The Bucharest Metro stops operating as a result of a strike by the trade union of the metro. The government and Metrorex condemn the strike as illegal. (Digi 24)
The government's spokesman Kyriacos Koushos tests positive for COVID-19. (Cyprus-Mail)
The Maharashtra state government imposes a night curfew beginning on March 28, due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (India Today)
Transport in Romania The Bucharest Metro stops operating as a result of a strike by the trade union of the metro. The government and Metrorex condemn the strike as illegal. (Digi 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mauritania Mauritania begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 after receiving 500,000 doses of the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine from China. (Anadolu Agency)
Mauritania begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 after receiving 500,000 doses of the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine from China. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 misinformation by governments Facebook blocks the account of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro for spreading fake news related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as alleged miraculous remedies to combat the disease. (El Mundo)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, COVID-19 community quarantines in the Philippines Enhanced community quarantine in Luzon The government announces that the Greater Manila Area will be placed under enhanced community quarantine, which includes a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time, for one week from March 29 to April 4. (Inquirer)
Enhanced community quarantine in Luzon The government announces that the Greater Manila Area will be placed under enhanced community quarantine, which includes a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time, for one week from March 29 to April 4. (Inquirer)
Facebook blocks the account of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro for spreading fake news related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as alleged miraculous remedies to combat the disease. (El Mundo)
Islamist militants have taken control of Palma after outnumbered government forces withdraw from the town, according to security forces. (The Guardian)
The government announces that the Greater Manila Area will be placed under enhanced community quarantine, which includes a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time, for one week from March 29 to April 4. (Inquirer)
Thousands of women protest in Istanbul over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. (Reuters)
Bhutan launches their largest vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that was received from India. (CNA)
China and Iran sign a 25-year cooperation agreement at a live televised ceremony in Tehran, following a two-day state visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The accord is expected to significantly increase Chinese investment in Iran, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. (Reuters)
China–Iran relations Iran–China 25-year Cooperation Program China and Iran sign a 25-year cooperation agreement at a live televised ceremony in Tehran, following a two-day state visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The accord is expected to significantly increase Chinese investment in Iran, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. (Reuters)
Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano accuses FARC splinter group Dagoberto Ramos Mobile Column of being responsible for yesterday's car bombing in Corinto, Cauca Department, that injured 43 people, eleven of whom were public officials. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bhutan Bhutan launches their largest vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that was received from India. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster receives her first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (The Irish Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster receives her first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (The Irish Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Wales Wales lifts their "stay local" rules that have been imposed since December, allowing people to travel freely within the country. They also allow up to six people from two different households to meet and exercise outdoors, as well as resumption of organised outdoor activities and sports for people under the age of 18. (The Independent)
First Minister Arlene Foster receives her first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (The Irish Times)
Iran–China 25-year Cooperation Program China and Iran sign a 25-year cooperation agreement at a live televised ceremony in Tehran, following a two-day state visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The accord is expected to significantly increase Chinese investment in Iran, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. (Reuters)
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)
Five pro-government militia men are killed in an overnight attack in the Nangarhar Province in eastern Afghanistan. (The News International)
2019–2022 Sudanese transition to democracy The Sudanese transitional government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North sign an agreement in the South Sudanese capital of Juba, holding that the new government will maintain the separation of church and state and uphold the right to worship for all religions. (VOA)
The Sudanese transitional government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North sign an agreement in the South Sudanese capital of Juba, holding that the new government will maintain the separation of church and state and uphold the right to worship for all religions. (VOA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia Prime Minister Janez Jansa announces a circuit-breaker lockdown from April 1 to 12, which will close all non-essential businesses and in-person cultural and religious venues, ban gatherings of more than 10 people, and shift schools to remote learning. (STA)
