2021

Clockwise from top-left: the [[James Webb Space Telescope is launched; protesters in Yangon, Myanmar, following the coup d'état; a civil demonstration against the October coup in Sudan; supporters of then United States president Donald Trump stormed the country's Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election; the container ship Ever Given gets stuck in the Suez Canal, blocking international shipping for six days; the 2020 Summer Olympics are held in Tokyo, Japan; the Ingenuity helicopter after deployment on the Martian surface by the Mars Perseverance rover; Taliban fighters on a captured Humvee following the fall of Kabul at the end of the War in Afghanistan.|300x300px|thumb]]

Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued in 2021. Most major events scheduled for 2020 that were postponed due to the pandemic were hosted in 2021, including the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, Expo 2020, and sporting events such as UEFA Euro 2020, the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the 2021 Copa América.{{Cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/major-events-cancelled-or-postponed-due-to-the-coronavirus-2020?r=AU&IR=T|title=Here are the latest major events that have been canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Burning Man, and the 74th Annual Tony Awards|work=Business Insider|last1=Hadden|first1=Joey|last2=Casado|first2=Laura|date=10 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.businessinsider.com/major-events-cancelled-or-postponed-due-to-the-coronavirus-2020?r=AU&IR=T|url-status=live}}

2021 additionally witnessed numerous advancements in space exploration, particularly by the United Arab Emirates, NASA and SpaceX, including the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Civil unrest grew in 2021, with coups occurring in Sudan, Myanmar, Mali and Guinea, and insurrections occurring in Armenia and the United States.{{horizontal TOC|nonum=yes}}

Events

=January=

January 1
The African Continental Free Trade Area comes into effect.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/1/1/after-months-of-covid-delays-african-free-trade-bloc-launches |title=After months of COVID delays, African free trade bloc launches |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=1 January 2021 |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530113950/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/1/1/after-months-of-covid-delays-african-free-trade-bloc-launches |url-status=live }}
The normal/global variant of Adobe Flash Player has been deprecated.{{cite web |url=https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html |title=Adobe Flash Player End of Life |date=January 13, 2021}}
January 4 – The border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia reopens.{{cite web|last1=Salem|first1=Mostafa|last2=Alam|first2=Hande Atay|date=5 January 2021|title=Saudi Arabia and Qatar agree to reopen airspace and maritime borders|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/04/world/qatar-and-saudi-arabia-reopen-airspace-intl/index.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=January 6, 2021|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104214649/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/04/world/qatar-and-saudi-arabia-reopen-airspace-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09254-2 (50820534063) (retouched).jpg
{{Anchor|January 6}} January 6 – Supporters of US President Donald Trump attack the US Capitol, disrupting certification of the 2020 presidential election, and forcing Congress to evacuate. Five people die during the ensuing riot.{{cite news|title=Police Confirm Death Of Officer Injured During Attack On Capitol|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/07/954333542/police-confirm-death-of-officer-injured-during-attack-on-capitol|newspaper=NPR|date=7 January 2021|publisher=National Public Radio, Inc.|access-date=8 January 2021|last1=Diaz|first1=Jaclyn|last2=Chappell|first2=Bill|last3=Moore|first3=Elena|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118201030/https://www.npr.org/sections/insurrection-at-the-capitol/2021/01/07/954333542/police-confirm-death-of-officer-injured-during-attack-on-capitol|url-status=live}} The event is classified as a domestic terrorist attack, and draws international condemnation.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/06/trump-blows-up-us-democracy-the-world-watches-on-in-horror |title=World leaders react with horror to 'disgraceful' storming of US Capitol |website=The Guardian |date=7 January 2021 |access-date=7 January 2021 |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106234000/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/06/trump-blows-up-us-democracy-the-world-watches-on-in-horror |url-status=live }}
January 10 – Kim Jong Un is elected as the General Secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, inheriting the title from his father Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-politics/north-korea-says-leader-kim-elected-as-general-secretary-of-ruling-party-kcna-idUSKBN29F0OD|title=Mixed signals for North Korean leader's sister as Kim seeks to cement power|work=Reuters|author=Hyonhee Shin|date=11 January 2021|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-politics/north-korea-says-leader-kim-elected-as-general-secretary-of-ruling-party-kcna-idUSKBN29F0OD|url-status=live}}
January 13 – In Lyon, France, the first transplant of both arms and shoulders is performed on an Icelandic patient at the Édouard Herriot Hospital.{{Cite web|title=Double greffe des bras et des épaules à Lyon, une première mondiale|url=https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/os-et-muscles/double-greffe-du-bras-et-des-epaules-a-lyon-une-premiere-mondiale_150843|date=15 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021|website=Sciences et Avenir|language=fr|archive-date=February 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208110702/https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/os-et-muscles/double-greffe-du-bras-et-des-epaules-a-lyon-une-premiere-mondiale_150843|url-status=live}}
January 14 – The 2021 Ugandan general election is held. Incumbent president Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, wins re-election.{{Cite news|date=2020-06-17|title=Uganda to hold elections in early 2021, campaign rallies banned|language=ja|work=Reuters|url=https://jp.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-uganda-election-idUSKBN23N24K|access-date=2021-06-05|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115172733/https://jp.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-uganda-election-idUSKBN23N24K|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Biryabarema|first=Elias|date=2020-07-21|title=Uganda's Museveni seeks re-election to extend rule to four decades|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uganda-politics-idUSKCN24M0YH|access-date=2021-06-05|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112122732/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uganda-politics-idUSKCN24M0YH|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2021-01-17|title=Uganda's Museveni wins sixth term, rival alleges fraud|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-uganda-election-idUSKBN29M04E|access-date=2021-06-05|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021172405/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-uganda-election-idUSKBN29M04E|url-status=live}}
January 15
The Lao People's Revolutionary Party elects Thongloun Sisoulith as its new General Secretary, replacing retiring chief Bounnhang Vorachith. Sisoulith is elected for a five-year term as top leader in Laos.{{cite news |title=Laos Communist Party names PM Thongloun as new leader |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-laos-politics/laos-communist-party-names-pm-thongloun-as-new-leader-idUSKBN29K0YU |date=15 January 2021 |access-date=15 January 2021 |work=Reuters |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201235045/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-laos-politics/laos-communist-party-names-pm-thongloun-as-new-leader-idUSKBN29K0YU |url-status=live }}
COVID-19 pandemic: The global death toll from COVID-19 passes 2 million.{{cite web|date=15 January 2021|title=COVID-19: Global coronavirus deaths pass two million – just over a year since outbreak began|url=https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-global-coronavirus-deaths-pass-two-million-just-over-a-year-since-outbreak-began-12188462|access-date=15 January 2021|publisher=Sky News|archive-date=January 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115180258/https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-global-coronavirus-deaths-pass-two-million-just-over-a-year-since-outbreak-began-12188462|url-status=live}}
January 20 – Inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States amid tight security in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
January 22 – The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the first legally binding international agreement comprehensively to prohibit nuclear weapons, comes into effect.{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1082702|title=Guterres hails entry into force of treaty banning nuclear weapons|date=22 January 2021|website=UN News|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424161740/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1082702|url-status=live}}
January 24 – 2021 Portuguese presidential election: Incumbent president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is reelected.{{Cite news |last=Ames |first=Paul |date=25 January 2021 |title=President Rebelo de Sousa wins landslide reelection in Portugal |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/president-rebelo-de-sousa-wins-landslide-re-election-in-portugal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228043549/https://www.politico.eu/article/president-rebelo-de-sousa-wins-landslide-re-election-in-portugal/ |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=27 January 2021 |work=Politico}}
January 26 – COVID-19 pandemic: The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeds 100 million worldwide.{{cite news|date=26 January 2021|title=COVID-19: 100 million coronavirus cases recorded worldwide – a year after virus first officially diagnosed|url=https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-100-million-coronavirus-cases-recorded-worldwide-a-year-after-virus-first-officially-diagnosed-12191487|work=Sky News|access-date=27 January 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214220316/https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-100-million-coronavirus-cases-recorded-worldwide-a-year-after-virus-first-officially-diagnosed-12191487|url-status=live}}
January 27
A near-total ban on abortion comes into effect in Poland.{{Cite web |title=Poland: Thousands protest as abortion law comes into effect |date=2021-01-28 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/poland-thousands-protest-as-abortion-law-comes-into-effect/a-56363990 |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=DW.COM |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206102418/https://www.dw.com/en/poland-thousands-protest-as-abortion-law-comes-into-effect/a-56363990 |url-status=live }}
The GameStop short squeeze reaches its peak of $483 per share, as the result of influence from the online community, r/wallstreetbets, drawing international attention.{{Cite web |url= https://www.cato.org/cato-journal/fall-2021/gamestop-episode-what-happened-what-does-it-mean |title= The GameStop Episode: What Happened and What Does It Mean? |publisher=CATO JOURNAL |date=18 October 2021 |access-date=18 January 2024 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211021205459/https://www.cato.org/cato-journal/fall-2021/gamestop-episode-what-happened-what-does-it-mean |url-status=live }}
January 29 – COVID-19 pandemic: The European Union invokes Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol following a row over COVID-19 vaccine supplies before reversing the decision.{{cite news |title=What is Article 16 and why did the EU make a U-turn after triggering it? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/what-is-article-16-and-why-did-the-eu-make-a-u-turn-after-triggering-it-12202915 |date=31 January 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |agency=Sky News |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://news.sky.com/story/what-is-article-16-and-why-did-the-eu-make-a-u-turn-after-triggering-it-12202915 |url-status=live }}
January 31 – Nguyễn Phú Trọng is re-elected for a third five-year term as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.{{cite news |title=Vietnam ruling Communist Party chief Trong re-elected for third term |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vietnam-politics-congress/vietnam-ruling-communist-party-chief-trong-re-elected-for-third-term-idUSKBN2A005T |access-date=31 January 2021 |work=Reuters |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131234636/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vietnam-politics-congress/vietnam-ruling-communist-party-chief-trong-re-elected-for-third-term-idUSKBN2A005T |url-status=live }}

