Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong receives a COVID-19 vaccine as the country begins a nationwide vaccination campaign in public health institutions. (The Straits Times)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that anyone coming into Australia must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to their departure and that masks will be mandatory on all domestic and international passenger flights. The caps on international arrivals will also be reduced for the next month. (9 News)
Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu Amid another quarantine lockdown, the next hearing in the trial of current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is postponed. Netanyahu stands accused, in three separate ongoing cases, of a litany of corruption accusations, including bribery, breach of trust, and fraud. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in India The government announces that India will begin its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on January 16 with priority given to an estimated 30 million healthcare and frontline workers. (The Hindu)
The government announces that India will begin its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on January 16 with priority given to an estimated 30 million healthcare and frontline workers. (The Hindu)
COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, COVID-19 vaccine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first Israeli to get a second dose of Pfizer's tozinameran vaccine as the country begins administering second doses of the vaccine to the public. (The Times of Israel)
COVID-19 pandemic in Vatican City Pope Francis confirms in an interview with Italian broadcaster Canale 5 that the vaccination campaign in Vatican City will begin next week and that he will receive the vaccine. (CNN) (Euronews) Fabrizio Soccorsi, Pope Francis' personal physician, dies as a result of "complications due to COVID-19", according to Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano. (Fox News)
Pope Francis confirms in an interview with Italian broadcaster Canale 5 that the vaccination campaign in Vatican City will begin next week and that he will receive the vaccine. (CNN) (Euronews)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first Israeli to get a second dose of Pfizer's tozinameran vaccine as the country begins administering second doses of the vaccine to the public. (The Times of Israel)
Ten newborn babies die in a hospital fire in western Maharashtra, India. The fire was supposedly caused by an electrical short circuit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that the news was "heart-wrenching". (DW)
Thousands of Roman Catholic devotees attend Saturday masses organized in lieu of the cancelled annual procession of the Black Nazarene at the Quiapo Church in Manila. (Reuters)
2021 Kyrgyz presidential election, 2021 Kyrgyz referendum Presidential elections are held in Kyrgyzstan following last year's political unrest and the resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Interim Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov is widely expected to win the election. The question of keeping the current parliamentary system or reintroducing a presidential system is also presented to the electorate in the form of a referendum. (Reuters) (Radio Free Europe)
Presidential elections are held in Kyrgyzstan following last year's political unrest and the resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Interim Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov is widely expected to win the election. The question of keeping the current parliamentary system or reintroducing a presidential system is also presented to the electorate in the form of a referendum. (Reuters) (Radio Free Europe)
Tigray War The Ethiopian National Defense Force says that it has killed 15 members of the Tigray People's Liberation Front, including the region's former deputy police commissioner, and captured eight others, including the region's former president Abay Weldu. (Reuters)
2020-21 Belarusian protests Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says that the country will draft a new constitution by the end of the year. It remains unclear whether the new constitution will result in Lukashenko leaving office. (The Straits Times)
2021 Kazakh legislative election Legislative elections are held in Kazakhstan. The election is criticized for a lack of opposition to the leading party Nur Otan and is therefore expected to be considered neither free nor fair by international observers. (Radio Free Europe)
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says that the country will draft a new constitution by the end of the year. It remains unclear whether the new constitution will result in Lukashenko leaving office. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium Belgium surpasses 20,000 deaths from COVID-19. (The Brussels Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Germany surpasses 40,000 deaths from COVID-19. (The Local Germany) COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Russia reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the United Kingdom. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom President of Armenia Armen Sarksyan is admitted to a hospital in London in a serious condition due to the worsening of his COVID-19 diagnosis. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico Spokesperson for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Jesús Ramírez Cuevas, tests positive for COVID-19. (The Independent) Mexico reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the United Kingdom. (Business Standard)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports a record 3,945 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours. (CBC) COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico Spokesperson for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Jesús Ramírez Cuevas, tests positive for COVID-19. (The Independent) Mexico reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the United Kingdom. (Business Standard)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom President of Armenia Armen Sarksyan is admitted to a hospital in London in a serious condition due to the worsening of his COVID-19 diagnosis. (CNN)
