Global Briefing: US, DRC Forge Strategic Partnership on Critical Minerals.
US and DRC inked a pact on minerals. UK and US also secured critical minerals. Italy and Chile to boost energy/raw materials ties. Australia eyes energy storage. China revises regs for economy.
NSW Boosts Safety, Economy, and Health
Bondi inquest recommendations to be reviewed. Workers compensation reforms passed, including an 18-month premium freeze. New building sector laws aim to increase confidence. NSW will exceed energy storage targets with six big batteries by 2030. 1,000+ junior doctors join hospitals after interim pay deal.
Sources (5)
- NSW Government to consider recommendations from Bondi Junction inquest ↗
The Premier; Attorney General; Minister for Health; Minister for Mental Health; Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism
NSW Govt to review 23 inquest recommendations for Bondi Junction tragedy. Focus on mental health, co-responder models, and safety. Already invested $111 million in mental health services. Premier Chris Minns vows careful consideration.
- Workers compensation reforms pass parliament ↗
Treasurer; Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government; Minister for Work Health and Safety
Workers compensation reforms pass parliament. 18-month premium freeze, new "Return to Work" program, and Whole Person Impairment (WPI) threshold changes enacted. Aims to stabilize the system, aid injured workers, and ease business costs.
- New legislation to improve confidence in building, property and conveyancing sector ↗
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading; Minister for Building
NSW introduces the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026. It grants regulators more power to act against misconduct, clarifies Decennial Liability Insurance, and strengthens licensing. The goal is to boost consumer confidence in the building and property sectors.
- NSW set to smash big battery target to secure our renewable energy future ↗
Minister for Energy and Climate Change
NSW will exceed energy storage targets with six new big batteries totaling 11,910 MWh. Projects like Great Western Battery (3,500 MWh) and Bannaby Battery (2,676 MWh) will be complete by 2030, ensuring reliable, low-cost renewable power.
- NSW hospitals welcome more than 1,000 new junior doctors as interim pay rise deal reached ↗
Minister for Health; Minister for Industrial Relations
NSW Health reaches interim pay deal for 16,000+ doctors, offering 7% pay rise with backpay from July 2024/2025. 1,000+ junior doctors start work, boosting hospital staff. Agreement includes rest periods, shift limits.
Lula prioritizes sovereignty, global peace
President Lula champions Palestinian inclusion and Latin American integration. He met Trump in March. Social and economic gains, including record minimum wage hikes and R$26 billion foreign investment, are pacifying Brazil. Lula sees political division as a global trend.
Sources (2)
- “A única coisa que não discuto é a soberania do país”, destaca Lula em entrevista ↗
Lula emphasizes Brazil's sovereignty in UOL interview. He seeks Palestinian inclusion in a US peace council, promotes Latin American integration, and visits Trump in March.
- Para Lula, avanços sociais e econômicos ajudam a pacificar o país e a fortalecer a democracia ↗
President Lula says social and economic gains are pacifying Brazil. He cited record minimum wage hikes, low inflation, and R$26 billion in foreign investment in January. Lula believes political division is global, not unique to Brazil.
Canada Boosts Auto Sector, Tackles Housing Crisis
Minister Joly and PM Carney unveil new auto strategy focusing on EVs, innovation, and jobs. Minister Sidhu highlights Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Meanwhile, Canada introduces the Build Canada Homes Act, creating a Crown corporation to build 7,500+ affordable homes on public land, funded by $13 billion.
Sources (5)
- Minister Joly highlights the new strategy to transform Canada’s auto industry ↗
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Minister Joly to highlight new strategy for Canada's auto industry on Feb. 6 in Guelph, Ontario. Media availability to follow. Contact [email protected] for details.
- Minister Sidhu reinforces commitment to Canada’s automotive sector ↗
Global Affairs Canada
Minister Sidhu reaffirms Canada's auto sector support in Brampton, Ontario, on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Event highlights Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Media availability at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Prime Minister Carney unveils Canada's new automotive strategy to protect jobs and position our country as ... ↗
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
PM Carney launches Canada's new auto strategy. Aims to protect jobs, boost innovation. Focus on electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. Details to follow.
- The Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act ↗
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Canada introduces the Build Canada Homes Act, establishing a Crown corporation to build affordable housing. The initiative has already advanced six projects and secured four partnerships, representing over 7,500 new homes. Minister Gregor Robertson stated the act will build homes "faster" and ensure "innovation and affordability."
- Backgrounder: Introduction of the Build Canada Homes Act ↗
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Canada introduces Build Canada Homes Act to make Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation. Aims to build affordable homes on public land. Funded by $13 billion from Budget 2025. Legislation introduced Feb 5, 2026.
Premier Li Qiang signs decree to revise, repeal regulations
Premier Li Qiang signed a decree revising and repealing administrative regulations. This action aims to improve the business environment and boost economic vitality.
