World 2020 Timeline

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Aug
15
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Minister of State Owned Enterprises and chief of the COVID-19 recovery team, Erick Thohir, announces that the government would ba

COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Minister of State Owned Enterprises and chief of the COVID-19 recovery team, Erick Thohir, announces that the government would bar foreign visitors until the completion of a vaccine. Indonesian scientists are testing a COVID-19 vaccine with Sinovac Biotech, which Thohir says is likely to be completed next year. (Kyodo News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 15, 2020
Aug
15
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a plan to ease nearly all restrictions on the economy from August 17, including lifting a

COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a plan to ease nearly all restrictions on the economy from August 17, including lifting a controversial ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco that had been imposed in July, as infections peak. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 15, 2020
Aug
15
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea reports 166 new cases of COVID-19.

COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea reports 166 new cases of COVID-19. From that number, 139 were traced to Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and a significant portion of them were linked to cluster infections involving churchgoers. It is the highest number of reported new cases since March 11. (Kyodo News) After a spike in new cases, the government decides to tighten social distancing measures in Seoul and surrounding areas. Many measures that are to be implemented include restricting numbers of gatherings and sports events played behind closed doors. (Tempo)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 15, 2020
Aug
15
Politics / Government

Minister of State Owned Enterprises and chief of the COVID-19 recovery team, Erick Thohir, announces that the government would bar foreign visitors until the co

Minister of State Owned Enterprises and chief of the COVID-19 recovery team, Erick Thohir, announces that the government would bar foreign visitors until the completion of a vaccine. Indonesian scientists are testing a COVID-19 vaccine with Sinovac Biotech, which Thohir says is likely to be completed next year. (Kyodo News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 15, 2020
Aug
15
Politics / Government

Poland–United States relations U.S.

Poland–United States relations U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak sign an agreement in Warsaw to redeploy about 1,000 U.S. troops from Germany to Poland so as to bring the total to 5,500. The agreement also includes a potential increase to 20,000 U.S. troops if Poland is under threat. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 15, 2020
Aug
15
Politics / Government

President Alexander Lukashenko issues an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin as he considers the protests "not a threat to just Belarus anymore".

President Alexander Lukashenko issues an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin as he considers the protests "not a threat to just Belarus anymore". Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to the Union State between the two countries. Meanwhile, opposition candidate leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is exiled in Lithuania, calls for more protests. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 15, 2020
Aug
16
Politics / Government

Iran–United Arab Emirates relations The Emirati government summons the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest a speech by Iranian President Hassan Ro

Iran–United Arab Emirates relations The Emirati government summons the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest a speech by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani which called the UAE's peace agreement with Israel "a treacherous act." The Emirati government labeled these remarks as "unacceptable, inflammatory and carrying serious repercussions for the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region." (Al Arabiya)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 16, 2020
Aug
16
Politics / Government

The Emirati government summons the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest a speech by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani which called the UAE's peace a

The Emirati government summons the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Abu Dhabi to protest a speech by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani which called the UAE's peace agreement with Israel "a treacherous act." The Emirati government labeled these remarks as "unacceptable, inflammatory and carrying serious repercussions for the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region." (Al Arabiya)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 16, 2020
Aug
16
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Hundreds of protesters at the Plaza de Colón in Madrid demand the government rescinds the compulsory wearing of face masks in public,

COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Hundreds of protesters at the Plaza de Colón in Madrid demand the government rescinds the compulsory wearing of face masks in public, which had been imposed following the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in July. Protesters claim that such restrictions are an attempt by the government to curtail people's freedoms. (AFP via The Straits Times)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 16, 2020
Aug
16
Politics / Government

Hundreds of protesters at the Plaza de Colón in Madrid demand the government rescinds the compulsory wearing of face masks in public, which had been imposed fol

Hundreds of protesters at the Plaza de Colón in Madrid demand the government rescinds the compulsory wearing of face masks in public, which had been imposed following the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in July. Protesters claim that such restrictions are an attempt by the government to curtail people's freedoms. (AFP via The Straits Times)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 16, 2020
Aug
16
Politics / Government

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, 2020 New Zealand general election Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern postpones the upco

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, 2020 New Zealand general election Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern postpones the upcoming general election from 19 September to 17 October due to a recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases. (Stuff) (CNN)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 16, 2020
Aug
16
Politics / Government

Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement The United Arab Emirates unblocks telephone lines between the country and Israel, as well as allowing people in the

Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement The United Arab Emirates unblocks telephone lines between the country and Israel, as well as allowing people in the country to access Israeli websites. Israeli Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel congratulates the Emirati government for the move. (AP)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 16, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

2020 United States Postal Service crisis Congressional Democrats have announced investigations and hearings into allegations of widespread mail delays ahead of

2020 United States Postal Service crisis Congressional Democrats have announced investigations and hearings into allegations of widespread mail delays ahead of the coming 2020 United States presidential election, which many expect will see a surge in mail-in voting due to the ongoing pandemic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House of Representatives back from recess several weeks early in order to consider legislation to address the crisis. (The Hill) (Axios)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