Legislative elections are held in Kazakhstan. The election is criticized for a lack of opposition to the leading party Nur Otan and is therefore expected to be considered neither free nor fair by international observers. (Radio Free Europe)
President of Armenia Armen Sarksyan is admitted to a hospital in London in a serious condition due to the worsening of his COVID-19 diagnosis. (CNN)
Spokesperson for President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Jesús Ramírez Cuevas, tests positive for COVID-19. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia COVID-19 vaccination in Malaysia The government signs a deal with Pfizer and BioNTech to buy an additional 12.2 million doses of the tozinameran vaccine. (The Star) Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announces a lockdown in the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya as well as in five states and also bans interstate travel for two weeks beginning January 13 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (South China Morning Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record 122 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 7,925. (The Washington Post) President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa tests positive for COVID-19. He is self-isolating in Belém Palace asymptomatic. (PÚBLICO)
COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe The government orders that victims of COVID-19 must be buried where they die, forbidding viewings and the transfer of corpses as the country experiences a significant increase in the number of cases. (Xinhua)
COVID-19 vaccination in Malaysia The government signs a deal with Pfizer and BioNTech to buy an additional 12.2 million doses of the tozinameran vaccine. (The Star)
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa tests positive for COVID-19. He is self-isolating in Belém Palace asymptomatic. (PÚBLICO)
The government orders that victims of COVID-19 must be buried where they die, forbidding viewings and the transfer of corpses as the country experiences a significant increase in the number of cases. (Xinhua)
The government signs a deal with Pfizer and BioNTech to buy an additional 12.2 million doses of the tozinameran vaccine. (The Star)
Albania begins its vaccination programme against COVID-19 with doses received from an undisclosed European Union country. Prime Minister Edi Rama is among the first to receive the vaccine. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Albania COVID-19 vaccination in Albania Albania begins its vaccination programme against COVID-19 with doses received from an undisclosed European Union country. Prime Minister Edi Rama is among the first to receive the vaccine. (ABC News)
COVID-19 vaccination in Albania Albania begins its vaccination programme against COVID-19 with doses received from an undisclosed European Union country. Prime Minister Edi Rama is among the first to receive the vaccine. (ABC News)
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announces a lockdown in the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya as well as in five states and also bans interstate travel for two weeks beginning January 13 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (South China Morning Post)
2021 Ugandan general election Ahead of Thursday's election, Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine says that soldiers raided his home and arrested his security guards without providing any explanation. Wine has previously been accused by incumbent Yoweri Museveni of being "an agent of foreign interests". (DW) In retaliation against Facebook for blocking pro-government accounts, the government of Uganda blocks all social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp until further notice. (Reuters)
2021 efforts to remove Donald Trump from office President Donald Trump warns that successfully impeaching him from office for his conduct regarding the riot at the United States Capitol Building would represent a "tremendous danger" to the nation. Trump refused to clarify his statement any further, instead stating that his comments vis-à-vis inciting the incident were "totally appropriate". (CNBC) Vice President Mike Pence tells House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that he won't invoke the 25th amendment. (Chicago Tribune)
Aftermath of the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol 2021 efforts to remove Donald Trump from office President Donald Trump warns that successfully impeaching him from office for his conduct regarding the riot at the United States Capitol Building would represent a "tremendous danger" to the nation. Trump refused to clarify his statement any further, instead stating that his comments vis-à-vis inciting the incident were "totally appropriate". (CNBC) Vice President Mike Pence tells House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that he won't invoke the 25th amendment. (Chicago Tribune)