Sources (1)
- Chinese premier signs decree to revise, repeal administrative regulations ↗
Premier Li Qiang signed a decree revising and repealing administrative regulations. This action aims to improve the business environment and boost economic vitality.
India Rises: Modi Tackles Opposition, Boosts Global Ties
PM Modi rebuked opposition in Rajya Sabha, citing global partnerships and banking reforms. He urged India to lead, not follow. He also invited students to #ParikshaPeCharcha26 on Feb 6th. India is fast-tracking toward a Viksit Bharat, with 140 crore solutions for challenges. India also met with Nepal and Maldives to boost agricultural cooperation, offering advanced seeds. Meanwhile, MoFPI supports green tech in food processing, with up to ₹35 lakh grants.
Sources (5)
- PM shares glimpses of reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha ↗
Prime Minister's Office
PM Modi hit back at the opposition in Rajya Sabha, highlighting India's global partnerships and banking reforms. He criticized Congress for past misrule and disrespecting institutions, stating India will now lead, not miss opportunities.
- Prime Minister Invites everyone to Join #ParikshaPeCharcha26 ↗
Prime Minister's Office
PM Modi invites all to #ParikshaPeCharcha26 tomorrow, Feb 6th, 10 AM. The event focuses on stress-free exams and learning. Modi looks forward to interacting with bright students.
- Discussions held with Nepal and Maldives to enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector ↗
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
India met with Nepal and Maldives ministers to boost agricultural cooperation. India will provide advanced seeds to Nepal and share research. Discussions covered livestock, soil, and agro-climatic conditions.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha ↗
Prime Minister's Office
PM Modi in Rajya Sabha: India is at a crucial moment, moving fast toward a Viksit Bharat. The second quarter of this century is vital. 140 crore solutions exist for challenges. India will lead globally.
- Food Processing through Green Technologies ↗
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
India's MoFPI backs green tech in food processing, offering up to ₹35 lakh per project via PMKSY. World Food India 2025 focused on sustainability. NIFTEM-Thanjavur develops biodegradable packaging.
Italy's Council of Ministers met. Meloni also met Chile's President-Elect Kast. They discussed economic growth, crime, and birth rates. Both nations will boost bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy and raw materials in Latin America
Italy's Council of Ministers met. Meloni also met Chile's President-Elect Kast. They discussed economic growth, crime, and birth rates. Both nations will boost bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy and raw materials in Latin America
Sources (2)
- Press conference following Council of Ministers meeting no. 159 ↗
Italy's Council of Ministers met today. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio briefed press on approved measures.
- Meeting with the President-Elect of the Republic of Chile ↗
Meloni met Chile's President-Elect Kast. They discussed economic growth, crime, and birth rate policies. Both leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties with Latin America on energy and raw materials.
PM Takaichi meets TSMC CEO Dr. C. C. Wei
PM Takaichi met Dr. C. C. Wei, CEO of TSMC, on Feb. 5, 2026. The meeting, a courtesy call, took place at the Prime Minister's Office.
Sources (1)
- Courtesy Call from Dr. C. C. Wei, Chairman and CEO of TSMC ↗
PM Takaichi met Dr. C. C. Wei, CEO of TSMC, on Feb. 5, 2026. The meeting, a courtesy call, took place at the Prime Minister's Office.
Tinubu marks birthdays, boosts Halal trade, orders army action
President Tinubu celebrated Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq and Chief Kestin Pondi. He ordered an army battalion to Kaiama after a Boko Haram attack. Nigeria launched a Halal strategy targeting $7.7 trillion global market. Professor Jacob Olupona turned 75.
Sources (5)
- PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES GOVERNOR ABDULRAHMAN ABDULRAZAQ OF KWARA STATE ON HIS BIRTHDAY ↗
President Tinubu celebrates Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on his Feb. 5 birthday. Tinubu praises AbdulRazaq's people-centered governance, human capital development (KwaraLEARN), and infrastructure. He notes the governor's private sector experience benefits Kwara.
- NIGERIA TAPS INTO $7.7TRN GLOBAL HALAL MARKET AS FG LAUNCHES NATIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY ↗
Nigeria launches National Halal Economy Strategy to tap $7.7 trillion global market. VP Shettima aims for $1.5 billion GDP boost by 2027, $12 billion economic value by 2030. Strategy focuses on exports, tourism, finance.
- PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS ARMY TO MOVE INTO KAIAMA, CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK, MOURNS VICTIMS ↗
President Tinubu orders army battalion to Kaiama, Kwara State, following Boko Haram attack killing villagers. Operation Savannah Shield launched. Tinubu condemns attack, mourns victims.
- PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES CHIEF KESTIN PONDI OF GBARAMATU KINGDOM ON BIRTHDAY ↗
President Tinubu congratulates Chief Kestin Pondi on his birthday. He praises Pondi's service, enterprise, and contributions to the Niger Delta's economic growth and peace. Tinubu wishes him health and continued success.
- PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES PROFESSOR OLUPONA AT 75 ↗
President Tinubu celebrates Professor Jacob Olupona at 75. Tinubu hails the Harvard professor as a Nigerian pride, praising his contributions to African religious traditions and culture. Olupona, an NNOM awardee, is a global intellectual bridge.
Putin launches Year of Unity, awards science prize
President Putin opened the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia in Moscow, highlighting national cohesion. He also presented the 2025 Presidential Prize in Science and Innovation, awarding 5 million rubles to young scientists, underscoring support for technological advancement.
Sources (2)
- Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia opens ↗
President Putin launched the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia on February 5, 2026, in Moscow. He emphasized Russia's diverse ethnic groups, united by shared values and respect for culture.
- Presenting Presidential Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists ↗
Putin presented the 2025 Presidential Prize in Science and Innovation to young scientists in Moscow. The prize, established in 2008, awards 5 million rubles for contributions to science, technology, and defense.
SASSA savings, SANDF gears up.
SASSA grant review saves R44 million monthly, R0.5 billion yearly. Themba Matlou cited efficiency. SANDF prepares for 2026 Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou, honoring service and remembering the SS Mendi. The military also aids Limpopo and Mpumalanga flood victims.
Sources (2)
- SASSA grant review saves government R44 million a month ↗
SASSA grant review saves R44 million monthly, R0.5 billion annually. CEO Themba Matlou stated the process ensures funds go to the needy. 70,000 grants suspended.
- SANDF outlines preparations for 2026 Armed Forces Day ↗
SANDF plans 2026 Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou, Limpopo on Feb 21. Event honors service members, remembers SS Mendi victims. Includes career expo, services, and military hardware display. SANDF also aids flood victims in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
UK tackles deepfakes, pension gap, local government
UK launches global deepfake detection. 8 million deepfakes in 2025. GAD guides LGPS gender pension gap reporting (35-45% lower for women). 14 areas face local government shake-up. UK and US secure critical minerals. Victims' Code improved for child victims.
Sources (5)
- Government leads global fight against deepfake threats ↗
Home Office
UK Home Office partners with tech firms to launch a world-first deepfake detection framework. 8 million deepfakes shared in 2025, up from 500,000 in 2023. The initiative aims to combat fraud, abuse, and misinformation.
- Supporting LGPS Gender Pension Gap reporting ↗
Government Actuary's Department
GAD releases guidance for LGPS gender pension gap reporting. Women's pensions are 35-45% lower than men's. New rules require reporting from March 2026. This aims for more equitable retirement outcomes.
- Major local government shakeup in 14 areas opens for views ↗
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
UK government seeks public input on local government shake-up in 14 areas, including Devon, Derbyshire, Kent. Proposals aim to simplify services, reduce bureaucracy, and create unitary councils. Consultation runs until March 25, 2026.
- UK and US sign Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals ↗
Department for Business and Trade
UK and US sign Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals. Agreement aims to secure supply chains for advanced tech and defense, encouraging coordinated investment in mining and processing.
- Children to get swifter justice thanks to renewed Victims’ Code ↗
Ministry of Justice
UK Ministry of Justice revamps Victims' Code for child victims. Plans include a child-friendly version and direct contact with officers for ages 12+. Deputy PM David Lammy stated children will be "drivers on their journey to justice."
US Boosts DRC Ties, Aid to Cuba, Mineral Alliances
US and DRC forge Strategic Partnership, focusing on critical minerals and eastern stability. $6 million more aid flows to Cuba, bypassing regime. 54 nations convene for Critical Minerals Ministerial, signing 11 MOUs to secure supply chains. Nations back Panama's ruling against CK Hutchison, upholding rule of law.
Sources (5)
- Joint Statement on the Inaugural Meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement ↗
Bureau Of African Affairs
US and DRC launch Strategic Partnership Agreement. Inaugural meeting designates Strategic Asset Reserve for US companies, focusing on critical minerals. Discussions covered eastern DRC stability and the Sakania-Lobito Corridor.
- Delivering Additional Humanitarian Support Directly to the Cuban People ↗
Bureau Of Western Hemisphere Affairs
U.S. sends an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, via the Catholic Church and Caritas. This follows $3 million previously sent. The U.S. warns the Cuban regime against interference.
- 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial ↗
Bureau Of African Affairs
US hosts 54 countries at 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial. Secretary Rubio, VP Vance and others met to reshape global market for critical minerals. 11 new MOUs signed to build secure supply chains.
- Nations Support Panamanian Rule of Law ↗
Bureau Of Economic Energy And Business Affairs
Nations back Panama's Supreme Court ruling invalidating CK Hutchison's port concession. The decision upholds the rule of law, promotes fair investment, and combats corruption. This reinforces investor confidence in Panama.
- Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi ↗
Bureau Of African Affairs
Secretary Rubio met DRC President Tshisekedi in Washington. They discussed the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement signed December 4, 2025, U.S. investment, and the situation in eastern DRC. An expanded security partnership was also on the agenda.