=February=

February 1
A coup d'état in Myanmar removes Aung San Suu Kyi from power and restores military rule leading to widespread demonstrations across the country.{{cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1088822|title=Myanmar: 'Significant action' needed by Security Council to prevent 'bloodbath'|publisher=United Nations News|date=31 March 2021|website=news.un.org|access-date=April 25, 2021|archive-date=April 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402160847/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1088822|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1088952|title=Stop 'widespread violence' against children in Myanmar, UN officials urge|publisher=United Nations News|date=2 April 2021|website=news.un.org|access-date=April 25, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407220919/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1088952|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Military takes control of Myanmar; Suu Kyi reported detained |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/reports-military-coup-myanmar-suu-kyi-detained-75602314 |website=ABC |access-date=1 February 2021 |date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303001114/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/reports-military-coup-myanmar-suu-kyi-detained-75602314 |url-status=live }}
Kosovo officially establishes diplomatic ties with Israel and announces plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem.{{cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-formally-establishes-ties-with-israel-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem/31079492.html|title=Kosovo Formally Establishes Ties With Israel, To Open Embassy In Jerusalem|date=1 February 2021|access-date=3 February 2021|work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|archive-date=October 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010034055/https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-formally-establishes-ties-with-israel-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem/31079492.html|url-status=live}}
COVID-19 pandemic: The number of vaccinations administered worldwide exceeds 100 million.{{cite news |title=Covid-19 Vaccinations Surpass 100 Million Doses Worldwide |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/ |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |access-date=1 February 2021 |date=2 February 2021 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204110150/https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=More than 100 million people vaccinated globally |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0202/1194498-covid19-world/ |website=RTÉ |access-date=2 February 2021 |date=2 February 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0202/1194498-covid19-world/ |url-status=live }}
To celebrate Black History Month, The Weeknd had Postmates deliver 150 meals to AdventHealth Carrollwood.{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/florida/carrollwood/weeknd-makes-special-delivery-carrollwood-health-workers|title=The Weeknd Makes Special Delivery To Carrollwood Health Workers|last=White|first=D'Ann|date=February 1, 2021|website=Patch.com|access-date=January 10, 2025}}
February 4 – US President Joe Biden announces that the United States will cease providing weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for use in the Yemeni Civil War.{{Cite news|last=Doucet|first=Lyse|date=February 4, 2021|title=Yemen war: Joe Biden ends support for operations in foreign policy reset|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55941588|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204183135/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-55941588|url-status=live}}
February 9
COVID-19 pandemic: A joint WHO–China investigation into the source of the outbreak concludes. Investigators deem a Wuhan laboratory leak to be "extremely unlikely", with a "natural reservoir" in bats being a more likely origin.{{cite news|date=9 February 2021|title=Covid: WHO says 'extremely unlikely' virus leaked from lab in China|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-55996728|work=BBC News|access-date=9 February 2021|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215152316/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-55996728|url-status=live}}
The UAE's uncrewed Hope spacecraft becomes the first Arabian mission successfully to enter orbit around Mars.{{cite news|date=9 February 2021|title=Emirates Mars Mission: Hope spacecraft enters orbit|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55998848|work=BBC News|access-date=9 February 2021|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419041251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55998848|url-status=live}}
February 13–February 17 – A major winter storm kills at least 136 people and causes over 9.9 million power outages in the U.S.{{Cite news|date=21 February 2021|title=58 people died in last week's frigid weather. Some of them were just trying to stay warm.|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/02/18/winter-storm-deaths/|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219102248/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/02/18/winter-storm-deaths/|url-status=live}}
February 18
Malaysian court orders Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former Prime Minister Najib Razak to enter defence on all three graft charges.{{cite web|title=High Court orders Rosmah to enter defence on all three graft charges|website=Astro Awani|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/high-court-orders-rosmah-to-enter-defence-on-all-three-graft-charges-283487|date=18 February 2021|access-date=18 February 2021|archive-date=August 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821050408/https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.f88235f49a156f8b4cab34c7bc1a0acc.html?origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.astroawani.com|url-status=live}}
NASA's Mars 2020 mission (containing the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter drone) lands on Mars at Jezero Crater, after seven months of travel.{{Cite web|title=Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover|url=https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=mars.nasa.gov|date=December 5, 2017 |archive-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604025605/https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/|url-status=live}}
February 19 – The United States officially rejoins the Paris Agreement, 107 days after leaving.{{cite news|date=19 February 2021|title=US makes official return to Paris climate pact|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/19/us-official-return-paris-climate-pact|work=The Guardian|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219091824/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/19/us-official-return-paris-climate-pact|url-status=live}}
February 20 – 2020–21 H5N8 outbreak: 7 people test positive for H5N8 bird flu at a poultry farm in southern Russia, becoming the first known human cases.{{Cite web|date=20 February 2021|title=Russia reports first human cases of H5N8 bird flu|url=https://bnonews.com/index.php/2021/02/russia-first-human-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu/|access-date=20 February 2021|website=BNO News|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310083205/https://bnonews.com/index.php/2021/02/russia-first-human-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu/|url-status=live}}
February 22 – Luca Attanasio, the Italian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is murdered near Goma.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-22|title=Italian ambassador killed in DR Congo attack|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56151600|access-date=2021-08-06|website=BBC News|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224230606/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56151600|url-status=live}}
February 24 – COVID-19 pandemic: the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative delivers its first vaccines, delivering 600,000 doses for healthcare workers in Ghana.{{Cite news|date=24 February 2021|title=Covid: WHO scheme Covax delivers first vaccines|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-56180161|access-date=24 February 2021|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224094414/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-56180161|url-status=live}}
February 25 – The Armenian military calls for prime minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. Pashinyan accuses the military of attempting a coup d'état.{{Cite web|last=Child|first=David|date=25 February 2021|title=Protests rock Armenia as PM slams 'coup' attempt: Live updates|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/25/armenia-pm-accuses-top-military-of-coup-attempt-live-updates|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225133620/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/25/armenia-pm-accuses-top-military-of-coup-attempt-live-updates|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=25 February 2021|title=Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan accuses army of attempted coup|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56194421|website=BBC|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301020507/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56194421|url-status=live}}
February 28 – 2021 Salvadoran legislative election: The Nuevas Ideas party wins 56 out of 84 seats in the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador.{{Cite web |title=TRIBUNAL SUPREMO ELECTORAL ELECCIONES 2021 DIPUTADOS Y DIPUTADAS PARA ASAMBLEA LEGISLATIVA |url=https://www.tse.gob.sv/documentos/elecciones/2021/escrutinio-final/reporte/02-Asamblea-Legislativa-conformacion-departamental.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=tse.gob.sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320014305/https://www.tse.gob.sv/documentos/elecciones/2021/escrutinio-final/reporte/02-Asamblea-Legislativa-conformacion-departamental.pdf |archive-date=March 20, 2021 }}

=March=

March 6
Pope Francis meets with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq. It is the first-ever meeting between a pope and a grand ayatollah.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-islamic-state-group-ali-al-sistani-pope-francis-iraq-f95098b179f6a82157e87a7cb6cc0c3d|title=Pope, top Iraq Shiite cleric deliver message of coexistence|date=6 March 2021|access-date=13 March 2021|work=Associated Press|archive-date=November 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126132649/https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-islamic-state-group-ali-al-sistani-pope-francis-iraq-f95098b179f6a82157e87a7cb6cc0c3d|url-status=live}}
2021 Ivorian parliamentary election: The Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace coalition wins 137 out of 255 seats in the National Assembly.{{cite web |date=2021-03-09 |title=Ivory Coast's ruling party wins absolute majority in parliament |url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/03/09/ivory-coast-s-ruling-party-wins-absolute-majority-in-parliament/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Africanews |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081212/https://www.africanews.com/2021/03/09/ivory-coast-s-ruling-party-wins-absolute-majority-in-parliament// |url-status=live }}
March 15–March 17 – The Dutch general elections for the House of Representatives of the Netherlands take place.{{Cite web|title=Tweede Kamerverkiezingen 2021|url=https://www.parlement.com/id/vl4ai9zklwpy/tweede_kamerverkiezingen_2021|access-date=2021-03-18|website=parlement.com|language=nl|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304125229/https://www.parlement.com/id/vl4ai9zklwpy/tweede_kamerverkiezingen_2021|url-status=live}}
March 19
North Korea severs diplomatic ties with Malaysia due to a Malaysian court's ruling that a North Korean citizen could be extradited to the United States to face money-laundering charges. Malaysian authorities order North Korean officials to leave the country in 48 hours.{{cite web |title=N Korea to cut ties with Malaysia over US extradition ruling |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/19/n-korea-to-cut-ties-with-malaysia-over-us-extradition-ruling |access-date=15 April 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/19/n-korea-to-cut-ties-with-malaysia-over-us-extradition-ruling |url-status=live }}
Samia Suluhu Hassan is sworn in as president of Tanzania following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-03-19 |title=Tanzania swears in Samia Suluhu Hassan as first female president |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/19/africa/tanzania-samia-suluhu-hassan-president-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=June 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619122817/https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/19/africa/tanzania-samia-suluhu-hassan-president-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}
March 20 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces his country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, the first country to do so.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2021 |title=CUMHURBAŞKANI KARARI 3718 |url=https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/03/20210320-49.pdf |access-date=20 March 2021 |website=Official Gazette of Turkey |language=tr |archive-date=March 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002235/https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/03/20210320-49.pdf |url-status=live }}
March 21 – Clashes in Apure between Colombian FARC dissidents and the Venezuelan Armed Forces cause at least six casualties, as well as displacing 4,000 Venezuelans.{{cite news|date=27 March 2021|title=Venezuela says six members of 'armed groups' killed near Colombia|agency=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/27/venezuela-says-six-members-of-armed-groups-killed-near-colombia-border|access-date=March 28, 2021|archive-date=March 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327232333/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/27/venezuela-says-six-members-of-armed-groups-killed-near-colombia-border|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-03-26|title=Reportan nuevo enfrentamiento armado en Apure este viernes|url=https://www.elnacional.com/venezuela/videos-reportan-nuevo-enfrentamiento-armado-en-apure-que-genera-nuevos-desplazamientos-forzados/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=El Nacional|archive-date=March 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327212630/https://www.elnacional.com/venezuela/videos-reportan-nuevo-enfrentamiento-armado-en-apure-que-genera-nuevos-desplazamientos-forzados/|url-status=live}}
March 23
The Israeli general elections take place, the fourth Knesset election in two years.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/23/world/israel-live-election|title=Israel Election Live Updates: Polls to Close Soon|work=The New York Times|date=March 23, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/23/world/israel-live-election|url-status=live}}File:Container Ship 'Ever Given' stuck in the Suez Canal, Egypt - March 24th, 2021 cropped.jpg blocking the Suez canal on 24 March 2021]]
Ever Given, one of the largest container ships in the world, runs aground and obstructs the Suez Canal, disrupting global trade.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56522178|title=Suez Canal: Owner of cargo ship blocking waterway apologises|publisher=BBC News|date=March 25, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2021|archive-date=March 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325100208/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56522178|url-status=live}} The ship is freed on March 29.{{Cite news|date=2021-03-29|title=Suez Canal: Giant ship blocking Suez Canal finally freed|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56567985|access-date=2021-03-29|archive-date=March 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329133605/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56567985|url-status=live}}
March 25 – COVID-19 pandemic: The number of vaccinations administered worldwide exceeds 500 million.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-vaccinations-tracker.html |title=Tracking Coronavirus Vaccinations Around the World |access-date=9 March 2021 |date=9 March 2021 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222234019/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-vaccinations-tracker.html |url-status=live }}

=April=

April 2
Russia warns NATO against sending any troops to aid Ukraine, amid reports of a large Russian military build-up on its borders.{{cite web|title=Kremlin says that any NATO troop deployment to Ukraine would raise tensions|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-kremlin/kremlin-says-that-any-nato-troop-deployment-to-ukraine-would-raise-tensions-idUSKBN2BP0O6|website=Reuters|date=April 2, 2021|access-date=April 3, 2021|archive-date=April 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402232027/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-kremlin/kremlin-says-that-any-nato-troop-deployment-to-ukraine-would-raise-tensions-idUSKBN2BP0O6|url-status=live}}
2021 Hualien train derailment: In Taiwan, a Taroko Express train collided with a truck that rolled down a slope and derailed, resulting in 49 deaths and 202 injuries.{{cite web|title=This Train Crash Killed 49 People. It Didn't Have to Happen.|website=The New York Times |date=July 19, 2021 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/19/world/asia/taiwan-train-crash.html |last1=Qin |first1=Amy |last2=Chien |first2=Amy Chang |last3=Myers |first3=Steven Lee }}
April 4
The 2021 Bulgarian parliamentary election is held.

{{Cite web|last=Андонова|first=Здравка|date=2021-01-14|title=Президентът насрочи парламентарните избори на 4 април|url=https://www.dnevnik.bg/politika/2021/01/14/4163573_prezidentut_nasrochi_izborite_na_4_april/|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Dnevnik|language=bg|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114151242/https://www.dnevnik.bg/politika/2021/01/14/4163573_prezidentut_nasrochi_izborite_na_4_april/|url-status=live}}

