World 2020 Timeline

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Showing 75 events on this page. Use search or category filters to narrow the year.
Aug
14
Sports

2019–20 UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona 2–8 FC Bayern Munich In association football, FC Bayern Munich become the first team to score eight goals in a UEFA

2019–20 UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona 2–8 FC Bayern Munich In association football, FC Bayern Munich become the first team to score eight goals in a UEFA Champions League knockout match after doing so against FC Barcelona in a quarter-finals match that ended 8–2. FC Barcelona suffer one of their worst defeats in history, having conceded eight goals for the first time since 1946. (AP via Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Aug
14
Health / Disasters

COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Greece announces that they would limit public gatherings to 50 people and impose a midnight curfew on bars and restaurants in Athens

COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Greece announces that they would limit public gatherings to 50 people and impose a midnight curfew on bars and restaurants in Athens and other areas. This measure is to last until August 24 in parts of the country where infection numbers have risen. (Greek Reporter)

Aug
14
Health / Disasters

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts and cultural heritage COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, COVID-19 pandemic in New York City New York Governor A

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts and cultural heritage COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, COVID-19 pandemic in New York City New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says that museums and cultural institutions in New York City will be allowed to reopen on August 24 at a 25% capacity. (The New York Times)

Aug
14
Sports

In association football, FC Bayern Munich become the first team to score eight goals in a UEFA Champions League knockout match after doing so against FC Barcelo

In association football, FC Bayern Munich become the first team to score eight goals in a UEFA Champions League knockout match after doing so against FC Barcelona in a quarter-finals match that ended 8–2. FC Barcelona suffer one of their worst defeats in history, having conceded eight goals for the first time since 1946. (AP via Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Aug
14
Politics / Government

Sanctions on Iran The United Nations Security Council has resoundingly rejected a United States bid to extend a global arms embargo on Iran.

Sanctions on Iran The United Nations Security Council has resoundingly rejected a United States bid to extend a global arms embargo on Iran. In a Security Council vote, United States only got support from the Dominican Republic for its resolution to indefinitely extend the arms embargo on Iran, leaving it far short of the minimum nine "yes" votes required for adoption. Eleven members on the 15-member body, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, abstained while Russia and China opposed extending the ban but did not need to use their vetoes. (Al Jazeera) (The Guardian)

Aug
14
Politics / Government

The United Nations Security Council has resoundingly rejected a United States bid to extend a global arms embargo on Iran.

The United Nations Security Council has resoundingly rejected a United States bid to extend a global arms embargo on Iran. In a Security Council vote, United States only got support from the Dominican Republic for its resolution to indefinitely extend the arms embargo on Iran, leaving it far short of the minimum nine "yes" votes required for adoption. Eleven members on the 15-member body, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, abstained while Russia and China opposed extending the ban but did not need to use their vetoes. (Al Jazeera) (The Guardian)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

2020 Thai protests Student activist Parit Chiwarak is released on bail after being arrested on Friday for co-organising a rally in July.

2020 Thai protests Student activist Parit Chiwarak is released on bail after being arrested on Friday for co-organising a rally in July. He was charged with violating the COVID-19 measures and breaching internal security. Protests have been taking place in Thailand since July against the government. Parit Chiwarak has said he will continue to protest against the government and for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Reuters)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

Argentine debt restructuring The government approves a proposed deal with the U.S.

Argentine debt restructuring The government approves a proposed deal with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to restructure around $65 billion in foreign government bonds, following President Alberto Fernández's successful negotiations with creditors and the International Monetary Fund the previous week after the country defaulted in May. The government plans to submit the proposal to the SEC on August 17. (Reuters)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the public not to travel to some places, including Paris

COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the public not to travel to some places, including Paris, the region surrounding Marseilles, Brussels, Ibiza and Mallorca. The warnings come as a response to an increase in new cases in Spain, France and Belgium. (NL Times)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

Student activist Parit Chiwarak is released on bail after being arrested on Friday for co-organising a rally in July.

Student activist Parit Chiwarak is released on bail after being arrested on Friday for co-organising a rally in July. He was charged with violating the COVID-19 measures and breaching internal security. Protests have been taking place in Thailand since July against the government. Parit Chiwarak has said he will continue to protest against the government and for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Reuters)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

The government approves a proposed deal with the U.S.

The government approves a proposed deal with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to restructure around $65 billion in foreign government bonds, following President Alberto Fernández's successful negotiations with creditors and the International Monetary Fund the previous week after the country defaulted in May. The government plans to submit the proposal to the SEC on August 17. (Reuters)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the public not to travel to some places, including Paris, the region surrounding Marseilles,

The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the public not to travel to some places, including Paris, the region surrounding Marseilles, Brussels, Ibiza and Mallorca. The warnings come as a response to an increase in new cases in Spain, France and Belgium. (NL Times)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the

Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the public not to travel to some places, including Paris, the region surrounding Marseilles, Brussels, Ibiza and Mallorca. The warnings come as a response to an increase in new cases in Spain, France and Belgium. (NL Times)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

2020 Belarusian protests President Alexander Lukashenko issues an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin as he considers the protests "not a threat to just

2020 Belarusian protests 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)

Aug
15
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria Algeria begins to reopen their mosques, beaches, cafes, and parks five months after their lockdown.

COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria Algeria begins to reopen their mosques, beaches, cafes, and parks five months after their lockdown. (ABC News) 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Aug
15
Sports

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports, 2019–20 Chinese Basketball Association season In basketball, the Guangdong Southern Tigers win their 10th CBA champio

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports, 2019–20 Chinese Basketball Association season In basketball, the Guangdong Southern Tigers win their 10th CBA championship, bringing an end to the 2019–20 CBA season, which was paused due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (South China Morning Post)

Aug
15
Health / Disasters

MV Wakashio oil spill The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half.

MV Wakashio oil spill The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean. Most of the oil had been pumped out before the ship broke in half in the afternoon. Around 166 tonnes of oil remained after the break, and authorities are working to remove it. Scientists call it the biggest environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. France says it will help with the cleanup. Japan's ministry of environment announced that it will send officials and other specialists to look at the damage. (Reuters)

Aug
15
Technology / Science

Thai King Vajiralongkorn commutes the death sentence of two Burmese nationals convicted of the rape and murder of two British backpackers in 2014 in Ko Tao.

Thai King Vajiralongkorn commutes the death sentence of two Burmese nationals convicted of the rape and murder of two British backpackers in 2014 in Ko Tao. The royal decree was issued to commemorate the birthday of the King, on July 28, to "illustrate the king's clemency". The pair now serve life in prison. (BBC News)

Aug
15
Health / Disasters

The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half.

The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean. Most of the oil had been pumped out before the ship broke in half in the afternoon. Around 166 tonnes of oil remained after the break, and authorities are working to remove it. Scientists call it the biggest environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. France says it will help with the cleanup. Japan's ministry of environment announced that it will send officials and other specialists to look at the damage. (Reuters)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Aug
16
Immigration / Law / Policy

In a defiant speech, Alexander Lukashenko addresses supporters in Independence Square, Minsk, where he claims Belarus would "die as a state" if new elections we

In a defiant speech, Alexander Lukashenko addresses supporters in Independence Square, Minsk, where he claims Belarus would "die as a state" if new elections were held, and accuses NATO of "massing on the border". Opposition critics say most of those at the rally were coerced into attending and had been bussed in from other parts of the country. (Sky News)

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)

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