India/ South Asia

THE JAIPUR DELHI HIGHWAY HAS BEEN BLOCKED BY PROTESTING FARMERS.

A group of farmers protesting under the banner of Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sangharsh Samanvay Samiti blocked the critical highway that connects Delhi with Mumbai. They said that the number of protestors will increase if the government fails to fulfil their demands and withdraw the farm laws.

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI WILL LAY THE FOUNDATION STONES OF 2 PROJECTS IN GUJARAT ON DECEMBER 15.

Both these projects are aimed at two challenge areas for the world. One of these projects is a mega renewable energy plant and the other a desalination plant. Both these projects are in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

UK/Europe

THE FIRST BATCH OF THE PFIZER/BIOTECH VACCINES HAVE ARRIVED IN THE UK.

It has been taken to a central hub at an undisclosed location, and will now be distributed to hospital vaccination centres around the UK. The UK has ordered 40 million doses - enough to vaccinate 20 million people. England's deputy chief medical officer said the first wave of vaccinations could prevent up to 99% of Covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths.

BRITAIN AND THE EU WILL RESUME TALKS ON THE POST BREXIT TRADE DEAL.

The divorce between the EU and the UK has brought out issues that they are not being able to resolve since March. Brussels had hardened its stance on how common rules and regulations should be enforced in key areas, including fishing rights and competition rules. A senior UK government source said that the prospects of a breakthrough is "receding". The UK's Brexit transition period ends in less than four weeks' time.

Latin America/ South America

PABLO MATERA RESTORED HIS POSITION AS THE ARGENTINIAN CAPTAIN

Matera has been the captain of the Argentina rugby team since 2018. His captaincy was stripped over xenophobic and discriminatory posts on social media made between 2011 and 2013. The suspension was lifted and Matera regained his position in the team.

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN LATIN AMERICA WITNESS A SUDDEN DECLINE

FDI in Latin America has already plunged to 55% as the region grapples with coronavirus. The pandemic has had a relatively larger economic impact on Latin American and Caribbean economies. Remote working is still a challenge in the area.

US/ North America

MR TRUMP'S DAUGHTER, IVANKA TRUMP QUESTIONED OVER MISUSE OF FUNDS

She has allegedly misused the not for profit funds at Trump's inauguration in 2017. Ivanka refuses all allegations and calls it "politically motivated". However, the inaugural committee claims that no money was spent unlawfully. The white house has not yet commented.

THE US HARDENS ITS STANCE AGAINST THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP.

They have restricted travel visas for Chinese communist party officials and their family members. This indicates growing differences between the two countries.

Asia

JOHOR GOVT. WILL DISTRIBUTE 1,000 FOOD BASKETS TO MALAYSIAN WORKERS STRANDED IN SINGAPORE

They are working with the Malaysia High Commission in Singapore to collect and distribute these baskets. A total of 300 baskets along with personal hygiene products and blankets will be sent out in the first phase of the project.

FIVE DEAD AS FLASH FLOOD HITS SOUTHERN THAILAND

The floods caused by the monsoon rain started a week ago but receded by Thursday. It has affected more than 255,000 households in seven of the southern provinces. Nakhon SI Thammarat province, the impacted region is home to Thailand's major rubber plantations, accounting for the majority of the world's natural rubber supply.