October 2020 Current Events: World News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for October 2020:
- Coronavirus Updates
- Kuwait Monarch Dies
- Lebanon’s PM-designate Resigns
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Protests Worsen in Kyrgyzstan
- Protests Emerge in Nigeria
- Tensions Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Continue to Escalate
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- El Salvador Bar Attack
- Protests Erupt in Thailand
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
- Protests in Nigeria Worsen
- Stampede in Afghanistan
- Israel and Sudan Reportedly Reach Agreement
- Protests Erupt in Poland
- Coronavirus Updates (5)
- Missile Strike in Azeri
- Possible Fraud in Tanzania Election
Coronavirus Updates
On October 2, it was reported that Nigerian scientists developed a cheaper and faster testing kid for Covid-19. The country faces many kit shortages, so it is now hopeful that this new invention will help troubled populations. On October 2, the French government announced that the pandemic was worsening in Paris, resulting in a potential lockdown for the capital. The situation will be reevaluated next week before it is determined whether the city will be locked down or not. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
Kuwait Monarch Dies
On October 3, Kuwait monarch Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah died at the age of 91. Sabah ruled the country for 14 years and was widely respected for his dedication to peace. (CNN)
Photo Source: Diwan Al Amiri via AP
Lebanon’s PM-designate Resigns
On October 3, Mustapha Adib, Lebanon’s PM-designate, resigned from office after a political stalemate within the cabinet. Adib was appointed by French President Macron during an initiative to provide political refuge to the crisis-stricken area. The hope was that Adib would lead various reforms for the country. It is now expected that Lebanon’s financial crisis will only worsen. (CNN)
Photo Source: Dalati Nohra/Lebanese Government via AP
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On October 4, it was reported that various European countries are facing coronavirus increases. The United Kingdom has had 12,872 new cases in the last 24 hours. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that this could be a difficult winter for the nation. The ECDC has stated that the death rate also continues to rise in various countries. France reported 16,069 cases in the last 24 hours. On October 4, the rise in cases led to the second shut down of bars in Paris. Poland reported 2,367 cases in the last 24 hours. On October 4, it was reported the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen came into contact with a covid-positive person and is now self-isolating while she awaits test results. On October 10, Kim Jong-Un announced that North Korea is coronavirus-free, with a total of 0 cases. This has yet to e fact-checked by officials. On October 9, Australia announced that it was in talks with other countries regarding quarantine-free travel; however, the US and Europe will not be included on that list. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali
Protests Worsen in Kyrgyzstan
On October 7, protesters and vigilante groups violently clashed during protests in Kyrgyzstan. The protests began after parliamentary election results were released, electing opposition leader, Sadyr Zhaparov, who was freed from prison earlier that week. Officials have stated that the city is now calm. On October 10, the country declared a state of emergency as troops were deployed. A Reuters journalist reported hearing gunshots amid the unrest. The same journalist reported that opposite sides were also throwing rocks and bottles at each other. For the next few weeks, a curfew will be in place in an attempt to resolve some of the unrest. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Vladimir Voronin
Protests Emerge in Nigeria
On October 8, mass protests emerged in Nigeria after weeks of rising tensions surrounding police brutality from a specific unit. Lately, the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) has been accused of kidnapping, harassment, and extortion. Many Nigerian celebrities are joining the protests and calling attention to them online. On October 13, it was reported that at least 10 people have died during the police brutality protests in Nigeria. It was reported that these people were killed by Nigerian Police. Since the protests started last week, the SARS unit has been disassembled. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
Tensions Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Continue to Escalate
On October 10, Azerbaijan and Armenia both accused the other of breaking the ceasefire. The ceasefire was temporarily agreed upon earlier that day, according to Russian officials.The ceasefire was called for “humanitarian reasons” according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Later that day, sources close to CNN claimed that both sides are recruiting rebels from Syria to fight for them. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo
Coronavirus Updates (3)
On October 12, cases in Europe continued to soar, forcing more restrictions in Italy and England. Many fear these new restrictions may cause more harm to the economy. On October 12, it was reported that nine million people in China will be tested for Covid after 12 people tested positive in Qingdao. All the positive cases have been traced back to a local hospital treating imported infections. On October 14, a Dutch woman died after catching Covid for the second time. Her death is the first reported death from reinfection. On October 16, the WHO warned that European coronavirus death tolls could be five times what we saw in April in just a few months. The organization is urging people to take precautions and stay home when possible. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno
El Salvador Bar Attack
On October 12, five men playing dominoes in an El Salvador bar were shot and killed. Another man was fatally shot after trying to escape the gunfire. Police believe that three men were involved in the attack, with one currently in custody. At least 13 people died on October 12 due to violence in El Salvador. (BBC) )
Photo Source: AP Photo/Salvador Melendez
Protests Erupt in Thailand
