Museo Terry in Tilcara, Jujuy, Argentina, opens "Juntar, contar, llevar" on Feb. 27. The exhibit features textiles and drawings by María Candelaria Traverso, exploring bags as vessels of memory and knowledge. Runs through May.

Argentina's Federal Health Council met Feb 23, 2026. Minister Mario Lugones announced the 2026 flu vaccine campaign starts March 11. Vaccines are distributing now. A new National Alzheimer's Plan was presented.

Scioli and Brom oversaw the transfer of two bears and one tigress from the former Luján zoo to European sanctuaries. The animals, Gordo, Florencia, and Flora, departed on February 23, 2026. This is part of a larger mission to relocate 60 big cats.

Argentina's Treasury seeks bids for peso instruments adjusted by CER, dollar-linked debt, and US dollar bonds. Bids close February 25, 2026. Offerings include new and reopened LETRAS and BONOS with maturities through 2028.

Aldo Sessa, 86, honored as Personalidad Emérita de la Cultura Nacional by Secretary of Culture Leonardo Cifelli at Palacio Libertad. Sessa, a renowned photographer, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Australia reaffirms support for Ukraine, committing over $1.7 billion in aid, including $1.5 billion military support. New sanctions target 180 individuals/entities, impacting finance, defence, and energy. Australia also lowered the Russian oil price cap to $44.10.

Canadian PM Mark Carney visits Australia March 3-6. He'll address Parliament. The visit aims to boost cooperation on investment, critical minerals, and defense. Albanese calls Canada "one of Australia's closest friends."

Australia boosts early learning workforce with $27 million. 2,000 scholarships now available, doubling previous numbers. Grants up to $35,000 for teaching degrees, $6,000 for vocational training. Applications are open.

New parks and $90M in grants for Transport Oriented Development precincts. Kellyville Centre Park, three football fields, opens for public exhibition. Grants support infrastructure for 60,000 new homes. Applications open Feb 23 to May 18, 2026.

$720 million Richmond Road upgrade begins in Western Sydney. Projects include M7 to Townson Road ($520M) and Elara to Heritage Road ($150M). Aims to cut travel times by up to 34%. Funded by Albanese and Minns governments.

Brazil updates foreign policy and defense council rules. Decreto nº 12.853 redefines the Creden's composition and duties, advising the president on sovereignty, security, and emerging threats. Signed by Geraldo Alckmin.

Brazil updates Nuclear Program Committee rules via Decreto nº 12.852, published Feb 23. The committee advises the president on nuclear policy, goals, and execution. Signed by Geraldo Alckmin and Gen. Marcos Amaro.

President Lula met with South Korean business leaders in Seoul. He highlighted Brazil's agricultural strength, particularly in beef, and discussed investments in sectors like cosmetics and aerospace. Lula emphasized cooperation and worker well-being.

Lula met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Seoul. They signed agreements on agriculture, tech, and culture, aiming to boost trade to $11 billion. Lula called it a "renewed cycle of development and shared prosperity."

Minister Anand speaks Feb. 24 at University of Ottawa marking 4 years since Russia's Ukraine invasion. She'll join Marie-Eve Sylvestre and Roland Paris for a fireside chat. Media welcome, registration required.

Defence Minister David McGuinty launches next phase of military housing construction on Feb. 24. Program expands housing for CAF members and families across Canada. Media must RSVP by 7 a.m. Feb. 24 to [email protected].

Canada Revenue Agency launches new tax measures for 2024. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stated the changes aim to ensure fairness and support economic growth. Details available on CRA website.

Canada gains expanded market access in Indonesia for beef and pork. New rules allow export of over-thirty-month bone-in beef and pork products. This follows a trade mission and the CEPA agreement.

Minister Anita Anand to address Mexico's security situation on Feb. 23 at 10:15 a.m. ET in Ottawa. Media must arrive by 10:30 a.m. ET.

CPC launches education campaign to foster a sound performance mindset. Focus on ideological education and political guidance. Aims to strengthen party spirit and loyalty.