More than 270 people are killed in Indonesia and East Timor after Cyclone Seroja strikes East Nusa Tenggara and the island of Timor.{{cite web|title=Korban tewas siklon tropis Seroja jadi 167 orang|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/id/nasional/korban-tewas-siklon-tropis-seroja-jadi-167-orang-/2203664|publisher=Anadolu Agency|language=ID|access-date=4 April 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.aa.com.tr/id/nasional/korban-tewas-siklon-tropis-seroja-jadi-167-orang-/2203664|url-status=live}}
April 9 – Roscosmos launches the Soyuz MS-18 mission, carrying three Expedition 65 crewmembers to the International Space Station.{{cite web |last1=Harwood |first1=William |title=Soyuz launch kicks off series of launches and landings for space station crew rotation |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/soyuz-launch-astronauts-space-station-crew-rotation/ |website=CBS News |access-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508005615/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/soyuz-launch-astronauts-space-station-crew-rotation/ |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |date=April 9, 2021 |quote=NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and two cosmonauts blasted off from Kazakhstan Friday... |url-status=live}}
April 11
Peru holds a general election, with Pedro Castillo and the left-wing Free Peru party winning.{{cite web |url=https://www.as-coa.org/articles/explainer-perus-2021-general-elections |title=Explainer: Peru's 2021 General Elections |work=AS/ COA |access-date=12 April 2021 |date=6 April 2021 |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421203155/https://www.as-coa.org/articles/explainer-perus-2021-general-elections |url-status=live }}
Iran accuses Israel of "nuclear terrorism" and vows revenge after a large explosion destroys the internal power system of the Natanz uranium enrichment plant.{{cite web|title=Iran vows revenge for 'Israeli' attack on Natanz nuclear site|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56715520|website=BBC|date=April 12, 2021|access-date=April 12, 2021|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412075617/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56715520|url-status=live}}
Hideki Matsuyama wins the 2021 Masters Tournament, becoming the first man from Japan to win a major golf championship.{{Cite web|last=Fields|first=Bill|date=11 April 2021|title=Matsuyama Carves His Place in History|url=https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2021-04-11/matsuyama_carves_his_place_in_history.html|access-date=23 May 2021|website=Masters.com|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2021-04-11/matsuyama_carves_his_place_in_history.html|url-status=live}}
April 13 – Japan's government approves the dumping of radioactive water of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean over the course of 30 years, with full support of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The decision is opposed by China, South Korea, and Taiwan.{{cite web|title=China, Taiwan, S.Korea oppose Japan's plan to release Fukushima water into ocean|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404865|website=The Nation Thailand|date=April 14, 2021|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414011816/https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404865|url-status=live}}
April 15 – Scientists announce they successfully injected human stem cells into the embryos of monkeys, creating chimera-embryos.{{Cite news|title=Human cells grown in monkey embryos spark ethical debate|work=BBC News|date=15 April 2021|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56767517|access-date=2021-04-16|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103235838/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56767517|url-status=live}}
April 17
COVID-19 pandemic: The global death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 3 million.{{cite web|title=Covid-19 deaths pass three million worldwide|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-56783878|website=BBC News|date=April 17, 2021|access-date=April 17, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417103849/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-56783878|url-status=live}}
The Czech government concludes that the Russian GRU was responsible for the blast of two ammo warehouses in Vrbětice in 2014. 18 Russian diplomats and alleged spies are subsequently expelled.{{Cite web|publisher=Česká televize|title=Do výbuchu ve Vrběticích byli zapojení ruští agenti, oznámil Babiš. Česko jich osmnáct vyhostí|url=https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/3299339-do-vybuchu-municniho-arealu-ve-vrbeticich-byly-podle-zjisteni-ceskych-bezpecnostnich|access-date=2021-05-08|website=ČT24|language=cs|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418034813/https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/3299339-do-vybuchu-municniho-arealu-ve-vrbeticich-byly-podle-zjisteni-ceskych-bezpecnostnich|url-status=live}}
The Soyuz MS-17 mission concludes, returning three crewmembers of Expedition 64 to Earth from the International Space Station.{{cite web |last1=Strickland |first1=Ashley |title=NASA astronaut Kate Rubins and two Russian cosmonauts have landed back on Earth |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/16/world/nasa-space-station-crew-landing-scn/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508005716/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/16/world/nasa-space-station-crew-landing-scn/index.html |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |date=April 17, 2021 |quote=Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kate Rubins ended their 185-day mission on the space station Friday. Their departure in the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft aired live on NASA's TV channel and website. |url-status=live}}
April 18
Twelve football clubs, including three from La Liga and leading clubs from the Premier League and Serie A, agree to join a new breakaway European Super League, prompting international condemnation.{{cite web|title=European Super League: Premier League's big six agree to join new league|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56795811|website=BBC News|date=April 18, 2021|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420225302/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56795811|url-status=live}} Two days later, following major protests from supporters, other clubs and politicians, Manchester City withdraw from the league; this prompts all the remaining Premier League clubs and three others to do the same.{{cite web|title=Man City withdraw|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56823501|website=BBC Sport|date=April 20, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2021|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420233559/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56823501|url-status=live}}
The 2021 Cape Verdean parliamentary election is held.{{cite web|url= https://www.africanews.com/2021/04/18/cape-vede-votes-in-election-that-could-see-first-female-prime-minister/|title= Cape Verde votes in election that could see first female prime minister|website= Africanews|date= 18 April 2021|access-date= December 7, 2023|archive-date= September 26, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081209/https://www.africanews.com/2021/04/18/cape-vede-votes-in-election-that-could-see-first-female-prime-minister//|url-status= live}}
April 19
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter, part of the Mars 2020 mission, performs the first powered flight on another planet in history.{{cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth |title=Live Updates: NASA Waits for Results From Mars Helicopter's First Flight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/science/nasa-mars-helicopter.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/science/nasa-mars-helicopter.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited |website=New York Times |date=19 April 2021 |access-date=19 April 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web | title = Mars Helicopter Tech Demo | work = Watch Online | publisher = NASA | date = April 18, 2021 | url = https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/#Watch-Online | access-date = 2021-04-18 | archive-date = October 12, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231012105252/https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/#Watch-Online | url-status = live }}
Raúl Castro resigns as First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party, ending more than 62 years of rule by the Castro brothers in Cuba.{{cite web|url=https://www.ap.org/live-and-location-services/events/raul-castro-cuba|title=Raul Castro expected to step down|website=Associated Press|agency=Associated Press|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303092516/https://www.ap.org/live-and-location-services/events/raul-castro-cuba|url-status=live}}
April 20 – Idriss Déby, President of Chad, is killed in clashes with rebel forces after 30 years in office. The constitution is suspended and a Transitional Military Council is established to govern the country for 18 months.{{Cite news|title=Chad's President Idriss Déby dies 'in clashes with rebels'|work=BBC News|date=20 April 2021|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56815708|access-date=2021-04-20|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420200202/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56815708|url-status=live}}
April 22 – World leaders mark Earth Day by hosting a virtual summit on climate change, during which more ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions are proposed, including a 40% cut by 2030 for the United States.{{cite web|title=Biden: This will be 'decisive decade' for tackling climate change|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56837927|website=BBC News|date=April 22, 2021|access-date=April 22, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422000205/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56837927|url-status=live}}
April 23
SpaceX launches the Crew-2 mission, carrying four crew members of Expedition 65 and 66 to the International Space Station aboard Crew Dragon Endeavour.{{cite news |last1=Davenport |first1=Christian |title=SpaceX launches NASA's Crew-2 to orbit, its third human spaceflight in less than a year |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/23/spacex-launches-nasas-crew-2-orbit-its-third-human-spaceflight-less-than-year/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508005834/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/23/spacex-launches-nasas-crew-2-orbit-its-third-human-spaceflight-less-than-year/ |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |date=April 23, 2021 |quote=SpaceX successfully launched another crew of astronauts to the International Space Station in a predawn liftoff Friday [...] beginning a day-long journey to the space station, where the crew of four astronauts will join seven others now aboard the orbiting laboratory. |url-status=live}}
UEFA announces that due to a lack of guarantees regarding spectators caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland would be removed as a tournament host for the UEFA Euro 2020.{{Cite web |date=23 April 2021 |title=Change of venues for some UEFA EURO 2020 matches announced |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0268-121bc78c82d5-1ba16401b4f0-1000/ |website=UEFA |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611144724/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0268-121bc78c82d5-1ba16401b4f0-1000/ |url-status=live }}
April 24
Following an international search and rescue effort, the Indonesian navy reports the sinking of KRI Nanggala with 53 crew members, the largest loss of life aboard a submarine since 2003.{{cite web|title=Indonesian submarine sank off Bali, navy says|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-56871694|website=BBC News|date=April 24, 2021|access-date=April 24, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424105257/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-56871694|url-status=live}}
COVID-19 pandemic: The number of vaccinations administered worldwide exceeds 1 billion. Half of these doses have been administered in just three countries (the United States, China and India).{{cite web |title=1bn COVID jabs given globally – but over half in just 3 countries |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/24/billion-coronavirus-vaccine-doses-administered-globally |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=25 April 2021 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425072550/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/24/billion-coronavirus-vaccine-doses-administered-globally |url-status=live }}
April 25 – Albania holds parliamentary elections.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/25/exit-polls-suggest-tight-race-in-albanias-parliamentary-election |title=Exit polls suggest tight race in Albania's parliamentary election |date=25 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |work=Al Jazeera |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426215144/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/25/exit-polls-suggest-tight-race-in-albanias-parliamentary-election |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Exit Polls Show Tight Race in Albania's Parliamentary Vote |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/04/25/exit-polls-show-tight-race-in-albanias-parliamentary-vote/ |date=25 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |work=Balkan Insight |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426215746/https://balkaninsight.com/2021/04/25/exit-polls-show-tight-race-in-albanias-parliamentary-vote/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/albania/478999 |title=Parliamentary Elections, 25 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |work=OSCE |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426215745/https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/albania/478999 |url-status=live }}
April 28
At least 55 people are killed and nearly 50,000 more are displaced in one of the most serious clashes in Central Asia following border disputes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/death-toll-rises-to-55-from-kyrgyz-tajik-border-clashes/2230340|title=Death toll rises to 55 from Kyrgyz-Tajik border clashes|website=www.aa.com.tr|author=Bahtiyar Abdülkerimov|date=May 5, 2021|access-date=May 9, 2021|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506011517/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/death-toll-rises-to-55-from-kyrgyz-tajik-border-clashes/2230340|url-status=live}}
The European Union approves the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, governing the relationship between the EU and UK after Brexit.{{cite web|title=Brexit: European Parliament backs UK trade deal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56899831|website=BBC News|date=April 28, 2021|access-date=April 28, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427230038/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56899831|url-status=live}}
April 29 – The China National Space Administration launches the first module of its Tiangong space station, named Tianhe, beginning a two-year effort to build the station in orbit.{{cite web |title=China launches first module of new space station |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56924370 |website=BBC News |access-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508002009/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56924370 |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |date=April 29, 2021 |quote=China has launched a key module of a new permanent space station, the latest in Beijing's increasingly ambitious space programme. The Tianhe module – which contains living quarters for crew members – was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on a Long March-5B rocket. [...] Beijing plans to have at least 10 more similar launches, carrying all the additional equipment into orbit, before the completion of the station next year. |url-status=live}}

=May=

May 2 – The SpaceX Crew-1 mission ends, returning four crew members of Expedition 64 and 65 to Earth from the International Space Station aboard Crew Dragon Resilience.{{cite web |last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth |title=SpaceX Makes First Nighttime Splash Down With Astronauts Since 1968 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/02/science/spacex-nasa-landing.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210502090520/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/02/science/spacex-nasa-landing.html |archive-date=2 May 2021 |date=May 2, 2021 |quote=Half a year ago, a SpaceX rocket lifted off with the four astronauts — three from NASA, one from Japan's space agency — who were sitting inside one of the company's Crew Dragon capsules. On Sunday, the same capsule, named Resilience, safely returned to Earth, just before 3 a.m. Eastern time. |url-status=live }}
May 3 – Mexico City Metro overpass collapse: 26 people were killed and 98 people were injured when a Mexico City Metro train bridge collapsed when a train passed it.{{cite news|title=Why the Mexico City Metro Collapsed|work=The New York Times |date=June 13, 2021 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/12/world/americas/mexico-city-train-crash.html |last1=Kitroeff |first1=Natalie |last2=Abi-Habib |first2=Maria |last3=Glanz |first3=James |last4=Lopez |first4=Oscar |last5=Cai |first5=Weiyi |last6=Grothjan |first6=Evan |last7=Peyton |first7=Miles |last8=Cegarra |first8=Alejandro }}
May 11 – 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis: Israel hits the Gaza Strip with airstrikes as Hamas increases rocket fire.{{Cite news|last1=Kingsley|first1=Patrick|last2=Kershner|first2=Isabel|date=2021-05-11|title=Israel Hits Gaza With Airstrikes as Hamas Increases Rocket Fire|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-airstrikes.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-airstrikes.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|access-date=2021-05-11|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}} This follows tensions over the possible eviction of several Palestinians due to a long-standing property dispute in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem.{{cite web | title=Sheikh Jarrah: Palestinians and Israelis baulk at evictions compromise | website=BBC News | date=2021-08-03 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58024060 | access-date=December 7, 2023 | archive-date=September 26, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58024060 | url-status=live }}
May 12 – COVID-19 pandemic in India: The country's death toll exceeds 250,000.{{cite news |title=India's COVID-19 death toll exceeds 250,000 after deadliest 24 hours of pandemic |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/india-covid19-death-toll-1.6023704 |work=CBC |date=May 12, 2021 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/india-covid19-death-toll-1.6023704 |url-status=live }} Delhi cremation grounds were running out of places{{cite news |title=India Covid: Delhi running out of space for cremations |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56939011 |work=BBC |date=April 30, 2021 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081210/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56939011 |url-status=live }} while hundreds of bodies were reported washed up on the banks of the Ganges.{{cite news |title=Indian COVID-19 strain of global concern, WHO warns, as bodies wash up on banks of Ganges |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-11/covid-india-who-bodies-wash-up-on-banks-of-ganges-river/100130032 |work=BBC |date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-11/covid-india-who-bodies-wash-up-on-banks-of-ganges-river/100130032 |url-status=live }}
May 14 – The China National Space Administration lands its Zhurong rover at Utopia Planitia on Mars, making China the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the planet and only the second to land a rover.{{Cite news|date=2021-05-15|title=China lands its Zhurong rover on Mars|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57122914|access-date=2021-05-15|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515015422/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57122914|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=China lands its Zhurong rover on Mars |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57122914 |website=BBC News |access-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515015422/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57122914 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |date=May 15, 2021 |quote=China has successfully landed a spacecraft on Mars, state media announced early on Saturday. The six-wheeled Zhurong robot was targeting Utopia Planitia... |url-status=live}}
May 15 – Fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants continues to escalate, as the death toll exceeds 150. An Israeli airstrike destroys a high-rise office building in Gaza occupied by Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and other media outlets.{{Cite news|date=2021-05-16|title=Israel Gaza conflict: Netanyahu vows to continue strikes|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57131272|access-date=2021-05-16|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518233312/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-57131272|url-status=live}}
May 17 – Discovery, Inc. agrees to buy media conglomerate WarnerMedia and all of its subsidiaries from AT&T for US$43 billion. The merger is set to be complete the following year.{{Cite web|last1=Kovach|first1=Steve|last2=Meredith|first2=Sam|date=2021-05-17|title=AT&T announces $43 billion deal to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/17/att-to-combine-warnermedia-and-discovery-assets-to-create-a-new-standalone-company.html|access-date=2021-05-17|website=CNBC|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120133629/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/17/att-to-combine-warnermedia-and-discovery-assets-to-create-a-new-standalone-company.html|url-status=live}}
May 18–May 22 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 is held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, after the cancellation of the 2020 contest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news|title=Rotterdam returns as Eurovision Song Contest Host City in 2021|newspaper=Eurovision.tv|url=https://www.eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-to-return-to-rotterdam-in-2021|date=16 May 2020|publisher=Eurovision Song Contest|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081209/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-to-return-to-rotterdam-in-2021|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Dates for Eurovision 2021 announced|url=https://www.eurovision.tv/story/dates-for-eurovision-2021-announced|date=15 June 2020|newspaper=Eurovision Song Contest|access-date=15 June 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://eurovision.tv/story/dates-for-eurovision-2021-announced|url-status=live}} The contest is won by Italian entrants Måneskin with the song "{{Lang|it|Zitti e buoni|italic=no}}".{{Cite web|title=Congratulations ITALY: Måneskin win Eurovision Song Contest 2021|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/congratulations-italy-maneskin-win-eurovision-2021|date=22 May 2021|publisher=Eurovision Song Contest|access-date=22 May 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522230428/https://eurovision.tv/story/congratulations-italy-maneskin-win-eurovision-2021|url-status=live}}
May 20 – Following international pressure, and nearly 250 deaths, Israel agrees to a ceasefire deal to end the conflict with Gaza militants, effective the next day at 2:00 am local time.{{Cite news|date=2021-05-20|title=Israel approves Gaza ceasefire to halt 11-day conflict|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/20/israels-security-cabinet-approves-gaza-ceasefire-reports|access-date=2021-05-20|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520195144/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/20/israels-security-cabinet-approves-gaza-ceasefire-reports|url-status=live}}
May 23 – Ryanair Flight 4978 is forced to land by Belarusian authorities to detain dissident journalist Roman Protasevich.{{Cite news|date=2021-06-04|title=Belarus Ryanair flight diverted: Passengers describe panic on board|work=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57180275|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=June 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624212455/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57180275|url-status=live}}
May 24
A coup d'état in Mali removes interim president Bah Ndaw and the acting prime minister, Moctar Ouane, from power and restores military rule leading to the country being suspended from the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, as well as France suspending its military operations in the country.{{Cite news|title=Mali suspended from African Union, threatened with sanctions|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/2/mali-suspended-from-african-union-after-second-coup-in-9-months|date=June 2, 2021|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=June 2, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602193249/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/2/mali-suspended-from-african-union-after-second-coup-in-9-months|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Mali President, PM Resign After Arrest, Confirming 2nd Coup in 9 Months |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_mali-president-pm-resign-after-arrest-confirming-2nd-coup-9-months/6206235.html |publisher=VOA News |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529190248/https://www.voanews.com/africa/mali-president-pm-resign-after-arrest-confirming-2nd-coup-9-months |archive-date=29 May 2021 |date=26 May 2021 |url-status=live}}
The Government of Guillermo Lasso is formed in Ecuador.{{Cite web |last=ntn24.com |date=2021-04-11 |title=¿Quién es el presidente electo de Ecuador? |url=https://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/ecuador/quien-es-el-presidente-electo-de-ecuador-132970 |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=¿Quién es el presidente electo de Ecuador? |language=es |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805234946/https://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/ecuador/quien-es-el-presidente-electo-de-ecuador-132970 |url-status=live }}
May 26
Shell becomes the first company to be legally mandated to align its carbon emissions with the Paris climate accord, following a landmark court ruling in the Netherlands.{{Cite news|date=2021-05-27|title=Shell: Netherlands court orders oil giant to cut emissions|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57257982|access-date=2021-05-28|archive-date=September 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919210502/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57257982|url-status=live}}
The 2021 Syrian presidential election is held.{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/26/c_139970582.htm|title=Presidential election kicks off in Syria|date=May 26, 2021|website=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/26/c_139970582.htm|url-status=live}}
May 28
The New York Times breaks the story on a Canadian Indian Residential School Cemeteries announcement, incorrectly reporting a discovery of "mass graves" of Indigenous children at a former school site. The reporting would help "spawn a new holiday, Truth and Reconciliation Day, prompt an official visit by Pope Francis, and result in Canadian flags being kept at half-mast for a record-breaking five consecutive months.”{{Cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Jason |date=July 30, 2022 |title=Francis Calls Abuse of Indigenous People in Canada a 'Genocide' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/30/world/americas/pope-francis-canada-genocide.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107101356/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/30/world/americas/pope-francis-canada-genocide.html |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |access-date=October 7, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Hopper |first=Tristin |date=September 6, 2023 |title=FIRST READING: Who started calling residential school burial sites mass graves? |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/first-nations-graves |work=National Post}}
May 29 – 2021 UEFA Champions League Final; Chelsea become champions, defeating fellow English club Manchester City 1–0 to win the UEFA Champions League for the second time.{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12650cedca55-37515f69768e-1000/ |title=Man. City 0–1 Chelsea: Havertz gives Blues second Champions League triumph |website=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=29 May 2021 |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602232528/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0269-12650cedca55-37515f69768e-1000/ |url-status=live }}
May 30 – The 2021 Cypriot legislative election is held.{{Cite web |title=ΒΟΥΛΕΥΤΙΚΕΣ ΕΚΛΟΓΕΣ 2021 |url=http://www.dmrid.gov.cy/dmrid/research.nsf/home/home?opendocument |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=www.dmrid.gov.cy |language=el |archive-date=December 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229201827/https://www.presidency.gov.cy/cypresidency/cypresidency.nsf/dmlint_el/dmlint_el?OpenDocument |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=IFES Election Guide {{!}} Elections: Cypriot House of Representatives Elections 2021 |url=https://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/3638/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=www.electionguide.org |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227010803/https://www.electionguide.org/elections/id/3638/ |url-status=live }}

