World 2021 Timeline

All categories Politics / Government Immigration / Law / Policy Economy / Jobs / Business War / Conflict / Security Culture / Society Pop Culture / Entertainment Sports Technology / Science Health / Disasters Major Trends
Showing 75 events on this page. Use search or category filters to narrow the year.
Previous Next
Jan
01
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Chad Chadian President Idriss Déby signs a decree that imposes a lockdown in the country's capital N'Djamena for the first time since the p

COVID-19 pandemic in Chad Chadian President Idriss Déby signs a decree that imposes a lockdown in the country's capital N'Djamena for the first time since the pandemic began and also declares a dusk-to-dawn curfew due to a rise in the number of cases. (Reuters)

Jan
02
Politics / Government

2020–21 Nigerien general election The electoral commission of Niger declares that a second round of the presidential election will take place on February 21 aft

2020–21 Nigerien general election The electoral commission of Niger declares that a second round of the presidential election will take place on February 21 after no candidate received a majority of the vote. The two candidates will be former minister Mohamed Bazoum, the leader of the ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, who won the first round with 39.33% of the votes; and former president Mahamane Ousmane, who won 16.99% of votes. (Al-Ahram)

Jan
02
Politics / Government

The electoral commission of Niger declares that a second round of the presidential election will take place on February 21 after no candidate received a majorit

The electoral commission of Niger declares that a second round of the presidential election will take place on February 21 after no candidate received a majority of the vote. The two candidates will be former minister Mohamed Bazoum, the leader of the ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, who won the first round with 39.33% of the votes; and former president Mahamane Ousmane, who won 16.99% of votes. (Al-Ahram)

Jan
02
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Greece The Government of Greece announces a one-week closure of all shops that were allowed to reopen during the holiday season, as well as

COVID-19 pandemic in Greece The Government of Greece announces a one-week closure of all shops that were allowed to reopen during the holiday season, as well as all places of worship beginning tomorrow in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases ahead of the reopening of schools on January 11. A curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time will also be imposed. (Ekathimerini)

Jan
02
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Palau, COVID-19 vaccine Palau receives 2,800 doses of the Moderna vaccine in a special contribution from the United States.

COVID-19 pandemic in Palau, COVID-19 vaccine Palau receives 2,800 doses of the Moderna vaccine in a special contribution from the United States. The government announced that it will vaccinate healthcare workers first and then vaccinate seniors and people with medical conditions. (RNZ)

Jan
02
Politics / Government

Saïd Bouteflika, the brother and special advisor of former Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is cleared of conspiracy charges following a retrial.

Saïd Bouteflika, the brother and special advisor of former Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is cleared of conspiracy charges following a retrial. Saïd Bouteflika had been sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2019 for "undermining the authority of the armed forces" and "conspiring against the authority of the state" following his brother's resignation in the context of the 2019–20 Algerian protests. (Arab News)

Jan
02
Politics / Government

The Government of Greece announces a one-week closure of all shops that were allowed to reopen during the holiday season, as well as all places of worship begin

The Government of Greece announces a one-week closure of all shops that were allowed to reopen during the holiday season, as well as all places of worship beginning tomorrow in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases ahead of the reopening of schools on January 11. A curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time will also be imposed. (Ekathimerini)

Jan
03
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt, COVID-19 vaccine Egypt approves the use of Sinopharm's BBIBP-CorV vaccine, with the vaccination campaign

COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt, COVID-19 vaccine Egypt approves the use of Sinopharm's BBIBP-CorV vaccine, with the vaccination campaign expected to start later this month. Egypt plans to buy 40 million doses of this vaccine. (Al Jazeera) COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta signs an executive order that bans all gatherings except funerals and weddings of up to 150 people. He also extends the nationwide night curfew until March 12. (Anadolu Agency)

Jan
03
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg announces a series of new nationwide restrictions including a ban on alcohol being served in restaurants