China's railways expect record return trips post-Spring Festival. Millions travel daily. Peak expected February 16-18.

Chancellor Merz heads to China Feb. 25-26. The visit aims to discuss economic ties and global challenges.

China plans to build 1.2 million hectares of high-standard farmland by 2025. This initiative supports agricultural modernization and food security goals.

Xi Jinping congratulates Kim Jong Un on becoming General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. The message highlights China-North Korea relations.

MEPs in the Civil Liberties Committee endorsed Andrés Ritter as the next EU Chief Prosecutor. He secured 52 votes in favour. The EP plenary will vote in March 2026. Ritter previously served as Deputy European Chief Prosecutor.

ECB President Christine Lagarde accepted the Volcker Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington DC on Feb 23, 2026. She stressed that central bank independence relies on conviction, not just laws, citing Paul Volcker's resolve. Lagarde also addressed Europe's decision-making challenges.

EU–US trade talks halted. Bernd Lange states US Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA invalidates Turnberry Deal. New Section 122 raises EU import rates above 15%. Work on Turnberry files paused until legal certainty restored.

European Parliament holds extraordinary session marking four years of Russia's war. President Zelenskyy addresses MEPs. Parliament reaffirms support for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan and fast-tracking EU membership.

EBA report shows EU authorities improved ICT risk assessment post-DORA. Progress noted, but continued investment needed for consistent supervision. Follow-up reviewed 2022 recommendations.

French President Macron met with Finnish President Stubb on Feb. 23, 2026. They discussed Ukraine support, Arctic security, and European defense. They also participated in a Nordic-Baltic Eight video conference.

PM Modi celebrates 30 lakh households adopting rooftop solar via PM Surya Ghar scheme. He calls it a "commendable milestone" for clean energy, boosting savings, sustainability, and self-reliance. The initiative aids India's energy security goals.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0). It targets ₹16.72 lakh crore in asset monetisation from FY 2026 to FY 2030, aligning with Viksit Bharat goals. NMP 1.0 neared its target.

India and France signed an Amending Protocol to their 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Convention. Key changes include split tax rates for dividends (5%/15%), updated definitions for Fees for Technical Services, and new Service PE rules. The protocol aims to boost investment and cooperation.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formed Parliamentary Friendship Groups with over 60 countries. This initiative aims to bolster global democratic ties and inter-parliamentary engagement. Leaders from various parties will participate, fostering dialogue on trade, technology, and global challenges.

Indian Navy commissions Anjadip, third ASW-SWC vessel, on Feb 27, 2026. Built by GRSE, it's designed for submarine detection in shallow waters. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will preside.

Minister McEntee meets EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels today. Topics: Russia's war in Ukraine, Middle East developments, and foreign interference. She stresses Ireland's support for Ukraine and calls for aid access to Gaza.

Ministers Heydon and Dooley attend Agrifish Council in Brussels. Discussions focus on post-2027 CAP. Heydon to meet Czechia, Sweden. Dooley to raise mackerel stock protection. Ireland assumes EU Council Presidency in four months.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan broke ground on a €6.5 million domestic violence refuge in Louth. The facility, operated by Women’s Aid Dundalk, will offer 12 units and support services. This development is a priority under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Ireland launches €7 million eSPSV scheme. Minister Darragh O’Brien confirms grants up to €25,000 for taxi, hackney, limousine operators to switch to zero-emission vehicles. Applications open February 25.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan reports 2025 provisional crime stats show reductions in property crime, theft, and burglary. Harmful communications up 27%. Sexual offenses down, but domestic violence rose 2%. Fraud also increased. €2.6bn budget for 1,000 new gardaí.

Tom Berendsen is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sjoerd Sjoerdsma the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in the Netherlands as of February 23, 2026. Berendsen previously served in the European Parliament. Sjoerdsma was a Member of Parliament.

Jetten government sworn in today. Coalition of D66, VVD, CDA has 18 ministers, 10 state secretaries. Three ministries merged, one renamed. First cabinet meeting later.

