Russia’s space sector, led by Roscosmos, is ramping up its satellite activities with multiple launches planned in 2026. Key projects include deploying dozens of Earth-observation and communications satellites from the Vostochny and Baikonur cosmodromes, expanding domestic low-Earth orbit constellations like Zorkiy, and initiating commercial satellite clusters through companies such as Bureau 1440. Alongside these efforts, Russia is maintaining international collaborations, training foreign cosmonauts, and preparing for future strategic missions, including lunar orbiters and a potential national space station, signaling a focus on both restoring launch capabilities and expanding sovereign space infrastructure.

The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan army and senior officials for allegedly supporting the rebel group M23 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This development adds pressure on regional security dynamics in the African Great Lakes region and follows longstanding international concerns over armed groups and state support destabilising eastern DRC.

Sanandaj, in western Iran’s Kurdistan Province, was hit by missile strikes, killing at least two people.

The Iranian‑aligned Lebanese militia Hezbollah has launched missile and drone attacks into northern Israel, making Lebanon a direct battlefield. Israel has conducted heavy airstrikes inside Lebanese territory, particularly around Beirut and southern towns, in response. Dozens have been killed and many more injured, while tens of thousands of civilians have fled border areas amid evacuation orders. The Lebanese government’s decision to outlaw Hezbollah’s military activities has deepened internal political divisions.

In retaliation for the U.S.–Israeli offensive, Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones at targets across the Middle East. Attacks have hit Israel, Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. and British military facilities (including strikes near Cyprus’ UK base). These strikes have caused civilian casualties, disrupted infrastructure, and heightened diplomatic tensions. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members have collectively condemned what they describe as Iranian aggression and violations of sovereignty.

US CENTCOM Releases Strikes Footage

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has published unclassified video showing recent strikes against Iranian military assets, including UAV launch equipment. The footage highlights aircraft and naval operations targeting infrastructure used for Iranian “one-way” attack drones, part of Operation Epic Fury, a broader campaign against Iranian missile sites, air defenses, and UAV systems.

France has deployed Rafale fighter jets over the United Arab Emirates to protect its naval and air bases from potential Iranian attacks, French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot said, with the aircraft conducting air security operations above French facilities such as the base at Al Dhafra near Abu Dhabi.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released footage showing strikes on military targets in Iran during ongoing operations in the region. The video reportedly captures precision attacks on Iranian military assets and infrastructure, highlighting the scope of U.S. operations as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.

Thousands of residents began fleeing parts of Beirut on Thursday after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation warnings ahead of potential airstrikes targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. The warning focused on the southern suburbs of the Beirut, particularly the Dahiyeh area, which is considered a Hezbollah stronghold. Following the alert, heavy traffic and scenes of panic were reported as families hurried to leave the area in cars and on foot. The evacuation comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently stated that South Africa would be willing to mediate if formally requested to help resolve the escalating Middle East conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and a ceasefire. While the offer may reflect a genuine desire to promote peace, effective mediation in such a volatile and highly polarized conflict requires unmistakable impartiality and trust from all parties. Here, South Africa’s recent foreign policy record raises serious questions about its credibility as a neutral broker.

Chinese electronics and EV maker Xiaomi is testing humanoid robots on its vehicle assembly lines. In early trials, two robots worked autonomously for three hours, completing tasks such as installing self‑tapping nuts and moving materials, with a ~90 % task completion rate and keeping pace with the plant’s 76‑second production cycle.

While still in an “intern” phase, these trials highlight potential workforce impacts. Automation could displace up to 20 million manufacturing jobs by 2030, with 58 % of factory roles at high risk. Each industrial robot may replace roughly 1.6 human jobs, and globally, 40 % of all jobs could be affected by robotics and AI.

Xiaomi’s humanoid robots signal how quickly machines could perform repetitive, precise tasks traditionally done by humans, accelerating changes in manufacturing employment.

Investment bank Morgan Stanley plans to lay off around 2,500 employees despite strong profits in 2025. The cuts affect several divisions and reflect cost-cutting measures across the financial sector.

Spain, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, opposes U.S.-Israel military action against Iran and denies allowing use of its bases, rejecting White House claims of cooperation.

Recent reports and videos from Tehran show dramatic scenes of fire moving through drainage channels and sewer systems after damage to nearby oil facilities.

Drone attacks targeted markets in the RSF-controlled towns of Abu Zabad and Wad Banda in West Kordofan, Sudan, killing at least 33 people and injuring 59 others, according to local hospital sources. Witnesses and residents blamed the Sudanese army, though military officials denied striking civilian areas.

A separate drone strike in East Darfur’s capital, El-Daein, hit a fuel market, igniting a large oil fire and causing extensive damage.

These attacks mark the latest escalation in nearly three years of conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with both sides increasingly using drones and airstrikes, often with devastating consequences for civilians.

Abandoned Pets Amid Dubai Evacuations

Amid the early March 2026 Iranian missile strikes on the UAE, Dubai faced not only a sudden evacuation crisis but also a heartbreaking surge in abandoned pets. Thousands of expats, rushing to secure flights out of the city, left behind dogs and cats tied to lamp posts, abandoned in empty apartments, or surrendered to already overburdened shelters.

Rescue organizations such as K9 Friends Dubai and War Paws reported being overwhelmed, while veterinarians received requests from owners to euthanize animals they could no longer care for. The sheer volume of abandoned pets highlighted a dire gap in emergency planning for animals during times of crisis.

Tehran has descended into chaos following a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting major oil and fuel depots around the city. Massive explosions and raging fires lit up the skyline, while thick black smoke blanketed large areas, at times blocking out sunlight and creating an “apocalyptic” atmosphere. Toxic fumes and soot have made the air hazardous, prompting health warnings and reports of acidic black rain.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean Sea and announced that French naval forces will help protect ships traveling through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The deployment is part of France’s effort to strengthen security in the region and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Macron

The United States is deploying thousands of Marines and the assault ship USS Tripoli to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing conflict in the region. This marks one of the largest American military escalations in recent years.

> “Our mission is to protect American lives and interests in a volatile region,” said Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

A U.S. military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of six crew members. The incident highlights the risks faced by U.S. forces stationed in active conflict zones.

> “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen airmen,” said U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla.

North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the sea as the United States and South Korea conducted joint military drills aimed at strengthening defensive readiness in the region. The launches landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

> “Those drills are a rehearsal for war, not peace,” said a North Korean state media spokesperson, condemning the exercises as provocative.