*) Kazakhstan government resigns after violent protests over fuel price

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has accepted the government's resignation after mass protests over fuel price increase.

Tokayev named Alikhan Smailov as acting prime minister.

A state of emergency was declared in Almaty and the oil-producing western Mangistau province.

The protests began in Mangistau province on Sunday following the lifting of price caps on liquefied petroleum gas, after which its price more than doubled.

*) North Korea launches possible ballistic missile into sea

North Korea has fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile into the sea, in the first such launch by Pyongyang this year.

The latest launch came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to further boost the country's military capability last week.

The development signals that Pyongyang isn’t interested in rejoining denuclearisation talks anytime soon.

​​​*) US reports record one million Covid cases in single day

Nearly two years into the pandemic, the United States has become the first country to report one million coronavirus cases in a single day.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation, telling the public not to be afraid. He instead urged them to be vigilant and get vaccinated

Meanwhile, ​​a lockdown has been declared in the Chinese city of Yuzhou after it reported some new coronavirus cases.

*) Palestinian prisoner ends 140-day hunger strike after deal with Israel

A Palestinian prisoner who was on hunger strike for over 140 days to protest being imprisoned without charge has agreed to end his fast.

Hisam Abu Hawash, a 40-year-old father of five, agreed to end his strike after reaching a deal with Israel to be released next month.

Abu Hawash is the latest of several Palestinians to go on hunger strike to protest being held under “administrative detention,” a controversial measure Israel says is needed for security.

And finally …

*) Djokovic criticised for medical exemption to play at Australian Open

World tennis number one Novak Djokovic has been granted exemption from getting vaccinated against Covid-19 to participate in the Australian Open.

The exemption drew criticism from some including Seven-times Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie Murray.

Murray said it would have been difficult for him to get a similar exemption if he were in the Serbian's place.