November 2021 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 US news events you need to know so far for November 2021:
- Violence and Tragedies Continues Into the Last Week of November
- Major Elections Occur Worldwide
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
- Tragedies Continue into the Third Week of November
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- Elections Occur Around the World
- Crises and Tragedies Continue Across the World
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Violence Continues Across the World
- Coronavirus Updates
Violence and Tragedies Continues Into the Last Week of November
Photo Source: AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh
On Wednesday, November 24, at least 27 migrants died trying to cross the English Channel to get into Britain. The inflatable boat sank, drowning all aboard except two. Authorities are still attempting to identify those deceased and investigate the situation.[1] On Thursday, November 25, at least 52 people were killed after a gas leak in a Siberian coal mine. Six of the deaths were rescuers who were attempting to save some of the miners. Many suffocated when a ventilation shaft was filled with gas. Many miners were rescued and are now in the hospital.[2] On Thursday, November 25, at least 8 people died and 17 people, including 13 children, were injured after a bomb exploded near a school in Somalia. Police believe the target was an armoured vehicle guarding the United Nations. Al-Shaabab claimed responsibility for the attack.[3] On Friday, November 26, at least 19 people were killed and another 20 were injured after a bus crash in Mexico. The bus, which was traveling through central Mexico, crashed into a house after the brakes reportedly failed.[4] On Saturday, November 27, three bodies were found in a burned building in the capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara. The island has been hit with civil unrest since Wednesday, with the government imposing a new curfew in an attempt to quell it. Between 7pm and 6am, only authorized personnel are allowed to move within the city of Honiara. The government has also warned all public servants to stay home for their own safety.[5] Australia has sent military personnel to Solomon Islands as the violent protests continue.[6]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN
Major Elections Occur Worldwide
Photo Source: AP Photo/Virginia Mayo
On Wednesday, November 24, German Chancellor Merkel’s Era officially came to an end as Olaf Scholz announced a three-party coalition to transition to a green economy. Scholz’s party also plans to legalize cannabis in licensed areas.[1] On Wednesday, November 24, Sweden elected its first female Prime Minister. Magdalena Andersson, 54, is already plagued with many challenges as the country faces a political split.[2]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN
Coronavirus Updates (4)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Denis Farrell
On Monday, November 22, Kenya announced plans to follow Europe’s vaccine passport starting December 21. Less than 10% of the population is currently vaccinated, meaning 20 million people have this next month to get vaccinated or lose access to bars, indoor dining, and public transportation.[1] On November 22, the CDC moved Germany and Denmark to the “very high” risk category due to the rise in Covid cases. Many Christmas markets in Germany have already been cancelled.[2] On Monday, November 22, it was reported that a morgue in Romania had bodies piled up outside due to lack of space. Many of the bodies were due to Covid-19 deaths. The morgue normally has the capacity for 15 bodies, but it has received 41 in the past few days. Like Germany and Denmark, Romania is facing a very difficult fourth wave.[3] On Wednesday, November 24, New Zealand announced that it plans to reopen borders in 2022 to all travelers who are fully vaccinated. The reopening will happen in three phases, accepting residents and citizens of New Zealand coming from Australia first and residents coming from anywhere else second. By the end of April, the country will allow vaccinated travelers from all over the world, except from “high risk” destinations to enter the country.[4] On Wednesday, November 24, Russian President Putin announced that he received a fourth Covid vaccine, one not even in its clinical trial, that was delivered through his nasal. Putin said he didn’t feel anything after the dose and hopes it will perform the way scientists predicted.[5] On Saturday, November 27, Switzerland voted to end Covid restrictions despite having some of the lowest vaccination rates in Europe. With just two-thirds of the population vaccinated, Swiss cases have risen 40-50% in the last week. Switzerland implemented a vaccine passport weeks ago, but recent protests and a new referendum may reverse that decision.[6] On Saturday, November 27, South Africa reported a new variant of Covid: the Omicron Variant. The WHO has stated that this variant could potentially be more contagious and has begun conducting various studies in an attempt to stop it before it spreads too far. The first case is believed to have been in South Africa, but the variant has been found in Belgium, Botswana, and Hong Kong, as well.[7] The EU, the UK, Canada, and the US quickly announced travel restrictions on South Africa and surrounding countries following the announcement of the new variant. President Biden stated the ban is a precautionary measure.[8] After the announcement, Dutch officials announced that at least 61 passengers on a flight from South Africa had tested positive for the new variant. Six hundred passengers traveling to Amsterdam were stranded in the airport as officials rushed to test them.[9] On Sunday, November 28, Italy, Germany, and the UK announced their first Omicron cases.[10] On Monday, November 29, the CDC announced that Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe have been added to the high-risk level for Covid-19. The CDC added these countries to a level 4 due to the Omicron variant and not actual case numbers.[11] On Tuesday, November 30, Greece announced plans to impose a fine on those 60 and older who do not get vaccinated. After the vaccine for seniors becomes mandatory, those who don’t comply will be fined $100 each month they refuse. More than half a million people over the age of 60 still need to be vaccinated in Greece.[12]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]BBC [7]CNN [8]BBC [9]BBC [10]CNN [11]CNN [12]BBC
Check out some more Covid resources.
