Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing - Oct. 22, 2021

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments in Turkey, around the world, and on the coronavirus pandemic.

- Developments in Turkey, coronavirus pandemic and other news

Turkey administered over 114.81 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines since it launched an immunization drive this January, according to official figures released Thursday.

The ministry also recorded 29,160 new cases, 198 fatalities and 28,465 recoveries over the past 24 hours.

Calling water the “most strategic value” of the next century, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that pressure on water resources has been increasing every year.

At least 15 people with links to an Israeli intelligence service have been apprehended in Turkey, sources said Thursday.

- Coronavirus pandemic, other developments across the world

The World Health Organization on Thursday called for urgent action to better protect health and care workers while increasing COVID-19 vaccinations for them.

The UK recorded 52,009 new COVID-19 cases Thursday – the first time cases have surpassed 50,000 since July 17.

In another day of new coronavirus-related records, Russia on Thursday reported its highest single-day infections and fatalities.

India on Thursday morning crossed the 1 billion mark for COVID-19 vaccine doses it has administered, official figures showed.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved the emergency use of booster doses by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Germany’s Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats kicked off talks Thursday on forming a three-way coalition government.

A ruling party member and former minister in Japan on Thursday accepted a three-year jail term for corruption during the 2019 elections.

A 25-year-old man who was arrested shortly after the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess has been charged with murder and preparation of terrorist acts, police said Thursday.

Libya’s prime minister on Thursday announced the start of a "stability and construction journey" in his country at the opening of the International Conference to Support Libya's Stability in the capital Tripoli.

South Korea on Thursday conducted its first indigenous space launch from the country's southern coastal area launchpad, local media reported.

At least three people were killed and over 30 others injured in a gas explosion Thursday in China.

The death toll from flash floods and landslides in India’s northwestern state of Uttarakhand spiked to 60, authorities said Thursday.