Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing - Jan. 23, 2021

By Busra Nur Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic and other news in Turkiye and around the world.

- Coronavirus and other developments in Turkiye

Turkiye’s Health Ministry recorded 72,856 new cases, 184 deaths and 89,926 recoveries in the past 24 hours. Also, 417,161 virus tests were conducted.

To stem the virus’ spread, the country has administered more than 140.66 million coronavirus vaccine doses since it launched an immunization drive in January 2021.

More than 57.3 million people have gotten the first jab, while over 52.2 million have received a second dose, according to the latest ministry data. Turkiye has also given third booster shots to 24.2 million people.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi discussed bilateral relations and regional issues in a telephone call.

Turkish security forces "neutralized" 10 YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, across Turkiye's border, said authorities.

- Other developments worldwide

The US State Department ordered families of its Embassy staff in Ukraine to start leaving the country as soon as Monday, according to media reports.

A Spanish warship and around 200 sailors set sail for the Black Sea to bolster NATO’s presence in the region as tensions run high around the Ukraine border.

Germany’s navy chief resigned after making controversial comments about Russia that sparked a diplomatic row between Berlin and Kyiv.

Germany’s conservative Christian Democrat Union elected Friedrich Merz as the party’s new leader.

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi dropped his controversial bid for the Italian presidency but refused to endorse current Premier Mario Draghi for the highly coveted position.

Nusrat Ghani, the leading British Conservative Party MP and former minister, claimed she was sacked from her ministerial position because of her Muslim faith.

Turkish Cypriots will vote in a snap election to elect new members of the 50-seat parliament following the resignation of the three-party coalition government.