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Finland being ranked as the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report for the seventh consecutive year takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
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Pakistan has confirmed conducting "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations" in Afghanistan after the Taliban accused it of killing eight civilians. No specific details were provided, but the operation was a response to a militant attack that killed seven Pakistani soldiers on Saturday. The Taliban denied involvement and condemned the strikes. Tensions have risen since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, with Pakistan accusing Afghan authorities of supporting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The operation targeted Hafiz Gul Bahadur's group, accused of attacking a military post in north Waziristan.
Monday, 18 March, 2024
Armenia starts the border demarcation process with Azerbaijan in Tavush Province, amid Azerbaijani demands for Armenian withdrawal from disputed villages Bağanis Ayrum, Aşağı Əskipara, Xeyrimli, and Qızılhacılı. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned that failure to compromise could lead to war "by the end of the week." This move aims to address ongoing tensions and prevent further conflict between the two nations.
Tuesday, 19 March, 2024
For the seventh consecutive year, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report. The rankings are based on self-assessed life evaluations using the Cantril ladder, where respondents rate their current lives on a scale from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). The Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, which publishes the report, also considers six additional variables to assess happiness in over 130 countries.
Wednesday, 20 March, 2024
The European Council has agreed to open EU membership talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina following the European Commission's recommendation. The Commission discussed the progress of Ukraine and Moldova in addressing the steps outlined in the November 8th Enlargement report and finalized proposals for their draft Negotiating Frameworks. Since Bosnia and Herzegovina received candidate status in December 2022, significant reforms have advanced, including laws on conflict of interest prevention and anti-money laundering, reflecting strong commitment to European integration.
Thursday, 21 March, 2024
Catherine, Princess of Wales announces that she was diagnosed with cancer following recent abdominal surgery and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Friday, 22 March, 2024
A new national security law, Article 23, has come into force in Hong Kong despite international criticism over potential erosion of freedoms and harm to its financial hub status. Enacted at midnight on Saturday after unanimous approval by pro-Beijing lawmakers, the law aims to address national security concerns. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee hailed it as fulfilling a "historic mission" and cited the city's constitutional duty under the Basic Law, referencing the need to prevent violence seen during the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Saturday, 23 March, 2024
Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf announced their resignation from the Dutch national darts team on Saturday, citing their refusal to play alongside transgender player Noa-Lynn van Leuven. The Dutch Darts Association (NDB) expressed regret over their decision, defending Van Leuven's eligibility based on her completed transition and compliance with gender requirements. Zijlstra and De Graaf voiced concerns about fairness in sports. Van Leuven, meanwhile, continued to achieve success, winning titles in Germany and England. The NDB thanked Zijlstra and De Graaf for their service but reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity in the sport.
Sunday, 24 March, 2024