2020 United States presidential election The 2020 Democratic National Convention begins, running until Thursday.

2020 United States presidential election The 2020 Democratic National Convention begins, running until Thursday. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris are expected to be officially nominated for their party's choice for President and Vice President, respectively, in the upcoming election. (NPR) In a show of bipartisan support for the Democrats national ticket, four longtime Republicans gave speeches: former Ohio governor John Kasich, former New Jersey governor Christine Whitman, former New York congresswoman Susan Molinari, and Quibi CEO Meg Whitman. (USA Today)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

Belarus–United Kingdom relations British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issues a statement that the United Kingdom does not recognize the results of the Belarus

Belarus–United Kingdom relations British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issues a statement that the United Kingdom does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election, which saw President Alexander Lukashenko re-elected. Raab calls the election "fraudulent" and demands an independent investigation into the results. (AFP via The Straits Times)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issues a statement that the United Kingdom does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election, which

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issues a statement that the United Kingdom does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election, which saw President Alexander Lukashenko re-elected. Raab calls the election "fraudulent" and demands an independent investigation into the results. (AFP via The Straits Times)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

Congressional Democrats have announced investigations and hearings into allegations of widespread mail delays ahead of the coming 2020 United States presidentia

Congressional Democrats have announced investigations and hearings into allegations of widespread mail delays ahead of the coming 2020 United States presidential election, which many expect will see a surge in mail-in voting due to the ongoing pandemic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House of Representatives back from recess several weeks early in order to consider legislation to address the crisis. (The Hill) (Axios)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns President Rodrigo Duterte downgrades the lockdown restrictions on the Greater Manila Area to t

COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns President Rodrigo Duterte downgrades the lockdown restrictions on the Greater Manila Area to the level of general community quarantine, effective August 19, following a two-week reimposition of a modified enhanced community quarantine to prevent a "collapse" of the country's health care system. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
17
Politics / Government

President Rodrigo Duterte downgrades the lockdown restrictions on the Greater Manila Area to the level of general community quarantine, effective August 19, fol

President Rodrigo Duterte downgrades the lockdown restrictions on the Greater Manila Area to the level of general community quarantine, effective August 19, following a two-week reimposition of a modified enhanced community quarantine to prevent a "collapse" of the country's health care system. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 17, 2020
Aug
18
Politics / Government

Belarus–Lithuania relations, 2020 Belarusian protests Lithuanian MPs approve economic sanctions against Belarus over the contested presidential elections.

Belarus–Lithuania relations, 2020 Belarusian protests Lithuanian MPs approve economic sanctions against Belarus over the contested presidential elections. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius says Lithuania is "sending a strong message to the world" and refuses to recognize Alexander Lukashenko as President. (AP)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 18, 2020
Aug
18
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland "significantly" tightens restrictions after a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past

COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland "significantly" tightens restrictions after a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks. All businesses are told to let employees work from home, new limits are placed on outdoor gatherings, and the government warns people to avoid public transport. The new rules will be in place until at least September 13. (Sky News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 18, 2020
Aug
18
Politics / Government

Ireland "significantly" tightens restrictions after a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks.

Ireland "significantly" tightens restrictions after a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks. All businesses are told to let employees work from home, new limits are placed on outdoor gatherings, and the government warns people to avoid public transport. The new rules will be in place until at least September 13. (Sky News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 18, 2020
Aug
18
Politics / Government

Two security forces later confirm to Reuters that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé have been detained by the mutinying forces.

Two security forces later confirm to Reuters that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé have been detained by the mutinying forces. The two men are believed to have been transported to Kati. (France 24) (Anadolu Agency) (Al Jazeera)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 18, 2020
Aug
18
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, COVID-19 vaccine Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that his country has signed a deal with the British-Swedish pharmaceuti

COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, COVID-19 vaccine Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that his country has signed a deal with the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to manufacture a vaccine against COVID-19 that the company is developing with the Oxford Vaccine Group. The vaccine is currently in Phase III efficacy trials and AstraZeneca says it is targeting a formulation of results by the end of the year. Morrison states that the deal also allows citizens to receive immediate and free access to the vaccines, if successful. (AFP via SCMP)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 18, 2020
Aug
18
Politics / Government

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that his country has signed a deal with the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to manufacture a vaccine

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that his country has signed a deal with the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to manufacture a vaccine against COVID-19 that the company is developing with the Oxford Vaccine Group. The vaccine is currently in Phase III efficacy trials and AstraZeneca says it is targeting a formulation of results by the end of the year. Morrison states that the deal also allows citizens to receive immediate and free access to the vaccines, if successful. (AFP via SCMP)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 18, 2020
Aug
19
Politics / Government

Belarus–European Union relations The European Union formally rejects the result of the latest presidential election in Belarus, which saw Alexander Lukashenko r

Belarus–European Union relations The European Union formally rejects the result of the latest presidential election in Belarus, which saw Alexander Lukashenko re-elected with over 80% of the vote. The European Commission announces it will reroute €53 million away from the Belarusian government to civil society. (Sky News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 19, 2020
Aug
19
Politics / Government

The European Union formally rejects the result of the latest presidential election in Belarus, which saw Alexander Lukashenko re-elected with over 80% of the vo

The European Union formally rejects the result of the latest presidential election in Belarus, which saw Alexander Lukashenko re-elected with over 80% of the vote. The European Commission announces it will reroute €53 million away from the Belarusian government to civil society. (Sky News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 19, 2020
Aug
19
Politics / Government

2020 Belarusian protests President Alexander Lukashenko says he has ordered security forces to "end the unrest" in Minsk, saying "People are tired.