=June=

June 2 – The 2021 Israeli presidential election is held, and won by Isaac Herzog.{{cite web |title=Isaac Herzog Wins Israeli Presidential Election, Defeating Miriam Peretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-isaac-herzog-wins-israeli-presidential-election-defeating-miriam-peretz-1.9867198 |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=Haaretz |date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607093053/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-isaac-herzog-wins-israeli-presidential-election-defeating-miriam-peretz-1.9867198 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Isaac Herzog elected Israel's 11th president, with 87 votes of Knesset's 120 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/isaac-herzog-elected-israels-11th-president-with-87-votes-of-knessets-120/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=2 June 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614220706/https://www.timesofisrael.com/isaac-herzog-elected-israels-11th-president-with-87-votes-of-knessets-120/ |url-status=live }} In order to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power, Naftali Bennett agrees to form a coalition with the Israeli opposition as a rotation government that will come to take effect after eleven days.{{cite news|title=Live Updates: Netanyahu Faces Ouster as Foes Reach Deal for New Government|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/06/02/world/israel-government-netanyahu-bennett|access-date=13 June 2021|work=The New York Times|date=2 June 2021|last1=Kingsley|first1=Patrick|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603143812/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/06/02/world/israel-government-netanyahu-bennett|url-status=live}}
June 5 – The G7 agrees on a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% intended to prevent tax avoidance by some of the world's biggest multinational companies.{{Cite news|date=2021-06-05|title=G7: Rich nations back deal to tax multinationals|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-57368247|access-date=2021-06-05|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630064153/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-57368247|url-status=live}}
June 7
The Juno spacecraft performs its only flyby of Jupiter's moon Ganymede, the first flyby of the moon by any spacecraft in over 20 years.{{cite web |last1=Agle |first1=D.C. |last2=Fox |first2=Karen |last3=Johnson |first3=Alana |last4=Schmid |first4=Deb |title=NASA's Juno to Get a Close Look at Jupiter's Moon Ganymede |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasa-s-juno-to-get-a-close-look-at-jupiter-s-moon-ganymede |website=NASA |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603202011/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasa-s-juno-to-get-a-close-look-at-jupiter-s-moon-ganymede/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |date=3 June 2021 |quote=On Monday, June 7 [...] NASA's Juno spacecraft will come within 645 miles (1,038 kilometers) of the surface of Jupiter's largest moon, Ganymede. The flyby will be the closest a spacecraft has come to the solar system's largest natural satellite since NASA's Galileo spacecraft made its penultimate close approach back on May 20, 2000. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Berger |first1=Eric |title=NASA extends Juno, turning spacecraft into an Io, Europa, and Ganymede explorer |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/nasa-extends-missions-to-jupiter-and-mars-expect-lots-of-jovian-moon-flybys/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603202029/https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/01/nasa-extends-missions-to-jupiter-and-mars-expect-lots-of-jovian-moon-flybys/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |date=12 January 2021 |quote=As part of a research plan submitted by Scott Bolton, Juno's principal investigator, the spacecraft will fly to within 1,000km of the surface of Ganymede... |url-status=live}}
2021 Ghotki rail crash: In Pakistan, 2 trains collided in Daharki, in the Ghotki District of Sindh. Killing 65 people and injuring 150 people.{{cite news|title=Pakistan train crash: dozens killed as express services collide|newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 7, 2021 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/07/pakistan-train-crash-dozens-killed-as-express-services-collide-millat-sir-syed}}
June 9
The 2021 Mongolian presidential election is held.{{cite web |title=Former Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh wins presidency |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/9/former-mongolian-prime-minister-khurelsukh-wins-presidency |work=Al Jazeera |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609205504/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/9/former-mongolian-prime-minister-khurelsukh-wins-presidency |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Mongolia votes for new president amid COVID-19 campaign curbs |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/mongolia-votes-new-president-amid-covid-19-campaign-curbs-2021-06-08/ |work=Reuters |date=8 June 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609180504/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/mongolia-votes-new-president-amid-covid-19-campaign-curbs-2021-06-08/ |url-status=live }}
The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador passes legislation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in the country, becoming the first country to adopt the cryptocurrency alongside the U.S. dollar.{{Cite news|last=Jagtiani|first=Sunil|date=9 June 2021|title=El Salvador President Says Nation Adopts Bitcoin as Legal Tender|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-09/el-salvador-president-says-nation-adopts-bitcoin-as-legal-tender|access-date=2021-06-09|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609230840/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-09/el-salvador-president-says-nation-adopts-bitcoin-as-legal-tender|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Ostroff|first=Caitlin|date=2021-06-09|title=El Salvador Becomes First Country to Approve Bitcoin as Legal Tender|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/el-salvador-becomes-first-country-to-approve-bitcoin-as-legal-tender-11623234476|access-date=2021-06-09|issn=|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.wsj.com/articles/el-salvador-becomes-first-country-to-approve-bitcoin-as-legal-tender-11623234476|url-status=live}}
June 10 – An annular solar eclipse is visible from Canada, Greenland, the North Pole, and the Russian Far East.{{Cite web|title=NASA – Annular Solar Eclipse of 2021 June 10|url=https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsearch/SEsearchmap.php?Ecl=20210610|access-date=3 August 2020|website=eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913083028/https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsearch/SEsearchmap.php?Ecl=20210610|url-status=live}}
June 11–July 11 – The delayed UEFA Euro 2020, hosted by 11 different countries, is held,{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/euro/2020/2024447_fr.pdf |title=Full Time Summary – Turkey v Italy |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611210448/https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/euro/2020/2024447_fr.pdf |url-status=dead }} and is won by Italy after beating England on penalties in the final.{{cite web|title=Euro 2020: Fans' despair as England lose to Italy in final|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57800036|website=BBC News|date=July 12, 2021|access-date=July 12, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57800036|url-status=live}}
June 11–June 13 – World leaders meet at the 47th G7 summit, hosted by the United Kingdom, with topics of discussion including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the corporate taxation of multinationals.{{cite web |title=Biden and world leaders meet at 2021 G7 summit |url=https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/biden-g7-summit-updates-intl-06-11-2021/ |work=CNN |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081208/https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/biden-g7-summit-updates-intl-06-11-2021/ |url-status=live }}
June 12 – The 2021 Algerian parliamentary election is held to elect all 407 seats in the People's National Assembly.{{cite web |last=AfricaNews |date=2021-06-15 |title=Algeria's ruling party wins legislative elections |url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/06/15/algeria-s-ruling-party-wins-legislative-elections/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Africanews |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081209/https://www.africanews.com/2021/06/15/algeria-s-ruling-party-wins-legislative-elections// |url-status=live }}
June 13 – Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister of Israel, is voted out of office; Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel and as Alternate Prime Minister of Israel, respectively.{{cite news |date=13 June 2021 |title=Netanyahu out as new Israeli government approved |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57462470 |url-status=live |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614040811/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57462470 |archive-date=June 14, 2021}}
June 13–July 10 – The 2021 Copa América, hosted behind closed doors by Brazil, is held,{{cite web |url=https://copaamerica.com/en/ |title=CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 |work=CONMEBOL.com |publisher=Confederación Americana de Fútbol |date=13 June 2021 |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014033747/https://copaamerica.com/en/ |url-status=live }} and is won by Argentina.{{cite web|date=11 July 2021|title=Copa America 2021 Final Highlights: Argentina beat Brazil 1-0, Messi wins first senior International trophy|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/copa-america-2021-final-live-score-argentina-vs-brazil-live-score-streaming-7398292/|access-date=11 July 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711014514/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/copa-america-2021-final-live-score-argentina-vs-brazil-live-score-streaming-7398292/|url-status=live}}
June 17 – The China National Space Administration sends its first three astronauts to occupy the Tiangong Space Station, the country's first space station.{{cite news |title=China space station: Shenzhou-12 delivers first crew to Tianhe module |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57504052 |access-date=17 June 2021 |work=BBC |date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081209/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57504052 |url-status=live }}
June 18 – The 2021 Iranian presidential election is held.{{Cite web |title=2021 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION |website=Iran Data Portal |url=https://irandataportal.syr.edu/2021-presidential-election |access-date=2022-07-26 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717045447/https://irandataportal.syr.edu/2021-presidential-election |url-status=live }}
June 20 – 2021 Armenian parliamentary election: Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan wins the country's snap election, with his Civil Contract party gaining 54% of the vote.{{cite news |title=Armenia election: PM Nikol Pashinyan wins post-war poll |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57549208 |access-date=21 June 2021 |work=BBC |date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081210/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57549208 |url-status=live }}
June 23 – 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final: New Zealand wins the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57581441 |title=World Test Championship final: New Zealand beat India on sixth day to become world champions |work=BBC Sport |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623180755/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57581441 |url-status=live }}
June 24 – Surfside condominium collapse: A portion of the Champlain South Towers condominium building collapses in Surfside, Florida, United States, leaving 98 people dead.{{cite web |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article253036578.html |title=Police identify final missing victim from Surfside condo collapse, which killed 98 |last=Hanks |first=Douglas |date=26 July 2021 |website=Miami Herald |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810124948/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article253036578.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Alfonso III |first1=Fernando |last2=Chowdhury |first2=Maureen |last3=Rahim |first3=Zamira |last4=Elassar |first4=Alaa |date=2021-06-26 |title=June 26, 2021 Florida building collapse news |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/index.html |access-date=2021-07-14 |website=CNN |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626160358/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/miami-florida-building-collapse-06-26-21-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last1=Martínez|first1=Andrés R.|last2=Morales|first2=Christina|last3=Medina|first3=Eduardo|last4=Robertson|first4=Campbell|date=2021-06-28|title=11 People Confirmed Dead in Florida Condo Collapse|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/06/28/us/building-collapse-miami-beach|access-date=2021-06-29|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/06/28/us/building-collapse-miami-beach|url-status=live}} One survivor was pulled from the wreckage while 35 others were evacuated from the uncollapsed section of the building.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-24 |title=Condo Collapse: 'We Pulled 35 Occupants That Were Trapped; Rescue Operation Ongoing,' Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Officials |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/condo-collapse-we-pulled-35-occupants-that-were-trapped-assistant-fire-chief-raide-jadallah/ |access-date=2021-06-29 |website=CBS Miami |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627231005/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/06/24/condo-collapse-we-pulled-35-occupants-that-were-trapped-assistant-fire-chief-raide-jadallah/ |url-status=live }}
June 25 – Derek Chauvin is convicted and sentenced to 22 years and 6 months in prison, for the murder of George Floyd and for starting the national and international protest. Despite this, the civil unrest still goes on.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57618356|title=George Floyd murder: Derek Chauvin sentenced to over 22 years|date=June 25, 2021|website=BBC|access-date=February 14, 2023|archive-date=February 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214091511/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57618356|url-status=live}}
June 28 – Tigray War: The Tigray Defense Force seizes the Tigrayan capital Mekelle shortly after the Ethiopian government declares a ceasefire.{{cite web|date=29 June 2021|title=Ethiopia's Tigray conflict: Street celebrations as rebels seize capital|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57645282|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=bbc|archive-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701175732/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57645282|url-status=live}}
June 29 – COVID-19 pandemic: The number of vaccinations administered worldwide exceeds 3 billion.{{cite web |title=World passes three billion vaccine mark in race to contain Covid |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210629-world-passes-three-billion-vaccine-mark-in-race-to-contain-covid |website=France 24 |date=29 June 2021 |access-date=29 June 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926082721/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210629-world-passes-three-billion-vaccine-mark-in-race-to-contain-covid |url-status=live }}

