Top 54 World News Headlines for Today

On December 2nd, Washington and Seoul reached an agreement to update their joint combat plans and maintain the current number of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, aiming to deter the growing nuclear and missile threats posed by North Korea.

During a press conference on December 2nd, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the two nations discussed several topics, including their unified stance against North Korean threats, as well as the progress in their bilateral alliance, readiness, and training.

Emphasizing the alliance's contribution to regional stability, Secretary Austin noted that both the U.S. and South Korea reaffirmed their shared assessment that North Korea continues to advance its missile and weapon programs, which are increasingly destabilizing the region.

“The U.S. and South Korea remain committed to diplomatic engagement with North Korea and continue to call for dialogue. However, we also discussed measures to enhance our deterrence posture and defend against all potential threats,” Secretary Austin emphasized.

South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook added that the U.S. would maintain around 28,500 troops in South Korea and transfer operational control to South Korean authorities.

The updated wartime operational plans and strategic guidance document reflect a revised strategy to counter North Korea's threats following criticism that previous plans were outdated due to North Korea's significant advancements in weapons development, including refined nuclear weapons, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles.

On December 2nd, Ukrainian energy security expert Valentin Zemlyansky stated that Russia and Germany are deliberately delaying the launch of Nord Stream 2 due to the suspension of the project’s certification process.

According to Zemlyansky, Russia’s actions may be driven by “economic motives.” “After all, the certification process for the pipeline is no different from the first time, with the same conditions, but it’s unclear why both Germany and Russia are failing to work with the pipeline operator. It seems that they are aware of this but are intentionally violating the process,” Zemlyansky told Glavred.

Zemlyansky believes that the current state of the European gas market seems to align with Gazprom’s interests. “For Gazprom, the key is to ensure that the certification process occurs strictly by the law, in addition to the benefits that can be gained from the developments in the European market,” the Ukrainian expert explained.

In response to the Ukrainian expert's statements, Mikhail Delyagin, Deputy of the Russian State Duma and an economic expert, shared with Lenta.ru, “Only Germany and its industry need Nord Stream 2, Russia doesn’t care who and how its gas will be consumed.”

The Russian politician explained that if the project is not launched, other companies will begin supplying liquefied gas to Europe, and the continent will not lose anything. “Thus, the main beneficiary here is Germany. Without a cheap and reliable supply, the country’s industry will collapse,” the Russian politician concluded.

On December 2, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) reported the arrest of three Ukrainian spies accused of gathering secrets and plotting terrorist attacks. This development comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations after Kyiv accused Moscow of deploying troops near the border.

According to Interfax, the FSB revealed that all three Ukrainian citizens had 'admitted to being recruited by Ukraine's military and security agencies.'

The Russian intelligence agency stated that one of the detainees, Oleksandr Tsilyk, was planning to detonate two explosive devices at an undisclosed location. Tsilyk confessed to being recruited by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence's intelligence committee in May 2021.

The other two suspects, father and son Zinoviy and Ihor Koval, claimed they were tasked by Ukraine's Security Service to take photographs of bridges, railways, and a thermal power plant in exchange for a $10,000 reward, according to Interfax.

FSB's counter-terrorism unit announced they discovered 'automatic weapons and personal protective equipment' in the Kovals' vehicle and have sent them for forensic examination.

In response to Western accusations, Moscow blamed Kyiv for mobilizing tens of thousands of troops near territories controlled by Russian-backed separatists in southeastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the issue of 'Russian troop movements near Ukraine’s border,' but the Kremlin has yet to respond.

In just over a week, the Omicron variant has emerged in numerous countries and territories. A common trend across these regions is that the first reported cases were travelers returning from Africa or abroad.

Countries around the world are racing to detect the Omicron cases as early as possible. Global health officials have expressed concerns about the dangers of the new variant and have implemented strict health measures.

First identified in South Africa, the Omicron variant has been flagged for its potentially higher transmission rate, possibly even more than the Delta variant. It has quickly spread to countries and territories across the globe.

As of the morning of December 2, according to GISAID and CNN, at least 26 countries and territories have reported cases of the Omicron variant.

Countries with reported Omicron cases include:

• Africa: South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Nigeria
• UK and EU: United Kingdom, Scotland, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal
• Europe: Israel, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, France
• North America and Latin America: Canada, Brazil
• Asia: Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan
• Oceania and the Gulf: Australia, Saudi Arabia

On December 2, 2021, WHO's Chief Scientist, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, stated: “Vaccines may offer some level of protection. We need to study if their protective effectiveness is diminished. However, we believe vaccines will still help prevent severe illness in people infected with Omicron, as with other variants,” she added.

Dr. Maria van Kerkhove, WHO’s Technical Lead for COVID-19, told reporters that the WHO expects to have more information on the transmissibility of the new Omicron variant in the coming days.

Previously, the WHO predicted that it would take several weeks to assess the situation based on available data regarding Omicron. The organization has classified Omicron as a “variant of concern,” the highest threat level for variants.

Van Kerkhove mentioned that one possible scenario is that Omicron, which was first identified in Southern Africa, could spread more easily than the dominant Delta variant. However, experts are still unsure whether Omicron will cause more severe illness.

Meanwhile, WHO’s vaccine advisory group will meet next week to review data regarding COVID-19 booster doses. Swaminathan did not specify a date but indicated that the organization will provide recommendations on the use of booster shots.

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, recently removed accounts associated with an anti-COVID-19 vaccine movement that harassed and insulted healthcare workers, journalists, and public officials. In a December 2 announcement, Meta confirmed it had deleted accounts linked to the 'V_V' movement, which promoted conspiracy theories in France and Italy.

The movement aimed to boycott the COVID-19 vaccine, attacking pro-vaccine posts with thousands of negative comments. Supporters of the 'V_V' movement also targeted influencers on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and VKontakte, while verbally abusing doctors and journalists who advocated for vaccination.

According to social media analytics company Graphika, the 'V_V' Telegram group had about 20,000 followers. Facebook is actively working to combat the spread of misinformation regarding COVID-19 and vaccines.

In its August report, Facebook stated that it had removed approximately 20 million posts, flagged millions of others, and blocked 3,000 accounts violating its COVID-19 misinformation policies, while connecting users with reliable health information sources.

