Argentina resolves $700 million in disputes, reactivating Santa Cruz dam works. The Jorge Cepernic dam, 46% complete, is prioritized. Project stalled since 2016. Estimated $5 billion needed to finish.

Argentina's National Arts Fund opened "Colección Esteban Tedesco: el valor del arte contemporáneo" at Casa Victoria Ocampo. The exhibit features over 80 works by contemporary artists, curated by Ana Martínez Quijano.

Prefectura Naval Argentina conducted 70 operations nationwide. 41 people apprehended, 1 detained. Seized drugs, illegal goods. Performed 5,910 vehicle checks, impounding 23 vehicles. Actions aim to boost security.

Two brown bears and one tigress rescued from Luján zoo arrive safely in new homes. Gordo and Florencia are in Bulgaria, Flora in the Netherlands. Rescued Feb 24.

Argentina aims for $240 million annual vaccine exports via regional partnerships. Health Minister Mario Lugones met with PAHO officials to boost tech transfer and production. The initiative targets 10 years of growth.

Australia PM Albanese met Canada PM Carney in Canberra. They marked 40 years of consular sharing, affirmed Indo-Pacific commitment, and agreed to regular economic talks to boost trade and resilience.

Australia welcomes Prime Minister Carney. Recalls shared history: 1839 French-Canadian rebels, 1854 Eureka Stockade. Emphasizes shared values, democracy, Indigenous cultures. Cites John Curtin's 1944 speech on standing together.

Schofields Public School students leave demountables for 29 new permanent classrooms. Upgrade frees 4,300 sqm play space. Part of $3.9 billion Western Sydney school investment.

Jeanne Pratt, Acting Commissioner of Competition, stated at the Open Banking Expo Canada: Canada's financial sector needs disruption. The Consumer-Driven Banking Act is key. Five large banks dominate, with barriers to entry and switching. Competition Bureau prioritizes affordability.

Secretary of State Belanger highlights the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Starting spring 2026, it offers a one-time GST credit top-up and a 5-year, 25% increase. Aims to help 12 million Canadians afford essentials.

Minister McGuinty met Australia's Deputy PM Marles in Canberra. They agreed to a Defence Ministerial Dialogue to boost cooperation, including on Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar. They aim to ease equipment movement and strengthen defence industries.

Minister Shafqat Ali launched public engagement for the Access to Information Act review. Canadians and Indigenous Peoples can provide feedback until March 5 to improve the system, focusing on timely access, declassification, and Indigenous data rights.

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission grants NexGen Energy a licence for its Rook I Project. This allows site prep and construction for the Saskatchewan uranium mine. The decision follows environmental assessment and consultation.

Xi Jinping participated in deliberations at the National People's Congress. The session is China's annual legislative meeting. Details on specific topics discussed were not provided.

Xi Jinping told key provincial economies to gain experience solving new problems. He stressed the need for innovation and high-quality development.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan draft outline submitted for review. The plan covers 2026-2030. Details to follow.

China will bolster protection of its maritime interests. Details on specific actions or timelines were not provided.

EU lawmakers agreed to reinforce farmers' position in the food supply chain. New rules ensure prices reflect production costs. Mandatory contracts for dairy farmers and stricter meat labelling are included. “A major victory for our farmers,” said MEP Céline Imart.

ECB President Christine Lagarde warned of a shift from calculable risk to true uncertainty. Speaking in Bologna, she cited technology and fragmentation as drivers, urging against protectionism.

EU Parliament to brief on March 9-12 plenary. Topics: housing crisis, single market for defense, energy, AI, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan visit. Briefing Friday, March 6, 11:00 AM.

ECB Governing Council met Feb 4-5, 2026. Schnabel noted increased geopolitical/trade uncertainty. Markets reacted less to shocks. Euro appreciated 1% vs. USD, but depreciated 0.3% effectively.

EBA sets harmonised reporting standards for third-country branches under CRD VI. New rules apply from March 31, 2027, with a proportionate "core + supplement" approach. EBA aims for high-quality data for supervisors.

Chancellor Merz met President Trump in Washington. They discussed Iran's nuclear program, transatlantic trade, and the war in Ukraine. Merz stressed a fair trade agreement and Europe's role in Ukraine peace talks.

