December 8, 2020 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

World

Medical journal confirms AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine 70% effective, but confusing test results hinder global rollout

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

With AstraZeneca’s long-awaited Covid-19 vaccine approaching UK approval, peer-reviewed data shows the jab to be 70 percent effective. Behind that number, however, lurks a confusing backstory. … Read More >Medical journal confirms AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine 70% effective, but confusing test results hinder global rollout

EU

Smooth move: Hibernating SNAKES disrupt construction of Tesla factory in Germany

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

Construction of a Tesla gigafactory outside Berlin has ran into an unexpected problem, after a German court ordered land clearing works to stop over concerns they might disrupt the rest of snakes hibernating through winter. … Read More >Smooth move: Hibernating SNAKES disrupt construction of Tesla factory in Germany

Philippines’ Duterte offers resignation if bribe smear proven – but threatens to KILL anyone making false allegations

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made the bold offer to resign if anyone can prove he accepted bribes while in office, but caveated his proposal by threatening to kill anyone guilty of concocting a story. … Read More >Philippines’ Duterte offers resignation if bribe smear proven – but threatens to KILL anyone making false allegations

World

Mass vaccination delayed in US and UK, as drug firms struggle to meet demand

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

With the first Covid-19 vaccines handed out in the UK and approval pending in the US, officials in both countries have been patting themselves on the back. However, their lofty promises of mass vaccination are looking unlikely. … Read More >Mass vaccination delayed in US and UK, as drug firms struggle to meet demand

World

Turkey threatens ‘grave consequences’ after east Libyan forces seize its ship over alleged arms smuggling

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

Ankara has condemned the seizure of a Turkish vessel in the Mediterranean by forces from east Libya, promising a robust response to the interception and calling for the ship to be allowed to continue its journey. … Read More >Turkey threatens ‘grave consequences’ after east Libyan forces seize its ship over alleged arms smuggling

World

Afghan civilian casualties more than TRIPLED under Trump – report

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

Civilian deaths in Afghanistan have soared by a whopping 330 percent under US President Donald Trump, according to a new report which blames the administration’s move to loosen military rules of engagement three years ago. … Read More >Afghan civilian casualties more than TRIPLED under Trump – report

China’s exports surge at fastest pace in nearly 3 years to hit record high

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

November has become the most lucrative month for China’s exports, driven by strong demand for pandemic-related items such as electronics and protective gear. … Read More >China’s exports surge at fastest pace in nearly 3 years to hit record high

China’s forex reserves hit 4-year high on booming trade & strong yuan

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

China boosted its foreign exchange reserves, the world’s largest, by over $50 billion in one month. The holdings rose to the highest in more than four years to reach $3.178 trillion in November. … Read More >China’s forex reserves hit 4-year high on booming trade & strong yuan

Russia

Yalta restricts water to just six hours a day as Ukraine’s supply blockade takes its toll on Crimea

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

Authorities in Yalta will begin restricting water use to just mornings and evenings, with the peninsula’s supply at critically low levels due to light rains and Kiev’s blockage of a canal to the disputed territory. … Read More >Yalta restricts water to just six hours a day as Ukraine’s supply blockade takes its toll on Crimea

EU

Hungary & Poland uphold veto on EU budget and recovery fund – Budapest

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020By Editor

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday that Budapest and Warsaw are upholding their veto of the European Union’s budget and a coronavirus recovery fund, though the EU may try to bypass their decision. … Read More >Hungary & Poland uphold veto on EU budget and recovery fund – Budapest