In 2021, the world continued to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination efforts ramped up globally, with many countries rolling out vaccines like Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. This led to a gradual easing of restrictions in some areas, while others faced new variants and surges in cases. Additionally, significant events included the U.S. Capitol riot in January, which raised concerns about political stability. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed due to the pandemic, were held in 2021 without spectators, showcasing athletes from around the world competing under strict health protocols.