Prime Minister Janez Jansa announces a circuit-breaker lockdown from April 1 to 12, which will close all non-essential businesses and in-person cultural and religious venues, ban gatherings of more than 10 people, and shift schools to remote learning. (STA)
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announces a Cabinet reshuffle, naming new Defence, Justice, and Foreign Ministers, as well as a new Attorney General, Secretary of Government and Chief of Staff amidst a rise of the COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as the mismanagement of the government handling of the pandemic. Former Defence Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva allegedly resigned over pressure from Bolsonaro to make the Armed Forces publicly support him. (O Estado de S. Paulo) (O Estado de S. Paulo2) (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics Due to the increase of cases in the country, President Sebastián Piñera introduces a constitutional reform to postpone the regional, local, and Constitutional Convention elections, scheduled for April 10 and 11. (La Tercera)
Due to the increase of cases in the country, President Sebastián Piñera introduces a constitutional reform to postpone the regional, local, and Constitutional Convention elections, scheduled for April 10 and 11. (La Tercera)
Presidency of Jair Bolsonaro Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announces a Cabinet reshuffle, naming new Defence, Justice, and Foreign Ministers, as well as a new Attorney General, Secretary of Government and Chief of Staff amidst a rise of the COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as the mismanagement of the government handling of the pandemic. Former Defence Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva allegedly resigned over pressure from Bolsonaro to make the Armed Forces publicly support him. (O Estado de S. Paulo) (O Estado de S. Paulo2) (Al Jazeera)
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)
Bangladesh reports a record 5,181 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 600,895. This forces the government to impose further restrictions across the country. (Dhaka Tribune)
COVID-19 pandemic in Albania Former Prime Minister and member of the Parliament Bashkim Fino dies from COVID-19 at the age of 58. (Balkans News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh Bangladesh reports a record 5,181 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 600,895. This forces the government to impose further restrictions across the country. (Dhaka Tribune)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Defence Minister Pervez Khattak both test positive for COVID-19. (The News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces that a full weekend lockdown will be put in place during Ramadan and that restaurants will only be able to offer delivery and takeout due to an increasing number of high-risk cities across the country. (Hurriyet Daily News)
Former Prime Minister and member of the Parliament Bashkim Fino dies from COVID-19 at the age of 58. (Balkans News)
President Arif Alvi and Defence Minister Pervez Khattak both test positive for COVID-19. (The News)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces that a full weekend lockdown will be put in place during Ramadan and that restaurants will only be able to offer delivery and takeout due to an increasing number of high-risk cities across the country. (Hurriyet Daily News)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces a reshuffle of his Cabinet in light of recent controversies. Michaelia Cash becomes Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister, replacing alleged rapist Christian Porter, who is instead made Industry, Science and Technology Minister. Peter Dutton becomes Leader of the House, replacing Porter and Defence Minister, replacing Linda Reynolds, who was criticised for her handling of a rape allegation among her ministerial staff. Reynolds is instead made Government Services Minister. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Russian anti-corruption activist and politician Ivan Zhdanov, head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and an ally of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, accuses authorities of detaining his father in order to pressure him on his anti-government activities, including mass protests to call for the release of Navalny. (Reuters)
The Houthi government in Sanaa, Yemen, deports several Yemenite Jewish families to the United Arab Emirates after reaching an agreement with the families to leave Yemen. Four elderly Yemenite Jews remain in the country. (Al Monitor)
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)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan begins its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using China's Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine. (Barron's)
Kyrgyzstan begins its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using China's Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine. (Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy COVID-19 vaccination in Italy Prime Minister Mario Draghi and his wife Maria Serenella Cappello receive their first doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (ANSA) The Government of Italy will impose a mandatory five-day quarantine for all travelers from other European Union member states until April 6. These travelers must also take a COVID-19 test at the end of the quarantine period. The only exceptions are for reasons of "proven necessity and urgency". (France 24)
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)
