Argentina formally joined the Cape Town Agreement at the IMO. Ambassador Mariana Plaza presented the instrument. The treaty, effective 12 months after meeting requirements, sets mandatory safety standards for fishing vessels over 24 meters.

Minister Monteoliva met with mayors nationwide on Feb. 24, 2026, to combat synthetic drugs. The meeting focused on coordinating national and municipal efforts against narcotrafficking, highlighting the need for an integrated state response.

Argentina updates State property regulations. New rules, Version 4, boost transparency, use tech for more bidders. Minister: "Maximizes recovery, less burden on taxpayers." Effective Wednesday.

ENRE Resolution 88/2026 publicizes TRANSENER's request for Río Negro electricity transport expansion. Parques Eólicos Energía Pura seeks to replace transformers at Choele Choel substation. Public comment period open.

Argentina's National Roads Administration approved new toll rates for Corredores Viales S.A. sections I-X. Effective February 26, 2026, at midnight, the changes impact major routes like Riccheri, Buenos Aires-Rosario, and Rosario-Córdoba.

Powerhouse Parramatta nears completion, 95% done. This Western Sydney museum features a rooftop garden, observatory, and 18,000 sqm of space. It's NSW's largest museum, opening later this year.

NSW Government invests $1 million in GROW grants for Aboriginal organisations. Funds boost governance, workforce, and sustainability for ACCOs supporting children and families. Applications open until March 19, 2026.

Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick unveils a new building with an expanded emergency department. The $658 million project, part of a larger $1.5 billion investment, includes a new cancer centre and enhanced paediatric services.

NSW Gov offers free wellbeing workshops for rural women. $10,000 funding supports the program, run with RAMHP. Dates: March 1 to June 4 in 8 towns. Minister Tara Moriarty: "Mental health is an important conversation."

NSW leads Australia in rooftop solar, with 1 million homes/businesses. Barwon electorate is top with 24,537 installations. Solar provided 32% of state electricity last quarter. Regional NSW and Western Sydney show highest uptake.

Geraldo Alckmin visits Brazil's Zona da Mata Mineira after floods. R$800 per displaced person allocated to municipalities. Aid includes Bolsa Família and BPC advances. Focus is on rescue, shelter, and recovery.

President Lula mobilizes federal aid for Juiz de Fora and Ubá, Minas Gerais, hit by heavy rains. SUS emergency teams dispatched. State of calamity declared for Juiz de Fora. “De prontidão para agir com velocidade e força,” Lula stated.

President Lula attended the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour ceremony in Brasília on February 26. The event also showcased the 2027 Women's World Cup Trophy. The tour visits 30 countries.

President Lula visited South Korea, highlighting opportunities for cooperation. He noted a $11 billion trade volume, calling it "very little." Lula seeks learning in tech, offering Brazil's expertise in energy transition and critical minerals. South Korea aims to resume Mercosur trade talks.

Canada condemns Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on its fourth anniversary. Global Affairs Canada highlights the systematic targeting of Ukrainian children, with 20,000 forcibly transferred to Russia. The Community of Democracies calls for the return of abducted children.

Canada and A-Tlegay Member Nations signed a 20-year Reconciliation Agreement on Feb. 19. The deal supports economic development for the Nations, enabling them to acquire fishing licences and quotas. It also establishes a collaborative fisheries management structure.

Canada and Germany signed a joint declaration to boost auto and battery manufacturing and critical minerals cooperation. The deal aims to expand trade in EVs and hydrogen vehicles. Signed Feb 24, 2026, by Ministers Joly and Reiche.

Minister Sidhu met India’s Minister Goyal to boost Canada-India trade. They discussed the economic partnership agreement ahead of PM Carney's India visit. Focus areas: energy, aerospace, mining, tech.

Canada plans 7,500 new military housing units nationwide. Minister David McGuinty launched Phase 2, with $3.74 billion in procurement. Valcartier, Petawawa, and Edmonton will see over 1,000 units each.

Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting. Discussions focused on boosting consumption and supporting private enterprises. Measures include optimizing business environments and ensuring fair competition.

China FM spokesperson briefs media on German Chancellor Merz's visit. Details on arrangements provided.

Xi Jinping's discourses on governance performance are now published. The work emphasizes a correct understanding of the topic, offering insights into China's development and leadership.

China ready to work with all countries on global human rights governance, says FM. Focus on development, poverty reduction, and people's rights. Urges respect for national conditions.

EU Parliament reaffirms support for Ukraine four years into Russia's invasion. MEPs demand more sanctions, energy decoupling, and security guarantees for Kyiv. President Zelenskyy addressed the session, thanking MEPs for their solidarity.

