Economy Minister Luis Caputo in Córdoba: "A stable macroeconomy is the best defense against external shocks." $26 billion in RIGI investments approved. Fiscal commitment is firm. Reforms aim to boost competitiveness and formalization.

Argentina's President Javier Milei announced a consumer law codification to strengthen fundamental rights. The reform aims for clearer rules, legal certainty, and better market dynamics. The Subsecretaría de Defensa del Consumidor led the effort.

Argentina's Ministry of Security updated its drug list, adding 254 new substances. The list now totals 886 controlled substances, with 424 added in two years. This update, the largest ever, targets new psychoactive substances like fentanyl analogs.

Argentina's February tax revenue hit $16.23 trillion, up 20.1% year-over-year. Key drivers included Income Tax (+31.2%) and Social Security (+26.2%). VAT rose 13.7%.

ANMAT lifts production ban on Laboratorio Pretoria S.R.L. via Disposición Nº 884/2026. The lab implemented satisfactory corrective actions to ensure product safety and efficacy.

Australia is building high-speed rail. The Sydney to Newcastle stage is moving to development. Expected to cut travel time to 1 hour, create 99,000 jobs, and generate $250 billion in economic activity.

Kamilaroi Highway rehabilitation begins March 3 near Walgett. Three-kilometer section to be rebuilt, improving safety and resilience. Work takes four months. Expect delays. Minister Jenny Aitchison calls it a "lifeline."

NSW invests $190,000 for EBSWA to launch Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network. Goal: 3,000 women on database in 3 years to boost visibility and connect them to tenders under $3 million. This aims to increase the 34% of women-owned small businesses in NSW.

Minns Government to build thousands of homes at Bays West, Sydney's first new inner suburb in decades. Affordable housing included. Port operations cease by 2030. $270 million for road upgrades.

Minns Labor Government fixed over 500,000 potholes statewide, including 106,500 in regional NSW in seven months. This effort, backed by $155 million in accelerated funding, aims to improve road safety and reliability.

President Lula visited Bionovis, highlighting R$ 5.6 billion invested since 2023 in national drug production. The company supplies 19 million units to SUS for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Lula stressed “saving lives” and equitable healthcare access.

President Lula opens the 39th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean on March 4 at Palácio Itamaraty. The event, running March 2-6, focuses on food security and sustainable agriculture.

Canada and Equinor sign Bay du Nord agreement. Project advances responsible offshore energy development, aiming for a 2027 investment decision. Expected to create thousands of jobs and boost GDP.

Minister Rebecca Alty visits Membertou First Nation on March 4, 2026, for an announcement with Chief Terrance Paul on reserve lands and economic development. Event at Membertou Trade Centre, 1:30 p.m. AT.

Canada charts path for mining at PDAC 2026. Minister Tim Hodgson announced $1.5B First and Last Mile Fund, $2B Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund, and $165.2M for 22 mining projects. Also $40M for Canadian Digital Core Library.

Minister Sidhu hosts EU Commissioner Šefčovič in Toronto on March 5, 2026, for a signing ceremony and joint press conference. They will also speak at the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

Tyreek Angus, 26, died March 2, 2026, in hospital after an inmate altercation at Donnacona Institution. He was serving a sentence of 4 years, 5 months. CSC will review the circumstances.

China's National People's Congress convenes. Focus on the new five-year plan, economic targets, and Xi Jinping's agenda. Expect policy shifts on technology, environment, and national security.

China will unswervingly expand high-standard opening up, a spokesperson stated. The nation is committed to creating a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment. This includes deepening reforms and optimizing services to attract foreign investment.

China's central bank injected liquidity in February using multiple tools. Details on specific amounts or tools were not provided.

China's FM called for joint efforts with France to de-escalate Middle East tensions. He stressed the need for a political resolution to the Gaza conflict and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

China backs Iran on sovereignty, territorial integrity. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated support, emphasizing non-interference.

ECB's Philip Lane told the Financial Times on March 3, 2026, that EU growth beat expectations due to AI and the green transition boosting investment. He noted the labor market and immigration also helped.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia opened the Bharat Pavilion at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. He stated India is building trusted digital bridges for the world, showcasing over 40 Indian innovators in telecom and 6G tech.

NHRC issues notices to Gorakhpur DM and SSP after 11-year-old boy died falling into an uncovered drain on Feb 19, 2026. Residents allege official inaction. Report on compensation due in two weeks.

PM Modi met with Canadian PM Mark Carney, stressing a renewed partnership. They aim for a future of trust, growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

NHRC issues notices to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and Gorakhpur SSP after 9 patients lost vision, 9 others had eyes removed due to botched cataract surgeries at a private hospital. A report is due in two weeks.

India's Civil Aviation Ministry monitors West Asia airspace. 1,221 Indian flights, 388 foreign flights cancelled. Airlines rerouting, resuming long-haul. 24 Indian flights today, 58 planned for March 4th. Passenger safety, fair fares are priorities.

