Eight people, including six Asian-American women, are murdered and another is wounded in mass shootings near Atlanta, Georgia, United States. (CNN) (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Russia–United States relations U.S. President Joe Biden says that Russian president Vladimir Putin "will pay a price" for reportedly leading efforts to influence the 2020 United States presidential election and that he has "no soul" and is "a killer". (RFE/RL) Russia recalls its Ambassador to the United States in order to figure out what to do and where to move in terms of relations with the U.S. (TASS)
2021 Dutch general election The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy of incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte finishes first in the nation's general election. The liberal Democrats 66 party is projected to equal their best-ever result, finishing second with 24 seats. A record of 17 parties are also in track to enter the House of Representatives. (DutchNews.nl) According to exit polls, turnout was at 82.6%, the highest since 1986. (Euronews)
Politics of Tanzania President John Magufuli dies of heart complications, which are believed to have resulted from COVID-19. Vice President Samia Suluhu is expected to succeed him and become Tanzania's first female president. (Al Jazeera)
President John Magufuli dies of heart complications, which are believed to have resulted from COVID-19. Vice President Samia Suluhu is expected to succeed him and become Tanzania's first female president. (Al Jazeera)
The People's Party for Freedom and Democracy of incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte finishes first in the nation's general election. The liberal Democrats 66 party is projected to equal their best-ever result, finishing second with 24 seats. A record of 17 parties are also in track to enter the House of Representatives. (DutchNews.nl)
Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachyov says Russia wants an apology or explanation from the United States after President Joe Biden referred to Vladimir Putin as a soulless killer and may retaliate with a reasonable next step unless it gets one. (CTV News)
Russia–United States relations Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachyov says Russia wants an apology or explanation from the United States after President Joe Biden referred to Vladimir Putin as a soulless killer and may retaliate with a reasonable next step unless it gets one. (CTV News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil São Paulo Senator Major Olímpio dies from COVID-19, becoming the third member of the Brazilian Senate to die from the virus. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil São Paulo Senator Major Olímpio dies from COVID-19, becoming the third member of the Brazilian Senate to die from the virus. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Chile Chile reports a record 6,200 cases in the past 24 hours, which is the largest single-day total since June. (T13) Due to the large number of cases, several cities are put under lockdown, including downtown Santiago. Almost 9 million people will be under quarantine as of March 27. (La Tercera)
Legality of euthanasia The Spanish Congress of Deputies votes 202–141 to definitively approve the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide for people with serious and incurable diseases who want to end their lives, making Spain the fourth country in the European Union to do so. (RTE)
São Paulo Senator Major Olímpio dies from COVID-19, becoming the third member of the Brazilian Senate to die from the virus. (Reuters)
The Spanish Congress of Deputies votes 202–141 to definitively approve the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide for people with serious and incurable diseases who want to end their lives, making Spain the fourth country in the European Union to do so. (RTE)
COVID-19 pandemic in France The French National Authority for Health limits the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged over 55 years old after it was discovered that three patients who suffered blood clots are younger than 55 years old. (The New York Times) Prime Minister Jean Castex receives his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson receives his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (Sky News) The United Kingdom reports a new single-day total of 660,276 doses of the vaccine administered. (U.S. News and World Report)
Myanmar–United States relations, 2021 Myanmar coup d'état The United States House of Representatives votes 398–14 on a resolution to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. (UrduPoint)
The United Kingdom reports a new single-day total of 660,276 doses of the vaccine administered. (U.S. News and World Report)
The United States House of Representatives votes 398–14 on a resolution to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. (UrduPoint)
Julia Letlow, the wife of late Representative-elect Luke Letlow, wins the special election to the 5th congressional district, thereby becoming Louisiana's first female Republican Representative. The special election to the 2nd congressional district will head to an April 24 runoff between the top two finishers Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson. (CNN)
The Vatican announces that Pope Francis has designated the Archdiocese of Quito in Ecuador as the host of the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress. (Catholic News Agency)