President accepts resignation of West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose. New appointments: Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla to Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma to Maharashtra, Shri R.N. Ravi to West Bengal, and others.

8th Central Pay Commission seeks stakeholder input. Submit memorandums online via 8cpc.gov.in or innovateindia.mygov.in by April 30, 2026. Paper submissions will not be accepted.

Rajnath Singh urged GRSE to build niche platforms for Viksit Bharat. Addressing personnel in Kolkata on March 5, 2026, he praised GRSE's 150-year contribution to the Navy and Coast Guard, calling them vital to India's maritime power and development.

Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal launched Indian Culture Portal v2.0. The upgrade features an AI chatbot, Bharti, supporting 22 languages via Bhashini, and 3D virtual tours. It aims for faster, scalable access to India's heritage.

PM Modi attended the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi. He heard an address by Finland President Alexander Stubb.

Ireland's National Equality Data Strategy (2026-2031) aims to improve equality data collection and use in government. It focuses on standardization, guidance, and capacity-building to inform inclusive policies and services. An Equality Data Hub will be established.

Ireland's Minister McEntee expresses deep concern over the Middle East conflict, emphasizing Ireland's commitment to international law and the UN. She calls for an urgent de-escalation and return to dialogue, condemning Iran's actions and its nuclear program.

Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomes data showing Ireland's domestic economy grew nearly 5% in 2025. Consumer spending rose 3%, and employment hit a record 2.83 million. GDP was up 12% for the year.

Minister McEntee met with EU and GCC foreign ministers on March 5, 2026, to discuss Iran's strikes. She called for an end to attacks, respect for international law, and de-escalation. Priority is Irish citizens' safety.

Ireland and Northern Ireland restore cattle and sheep trade on March 6, 2026. Ministers Heydon and Muir announced the move, citing a derogation to manage Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV3) risks. Trade had been limited to slaughter since January.

Meloni spoke with Zelensky, discussing peace efforts and the Middle East crisis. They stressed EU-US unity is vital. Zelensky thanked Italy for energy aid. Meloni pledged Italy's role in Ukraine's reconstruction.

Meloni and Macron spoke by phone. They discussed Iran's conflict impact on the Middle East and global navigation. Leaders agreed to support Gulf nations, secure Cyprus, and prevent Lebanon escalation. They will stay in touch.

PM Takaichi met Peter Thiel, Palantir Co-Founder, on March 5, 2026. The meeting occurred at the Prime Minister's Office.

PM Takaichi met with UAE Minister Dr. Sultan Al Jaber on March 5, 2026. The discussion focused on industry and advanced technology.

Japan's PM Takaichi met UAE Minister Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. They discussed Iran tensions, oil supply, and Japan-UAE CEPA negotiations. Both agreed to strengthen bilateral ties.

Japan's PM Kishida and Germany's Chancellor Scholz spoke by phone March 5. They discussed the Middle East, condemning Iran's attacks. Both leaders agreed to cooperate on economic security, particularly concerning export controls on critical minerals.

NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters visited Brazil, seeking deeper ties in agriculture, aviation, education, film. Signed Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement and Education Cooperation Arrangement. Brazil is NZ's largest Latin American student source.

New Zealand government passes law clarifying ACC payments' impact on welfare. Minister Louise Upston states the Social Security (Accident Compensation and Calculation of Weekly Income) Amendment Act ensures fair treatment for all, fixing an anomaly where lump sum ACC recipients were treated more favorably than weekly recipients.

David Seymour and Erica Stanford announce new overseas investment rules. 15-day decision target, aiming for 5 days for low-risk applications. $7.82 billion processed last year. Active Investor Plus visa attracting $3 billion.

Game On program launches 57 Pacific youth into NZ's $750M gaming sector. Dr Shane Reti highlights $1M investment. First cohort starts July 2026.

NZ and Chile signed a Strategic Agricultural Arrangement 2026-2030. Ag Minister Todd McClay stated the deal will boost cooperation, share expertise, and build climate resilience. Two-way trade reached $342.94 million in Sept 2025.

President Tinubu names Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari as Special Adviser on Political Affairs. Masari, a close ally, previously served as senior special assistant in the same role. He was also the party’s welfare secretary.

