Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics, COVID-19 pandemic in India British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancels a planned trip to India due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country. (Reuters)
International Space Station programme Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov confirms that Russia will withdraw from the International Space Station beginning in 2025. (RT)
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov confirms that Russia will withdraw from the International Space Station beginning in 2025. (RT)
Following a massive negative backlash from UEFA, FIFA, national football associations and football fans alike, all six English Premier League clubs involved in the project – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – officially withdraw from The Super League, while FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta states that the club will not join the proposed competition without support from its registered members. Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward announces his resignation. (Daily Express) (BBC Sport)
Chadian President Idriss Déby dies from wounds sustained while commanding forces against rebels in the northern portion of the country. The Constitution is suspended, and a Transitional Military Council headed by Déby's son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, will rule the country for an estimated 18 months. (The Africa Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador receives his first dose of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (Al Jazeera English)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The government announces that it will ease strict COVID-19 restrictions, including ending the controversial curfew and allowing cafés to serve in outdoor terraces with a maximum of 50 people beginning April 28. In addition, people will also be allowed to have two guests at home per day. (France 24)
Northern Chad offensive Chadian President Idriss Déby dies from wounds sustained while commanding forces against rebels in the northern portion of the country. The Constitution is suspended, and a Transitional Military Council headed by Déby's son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, will rule the country for an estimated 18 months. (The Africa Report)
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador receives his first dose of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (Al Jazeera English)
The government announces that it will ease strict COVID-19 restrictions, including ending the controversial curfew and allowing cafés to serve in outdoor terraces with a maximum of 50 people beginning April 28. In addition, people will also be allowed to have two guests at home per day. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in India India reports a record 1,761 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 180,530. (Firstpost) COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal Nepal grants a conditional emergency use approval for the Russian Sputnik V vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. (The Kathmandu Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Yemen Yemen begins their COVID-19 vaccination campaign using the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Yemen Yemen begins their COVID-19 vaccination campaign using the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. (Reuters)
Yemen begins their COVID-19 vaccination campaign using the vaccine produced by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. (Reuters)
Russia–Ukraine relations, War in Donbas Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invites his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to a face-to-face meeting on the front line in the war-torn Donbas to negotiate an end to the conflict. (Daily Sabah)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invites his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to a face-to-face meeting on the front line in the war-torn Donbas to negotiate an end to the conflict. (Daily Sabah)
Belarus–United States relations U.S. Ambassador to Belarus Julie D. Fisher visits Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on the eve of a meeting between Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (U.S. News & World Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in France, Lineage B.1.617 The French government announces that the country will lift its domestic travel restrictions and ease a nationwide curfew in May amidst an expectation that the number of COVID-19 cases will be reduced. The government also announces that they will impose a 10-day quarantine on all travelers from India in order to prevent the spread of the Lineage B.1.617 variant. (ABC News) (Mint)
COVID-19 pandemic in Laos The Government of Laos announces a 14-day lockdown in the capital Vientiane following an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases during the Lao New Year. (Radio Free Asia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra In Nashik, 24 COVID-19 patients die after an oxygen tanker leaks outside a hospital in the city, causing the supply of medical oxygen to be disrupted for around 30 minutes. (NDTV) Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra state government announces new restrictions across the state beginning tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. until May 1 at 7:00 a.m. IST. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 vaccination in the United States U.S. President Joe Biden announces that the country has administered over 200 million doses. (Politico) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan surpasses 800,000 confirmed cases and 17,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19. (WEYI-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota, Lineage P.1 South Dakota confirms their first case of the Lineage P.1 variant in Pennington County. (Argus Leader)
Czech foreign minister Jakub Kulhánek issues Russia with an ultimatum to return all of the Czech diplomats it had expelled from the Czech embassy in Moscow, following a series of reciprocal moves between the two countries since April 17 to expel each other's diplomats after the Czechs discovered Russian intelligence involvement in the 2014 Vrbětice ammunition warehouses explosions. Kulhánek threatens to expel more diplomats from the Russian embassy in Prague if the ultimatum is not met. (The Moscow Times)
Czech Republic–Russia relations Czech foreign minister Jakub Kulhánek issues Russia with an ultimatum to return all of the Czech diplomats it had expelled from the Czech embassy in Moscow, following a series of reciprocal moves between the two countries since April 17 to expel each other's diplomats after the Czechs discovered Russian intelligence involvement in the 2014 Vrbětice ammunition warehouses explosions. Kulhánek threatens to expel more diplomats from the Russian embassy in Prague if the ultimatum is not met. (The Moscow Times)
