Authorities The Government of the People's Republic of China responds to Google's refusal to continue censorship of search results.
Venezuela Venezuela announces an electricity rationing programme in which the entire country will be affected by four-hour blackouts every week.
Pine Island Glacier Computer modelling shows that the Pine Island Glacier and Thwaites Glacier, once described as a major "tipping point" for the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the embayment of the Amundsen Sea, has reached their own tipping points for eventual collapse, likely to lead to a sea level rise of up to 52 cm.
Uganda Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni urges the government to reconsider the anti-homosexuality bill being debated due to "foreign policy issues".
Benedict XVI Pope Benedict XVI meets and forgives the woman who attacked him at Christmas Eve Mass in 2009.
Kiev The Kiev Court of Appeal accuses Joseph Stalin and other leaders of the former Soviet Union and Soviet Ukraine of organizing mass famine in Ukraine in 1932-1933.
Guinea Guinea's junta chief Moussa Dadis Camara arrives in Burkina Faso after being hospitalised in Morocco.
Arkefly An Arkefly Boeing 767 flying from Amsterdam to the Netherlands Antilles is grounded at Shannon Airport after a man claims there is a bomb on board. All 242 passengers and crew are evacuated.
North American International Auto Show The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is held in Detroit, Michigan, US. Green vehicles are seen as a response to the late 2000s recession. Automotive News World Congress is held at the Renaissance Center.
United States trade deficit The United States trade deficit rose 9.7% to 36.4 billion US dollars in November.
Cape Town A fatal attack on a tourist by a "dinosaur-sized" shark off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, prompts the closure of several beaches.