U.S. President Joe Biden laid out his vision (NYT) for a new era of government that plays a major role in shaping the economy during his first address to Congress yesterday. The first president to deliver a speech to Congress while flanked by two women—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Vice President Kamala Harris—Biden focused on his domestic agenda (WSJ). 

Biden called for big investments to boost U.S. economic competitiveness to challenge China and other countries. He asked for trillions of dollars in spending on infrastructure, education, childcare, and family leave, among other areas, funded by higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. He also called for immigration and police reform and warned of white supremacist terrorism. Speaking just months after the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, Biden also touted the strength of American democracy (WaPo). He reiterated his commitment to work with U.S. allies to address the nuclear threats posed by Iran and North Korea, and pledged to respond to unfair Chinese trading practices and future Russian aggression. Delivering the Republican Party’s response, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott accused Biden (WaPo) of deceiving the nation by promising unity but governing as a partisan.

China launched the core module (SCMP) for its Tiangong space station and plans to send cargo and astronauts there in the coming weeks. The station, which will be roughly a quarter the size of the International Space Station, is expected to be completed next year.

Japan: The government plans to introduce a smartphone app with so-called vaccine passports that will be used when people travel abroad or enter Japan, government sources told Kyodo.

This In Brief explains vaccine passports. 

Millions of people in the state of West Bengal turned out to vote (TOI) today as both the state and country reported record numbers of COVID-19 cases. West Bengal is one of the few states where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party does not have a majority (BBC) in parliament. 

Myanmar: The military launched air strikes (AP) against ethnic rebel groups in the country’s north and east, according to local reports. Karen and Kachin groups have fought for greater autonomy from the central government for decades and have allied with the movement opposing the junta’s rule.

Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, rejected any delay (AP) of Palestinian elections ahead of a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party. Abbas is expected to push for a delay partly because divisions within his party could tip the vote in favor of Hamas.

Yemen: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated Iran’s support (Al Jazeera) for a cease-fire in Yemen and talks between the Houthi rebels and Yemen’s internationally recognized government. His comments came a day after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recently signaled a more conciliatory approach to Iran, also called for a cease-fire and talks in Yemen.

This Backgrounder looks at the war in Yemen.

In testimony before a panel investigating alleged corruption by former South African President Jacob Zuma’s administration, President Cyril Ramaphosa admitted that his party, the African National Congress, should have done more to prevent graft (FT) and abuse of power. His remarks were the most direct acknowledgment yet of the party’s role in the scandal, the biggest in South Africa’s post-apartheid history.

Malawi: The country’s top court ruled that the death penalty is unconstitutional (AFP) and ordered the resentencing of all those facing execution. Death sentences had been mandatory for some crimes in Malawi, but executions haven’t been carried out in decades.

Turkey will begin its first full national lockdown (BBC) today in an effort to curb rising COVID-19 cases. Schools will close, travel between cities will be restricted, and people will be asked to stay home except for essential purposes.

Brussels: In a report released yesterday, the European Union warned (Politico) of a Russian disinformation campaign that promotes Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and disparages alternatives from other countries.

Thousands of Colombians, called to action by the country’s biggest unions, joined protests (Reuters) in cities across the country against a proposed tax hike on individuals and businesses. Dozens of police officers and civilians were injured.

Argentina: Foreign Minister Felipe Sola said he and Cuba’s ambassador discussed the possibility of manufacturing a Cuban-made vaccine (MercoPress) in Argentina. It would be the third vaccine produced in Argentina, which also makes the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V shots.