COVID-19 pandemic in Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg announces a series of new nationwide restrictions including a ban on alcohol being served in restaurants and bars and an advisory against having any guests in private residences in order to reduce the spread of a third wave of cases. (The Hill)

Jan
03
Politics / Government

Prime Minister Erna Solberg announces a series of new nationwide restrictions including a ban on alcohol being served in restaurants and bars and an advisory ag

Prime Minister Erna Solberg announces a series of new nationwide restrictions including a ban on alcohol being served in restaurants and bars and an advisory against having any guests in private residences in order to reduce the spread of a third wave of cases. (The Hill)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon The Lebanese Government announces a 25-day nationwide lockdown in the country beginning January 7 in order to reduce the increase i

COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon The Lebanese Government announces a 25-day nationwide lockdown in the country beginning January 7 in order to reduce the increase in COVID-19 cases that occurred during the holiday season. A curfew from 6:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. local time will also be in effect until February 1. (ABC)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

Crime in Nigeria Kidnapped Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe, of the Owerri Archdiocese in Nigeria, is freed by his captors.

Crime in Nigeria Kidnapped Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe, of the Owerri Archdiocese in Nigeria, is freed by his captors. Kidnapped last Sunday, police allege that no ransom is paid. International condemnation includes Pope Francis, during his new year message calling for Bishop Chikwe's release. While in Imo state, a Catholic women's organization, stage a peaceful protest at the Imo state government house, calling on Governor Hope Uzodinma, to quicken action for the release of the Auxiliary Bishop. (Vanguard, Lagos)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

Kidnapped Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe, of the Owerri Archdiocese in Nigeria, is freed by his captors.

Kidnapped Auxiliary Bishop Moses Chikwe, of the Owerri Archdiocese in Nigeria, is freed by his captors. Kidnapped last Sunday, police allege that no ransom is paid. International condemnation includes Pope Francis, during his new year message calling for Bishop Chikwe's release. While in Imo state, a Catholic women's organization, stage a peaceful protest at the Imo state government house, calling on Governor Hope Uzodinma, to quicken action for the release of the Auxiliary Bishop. (Vanguard, Lagos)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

The Lebanese Government announces a 25-day nationwide lockdown in the country beginning January 7 in order to reduce the increase in COVID-19 cases that occurre

The Lebanese Government announces a 25-day nationwide lockdown in the country beginning January 7 in order to reduce the increase in COVID-19 cases that occurred during the holiday season. A curfew from 6:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. local time will also be in effect until February 1. (ABC)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

Contrary to the strategy adopted by the United Kingdom, Spain is expected to maintain its plan to administer two doses per person of the COVID-19 vaccine tozina

Contrary to the strategy adopted by the United Kingdom, Spain is expected to maintain its plan to administer two doses per person of the COVID-19 vaccine tozinameran, which is the recommendation of the manufacturer Pfizer-BioNTech. Germany is also considering the single-dose strategy. (Reuters)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in England British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a third nationwide lockdown in England beginning at midnight.

COVID-19 pandemic in England British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a third nationwide lockdown in England beginning at midnight. All schools and universities will be closed until mid-February and people will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons like shopping and exercise. (BBC News)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that a lockdown in level four areas such as mainland Scotland will begin at midn

COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that a lockdown in level four areas such as mainland Scotland will begin at midnight, and that there will be a legal requirement to stay at home for the remainder of the month. Schools will also remain closed. (The Guardian)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, COVID-19 vaccine Contrary to the strategy adopted by the United Kingdom, Spain is expected to maintain its plan to administer two do

COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, COVID-19 vaccine Contrary to the strategy adopted by the United Kingdom, Spain is expected to maintain its plan to administer two doses per person of the COVID-19 vaccine tozinameran, which is the recommendation of the manufacturer Pfizer-BioNTech. Germany is also considering the single-dose strategy. (Reuters)

Jan
04
Politics / Government

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that a lockdown in level four areas such as mainland Scotland will begin at midnight, and that there will be a