=July=

July 3 – Over 130 wildfires, fuelled by lightning strikes, burn through Western Canada following a record-breaking heatwave in North America that results in over 600 deaths.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-03|title=Canada heatwave: Lightning triggers wildfires in British Columbia|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57703853|access-date=2021-07-03|archive-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703080127/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57703853|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Harvey |first=Sarah |date=2021-07-03 |title=Canada heatwave: Lightning strikes trigger British Columbia wildfires |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/canada-heatwave-lightning-strikes-british-columbia-wildfires-b943934.html |access-date=2021-07-14 |website=www.standard.co.uk |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926082721/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/canada-heatwave-lightning-strikes-british-columbia-wildfires-b943934.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Langton|first=Kaisha|date=2021-07-03|title=Canada fires: 125 wildfires rage across Canada – evacuation orders as 450 hectares ablaze|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1457780/Canada-wildfires-map-today-spread-of-wildfire-british-columbia-fires-latest-EVG|access-date=2021-07-03|website=Express.co.uk|archive-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703234209/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1457780/Canada-wildfires-map-today-spread-of-wildfire-british-columbia-fires-latest-EVG|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Warburton |first=Moira |date=2021-07-02 |editor-last=Thomas |editor-first=Denny |editor2-last=Gregorio |editor2-first=David |title=Western Canada lightning strikes up tenfold, stoking fires |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/western-canada-lightning-strikes-up-tenfold-stoking-fires-2021-07-02/ |access-date=2021-07-14 |website=Reuters |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081220/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/western-canada-lightning-strikes-up-tenfold-stoking-fires-2021-07-02/ |url-status=live }}
July 5 – More than 1,000 Afghan soldiers flee to neighbouring Tajikistan after clashing with Taliban militants.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-05|title=Afghanistan: Soldiers flee to Tajikistan after militant clashes|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57720103|access-date=2021-07-05|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57720103|url-status=live}}
July 7 – Assassination of Jovenel Moïse: Haitian President Jovenel Moïse is shot to death by unidentified gunmen at 1:00 am local time in his home. First Lady Martine Moïse is injured and hospitalized.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-07|title=Haiti President Jovenel Moïse killed in attack at home|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57750358|access-date=2021-07-07|archive-date=July 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707120342/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57750358|url-status=live}}
July 8 – COVID-19 pandemic: The number of deaths from COVID-19 surpasses 4 million.{{cite web|title=The world's known Covid death toll passes four million.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/world/covid-death-toll-four-million.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/world/covid-death-toll-four-million.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|website=The New York Times|date=July 8, 2021|access-date=July 8, 2021}}{{cbignore}}
July 10–August 1 – The 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup is held in, and is won by, the United States.{{Cite web|title=Concacaf announces host cities and stadiums for 2021 Gold Cup|work=Gold Cup |date=22 April 2021|url=https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/article/concacaf-announces-host-cities-and-stadiums-for-2021-gold-cup/|publisher=CONCACAF|access-date=22 April 2021|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029143858/https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/article/concacaf-announces-host-cities-and-stadiums-for-2021-gold-cup/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/01/gold-cup-final-usa-mexico-miles-robinson-goal|title=Miles Robinson's last-gasp header lifts USA over Mexico in Gold Cup final|date=2 August 2021|work=Guardian|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115050714/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/01/gold-cup-final-usa-mexico-miles-robinson-goal|url-status=live}}
July 11
Thousands of Cubans, most of them young, attend a rare anti-government protest in San Antonio de los Baños to protest the increased food and medicine shortages brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=Thousands join rare anti-government protests in Cuba|date=11 July 2021|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210711-thousands-join-rare-anti-government-protests-in-cuba|publisher=France 24|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711210718/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210711-thousands-join-rare-anti-government-protests-in-cuba|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Hundreds of Protesters Take To Miami Streets As Mayor Asks For U.S. Led Intervention in Cuba|url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/hundreds-of-protesters-take-to-miami-streets-as-mayor-asks-for-u-s-led-intervention-in-cuba/2492603/|publisher=NBC6|date=11 July 2021|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712000603/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/hundreds-of-protesters-take-to-miami-streets-as-mayor-asks-for-u-s-led-intervention-in-cuba/2492603/|url-status=live}}
Moldova holds a parliamentary election, with the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) obtaining a majority of seats.{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/moldova-pro-eu-election-center-right-pas-parliament/|title=Moldova on pro-EU course after elections|first=Matei|last=Rosca|newspaper=Politico|date=12 July 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719190805/https://www.politico.eu/article/moldova-pro-eu-election-center-right-pas-parliament/|url-status=live}}
Bulgaria holds a parliamentary election, with the party There Is Such a People (ITN) leading.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-11|title=Voters apathetic in Bulgaria's early parliamentary election|work=San Antionio Express-News|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Bulgarians-elect-new-parliament-amid-corruption-16306749.php|access-date=2021-07-15|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715102955/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Bulgarians-elect-new-parliament-amid-corruption-16306749.php|url-status=dead}}
July 12 – 2021 European floods: Heavy rain causes flooding in the border region of Germany and Belgium, resulting in 229 deaths, including 184 in Germany, 42 in Belgium with 1 person still missing there,{{Cite news|date=2021-07-16|title=Germany floods: At least 80 people die, houndreds are unaccounted for|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57858829|access-date=2021-07-16|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716183733/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57858829|url-status=live}} and 2 in Romania.{{cite web |url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-24928707-bilantul-inundatiilor-din-romania-bode-2-persoane-murit-iar-81-persoane-fost-evacuate-fost-afectate-80-localitati-din-20-judete.htm |title=Bilanțul inundațiilor din România. Bode: Două persoane au murit, iar alte 81 au fost evacuate / Au fost afectate 80 de localități din 20 de județe |work=HotNews.ro |last=O. |first=N. |date=20 July 2021 |access-date=October 6, 2021 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702073910/https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-24928707-bilantul-inundatiilor-din-romania-bode-2-persoane-murit-iar-81-persoane-fost-evacuate-fost-afectate-80-localitati-din-20-judete.htm |url-status=live }} The event is attributed to a slowed jetstream caused by climate change.
July 13 – After the Supreme Court declares his incumbency unconstitutional, KP Oli is succeeded by Sher Bahadur Deuba as 43rd Prime Minister of Nepal.{{Cite web|title=देउवा प्रधानमन्त्री नियुक्त, सपथको तयारी|url=https://www.setopati.com/politics/243073/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Setopati|language=Nepali|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027220534/https://www.setopati.com/politics/243073/|url-status=live}}
July 18 – An international investigation reveals that spyware sold by Israel's NSO Group to different governments is being used to target heads of state, along with thousands of activists, journalists and dissidents around the world.{{cite web|title=Pegasus: Spyware sold to governments 'targets activists'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-57881364|website=BBC News|date=July 19, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803030111/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-57881364|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Revealed: leak uncovers global abuse of cyber-surveillance weapon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/18/revealed-leak-uncovers-global-abuse-of-cyber-surveillance-weapon-nso-group-pegasus|website=The Guardian|date=July 18, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719172826/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/18/revealed-leak-uncovers-global-abuse-of-cyber-surveillance-weapon-nso-group-pegasus|url-status=live}}
July 19
Blue Origin successfully conducts its first human test flight, with a reusable New Shepard rocket delivering four crew members into space including its founder Jeff Bezos.{{cite web|title=Jeff Bezos launches to space aboard New Shepard rocket ship|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57849364|website=BBC News|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724042207/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57849364|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Replay – New Shepard First Human Flight|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMHhXzpwupU| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/tMHhXzpwupU| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|website=YouTube|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=July 20, 2021}}{{cbignore}}
Leftist schoolteacher Pedro Castillo is confirmed as President of Peru over a month after the 2021 Peruvian general election.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/19/world/americas/peru-election-pedro-castillo.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/19/world/americas/peru-election-pedro-castillo.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Pedro Castillo, Leftist Political Outsider, Wins Peru Presidency|first1=Mitra|last1=Taj|first2=Julie|last2=Turkewitz|newspaper=The New York Times|date=20 July 2021}}{{cbignore}}
Day of Hajj: Women are permitted to attend without a male guardian (mehrem) provided they go in a trustworthy group.{{cite news|author=AFP|title=In Mecca, Women Take Part in Hajj as 'Guardian' Rule Dropped|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_mecca-women-take-part-hajj-guardian-rule-dropped/6208472.html|publisher=VOA|date=2021-07-20|access-date=2021-07-20|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720180212/https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/mecca-women-take-part-hajj-guardian-rule-dropped|url-status=live}}
July 23–August 8 – The 2020 Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo, Japan. They were originally scheduled for 24 July–9 August 2020, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics: New dates confirmed for 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/52091224 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=31 March 2020 |date=30 March 2020 |archive-date=April 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430002520/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/52091224 |url-status=live }}
July 23 – The Court of Appeal of Samoa deemed the swearing-in of Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and her government as constitutional, ending a three-month constitutional crisis.{{cite web |url=https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/87898 |title=F.A.S.T. declared new Government as appeal upheld |publisher=Samoa Observer |author=Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong |date=23 July 2021 |access-date=23 July 2021 |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723043811/https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/87898 |url-status=live }}
July 25 – Tunisian president Kais Saied formally takes power in the country, suspending the parliament and sacking the prime minister.{{cite web |title=Tunisia's PM sacked after violent Covid protests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57958555 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=27 July 2021 |date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708231047/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57958555 |url-status=live }}
July 28 – The first direct observation of light from behind a black hole is reported, confirming Einstein's theory of general relativity.{{cite news |title=Astronomers detect light behind black hole for first time |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/28/astronomers-detect-light-behind-black-hole-for-first-time |date=28 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 July 2021 |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021190922/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/28/astronomers-detect-light-behind-black-hole-for-first-time |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Stanford astrophysicists report first detection of light from behind a black hole |url=https://news.stanford.edu/2021/07/28/first-detection-light-behind-black-hole/ |date=28 July 2021 |work=Stanford |access-date=29 July 2021 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729091559/https://news.stanford.edu/2021/07/28/first-detection-light-behind-black-hole/ |url-status=live }}
July 29
Roscosmos' Nauka laboratory docks with the International Space Station following a protracted seventeen-year development and launch on 21 July. Hours after docking, a malfunction of its thrusters causes a temporary loss of control of the station, spinning it up to 45 degrees from its normal orbital attitude.{{Cite news|date=2021-07-30|title=Russian module mishap destabilises International Space Station|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58021394|access-date=2021-08-01|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005203706/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58021394|url-status=live}}
The oil tanker Mercer Street is attacked off the coast of Oman.{{Cite web|title=UK and US blame Iran for oil tanker attack which killed Briton|url=https://news.sky.com/story/uk-and-us-blame-iran-for-oil-tanker-attack-which-killed-briton-12370157|access-date=2021-08-01|website=Sky News|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://news.sky.com/story/uk-and-us-blame-iran-for-oil-tanker-attack-which-killed-briton-12370157|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Iran blamed as two killed in strike on Israeli-managed ship|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/israeli-ship-attacked-in-gulf-of-oman-report-675389|access-date=2021-08-01|website=The Jerusalem Post|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730073559/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/israeli-ship-attacked-in-gulf-of-oman-report-675389|url-status=live}}