The company declared its significant contribution to efforts to filter misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines, helping reduce vaccine hesitancy in many countries.

On December 2, Moderna announced that it plans to file for FDA approval of a booster vaccine designed to combat the Omicron variant by March. Moderna's CEO, Stephen Hoge, stated that he believes the best solution to address the reduced efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron is to develop a booster shot that targets the variant's mutations.

Hoge emphasized that Moderna is already working on this research, and the company is also investigating a vaccine capable of combating up to four different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron.

According to the CEO, the development of these booster vaccines will take at least three to four months, if not longer, but Moderna intends to release the vaccine as soon as it is finalized.

Hoge also mentioned that the FDA is currently assessing the impact of Omicron on the effectiveness of existing vaccines, which could lead to changes in approval processes for new vaccines to expedite their release.

He added that current vaccines can still help slow the spread of Omicron, even if they don't fully prevent it.

On December 2, Iranian border forces and the Taliban clashed across the shared border in the eastern region of Iran, adjacent to Afghanistan's Nimroz province.

The incident, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim, was caused by a misunderstanding when Iranian farmers crossed into a restricted area on their side of the border. In response, Taliban forces opened fire to prevent what they perceived as an encroachment.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh later confirmed that the situation had been resolved, with the gunfire ceasing after communication was established between the border forces of both nations.

Iran and Afghanistan share a 900-kilometer border, and Iran has not yet recognized the Taliban government that took control of Afghanistan in August of this year.

In late October, during a meeting of six countries sharing a border with Afghanistan, Iran called on the Taliban to adopt a more cooperative approach with its neighboring nations.

On December 1, OECD Chief Economist Laurence Boone warned that the Omicron variant poses a significant risk to the global economic recovery.

In its updated global economic growth forecast for 2021, the OECD expressed concerns that Omicron is creating additional risks that could threaten the ongoing recovery. As a result, the organization lowered its global growth projection and urged nations to expedite COVID-19 vaccinations, fearing the emergence of even more dangerous variants.

OECD now forecasts global growth at 5.6%, a slight downgrade from its previous estimate of 5.7%. While the global economy remains in recovery, it is losing momentum and becoming increasingly unbalanced. Key concerns highlighted by the OECD include healthcare challenges, high inflation, supply chain disruptions, and policy mistakes.

In a more optimistic scenario, travel restrictions could continue to have long-term negative effects on labor markets, production capacities, and prices. In a worse-case scenario, low vaccination rates could pave the way for more dangerous variants, negatively impacting people's lives. Despite this, the OECD maintained its 2022 global growth forecast of 4.5%. The report does not account for the potential impacts of the Omicron variant.

On December 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states agreed to begin negotiations for a global treaty aimed at preventing and addressing future pandemics.

During a special three-day session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva (Switzerland), 194 WHO member countries approved a resolution to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to discuss and draft a treaty, agreement, or other international framework to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics.

The first meeting of this body will take place by March 1, 2022, to select two co-chairs and four vice-chairs. A progress report will be presented at the regular World Health Assembly session in 2023, with the final outcome expected for review in 2024.

EU Ambassador to Switzerland, Lotte Knudsen, emphasized the need for a global overhaul of health systems to allow international collaboration in efficiently and swiftly addressing future pandemics. Knudsen called this a historic decision and stressed that global efforts must enhance prevention, preparedness, and response to prevent the repetition of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador Sally Mansfield, co-chair of the working group, stated, "This document is the result of in-depth discussions, frank exchanges, and compromise. Let's unite to face the difficult tasks ahead."

During a meeting with ambassadors presenting their credentials at the Kremlin on December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he would seek dialogue with NATO to ensure that the military alliance refrains from deploying forces near Russia's borders.

This statement was made amid expectations that Ukraine might allow Western countries to deploy troops within its borders. President Putin emphasized Russia's firm intention to take measures to prevent NATO from taking any further steps closer to the Eastern border or deploying weapons threatening Russia.

According to Putin, these assurances should be legally binding, not based on verbal commitments as they are currently.

He reaffirmed that Moscow would take necessary actions to secure its borders but would not pose a threat to the West.

This statement comes as NATO increases its presence in Eastern Europe. On November 30, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reported that several NATO member states, including the United States and the United Kingdom, were transporting troops and weapons close to Russia's borders.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told CNN that the alliance is expanding its force by three times and enhancing its presence in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions. The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke destroyer was deployed to the Black Sea last week, shortly after two other U.S. warships passed through the area.

German authorities reported that a World War II-era bomb exploded near the Donnersberg Bridge, close to a busy train station in Munich, on December 1. According to a statement from the police on Twitter, at least four people were injured, including one seriously.

Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a cause of the explosion. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann confirmed that workers accidentally struck the 250kg bomb while drilling.

Deutsche Bahn, the company operating the train station, stated that all train services to and from the station were temporarily suspended due to the incident. Explosive experts have been dispatched to the scene to inspect the area.

Each year, German authorities discover over 2,000 tons of unexploded ordnance, believed to be remnants from World War II.

On December 1, 2021, China sent a letter to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting Jakarta to cease oil exploration activities at an offshore rig in the Natuna Islands region, as Beijing claims the area as part of its sovereignty, a claim that Indonesia consistently rejects.

According to Muhammad Farhan, a member of the Indonesian Parliament's National Security Committee, Chinese diplomats sent a letter to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging the cessation of operations at an offshore drilling rig as it is situated within China’s territorial waters. Farhan confirmed that Indonesia firmly rejected the request, asserting that the area falls within Indonesian sovereignty and that exploration would continue.

Indonesia has emphasized that the southernmost part of the South China Sea falls within its exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982. The Jakarta government officially named the area North Natuna Sea in 2017.

China, however, opposes this naming and asserts that the waterway is part of its extended sovereign claims under the so-called “Nine-Dash Line”—a unilateral and illegal claim that was dismissed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2016 following a case filed by the Philippines against China.

On December 1, British National Security Advisor Stephen Lovegrove addressed UK lawmakers, confirming that experts had located the exact spot on the seabed where the wreckage of the F-35 fighter jet had been found. While authorities have identified the site, they have yet to recover the aircraft's wreckage.