Nigeria's National Council on Nutrition, chaired by VP Kashim Shettima, formed a Nutrition Financing Subcommittee. Tasked with developing a funding structure for nutrition interventions, the committee, led by Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, must present a roadmap within 30 days. The National Nutrition Bill is also prioritized.

President Tinubu settles 15-year OPL 245 dispute with ENI. Zabazaba–Etan project to add 150,000 bpd. Restores investor confidence.

VP Kashim Shettima defended Nigeria's tax reforms, stating they will reduce poverty by eliminating multiple levies on small businesses and low-income earners. He urged officials to counter claims that reforms impoverish Nigerians, highlighting increased forex reserves and subsidy removal as successes.

Qatar sent a fourth letter to the UN and Security Council detailing Iranian attacks. Ten drones, two cruise missiles, and two ballistic missiles targeted Qatar on March 4-5, 2026. QatarEnergy declared force majeure. Two cells linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard were arrested.

Qatar's Minister of State spoke with advisors to Brazil's, France's presidents, and Germany's Chancellor. They discussed regional escalation and peaceful dispute resolution. The Minister condemned Iranian attacks on Qatari territory. Brazil, France, and Germany expressed solidarity with Qatar.

Qatar PM spoke with Brazil FM Mauro Vieira about regional escalation. PM stressed Iran's attack violates sovereignty, jeopardizing relations. Called for immediate cessation of actions, return to talks. Brazil expressed concern, urged de-escalation.

Qatar PM spoke with Ireland's FM Helen McEntee on March 5, 2026. They discussed regional escalation, Qatar's sovereignty violation, and peaceful dispute resolution. McEntee expressed concern, urging de-escalation.

Qatar PM spoke with Austria Chancellor Christian Stocker on March 5, 2026. They discussed regional escalation, stressing peaceful dispute resolution. Qatar PM condemned Iranian attacks, calling for de-escalation and dialogue.

Putin sent greetings to the 6th Congress of the New People party. He praised the youngest parliamentary party for its work in legislative bodies and its focus on science, education, healthcare, and business. He stressed the importance of consolidation amid challenges.

Vladimir Putin met with women from various professions on March 5, 2026, ahead of International Women's Day. He praised their contributions in both traditional and non-traditional roles, including military and defense industries.

Putin met with Central African Republic President Touadera in Moscow. They discussed expanding cooperation in policy, trade, economy, and culture. Russia's Lavrov, Novak, and others attended.

Singapore's Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme, launched Jan 2026, has 119 electric heavy vehicles registered by end-Feb 2026. Acting Minister Jeffrey Siow stated electrification is the most viable path, with ongoing study of hydrogen tech.

Singapore's Ministry of Transport will not offer purchase incentives for electric motorcycles. Acting Minister Jeffrey Siow stated that comparable pricing exists and adoption issues stem from shorter range and charging infrastructure, not cost.

Singapore's Finance Ministry considers economic outlook, inflation, fiscal sustainability, and targeted aid for broad-based payouts. Senior Minister of State Jeffrey Siow stated this allows a quantitative and qualitative approach, sharing growth benefits.

Singapore MFA deploys Crisis Response Teams to Middle East. March 7 repatriation flight from Muscat, Oman planned. Assisted overland trips to Riyadh for those in Bahrain, Qatar. Urges e-Registration.

President Tharman visited Rome March 4-5, co-chairing a World Bank jobs meeting. He met Italian President Sergio Mattarella, discussing bilateral ties. He also met Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, focusing on interfaith dialogue and AI's impact.

Switzerland boosts EU foreign, security cooperation. Cassis and Kallas signed a declaration March 5, 2026. Agreement simplifies participation in EU peacekeeping missions. Not part of Bilaterals III.

EU gives EUR 1 million to WTO Global Trust Fund. Funds will boost trade capacity for developing nations and LDCs through technical assistance in 2026-2027. WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the contribution.

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will lead Switzerland's delegation at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York on March 9, 2026. The session focuses on access to justice for women and girls.

ETH Board appointed 19 new professors (7 women, 12 men) at ETH Zurich and EPFL on March 4-5, 2026. This brings total appointments in the last year to 51 women and 50 men.

ETH Board launched internal consultation on “FIT for the Future” project. Allocated 2027 resources for ETH Domain institutions. Approved 2025 consolidated reporting. Noted EPFL Direction change.

