Delaware reports the first case of the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in three people from New Castle County. (Delaware Government)
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, crime in the United Kingdom Migrants set fire to the Napier Barracks at Shorncliffe Army Camp in Kent after "reports of a disturbance". The Home Office says people "set about destroying the barracks", after being told that they were being moved due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the camp. Kent Police say that the fire caused "a significant amount of damage" and is investigating it as a suspected arson attack. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in France Prime Minister Jean Castex announces the closure of borders to all travelers outside the European Union beginning January 31 in order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and avoid a third lockdown. In addition, travel between the overseas territories will be limited and all large shopping centres will be closed. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine The Verkhovna Rada passes a law banning registration of the Sputnik V vaccine developed by Russia. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Jean Castex announces the closure of borders to all travelers outside the European Union beginning January 31 in order to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and avoid a third lockdown. In addition, travel between the overseas territories will be limited and all large shopping centres will be closed. (ABC News)
The Verkhovna Rada passes a law banning registration of the Sputnik V vaccine developed by Russia. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria announces the easing of its lockdown from February 8, allowing non-essential shops and schools to reopen while toughening border restrictions and implementing a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time. (Vienna.at)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The Japanese House of Councillors passes a law that will introduce fines for people and businesses that do not comply with restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (The Japan Times)
The Japanese House of Councillors passes a law that will introduce fines for people and businesses that do not comply with restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (The Japan Times)
2020–2021 Indian farmers protest The Biden administration calls for India to resolve the farmers' protests via dialogue. However, the Ministry of External Affairs compared reactions to the January 26th incident at Red Fort to the January 6 riot that occurred at the Capitol. (National Herald) A probe by the Modi government to the source of a protest toolkit Greta Thunberg posted suggested it was put together by a Canadian pro-Khalistan organization and that the toolkit had a plan to carry forward the "malign Indian campaign" even if the government repealed the laws. (Times of India)
A probe by the Modi government to the source of a protest toolkit Greta Thunberg posted suggested it was put together by a Canadian pro-Khalistan organization and that the toolkit had a plan to carry forward the "malign Indian campaign" even if the government repealed the laws. (Times of India)
After criticism from China, Guyana terminates the above agreement and says it will continue to follow the One-China policy. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand Immigration and government officials announce that New Zealand will restart its Refugee Quota Programme this month, nearly a year after closing its border due to the pandemic. (RNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Western Australia lifts a five-day lockdown in Perth and surrounding areas after it reports no community cases. (9 News) COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand Immigration and government officials announce that New Zealand will restart its Refugee Quota Programme this month, nearly a year after closing its border due to the pandemic. (RNZ)
Immigration and government officials announce that New Zealand will restart its Refugee Quota Programme this month, nearly a year after closing its border due to the pandemic. (RNZ)
Israeli–Palestinian conflict The International Criminal Court announces that it will pave the way for investigations into alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories. Israel and groups like Hamas could be investigated. (NBC News)
The International Criminal Court announces that it will pave the way for investigations into alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories. Israel and groups like Hamas could be investigated. (NBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Israel Israel announces that it will ease its lockdown measures beginning February 7. People will no longer be restricted to within one kilometer of their homes, many services will be allowed to operate, and all national parks will reopen. However, international borders will remain closed until February 20. (MedicalXpress)
Israel announces that it will ease its lockdown measures beginning February 7. People will no longer be restricted to within one kilometer of their homes, many services will be allowed to operate, and all national parks will reopen. However, international borders will remain closed until February 20. (MedicalXpress)
COVID-19 pandemic in California Governor Gavin Newsom issues revised COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for churches after the U.S. Supreme Court lifts the state's ban on indoor worship in areas hardest hit by the pandemic. The new guidelines limit indoor services to 25 percent of the church's capacity in hard-hit areas and restricts indoor singing and chanting. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in California Governor Gavin Newsom issues revised COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for churches after the U.S. Supreme Court lifts the state's ban on indoor worship in areas hardest hit by the pandemic. The new guidelines limit indoor services to 25 percent of the church's capacity in hard-hit areas and restricts indoor singing and chanting. (ABC News)
Governor Gavin Newsom issues revised COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for churches after the U.S. Supreme Court lifts the state's ban on indoor worship in areas hardest hit by the pandemic. The new guidelines limit indoor services to 25 percent of the church's capacity in hard-hit areas and restricts indoor singing and chanting. (ABC News)
2020–21 Sudanese–Ethiopian clashes Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto arrives in Khartoum to help reduce tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia. He will also visit a refugee camp containing refugees fleeing the Tigray War and visit Ethiopia after spending time in Sudan. (European Union)
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto arrives in Khartoum to help reduce tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia. He will also visit a refugee camp containing refugees fleeing the Tigray War and visit Ethiopia after spending time in Sudan. (European Union)