In response to a question during a hearing with the House of Commons Defense Committee, Mr. Lovegrove subtly acknowledged that Russia had shown interest and taken actions near the crash site. However, he reassured that the UK had taken steps to secure the area, preventing any sensitive information about the advanced stealth aircraft from falling into foreign hands.

Mr. Lovegrove emphasized that recovering the aircraft's black box and debris is crucial for determining the cause of the crash. “We are eager to recover the wreckage as soon as possible, and the UK is working closely with allies to accelerate these efforts. However, for security reasons, I cannot provide further details,” he stated.

The British Navy’s F-35B had taken off from the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean on November 17 but encountered a malfunction, forcing the pilot to eject. The pilot was rescued safely and returned to the ship. Surveillance footage from the carrier showed the aircraft nose-diving into the sea instead of accelerating as it approached the launch ramp.

On November 30, 2021, the World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it had postponed its ministerial conference until March 2022. The conference, which will address complex trade issues such as fisheries and intellectual property, was originally set to take place from November 30 to December 3, 2021, with participation from around 4,000 officials, including heads of state and more than 100 government ministers.

The WTO cited the worsening pandemic situation, especially the emergence of the Omicron variant, as the reason for the delay and the resulting travel restrictions. The organization proposed rescheduling the conference for the first week of March 2022, pending the situation's improvement.

This conference will mark the first WTO ministerial meeting since Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala took office as the organization's Director-General in March 2020, with a focus on strengthening the WTO's role amid rising trade tensions between the US and China.

On November 30, Japan reported its first confirmed case of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to Kyodo, a reliable source disclosed that a 30-year-old Namibian diplomat tested positive for the Omicron variant upon arrival at Narita Airport in Tokyo.

On November 29, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced Japan would reimpose entry restrictions on foreign nationals starting November 30, due to the rising concerns surrounding the Omicron variant, initially detected in South Africa.

As the threat of the Omicron variant increases, all major hospitals and healthcare centers are enhancing their preparedness with measures such as bolstering oxygen supplies, ensuring sufficient medication stockpiles, and increasing staff. Earlier on November 29, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed that the Omicron variant poses a “very high” global risk and could cause severe consequences in regions where the virus is widely spreading.

On November 30, 2021, Iran took a firm stance on the first day of talks in Vienna, asserting that previous diplomatic rounds may need to be revisited.

According to Iranian state media, these comments were made by Ali Bagheri, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, and Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s civilian nuclear program, during a meeting in Vienna. The new signals reflect the hardline position of Iran’s new administration, revealing obstacles in the potential revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Earlier, CNN reported that several senior U.S. officials had repeatedly warned that if Iran's nuclear advancements and uranium enrichment capabilities continued unabated, Washington might consider other options. The U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal under former President Donald Trump in 2018. Since the deal collapsed, Iran has significantly increased its uranium enrichment to 60% purity, bringing Tehran closer to acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has also activated advanced centrifuges and exceeded the permitted uranium stockpile. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed willingness to return to the agreement, though U.S. officials have not participated in negotiations since Washington’s exit.

In a statement on Iranian state television, Bagheri emphasized that earlier rounds of talks were merely “drafts.” “Drafts are still open for negotiation. Nothing is settled until an agreement is reached,” he stated. “Basically, all discussions will take place in six rounds, and the outcome depends on these negotiations. This means that all parties have agreed to attend the meeting on November 30.”

On November 30, 2021, Russia's Ministry of Defence announced that the missile test conducted that day marked the final phase of its hypersonic missile program.

The missile test, conducted from the White Sea, successfully destroyed a target located over 400 km away. The hypersonic missile adhered to all test parameters. The launch from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate was successful, and the target was eliminated, the Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed.

The Zircon hypersonic cruise missile is engineered for maritime superiority and can achieve speeds of Mach 9 (nine times the speed of sound, approximately 10,000 km/h).

Russian officials emphasized that the Zircon missile offers a significant advantage when targeting enemy aircraft carriers. Its speed, combined with its reduced radar signature, allows it to reach its target so rapidly that the defending forces would not have enough time to intercept or counter. The Zircon missile can also intercept enemy hypersonic missiles.

In a related development, President Vladimir Putin confirmed earlier this month that the missiles are nearing completion and will be delivered to the Russian Navy starting in 2022.

On November 30, 2021, the US Department of Defense released its Global Posture Review (GPR) for 2021, which outlines the findings from nearly 10 months of evaluation. The Pentagon announced plans to increase the presence of US forces, upgrade, and expand military bases in Guam and Australia, calling for greater cooperation with allied and partner nations to counter emerging threats.

The statement highlighted efforts in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen collaboration with allies and partners to enhance regional stability and address security challenges.

According to the Department of Defense, the GPR assesses the deployment of US forces across key areas outside the country, adjusting short-term deployments while considering long-term strategic issues.

Regarding the Korean Peninsula, the GPR emphasized the deployment of a permanent rotation of attack helicopters and artillery division command posts. It also stated that the Middle East continues to be a region where military posture must adapt, with the US maintaining the ability to rapidly deploy forces to the area as needed.

Speaking to the press, Pentagon policy official Mara Karlin affirmed that the US remains committed to ensuring readiness and modernizing its military forces.

On November 30, 2021, a tragic military helicopter crash in Azerbaijan claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals.

According to Reuters, the Azerbaijan Border Guard reported that a military helicopter from the country crashed during a training flight, resulting in the deaths of several crew members.

Azerbaijani officials stated that the helicopter, part of the border security forces, crashed in the eastern region of the country while conducting training exercises. Among the fatalities, 13 were soldiers. The crash also left two others injured.

The Omicron variant is likely to spread globally and poses a high risk of triggering a surge in infections, potentially causing "serious consequences" in certain areas, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on November 29, 2021.

As of now, no deaths related to Omicron have been reported, but further research is needed to assess the immunity potentially induced by vaccines or prior infections. In preparation for a potential increase in cases as the new variant spreads, WHO urged 194 member countries to accelerate vaccination efforts for priority groups and ensure contingency plans are in place to maintain healthcare systems.