=August=

August 3
The oil tanker Asphalt Princess is hijacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.{{Cite news|date=2021-08-03|title=MV Asphalt Princess: Ship hijacked off UAE ordered to sail to Iran|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58078506|access-date=2021-08-03|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803224937/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58078506|url-status=live}}
Wildfires in Greece begin.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/07/uk-sends-firefighters-to-greece-to-help-the-battle-against-wildfires|title=UK sends firefighters to Greece to help the battle against wildfires|date=7 August 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/07/uk-sends-firefighters-to-greece-to-help-the-battle-against-wildfires|url-status=live}}
August 4
2020 Summer Olympics: Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya is given political asylum in Poland through a humanitarian visa after attempts by the Belarus Olympic Committee to repatriate her against her will.{{cite web|date=2021-08-04|title=Belarus sprinter leaves Tokyo on flight to Vienna after seeking refuge|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/04/belarus-sprinter-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-poland|access-date=2021-08-04|website=The Guardian|archive-date=August 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810194436/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/04/belarus-sprinter-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-poland|url-status=live}}
COVID-19 pandemic: The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpasses 200 million worldwide.{{cite web|date=2021-08-04|title=Covid cases surpass 200 million around the globe as delta variant spreads|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/covid-cases-surpass-200-million-around-globe-delta-variant-spreads-n1275980|access-date=2021-08-06|website=NBC|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/covid-cases-surpass-200-million-around-globe-delta-variant-spreads-n1275980|url-status=live}}
August 5 – Tigray War: The Tigray Defense Forces seize the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela.{{cite web|date=5 August 2021|title=Lalibela: Ethiopia's Tigray rebels take Unesco world heritage town|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58101912|access-date=6 August 2021|publisher=BBC|archive-date=August 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826110245/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58101912|url-status=live}}
August 9 – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases the first part of its Sixth Assessment Report, which concludes that the effects of human-caused climate change are now "widespread, rapid, and intensifying".{{cite web|date=9 August 2021|title=Climate change: IPCC report is 'code red for humanity'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58130705|access-date=9 August 2021|publisher=BBC|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202044211/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58130705|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=9 August 2021|title=Major climate changes inevitable and irreversible – IPCC's starkest warning yet|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/09/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-and-irreversible-change-to-climate-scientists-warn|access-date=9 August 2021|work=The Guardian|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811133927/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/09/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-and-irreversible-change-to-climate-scientists-warn|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=9 August 2021|title=Climate change widespread, rapid, and intensifying – IPCC|url=https://www.ipcc.ch/2021/08/09/ar6-wg1-20210809-pr/|access-date=9 August 2021|publisher=IPCC|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811070140/https://www.ipcc.ch/2021/08/09/ar6-wg1-20210809-pr/|url-status=live}}
August 12 – The 2021 Zambian general election is held.{{cite news |title=Celebrations as Zambian opposition candidate leads in count |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/early-election-results-show-zambian-opposition-leader-ahead/2021/08/14/0baba694-fcec-11eb-911c-524bc8b68f17_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Farai Mutsaka |date=14 August 2021 |access-date=14 August 2021 }} {{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url= https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_zambians-await-vote-results-after-massive-turnout/6209546.html |title= Zambians Await Vote Results After Massive Turnout |date= 13 August 2021 |access-date= 14 August 2021 |work= VOA |author= Peter Clottey |archive-date= August 14, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210814214506/https://www.voanews.com/africa/zambians-await-vote-results-after-massive-turnout |url-status= live }}
August 14 – A 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Haiti, killing more than 2,500 people.{{cite web|date=14 August 2021|title=High casualties feared as 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Haiti|url=https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-haiti-7dd9920a35433df7d1f18ad2599d94f1|access-date=19 August 2021|publisher=APnews|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://apnews.com/article/caribbean-haiti-7dd9920a35433df7d1f18ad2599d94f1|url-status=live}}File:Evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport; Image 4 of 16.jpg
August 15 – 2021 Taliban offensive: The Taliban capture Kabul; the Afghan government surrenders to the Taliban.{{Cite web|last=Latifi|first=Ali M.|title='At the gates': Taliban ready to take Afghan capital|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/15/taliban-enter-kabul-from-all-sides|access-date=2021-08-15|website=Al Jazeera|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815081408/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/15/taliban-enter-kabul-from-all-sides|url-status=live}}
August 24–September 5 – The 2020 Summer Paralympics were held in Tokyo, Japan. They were originally scheduled for 25 August–6 September 2020, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|date=2021-08-16|title=Tokyo 2020 Paralympics briefing: two more weeks of glory and despair|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/16/tokyo-2020-paralympics-briefing-intercalated-email|access-date=2021-08-30|website=The Guardian|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830184224/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/16/tokyo-2020-paralympics-briefing-intercalated-email|url-status=live}}
August 26 – 2021 Kabul airport attack: At least 182 people are killed, including 13 U.S. service members, in a suicide bomb attack at Kabul airport.{{Cite web|title=Afghanistan live news: explosion outside Kabul airport amid 'most hectic, dangerous phase' of evacuations {{!}} Afghanistan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/aug/26/afghanistan-live-news-updates-evacuation-refugees-taliban-kabul-airport-latest|access-date=2021-08-26|website=The Guardian|date=August 26, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://amp.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/aug/26/afghanistan-live-news-updates-evacuation-refugees-taliban-kabul-airport-latest|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=26 August 2021|title=Civilians and US troops among dozens killed in Kabul|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-58279900|access-date=26 August 2021|publisher=BBC|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820090407/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-58279900|url-status=live}}
August 27 – The United States launches an airstrike that it claims killed the Islamic State member who was believed to have planned the Kabul airport bombings.{{cite web |title=US airstrike targets Islamic State member in Afghanistan |url=https://apnews.com/article/asia-pacific-evacuations-kabul-islamic-state-group-7f146c8ae5d9e9ab225025527e421226 |website=AP News |date=27 August 2021 |publisher=AP News |access-date=28 August 2021 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406181112/https://apnews.com/article/asia-pacific-evacuations-kabul-islamic-state-group-7f146c8ae5d9e9ab225025527e421226 |url-status=live }} However, the U.S. Defense Department later acknowledged that the strike instead killed ten civilians, including seven children, and that no terrorists were killed.{{cite web|title=Pentagon reverses itself, says Kabul aistrike was "tragic mistake"|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-09-17/pentagon-reverses-itself-calls-deadly-kabul-strike-an-error|date=17 September 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=28 May 2022|archive-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528181617/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-09-17/pentagon-reverses-itself-calls-deadly-kabul-strike-an-error|url-status=live}}
August 29 – Hurricane Ida strikes New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, after having caused devastation in Venezuela.{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2021-hurricane-ida-facts|title=2021 Hurricane Ida: Facts, FAQs, and how to help|date=23 September 2021|access-date=November 16, 2021|archive-date=November 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116035437/https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2021-hurricane-ida-facts|url-status=live}}
August 30
The UN Environment Programme announces that leaded petrol in road vehicles has been phased out globally, a hundred years after its introduction.{{cite web |title=Highly polluting leaded petrol now eradicated from the world, says UN |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-58388810 |website=BBC News |date=31 August 2021 |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901102025/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-58388810 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Inside the 20-year campaign to rid the world of leaded fuel|url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/inside-20-year-campaign-rid-world-leaded-fuel|website=UN Environment Programme|date=30 August 2021|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901205923/https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/inside-20-year-campaign-rid-world-leaded-fuel|url-status=live}}
The United States withdraws its last remaining troops from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, ending 20 years of operations in Afghanistan.{{cite web |title=After 20 years, last US flight departs Kabul, leaving Afghanistan to its fate |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/30/pentagon-kabul-drone-strike-islamic-state |website=The Guardian |date=31 August 2021 |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831081622/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/30/pentagon-kabul-drone-strike-islamic-state |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Afghanistan: Last US military flight departs ending America's longest war |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58390085 |website=BBC News |date=31 August 2021 |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831083251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58390085 |url-status=live }}

= September =

File:Parade militaire après le Coup d'état 2021 en Guinée 1.jpg, a day after the coup]]

September 5 – 2021 Guinean coup d'état: Guinea's President Alpha Condé is detained by an elite military unit led by a former French legionnaire, Lt. Col. Mamady Doumbouya, claiming to have seized power.{{Cite news|date=5 September 2021|title=Guinea coup attempt: Soldiers claim to seize power from Alpha Condé|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-58453778|access-date=5 September 2021|archive-date=October 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014050101/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-58453778|url-status=live}}
September 7 – El Salvador becomes the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin as an official currency.{{Cite news|date=6 September 2021|title=Fear and excitement in El Salvador as Bitcoin becomes legal tender|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58473260|access-date=6 September 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081220/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58473260|url-status=live}}
September 13
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of the main Malaysian opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, sign a confidence and supply agreement ending the 18-month political crisis that has led to the fall of two successive governments in Malaysia.{{cite web|last=|date=14 September 2021|title=Govt, PH sign historic MoU on political stability, transformation|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/govt-ph-sign-historic-mou-on-political-stability-transformation-BA8332838|url-status=live|access-date=13 September 2021|website=The Sun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914023905/https://www.thesundaily.my/local/govt-ph-sign-historic-mou-on-political-stability-transformation-BA8332838 |archive-date=September 14, 2021 }}
The 2021 Norwegian parliamentary election is held.{{cite news|last=Norwell|first=Frazer|date=2021-09-13|title=As it happened: 'We did it' – Norway's left-wing opposition triumphs in general election|url=https://www.thelocal.no/20210913/live-norway-set-to-announce-results-of-2021-election/|access-date=16 September 2021|website=The Local Norway|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915015330/https://www.thelocal.no/20210913/live-norway-set-to-announce-results-of-2021-election/|url-status=live}}
September 14
North Korea demonstrates two short-range ballistic missiles that land just outside Japan's territorial waters; and then only hours later South Korea demonstrates its first submarine-launched ballistic missile.{{Cite news|date=15 September 2021|title=North and South Korea test ballistic missiles hours apart|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58554326|access-date=16 September 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916084209/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58554326|url-status=live}}
The inaugural season of the UEFA Europa Conference League, the third tier of European club football, kicks off with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv winning 4–1 against Armenian club FC Alashkert.{{cite web |title=Embalo scores in Alashkert FC's defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/embalo-scores-in-alashkert-fcs-defeat-to-maccabi-tel-aviv/5ba194pym7en1jx3q6uzczqpo |date=14 September 2021 |access-date=15 November 2021 |work=Goal}}
September 15
AUKUS: A trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is formed, to counter the influence of China. This includes enabling Australia to build its first nuclear-powered submarine fleet.{{Cite news|date=16 September 2021|title=US, UK and Australia forge military alliance to counter China|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/15/australia-nuclear-powered-submarines-us-uk-security-partnership-aukus|access-date=16 September 2021|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405152827/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/15/australia-nuclear-powered-submarines-us-uk-security-partnership-aukus|url-status=live}}
Several ministers of the Argentine president Alberto Fernández's cabinet resign after the government's defeat in the primary elections, triggering a political crisis in the country.{{cite news |title=Argentina Cabinet Revolt Puts Fernandez in Political Crisis |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-15/argentina-cabinet-revolt-adds-political-pressure-on-fernandez |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |access-date=21 September 2021 |date=15 September 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511184423/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-15/argentina-cabinet-revolt-adds-political-pressure-on-fernandez |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Argentina's president reshuffles cabinet after political crisis: official |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210918-argentina-s-president-reshuffles-cabinet-after-political-crisis-official |website=France 24 |access-date=21 September 2021 |date=18 September 2021 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921202216/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210918-argentina-s-president-reshuffles-cabinet-after-political-crisis-official |url-status=live }}
September 16 – Inspiration4, launched by SpaceX, becomes the first all-civilian private spaceflight, carrying a four-person crew on a three-day orbit of the Earth.{{Cite news|date=16 September 2021|title=SpaceX makes history with first all-civilian spaceflight|work=NBC News|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/spacex-makes-history-first-civilian-spaceflight-rcna2027|access-date=16 September 2021|archive-date=September 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919004910/https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/spacex-makes-history-first-civilian-spaceflight-rcna2027|url-status=live}} Sian Proctor becomes first female commercial astronaut spaceship pilot and Hayley Arceneaux becomes first astronaut with a prosthesis.{{cite web |last1=Mongo |first1=M. |title=The First Female Commercial Spaceship Pilot is also a Poet |url=https://medium.com/space-is-for-everybody/the-first-female-commercial-spaceship-pilot-is-also-a-poet-a6d1f1ed5998 |website=Medium |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://medium.com/space-is-for-everybody/the-first-female-commercial-spaceship-pilot-is-also-a-poet-a6d1f1ed5998 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth |title=She Beat Cancer at 10. Now She's Set to Be the Youngest American in Space. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/science/spacex-hayley-arceneaux.html |website=NY TImes |date=February 22, 2021 |publisher=New York Times |access-date=21 August 2023 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224063735/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/science/spacex-hayley-arceneaux.html |url-status=live }}
September 19 – The 2021 Russian legislative election is held, with the United Russia party winning nearly 50% of the vote.{{Cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/09/19/as-it-happened-russia-votes-a75070|title=As it Happened: Russia Votes|first=The Moscow|last=Times|date=19 September 2021|website=The Moscow Times|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130224744/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/09/19/as-it-happened-russia-votes-a75070|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pro-putin-party-heads-russian-election-win-after-navalny-clampdown-2021-09-19/|title=Rivals allege mass fraud as Russian pro-Putin party wins big majority|first1=Andrew|last1=Osborn|first2=Polina|last2=Nikolskaya|newspaper=Reuters|date=20 September 2021|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pro-putin-party-heads-russian-election-win-after-navalny-clampdown-2021-09-19/|url-status=live}}
September 20 – The 2021 Canadian federal election is held, with Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party retaining a minority government.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/21/canada-general-election-2021-full-results|title=Canada election 2021: full results|date=21 September 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=September 21, 2021|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921164335/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/21/canada-general-election-2021-full-results|url-status=live}}
September 25 – The 2021 Icelandic parliamentary election is held.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/25/iceland-votes-as-government-hangs-by-a-thread |title=Iceland votes amid splintered political landscape |work=Al Jazeera |date=25 September 2021 |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-date=November 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111151132/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/25/iceland-votes-as-government-hangs-by-a-thread |url-status=live }}
September 26 – The 2021 German federal election is held, with Olaf Scholz and the Social Democratic Party beating out Armin Laschet's CDU/CSU coalition and Annalena Baerbock's Green Party.{{cite web |title=German election results show Angela Merkel's party losing ground. But the far-right lost more. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/german-election-results-show-angela-merkel-s-party-losing-ground-ncna1280190 |date=27 September 2021 |access-date=27 September 2021 |author=Andelman, David |work=NBC News |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928032214/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/german-election-results-show-angela-merkel-s-party-losing-ground-ncna1280190 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Uncertain start to post-Merkel era after close German vote |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-elections-germany-economy-national-elections-45048b76c22aee85ba7888ae03034283 |date=26 September 2021 |access-date=27 September 2021 |work=Associated Press |author=Moulson, Geir |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928011406/https://apnews.com/article/business-elections-germany-economy-national-elections-45048b76c22aee85ba7888ae03034283 |url-status=live }}

