What Is The Govt Saying

Canadian International Trade Tribunal begins injury inquiry into dumped oil and gas well casing from Austria. Tenaris Canada filed the complaint. Decision on reasonable indication of injury by April 2, 2026.

Health Minister Mark Holland to detail Canada's digital health strategy today. Focus on modernizing healthcare and improving patient access through technology.

Canada launches Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy, a five-year plan to protect whales from entanglement. Minister Joanne Thompson unveiled the initiative, developed with harvesters and experts, to promote ropeless gear and sustainable fisheries.

PS Guay to announce made-in-Canada energy innovation funding at ÉnergiQ Conference on Feb. 4. Media must pre-register by emailing [email protected].

Canada's Black Entrepreneurship Program, backed by $189 million, has aided over 24,000 entrepreneurs since 2021. The loan fund has approved $70 million for 800+ loans. Minister Rechie Valdez highlighted the program's role in economic growth and addressing barriers.

China details plans for agricultural modernization and rural revitalization. Focus on tech innovation, green development, and food security. Aims to boost farmer incomes and rural living standards.

China OKs spatial coordination plan for modern capital metropolitan area. Aims to boost high-quality development and urbanization in the region.

France: Starting Feb. 7, 2026, passengers must use the Médiateur Tourisme et Voyage for flight disputes before court. This applies to canceled, delayed, or denied boarding flights. Mass legal actions are restricted.

Municipal elections 2026: Laurent Nunez clarifies voting rules. Register online by Feb 4, 2026, or at town hall by Feb 6. Candidates must be EU citizens, 18+, and registered voters. French citizens only can be mayor. Candidacies due Feb 26, 2026.

SAIL hit record sales in Jan '26 (1.84 MT) and FY26 (Apr-Jan: 16.6 MT), a 16% jump. This marks the company's highest-ever cumulative performance. Initiatives boosted customer delivery and market reach.

India is boosting rare-earth mineral exploration and mining. 13.15 million tonnes of monazite and 1.29 million tonnes of RE resources are identified. New laws empower auctions for 24 critical minerals, including REEs. The National Critical Mineral Mission is established.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood chaired the TAG meeting on Feb 3, 2026, to discuss India's robotics roadmap. Focus: indigenisation, augmentation, and sector-specific priorities like healthcare and defense. MeitY presented a draft national strategy.

Paradip Port Authority won First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025. Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal presented the award on February 3, 2026. PPA planted 40,000 saplings and focused on sanitation worker welfare.

India's Ministry of Cooperation appointed a Cooperative Ombudsman on March 5, 2024, following an amendment to the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act. The Ombudsman handles member complaints and serves as an appellate authority. An online portal is in development.

PM Takaichi met Nepal President Paudel on Feb 3. They discussed strengthening ties during the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Takaichi stressed Nepal's stability for regional security, supporting its upcoming March 5 election.

Japan's PM Takaichi met Nepal President Paudel on Feb. 3, 2026, at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting followed a salute and guard of honor ceremony.

PM Takaichi convened a ministerial meeting Feb. 3, 2026, on heavy snow impacting Japan since Jan. 21. The meeting addressed the ongoing severe weather conditions.

World Bank MD Anna Bjerde calls Nigeria a global reference for steady, credible reforms. She met President Tinubu, praising Nigeria's progress and investor confidence. Tinubu vows reforms continue.

President Tinubu congratulates NNPC Board Chair Ahmadu Musa Kida on his 65th birthday. He praises Kida's career in oil and basketball, noting his contributions to NNPC Limited's revenue goals.

Nigeria launches free training for 10 million citizens in financial literacy. VP Kashim Shettima signed an MOU with six professional bodies to equip youth and women with skills for the digital economy.

Putin met with top officials including PM Mishustin, Vaino, Manturov, Grigorenko, Golikova, Novak, Khusnullin, Oreshkin, Reshetnikov, Siluanov, and Nabiullina on economic issues. Russia's GDP grew 1% last year, with inflation down to 5.6%.

Putin spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations on July 19. Cooperation on energy markets and regional issues was also on the agenda.

UK Defence Innovation launched a £1.85 million competition for tech to counter illegal drones near prisons. Seeking "last-line-of-defence" solutions for safe drone neutralization. Partners include Ministry of Justice, Home Office, and MOD.

UK's ACMD adds 2 experts: Prof. Steve Allsop and Prof. Keith Humphreys. Appointments effective Feb 1, 2026. They advise the government on drug harms.

Barnsley is named the UK's first Tech Town, aiming to lead in AI for public services. Backed by tech giants like Microsoft, the town will pilot AI in healthcare, education, and business. Residents will shape AI use through community "Tech Town Halls."

Sellafield trials robot swabbing tech for radioactive areas. Developed by RAICo, the tool on a quadruped robot replicates human motion, reducing risk. Successful test shows potential for wider use in nuclear decommissioning.

Rehana Azam appointed to Prison Service Pay Review Body for 5 years (March 1, 2026 - Feb 28, 2031). Azam brings 30+ years of trade union experience, most recently as Regional Head at the National Association of Head Teachers.

Deputy Secretary Landau met with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno to boost bilateral cooperation, focusing on critical minerals. Landau stressed U.S. commitment to deepening economic, investment, and energy ties, commending Argentina's leadership.

Rubio and Rollins hail US-Mexico water treaty deal. Mexico commits 350,000 acre-feet annually from Rio Grande. “Water is the lifeblood,” Rollins stated. Deal ensures South Texas agriculture gets needed water.

US Deputy Secretary Landau and NZ Secretary Corry met Feb 2, 2026, in DC. They affirmed Indo-Pacific cooperation, defense ties, and support for Pacific Islands. Discussions included critical minerals, space, and Antarctica.

Envoy Gor visits Kyrgyz Republic & Uzbekistan, Feb. 3-7. He'll attend B5+1 Business Forum in Bishkek, stressing business's role in U.S.-Central Asia cooperation. Meetings in Bishkek & Tashkent will focus on bilateral collaboration to boost stability & prosperity.

Deputy Secretary Landau met Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Kabba in Washington, D.C. They discussed advancing joint economic interests and countering illegal immigration.