"Omicron has an unprecedented number of mutations in the spike protein, with some mutations being concerning due to their potential impact on the pandemic's trajectory," WHO emphasized, adding, "The global risk associated with this new variant is assessed as very high."

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also warned about the current situation. "The emergence of the highly mutated Omicron variant shows how dangerous and precarious our situation is," said Tedros.

During a phone call on November 29, 2021, European Council President Charles Michel and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio agreed to collaborate in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the 20-minute conversation, the two leaders discussed issues related to China and North Korea, and emphasized cooperation on global challenges such as climate change.

The call between the Japanese leader and Michel took place after a planned visit to Tokyo on November 29 was postponed due to a member of the European Commission's delegation testing positive for COVID-19.

In recent years, both the EU and Japan have placed great importance on the Indo-Pacific region. The EU has rolled out several policies and measures to enhance its role and influence in this strategically significant region. The EU views the Indo-Pacific as a key focal point for global geopolitics and geo-economics, where any disruption could directly impact its core interests.

On November 29, 2021, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Turkey is ready to act as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized that Ankara is eager to contribute to finding a solution to this crisis.

Speaking to the press during his flight back from Turkmenistan, President Erdogan clarified that Turkey intends to play a role in resolving the dispute by facilitating negotiations between Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Turkish leader's statement came amid allegations from Ukraine that Russia had stationed military units near its border following recent military drills. Turkey, a NATO member, maintains positive relations with both Ukraine and Russia.

On November 29, 2021, a leading epidemiologist in South Africa cautioned that the Omicron variant could lead to a threefold rise in daily COVID-19 cases in the country within the week. In an online press briefing, Professor Salim Abdool Karim from South Africa’s Department of Health warned of a rapid increase in cases. He also predicted that Omicron’s transmissibility exceeds that of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.

"By the end of this week, new daily infections in South Africa may surpass 10,000, and hospitals will face mounting pressure in the next two to three weeks," Karim stated.

On November 28, South African health officials reported over 2,800 new COVID-19 cases, a significant jump from the previous week’s average of 500 cases and 275 the week before.

South African scientists have attributed the rapid rise in cases to the Omicron variant, particularly in Gauteng, the most densely populated province and the epicenter of the new surge. Hospital admissions have more than doubled in the past month in the province.

On November 29, 2021, Global Times reported that an anonymous source involved in the preparation for the international sporting event revealed that Beijing will not invite a wide range of guests to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The report also highlighted that the political situation led to the decision not to invite US officials. The anonymous source mentioned that China believes the success of the Winter Olympics is not dependent on the presence of politicians advocating for a diplomatic boycott of the event.

Earlier, President Biden stated that the US might reconsider sending a government delegation to the 2022 Winter Olympics, following a call from US lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

During a press briefing on November 29, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasized that the Beijing 2022 Olympics is an event for Winter sports enthusiasts and athletes from around the world, and should not be politicized.

In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin became the first world leader to confirm his attendance at the Beijing Olympics' opening ceremony. This move occurred as Beijing and Moscow sought to strengthen their bilateral relations, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noting that their ties were at an all-time high.

On November 29, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a commitment to provide 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to Africa and called on Chinese businesses to invest at least $10 billion in the continent over the next three years.

During a virtual speech at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) hosted by Senegal, Xi stated that Beijing would supply 1 billion vaccine doses to help vaccinate 60% of Africa's population by next year. Of the 1 billion doses, 600 million will be delivered directly from China, while the remaining 400 million will be co-produced by African nations and Chinese companies.

Additionally, Xi announced that China would send medical personnel to support Africa in combating the pandemic. “China will implement 10 healthcare and medical projects and dispatch 1,500 medical staff to Africa,” he said.

As of November 12, China had already distributed over 1.7 billion vaccine doses to more than 110 countries and organizations, including 50 African nations and the African Union Commission.

The Minister of Information of Cambodia, Khieu Kanharith, announced on 28/11/2021 that Prince Norodom Ranariddh had passed away in France at the age of 77. Minister Kanharith stated that he had received confirmation from the royal family regarding the death of Prince Ranariddh, which occurred in Paris at 9:40 AM on 28/11 (15:40 Vietnam time).

Born on January 2, 1944, Prince Norodom Ranariddh was the eldest son of the late King Norodom Sihanouk and the half-brother of King Norodom Sihamoni. Prince Ranariddh served as Cambodia's First Prime Minister from 1993 to 1997 and later as Speaker of the National Assembly from 1998 to 2006. Over the years, he was the leader of the royalist Funcinpec Party, participating in various elections.

In 2017, he announced his cooperation with the current Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

The Regional Director for Southeast Asia of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned Southeast Asian nations not to let their guard down as the world remains concerned about the "variant of concern" Omicron. On November 28, 2021, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO's Regional Director for Southeast Asia, urged countries in the region to stay vigilant, enhance both medical and social measures, and increase vaccination rates in light of the emergence of the new variant.

Dr. Singh emphasized that Southeast Asian countries should assess the risk of the new variant spreading through international travelers and implement appropriate measures to counter this new variant.

She noted that while COVID-19 cases have decreased in most countries in Southeast Asia, many parts of the world are seeing a rise in infections, along with the emergence of the "variant of concern." According to her, this serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks of the pandemic, and nations must continue their efforts to protect themselves from the virus and prevent further transmission.

As of now, Dr. Singh reported that 31% of the Southeast Asian population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 21% having received the first dose, while nearly 48% of the population, or about 1 billion people, remain unvaccinated.

She urged people in the region to continue preventive measures even after vaccination to avoid infection and the spread of the virus to others.

Health authorities in Australia announced on the evening of November 28, 2021, that two COVID-19 cases in the most populous state of New South Wales have been confirmed as infected with the Omicron variant. These are the first reported cases of the new variant in the country.

According to local officials, the two individuals arrived in Sydney on the evening of November 27 from Southern Africa. Both tested positive for the Omicron variant and showed no symptoms. They had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are currently in quarantine. Additionally, 12 other passengers from Southern Africa on the same flight are also in a 14-day quarantine at a hotel, while around 260 other passengers and crew have been advised to isolate.

Meanwhile, Austrian officials reported the first suspected Omicron case in the country.