EU Presidents mark four years of Russia's invasion. EU pledges €200 billion support, with €90 billion for 2026-27, including €60 billion for military needs. EU remains Ukraine's biggest donor.

Macron met with Madagascar's Randrianirina on Feb 24, 2026. France backs Madagascar's "Refondation" process, aiming for free elections. Partnership focuses on politics, economic development, and security. France sent 20 tons of aid after cyclones.

Laurence des Cars resigns as head of the Louvre Museum. President Macron accepted, citing need for calm and new impetus. He thanked her and will task her with a G7 role on museum cooperation.

G7 leaders reaffirm unwavering support for Ukraine. They pledge over €500 million for energy repairs, sending 2,500+ generators and other equipment. They also commit to nuclear safety at Chernobyl and the return of Ukrainian children.

Macron, Starmer, Merz hosted 30+ leaders for the Volunteer Coalition meeting. They reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, condemning Russia's attacks. Leaders pledged more aid, including air defense and energy infrastructure support, with over €500 million pledged to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi launched Udyami Bharat Portal and MSME Technology Transfer Platform at the 5th National MSME Council meeting. The council reviewed the World Bank-supported RAMP Programme, focusing on MSME competitiveness and inclusive growth.

ECI and State Election Commissioners met in New Delhi. They resolved to strengthen cooperation in electoral roll preparation and election conduct. CEC Gyanesh Kumar chaired. A new publication, A Confluence of Democracies, was launched.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off new Bhopal-Dhanbad and Bhopal-Chopan express trains. He highlighted ₹48,000 crore in new rail projects for Madhya Pradesh, including the Indore-Manmad line. A new Dankuni-Surat freight corridor was also mentioned.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan met state agriculture ministers. Rabi 2026 will see large-scale procurement of gram, mustard, lentil. Chouhan stressed 100% fund utilization by March 31 for farmer benefit.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed 7,000+ Gramin Dak Sevaks in Ujjain, calling them "family." He awarded 10 for outstanding service, urging a "new wave of transformation" in postal services.

Ireland's Government nominates Brian O'Moore and Niamh Hyland to the Supreme Court. The appointments fill vacancies from retirements. President Connolly will be advised.

Ireland's Dept. of Further and Higher Education names 12 members to the National Science Advisory Forum. The list includes Gianpiero Cavalleri, Stefano Sanvito, and Ronan Glynn. Published Feb 24, 2026.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan reforms Ireland's Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. One flat fee replaces per-appearance payments for District Court cases. Implementation begins July 1, 2026. Aims for efficiency, reduced adjournments, and fair pay.

Minister James Lawless appointed 12 members to the new National Science Advice Forum on Feb 24, 2026. This follows Impact 2030 strategy and the appointment of Prof. Aoife McLysaght as Government Science Advisor.

Ireland launches Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House to tackle delivery hurdles. Chaired by Dept. of Taoiseach Secretary General, it focuses on 5GW 2030 target and Phase 1 projects. Meets quarterly.

Italy reaffirms solidarity with Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression. Italy supports peace efforts, provides humanitarian aid (generators, boilers, medical equipment), and will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference in July 2025.

Japan's PM Takaichi sent a message to the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine. She stated, "Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated." Japan has provided $20 billion in aid, including $6 billion in financial support. Japan will continue sanctions against Russia.

Japan PM Kishida spoke with German Chancellor Scholz via phone Feb 24. They affirmed the G7 partners' commitment to the Indo-Pacific, noting the inseparable link between Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security. Both leaders agreed to close cooperation on international challenges.

Japan's PM Takaichi congratulated Netherlands PM Jetten on Feb. 23. She seeks to deepen ties, citing shared values and the Japan-Netherlands Action Plan 2025. Cooperation on security and economic security is a priority.

Energy Minister Simon Watts uses public sector demand to drive new energy projects. Health NZ, Defence Force, Corrections will get long-term Power Purchase Agreements. Goal: more generation, faster, lower bills. Study on government solar due May 2026.

New Zealand imposes travel bans on 40 Iranian officials, including Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, for human rights abuses. Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated, "Those rights have been ruthlessly violated." The bans target those involved in suppressing protests and malign foreign activity.

NZ Transport Minister Chris Bishop opens consultation on practical rule changes. Proposals include allowing kids up to 12 on footpaths, 1-1.5m passing gap for cyclists, e-scooters in cycle lanes, and bus pull-out rules. Aims for clearer, safer roads.

