Oceania New Zealand KiwiSaver -a voluntary, work-based retirement savings scheme- will see withdrawal rules changed to help farmers, diplomats and soldiers buy their first homes, as Finance Minister observed current rules are unfair to workers in service tenancies
Asia Afghanistan In an escalation of tensions with Pakistan, Afghanistan announced a major offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border that triggered Pakistan's response with bombing of targets in Kabul and the neighboring provinces of Kandahar and Paktika
Asia Bhutan The Choeten will become the spiritual centrepiece of Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan’s special administrative region: a low-carbon city blending green infrastructure and digital innovation with Buddhist values and an holistic urban design
America Costa Rica The sale of flavored vape liquids has been banned in Costa Rica and only tobacco flavor is allowed; businesses have six months to comply, as authorities have sought to curb rising adolescent use and related illnesses
Asia Yemen UN World Food Program will lay off all staff working in areas under Houthi control in northern Yemen by March 31, halting its operations there; the move, announced in February, is a setback for millions of Yemenis who rely on WFP assistance for survival
Africa Chad Chad closed its eastern border with Sudan after several Chadian soldiers and civilians were killed in clashes linked to the Sudanese civil war; closure aims to prevent any risk of conflict spreading to Chadian soil and to protect citizens and refugees
America Jamaica Uber BV has renewed its historic partnership with the Jamaica Paralympic Association JPA in becoming the official islandwide travel partner for the governing body for para sports
Asia Iran In retaliation for an ongoing attack by US and Israel forces hitting Teheran and a number of cities in the country, Iran launched strikes across Middle East, targeting countries hosting US facilities
Asia United Arab Emirates A luxury hotel in Dubai was hit as Iran launched strikes across Middle East in retaliation for a "massive" and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel; video verified by the BBC shows a fire raging and thick black smoke rises into the sky
America Grenada Over 400 professional chess sets will be distributed to primary and secondary schools throughout Grenada during the first-ever “Chess Week” in the Caribbean, that will begin on 2 March and aims to form chess clubs in schools
Europe Latvia A remote mine-laying system has been tested in various conditions to improve anti-tank defence and strengthen Latvia's deterrence capabilities, according to officials; it quickly creates anti-tank minefields designed to hamper the movement of any invader
Europe San Marino The 10 Big names competing in the San Marino Song Contest and the songs they will present have been revealed; semi-finals will be broadcast on 4-5 March, with the final on 6 March, live on San Marino RTV (channel 550)
Asia Bahrain Plumes of smoke were seen rising from an area near the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, as Iran stroke targets across the region in retaliation of US and Israel attack; The extent of any damage is unclear, no comments were released
Asia Indonesia Indonesia is exploring legal avenues to protect its citizens in Malaysia, authorities are reviewing bilateral mechanisms as reports show Indonesians entering on tourist visas but working illegally, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and detention