Due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra state government announces new restrictions across the state beginning tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. until May 1 at 7:00 a.m. IST. (Hindustan Times)
Northern Chad offensive Rebels of the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) threaten to press on and reach Chad's capital N'Djamena following the killing of President Idriss Déby. In the capital, many civilians choose to stay home as fears grow. FACT rebels reject the military junta led by Déby's son, Mahamat Déby Itno, and opposition politicians also call for a civilian transition. (Reuters)
Rebels of the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) threaten to press on and reach Chad's capital N'Djamena following the killing of President Idriss Déby. In the capital, many civilians choose to stay home as fears grow. FACT rebels reject the military junta led by Déby's son, Mahamat Déby Itno, and opposition politicians also call for a civilian transition. (Reuters)
The French government announces that the country will lift its domestic travel restrictions and ease a nationwide curfew in May amidst an expectation that the number of COVID-19 cases will be reduced. The government also announces that they will impose a 10-day quarantine on all travelers from India in order to prevent the spread of the Lineage B.1.617 variant. (ABC News) (Mint)
The Government of Laos announces a 14-day lockdown in the capital Vientiane following an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases during the Lao New Year. (Radio Free Asia)
The Indonesian government reports the disappearance of the submarine KRI Nanggala during a torpedo live fire exercise, requesting search and rescue assistance from Singapore and Australia. (Reuters)
The Sri Lankan government expels an Antigua-registered cargo ship docked at the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port after authorities discovered undeclared uranium hexafluoride bound for China. The government pledges to take legal action against the ship's owner. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Gujarat Gujarat reports a record 12,553 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Devdiscourse) Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani receives his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (Daily News & Analysis)
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani receives his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (Daily News & Analysis)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Lineage B.1.617 Alberta reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.617 variant that fuelled surge in India in a returning inter-provincial traveler. (CBC) Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The Canadian government announces that the country will ban all travel from India and Pakistan due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in those countries. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Lineage B.1.617 Alberta reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.617 variant that fuelled surge in India in a returning inter-provincial traveler. (CBC) Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The Canadian government announces that the country will ban all travel from India and Pakistan due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in those countries. (CBC) COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The U.S. surpasses 32 million cases of COVID-19. (KNSD)
The Canadian government announces that the country will ban all travel from India and Pakistan due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in those countries. (CBC)
Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The Canadian government announces that the country will ban all travel from India and Pakistan due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in those countries. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo The North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will begin its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with around 60,000 doses arriving in Goma. This comes after the country's announcement that it will kick off uts own vaccination campaign by using AstraZeneca's vaccine. (Africanews)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates The number of vaccines administered in the United Arab Emirates surpasses 10 million doses. (Khaleej Times)
Letters with CETME rifle bullets are received by the Spanish Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the leader of Podemos Pablo Iglesias and the general director of the Civil Guard María Gámez. The death threats are condemned by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. (Barron's)
The North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will begin its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with around 60,000 doses arriving in Goma. This comes after the country's announcement that it will kick off uts own vaccination campaign by using AstraZeneca's vaccine. (Africanews)
The number of vaccines administered in the United Arab Emirates surpasses 10 million doses. (Khaleej Times)
Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic The United States Senate votes 94–1 to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act with bipartisan changes. The bill, which would expedite anti-Asian hate crime reviews to the U.S. Justice Department, will next head to the United States House of Representatives. (USA Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Lineage B.1.617 Ontario reports 36 cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant first detected in India. (Global News) COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau receive their first doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (CTV News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares a third state of emergency for Hyogo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, including new measures that would reduce the operation of public transportation, close establishments that serve alcohol as well as commercial facilities such as theme parks and department stores, and ban spectators at large sporting events. These measures will be in effect from April 25 until May 11. (AP) (The New York Times)
COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau receive their first doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (CTV News)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau receive their first doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. (CTV News)
The University of Oxford announces a major breakthrough in the vaccination campaign against malaria. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has been administered to over 450 children in Burkina Faso and proved to have a "high-level efficacy" of around 77%. Malaria currently kills an estimated 400,000 people per year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. (BBC News)
2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings Sri Lankan Member of Parliament and former industry minister Rishad Bathiudeen is arrested, along with his brother, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for having connections with the perpetrators of the 2019 attack. (Arab News)