2020 Belarusian protests President Alexander Lukashenko says he has ordered security forces to "end the unrest" in Minsk, saying "People are tired. People demand peace and quiet", while also warning that state workers who joined a general strike will not be given their jobs back, and will instead be "replaced by Russians". (BBC News) The Ministry of Health confirms that a man has died in hospital after being shot in the head at a protest in the city of Brest on August 11. He becomes the third fatality of the protests so far. (TASS)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 19, 2020
Aug
19
Politics / Government

President Alexander Lukashenko says he has ordered security forces to "end the unrest" in Minsk, saying "People are tired.

President Alexander Lukashenko says he has ordered security forces to "end the unrest" in Minsk, saying "People are tired. People demand peace and quiet", while also warning that state workers who joined a general strike will not be given their jobs back, and will instead be "replaced by Russians". (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 19, 2020
Aug
19
Politics / Government

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry sacks spokesman Haidar Badawi after claiming in an interview with Sky News Arabia yesterday that Sudan and Israel were working tow

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry sacks spokesman Haidar Badawi after claiming in an interview with Sky News Arabia yesterday that Sudan and Israel were working towards a peace deal. Foreign Minister Omar Qamar al-Din stated his Ministry reacted "with astonishment" towards the comments and that the topic was not being discussed. (Al Jazeera)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 19, 2020
Aug
20
Politics / Government

China–Philippines relations, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Scarborough Shoal standoff The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs files a diplom

China–Philippines relations, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Scarborough Shoal standoff The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs files a diplomatic protest with the Chinese government over the "illegal confiscation by the China Coast Guard of fish aggregating devices (payaos) of Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal in May." (Anadolu Agency)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 20, 2020
Aug
20
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The state government of Victoria rescinds a driving restriction on Melbourne residents, in

COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The state government of Victoria rescinds a driving restriction on Melbourne residents, in response to public criticism that the mandate limits their freedom of movement. The state has seen an emergence of cases that has led to the government declaring a state of disaster in early August. (Fox News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 20, 2020
Aug
20
Politics / Government

Russian anti-corruption activist and opposition leader Alexei Navalny falls ill on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow, and is rushed to a hospital in Omsk after an e

Russian anti-corruption activist and opposition leader Alexei Navalny falls ill on a flight from Tomsk to Moscow, and is rushed to a hospital in Omsk after an emergency landing. His spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, says it was suspected that he was poisoned by something mixed into his tea, with Navalny's team suspecting that it was in the airport café shortly before his flight. He is reported to be in a coma. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have offered Navalny medical assistance and unspecified protection in their countries. (BBC News) (The Indian Express)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 20, 2020
Aug
20
Politics / Government

Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The state government of Victoria rescinds a driving restriction on Melbourne residents, in response to public criticism t

Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The state government of Victoria rescinds a driving restriction on Melbourne residents, in response to public criticism that the mandate limits their freedom of movement. The state has seen an emergence of cases that has led to the government declaring a state of disaster in early August. (Fox News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 20, 2020
Aug
20
Politics / Government

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs files a diplomatic protest with the Chinese government over the "illegal confiscation by the China Coast Guard of f

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs files a diplomatic protest with the Chinese government over the "illegal confiscation by the China Coast Guard of fish aggregating devices (payaos) of Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal in May." (Anadolu Agency)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 20, 2020
Aug
20
Politics / Government

The state government of Victoria rescinds a driving restriction on Melbourne residents, in response to public criticism that the mandate limits their freedom of

The state government of Victoria rescinds a driving restriction on Melbourne residents, in response to public criticism that the mandate limits their freedom of movement. The state has seen an emergence of cases that has led to the government declaring a state of disaster in early August. (Fox News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 20, 2020
Aug
21
Politics / Government

The press office of deposed Bolivian President Evo Morales rejects a criminal complaint filed this week by the Ministry of Justice accusing him of trafficking a

The press office of deposed Bolivian President Evo Morales rejects a criminal complaint filed this week by the Ministry of Justice accusing him of trafficking and raping a 16-year-old girl, claiming it was part of a "dirty war" waged by the interim government. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 21, 2020
Aug
21
Politics / Government

Second Libyan Civil War Chief of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj orders a ceasefire in all the territory of Libya.

Second Libyan Civil War Chief of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj orders a ceasefire in all the territory of Libya. The statement ordered "to all military forces to immediately ceasefire and all combat operations in all Libyan territories". (Reuters) GNA's rival leader of the eastern-based front Aguila Saleh Issa appeals to a halt of hostilities from both sides and supports the ceasefire to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Libya. There has been no comment from Libyan National Army (LNA) leader Khalifa Haftar. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Aug 21, 2020
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