Argentina's RIMI law boosts agro-industry investment. PyMEs can access benefits for investments from $150,000 to $9 million. New tax breaks include accelerated depreciation and reduced VAT on irrigation energy. Labor laws also updated.

Argentina's Ministry of Health begins converting Non-Contributory Pensions for Labor Incapacity to Disability for Social Protection. The Resolution N° 01/2026 process is automatic, affecting pensions granted before September 22, 2025. Payments continue uninterrupted.

President Milei met with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Ambassador Kathryn Beckett at Casa Rosada on March 2, 2026.

Argentina's INIDEP launches 25-day research mission in Area Adyacente beyond its 200-mile zone. Ship Víctor Angelescu studies squid and hake ecosystems where foreign fleets operate.

Argentina's Energy Secretariat seeks 700 MW of battery storage for critical nodes nationwide. Aiming to cut blackouts, the $700 million initiative follows the successful ALMA-GBA project.

Health Minister orders snap review of hospital maintenance. 112 non-routine issues identified statewide in the past year. 74 resolved, 32 being rectified, 6 under review. Minister acknowledges issues are unavoidable but pledges swift action.

NSW planning reforms, effective March 21, 2026, aim to speed up approvals. New rules include 50% faster assessments for low-risk projects, 14-day minor modification approvals. Reforms build on December 2025 changes establishing the Development Coordination Authority.

NSW Health issued 100+ short-term closure orders to illegal tobacconists. Ahead of tomorrow's excise hike, 30 stores were shut for 90 days, seizing 700,000 cigarettes and 3,900 vapes. New laws target illicit trade.

NSW government overhauls foster care. Minns Labor Government ends failed Permanency Support Program by 2030. New strategy boosts accountability, transparency, and supports Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Foster carers gain flexibility. Reforms begin July 1, 2028.

NSW public schools now offer high potential and gifted education via the Inspire program. $100 million invested in 33 partner schools. Eight new extension classes launched in 2026. Minister Prue Car announced the rollout.

President Lula opens II National Labor Conference in São Paulo. Event gathers 27 states, 386 proposals for decent work. Runs March 3-5.

Minister Patty Hajdu met mining leaders in Toronto on March 2 to launch the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance. The group will tackle labor shortages and boost Canada's critical minerals strategy. The sector contributed $112 billion to GDP in 2024.

PrairiesCan invests $1.16M in Landing Zones Canada for AI tech in drone weather sampling. The funding aids GITPO RPAS development, replacing wasteful weather balloons. Minister Olszewski highlighted Alberta's AI leadership.

Canada and Greenland signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on March 2, 2026, to cooperate on critical minerals and energy. The agreement focuses on geological collaboration, low-carbon electricity in the North, and supply chain development.

Canada's Critical Minerals Production Alliance secured 30 new partnerships, unlocking $12.1 billion for projects. Minister Tim Hodgson announced the deals on March 2, 2026. Total alliance funding now reaches $18.5 billion.

Minister Anand met India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in New Delhi. They discussed progress on the Canada-India joint road map, focusing on trade, energy, and security. This marks their sixth meeting since September 2025.

China issues guidelines for high-quality sci-tech insurance development. Aims to support innovation and technological advancement.

China boosts tax compliance to create a unified market. New measures aim for fair competition, preventing tax evasion and promoting high-quality development.

New book details Xi Jinping's role in China's poverty elimination. The publication highlights the government's efforts to lift millions out of poverty.

China's FM spoke with Russia's counterpart by phone regarding U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Details of the conversation were not released.

Xi Jinping stresses rural revitalization is key to Chinese modernization. Focus on agriculture, rural areas, and farmers to build a strong foundation. “Rural areas are the bedrock of national rejuvenation.”

EU Parliament hosts March 5 meeting on women's rights, democracy online. Topics: stereotypes, disinformation, gender-based violence. Speakers include Lina Galvez, Roberta Metsola, Hadja Lahbib. Journalists seminar follows.