Austria tightens its border controls with all neighbouring countries in order to avoid non-essential travel due to the pandemic. (The Local Austria)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria tightens its border controls with all neighbouring countries in order to avoid non-essential travel due to the pandemic. (The Local Austria)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria tightens its border controls with all neighbouring countries in order to avoid non-essential travel due to the pandemic. (The Local Austria) COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary Hungary approves the use of the Sputnik V vaccine in the country. (The Moscow Times)
2021 Somali presidential election An alliance of opposition parties ceases recognising Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed as the President of Somalia, and propose the creation of a "national council of lawmakers, opposition leaders and civil society" to govern the country as the President's term expires with no clear plan for succession. (Reuters)
An alliance of opposition parties ceases recognising Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed as the President of Somalia, and propose the creation of a "national council of lawmakers, opposition leaders and civil society" to govern the country as the President's term expires with no clear plan for succession. (Reuters)
The government of Colombia announces the legalization of undocumented Venezuelan migrants currently in the country, making them eligible to receive 10-year residency permits. (AP)
Venezuelan refugee crisis The government of Colombia announces the legalization of undocumented Venezuelan migrants currently in the country, making them eligible to receive 10-year residency permits. (AP)
2021 Myanmar protests, aftermath of the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état A nationwide general strike takes place in Myanmar in response to the military coup with thousands marching in the capital Naypyidaw, where they clashed with riot police. Several injuries have been reported. (BBC News) The military junta declares martial law in the country's second largest city Mandalay amid protests against the coup. Public gatherings of more than five people are banned, and a curfew from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. has been imposed. (Channel News Asia)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleads not guilty to charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud at the Jerusalem District Court. (Reuters)
The military junta declares martial law in the country's second largest city Mandalay amid protests against the coup. Public gatherings of more than five people are banned, and a curfew from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. has been imposed. (Channel News Asia)
Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, corruption in Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleads not guilty to charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud at the Jerusalem District Court. (Reuters)
A court in Baden-Württemberg overturns the nighttime curfew imposed since mid-December to stop the spread of COVID-19 following an emergency application. It means that the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will be scrapped on February 11. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany A court in Baden-Württemberg overturns the nighttime curfew imposed since mid-December to stop the spread of COVID-19 following an emergency application. It means that the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will be scrapped on February 11. (Euronews)
Saudi Arabian–Yemeni border conflict The Houthis carry out a drone strike on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia, damaging a civilian aircraft. A Houthi spokesman says that the attack is in response to coalition airstrikes and other actions in Yemen. (Reuters)
2021 Russian protests A court in Russia orders the arrest of Alexei Navalny's ally Leonid Volkov for "appealing to minors to join illegal protests". Volkov, who lives in the European Union and who will not be extradited, said on Facebook that he will "ignore the charges". (DW)
A court in Russia orders the arrest of Alexei Navalny's ally Leonid Volkov for "appealing to minors to join illegal protests". Volkov, who lives in the European Union and who will not be extradited, said on Facebook that he will "ignore the charges". (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia South Australia tightens its border restrictions with Victoria due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Victoria. Travelers from Melbourne will be banned from entering South Australia, though people living in other parts of the state will still be permitted to cross the border. (ABC Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Germany will close its border with the Czech Republic and Austria's Tyrol region beginning on the evening of February 14 because of a high risk of variants of SARS-CoV-2. (Eurozone)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa The cabinet announces that 20 of South Africa's land borders with Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe will reopen on February 15. (TimesLIVE)
Kurdish–Turkish conflict Operation Claw-Eagle 2 According to Turkish authorities, a Turkish military operation against Kurdish PKK fighters in Duhok, Iraq, ends with the death of 48 PKK fighters, three Turkish soldiers, and 13 Turks who had been kidnapped by the PKK. (Reuters)
Operation Claw-Eagle 2 According to Turkish authorities, a Turkish military operation against Kurdish PKK fighters in Duhok, Iraq, ends with the death of 48 PKK fighters, three Turkish soldiers, and 13 Turks who had been kidnapped by the PKK. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian–Yemeni border conflict The Houthis say that they have struck Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with drones. A Houthi spokesman said on Twitter that the attacks halted operations in the airports for two hours. The Saudi-led coalition says that it intercepted drones heading towards the kingdom but did not confirm the attacks. (Reuters)
Yemeni Civil War Saudi Arabian–Yemeni border conflict The Houthis say that they have struck Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with drones. A Houthi spokesman said on Twitter that the attacks halted operations in the airports for two hours. The Saudi-led coalition says that it intercepted drones heading towards the kingdom but did not confirm the attacks. (Reuters)
A lower court in The Hague orders the government to scrap its 9:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. curfew, citing violations of freedom of movement and assembly. Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government appealed the court decision, which was overturned by a high court. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands A lower court in The Hague orders the government to scrap its 9:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. curfew, citing violations of freedom of movement and assembly. Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government appealed the court decision, which was overturned by a high court. (Euronews)
