FROM a global pandemic to several protests against injustices, we have been through a lot this year.
As 2020 draws to a close, here is a look at some of the major stories this year.
Australian bushfire
Twenty-twenty got off to a rocky start in Australia as massive bushfires since December ripped through forests in several states. By March 2020, the fire had burned over 46 million acres, destroyed more than 5,900 buildings and killed at least 34 people.
Not to mention the estimated 60,000 koalas reported by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) which were either killed or harmed by the bushfire.
Harry and Meghan quit the royal family
On January 8th, fans of the British royal family were shocked by the announcement made by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle to formally step down as senior members of the British royal family.
The event was coined as “Megxit” by several media outlets, a play on the word “Brexit” that the nation is currently dealing with.
COVID-19
From rare cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, China back in December 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed on January 9th the emergence of a novel coronavirus in the region.
In just a matter of months, the outbreak of the virus now known as COVID-19 was characterized as a pandemic as it spreads across the globe, killing millions.
As of Dec 29th, there are 81.2 million COVID-19 cases and 1.77 million deaths.
Kobe Bryant's demise
On January 26th, the world lost one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe Bryant.
The Los Angeles Lakers player died in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California, along with seven others, including his daughter, Gianna.
Parasite sweeps Oscars
People at home enjoying the Oscars while being on lockdown were thrilled when Parasite, a South Korean film by director Bong Joon Ho took home several awards including the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature Film.
The win made history as the first non-English-language film to have won Best Picture.
The death of George Floyd
George Floyd is an African American man, killed during an arrest after one of the four police officers who arrived on the scene, knelt on Floyd's neck for a horrific 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
His death on May 25th sparked a global protest against police brutality and racial injustice.
Black Lives Matter
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was the largest movement in the United States with an estimate of 15 to 26 million people joining the protest, aimed at highlighting police brutality and racial and economic injustice faced by the black community.
The protest sparked by the killing of George Floyd, became a global movement, with people not only participating in the protests physically but using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media and raising funds to support the movement.
Thailand pro-democracy protest
A pro-democracy protest led by students started in July calling for a reform of the Thai monarchy and resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha along with his cabinet.
In September’s rally, an estimated 30,000 people joined the demonstration, one of its biggest protests in years.
Beirut explosion
On August 4th, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at a port in the city of Beirut, Lebanon exploded, causing at least 204 deaths and 6,500 injuries.
On top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and major economic and political crisis, the explosion left the city in shambles, leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless.
Indian farmers’ protest
The Indian farmers' protest that started in August was about the three farm acts which were passed by the Parliament of India in September 2020.
The protest is currently ongoing with tens and thousands of Indian farmers protesting nationwide, leaving at least 41 farmers dead, hundreds injured.
Chadwick Boseman's death
Famously known for his role T'Challa in the movie, Black Panther, actor Chadwick Boseman died at his home on August 28th after battling with colon cancer.
The 43-year-old had inspired many fans of Marvel series and even notable figures who flooded social media to paid tribute to the talented actor.
Hong Kong's national security law protest
Anti-government protests in Hong Kong started in June 2019 against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.
On July 1st, thousands of people gathered in Hong Kong expressing anger over Beijing's national security law for the city, as it marked 23 years since its handover from British to Chinese rule.
Muslim nations protest France’s Emmanuel Macron
After a middle school teacher, Samuel Paty, was beheaded by a refugee of Chechen ethnicity and three people were killed in a stabbing attack at a church in Nice, France, President Emmanual Macron described Islam as a religion “in crisis” worldwide.
Protests erupted across Muslim nations in Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, Gaza, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and a ban in French product in some countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.
2020 United States Presidential Election
The 2020 United States presidential election that was held on November 3rd saw the defeat of Republican candidate and president, Donald Trump by Democratic candidate and former vice president Joe Biden.
The election also saw the highest voter turnout since 1900 with Biden receiving more than 81 million votes, the most votes ever cast for a candidate in a U.S. presidential election.
It also made history with the appointment of Kamala Harris as Biden’s running mate, the first woman, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American as vice president.
Death of Diego Maradona
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Diego Maradona died at the age of 60, following a heart attack, on November 25th.
Fans across the globe mourned over the death of the World Cup winner with his homeland, Argentina, declaring three days of national mourning.
Brexit
The United Kingdom (UK) withdrew from the European Union on 31st January 2020 but left many issues still up for negotiations.
After a year of disagreements, the two finally reached a post-Brexit trade deal that would essentially form two separate markets and put an end to free movement, just seven days before the UK exits one of the world’s biggest trading blocs.
Vaccine rollout
Scientists and researchers have been working hard throughout the year to develop a vaccine that would put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A glimmer of hope for the world came on 8th December when Margaret Keenan in the UK became the first person to receive the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine.
Soon after, countries around the world progressively acquire vaccines and begin their inoculation programmes.
Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya
Wed Dec 30 2020
Thousands of people demonstrate in Cologne, Germany, Saturday June 6, 2020, to protest against racism and the recent killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis, USA. - APPic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.