Africa Mauritius Genre Statistics 2025 still show men dominate the economy and retain most of the political power, but show increasing weaknesses in education, health and certain social behaviors
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
America Bahamas Traces of cocaine, caffeine and common painkillers have been found in sharks off the coast of the island of Eleuthera; results of the new study highlight the deepening impact of human pollution on Bahamian marine life
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
Africa Zambia Traditional leader Chief Mpezeni has warned against circulating claims that women are being asked to provide sexual favours in exchange for political adoption to stand in elections, triggering public concern over the fairness of candidate selection
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
Asia Tajikistan 3.610 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 45 tonnes of medicine, has been shipped to Iran in a convoy counting 110 cargo trucks, as regional countries respond to growing humanitarian needs inside Iran following weeks of conflict
Africa Namibia Mariental is counting on young political leadership with William Minnie (23), youngest councillor ever elected in Namibia, and Hermanus Isaaks (28), council management committee chairperson, as the community grapples with limited resources, growing needs
Asia Vietnam A revised energy plan to 2030 has been approved, expanding solar, wind and LNG and reducing dependence on coal and imports; The strategy prioritises grid upgrades, diversified supply sources, energy storage to meet rising demand and strengthen security
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
Asia Israel Citizens demonstrated in Tel Aviv demanding an end to war with Iran and conflict with Hezbollah, as millions shelter from ongoing attacks, with 18 victims and over 3.000 injured; protesters accuse of prolonging the conflict with no clear timeline or goals
America Brazil New climate plan focusing on 2035, revising the one of 2008, prioritizes stopping all deforestation as President Lula pledged to reduce deforestation to zero by 2030 and called for a reduction of greenhouse gases by 67% compared with 2005 levels
Africa Sudan Public divisions emerged within Sudan’s Freedom and Change – Democratic Bloc as the organizations held unauthorized meetings with international mediators in Ethiopia; African Union, IGAD, UN, Arab League, EU are seeking to launch a process on Sudan future
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