The authorities in Tirol, where the suspected case was found, stated that the individual had returned from South Africa the previous week. Initial tests at the Institute of Virology in Innsbruck indicated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 along with signs of the Omicron variant. The sample has been sent to Austria's Agency for Food Safety and Health (AGES) for further testing, with results expected in the coming days. The person has mainly stayed indoors and has not shown any symptoms since their return from South Africa three days ago.

Due to the rising number of cases, Austria became the first Western European country to reimpose lockdown measures on November 22. In response to the Omicron variant, Austrian authorities have required additional testing for individuals arriving from Southern Africa in the past 14 days.

On the same day, the Netherlands reported that 61 out of 600 travelers arriving from South Africa tested positive for the Omicron variant.

On November 28, 2021, Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtech announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19.

In a Twitter post, Minister Vojtech stated that he had been feeling unwell in recent days and decided to undergo a PCR test. The result confirmed that he had contracted the virus and would need to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Minister Vojtech also shared, "Thanks to the vaccine, I feel quite alert and will continue working from home."

Earlier, on November 25, Czech President Milos Zeman was reported to have been readmitted to the hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, just hours after being discharged.

According to his attending doctors, President Zeman was taken back to the Central Military Hospital in Prague shortly after his discharge. Czech media reported that he had been hospitalized for over a month and a half for treatment related to his liver condition.

The announcement made clear that starting from midnight on 28/11/2021, Israel's borders will close to all international travelers for two weeks, according to Reuters. Israeli citizens are still allowed entry but must undergo quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status.

An Omicron variant case has been confirmed in Israel, with seven more suspected cases of the new variant. Prime Minister Bennett also stated in his announcement that individuals bringing the Omicron variant into the country will be monitored using a phone tracking technology employed by Israel's security agencies for active contact tracing.

Israel’s quick response, becoming the first country to impose a full travel ban on international visitors due to the new variant, reflects concerns over Omicron’s potential resistance to vaccine protection. Several other countries, including the UK and the US, have also issued travel restrictions to and from several southern African nations after South African scientists identified the first case of the Omicron variant on 25/11.

On 27/11, South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage at the travel bans imposed by several nations, claiming that the country was being “punished” for identifying the variant, which the WHO labeled as “concerning” due to its rapid transmission, potentially more so than the Delta variant.

The Italian coast guard rescued about 250 migrants from a boat located not far from the coast of Calabria. According to their report, the rescue operation took place overnight on 28/11/2021, lasting over 16 hours due to poor weather conditions and rough seas. A total of 244 people were rescued, including 41 children, with one being an infant.

On 25/11, the Italian coast guard had also rescued 296 people attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe.

In recent weeks, the number of migrants arriving by sea in Italy has significantly increased, putting pressure on Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government to secure agreements with European Union (EU) partners to address the issue. According to Italy's Ministry of the Interior, around 62,236 migrants have arrived in the country since the beginning of 2021, a substantial rise from 32,542 during the same period last year.

On 28/11, France will lead a ministerial meeting with several European nations to discuss methods of curbing migrant arrivals by sea. Specifically, immigration ministers from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium will meet in Calais, Northern France, to address how to combat the human trafficking gangs that supply boats to migrants.

On 27/11/2021, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida committed to bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities, including the ability to strike enemy bases, citing threats from both China and North Korea.

“The security environment surrounding Japan is evolving faster than ever before. To strengthen our defense, we will consider all options, including acquiring the ability to strike enemy bases,” Prime Minister Kishida told 800 soldiers at Japan’s Asaka Ground Self-Defense Force camp, according to Nikkei Asia.

Recent missile tests by North Korea have raised concerns that Japan’s current defense systems could be rendered ineffective, pushing policymakers to consider new strategies, such as the ability to intercept missiles while still within enemy territory.

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized, “We cannot ignore North Korea’s development of hypersonic weapons and missiles that can alter their flight trajectories.” Just under two months ago, North Korea announced the successful test of a hypersonic missile, according to the KCNA news agency.

During his speech, Kishida also expressed his concerns about China, addressing the issue at the Asaka camp, located between Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture.

On November 27, 2021, it was reported that people in Turkey were viewing luxury electronics and cosmetics as investment assets, prompting Apple to temporarily shut down its online store.

Starting from November 24, the Turkish lira plummeted by 15% in a single day, reaching an all-time low and causing widespread economic fallout after President Tayyip Erdogan insisted on continuing recent aggressive interest rate cuts despite widespread criticism and calls for a reversal. The lira has lost 43% of its value this year, with over 22% of that loss occurring since the start of last week.

This sharp depreciation has caused local-priced goods to become significantly cheaper compared to international prices, forcing retailers to struggle to adjust pricing amid the chaos. Among the most notable are high-end electronics such as iPhones. Apple’s Turkish website had to stop selling most products, displaying a message saying “Not available.” The price of phones and computers in Turkey was now 10% cheaper than in the US, following the sudden plunge of the lira. Earlier, citizens were seen queuing outside Apple stores for the chance to make purchases.

One sales representative at an Apple store in Istanbul explained that people were increasingly viewing electronics as an investment.

According to SCMP, the US government has recently added 12 Chinese companies to its trade blacklist. As of November 28, 2021, the 12 companies added to the US Department of Commerce’s blacklist are: Corad Technology (Shenzhen), Hangzhou Zhongke Microelectronics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hunan Goke Microelectronics, New H3C Semiconductor Technologies, Peaktek Company, Poly Asia Pacific (PAPL), QuantumCTek, Shaanxi Zhi En Electromechanical Technology, Shanghai QuantumCTek, Xi’an Aerospace Huaxun Technology, and Yunchip Microelectronics.

US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, commented, “Global trade should support peace and prosperity, not pose a threat to national security.” She emphasized, “The Department of Commerce is committed to effectively utilizing export control measures to protect our national security.”

This decision comes amid rising concerns from the Biden administration over China’s military advancements, particularly the hypersonic missile test (potentially nuclear-capable) conducted by China in the summer, considered more advanced than anything the US currently possesses.

The Biden administration, along with the previous Trump administration, has made efforts to prevent US businesses and investors from engaging with China. Jacob Stokes, a fellow at the US Security Center, a Washington-based consultancy, stated, “US policymakers are working to cut off the flow of critical technologies to China through trade channels.”