Aftermath of the poisoning of Alexei Navalny Authorities in Russia ask a judge to jail opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny for allegedly breaking a suspended sentence dating back to 2014 and for evading the supervision of Russia's criminal inspection authority. Navalny had previously been asked to return to Russia to report himself to the federal authorities but continues to remain in Germany. He has vowed to return to Russia ahead of the next parliamentary election. (Reuters)
Ahead of Thursday's election, Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine says that soldiers raided his home and arrested his security guards without providing any explanation. Wine has previously been accused by incumbent Yoweri Museveni of being "an agent of foreign interests". (DW)
Authorities in Russia ask a judge to jail opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny for allegedly breaking a suspended sentence dating back to 2014 and for evading the supervision of Russia's criminal inspection authority. Navalny had previously been asked to return to Russia to report himself to the federal authorities but continues to remain in Germany. He has vowed to return to Russia ahead of the next parliamentary election. (Reuters)
President Donald Trump warns that successfully impeaching him from office for his conduct regarding the riot at the United States Capitol Building would represent a "tremendous danger" to the nation. Trump refused to clarify his statement any further, instead stating that his comments vis-à-vis inciting the incident were "totally appropriate". (CNBC)
Bavarian Ministers-President Markus Söder announces that starting from next Monday, people will be required to wear FFP2 masks while travelling on public transport and when in retail shops in order to improve safety on these areas. (The Local Germany)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bolivia Former President Evo Morales tests positive for COVID-19. (G1)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Bavarian Ministers-President Markus Söder announces that starting from next Monday, people will be required to wear FFP2 masks while travelling on public transport and when in retail shops in order to improve safety on these areas. (The Local Germany) Baden-Württemberg reports Germany's first case of new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a family that travelled from South Africa. (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia COVID-19 vaccination in Indonesia The government receives 15 million doses of the half-finished vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech for final production and distribution by Bio Farma. (Jakarta Globe) Indonesia reports a record 302 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 24,645. (detikHealth)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysian Yang di-Pertuan Agong Abdullah of Pahang declares a state of emergency in the country until August 1 amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, suspending parliament for the first time since 1969 for the remainder of the pandemic. (Bloomberg) Malaysia reports a record 3,309 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours ahead of the return of movement control orders in parts of the country, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 141,553. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Netherlands extends its nationwide lockdown until February 9 despite the number of new cases falling. (Government of the Netherlands)
COVID-19 vaccination in Indonesia The government receives 15 million doses of the half-finished vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech for final production and distribution by Bio Farma. (Jakarta Globe)
Former President Evo Morales tests positive for COVID-19. (G1)
In retaliation against Facebook for blocking pro-government accounts, the government of Uganda blocks all social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp until further notice. (Reuters)
Malaysian Yang di-Pertuan Agong Abdullah of Pahang declares a state of emergency in the country until August 1 amid an increase in COVID-19 cases, suspending parliament for the first time since 1969 for the remainder of the pandemic. (Bloomberg)
Moldova–Ukraine relations Moldovan President Maia Sandu arrives in Ukraine for her first foreign visit as president. Both countries said that they are willing to join the Three Seas Initiative and European Union. (UAWire.org) (Ukrinform) (Republic TV)
Moldovan President Maia Sandu arrives in Ukraine for her first foreign visit as president. Both countries said that they are willing to join the Three Seas Initiative and European Union. (UAWire.org) (Ukrinform) (Republic TV)
The government receives 15 million doses of the half-finished vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech for final production and distribution by Bio Farma. (Jakarta Globe)
The Netherlands extends its nationwide lockdown until February 9 despite the number of new cases falling. (Government of the Netherlands)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that the country will double its order of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from 20 million to 40 million doses. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces a second state of emergency and stay-at-home order for Ontario as the number of cases continues to increase. (Global News) COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that the country will double its order of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from 20 million to 40 million doses. (Reuters)
COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that the country will double its order of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from 20 million to 40 million doses. (Reuters)
Central African Republic Civil War Pro-François Bozizé forces attack the Central African Republic capital of Bangui, with fighting reported on multiple fronts, according to Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada. A Reuters witness reports explosions and helicopters circling over the city. The attack is successfully repelled by the Central African Armed Forces. (Reuters) A Rwanda Defence Force peacekeeper is killed in a rebel attack, according to MINUSCA officials. (Xinhuanet)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia COVID-19 vaccination in Indonesia President Joko Widodo receives the first dose of the vaccine candidate developed by Sinovac Biotech. (CNA) Indonesia reports a record 11,278 new cases and 306 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total to 858,043 confirmed cases and 24,951 deaths. (CNN Indonesia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The government expands the state of emergency to seven prefectures, including Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kyoto, as the country surpasses 300,000 cases of COVID-19. (ABC News) Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announces the suspension of business travel agreements with 11 countries and regions and also restricts entry for all non-resident foreign nationals beginning tomorrow in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Nikkei Asia)
COVID-19 vaccination in Indonesia President Joko Widodo receives the first dose of the vaccine candidate developed by Sinovac Biotech. (CNA)
North Korea–South Korea relations Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, criticizes South Korea over their tracking of a military parade that will be held in Pyongyang during the weekend, defining South Korean officials as a "weird group, hard to understand" and the "idiot and top of the world's list in misbehaviour". South Korean President Moon Jae-in says his position to establish talks with North Korea remains unchanged. (NDTV)
President Joko Widodo receives the first dose of the vaccine candidate developed by Sinovac Biotech. (CNA)
Pro-François Bozizé forces attack the Central African Republic capital of Bangui, with fighting reported on multiple fronts, according to Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada. A Reuters witness reports explosions and helicopters circling over the city. The attack is successfully repelled by the Central African Armed Forces. (Reuters)
Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, criticizes South Korea over their tracking of a military parade that will be held in Pyongyang during the weekend, defining South Korean officials as a "weird group, hard to understand" and the "idiot and top of the world's list in misbehaviour". South Korean President Moon Jae-in says his position to establish talks with North Korea remains unchanged. (NDTV)
The government expands the state of emergency to seven prefectures, including Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kyoto, as the country surpasses 300,000 cases of COVID-19. (ABC News)
Corruption in Estonia Prime Minister Jüri Ratas announces his resignation after the Prosecutor General suspected his Estonian Centre Party of "criminal involvement" in an influence peddling scandal involving businessman Hillar Teder. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi imposes travel and entry bans on 20 countries reported to have new variants of SARS-CoV-2. (Xinhua)
COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan Jordan begins a vaccination campaign, with priority given to healthcare workers, people with chronic illnesses, and those over the age of 60. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports records for both daily counts of new cases and deaths, with 10,556 new cases and 156 deaths, bringing the nationwide cumulative totals to 507,108 confirmed cases and 8,236 deaths. (DGS) Prime Minister António Costa announces that stricter lockdown measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will begin on January 15. There will be more exceptions to the new restrictions than there were during the first national lockdown in March and April 2020. (Expresso)
COVID-19 pandemic in Vatican City Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI receive their firsts doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on the first day of the vaccination campaign in the Vatican City. (Fox News)
Dairy company Saputo announces that Coon cheese, its brand of cheddar cheese in Australia, will be rebranded as "Cheer" cheese, in response to a 20-year campaign by indigenous rights activist Stephen Hagan to remove the usage of the word "Coon", in reference to a racial slur. The new branding will be released in July. (AFP via Manila Standard)
George Floyd protests in Australia, List of name changes due to the George Floyd protests Dairy company Saputo announces that Coon cheese, its brand of cheddar cheese in Australia, will be rebranded as "Cheer" cheese, in response to a 20-year campaign by indigenous rights activist Stephen Hagan to remove the usage of the word "Coon", in reference to a racial slur. The new branding will be released in July. (AFP via Manila Standard)