Voters head to the polls to vote on who will represent Louisiana's 2nd and 5th congressional districts. (The Washington Post)
2021 Republic of the Congo presidential election Citizens in the Republic of the Congo head to the polls to elect their President. Incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso is expected to extend his 36-year rule as his main rival Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas remains hospitalized in France, where he was evacuated after contracting COVID-19. (Reuters)
Citizens in the Republic of the Congo head to the polls to elect their President. Incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso is expected to extend his 36-year rule as his main rival Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas remains hospitalized in France, where he was evacuated after contracting COVID-19. (Reuters)
2021 Republic of the Congo presidential election, COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of the Congo Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas, the opposition presidential candidate, dies from COVID-19 on a plane en route to France for treatment, a day after the election. (Al Jazeera)
Guy Brice Parfait Kolélas, the opposition presidential candidate, dies from COVID-19 on a plane en route to France for treatment, a day after the election. (Al Jazeera)
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani rejects the United States peace plans, but says that he is open to holding a new presidential election in six months. (Business Recorder)
United Nations special envoy on Afghanistan Deborah Lyons says that efforts by the United States and Russia should be "focused and coherent" and complement peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. She also urges an end to the violence in the country. (Reuters) (ReliefWeb)
The Senate of Colombia unanimously votes to approve a bill that prohibits corporal punishment, and any form of violence, as a form of correctional punishment for the upbringing of children and adolescents. (DW)
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Afghan peace process U.S. President Joe Biden warns that the country will not meet the May 1 deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan. However, he also said that it is unlikely that troops will remain in the country next year. (Reuters) The Bundestag approves a new mandate to let Germany continue to station up to 1,300 Bundeswehr soldiers in Afghanistan until January 31, 2022. (Reuters)
Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Afghan peace process U.S. President Joe Biden warns that the country will not meet the May 1 deadline to withdraw from Afghanistan. However, he also said that it is unlikely that troops will remain in the country next year. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland introduces a mandatory hotel quarantine for travellers from 33 high-risk countries, mostly in South America and Africa. Travellers from these countries will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility. (The Irish Times)
Ireland introduces a mandatory hotel quarantine for travellers from 33 high-risk countries, mostly in South America and Africa. Travellers from these countries will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility. (The Irish Times)
At least four people are killed in Chittagong, Bangladesh, when police open fire at protesters during a demonstration against a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Al Jazeera)
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 2021 Afghanistan attacks Two guards are killed at a water dam near the Pashtun Kot, Faryab, by the Taliban. (Hindustan Times) Over 20 civilians are killed in an operation launched by Afghan security forces against the Taliban. (Anadolu Agency) Three police officers are killed in a roadside bomb blast in Laghman. (Xinhuanet) Five pro-government militia men are killed in an overnight attack in the Nangarhar Province in eastern Afghanistan. (The News International)
2021 Afghanistan attacks Two guards are killed at a water dam near the Pashtun Kot, Faryab, by the Taliban. (Hindustan Times) Over 20 civilians are killed in an operation launched by Afghan security forces against the Taliban. (Anadolu Agency) Three police officers are killed in a roadside bomb blast in Laghman. (Xinhuanet) Five pro-government militia men are killed in an overnight attack in the Nangarhar Province in eastern Afghanistan. (The News International)
Janikhel incident Thousands of protesters in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province break through police barricades and attempt to march to Bannu, and eventually reach Islamabad, in order to demand a government probe into the deaths of four youths near Janikhel. The protesters allege that the youths were tortured and killed by security forces. (Reuters)
Thousands of protesters in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province break through police barricades and attempt to march to Bannu, and eventually reach Islamabad, in order to demand a government probe into the deaths of four youths near Janikhel. The protesters allege that the youths were tortured and killed by security forces. (Reuters)
2021–2022 Myanmar protests The United States suspends its diplomatic trade engagement with Myanmar, which sought to help integrate the country into the global economy, following an escalation in violence perpetrated by the Burmese military against anti-coup protesters, until what Katherine Tai says would be "the return of a democratically elected government." (CNN)