= October =

October 1 – The 2020 World Expo in Dubai begins. Its opening was originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=Dubai Expo confirms new dates: 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022 |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/expo-2020-dubai-dates-set-to-be-postponed |access-date=14 May 2020 |publisher=Khaleej Times |archive-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504180053/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/expo-2020-dubai-dates-set-to-be-postponed |url-status=live }}
October 3 – The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and assorted media partners publish a set of 11.9 million documents leaked from 14 financial services companies known as the Pandora Papers, revealing offshore financial activities that involve multiple current and former world leaders.{{Cite news|date=2021-10-03|title=Pandora Papers: Secret wealth and dealings of world leaders exposed|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58780465|access-date=2021-10-03|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005002147/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58780465|url-status=live}}
October 4 – Fumio Kishida becomes the 100th Prime Minister of Japan, succeeding Yoshihide Suga.{{cite web |title=Japan's new PM Fumio Kishida unveils Cabinet |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/fumio-kishida-japan-new-pm-cabinet-2219431 |website=CNA |access-date=5 October 2021 |date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005102805/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/fumio-kishida-japan-new-pm-cabinet-2219431 |url-status=dead }}
October 5
Microsoft releases the desktop operating system Windows 11.{{Cite web |last1=Blog |first1=Windows Experience |last2=Woodman |first2=Aaron |date=2021-08-31 |title=Windows 11 available on October 5 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Windows Experience Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229225521/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/ |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Introducing Windows 11 | date=June 24, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh9643c2P6k |access-date=2023-10-05 |language=en |archive-date=November 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130142508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh9643c2P6k |url-status=live }}
Roscosmos launches the Soyuz MS-19 mission, which carries an Expedition 66 crewmember and two Channel One Russia personnel to the International Space Station. The two Channel One crew will perform principal photography on the film Vyzov aboard the station.{{cite web |last1=Quine |first1=Tony |date=27 May 2021 |title=Russia to select actress for Soyuz mission in May |url=https://spacenews.com/russia-to-select-actress-for-soyuz-mission-in-may/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210603211949/https://spacenews.com/russia-to-select-actress-for-soyuz-mission-in-may/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |access-date=3 June 2021 |website=SpaceNews |quote=This unusual spaceflight will be connected to the filming of the movie "Vyzov" ("The Challenge") [...] Pavel Vlasov, head of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, has previously stated that Soyuz MS-19 will launch on Sept. 20 [...] However, other sources still give a projected launch date of Oct. 5.}}{{cite web |last1=McHugh |first1=Erin |date=17 May 2021 |title=Russia announces team for movie to be made on International Space Station |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/russia-movie-international-space-station/507-5abf8299-f8c8-46c3-ba7e-b8d7e7a3fb6c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210603212249/https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/russia-movie-international-space-station/507-5abf8299-f8c8-46c3-ba7e-b8d7e7a3fb6c |archive-date=3 June 2021 |access-date=3 June 2021 |website=WKYC Studios |quote=Russia said its film crew will take up two of the three seats aboard the October 5th launch of Russia's Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft.}}
October 6 – The World Health Organization endorses the first malaria vaccine.{{Cite news |date=2021-10-06 |title=WHO endorses use of world's first malaria vaccine in Africa |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/oct/06/who-endorses-use-of-worlds-first-malaria-vaccine-in-africa |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007021527/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/oct/06/who-endorses-use-of-worlds-first-malaria-vaccine-in-africa |archive-date=October 7, 2021}}
October 6–October 10 – The 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals is held in Italy, and is won by France. They were originally scheduled for 2–6 June 2021, but were moved following the rescheduling of UEFA Euro 2020 to June and July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|date=17 March 2020|title=Resolution of the European football family on a coordinated response to the impact of the COVID-19 on competitions|website=UEFA|publisher=Union of European Football Associations|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/025b-0f8e76b585dc-2d8b4cc9af94-1000--resolution-of-the-european-football-family-on-a-coordinated/|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429173500/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/newsid=2641077.html|url-status=live}}
October 8–October 9 – The 2021 Czech legislative election is held, with the main opposition coalition alliance of SPOLU and Pirates and Mayors gaining a legislative majority.{{Cite web|publisher=Česká televize|title=Volby 2021|url=https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/volby|access-date=2021-10-09|website=ČT24|language=cs|archive-date=July 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702111533/https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/volby|url-status=live}}[https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/3397166-zive-spolu-a-pirati-se-starosty-podepisuji-vladni-koalicni-dohodu Lídři SPOLU a Pirátů se Starosty podepsali koaliční smlouvu. Fiala očekává, že Babišova vláda podá demisi koncem týdne] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/3397166-zive-spolu-a-pirati-se-starosty-podepisuji-vladni-koalicni-dohodu |date=September 26, 2023 }}. 8.11.2021. ČT24.
October 9 – Sebastian Kurz announces his resignation as Chancellor of Austria as a result of a corruption probe launched against him.{{cite web |last1=Doherty |first1=Erin |title=Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz resigns amid corruption allegations |url=https://www.axios.com/austrian-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-resigns-f160d239-0cf8-431e-8c2f-92485d6012e7.html |website=Axios |date=October 9, 2021 |access-date=9 October 2021 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328084723/https://www.axios.com/austrian-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-resigns-f160d239-0cf8-431e-8c2f-92485d6012e7.html |url-status=live }}
October 16 – The Lucy spacecraft is launched by NASA, the first mission to explore the Trojan asteroids.{{Cite news|date=2021-10-16|title=Nasa's Lucy mission will seek out Solar System 'fossils'|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58927969|access-date=2021-10-16|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58927969|url-status=live}}
October 17–November 14 – The 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, and is won by Australia.{{cite web |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2350367 |title=Marsh and Warner take Australia to T20 World Cup glory |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=14 November 2021 |archive-date=November 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114173314/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2350367 |url-status=live }}
October 23 – Colombia's most wanted drug lord, Dario Antonio Úsuga, whose Gulf Clan controls many smuggling routes into the US and other countries, is captured by Colombia's armed forces.{{Cite news|date=2021-10-24|title=Colombia's most wanted drug lord Otoniel captured|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-59026214|access-date=2021-10-24|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024091953/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-59026214|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2021-10-24|title=Colombia captures its 'most-feared' drug lord Dairo Antonio Usuga|work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/24/americas/colombia-drug-lord-otoniel-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2021-10-24|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024092140/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/24/americas/colombia-drug-lord-otoniel-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}
October 24 – The 2021 Uzbek presidential election is held.{{cite web |title=Uzbekistan's incumbent leader wins 2nd term in office |url=https://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Uzbekistan-s-incumbent-leader-wins-2nd-term-in-16561263.php |access-date=14 November 2021 |date=25 October 2021 |work=Westport News |archive-date=November 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114235248/https://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Uzbekistan-s-incumbent-leader-wins-2nd-term-in-16561263.php |url-status=dead }}
October 25 – The Sudanese military launches a coup against the government. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok is placed under house arrest. President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declares a state of emergency and announces the dissolution of the government.{{Cite news|date=2021-10-25|title=Sudan's military takes power in coup, arrests prime minister|work=AP|url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-africa-sudan-arrests-omar-al-bashir-c8d027c0a9e250fcb5a595bdc987d282|access-date=2021-10-25|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025035343/https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-africa-sudan-arrests-omar-al-bashir-c8d027c0a9e250fcb5a595bdc987d282|url-status=live}}
October 31
The 2021 Japanese general election is held, with Fumio Kishida and the Liberal Democratic Party along with its coalition partner Komeito retaining a majority government.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59110828 |title=Japan election: PM Fumio Kishida declares victory for ruling LDP |work=BBC News |date=1 November 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59110828 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-votes-test-new-pm-kishida-political-stability-2021-10-30/ |title=Japan's Kishida defies expectations as ruling LDP easily keeps majority |work=Reuters |date=31 October 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021 |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608062413/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-votes-test-new-pm-kishida-political-stability-2021-10-30/ |url-status=live }}
October 31–November 13 – The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference is held in Glasgow, after being postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19.{{Cite web |title=Glasgow Climate Change Conference |url=https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/conferences/glasgow-climate-change-conference |website=United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108100033/https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/conferences/glasgow-climate-change-conference |url-status=live }} A deal is agreed by world leaders, which includes a "phasedown" of unabated coal power, a 30% cut in methane emissions by 2030, plans for a halt to deforestation by 2030, and increased financial support for developing countries.{{cite news |title=What is COP26 and what has been agreed at Glasgow climate conference? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56901261 |date=14 November 2021 |work=BBC News |access-date=14 November 2021 |archive-date=November 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114121658/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56901261 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=COP26 Reaches Consensus on Key Actions to Address Climate Change |url=https://unfccc.int/news/cop26-reaches-consensus-on-key-actions-to-address-climate-change |date=13 November 2021 |work=UN |access-date=14 November 2021 |archive-date=November 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114121700/https://unfccc.int/news/cop26-reaches-consensus-on-key-actions-to-address-climate-change |url-status=live }}

