*) Unions in Myanmar set for strikes against junta
Anti-coup protesters have gathered across Myanmar, answering a trade union call for a strike following a weekend of night raids and arrests
The country has been in turmoil since February's military coup ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering mass protests against the junta.
The police and military have responded with an increasingly brutal crackdown, with more than 50 people killed and nearly 1,800 arrested.
*) Swiss voters narrowly back ban on full-face veils in public
Swiss voters have narrowly approved a proposal to ban face coverings, both the niqabs and burqas in public.
Official results show 51.2 percent of voters, and a clear majority of federal Switzerland's cantons, supported the proposal.
The decision has been hailed by supporters as a move against extremists but branded sexist and racist by opponents.
*) EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V vaccine
A senior European Medicines Agency official urges EU members to refrain from granting national approvals for Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.
EMA managing board head Christa Wirthumer-Hoche said there is no data on the Russian-made shot about vaccinated people.
She also warned Sputnik V has not been reviewed according to EU standards for quality, safety and efficacy.
*) Meghan and Harry open up about royal hostility in Oprah interview
Meghan and Prince Harry have opened up about walking away from royal life in an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Meghan Markle accused the British royal family of racism, lying and pushing her to the brink of suicide.
Her husband Prince Harry said felt "really let down" by his family over the situation.
And finally…
*) International Women’s day
Marches to mark International Women’s Day have kicked off in countries across Asia, with rallies in Japan, China, Thailand. Indonesia and India.
UN's day for women was first observed in 1975.
Events are expected to take place across the world amid the Covid-19 pandemic which is reversing gains women have made at the workplace and in their homes over the last decade.