New Zealand government loans $1.1 million to Golden Bay Air from a $30 million regional air route fund. Associate Transport Minister James Meager states the loan will help the airline refinance debt, fund maintenance, and maintain flights crucial for freight, healthcare, and tourism. Funding also supports airline interlining.

Education Minister Erica Stanford launches new Maths, English, Science resources. Writing Acceleration Tool for Years 6-10 students behind. 120,000 licences available. Digital Maths resources for Years 9-10, benefiting 140,000 students annually. New primary science kits rolling out.

APC governors recommit to Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda." VP Shettima states focus shifts to acceleration in 2026, anchored by the N58.18 trillion budget. Reforms aim to boost growth and resilience.

President Tinubu accepts IG Egbetokun's resignation. AIG Tunji Disu appointed Acting IG. Egbetokun cited family reasons. Disu's appointment is immediate, pending confirmation.

President Tinubu urges governors to focus on the poor and underprivileged. Hosting an interfaith fast-breaking, he stressed compassion and policies benefiting the grassroots. He commended Gov. Zulum for inclusivity and welcomed Gov. Yusuf.

Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Pakistan PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026. They discussed bilateral ties and regional/international issues. Qatar affirmed support for security and stability.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake received credentials from Qatar's Ambassador Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dosari on February 24, 2026. The leaders exchanged greetings and wishes for prosperity between their nations.

Qatar's Minister of State met Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty in Cairo on Feb. 24, 2026. They discussed bilateral cooperation and regional developments, including Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.

Qatar's Minister of State attended a Cairo meeting to prep for the Paris conference supporting the Lebanese Army. He reaffirmed Qatar's support, noting past aid including salary and fuel assistance. Lebanon's stability is key for the region.

Qatar participated in the UN Human Rights Council 61st session in Geneva. Minister of State Maryam Al Misnad reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to human rights, mediation efforts, and called for aid to Gaza. She also welcomed steps toward peace in Syria and expressed concern over Sudan.

Putin met Vietnam's Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung in the Kremlin on February 24, 2026. Trung, a special envoy for General Secretary To Lam, conveyed greetings and discussed outcomes of Vietnam's 14th Party Congress. Putin noted positive bilateral ties and growing trade.

Putin addressed the Federal Security Service board on Feb. 24, 2026. He praised their work in 2025, noting over 2,000 FSB members received state awards, including four Heroes of Russia, for their service, particularly in the special military operation.

Feb. 26, Moscow: Supreme State Council of the Union State meeting. Putin and Lukashenko to attend. Agenda: progress on 2024-2026 Union State treaty implementation and integration cooperation.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam received credentials from new ambassadors from Hungary, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Somalia on Feb. 24, 2026.

85% of new Singapore COEs went to households owning at least one car. Acting Minister Jeffrey Siow stated prioritizing first-car buyers is difficult, as it could disadvantage those replacing cars or larger families.

Singapore's Ministry of Transport won't regulate car rental excess fees. Acting Minister Jeffrey Siow stated the government lacks data on repair costs and believes regulation would raise rental prices for consumers. Excess is a contractual matter.

Singapore's cancer mortality dropped 21% since 2012 despite rising diagnoses. Health Ministry attributes this to healthcare advances, earlier detection, and better treatment. Efforts continue for prevention and screening, ensuring benefits reach all citizens.

Singapore's National Mental Health Strategy, launched in 2023, is progressing. Initiatives include a Tiered Care Model, expanded services like mindline 1771, and training for 160,000 frontline personnel. The National Mental Health Office, established in 2024, tracks progress.

SIU uncovers corruption in Home Affairs linked to fraudulent document issuance for illegal immigrants. Government commends SIU, vows zero tolerance for corruption. This aligns with President Ramaphosa's anti-corruption priorities.

STSB releases new aviation preliminary report. Available on the STSB website.

Switzerland updates sanctions against Ukraine. 88 individuals, 92 organizations affected. Changes to Annex 8 of the ordinance take effect February 24, 2026, 11 PM.

WTO panel to review India's battery, EV measures. China requested the panel, citing discrimination. US appeals a separate report on its own tax credits.

Ignazio Cassis, Swiss OSCE Chair, condemns Russia's war in Ukraine. He stresses the fourth year of conflict, calling for peaceful resolution & adherence to international law.

Swiss State Secretary Markus Mäder meets US defense officials in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 25, 2026. Discussions focus on European security, transatlantic relations, and bilateral cooperation.

