UAE National Pride

In the Arab world’s first space mission, a rocket from the UAE is about to enter orbit around Mars on Tuesday, making it a matter of great national pride. Launched in July 2020, the Hope probe has traveled 482 million km to reach the Red Planet.

Myanmar Rallies Continue

On the fourth day of Myanmar's protests, the police in the country's capital fired warning shots into the air to scatter protesters. Despite threats from the coup leader to take action against the large gatherings, demonstrators took to the streets again, demanding the release of detained leader Suu Kyi.

Iran Begins Vaccination Drive

Iran began vaccination against COVID-19 on Tuesday. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced the launching of the campaign at a Tehran hospital. The ministry of health spokesman said the country has received two million doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. Two more shipments are expected by the coming weeks.

WHO Investigation

A joint World Health Organization and Chinese expert mission into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic said there is not enough evidence to determine that the virus was being spread in Wuhan before December 2019. The mission also said it had not identified the animal host responsible for transmitting the virus.