Asia Japan Proof of proficiency in Japanese will be required to apply for a working visa for engineering, humanities or international services; policy will be revised tightening screening after workers entered Japan under a specialized job visa but do unskilled jobs
Europe Norway The leaders of all five Nordic nations and Canada’s Prime Minister were hosted in Oslo by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss intensification of their cooperation within defense and security and to contribute to reshape future world order
Oceania Vanuatu A photograph by Elle Leontiev featuring self-taught vulcanologist Philip, taken on the ash plains of active Mt Yasur in Tanna has won the Portraiture Category at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, bringing global attention to Vanuatu after winning
Asia South Korea 24 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE have been secured amid global energy tensions linked to the Iran conflict; The deal includes emergency purchase options and plans for closer supply chain cooperation to prevent disruptions
Europe United Kingdom An outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent, with 27 reported cases and two victims, has prompted an immediate response including screening, preventative antibiotic treatment and vaccines; NHS has raised a national alert asking to report any symptoms
Asia Oman Central Fish Wholesale Market will resume regular operations on 23 March; the 4-days temporary suspension of activities has started yesterday providing clear timelines for fisheries traders and stakeholders in observance of national holiday Eid al-Fitr
Europe Finland A legionella pneumonia warning has been issued focusing on the risks tied to handling dry soil and compost; 2025 counted the highest annual total of legionella infections, with authorities linking many cases to contact with soil and compost products
Europe Romania Artist Bianca Pîrlog will present her series “Soft Power” and “Control Anatomy” in 2026 exhibitions across cities including Paris, Vienna and Bucharest; Her works use installations and mixed media to explore surveillance, authority and social control
Asia Laos A major corruption case in Attapeu revealed billions of kip in stolen public funds and exposed widespread financial mismanagement in local government; 38 officials and business figures are implicated in embezzlement and abuse of public investment projects
America Trinidad and Tobago The President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago Anna Henderson delivered the opening remarks at Annual Women’s Leadership Conference; themed #GiveToGain, it focused on the critical role of women in driving economic growth
Asia Cambodia New nationwide digital immunisation tracking system across health facilities will monitor vaccinations in real time, helping health workers record doses, track coverage and ensure children receive complete vaccine schedules across the country
Africa Republic of the Congo During presidential election, civil organizations set up large-scale cultural carnival in Brazzaville to support the ecological vision and the values of peace and sustainable development championed by candidate Denis Sassou Nguesso in power since 1997
Oceania Fiji A new Taxi Framework will improve fairness, transparency and accountability in the industry: the freeze on licensed taxi permits has been lifted, Open Taxi Rank System removed, Base and Stand system will be implemented to ensure more consistent service
Asia Afghanistan At least 75 people died in a Pakistani airstrike that hit a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul; it's the deadliest single attack of the escalating conflict openly started by the former Taliban supporter that now accuses them of hiding a terrorist group