2021 Louisiana's 2nd congressional district special election Democratic state senator Troy Carter wins the runoff election for a special election for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district to replace Representative Cedric Richmond, who had left his position to work for President Joe Biden. (AP)
Democratic state senator Troy Carter wins the runoff election for a special election for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district to replace Representative Cedric Richmond, who had left his position to work for President Joe Biden. (AP)
In a statement commemorating Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, U.S. President Joe Biden formally acknowledges the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as a genocide. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu denounces Biden's statement as "political opportunism" and "based on populism". (CNN)
Sri Lankan Member of Parliament and former industry minister Rishad Bathiudeen is arrested, along with his brother, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for having connections with the perpetrators of the 2019 attack. (Arab News)
Turkey–United States relations, Armenian Genocide recognition In a statement commemorating Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, U.S. President Joe Biden formally acknowledges the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as a genocide. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu denounces Biden's statement as "political opportunism" and "based on populism". (CNN)
Insurgency in Northern Chad Northern Chad offensive Spokesperson for the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) Sharfadine Galmaye said that FACT was "willing to negotiate with the government to spare Chad further conflict". The rebel group is asking Mahamat Déby Itno to step down and for "an independent person who would be acceptable by all people to rule" to take his place. (The Guardian)
Northern Chad offensive Spokesperson for the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) Sharfadine Galmaye said that FACT was "willing to negotiate with the government to spare Chad further conflict". The rebel group is asking Mahamat Déby Itno to step down and for "an independent person who would be acceptable by all people to rule" to take his place. (The Guardian)
Spokesperson for the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) Sharfadine Galmaye said that FACT was "willing to negotiate with the government to spare Chad further conflict". The rebel group is asking Mahamat Déby Itno to step down and for "an independent person who would be acceptable by all people to rule" to take his place. (The Guardian)
2021 Albanian parliamentary election Voters in Albania go to the polls to elect a new parliament. (Al Jazeera English)
COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Reuters)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic in Italy The Italian government signs a large package of investment and reforms that will be financed by the European Union’s €800 billion recovery fund, of which the country received €191.5 billion including €69 billion of grants. (Bloomberg News)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Reuters)
The Italian government signs a large package of investment and reforms that will be financed by the European Union’s €800 billion recovery fund, of which the country received €191.5 billion including €69 billion of grants. (Bloomberg News)
Voters in Albania go to the polls to elect a new parliament. (Al Jazeera English)
Baghdad hospital fire Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi suspends his health minister and the Governor of Baghdad, who will both be probed on the fire. (Anadolu Agency)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi suspends his health minister and the Governor of Baghdad, who will both be probed on the fire. (Anadolu Agency)
A Turkish government spokesman says they are working on improving ties with the Egyptian government in order to boost efforts in the Libyan peace process. Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état due to close relations between Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood. (Reuters)
British Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is sentenced to one year in prison and is barred from leaving Iran for a further year over propaganda activities against the government. (Radio France Internationale)
COVID-19 pandemic in Karnataka, COVID-19 lockdown in India The state government announces a two week lockdown across Karnataka from April 27 at 9:00 p.m. until May 12 at 6:00 a.m. IST. Additionally, only essential shops would be allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. (The Hindu)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces a full lockdown from April 29 until May 17 in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Under the new restrictions, all workplaces, except for those excluded by the Interior Ministry, will be closed, intercity travel will be subject to permission and public transportation will operate at only 50% capacity. (Anadolu Agency)
Egypt–Turkey relations, Libyan peace process A Turkish government spokesman says they are working on improving ties with the Egyptian government in order to boost efforts in the Libyan peace process. Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état due to close relations between Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood. (Reuters)
Insurgency in the Maghreb Two Spanish journalists and an Irish campaigner are killed after their convoy is attacked in eastern Burkina Faso. Two Burkinabe soldiers are wounded. (Al Jazeera) At least 18 civilians are killed after militants attack the village of Yattakou, in Burkina Faso. (Al Jazeera)
More than 1,300 prisoners in Burundi are released after President Évariste Ndayishimiye pardoned nearly 5,000 prisoners in March to reduce the overcrowding of the country's prisons. (Channels TV)
The state government announces a two week lockdown across Karnataka from April 27 at 9:00 p.m. until May 12 at 6:00 a.m. IST. Additionally, only essential shops would be allowed to operate from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. (The Hindu)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces a full lockdown from April 29 until May 17 in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Under the new restrictions, all workplaces, except for those excluded by the Interior Ministry, will be closed, intercity travel will be subject to permission and public transportation will operate at only 50% capacity. (Anadolu Agency)
Two Spanish journalists and an Irish campaigner are killed after their convoy is attacked in eastern Burkina Faso. Two Burkinabe soldiers are wounded. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Norway Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg receives her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Reuters)
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg receives her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Reuters)