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan removes Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in light of rising inflation and Shaikh's defeat in the recent Senate elections. Minister of Industries and Production Hammad Azhar is selected to replace him. (Reuters)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls on all members of the ruling African National Congress that are facing charges of corruption or other serious crimes to resign from their positions within 30 days and threatens to suspend those who do not comply. (Reuters)
The United States suspends its diplomatic trade engagement with Myanmar, which sought to help integrate the country into the global economy, following an escalation in violence perpetrated by the Burmese military against anti-coup protesters, until what Katherine Tai says would be "the return of a democratically elected government." (CNN)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States President Joe Biden signs the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a bill that would extend the Paycheck Protection Program deadline from March 31 to May 31. (CBS News)
President Joe Biden signs the PPP Extension Act of 2021, a bill that would extend the Paycheck Protection Program deadline from March 31 to May 31. (CBS News)
1973 Chilean coup d'état Newly declassified documents released by the US National Security Archive shows that Brazil supported the coup d'état that overthrew Chilean President Salvador Allende, and raised power to dictator Augusto Pinochet. (The Rio Times)
2021 Dutch general election The new members of the House of Representatives are installed by Speaker Khadija Arib. (NOS)
Newly declassified documents released by the US National Security Archive shows that Brazil supported the coup d'état that overthrew Chilean President Salvador Allende, and raised power to dictator Augusto Pinochet. (The Rio Times)
Russia–United States relations Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov warns of a rising "anti-White" racism in the United States, saying that political correctness was being "taken to the extreme". Lavrov also accuses the U.S. of attempting to spread a cultural revolution around the world. (The Moscow Times)
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov warns of a rising "anti-White" racism in the United States, saying that political correctness was being "taken to the extreme". Lavrov also accuses the U.S. of attempting to spread a cultural revolution around the world. (The Moscow Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 vaccination in the United States The United States records four million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record. (CNN)
COVID-19 vaccination in the United States The United States records four million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record. (CNN)
The United States records four million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic The government approves a plan to reopen selected stores and lower grades at elementary schools, as well as lifting the 9:00 p.m. curfew and limits of movement between districts beginning April 12. (U.S. News and World Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado, Lineage P.1 Colorado reports its first cases of the Lineage P.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in two people from Boulder County. (The Denver Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker receives his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. (WWLP-TV) COVID-19 vaccination in the United States President Joe Biden announces that the deadline for all states to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine will be moved up from May 1 to April 19. (CNN)
COVID-19 vaccination in the United States President Joe Biden announces that the deadline for all states to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine will be moved up from May 1 to April 19. (CNN)
President Joe Biden announces that the deadline for all states to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine will be moved up from May 1 to April 19. (CNN)
The government approves a plan to reopen selected stores and lower grades at elementary schools, as well as lifting the 9:00 p.m. curfew and limits of movement between districts beginning April 12. (U.S. News and World Report)
The National Assembly elects Võ Thị Ánh Xuân as Vietnam's 15th Vice President, with 93.1% of the vote. She is the sixth consecutive woman to hold the post. (VnExpress)
2021 Beninese presidential election Protests against President Patrice Talon's re-election bid in the city of Savè result in the death of one person, as troops attempt to disperse protesters with the use of weapons. Six people are also injured by gunfire. (UrduPoint)
Protests against President Patrice Talon's re-election bid in the city of Savè result in the death of one person, as troops attempt to disperse protesters with the use of weapons. Six people are also injured by gunfire. (UrduPoint)
A previously undisclosed document provides new details regarding the January 6 riot at the United States Capitol. The document shows that then-Vice President Mike Pence made a call to the acting Defense Secretary urging him to "clear the Capitol." Additionally, the document shows that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also made demands for the Army to deploy the National Guard. (AP) (The Guardian)