New Zealand expands Digital Manufacturing Light program. $475,000 annual funding over 3 years to help 180+ manufacturers adopt digital tools. Minister Chris Penk states it boosts productivity and competitiveness.

New Zealand pledges $8 million more for Ukraine, including $5 million in humanitarian aid. Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated the funds address needs from Russia's attacks. NZ also adds sanctions on Russia, targeting oil revenue and a 100-vessel shadow fleet.

Education Minister Erica Stanford appoints Debbie Francis to the Teaching Council board. Francis brings extensive experience in organisational change to address pressing issues at the council. Stanford is confident Francis will help restore the council's effectiveness.

President Tinubu congratulates Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on his birthday. He praises Bago's transformative leadership in health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture, calling him the "farmer governor." Tinubu cites Bago's banking and legislative experience.

Nigeria's Executive Order 9 enforces constitutional custody of Federation revenues, directing direct remittance of petroleum revenues into recognized accounts. It aims to tighten transparency and fiscal integrity, not create law. Signed by Tanimu Yakubu, Feb 23, 2026.

President Tinubu mourns Chief Israel Ogbue, former UBA Chairman, who died at 99. Ogbue, a respected figure with a long career, served UBA from 2005-2013. He was father-in-law to Tony Elumelu.

President Tinubu congratulates winners of FCT, Kano, and Rivers elections. He urges service with humility, commends FCT Minister Wike, and praises INEC and security agencies for peaceful polls. Democracy is strengthened.

Qatar's Minister of State Dr. Maryam Al Misnad met with UN High Commissioner Dr. Barham Salih in Geneva on Feb 23, 2026. They discussed strengthening cooperation and Qatar's commitment to supporting refugee rights and humanitarian aid.

Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe in Geneva on Feb. 23, 2026. They discussed cooperation and development ties.

Putin met with widows of fallen Special Operations Forces on Defender of the Fatherland Day. He pledged continued government support for families, stating, "The Motherland... will always stand by you." The meeting aimed to gather feedback on assistance programs.

Putin presented state decorations to Defense Ministry and National Guard officers at the Kremlin on Feb. 23, 2026. He praised their courage in the "special military operation" and for defending Russia's future.

President Putin honored fallen soldiers on Defender of the Fatherland Day, Feb. 23, 2026, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and other servicemen also paid respects.

Putin congratulates Russia on Defender of the Fatherland Day, Feb. 23. He praises soldiers, veterans, and the "special military operation." He vows to strengthen the Army and Navy, prioritizing the nuclear triad.

Jeffrey Siow praises SMOU's 75-year history at Lunar New Year lunch. Union focused on negotiation, joined ITF in 1971, trained 25,000+ officers via Wavelink Maritime Institute. Maritime sector is 6% of Singapore GDP.

Singapore inflation: MAS Core Inflation dipped to 1.0% y-o-y in Jan. CPI-All Items rose to 1.4%, driven by accommodation costs. Core prices fell 0.3% m-o-m.

Swiss Producer and Import Price Index dropped 0.2% in January 2026 from December. Prices for petroleum products and pharmaceuticals declined. Year-over-year, prices fell 2.2%.

Cassis addresses 61st Human Rights Council session in Geneva. He calls human rights an essential compass guiding history.

EFTA-India Free Trade Agreement: QR codes now mandatory for certificates of origin from India. This change impacts trade documentation under the agreement.

Ignazio Cassis spoke at the topping-out ceremony for Geneva's future "Portail des Nations." The project aims to strengthen Switzerland's role in international cooperation.

Ignazio Cassis presented Switzerland's new Human Rights Guidelines 2026-29 at the UN Human Rights Council. He reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to human rights.

Abdullah bin Zayed met US Special Envoy Yehuda Kaploun in Washington. They discussed UAE-US relations, promoting tolerance, and countering extremism. The Abraham Accords were highlighted as a platform for peace and coexistence.

UAE's Abdullah bin Zayed met Massad Boulos, US advisor, in Washington. They discussed UAE-US strategic ties, cooperation in Africa, and the Sudan civil war. They stressed ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

UAE sends condolences to Nepal after a bus crash killed dozens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity and sympathy for victims' families.

