Current events of 31 January 2009 (2009-01-31) (Saturday) edit history watch

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro criticizes United States President Barack Obama for supporting "Israeli genocide" against the Palestinian people. (Al Jazeera) An armed mob desecrates a Sephardic synagogue in Caracas, Venezuela. (BBC) Seven people are killed and 18 are missing after a nursing home burns in Russia's Komi Republic. (CNN) At least 111 people are killed and 200 injured in Molo, Kenya, after an oil spill ignites. (The Irish Times) Thousands of Russians protest in response to the government's handling of the current economic crisis. (BBC) Serena Williams of the United States defeats Dinara Safina of Russia to win the 2009 Australian Open women's singles. (BBC) More than 5,000 Royal Police are deployed to Bangkok, Thailand, as supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra protest. (AFP via Google News) A heat wave affects southeastern Australia, killing 20 people as temperatures reach above 45 °C (113 °F) in Adelaide and Melbourne. (Bloomberg) (BBC) Movement for Democratic Change President Morgan Tsvangirai agrees to become Zimbabwe's Prime Minister on February 11 in a deal with President Robert Mugabe. (The Guardian) Sharif Ahmed is elected President of Somalia. (AFP via Google News) Iraq's provincial elections begin. (Sky News Australia) Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajoelina declares himself "in charge" of Madagascar. (BBC)