Europe Netherlands Equal opportunities are under scrutiny on Women's Day, as government plans to reduce parental leave benefits for higher income earners: the measure would disproportionately affect men, who often earn more than women, discouraging fathers from taking leave
Asia Cyprus Hundreds of protesters gathered in the centre of Nicosia to peacefully demonstrate against the presence of the British bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia: amid the ongoing war the bases, surrounding areas and Cyprus' infrastructure became a military target
Asia Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Tourism organized a special luncheon for foreign tourists stuck in the country due to disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis; Many visitors have been unable to return home following flight cancellations and airport closures
Africa Niger Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque of the religious city of Kiota have seen the presence of Nigerien PM Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, accompanied by members of the National Committee for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP) and members of the Government
Asia Jordan Life mostly continues like normal in Amman, but hailing sirens have become a part of daily life, triggered by missiles flying over Jordan; airlines are cancelling flights and military jets are patrolling over the city
Asia Kazakhstan Over 10,4 million women live in Kazakhstan, reflecting both the country’s growing population and the expanding role they play in workforce, entrepreneurship and public life; figures were released by Bureau of National Statistics ahead of Women’s Day
Europe Iceland Over 83% of the public have high trust in the Icelandic Coast Guard, which remains the institution that people trust most according to Gallup's latest survey on trust in public institutions; National Church of Iceland has seen the highest rise in trust
Africa Zimbabwe Tobacco selling season 2026 started on 6 March with the first bale sold at US$4,60, slightly lower that 2025 US$ 4,65; Zimbabwe's is Africa's largest tobacco producer and the fourth globally, setting a record crop of over 300 million kg last year
Africa Libya Al-Qarar, or "The Decision", a multi-million Libya-produced Ramadan television drama has sparked widespread controversy across the country: critics say it serves as propaganda to whitewash the bloody image of the Haftar family
Europe Moldova State of alert for energy has been introduced by the National Crisis Management Center; in Tiraspol the supply of heating and hot water has been suspended, with thermal power plants temporarily shut down and cars wait in long lines at gas filling stations
Africa Namibia To support Namibia’s fight against illegal timber trafficking, equipment for a wood identification and a screening centre have been handed over to the country by the US
Europe Switzerland Despite sanctions, Swiss manufactured components have surfaced in remains of weapons used to attack Ukraine, to the point that Swiss microprocessors, GPS modules, connectors, cables exceed those from any other European country
Europe Vatican City Pope Leo underlined that an era without conflict is feasible and that praying together from different religious traditions can change history; the message was delivered to the International Encounter for Peace and Reconciliation in his home city Chicago
America Cuba Empty gas stations and packed bus stops are reported in Santiago de Cuba as the transportation crisis worsens; horse-drawn carriages and bicycle taxis are keeping transportation afloat in Baracoa, but many must manage on foot