ECB President Lagarde launched the EuroSteps Walking Challenge on March 2 to boost women's financial literacy. The challenge, starting April 1, combines step counting with financial lessons. Panelists included Stournaras and Nagel.

EBA issues final Guidelines on capital endowment for third-country branches. Lists eligible instruments, like 0% risk weight assets, ensuring local depositor protection in resolution. Effective March 2, 2026.

Chancellor Merz calls for Iran to cease strikes. Germany condemns the "mullah regime" as a "terror regime" and supports the US in halting its armament. Merz met the National Security Council Sunday.

France and Germany will boost deterrence cooperation. A nuclear steering group will coordinate strategy. German conventional forces will join French nuclear exercises this year. Cooperation complements NATO.

Chancellor Merz calls on Tehran to cease strikes. Germany supports US and Israel actions against the Iranian regime, citing its terrorism and nuclear program. Merz to meet President Trump Tuesday.

India's Ministry of Steel met global diplomats to boost steel sector ties. Bharat Steel 2026, April 16-17, 2026, in New Delhi, will focus on 300 MT capacity by 2030 and green production.

India's Legislative Dept. met March 2, 2026, to reaffirm commitment to the "Seva Sankalp" Resolution. Secretary stressed integrity, transparency, accountability in public service. Staff pledged renewed dedication.

Minority Affairs Ministry reports 629,527 waqf properties initiated under UMEED Act, 2025. 287,695 validated, 38,083 rejected. Extensions granted to 17 States/UTs. Portal launched June 6, 2025.

PM Modi spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Modi expressed deep concern over the regional situation, reaffirming support for Jordan's peace and security. He thanked the King for caring for the Indian community.

India's Civil Aviation Ministry monitors Middle East airspace. IndiGo plans 10 relief flights from Jeddah on March 3, 2026. Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu chaired a review. Passenger safety is paramount.

Irish Finance Minister Simon Harris addressed the Irish Tax Institute Annual Dinner. He highlighted global trade uncertainty, citing the US Supreme Court tariff decision and the EU-US Statement with a 15% tariff ceiling. Harris stressed the need for a stable transatlantic trading environment.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan addressed the Annual Cross Border Police Conference on March 2, 2026. He praised An Garda Síochána and PSNI for their work combating organised crime, emphasizing cross-border cooperation is vital.

Minister McEntee convenes Government Trade Forum today, March 2. Agenda: Iran/Middle East, EU-US trade, St. Patrick's Day, Market Diversification Plan. Eleventh meeting since 2025.

Ireland launches Motor Insurance Transparency Code. Robert Troy TD says it will bring clarity to premiums. Features include a Premium Summary Statement and Annual Market Overview. Code is voluntary.

Minister Helen McEntee condemns 143 antisemitic incidents reported by the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland in six months. She calls the rise unacceptable and pledges government action.

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino spoke March 2, 2026, in Wakayama. He addressed Japan's economy and monetary policy to local leaders.

NZ, Argentina agree closer ties. Foreign Minister Winston Peters met President Milei. Focus: export growth, economic reform. Discussed Iran, UN reform, trade. Peters leads business delegation. First NZ FM visit since 2007.

Louise Upston says NZ's traffic light welfare system is working. 90% of clients find it helpful. 99% meet obligations. Sanctions dropped 10.6% between Q3 2024 & Q3 2025. System incentivizes work.

NZ Govt boosts Smokefreerockquest & Tangata Beats with $550k/year funding. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello cited 36 years of youth wellbeing support. The 3-year contract is a $195k/year increase.

Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti appointed Chris Hopkins and Dr Peter Bramley to the University of Otago Council. Hopkins brings business leadership and financial expertise; Bramley offers health management and academic experience. Reti emphasized strong governance for university success.

President Tinubu celebrates Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila at 96. He praises the mother of his Chief of Staff for her community service, philanthropy, and being the first female elected local government chairperson in Lagos.