Two men accused of leading a Christian-majority Anti-balaka group in the Central African Republic that targeted Muslims plead not guilty at the start of their trial at the International Criminal Court. (Reuters)
2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest, Internet Censorship in India A New Delhi court sends climate activist Disha Ravi to jail for allegedly sharing a "toolkit" on social media in connection with the ongoing farmers' protest against three farm bills as it investigates further. Ms. Ravi, a resident of Bangalore, was arrested on February 4 and flown overnight to New Delhi. (The Hindu)
A New Delhi court sends climate activist Disha Ravi to jail for allegedly sharing a "toolkit" on social media in connection with the ongoing farmers' protest against three farm bills as it investigates further. Ms. Ravi, a resident of Bangalore, was arrested on February 4 and flown overnight to New Delhi. (The Hindu)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan detects a new variant from 91 cases in the Kanto region and two cases at airports. In addition, an infection cluster is detected at a Tokyo immigration facility. (ABC Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands Senators vote 45–13 to approve legislation that underpins the curfew, ensuring that it will continue until March despite an initial court order to end it. (AP)
Environmental policy of the Joe Biden administration The United States formally rejoins the Paris Agreement, 107 days after it left the climate accord. (The Guardian)
In a 6–1 decision, the Federal Court of Malaysia rules that news portal Malaysiakini can be held in contempt of court over its users' comments against the Malaysian judiciary. Co-founder and editor-in-chief Steven Gan is personally absolved of the charge. The portal will be required to pay RM500,000 (about US$120,000) in fines next week. (Malaysiakini) (CNA)
Senators vote 45–13 to approve legislation that underpins the curfew, ensuring that it will continue until March despite an initial court order to end it. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand New Zealand begins a vaccination programme against COVID-19, starting with 70 border workers under strict infection prevention measures. (RNZ)
The Moscow City Court upholds the three-year prison sentence against opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny. Navalny now faces slander charges. His defense had previously said that the European Court of Human Rights had labeled his arrest as "unlawful". (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Australia begins a mass vaccination campaign with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is one of the first people to receive a vaccine. (ABC Australia) Australia and New Zealand reopen their maritime borders after recent outbreaks in both countries have been contained. (The Guardian)
Cannabis in New Jersey Enabling legislation for Public Question 1 is signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, making New Jersey the 14th state to legalize recreational cannabis. (NBC News)
Enabling legislation for Public Question 1 is signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, making New Jersey the 14th state to legalize recreational cannabis. (NBC News)
Historical Memory Law The last statue of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in Spain is removed in Melilla. (El País)
Drug policy of Germany Authorities in Germany and Belgium seize more than 23,000 kilograms (51,000 lb) of cocaine, worth billions of dollars, in an international operation that resulted in one arrest. Authorities consider this to be the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in Europe. The containers came on a ship from Paraguay, via Tangier and Rotterdam, the police said. (CNN)
LGBTQ rights in Malaysia, judiciary of Malaysia The Federal Court, in a landmark decision, unanimously declares that Selangor's sharia law provision on "unnatural sex" is invalid and unconstitutional, as such offences fall under the jurisdiction of federal law. (Malay Mail) (CNA)
The Federal Court, in a landmark decision, unanimously declares that Selangor's sharia law provision on "unnatural sex" is invalid and unconstitutional, as such offences fall under the jurisdiction of federal law. (Malay Mail) (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic The Chamber of Deputies passes a new pandemic law that allows the health ministry and local authorities to shut down trade, production facilities, and events. In turn, the government announces the new state of emergency from February 27 until March 28. (Politico.eu)
The Chamber of Deputies passes a new pandemic law that allows the health ministry and local authorities to shut down trade, production facilities, and events. In turn, the government announces the new state of emergency from February 27 until March 28. (Politico.eu)
Corruption in Indonesia Indonesia's anti-corruption agency arrests South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah and several other people for alleged corruption in Makassar. Abdullah's arrest came as a surprise to many with his track record as an anti-corruption champion. (Jakarta Globe)
Indonesia's anti-corruption agency arrests South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah and several other people for alleged corruption in Makassar. Abdullah's arrest came as a surprise to many with his track record as an anti-corruption champion. (Jakarta Globe)
A gunfight erupts between Indonesian Army and East Indonesia Mujahideen in the Andole Mountain area, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, resulting in the death of a soldier and two militants. (Kaili Post)
Operation Madago Raya A gunfight erupts between Indonesian Army and East Indonesia Mujahideen in the Andole Mountain area, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, resulting in the death of a soldier and two militants. (Kaili Post)
Hungary's ruling party Fidesz withdraws from the conservative European Parliament bloc European People's Party (EPP), after the EPP changed its rules to allow it to expel a party's entire delegation. Fidesz's membership had been suspended since 2019 after it accused then-European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and philanthropist George Soros of conspiring to "flood" Europe with migrants during a national campaign. (DW)
Freedom House, in its annual Freedom in the World report, downgrades India from "free" to "partially free". The report cites the rise in mob violence against Muslims, increased government interference in the judiciary, increased intimidation against journalists and activists, and the government's heavy-handed approach to COVID-19 lockdowns that left millions of migrants stranded as the main reasons for the downgrade. (France 24) (BBC News)
Twenty people are killed and others are feared dead after smugglers intentionally throw 80 migrants overboard during a voyage from Djibouti to Yemen. (Al Jazeera)