On October 16, pro-democracy protests in Thailand entered their third night. Amidst the protests, two men were arrested for “attacking” Queen Suthida's motorcade. On October 14, the motorcade drove through protests, and many protesters held up the three finger salute from the Hunger Games trilogy. Many of the protesters have also been chanting and jeering at police to highlight their rights. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
Coronavirus Updates (4)
On October 19, it was reported that Belgium is at risk of becoming overwhelmed by coronavirus cases. Officials worry a “tsunami” of cases may make it impossible for them to keep up with the number of covid cases. Elsewhere, it was announced that the Czech Republic may face a whole country lockdown, as the area has the most number of cases on the entire continent. On October 19, it was announced that the German government is investing $488 million to update ventilation systems in public buildings. The hope is that improved ventilation will help fight against coronavirus. On October 23, CNN reported that various citizens are traveling across China to get a coronavirus vaccine available in Yiwu. On October 23, French President Macron said the virus is here to stay until the end of summer after the country surpassed one million cases. (CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia
Protests in Nigeria Worsen
On October 21, protests against Nigerian SARS police unit entered their third week. On October 20, many eyewitnesses reported seeing protesters being shot by police. A curfew has been imposed in Lagos, and eyewitnesses reported that once the curfew time began, the Nigerian army entered the area and began shooting. The curfew has since been changed to be a 24-hour curfew, in Lagos in an attempt to quell protests. A number of casualties has not been reported. On October 22, the death toll due from the Nigerian protests rose to 56. Protesters set fire to a prison in Lagos. Witnesses reported seeing prisoners trying to break out before the army and police officers arrived. There have been reports that a warehouse containing food and medical supplies has also been ransacked. (CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
Stampede in Afghanistan
On October 21, at least 11 people were killed and many more were wounded after a stampede at an Afghan stadium. The large group of people were applying for visas when the stampede occurred. The thousands of people were requesting permits to Pakistan. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon
Israel and Sudan Reportedly Reach Agreement
On October 23, President Trump announced that Sudan and Israel have agreed to normalize relations. The agreement is designed to end the turbulent relations between the two countries. The two nations agreed to meet soon to discuss cooperation in the areas previously discussed. This is a sought after foreign policy for President Trump, who is just two weeks away from the election. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Protests Erupt in Poland
On October 23, an abortion ruling in Poland led to nationwide protests. The controversial ruling banned nearly all abortions except those in the case of rape, incest, or risk to the mother’s health. The country already had strict abortion laws, with many believing women were already obtaining abortions either illegally or abroad. As protesters clashed with riot police, pepper spray was deployed and physical force was used. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski
Coronavirus Updates (5)
On October 25, Australia announced that Melbourne residents will be out of lockdown, as the coronavirus epicenter has not reported any new cases or new deaths for the first time in four months. Social distancing restrictions will also be relaxed in the area. On October 26, Wales announced a second national lockdown due to the rise in coronavirus cases. Scotland and Ireland are expected to follow suit. On October 26, Italy announced new restrictions which will have cinemas, gyms, and swimming pools to close. The restrictions also requires restaurants to close at 6 pm, but they can still offer takeout until midnight. The Prime Minister has said a full shutdown would be devastating for the economy, so shops and businesses are to remain open. On October 26, it was announced that China will test all 4.3 million citizens of Kashgar after one person tested positive for the coronavirus. Schools are currently closed and residents are not allowed to leave city limits unless they have proof of a negative test. On October 28, it was reported that both France and Germany are inflicting stricter coronavirus guidelines after a rise in cases. Both countries will have nationwide lockdowns for the next four weeks. On October 31, British Prime Minister Johnson announced that England will be entering a lockdown in the next few days. The decision was made after the country passed 1 million positive cases. On October 31, Africa’s Center of Disease Control and Prevention warned the country that a rise in cases is practically imminent, as nearly all countries have seen a rise in the last four weeks. On October 31, Portugal announced new restrictions, implementing a curfew and allowing cafes to be takeout only, in an attempt to curb the rise of cases. Austria also enacted stronger restrictions, announcing that gyms will close and schools will move online. (CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali
Missile Strike in Azeri
On October 26, a missile strike in the Azeri town Barda killed at least 21 civilians and injured dozens more. Azerbaijan has accused Armenia of the attack due to escalating tensions, but Armenia denies the strike. The two countries are currently battling over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is currently owned by Azerbaijan. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo
Possible Fraud in Tanzania Election
On October 31, main opposition parties in Tanzania demanded a fresh election after declaring October 28’s election as fraudulent. Incumbent President John Magufuli was declared the winner by 84% of the vote. Opposition leaders have called for mass protests. On October 31, CNN reported that the US received word that the election may have been tampered with, but the claims have yet to be investigated. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo
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