UAE condemns terrorist attack in Zamfara state, Nigeria. Dozens killed, women and children abducted. UAE rejects all violence, extremism, terrorism. Offers condolences to Nigeria.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the regional situation and Ramadan greetings. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of US-Iran talks for regional security and stability.

UAE condemns terrorist attack in Zamfara state, Nigeria. Dozens killed, women and children abducted. UAE rejects all violence, extremism, terrorism. Offers condolences to Nigeria.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with Iran's Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the regional situation and the importance of US-Iran negotiations for stability and prosperity.

UK enforces digital travel permission. Non-visa nationals now need an ETA to enter. Airlines will deny boarding without it. 85 nationalities affected. ETA costs £16, valid 2 years. Minister Mike Tapp calls it vital for border security.

MHRA warns of fake Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 15mg pens, batch D873576, from The Private Pharmacy Clinic. Stop use if affected. Pens contain tirzepatide but may not be sterile. Report to MHRA at [email protected].

PackUK confirms Year 1 Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging fees remain unchanged. UK government will cover a shortfall due to lower reported tonnages, ensuring £1.4 billion for local authorities' waste services.

UK Ministry of Defence awards £113 million contract to Digital Allies for Defence Logistics Information Services. This final piece of the £466 million Business Modernisation for Support programme will create 235 jobs, modernizing logistics for warfighter readiness and NATO interoperability.

UK Ministry of Defence trials at Defence Munitions Kineton boost munitions outload. Projects SAGE, PAXO, and ONION use low-cost innovation to speed up handling, packing, and digital tracking. Vice Admiral Andy Kyte stated, "rapid improvements to support our Armed Forces."

UN Security Council adds four individuals to Sudan sanctions list on Feb. 24, 2026. New entries include Rapid Support Forces Commander Gedo Hamdan Ahmed and Deputy Leader Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo.

UN Security Council Committee met Dec. 5 to review Libya Panel of Experts' final report. Discussed armed groups, human rights abuses, arms embargo violations, illicit fuel exports, asset freezes. Committee considering 12 recommendations.

UN official Rosemary DiCarlo urged the Security Council to "use every diplomatic tool" to end the Ukraine war, now in its fifth year. She cited over 15,000 civilian deaths and millions displaced, warning of nuclear risks and intensified strikes.

UNHCR voices concern over coercive repatriation of Burundian refugees from Tanzania. Up to 17,000 fear persecution. Nduta camp closes March.

Somalia's hunger crisis worsens: 6.5 million face food insecurity, nearly double last year. 1.8 million children under five risk malnutrition. Drought, conflict, and high prices drive the crisis. Aid is urgently needed.

US sanctions Russian zero-day exploit broker Operation Zero and its director Sergey Zelenyuk. Australian Peter Williams stole 8 trade secrets from a US contractor, selling them for $1.3M crypto to Operation Zero. Sanctions block assets and prohibit US business.

Federal Reserve Board released minutes from January 20 and 28, 2026 discount rate meetings. Process for setting discount rate is separate from the Federal Open Market Committee's federal funds rate target.

ITC finds dumping of steel wire rod from Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Moldova, and Trinidad and Tobago. Petitions filed by U.S. Steel, Nucor, and others. Final determination expected soon.

EPA repeals key Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) amendments for coal/oil power plants. Repeal targets filterable particulate matter standards for non-mercury metals and mercury limits for lignite units. Final rule published May 7, 2024.

Binational Panel reviewed NAFTA Article 1904 on Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada. On Feb. 19, 2026, the panel affirmed in part, remanded in part Commerce's Redetermination on Remand.

Hoi An named a top Asian destination for Lunar New Year by Time Out. The city offers gentler Tet celebrations with lantern releases, lion dances, and folk singing in its UNESCO Old Town. Da Nang welcomed over 500,000 international visitors during Tet.

Lao Airlines resumes Vientiane–Da Nang flights March 29, 2026. Two weekly flights, US$290 round-trip fare. Boosts tourism: Viet Nam is Laos' second-largest visitor source; Laos is in Vietnam's top 15.

Vietnam Party chief To Lam congratulated Kim Jong Un on re-election as WPK General Secretary. Lam met Kim in Pyongyang, discussing Party and country cooperation. Agreements were signed.

General Secretary To Lam met President Trump in the U.S., attending the Board of Peace meeting. Vietnam signed $30 billion in deals with Boeing. Trump praised Vietnam's trade balance and will remove it from the export control list.

Germany seeks deeper partnership with Vietnam, focusing on green growth, skills, and innovation. Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth highlights support for the Vietnam-German University. Trade reached €19 billion in 2025. Germany is Vietnam's top EU trading partner.