Over 1.5 million people have lost their lives due to COVID-19 with one death reported every nine seconds on a weekly average, as vaccinations are set to begin in December in a handful of developed nations.
Half a million deaths occurred in just the last two months, indicating that the severity of the pandemic is far from over. Nearly 65 million people globally have been infected by the disease and the worst affected country, United States, is currently battling a third wave of coronavirus infections.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran rejects Biden's terms for reviving nuclear deal.
Iranian parliament advances bill to stop UN inspections of nuclear facilities.
Iran accuses West of backing Israel on scientist assassination.
US to withdraw some staff from embassy in Iraq amid tensions with Iran.
UN sounds ‘wake-up call’ to save millions of Yemenis from famine.
UN, France urge Lebanon to form new government amid pledges of aid.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar near agreement in Gulf crisis: Sources.
Israel warns its citizens they may be targeted abroad by Iran following nuclear scientist’s assassination.
Israeli Parliament approves measure to dissolve unity government.
Gaza's Hamas leader gets coronavirus as Palestinian territories' cases surge.
ASIA
Afghan government, Taliban reach deal on conducting future peace talk.
Thailand's prime minister acquitted amid calls for resignation.
China's tariffs slam door shut on Australian wine's biggest export market.
United States imposes visa curbs on members of Chinese Communist Party due to 'malign influence'.
Uighurs forced to eat pork as China expands Xinjiang pig farms.
India farmers protest: Deadlock continues as talks fail again.
Philippine army under fire over alleged war crime after killing.
Tens of thousands of farmers swarm India's capital to protest deregulation rules.
AFRICA
W.Africa facing worst food insecurity in decades: experts.
Ethiopia grants UN access to deliver humanitarian aid to Tigray region
Ethiopian forces said to block refugees from entering Sudan.
Military bases housing foreign troops attacked in northern Mali.
Sudan generals summoned over deadly 2019 crackdown: state media.
Central African Republic court rejects ex-president Bozizé's election candidacy.
Egypt releases rights activists after global pressure.
Namibia: Man named after Adolf Hitler wins local election.
EUROPE
Coronavirus: Italy bans Christmas travel between regions.
Catalonia keeps COVID-19 restrictions, some ski slopes postpone opening.
Brexit broken record: Trade deal close but big issues remain.
Azerbaijan fully reclaims lands around Nagorno-Karabakh.
Hundreds protest against Armenian PM, block streets over ceasefire deal.
Macron declares national day of mourning for Giscard d'Estaing on December 9.
AMERICAS
Biden to urge wearing masks for first 100 days in office.
Ex-presidents would get vaccine publicly to boost confidence.
Trump doubles down on Section 230 repeal after GOP pushback.
Barr appoints special counsel in Russia probe investigation.
Brazil to face major security threats as climate impacts surge, military experts warn.
Canada unveils largest economic relief package since WW2.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Biden’s win means some Guantanamo prisoners may be released.
Vienna: Iraqi jailed for life over attacks on German ICE trains.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Pandemic may pull 32M back into extreme poverty, U.N. economists warn.
OPEC expected to cut oil production after stalled talks.
U.S. oil demand set to soar in the coming months.
U.S. bill aims to strip Chinese firms from stock exchanges over audits
China-US trade war: Beijing escalates tit-for-tat with Washington.
US Justice Department lawsuit says Facebook favoured immigrants over US workers.
