NASA NASA clears SpaceX to launch Dragon COTS Demo Flight 2 toward the International Space Station in a window opening on February 7, 2012.
Oscar Valdés Oscar Valdés is named as the new Prime Minister of Peru, after Salomón Lerner Ghitis resigned.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is sworn as President of Argentina in a second consecutive mandate.
Democratic Republic of the Congo At least six people are killed in clashes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the aftermath of disputed general elections in which Joseph Kabila was named President.
A day of protests begins in cities across Russia against alleged election fraud by Vladimir Putin and his United Russia party, with fifty thousand people marching in Moscow and 25 people arrested in Khabarovsk.
New Zealand general election Full results of the referendum on the voting system confirm that the mixed member proportional voting system, with a majority of the vote, will be kept but will be reviewed. The first past the post voting system gains the most votes for the preferred alternative system of voting.
Official results for the 26 November general election confirm John Key's National Party holding a plurality of the votes and seats. With confidence and supply agreements with ACT New Zealand and United Future confirmed, National forms a minority government with a one-seat majority, returning the Fifth National Government to a second term in office.
6.5 magnitude earthquake A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hits the Mexican state of Guerrero. It causes three deaths and is felt across several central states.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim wins the game of the year at the Spike Video Game Awards.
Civilian One civilian is killed and at least 20 others injured after an Israeli air strike on a militant base in Gaza City, Palestinian medics say.
Homs The Syrian government gives the city of Homs 72 hours to stop anti-government protests, or face an offensive, raising fears of a massacre against civilians.