS THE NEW POTENTIALLY MORE CONTAGIOUS CORONAVIRUS STRAIN SETS IN

Previously Indonesia banned all the foreign tourists from entering the country but some exceptions were made for the business traveller. As the strain spreads the new regulations have come in lights. On Monday, Foreign minister said that the new regulations will be implemented from January 1st 2021, no foreign visitors will be allowed to enter the country except for high-level government officials.

A CHINESE CITIZEN JOURNALIST WHO COVERED WUHAN'S CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK HAS BEEN JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS

She was found guilty of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble", Ms Zhang is one of several citizen journalists who have run into trouble for reporting on Wuhan. There are no free media in China and authorities are known to clamp down on activists or whistleblowers seen as undermining the government's response to the outbreak.

INDIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL FINALISE EARLY HARVEST TRADE DEALS BY 2021

India's trade negotiations with the UK are based on the principle of mutual benefit and arriving at an agreement will be relatively easier because of the bilateral nature of negotiations. Post-Brexit, the two countries may finalise trade agreements in areas like pharmaceuticals, fintech, chemicals, defence manufacturing, petroleum and food products as they are keen on early harvest deals while continuing negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA).

AMBASSADORS FROM THE 27 EU MEMBER STATES HAVE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE EU-UK POST-BREXIT TRADE DEAL, PAVING THE WAY FOR IT TO TAKE EFFECT

The deal is likely to become law on 1 January, as the UK Parliament is expected to approve it on Wednesday. The deal sets the framework for trade once the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union in four days' time. The deal ends nearly 50 years of UK membership of the bloc, covering a vast array of policies besides those governing common trade rules.

PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN HAS SAID THAT DONALD TRUMP HAS MADE "ENORMOUS DAMAGE" TO THE US NATIONAL

He accused President Trump of "irresponsibility". Biden claims that as his team makes the transition to coming in power, they were not getting the required data. It included the ministry of defence and the office of management and budget. Biden is taking charge as the US President on January 20th. Donald Trump has failed to accept his defeat in the election.

THE ARGENTINIAN SENATE WILL DECIDE WHETHER ABORTION BECOMES LEGAL IN A LANDMARK VOTE

The initiative was passed by the lower house and congress earlier this month and now awaits the final approval of the senate. If there is a tie, then the Vice President will cast the deciding vote. A similar initiative was proposed but defeated by congress back in 2018.