The Government of Italy will impose a mandatory five-day quarantine for all travelers from other European Union member states until April 6. These travelers must also take a COVID-19 test at the end of the quarantine period. The only exceptions are for reasons of "proven necessity and urgency". (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine supplied from Australia. Prime Minister James Marape is the first person to receive a dose of the vaccine. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 vaccination in Italy Prime Minister Mario Draghi and his wife Maria Serenella Cappello receive their first doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (ANSA)
Papua New Guinea begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine supplied from Australia. Prime Minister James Marape is the first person to receive a dose of the vaccine. (The Guardian)
Prime Minister Mario Draghi and his wife Maria Serenella Cappello receive their first doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (ANSA)
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of "provoking armed confrontation" with pro-Russian separatists in the war-torn eastern portion of the country. Putin also said that Ukraine failed to comply with the July 2020 ceasefire of the conflict, which has killed over 14,000 people since it broke out in 2014. (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
War in Donbass Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of "provoking armed confrontation" with pro-Russian separatists in the war-torn eastern portion of the country. Putin also said that Ukraine failed to comply with the July 2020 ceasefire of the conflict, which has killed over 14,000 people since it broke out in 2014. (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
COVID-19 pandemic in France President Emmanuel Macron announces the extension of the "light lockdown" to the rest of the country, which includes a school closure from April 12 to April 26, a one-month domestic travel ban, and closure of non-essential businesses beginning April 3 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (The Wall Street Journal) (BBC News)
President Emmanuel Macron announces the extension of the "light lockdown" to the rest of the country, which includes a school closure from April 12 to April 26, a one-month domestic travel ban, and closure of non-essential businesses beginning April 3 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (The Wall Street Journal) (BBC News)
Bangladesh reports a record 6,469 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, prompting the government to impose a series of new measures, including banning all travellers from the European Union and 12 other countries for two weeks beginning April 3. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh Bangladesh reports a record 6,469 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, prompting the government to impose a series of new measures, including banning all travellers from the European Union and 12 other countries for two weeks beginning April 3. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany President Frank-Walter Steinmeier receives his first dose of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The Japanese government designates Osaka, Hyogo, and Miyagi Prefectures for tougher measures against COVID-19 amid a rise in cases. The measures include fines of ¥200,000 ($1,808.80) for restaurants and bars that ignore mandates to shorten operating hours to 8:00 p.m., and capping attendance of large events to 5,000 people. These measures will be effective for one month beginning on April 5. (Kyodo News)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry, COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, Eurovision Song Contest 2021 The government announces that it will permit the attendance of around 3,500 fans into Rotterdam Ahoy for the Eurovision contest on May 18–22, as part of a trial to reopen public venues. (Radio France Internationale)
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier receives his first dose of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (Barron's)
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)
Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová appoints Finance Minister Eduard Heger as the new Prime Minister, ending a month-long political crisis. (Reuters)
The government announces that it will permit the attendance of around 3,500 fans into Rotterdam Ahoy for the Eurovision contest on May 18–22, as part of a trial to reopen public venues. (Radio France Internationale)
The Japanese government designates Osaka, Hyogo, and Miyagi Prefectures for tougher measures against COVID-19 amid a rise in cases. The measures include fines of ¥200,000 ($1,808.80) for restaurants and bars that ignore mandates to shorten operating hours to 8:00 p.m., and capping attendance of large events to 5,000 people. These measures will be effective for one month beginning on April 5. (Kyodo News)
COVID-19 pandemic in France Prime Minister Jean Castex announces a ban of alcoholic drinks in parks and outdoor public spaces in France as part of the limited nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Moldova Moldova enters a 60-day state of emergency to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi says that the rate of infection has increased to 635 per 100,000 people. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)
Moldova enters a 60-day state of emergency to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi says that the rate of infection has increased to 635 per 100,000 people. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)
Prime Minister Jean Castex announces a ban of alcoholic drinks in parks and outdoor public spaces in France as part of the limited nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina President Alberto Fernández tests positive for COVID-19. (The Courier)