Furthermore, Washington has blocked US investors from purchasing stakes in companies linked to China’s defense industry while adding even more Chinese companies to the trade blacklist.

On the afternoon of November 27, 2021, Ukraine's president reported that the country’s intelligence services had uncovered a plot involving both Russian and Ukrainian individuals aiming to overthrow his government the following week.

“We are facing challenges not only from Russia but also significant internal threats. I have been informed that a coup is planned for December 1-2,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, according to the Guardian.

He also mentioned that Ukrainian intelligence had intercepted a recording of individuals discussing the coup. According to him, these individuals were attempting to gain support from Ukraine’s wealthiest man, Rinat Akhmetov.

Mr. Akhmetov has denied any involvement in the plot, Zelenskiy stated. However, he did not provide further details and did not accuse the Kremlin of being involved. Russia swiftly denied any connection to the conspiracy.

In a statement, Akhmetov called the claims made by Zelenskiy about attempts to involve him in a coup “completely false.” Meanwhile, Russia has been building up forces near the Ukrainian border. Recently, Ukraine, the US, and NATO have expressed concerns over the possibility of a Russian invasion, but the Kremlin has dismissed these allegations.

Amid fears of the emergence of the highly mutated Omicron variant, many people rushed to Johannesburg’s international airport, South Africa, on November 27, 2021, to flee the country. iNews reported that flight prices from South Africa to the UK surged nearly threefold, from £416 to £1,296, in just 24 hours.

The UK was one of the first countries to quickly implement entry restrictions from South Africa and neighboring nations on November 26, aiming to prevent the spread of the new variant, which the World Health Organization (WHO) classified as a ‘variant of concern’.

UK Health Minister Sajid Javid explained that placing six African countries on the ‘red list’ was part of a strategy to “raise awareness and protect borders as effectively as possible.” Starting from 4 a.m. on November 28, all travelers arriving from Africa will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine.

The Omicron variant is feared to spread rapidly, leading to a spike in infections in South Africa and raising global alarm. However, in response to scientific concerns, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, Chairperson of the South African Medical Association, reassured the public on November 27 that the Omicron variant only causes mild symptoms, such as muscle aches and fatigue for 1-2 days, with no significant signs, and many people are able to treat themselves at home.

On November 27, 2021, The New York Times reported that NASA is investigating astronaut Anne McClain following the first-ever criminal allegations related to actions committed in space.

Summer Worden accused McClain of accessing her bank account while McClain was on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The two women, who were previously married, have been estranged for the past year while battling for custody of Worden's son. Worden became suspicious after noticing McClain knew details about her spending.

Worden, a former intelligence officer with the Air Force, requested her bank to track the devices used to access her account. It was then discovered that a computer network associated with NASA had been used to access her account.

McClain admitted to accessing Worden’s account while in space, but McClain’s lawyer told The New York Times that she was only concerned about the couple's finances. Worden denied this claim and filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Worden’s family also filed a complaint with NASA’s Office of the Inspector General, accusing McClain of identity theft and unauthorized access to Worden’s financial records.

On the afternoon of November 26, 2021 (Vietnam time), a special flight carrying President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, arrived in Geneva to begin an official visit to Switzerland at the invitation of Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

After the formal welcome ceremony in Bern, Switzerland, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with President Guy Parmelin. The Swiss President warmly welcomed President Phuc’s visit, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations (October 1971 - October 2021).

President Phuc affirmed that the Vietnamese government and people deeply appreciate Switzerland's valuable support. In 1971, when Vietnam’s struggle for independence was at its most critical point, Switzerland was one of the first Western nations to establish official diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

During the talks, both sides engaged in comprehensive and constructive discussions across all areas of cooperation, reaching a consensus on several concrete measures to enhance bilateral relations. They agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges and contacts, as well as cooperation between ministries, sectors, and localities, in order to deepen mutual understanding and trust, and promote cooperation in all fields.

On Friday, November 26, 2021, the South African Presidency issued a series of tweets announcing that President Cyril Ramaphosa had convened the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) for Sunday to assess the latest developments, including the scientific advancements regarding the new variant.

President Ramaphosa urged the public to protect themselves from COVID-19 as scientists work to understand the new strain. "The results from the NCCC discussions and further consultations will be shared in the coming days," the South African Presidency tweeted.

South African scientists revealed that the B.1.1.529 variant carries numerous mutations that could allow it to evade immune responses and spread more easily. While the Delta variant has two mutations and Beta has three, B.1.1.529 has at least 32 mutations. Scientists noted that younger individuals seem to be more affected by the new variant, though the next few weeks will be critical in determining its severity.

In Germany, the Health Minister and the Director of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) addressed questions about the B.1.1.529 variant during their weekly press briefing on Friday. Several countries in Asia and Europe, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and the UK, swiftly imposed travel restrictions from several African nations following the discovery of this variant.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU had halted air travel from the entire South African region due to concerns about the newly discovered South African variant.

Today's meeting of the WHO working group will decide whether the new variant will officially be labeled a 'variant of concern.' Currently, only four variants are recognized as such.

On November 26, 2021, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, posted on Facebook: 'China and the Philippines are close neighbors. We have thousands of reasons to live peacefully and cooperate for mutual benefit. It is normal for close friends and neighbors to have disagreements.'

The incident involving the blocked supply ship escalated tensions between the Philippines and China. Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin condemned the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, stating that the country’s supply vessels are protected under a mutual defense treaty with the United States.

On November 22, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed his disapproval to Ambassador Huang Xilian, ordering two supply ships to return to the Second Thomas Shoal to deliver supplies to soldiers stationed on the wreck of the Sierra Madre. The resupply operation was successfully carried out the same day without interference from the Chinese Coast Guard.

However, the following day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian demanded that the Philippines 'honor its commitments' to China and remove the wrecked BRP Sierra Madre warship from the shoal. Secretary Lorenzana responded, calling the demand to remove the ship 'baseless,' as Manila had not made any such commitment to Beijing. He also called for the Chinese Coast Guard to withdraw from the area around the shoal.