= November =

November 1 – COVID-19 pandemic: The number of recorded deaths from COVID-19 surpasses 5 million.{{cite web|title=The world has recorded 5 million COVID-19 deaths, but the real toll is likely more than double that|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-01/five-million-covid19-deaths-but-real-toll-hidden/100568156|website=abc.net.au|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101085913/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-01/five-million-covid19-deaths-but-real-toll-hidden/100568156|url-status=live}}
November 5
Tigray War: The Tigray People's Liberation Front forms a coalition with eight other rebel groups with the aim of defeating the Ethiopian government "by force or by negotiations."{{Cite news |date=5 November 2021 |title=Nine anti-gov't groups team up as Ethiopia recalls ex-soldiers |publisher=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/5/nine-anti-abiy-groups-team-up-as-ethiopia-recalls-ex-soldiers |url-status=live |access-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106210342/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/5/nine-anti-abiy-groups-team-up-as-ethiopia-recalls-ex-soldiers |archive-date=6 November 2021}}{{Cite news |last1=Parivicini |first1=Giulia |last2=Flick |first2=Maggie |date=11 August 2021 |title=Ethiopia's Tigray forces seek new military alliance |work=Reuters |editor-last=Giles Elgood |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/ethiopias-tigray-forces-seek-new-military-alliance-2021-08-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001062059/https://www.reuters.com/world/ethiopias-tigray-forces-seek-new-military-alliance-2021-08-11 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |editor2=Mark Heinrich}}
A crowd crush at the Astroworld Festival hosted by Travis Scott in Houston, Texas, kills 10 people and causes 300+ injuries.{{Cite news |date=9 November 2021 |title=Travis Scott's Astroworld disaster was caused by a 'crowd surge', a deadly risk that lurks at all mass gatherings |publisher=ABC |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-10/crowd-crush-history-after-travis-scotts-astroworld/100603638 |url-status=live |access-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109193714/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-10/crowd-crush-history-after-travis-scotts-astroworld/100603638 |archive-date=9 November 2021}}
November 11 – SpaceX launches the Crew-3 mission, carrying four Expedition 66 crew members to the International Space Station.{{cite web |last1=Beasley |first1=Courtney |last2=Finch |first2=Josh |last3=Schierholz |first3=Stephanie |title=Kayla Barron Joins NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 Mission to Space Station |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/kayla-barron-joins-nasa-s-spacex-crew-3-mission-to-space-station |website=NASA |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603213719/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/kayla-barron-joins-nasa-s-spacex-crew-3-mission-to-space-station/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |date=18 May 2021 |quote=...SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is targeted to launch as early as Oct. 23. [...] When Barron, Chari, Marshburn, and Maurer arrive at the orbiting laboratory, they will become expedition crew members for the duration of their six-month science mission. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Bartels |first1=Meghan |title=NASA, SpaceX target Oct. 23 for Crew-3 astronaut launch |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-nasa-crew-3-astronaut-launch-date |website=Space.com |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603213749/https://www.space.com/spacex-nasa-crew-3-astronaut-launch-date |archive-date=3 June 2021 |date=2 April 2021 |quote=NASA and SpaceX have announced that the pair's autumn mission to send four astronauts to the International Space Station will launch no earlier than Oct. 23. [...] In conjunction with the Oct. 23 launch window for Crew-3, Crew-2 will return to Earth no earlier than Oct. 31, giving the two cohorts about a week of overlap to transition the space station safely to its next residents. |url-status=live}}
November 14
The 2021 Argentine legislative election is held.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentines-vote-midterm-trial-by-fire-president-fernandez-2021-11-14/ |title=Argentina's Peronists on the ropes after bruising midterm defeat |work=Reuters |date=15 November 2021 |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117231933/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentines-vote-midterm-trial-by-fire-president-fernandez-2021-11-14/ |url-status=live }}
The 2021 Bulgarian general election is held.{{cite web |title=New centrist party wins Bulgarian election, could end months of deadlock |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/new-centrist-party-poised-win-bulgarias-election-partial-results-show-2021-11-15/ |date=15 November 2021 |access-date=15 November 2021 |work=Reuters |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308203452/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/new-centrist-party-poised-win-bulgarias-election-partial-results-show-2021-11-15/ |url-status=live }}
November 16 – Russia draws international condemnation following an anti-satellite weapon test that creates a cloud of space debris, threatening the International Space Station.{{cite web|title=Russian anti-satellite missile test draws condemnation|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59299101|website=BBC News|date=November 16, 2021|access-date=November 16, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115231759/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59299101|url-status=live}}

November 21 – The 2021 Chilean general election is held.{{Cite web|url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2064_B.htm|title=IPU PARLINE database: CHILE (Senado), Electoral system|website=archive.ipu.org|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913094313/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2064_B.htm|url-status=live}}
November 24
NASA launches the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), the first attempt to deflect an asteroid for the purpose of learning how to protect Earth.{{Cite web |last=Rincon |first=Paul |date=November 24, 2021 |title=Nasa Dart asteroid spacecraft: Mission to smack Dimorphos space rock launches |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59327293 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114041136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59327293 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=November 24, 2021 |website=BBC News}}
Magdalena Andersson resigns as Prime Minister-elect of Sweden hours after the Riksdag voted her in as Sweden's first female prime minister. She was due to take office on 26 November.{{cite news|title=Detta händer nu i regeringsfrågan|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/detta-hander-nu-1|newspaper=SVT Nyheter|date=24 November 2021|access-date=26 November 2021|first1=Olle |last1=Bengtsson|first2=Filip |last2=Brusman|first3=Anna H |last3=Svensson|archive-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124234359/https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/detta-hander-nu-1|url-status=live}} Instead, she takes office on 30 November.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59459733|title=Magdalena Andersson: Sweden's first female PM returns after resignation|publisher=BBC|date=30 November 2021|accessdate=30 November 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129132906/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59459733|url-status=live}}
November 24–December 12 – Magnus Carlsen beats Ian Nepomniachtchi in the 2021 World Chess Championship. Magnus has been World Chess Champion since 2013.
November 26 – COVID-19 pandemic: The World Health Organization convenes an emergency meeting in Geneva amid concerns over Omicron, a highly mutated variant of COVID-19 first identified in South Africa that appears more infectious than Delta.{{cite web|title=WHO to assess new highly mutated Covid-19 variant as countries ramp up health checks|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/26/who-to-assess-new-highly-mutated-covid-19-variant-as-countries-ramp-up-health-checks|website=The Guardian|date=November 26, 2021|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220225404/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/26/who-to-assess-new-highly-mutated-covid-19-variant-as-countries-ramp-up-health-checks|url-status=live}}
November 30–December 18 – The 2021 FIFA Arab Cup is held in Qatar, and is won by Algeria.{{Cite web|title=Algeria beat Tunisia to win FIFA Arab Cup 2021|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2021/12/18/algeria-beat-tunisia-to-win-fifa-arab-cup-2021|date=18 December 2021|access-date=18 December 2021|website=Al Jazeera|archive-date=May 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527031043/https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2021/12/18/algeria-beat-tunisia-to-win-fifa-arab-cup-2021|url-status=live}}File:Barbados Independence Republic Night (51717663162).jpg of Barbados Sandra Mason is sworn in as the country's first President]]
November 30 – Barbados becomes a republic on its 55th anniversary of independence while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.{{Cite web|last=Davies|first=Caroline|title=Queen congratulates Barbados as it becomes a republic|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/queen-congratulates-barbados-as-it-becomes-a-republic|access-date=2021-11-30|website=The Guardian|date=30 November 2021|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326212126/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/queen-congratulates-barbados-as-it-becomes-a-republic|url-status=live}}

= December =

December 4 – The 2021 Gambian presidential election is held and incumbent president Adama Barrow is reelected.{{Cite news|date=2021-12-05|title=Gambia elections: Adama Barrow declared presidential election winner|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59542813|access-date=2021-12-05|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206003831/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59542813|url-status=live}}
December 6 – The United States announces a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in response to China's human rights record.{{cite web |last1=Finn |first1=Teaganne |title=White House announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights concerns |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/white-house-announces-diplomatic-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-over-human-n1285419 |website=NBC News |date=December 6, 2021 |access-date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/white-house-announces-diplomatic-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-over-human-n1285419 |url-status=live }} Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia join shortly after.
December 9 – A truck crash in Chiapas, Mexico, kills 55 migrants who were being smuggled in it from Guatemala through Mexico to its border with the United States.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/10/xxx-3 |title=Dozens of Central American migrants killed in Mexico crash |date=10 December 2021 |work=Al Jazeera |access-date=December 24, 2021 |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224073607/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/10/xxx-3 |url-status=live }}
December 9–December 10 – The Summit for Democracy, a virtual summit, is hosted by the United States "to renew democracy at home and confront autocracies abroad".{{Cite web|title=The Summit for Democracy—American Leadership or Photo Op?|url=https://www.heritage.org/global-politics/event/the-summit-democracy-american-leadership-or-photo-op|access-date=2021-11-05|website=The Heritage Foundation|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201142602/https://www.heritage.org/global-politics/event/the-summit-democracy-american-leadership-or-photo-op|url-status=unfit}}{{Cite web|last=Toosi|first=Nahal|title=An 'Illustrative Menu of Options': Biden's big democracy summit is a grab bag of vague ideas|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/11/04/biden-democracy-summit-technology-519530|access-date=2021-11-05|website=POLITICO|date=November 4, 2021 |archive-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203153513/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/11/04/biden-democracy-summit-technology-519530|url-status=live}}
December 10–December 11 – A late season tornado outbreak occurs in the Southern and Midwestern United States, causing major damage and killing at least 94 people. One of the longest-tracked tornadoes in history occurred, which impacted western Kentucky, particularly Mayfield.{{cite news |author1=Emily Shapiro |author2=Max Golembo |author3=Daniel Peck |author4=Mark Osborne |title=At least 50 dead as tornadoes devastate Kentucky |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/50-dead-tornadoes-devastate-kentucky/story?id=81672801 |access-date=11 December 2021 |agency=ABC News |date=11 December 2021 |archive-date=December 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211102710/https://abcnews.go.com/US/50-dead-tornadoes-devastate-kentucky/story?id=81672801 |url-status=live }}
December 11 – New York City FC defeat the Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, and win MLS Cup title for the first time in their history.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2021-mls-cup-recap-portland-timbers-vs-new-york-city-fc|title=New York City FC win MLS Cup 2021 | MLSSoccer.com|website=mlssoccer|access-date=October 25, 2022|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514053856/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2021-mls-cup-recap-portland-timbers-vs-new-york-city-fc|url-status=live}}
December 12
The 2021 New Caledonian independence referendum is held.{{cite news|url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/new-caledonian-independence-leaders-challenge-france-over-final-referendum-date/|title=New Caledonian independence leaders challenge France over final referendum date|first=Denise|last=Fisher|newspaper=The Strategist|date=22 October 2021|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/new-caledonian-independence-leaders-challenge-france-over-final-referendum-date/|url-status=live}}
Max Verstappen won his first Formula One World Championship and the first for a Dutch driver, driving for Red Bull Racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
December 16 – Typhoon Rai, also known as Typhoon Odette, hits the Philippines and caused destruction to agriculture, establishments, and houses, and caused many injured and deaths.
December 19
The 2021 Hong Kong legislative election, originally scheduled for 6 September 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is held.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/east-asia-pacific_hong-kongs-delayed-legislative-elections-set-december/6204550.html|title=Hong Kong's Delayed Legislative Elections Set for December|website=VOANEWS|date=19 November 2021|access-date=December 7, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926081219/https://www.voanews.com/amp/east-asia-pacific_hong-kongs-delayed-legislative-elections-set-december/6204550.html|url-status=live}}
The second round of the 2021 Chilean presidential election is held; leftist candidate Gabriel Boric is elected President.{{cite web |last1=Slattery |first1=Gram |last2=Ramos Miranda |first2=Natalia A. |title=Chile headed for divisive election run-off as far-right surges |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chileans-head-polls-with-two-radically-different-visions-ballot-2021-11-21/ |website=Reuters |access-date=23 December 2021 |date=22 November 2021 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222014501/https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chileans-head-polls-with-two-radically-different-visions-ballot-2021-11-21/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Leftist Gabriel Boric to become Chile's youngest ever president |work=BBC News |date=December 20, 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-59715941 |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220000309/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-59715941 |url-status=live }}File:James Webb Space Telescope Artist Conception - 51412123217.png
December 25 – NASA, ESA, the Canadian Space Agency and the Space Telescope Science Institute launch the James Webb Space Telescope, the successor of the Hubble Space Telescope.{{Cite web|title=The Launch – Webb/NASA|url=https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/about/launch.html|access-date=22 December 2021|website=NASA|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723142021/https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/about/launch.html|url-status=live}}

Births and deaths

Nobel Prizes

File:Nobel medal.png

Chemistry – Benjamin List and David MacMillan{{citation|website=The Nobel Prize|title=The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021|access-date=October 6, 2021|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2021/summary/|archive-date=October 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006095448/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2021/summary/|url-status=live}}
Economics – David Card, Joshua Angrist and Guido Imbens{{citation|website=The Nobel Prize|title=The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2021|access-date=October 11, 2021|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2021/summary/|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211011095600/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2021/summary/|url-status=live}}
Literature – Abdulrazak Gurnah{{citation|website=The Nobel Prize|title=The Nobel Prize in Literature 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2021/summary/|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007151626/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2021/summary/|url-status=live}}
Peace – Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov{{citation|website=The Nobel Prize|title=The Nobel Peace Prize 2021|access-date=October 8, 2021|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2021/summary/|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211008090154/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2021/summary/|url-status=live}}
Physics – Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi{{citation|website=The Nobel Prize|title=The Nobel Prize in Physics 2021|access-date=October 5, 2021|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2021/summary/|archive-date=July 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720010610/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2021/prize-announcement/|url-status=live}}
Physiology or Medicine – David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian{{citation|website=The Nobel Prize|title=The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021|access-date=October 4, 2021|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2021/summary/|archive-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004114036/https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2021/press-release/?related=1&_pjax=%23pjax-well|url-status=live}}