Nigeria Police Council ratifies Tunji Disu as Inspector-General. Swearing-in by President Tinubu on Wednesday. Disu, appointed after Kayode Egbetokun's resignation, praised for crime control record.

Qatar PM spoke with Iraq's FM on March 2. They discussed regional escalation. Qatar's PM stated Iranian aggression violates sovereignty. Iraq's FM condemned the attack.

Qatar PM spoke with Bosnia FM about regional escalation. Qatar condemned Iran's attack, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Both leaders stressed peaceful dispute resolution and de-escalation.

Qatar's Foreign Minister spoke with Rwanda, Benin, Switzerland, and Slovenia ministers. They discussed regional escalation, stressing peaceful dispute resolution. Qatar condemned the Iranian attack, calling for de-escalation and dialogue.

Qatar's Minister of State spoke with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister on March 2. They discussed the regional military escalation and Iranian missile attacks on Qatar. Both condemned the attacks, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution and an immediate halt to escalation.

Putin met with Amur Region Governor Vasily Orlov. Region's GRP doubled to 1.1 trillion rubles. Record 2.2M tonnes grain harvest. 64 new projects total 2.4T rubles investment.

Putin spoke with UAE President Al Nahyan on March 2, 2026. They discussed Middle East conflict, US/Israel aggression against Iran, and Iran's retaliation. Both called for a ceasefire. Putin thanked Al Nahyan for supporting Russian nationals in the UAE.

Putin spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on March 2, 2026. They discussed the Middle East crisis, blaming US and Israeli aggression against Iran. Both leaders expressed concern over escalation and hoped for de-escalation via diplomacy.

Putin spoke with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on March 2, 2026. They discussed the US and Israel's aggression near Iran, warning of war. Both leaders stressed ending hostilities and Russia's role in regional stability.

Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the Middle East conflict. Both expressed concern over its expansion. Salman suggested Russia could play a stabilizing role due to its ties with Iran and Gulf states.

Singapore's economy grew 5% in 2025. Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong notes a new phase due to global shifts: US tariffs, Middle East conflict impacting Strait of Hormuz, and AI/decarbonization. Challenges ahead, but opportunities remain.

Singapore's Dr Tan See Leng outlines a plan to power economic growth via AI and innovation. $800 million will fund a new Semiconductor RIE Flagship. This aims to boost R&D in areas like Advanced Packaging and Photonics, building on $30 billion in recent semiconductor investments.

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry launches Business Refresh Package to aid SMEs. The package focuses on productivity, cost efficiency, revenue growth, and a pro-enterprise environment. This initiative aims to help businesses navigate change and seize new opportunities.

Singapore saw 16.9M visitors in 2025, up 2.3%. Receipts hit $23.9B (Q1-Q3), up 6.5%. Minister Alvin Tan expects 17-18M visitors this year. Greater Sentosa Master Plan begins, upgrading infrastructure and linking Sentosa and Pulau Brani.

Singapore's LaunchPad @ One-North will be expanded, becoming Asia's flagship startup destination. A new AI hub, Kampong AI, opens in 2028, offering integrated living and working spaces for AI talent.

Three senior Department of Health officials arrested for alleged theft and fraud. Government confirms the Hawks investigation, calling the fight against corruption an apex priority. This aligns with President Ramaphosa's 2026 State of the Nation Address.

Swiss National Bank reports CHF 26.1 billion profit for 2025. Gold holdings gained CHF 36.3 billion. A CHF 4 billion distribution goes to the Confederation and cantons.

E-dec Export exception requests are closed. Switzerland now requires Passar Export, E-dec Web, or using a customs service provider for export declarations.

Switzerland automatically applies UN sanctions against ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates. The SESAM database updated March 4, 2016, reflects changes to UN lists.

Federal Tax Administration updates course listings and bonus shares for 2025.

Switzerland and EU leaders signed a package agreement in Brussels on March 2. President Guy Parmelin and Ursula von der Leyen inked the deal. Initialed May 21, 2025, approved June 13, 2025.

UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and the US condemn Iran's missile/drone attacks on sovereign territories. Attacks endangered civilians, damaged infrastructure, and threaten regional stability. Nations reaffirm right to self-defense.

UAE summoned Iran's Ambassador to protest terrorist attacks. Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar called the assaults a violation of sovereignty, a threat to security, and a breach of international law. The UAE demands an immediate end to attacks and reserves its right to respond.

UAE summoned Iran's Ambassador to protest terrorist attacks. Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar called the assaults a violation of sovereignty and a threat to national security. The UAE demands attacks cease and reserves its right to respond.

UK creates new child cruelty register. Convicted abusers face sex offender-like restrictions. Home Office aims to improve child protection. Amendments to Crime and Policing Bill tabled.

UK Home Office makes refugee status temporary. Adult asylum seekers get 30-month protection, reviewed based on home country safety. Inspired by Denmark, this aims to cut illegal migration.

Bank of England's Alan Taylor discusses central bank mandates. Focus remains on 2% CPI inflation for price stability. Post-2008 crisis, financial stability is also key, complementing monetary policy.

UK Ministry of Justice seeks advisors for Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Panel. Expertise needed in youth offending, ML, youth justice operations, data law, and ethics. Apply by March 30, 2026, to [email protected]. Unpaid role.

PRA Digest: Feb 2026 includes consultations on future banking data (DP1/26), securitisation reforms (CP2/26), Overseas Prudential Requirements (CP3/26), and Solvency II updates (CP4/26). Policy statement PS5/26 addresses Credit Union Service Organisations.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urges restraint amid Iran crisis. 550 civilians reportedly killed in Iran since Saturday. Gulf states condemn Iran's strikes. WHO warns against attacking health facilities.

US, Israel, Iran strikes escalate for a third day. March 2, 2026. UN urges restraint amid regional conflict, explosions, and airspace closures.

Melania Trump presides over historic UN Security Council session on children in conflict. The US-led meeting, held amid escalating Middle East conflict, marks the first time a First Lady has chaired the Council.

Deputy Secretary Landau visits New Delhi March 3-6. He'll lead the U.S. delegation at the Raisina Dialogue, discuss defense, critical minerals, counternarcotics, and promote America First policy.

Deputy Secretary Landau visited Tonga, Fiji, Samoa (Feb 26-Mar 2) to boost U.S. Pacific ties. Initiatives include $2.5M for fisheries, $540K for maritime tech, and an Open Skies pact with Samoa.

US and Arab nations condemn Iran's "reckless" missile/drone attacks. Strikes targeted sovereign territories, endangering civilians. Nations reaffirm self-defense rights, committed to regional security.

Treasury sanctioned DRC-related individuals for corruption. A general license permits certain transactions.

US sanctions Rwandan Defense Force and four officers for backing M23 rebels in DRC. Action follows Washington Accords signing on Dec 4, 2025. M23 violated accords by capturing Uvira. US vows to uphold peace.

Vietnam orders safety checks for all Ha Long Bay tourist boats after Signature QN-7269 caught fire Feb. 27. 41 people aboard evacuated safely. Vessels failing checks will be suspended.

Vietnam plans a new approach to anti-corruption. General Secretary To Lam urged finalizing a new Resolution on preventing corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena. The policy aims for strict handling of cases with no forbidden areas.

Vietnam suspends Middle East labor exports due to conflict. 10,000+ workers there, mainly in Saudi Arabia and UAE. Foreign Ministry advises citizens against travel to Iran or Israel.

Vietnam plans 36-37% public debt to GDP by 2026. Central budget needs VND583.7T for deficits, VND376T for debt repayment. Funding via bonds, loans. Local govts can borrow VND26B.

Vietnam embassies in Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait issue Middle East travel advisories. Citizens urged to stay vigilant, avoid non-essential travel, and follow local guidance. Emergency contacts provided.