According to Bloomberg, on November 26, 2021, WTI crude oil dropped by $5.16 per barrel (6.58%) to $73.23, while Brent crude fell by $4.71 per barrel (5.73%) to $77.51. However, the Financial Times notes that the decline in both stock prices and oil prices was primarily due to concerns over the new COVID-19 variant, which has dampened global pandemic recovery efforts, leading investors to seek safer assets.

In the energy market, analysts are awaiting a scheduled meeting in early December between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia, and other nations in the OPEC+ group. This meeting will decide whether OPEC+ will increase oil production.

In recent years, OPEC+ has coordinated production cuts to keep oil output low, ensuring higher prices and more profit. According to the American Automobile Association, the price of gasoline in the US currently stands at $3.4 per gallon, a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2020.

The rising oil prices have driven up gas prices, which in turn has contributed to a rapid surge in the US Consumer Price Index (CPI). Amid efforts to recover from the pandemic, this development has become a significant challenge for President Joe Biden's administration. Republican lawmakers have blamed the White House's flawed policies for the rise in inflation, which reached a 31-year high in October, with the CPI rising by 6.2% compared to the previous year—the biggest jump in 12 months since 1990.

On November 26, 2021, the US government announced plans to restrict travel between the United States and South Africa, along with several neighboring countries, just hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as a highly infectious and concerning strain.

"The travel restrictions will begin on November 29, 2021, affecting South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi. This decision was made following recommendations from top experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)," a senior US official told Politico.

President Biden remarked, "New variants of SARS-CoV-2 show that the pandemic will not end until vaccines are available worldwide. I urge countries to send delegations to the World Trade Organization next week to accept the US call to waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, so they can be produced globally."

This US travel ban coincides with similar actions taken earlier in the day by the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom. As of 12pm on November 26 (UK time), South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were added to the UK's red list. The temporary flight ban went into effect, and travelers who had been in these countries are required to quarantine and undergo testing, according to a statement from the UK government.

On November 26, 2021, Reuters reported that the UK’s Health Ministry expressed concern over a new COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa, fearing it may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. In response, the UK quickly imposed a flight ban from six southern African countries. "What we know is that this variant has a large number of mutations, possibly double the mutations seen in the Delta variant," said UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid about the new strain, named B.1.1.529. "This means the new variant is likely more transmissible and that current vaccines may be less effective against it," Javid added.

On November 25, 2021, South African scientists reported the discovery of the B.1.1.529 variant, which had been spreading in small numbers, and they were investigating its characteristics. According to the UK Health Security Agency (HSA), B.1.1.529 had not yet been detected in the UK. The HSA also mentioned that the variant had a spike protein—used by the virus to attach to human cells—that was significantly different from the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Reuters also quoted UK officials calling it “the worst variant seen so far.”

In response, the UK swiftly imposed a temporary flight ban on South Africa and five neighboring countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Eswatini). UK citizens returning from these countries would be required to quarantine. According to Reuters, the UK's response this time was much quicker compared to previous variants.

On November 25, 2021, South Korea began testing small robots as educational assistants in 300 preschools across Seoul. According to city officials, the initiative aims to give young children early exposure to a high-tech future. The program is proposed for children aged 3 to 5 years old.

The robot, named Alpha Mini, stands at only 24.5 cm tall and is capable of jumping, singing, telling stories, and even teaching children exercise moves like push-ups and balancing on one foot. "The robot fosters children's creativity," said Byun Seo-yeon, a teacher at Maru Nursery (Seoul, South Korea). The robot's eyes blink, and when it speaks, its pupils turn into heart shapes. Equipped with a camera on its helmet, the robot can take and send photos of interactions with the children to mobile devices.

Using the Alpha Mini has become a daily part of the curriculum for children aged four to five at Maru Nursery.

A video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on November 25, 2021, shows an IL-76 aircraft carrying wing-mounted bombs and a GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon at its tail, departing from a military airport in Pskov and heading to the Kushalino training range in the Tver region, north of Moscow.

The IL-76 crew dropped bombs from an altitude of 500 meters on simulated enemy aircraft placed on a runway at the training site and fired GSh-23 cannon rounds at pre-positioned armored “moving” targets.

The IL-76, a transport aircraft designed and produced by Ilyushin during the Soviet era, has an empty weight of 92.5 tons and a maximum takeoff weight of 195 tons. It is primarily used for transporting people, heavy cargo, and machinery.

On November 25, 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorized the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, marking the first approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for this age group in the European Union (EU). This approval comes as EU countries face rising infection rates.

According to EMA, children in the 5-11 age range will receive two 10-microgram doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Comirnaty, administered in the arm with a 3-week interval. The adult dosage is 30 micrograms per dose. EMA emphasized that the benefits of Comirnaty for children outweigh the risks, particularly for those at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

Pfizer/BioNTech's trial results showed that the Comirnaty vaccine was effective in protecting children aged 5-11, achieving up to 90.7% protection during clinical trials.

On November 25, 2021, the United States added dozens of Chinese companies to its trade blacklist due to concerns about national security and foreign policy. According to CNBC, 8 Chinese tech entities were included for allegedly aiding China's military in its pursuit of quantum computing technology, and attempting to acquire or attempt to acquire US-made goods for military applications. US officials have long accused the Chinese government and military of using domestic businesses as fronts to gather sensitive information. In response, Beijing has denied any involvement in industrial espionage.

Additionally, the US Department of Commerce added 16 organizations and individuals operating in China and Pakistan to the list, linked to Pakistan's ballistic missile and nuclear programs. In total, the Biden administration blacklisted 27 entities and individuals across China, Pakistan, Russia, Japan, and Singapore. US companies are now prohibited from selling materials and equipment to those on the list.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, Liu Pengyu, expressed strong opposition to Washington's actions against Chinese firms, arguing that the US should stop misusing or exaggerating national security concerns to suppress Chinese businesses.

On November 25, 2021, Paris and London exchanged blame after at least 27 migrants tragically lost their lives attempting to cross the English Channel in an inflatable dinghy. According to Reuters, due to long-standing tensions between the two nations over issues like Brexit (the UK's exit from the European Union) and immigration, all eyes are now on whether the UK or France will be held accountable, even though both sides have pledged to cooperate in seeking a common solution.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told RTL radio: "The UK has mismanaged immigration." He called on other European nations, where migrants often travel to France before attempting to reach the UK, to do more to assist. "This is an international issue. We have told our friends in Belgium, Germany, and the UK that they need to help us combat the human traffickers operating at the international level. One trafficker arrested last night bought an inflatable boat in Germany."