Tragedies Continue into the Third Week of November
Photo Source: AP Photo/Marwan Ali
On Monday, November 15, Indian police killed at least 26 Maoist militants, including a top leader, after an ambush was carried out in a small forest. Police have been in a battle with Maoists, left-wing activists, for the last few decades.[1] On Monday, November 15, Cubans reported that they have been locked into their homes amid a government attempt to clamp down on protests planned. The protests, fighting for freedom and peace, were planned for that same day. At least 11 people were arrested and another 50 were trapped in their homes.[2] On Tuesday, November 17, at least 3 people were killed and another 36 injured after multiple suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attacks. A total of 81 suspects have been arrested, and nearly a dozen of the attackers died during the attacks and following arrests.[3] On Wednesday, November 18, at least 10 people were shot dead in anti-coup protests in Sudan. Thousands of demonstrators marched in the streets and were quickly met by military forces. At least 70 more demonstrators have been injured during the protests.[3] On Sunday, November 21, Sudan’s military chief reinstated the Prime Minister ousted by the military during last month’s coup. The deal struck between the government and military also stipulates that political detainees be released. The deal will eventually focus on a shared power, but details are still in the works.[5] On Sunday, November 21, a gunman entered Jerusalem’s Old City and began shooting, killing at least one person and injuring another 4. Responding police officers shot and killed the assailant. Hamas labeled the attacker as a heroic figure.[6] On Sunday, November 21, three construction workers died after a scaffolding project collapsed in Taiwan. At least two others were injured during the collapse. It is unclear what caused the tragedy.[7]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN
Coronavirus Updates (2)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Peter Dejong
On Monday, November 15, Cambodia announced that, starting immediately, vaccinated travelers will no longer need to quarantine upon entry. However, travelers will not only have to show proof of vaccination, but they must also show a negative test from the last 72 hours.[1] That same day, Austria announced a lockdown for all unvaccinated people 12 and over. About 65% of the population is vaccinated against Covid, but ICU capacity is still fairly high in Austria. The stay-at-home order for the unvaccinated was decided upon in September.[2] On Wednesday, November 17, Chancellor Merkel reported that Germany is in very dangerous territory with Covid. Germany just beat its daily record of cases, reaching 52,826 in the last 24 hours. Many areas are placing restrictions in an effort to avoid a complete shutdown.[3] On Wednesday, November 17, it was announced that six arrest warrants have been issued for people in Thailand accused of selling the US faulty medical gloves during the pandemic. The scammers are thought to have frauded an American manufacturer over $2 million.[4] On Wednesday, November 17, Ireland imposed new curfews to bars and pubs after the country saw a rise in Covid cases. Work from home will also be implemented, as will an expansive to vaccine passports for certain areas.[5] On Sunday, November 21, many European countries saw deadly protests after new Covid restrictions were put in place. One notable riot occurred outside The Hague after the Dutch government announced new restrictions. The rioters started fires and threw rocks and fireworks at police. At least five police have been taken to the hospital.[6]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]BBC [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN
Check out some more Covid resources.
Elections Occur Around the World
Photo Source: AP Photo/Javier Cordoba
On Monday, November 8, President Daniel Ortega won Nicaragua’s election despite being called a “sham” election by many countries. This will be Ortega’s fifth term. The election was accused of being a joke because many people were terrified and stuck in their houses. Many of the polls and voting stations appeared empty. While there were five other candidates on the ballot, at least a half dozen true candidates were detained earlier this year. The other contenders weren’t really seen as a threat to Ortega.[1] On Saturday, November 13, Sarah Duterte, the daughter of the president of the Philippines, officially announced her candidacy for vice president. Duterte took over as mayor for her father and is actually a different political party. The polls will open in May.[2]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN
Crises and Tragedies Continue Across the World
Photo Source: AP Photo/Marwan Ali
On Monday, November 8, at least 25 schoolchildren in Niger died after their straw-hut classrooms caught fire. Straw and wood are usually used to build overflow classrooms in Niger. Fires aren’t uncommon, but they usually don’t result in this many deaths. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.[1] On Monday, November 8, tensions between Poland and Belarus heightened after Poland accused Belarus of pushing migrants into the EU. In response, Poland warned that thousands of military personnel will be released to the border. People illegally crossing the border between Belarus and Poland has increased dramatically these past few weeks.[2] On Monday, November 8, it was reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi escaped an assassination attempt. An explosive-laden drone attacked his home in Baghdad, according to reports. After the attempt, Al-Kadhimi took to Twitter, asking for calm and calling the attacks cowardly.[3] On Wednesday, November 10, it was reported that migrants are facing hypothermia and broken bones in frozen forests as the Poland-Belarus border crisis deepens. At least 15,000 Polish troops have been deployed to stop the migrants from crossing the border. Nearly 600 crossing attempts were reported by officials.