UAE participated in EU-GCC meeting on March 5, 2026, discussing Iranian aggression. H.E. Lana Nusseibeh highlighted UAE's defense against 1,000+ drones/missiles targeting civilians. UAE prioritizes safety, diplomacy, and self-defense.

UAE condemns Iran's ballistic missile attack on Türkiye. The NATO system intercepted the missile. The UAE calls the act a "serious escalation" and violation of sovereignty, threatening regional security.

UAE and US mediation secured the release of 400 captives between Russia and Ukraine. This brings the total UAE-mediated exchanges to 5,355. The UAE reaffirms commitment to peace talks.

UAE and US mediation secured the release of 400 captives between Russia and Ukraine. This brings the total exchanged via UAE efforts to 5,355. The UAE reaffirms commitment to peace talks.

UAE condemns Iran's ballistic missile attack on Türkiye. The missile was intercepted by NATO defenses. UAE calls the act a serious escalation, violation of sovereignty, and threat to regional security.

Liz Chinchen appointed senior adviser to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Starts March 5, 2026. Focus: NHS industrial relations, social care workforce development. Chinchen previously held roles in BFI, local government, and trades unions.

Bank of England weekly report (March 4, 2026) shows £644.9bn sterling liabilities, up from £643.5bn. Reserves remain steady. Notes in circulation £95.9bn. Assets include £98.2bn in short-term repos.

UK tightens border rules. Foreign offenders with 12+ month suspended sentences now barred, regardless of crime date. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood states, "Coming to the UK...is a privilege, not a right." New rules effective March 26.

UK Home Office revokes asylum handouts for those who break laws or can self-support. New laws, effective June, remove accommodation and financial aid. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood states support is for those "who play by our rules."

UK Home Office: £370 million saved by ending visa-free travel for Jordan, Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago, Botswana. Nicaragua, Saint Lucia now require visas. Asylum claims from targeted nations down 93%. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vows to stop abuse.

Middle East war enters day six. Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Gulf States face continued attacks. NATO claims Iran missile interception, denied by Tehran. Uncertainty and suffering persist.

U.S. and Venezuela's interim authorities re-establish diplomatic and consular relations. Goal: promote stability, economic recovery, and political reconciliation. Focus on a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.

U.S. and Argentina met Feb. 25-27 in Washington for nuclear energy talks. Chaired by Gonzalo Suarez and Federico Ramos Napoli, they reaffirmed cooperation on civil nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and safety. Both nations are committed to IAEA safeguards and exploring small modular reactors.

Secretary Rubio spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty. They discussed Egypt's help with U.S. citizen returns and Iran's regional threats.

ICG condemns DRC ceasefire violations, including drone attacks. Urges return to talks, respect for Washington Accords and Doha process. Supports AU mediator Faure Gnassingbé. Calls for humanitarian access and end to hate speech.

U.S. Embassy Kuwait City operations suspended. No personnel injured. Level 3 travel advisory remains. U.S. citizens urged to depart Kuwait if safe, or shelter in place. Contact +1-202-501-4444 for assistance. Enroll in STEP.

Vietnam forms working group led by Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son to ensure energy security. Meeting on March 5, 2026, discussed impacts of Middle East conflict. Plans include boosting hydropower and coal power, diversifying imports, and using domestic fuel.

Vietnam forms working group, led by Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son, to ensure energy security amid Middle East conflict. Group will monitor situation, address petroleum supply issues, and propose policy responses. PM Pham Minh Chinh stressed vigilance and proactive measures.

Vietnam's agro-forestry-aquatic exports surged 17.1% in Jan-Feb. Key markets: Asia (45.5%), Americas (21%), Europe (15.7%). Top importers: U.S., China, Japan.

Amazon VP Kerry Person met Minister Luong Tam Quang in Hanoi, March 4. AWS committed to developing Vietnam's human resources, citing 50,000 trained in AI/cloud. They discussed digital transformation and strengthening US-Vietnam ties.

Hoi An named Vietnam's most welcoming destination by Booking.com. The city also earned accolades from Time Out and Tourlane. Vietnam welcomed 2.5 million foreign visitors in January, a record high. 13,052 Vietnamese accommodation partners received Booking.com Traveller Review Awards.