Abdullah bin Zayed met US Special Envoy Yehuda Kaploun in Washington. They discussed UAE-US relations, promoting tolerance, and combating extremism. The Abraham Accords were highlighted as a platform for peace and coexistence.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed met US advisor Massad Boulos in Washington. They discussed UAE-US strategic ties, cooperation in Africa, and the Sudan civil war, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate seeks Head of Enforcement Section (G7). Role leads team on regulatory breaches, requiring proportionate action. Salary £62,000. Apply via Civil Service Jobs. Closing March 23, 2026.

NDA publishes updated strategy for UK nuclear site decommissioning. Focuses on safety, environmental stewardship, and hazard reduction. Strategy covers site cleanup, spent fuel management, nuclear materials, and waste handling. CEO David Peattie highlights evolution and integration.

ICC judges are assessing charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity. A four-day hearing began Monday to determine if there's enough evidence for a trial over his "war on drugs" killings. A decision is expected within 60 days.

UN marks four years of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 15,000+ civilians killed, damage >$195 billion. Sec-Gen Guterres: "a stain on our collective consciousness." 2,514 killed last year.

South Sudan fighting displaces nearly 280,000 in Jonglei. UN's Tom Fletcher warns of a "perfect storm" of conflict, climate, and deprivation. Three aid workers killed Feb. 7-16. Cholera spreads.

Ukraine's reconstruction will cost $588 billion over 10 years, reports a World Bank, EU, UN assessment. Transport, energy, and housing sectors face the highest needs. Direct damage now exceeds $195 billion.

UN Human Rights Council marked 20 years amid global conflict. António Guterres warned rights are under "full-scale attack." Annalena Baerbock stated rights are "not a spectator sport." Ukraine war anniversary noted.

Quad partners with Palau for first Open RAN deployment in the Pacific. $20 million pledged by US, Australia, India, Japan for secure 4G/5G. Three US companies selected.

State Dept. partners with Education Dept. to boost transparency of foreign funding at U.S. universities. New Section 117 reporting portal enhances national security by tracking gifts/contracts over $250,000.

The Federal Reserve Board seeks comment on a proposal to codify its policy against using "reputation risk" in bank supervision. This follows earlier actions to remove this factor, ensuring supervisors focus on financial risks, not political or religious views of customers. Comments are due in 60 days.

Commerce finds silicon metal from Angola sold at less than fair value. Angola will be treated as a non-market economy. Investigation period: April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025.

Commerce finds silicon metal from Laos sold at less than fair value. Laos will be treated as a non-market economy. Investigation period: Oct. 1, 2024 - Mar. 31, 2025.

Vietnam releases 2026 Economic Census data June 30, 2026. New census includes cooperative groups, online businesses. AI aids classification. Data collection ongoing. Minister Nguyen stresses accuracy.

Vietnam issues new decree on deporting foreign nationals violating laws. Deportation applies to those committing administrative violations within Viet Nam's territory, contiguous zone, EEZ, and continental shelf. Foreigners on Vietnamese aircraft or vessels are also subject. Deported individuals have rights, including notification 48 hours prior and contacting their consulate.

Vietnam ready for tax dialogue with EU. Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang cited OECD review, noting legal updates on tax, enterprise, and corporate governance. Vietnam seeks cooperation for transparency, fair standards.

FAO sees Vietnam shifting to sustainable, high-value agriculture. Vinod Ahuja notes reduced chemical use, digital tools, and OCOP programs boosting exports. Optimistic for 2026, citing resilience, innovation, and climate-smart practices.

General Secretary To Lam attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington D.C., affirming Vietnam's commitment to global peace. He met President Trump for the first time, discussing $37.2 billion in deals. This marks Vietnam's first multilateral diplomatic event under its new foreign policy.

Ukraine's health care faced 20% more attacks in 2025. WHO documented 2881 attacks since 2022. 1.9 million received aid. Dr. Tedros: "The best medicine is peace."