Ireland's Finance Minister Simon Harris discussed the Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan. He also addressed the Iran conflict, prioritizing 20,000+ Irish citizens in the region. Oil/gas prices rose, potentially impacting inflation. The 5-year plan aims for economic resilience.

Minister O’Sullivan launched a new Code of Conduct for responsible marine wildlife watching in southwest Ireland on March 3rd. The initiative, developed by the NPWS, aims to protect species like whales and dolphins while supporting eco-tourism.

Minister McEntee confirms Ireland's first charter flight for vulnerable Irish citizens in the UAE. The flight, departing from Oman Airport soon, prioritizes non-residents. Contact will be direct.

Minister McEntee secures Cabinet approval for a Defence Attaché network pilot. Paris, London, Washington DC chosen for strategic importance. Aims to deepen bilateral relations amid security concerns.

Govt. nominates Gabriel Makhlouf for re-appointment as Central Bank of Ireland Governor. His second term begins Sept. 1, 2026. Finance Minister Simon Harris TD cited Makhlouf's strengthening reforms.

Italy's PM Meloni held two government meetings on the Middle East crisis. Discussions covered citizen safety and energy security, with Eni and Snam CEOs present.

Bank of Japan Governor Ueda spoke at FIN/SUM 2026 on March 3, 2026, discussing the new financial ecosystem and the central bank's role.

Winston Peters met Uruguay's President Yamandú Orsi and Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin in Montevideo. They reaffirmed partnership between the small, open democracies, discussing trade, education, sport, science, culture, and global issues. New Zealand business engagement is welcomed.

New Chatham Islands ship deal signed. 77-meter vessel to be delivered by end of 2027, replacing Southern Tiare. $24.3 million government funding. Associate Transport Minister James Meager calls it an economic lifeline.

New Zealand health agencies doubled store visits for smokefree compliance. 4,500+ operations in 2023, up from 2,000. 90% compliant. 489 fines issued. 18 new officers hired.

New Zealand government adds $100,000 to Whangārei, Thames-Coromandel, Gisborne, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty Mayoral Relief Funds, plus $100,000 each to Ōpōtiki, Ōtorohanga, Waipa, and $30,000 to Christchurch. Funds aid communities hit by January/February weather.

New Zealand tourism generated $46.6 billion in the year ending March 2025, up 3.3%. Overseas visitor spending rose 7% to $18.1 billion. Tourism Minister Louise Upston stated tourism now employs 1 in 9 Kiwis.

President Tinubu directs immediate fund release for Nigeria's space assets maintenance. Approves revised 25-year roadmap at first National Space Council meeting. Aims to boost agriculture, security, and digital economy.

President Tinubu nominates Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance. Oyedele, 50, replaces Doris Uzoka-Anite, who moves to Budget and National Planning. Oyedele previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

Qatar PM spoke with Luxembourg PM Luc Frieden. They discussed regional escalation, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution. Qatar condemned Iran's attack, calling for an immediate halt to actions and a return to negotiations.

Qatar's Minister of State Al Misnad spoke with Germany's Reem Alabali on March 3, 2026. They discussed Iran's assault on Qatari territory, a violation of sovereignty. Germany condemned the attack and stands with Qatar.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Quint Committee ambassadors (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, US, France) on March 03, 2026. They discussed Lebanon's situation, affirming support and commitment to stability.

Qatar sent a second message to the UN and UNSC regarding an Iranian attack. Qatar Amiri Air Force shot down 2 SU24 aircraft, intercepted 7 ballistic missiles, and 5 drones. Attacks targeted energy facilities. Qatar condemns the aggression.

Qatar resilient against aggression. Spokesperson Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari: Iran's claims of prior notification are untrue. Qatar was surprised by attacks targeting civilian and vital facilities. Qatar reserves the right to respond.

Putin spoke with Hungary's PM Viktor Orban. They discussed Russia-Hungary cooperation, the Iran crisis, and Ukraine. Putin praised Hungary's stance on diplomatic solutions for Ukraine. They also addressed Hungarian POWs.

Putin met with Roman Artyukhin, Head of the Federal Treasury, on March 3, 2026. They discussed the treasury system's 2025 performance and future development. Artyukhin highlighted 99% budget cash execution and the impact of digital completion certificates.

Putin sent greetings to the Znaniye Society awards ceremony on March 3, 2026. He praised teachers, scientists, and others for their dedication to education and mentorship, calling their work exceptionally valuable.

Singapore tackles senior isolation via Age Well SG. Silver Generation Ambassadors connect at-risk seniors to Active Ageing Centres for buddying, befriending, and activities. Targeted support for dementia and depression includes Dementia Day Care and CREST teams.

Singapore Health Ministry: Minority of cancer claims need extra docs, mainly for non-CDL drugs. Insurers seek approval, guideline proof. Ministry doesn't track claim numbers or processing times. Reviewing insurer docs.

Singapore Ministry of Health reports 3,000 abuse/harassment cases in 2024, 4,200 in 2025. 7% were high severity. 15% reported to police. Awareness grew since 2023 framework launch.