[4] On Friday, November 12, another explosion rocked a mosque in Afghanistan during Friday prayer time. At least 15 people were injured, but luckily no fatalities were reported from this explosion.[5] On Saturday, November 13, another prison riot broke out in Ecuador, nearly two months after the last report of riots. The riot in Guayaquil killed at least 68 prisoners. At least 300 prisoners have died from gang-related riots this year.[6] On Saturday, November 13, at least five people were killed in pro-democracy protests in Sudan. Police denied using live rounds, but four of the deaths were reportedly from gunshot wounds. The fifth victim allegedly died from choking on tear gas. At least 26 officers were also injured during the anti-coup protests, which have been occurring for many weeks now.[7]
Source: [1]BBC [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]BBC [7]CNN
Coronavirus Updates (2)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Patrick Post
On Tuesday, November 9, France announced that it will require a booster shot for older citizens’ health passes. The booster dose is available for those over 50, and is required for those over 65. France has been using the health pass for both private and public businesses.[1] On Saturday, November 13, officials in Germany warned that another 100,000 deaths will occur if people don’t begin to get a handle on the aggressive fourth wave. This new wave may be the most dangerous yet, with vaccination rates in Germany not as high as officials would like.[2] On Saturday, November 13, a new lockdown was announced in the Netherlands, sparking mass protests. Police had to use water cannons on the crowd. Shops and businesses will be closed for three weeks following an uptick in cases.[3]
Source: [1]CNN [2]BBC [3]BBC
Check out some more Covid resources.
Violence Continues Across the World
Photo Source: AP Photo
On Monday, November 1, a suspect in Tokyo was arrested after injuring 17 in a stabbing incident on public transit. The 24-year-old suspect was wearing a costume that appeared to be the Joker. The suspect was arrested after allegedly starting a fire on the train after the stabbing.[1] On Monday, November 1, the Taliban reported that three people were shot and killed at a wedding in Afghanistan for playing the music too loud. Another 10 people were injured during the shooting. The Taliban released a statement that the attack is under investigation as it does not condone killings for music.[2] On Monday, November 1, a ballistic missile attack on a mosque in Yemen left at least 29 civilians dead. Another missile attack hit a religious school, meaning many women and children were among those killed. There was no immediate claim for the attack, but it is believed that the Iranian-backed Houthis group is responsible. Clashes between the government and Houthis has only intensified, with the UN calculating that nearly 10,000 people have been displaced recently. The war in Yemen is still one of the biggest humanitarian crises in the world.[3] On Wednesday, November 3, two people dead and another was injured after an audience member fell from the 7th floor at an ABBA tribute concert in Sweden. The police are still investigating the incident.[4] On Wednesday, November 3, at least 30 people were killed after a blast hit Kabul’s biggest military hospital. Gunfire followed quickly after the blasts. At least 15 others were wounded during the attack. ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for the attack.[5] On Wednesday, November 3, rescuers in Nigeria raced to find survivors two days after a 22-story building collapsed in Lagos. The building was under construction. Heavy rain made the rescue more difficult, but at least 9 people have been rescued thus far. It is unclear what caused the collapse of the luxury apartment building.[6] On Saturday, November 6, at least three people were injured after a knife attack on a high-speed train in Germany. The 27-year-old suspect has been detained and is thought to be of Syrian descent. The suspect is allegedly a refugee suffering from “psychological problems,” but police have not released an actual motive yet.[7] On Saturday, November 6, at least 98 people died in Sierra Leone after a fuel tanker exploded. Several others were injured by the explosion. The explosion occurred after two vehicles hit each other and the fuel tanker was about to deposit its fuel. Many people took advantage of the situation, scooping up “free” fuel and storing it in makeshift containers.[8]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5] [6]BBC [7]BBC [8]CNN
Coronavirus Updates
Photo Source: AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin
On Monday, November 1, the CDC moved Russia, the world’s largest country, to the very-high risk category regarding travel restrictions. The country has been grappling with a severe uptick in Covid-19 cases in the past few months. It was previously at a Level 3 risk category, but the dire situation has prompted the CDC to move it up one more.[1] That same day, Johns Hopkins announced that the global deaths has surpassed five million. Deaths and cases have been increasing for the first time in two months, according to the WHO.[2] On Tuesday, November 2, Tonga announced that it is going into lockdown following the announcement of its first positive Covid case. The island will be on lockdown for one week. Residents were told to stop working and only leave their homes for essential business.[3] On Wednesday, November 3, Germany raised alarms about the increase of cases and pressure on hospitals. Experts are calling it the pandemic of the unvaccinated. Right now, only 66.8% of Germany’s population is vaccinated.[4]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN
Check out some more Covid resources.
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