When asked why the UK attracts so many illegal migrants, Darmanin pointed to poor immigration control measures and the country's strong labor market. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that she would meet with Darmanin, hours after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson blamed France, saying: "We are struggling to convince some partners, especially the French, to do things in a way that we believe fits the situation."

Meanwhile, rescue volunteers and human rights groups stated that the tragic drowning was foreseeable, due to traffickers' actions and the willingness of migrants to take greater risks to evade the growing police presence. Five human traffickers have been arrested in connection with the November 24 tragedy, Darmanin reported. Two survivors, one Somali and one Iraqi, were found with severe hypothermia and hospitalized in Calais, northern France. Among the 27 victims, five were women, and one person is still missing.

On November 25, 2021, scientists in South Africa announced the discovery of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant with numerous mutations, potentially contributing to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases within the country. Virologist Tulio de Oliveira revealed that the new variant, named B.1.1.529, has a "very high mutation count." It has also been detected in Botswana and Hong Kong (China) among travelers from South Africa. Scientists are concerned that B.1.1.529 could evade the body's immune response and may spread more easily.

South Africa's Health Minister Joe Phaahla stated that the variant presents a "serious concern" and could be responsible for the "exponential" increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. However, he emphasized that it is still too early for the government to decide on enforcing stricter restrictions to control the outbreak.

On November 24, South Africa recorded over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, twelve times the average of around 100 cases per day seen earlier in the month. Last year, South Africa was the first country to detect the Beta variant, though the Delta variant has been the dominant strain in the country to date.

South Africa remains the hardest-hit nation in Africa by COVID-19, with around 2.95 million cases and 89,657 deaths.

On November 25, 2021, Egypt's highest appellate court sentenced 22 members of the jihadist group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis to death for their involvement in 54 terrorist attacks. According to Egyptian judicial sources, the group, which pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in 2014, was found guilty of carrying out 54 "terrorist activities" in Egypt, including the murder of a senior police officer and an attempt to assassinate former Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim.

In addition to the death sentences, the court upheld prison sentences for 118 other defendants in the same case, with sentences ranging from several years to life imprisonment.

Since February 2018, the Egyptian military has aggressively pursued insurgents in North Sinai, where militant activity surged following the 2013 ousting of President Mohamed Morsi. Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, the Sinai-based jihadist group, was led by Hisham al-Ashmawy, a former Egyptian special forces officer. Ashmawy, once considered Egypt's "most wanted fugitive," was captured in 2018 in Derna, eastern Libya, and extradited to Egypt. He was executed in March 2020.

In the past 24 hours, over 633,000 new COVID-19 cases and 6,426 deaths were reported globally. Germany imposed a nationwide lockdown for those not vaccinated, while the US and other countries detected more cases of the Omicron variant. According to Worldometer, as of 6 AM on December 3 (Vietnam time), there have been 264,358,658 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 globally, with 5,248,292 deaths. The new cases recorded in the last 24 hours were 634,709, along with 6,426 fatalities. A total of 238,411,202 people have recovered, while 20,699,164 are under intensive care, and 86,941 are in critical condition.

The US led the world in new cases with 90,065, followed by Germany with 73,486, and the UK with 53,945. Russia had the highest number of new deaths, with 1,221, followed by the US (848) and Ukraine (525).

The US remains the most affected country with 49,662,001 cases and 805,869 deaths. India ranks second with 34,609,741 cases, including 469,724 deaths, and Brazil is third with 22,118,782 cases and 615,179 deaths.

Asia has been the hardest-hit region with over 82.3 million cases, followed by Europe with more than 74.25 million. North America has reported over 59.37 million cases, South America over 39.02 million, Africa over 8.76 million, and Oceania over 372,000.

On December 2, the German government announced a nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated individuals, with plans for mandatory vaccination in the coming months. Unvaccinated people are restricted to essential businesses like supermarkets and pharmacies, and households with unvaccinated members can only meet two people from another household, excluding children under 14.

Meanwhile, US health officials reported the first cases of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant in California, Colorado, and Minnesota on December 2. All affected individuals were fully vaccinated and only experienced mild symptoms.

On December 2, French government advisor Jean-Francois Delfraissy stated that the true threat is still the Delta variant, which is driving the fifth wave of infections, according to Reuters. However, he suggested that France would see an increase in Omicron cases soon. This variant could potentially replace Delta and dominate by the end of December 2021. This statement came as France reported its first Omicron case near Paris on December 2, from a traveler returning from Nigeria.

Previously, on November 30, French health authorities confirmed an Omicron case in the overseas territory of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. The patient had visited Mozambique and transited through South Africa before arriving in Réunion.

Despite concerns about Omicron, Delfraissy reassured that a peaceful Christmas season could still be possible for France, provided that proper safety measures are followed. He stated, “Christmas will not be at risk if the public and the government remain cautious.” He also highlighted the importance of social distancing and booster vaccinations as essential strategies in combating the spread of COVID-19 variants.

On December 1, the French Ministry of Health reported nearly 50,000 new COVID-19 cases within a 24-hour period.

On the evening of December 2, the foreign ministers of Russia and the United States engaged in talks in Stockholm, Sweden, on the margins of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council, one of the few international forums where both the US and Russia participate. The meeting captured public attention amidst the worsening relations between Washington and Moscow.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met at the OSCE conference, marking their first high-level discussions following the summit between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva (Switzerland) in June.

Previously, the two foreign ministers had met in May in Reykjavik (Iceland), during the Arctic Council ministerial meeting, which involves the US, Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

The US-Russia relationship is at its lowest since the Cold War, partly due to tensions over Ukraine. Ukraine has accused Russia of positioning military units near its eastern border following joint military exercises. However, the Kremlin strongly denied these claims, labeling them as fake news.

At a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, on December 1, Secretary Blinken stated that diplomacy is the only solution to the potential crisis between Moscow and Kiev.