Singapore's Health Ministry reports on healthcare worker harassment. On-the-spot or same-day actions include warnings and access restrictions. Serious cases escalate to police. Data on mediation, police response, and outcomes to be presented to Parliament on March 3, 2026.

Singapore's Health Ministry does not track clinic consolidation. However, it will offer funding and training for small practices to meet Health Information Act compliance.

WTO members reviewed five regional trade agreements. Agreements involved Comoros, EU, Mozambique, Indonesia, China, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Faroe Islands. Discussions also covered transparency issues and updated schedules for 235 RTA implementation reports.

Switzerland concluded its two-year chairmanship of the UN Statistical Commission, led by Georges‑Simon Ulrich. The nation championed global data governance and statistical system modernization.

Switzerland's Federal Finance Administration released 2024 financial figures and provisional 2025 estimates on its data portal.

UAE reiterates no change to defensive posture despite over 1,000 Iranian attacks. Ministry states UAE is not a party to the war and retains right to self-defense. Urges reliance on official sources.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with 15 counterparts about Iranian missile attacks. He affirmed UAE safety. Calls condemned attacks, stressed regional security and diplomatic solutions.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed met France's Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris. They discussed strategic relations, regional security, and Iranian missile attacks. Both nations aim to expand cooperation.

Abdullah bin Zayed met France's Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris. They discussed UAE-France strategic relations, regional security, and Iranian missile attacks. Both nations seek to expand cooperation.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with 15 counterparts about Iranian missile attacks. He affirmed UAE safety and condemned the strikes. Ministers agreed on the need for diplomatic solutions to contain escalation.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper prioritizes British citizens' safety amid Middle East conflict. Crisis centre open 24/7. Working with airlines for Abu Dhabi, Dubai flights. Securing charter flight from Oman for vulnerable citizens.

Lord Hogan-Howe to lead review on fewer, larger police forces in England and Wales. Recommendations due summer. Goal: improve capacity for complex cases, ensure effective local policing.

Civil Nuclear Constabulary seeks Authorised Firearms Officers for Sellafield. Recruitment is part of a national program for continuous armed protection. Starting salary: £31,164. Training includes a 19-week Initial Foundation Programme.

Bank of England opens BEEDS UAT for Statistical Taxonomy v1.3.1 FINAL. Firms can test from March 30 to April 17, 2026. This is the final UAT before end-May 2026 data submissions. Software houses must email for access by March 20, 2026.

Beckie Agami, psychologist member of the Parole Board, reappointed for 5 years. Term: February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2031. Appointments regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

UN Chief António Guterres urged 40 independent AI experts to provide clarity on the technology's impact. Meeting March 3, the panel will offer scientific assessments, aiming to close the "AI knowledge gap" for global benefit. “The world is looking to you for clarity,” he stated.

US, Israel and Iran in fourth day of escalating conflict. Strikes and counter-strikes disrupt region, causing civilian casualties. Fears of broader instability grow. UN providing real-time updates.

UN: Schoolgirls killed in Minab, Iran strike. Thousands displaced in Lebanon. Calls for investigation into civilian deaths. Internet shutdown in Iran. Conflict impacts 12 countries.

Secretary Rubio: 9,000 Americans have left the Middle East. 1,500 still need help. State Dept. is arranging flights, facing airspace closures. Urges Americans to register via website/phone numbers. Drone struck Dubai consulate parking lot; all personnel safe.

State Dept. aids 9,000+ Americans leaving Middle East. 300+ from Israel. Facilitating charter flights from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan. Waiving travel costs.

Secretary Rubio states the U.S. operation targets Iran's short-range ballistic missiles and naval threats. He explains the timing was due to Iran's imminent retaliatory strike against the U.S. and to prevent higher U.S. casualties. Iran produces over 100 missiles monthly.

State Dept. prioritizes citizen safety. Secretary Rubio highlights 24/7 task force for updates post-Operation Epic Fury. Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov, follow @TravelGov, or call 1-202-501-4444 for Mideast residents.

Federal Reserve Board issues consent prohibition orders against Jacob Hilton (ex-United Bank) for embezzlement and Klaus Koberstein (ex-East Cambridge Savings Bank) for misappropriation of funds.

Vietnam opposes using force against sovereign nations. Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang cited February 28 concerns over Middle East escalation, stressing adherence to international law and peaceful dialogue.

PM Pham Minh Chinh met EAEU Chairman Bakytzhan Sagintayev. Vietnam seeks to boost FTA trade, open markets, and increase quotas for exports. They will mark the 10th anniversary of the FTA in 2026 with events. Vietnam will open a trade office in Central Asia.

Vietnam forms Steering Committee to build 100 border schools by Aug 30. VND 20 trillion ($760M) invested. 248 schools planned by 2028. Education Minister is deputy head.

Vietnam launches AI Law March 1. Establishes National AI Database, AI clusters. PM calls for impact evaluation. Fund planned for 2026-2027.

General Secretary To Lam calls for a “master blueprint” for double-digit growth through 2045. He stressed a fundamental shift in economic drivers, prioritizing sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation. Resources must be efficiently allocated, with proactive risk governance.