UK/Europe

BRITAIN HAS APPROVED THE FIRST COVID VACCINE IN THE WORLD

The approval for the Pfizer NSE 2.34 % COVID-19 vaccine is the first emergency approval to be given. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson touted the medicine authority's approval as a global win and a ray of hope amid the gloom of the novel coronavirus. The virus has claimed nearly 1.5 million lives globally. It has also sent the global economy in recession.

GERMANY EXTENDS RESTRICTIONS TILL 10th JANUARY 2021 FOR CONTROLLING COVID 19 INFECTIONS

The chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday after talks with German state leaders. The measures, which had been due to expire on 20th December, include keeping restaurants and hotels shut and limiting private gatherings to five people from two households. More than 17,000 new cases were reported overnight, and 487 deaths - a new daily record.

India/ South Asia

FARMERS PROTEST DISCONNECTS UTTAR PRADESH WITH THE NATIONAL CAPITAL

Hundreds of farmers affiliated to the Bhartiya Kisan Union and other groups continued their protest at the Delhi-Noida border for the second day leading to a closure of a key route that connects Uttar Pradesh with Delhi. Heavy security has been deployed on both Noida and Delhi sides preventing them from proceeding further.

IF YOU DON'T WEAR A MASK, YOU ARE IN FOR SOME SERIOUS SOCIAL SERVICE. PEOPLE WITHOUT MASKS WILL HAVE TO DO COMMUNITY SERVICE AT COVID CARE CENTRES, SAYS GUJARAT HIGH COURT

The state government of Gujarat has been directed by the state High Court that people found without masks must undergo non-medical community service at covid 19 care centres. It said that a defaulter must serve for 4-6 hours a day for at least 5 days.

Latin America/ South America

GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE OPERATION RELEASED A REPORT ON 5G CONNECTION IN LATIN AMERICA

The latest GSMA report states that, by 2025, there will be 62 million 5G connections across the region. 5G services have already been launched in Brazil and Uruguay and the government is in the process of conducting 5G auction spectrum in chile.

The company stressed on the unprecedented demand for connectivity stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.

BANK ROBBERIES ESCALATED IN BRAZIL

After the attack in Criciúma, a city in southern Brazil, an identical attack took place in the Cameta. Gang of armed men stormed the bank, attacking people and taking hostages. The attack was targeted at the branch of Banco do Brasil. The same bank was robbed in Cametá. The City's Mayor confirms one death in the attack.

US/ North America

'JUNO' STAR ELLEN PAGE CHANGES NAME TO ELLIOT PAGE AFTER COMING OUT AS A TRANSGENDER

The 33-year-old actor expressed gratitude to those who have supported him in a statement on Twitter on Wednesday. Page, who came out as gay in 2014 is one of the most vocal artists of Hollywood's LGBTQ community.

US TOP PANEL SAYS CHINESE GOVERNMENT PLANNED THE INDO-CHINA CONFLICT ON THE LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL IN THE GALWAY VALLEY IN EASTERN LADAKH.

In the incident, Indian soldiers were brutally beaten and killed with iron rods and barbed wire. Many were thrown in the river in the valley. India admitted to having lost soldiers but China has not reported any casualties. India, however, said China also faced casualties. But that evidence is not corroborated.

PHILIPPINES GRANTS FDA EMERGENCY USE POWER FOR COVID-19 VACCINES AND DRUGS

The Philippines haS tied up with four vaccine makers for the supply of Covid-19 vaccine. The country has so far secured more than two million Covid-19 shots from AstraZeneca. The British drugmaker's vaccine needs to undergo approvals by regulators. The Philippines, the second-worst hit country in South-east Asia are racing to lock in vaccine supplies as it targets to vaccinate one- third of its 108 million population. An executive order was issued by the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. The order grants power to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clearing Covid-19 drugs and vaccines for emergency use.

THAILAND TO PROSECUTE ILLEGAL ENTRANTS FOUND COVID +VE

The accused entered the country illegally from Myanmar. According to a ministry statement, On Wednesday Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the governors to prosecute four Thais who entered the South-east Asian nation without a permit and did not undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Thailand is the first country outside China to keep the deadly virus under control with strict border closures and quarantine requirements.