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces that a lockdown in level four areas such as mainland Scotland will begin at midnight, and that there will be a legal requirement to stay at home for the remainder of the month. Schools will also remain closed. (The Guardian)

Jan
05
Politics / Government

2020 United States Senate elections 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia Voters in Georgia

2020 United States Senate elections 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia Voters in Georgia head to the polls to cast their votes to determine who will control the United States Senate. Republican Senator David Perdue will face Democrat Jon Ossoff, and incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler will face Democrat Raphael Warnock. (BBC News)

Jan
05
Politics / Government

2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia Voters in Georgia head to the polls to cast their vot

2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia Voters in Georgia head to the polls to cast their votes to determine who will control the United States Senate. Republican Senator David Perdue will face Democrat Jon Ossoff, and incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler will face Democrat Raphael Warnock. (BBC News)

Jan
05
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces the increase of the COVID-19 risk level from level 4 to 5, indicating "widespread infect

COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces the increase of the COVID-19 risk level from level 4 to 5, indicating "widespread infection in society", as well as "a risk that treatment capacity at hospitals will be exceeded". In addition, public and private gatherings will be limited to five people. The rules will be in effect until January 17. (The Local Denmark)

Jan
05
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy's Council of Ministers approves a decree that prohibits travel between the country's regions except for health or work reasons,

COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy's Council of Ministers approves a decree that prohibits travel between the country's regions except for health or work reasons, with people in "red zone" areas only allowed to move once per day. They also extend most lockdown restrictions until January 15. The country will be in a "yellow zone" on January 7 and 8, with eased restrictions and allowing restaurants, bars, shops and malls to open, while on January 9 and 10 the country will be in an "orange zone", with malls closed and restaurants and bars open for takeaway and delivery only. (ANSA)

Jan
05
Politics / Government

Italy's Council of Ministers approves a decree that prohibits travel between the country's regions except for health or work reasons, with people in "red zone"

Italy's Council of Ministers approves a decree that prohibits travel between the country's regions except for health or work reasons, with people in "red zone" areas only allowed to move once per day. They also extend most lockdown restrictions until January 15. The country will be in a "yellow zone" on January 7 and 8, with eased restrictions and allowing restaurants, bars, shops and malls to open, while on January 9 and 10 the country will be in an "orange zone", with malls closed and restaurants and bars open for takeaway and delivery only. (ANSA)

Jan
05
Politics / Government

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces the increase of the COVID-19 risk level from level 4 to 5, indicating "widespread infection in society", as well as "

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces the increase of the COVID-19 risk level from level 4 to 5, indicating "widespread infection in society", as well as "a risk that treatment capacity at hospitals will be exceeded". In addition, public and private gatherings will be limited to five people. The rules will be in effect until January 17. (The Local Denmark)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

Twitter locks the personal account of President Donald Trump for the first time, citing the president's "incitement to violence", and "false claims about the re

Twitter locks the personal account of President Donald Trump for the first time, citing the president's "incitement to violence", and "false claims about the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election". The social media site warns that further attempts to violate the company's rules could result in a permanent suspension of Trump's account. (CNBC)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco COVID-19 vaccination in Morocco Morocco approves AstraZeneca's vaccine.

COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco COVID-19 vaccination in Morocco Morocco approves AstraZeneca's vaccine. (The Washington Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal President Macky Sall declares a state of emergency and imposes a curfew at 9:00 p.m. local time in Dakar and Thiès in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (RFI)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland reports a record 7,836 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to

COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland reports a record 7,836 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 121,154. (Independent.ie) The government also agrees to tighten the lockdown measures including keeping schools closed but allowing Leaving Cert students to attend three days per week and also suspending non-essential construction projects. These measures will remain in place until the end of January. (The Irish Times)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

The government also agrees to tighten the lockdown measures including keeping schools closed but allowing Leaving Cert students to attend three days per week an

