Bbc news headlines international

Here are the latest BBC News headlines from around the world:

Asia

• India's COVID-19 cases surge past 20 million: India has reported a record 400,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to over 20 million.
• North Korea's Kim Jong-un orders 'maximum alert' over COVID-19: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the country to be placed on "maximum alert" over the spread of COVID-19, state media reports.
• China's Xi Jinping warns of 'grave challenges' ahead: Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned of "grave challenges" facing the country, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty.

Europe

• EU leaders agree on COVID-19 vaccine passports: European Union leaders have agreed on a plan to introduce COVID-19 vaccine passports, allowing people to travel more easily across the bloc.
• UK and EU reach deal on Northern Ireland trade: The UK and EU have reached a deal on trade in Northern Ireland, avoiding a no-deal Brexit scenario.
• France's Macron announces new COVID-19 restrictions: French President Emmanuel Macron has announced new COVID-19 restrictions, including a curfew and limits on gatherings.

Africa

• South Africa's COVID-19 cases surge past 1.5 million: South Africa has reported a record 14,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to over 1.5 million.
• Ethiopia's Tigray region hit by humanitarian crisis: The Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency in the Tigray region, where a humanitarian crisis is unfolding due to conflict and displacement.
• Nigeria's Boko Haram attacks kill dozens: Dozens of people have been killed in attacks by the militant group Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria.

Americas

• US COVID-19 cases surge past 30 million: The United States has reported a record 70,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to over 30 million.
• Mexico's president announces COVID-19 vaccination plan: Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced a plan to vaccinate the country's entire population against COVID-19.
• Brazil's COVID-19 cases surge past 13 million: Brazil has reported a record 70,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to over 13 million.

Middle East

• Iran's COVID-19 cases surge past 2 million: Iran has reported a record 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to over 2 million.
• Israel and Palestine agree to ceasefire: Israel and Palestine have agreed to a ceasefire, ending a week of violence that has killed dozens of people.
• Saudi Arabia's crown prince announces economic reforms: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a package of economic reforms aimed at diversifying the country's economy.

These are just some of the latest headlines from around the world. You can find more news and updates on the BBC News website.