Covid-19: world toll
Plans for vaccination programmes began taking shape in Europe and the United States following recent breakthroughs, as surging coronavirus caseloads prompted gruelling new restrictions, with Austria taking the unpopular step Tuesday of closing schools and shops.
Global hopes of vanquishing the coronavirus pandemic were high after US biotech firm Moderna said its vaccine candidate was nearly 95 percent effective in a trial, a week after similar results announced by pharma giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran's Zarif says Biden can lift sanctions with 'three executive orders'.
Syrian air defences intercept 'Israeli aggression' over Damascus - SANA.
Iraqi military says four rockets hit Baghdad’s Green Zone.
Hundreds of Iraqi prisoners risk 'imminent' execution: UN.
Netanyahu has 'warm' talk with Biden, 10 days after Democrat declares victory.
Palestinian Authority says restoring Israel coordination.
Turkey to impose new measures to fight coronavirus surge, Erdogan says.
Nagorno-Karabakh: Turkey to send peacekeepers to Azerbaijan to monitor truce.
Pompeo in Turkey for fraught visit with no official talks.
ASIA
Thailand: Dozens injured in violent protests.
Australia and Japan agree 'in principle' to historic defence pact.
Young Afghans fear Taliban will crush their freedoms.
China's securities regulator hopes Sino-U.S. ties better with Biden administration.
Germany accuses Russia, China of stalling over North Korea fuel sanctions.
North Korea border closure continues amid global surge of COVID-19.
Half-nephew of Kim Jong Un in CIA custody, report says.
Papua New Guinea PM calls opposition leader 'scumbag' amid political power struggle.
Mali holds state funeral for ex-president Toure.
AFRICA
Morocco PM says Western Sahara wall at centre of dispute completed.
Security crisis dominates as Burkina heads to polls.
Dozens killed in eastern DRC in latest attacks blamed on ADF.
No transition in I.Coast, says poll-winner Ouattara
EUROPE
Armenia, Azerbaijan exchange troops’ bodies after ceasefire.
Bulgaria blocks EU membership talks with North Macedonia.
Ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reinstated to UK party.
AMERICAS
US States plead for more federal help as virus outbreak worsens.
Biden, Harris briefed by national security experts amid transition obstacles.
Biden hopes to avoid divisive Trump investigations, preferring unity.
Hurricane Iota makes landfall in Central America, bringing catastrophic winds.
Canada could deliver a COVID-19 vaccine to most by end of 2021, says top health official.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Pentagon watchdog: Taliban has conducted 'small number' of attacks on US-led coalition.
US blacklists Shabaab unit leader after deadly Kenya attack.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Asia stocks set for sluggish start after Wall Street declines.
Biden vows to set 'rules of the road' on trade.
Facebook and Twitter grilled over US election actions.
Oil rally fades as COVID spikes crush hopes for vaccine quick fix.
Amazon opens online pharmacy, shaking up another industry.
Bitcoin is back and it just soared past $17,000.