Aftermath of the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol A previously undisclosed document provides new details regarding the January 6 riot at the United States Capitol. The document shows that then-Vice President Mike Pence made a call to the acting Defense Secretary urging him to "clear the Capitol." Additionally, the document shows that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also made demands for the Army to deploy the National Guard. (AP) (The Guardian)
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurates a series of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear facility, revealing that Iran had violated in kind the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action which mandates the testing and usage of only "first-generation" centrifuges for uranium enrichment, in response to Western sanctions violating the deal. The move comes amid indirect discussions in Vienna between Iran and the United States to revive the deal. (The Straits Times)
Nuclear program of Iran Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurates a series of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear facility, revealing that Iran had violated in kind the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action which mandates the testing and usage of only "first-generation" centrifuges for uranium enrichment, in response to Western sanctions violating the deal. The move comes amid indirect discussions in Vienna between Iran and the United States to revive the deal. (The Straits Times)
2021 Beninese presidential election After violent days of protests, Beninese citizens head to the polls to elect their president. Incumbent Patrice Talon is expected to win his second term as most of his rivals are either in prison or in exile. (Al Jazeera)
After violent days of protests, Beninese citizens head to the polls to elect their president. Incumbent Patrice Talon is expected to win his second term as most of his rivals are either in prison or in exile. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia COVID-19 vaccination in Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison abandons the country's plan to vaccinate all Australians by the end of the year amidst medical advice that makes the vaccination program uncertain. (ABC Australia)
COVID-19 vaccination in Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison abandons the country's plan to vaccinate all Australians by the end of the year amidst medical advice that makes the vaccination program uncertain. (ABC Australia)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison abandons the country's plan to vaccinate all Australians by the end of the year amidst medical advice that makes the vaccination program uncertain. (ABC Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, COVID-19 drug development The U.S. government terminates a deal with Eli Lilly and Company for 350,856 remaining doses of the single antibody bamlanivimab that were scheduled to be delivered by the end of March. The deal will instead be focused on a supply of combined antibodies with etesevimab. (Bloomberg)
Discharge of radioactive water of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Following a cabinet meeting, the Japanese government says it has decided to release 1.25 million tons of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean over the course of 30 years, after concluding there will be no negative impact on human health or the environment. The decision is opposed by Russia, China, Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea and the Philippines, while being supported by the United States. (Kyodo News) (BBC News) (Reuters)
Following a cabinet meeting, the Japanese government says it has decided to release 1.25 million tons of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean over the course of 30 years, after concluding there will be no negative impact on human health or the environment. The decision is opposed by Russia, China, Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea and the Philippines, while being supported by the United States. (Kyodo News) (BBC News) (Reuters)
War in Afghanistan Afghan peace process U.S. President Joe Biden formally announces that American troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11. (Politico)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil The Federal Senate launches an inquiry into President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, as total deaths are expected to surpass 360,000. Main areas of focus are on allegations that he sabotaged social distancing measures, his poor acquisition of vaccines and touting of ineffective treatments such as chloroquine, and the cause of oxygen shortages in Manaus's hospitals, among others. (Al Jazeera)
The Federal Senate launches an inquiry into President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, as total deaths are expected to surpass 360,000. Main areas of focus are on allegations that he sabotaged social distancing measures, his poor acquisition of vaccines and touting of ineffective treatments such as chloroquine, and the cause of oxygen shortages in Manaus's hospitals, among others. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announces a weekend curfew in the national capital territory of Delhi from 10:00 p.m. on Saturday to 5:00 a.m. on Monday due to a substantial increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (The Economic Times) India reports a record 200,739 new cases and 1,038 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to over 14 million and confirmed deaths to 173,123. India is also the second country to surpass 14 million cases, after the United States. (AP)