The government also agrees to tighten the lockdown measures including keeping schools closed but allowing Leaving Cert students to attend three days per week and also suspending non-essential construction projects. These measures will remain in place until the end of January. (The Irish Times)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

U.S President pro tempore Chuck Grassley announces that the United States Senate has entered recess as Senator James Lankford (R-OK) was given out a speech, wit

U.S President pro tempore Chuck Grassley announces that the United States Senate has entered recess as Senator James Lankford (R-OK) was given out a speech, with an aide informing Lankford that pro-Trump protesters were entering the building. Additionally, the U.S. House enters a recess. (Business Insider) (KOCO-TV)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announces two-week restrictions in parts of the islands of Java and Bali beginning January 11.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announces two-week restrictions in parts of the islands of Java and Bali beginning January 11. These restrictions include limiting operating hours for malls, an advisory for 75% of workers to work from home, and capacity restrictions for restaurants and places of worship. (Okezone.com)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 8,854 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 78

COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 8,854 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 788,402. (detikHealth) Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announces two-week restrictions in parts of the islands of Java and Bali beginning January 11. These restrictions include limiting operating hours for malls, an advisory for 75% of workers to work from home, and capacity restrictions for restaurants and places of worship. (Okezone.com)

Jan
06
Politics / Government

Senator Ted Cruz and Rep.

Senator Ted Cruz and Rep. Paul Gosar object to the state of Arizona, making it the first time a vote is forced to accept or reject the objection since 2004, when Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Senator Barbara Boxer objected to George W. Bush's victory in Ohio against John Kerry. The objection failed 6-93 in the Senate and 121-303 in the House. (National Review) (KTVZ-TV) (Gwinnett Daily Post)

Jan
07
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares a state of emergency for the Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital Tokyo and neighbou

COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares a state of emergency for the Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures such as Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama, from tomorrow until February 7. The government asks restaurants in those areas to close at 8 p.m. daily and also urges residents to limit non-essential travel. (CNA) Nationwide, Japan reports a record 7,568 new cases in the past 24 hours. Tokyo reports a record 2,447 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in the prefecture to 68,790. (The Japan Times)

Jan
07
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Palau, COVID-19 vaccine Palau begins its vaccination program, with outgoing President Thomas Remengesau Jr.

COVID-19 pandemic in Palau, COVID-19 vaccine Palau begins its vaccination program, with outgoing President Thomas Remengesau Jr. and incoming President Surangel Whipps Jr. receiving the first two doses. The country plans to vaccinate more than 18,000 people with the Moderna vaccine provided by the United States. (RNZ)

Jan
07
Politics / Government

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares a state of emergency for the Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures such as Ch

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares a state of emergency for the Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures such as Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama, from tomorrow until February 7. The government asks restaurants in those areas to close at 8 p.m. daily and also urges residents to limit non-essential travel. (CNA)

Jan
07
Politics / Government

Rep.

Rep. Jake LaTurner (KS-2) is notified of his positive COVID-19 diagnosis after the vote on Arizona and goes into isolation, missing the Pennsylvania vote. (Kansas City Star)

Jan
07
Politics / Government

U.S.

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri object to Pennsylvania's electoral college votes, forcing a second vote to accept or reject the objection. This comes after the House and the Senate defeated a similar objection to Arizona's electoral college votes from Rep. Paul Gosar and Senator Ted Cruz. The Senate and the House both vote to reject the objection, allowing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to receive the state’s electoral votes. (The Guardian)

Jan
08
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in New York COVID-19 pandemic in New York City New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea tests posi

COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in New York COVID-19 pandemic in New York City New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea tests positive for COVID-19. (Patch.com) COVID-19 pandemic in California, COVID-19 vaccine California Governor Gavin Newsom sets a goal of vaccinating 1 million people by January 17. (The Los Angeles Times) President-elect Joe Biden says he will plan to speed up the release of vaccine doses. (USA Today)

Page navigation keeps this timeline fast on phones and slower connections.
Previous Next