Argentina welcomes a new De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft for Flytec. This addition, serving mining projects, was enabled by automated international certification recognition, speeding up processes and reducing costs.

Argentina's National Theater Network offers free training in Bahía Blanca on April 18-19. Courses cover production, management, and stage leadership. Open to cultural teams and artists in southern Buenos Aires province. Registration closes April 6.

Argentina's Lutherie and Musical Instrument Makers Fair runs March 13-15 at Palacio Libertad. Over 50 exhibitors showcase artisanal and industrial instruments. Secretary of Culture Leonardo Cifelli highlighted the event's role in celebrating craftsmanship and the Argentine cultural industry.

Argentina's BMX Racing team held its first concentration of the year at CeNARD with 13 athletes. They trained for the upcoming Argentine Championship in Vicente López. Next up: the Pan American Championship in Bogotá, Colombia, May 1-3.

SENASA confirmed H5 avian influenza in Cervantes, Río Negro. The outbreak affects backyard birds, including chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys. Biocontainment measures are in place.

NSW Health graduates new Intensive Care Paramedics. Training includes 8 weeks classroom, 5 weeks hospital, 14 weeks on-road. These specialists perform advanced procedures for critical patients. Minister Ryan Park states it ensures "the very best emergency care."

NSW's GST share drops to 82 cents per dollar, lowest since 2000. Acting Treasurer Courtney Houssos calls for reform of the "broken and unfair system." The state sends nearly one in five GST dollars elsewhere.

Great Western Highway closure at Mitchell's Causeway to last at least three months due to geotechnical failure. Extra rail and bus services begin March 13-15. Safety is paramount.

NSW venues embrace alfresco dining via vibrancy reforms. 380 permanent outdoor dining approvals granted. $121 fee abolished. Minister John Graham states reforms cut red tape, bringing fun back.

NSW Gov's $21.5M NIL Scheme continues for 5 years, offering fee-free loans up to $3,000. 13,485 loans issued last year. $8.5M also for ASCA Program supporting older residents.

President Lula hosts Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira on March 16 at 10 AM at the Palácio do Planalto. A working lunch follows at the Palácio Itamaraty. Media must pre-register.

BYD invests R$ 300 million in Rio de Janeiro for a new R&D center and test track near Galeão Airport. Construction begins late 2026. President Lula attended the announcement.

President Lula inaugurates trauma sector and clinic at Rio's Hospital Federal do Andaraí. R$ 607 million invested. New trauma sector increases daily capacity by 44% to 650 patients. Over R$ 1.4 billion invested in federal hospitals in Rio.

President Lula signed Decree 12.877 updating environmental infraction rules. Fines for animal cruelty now range from R$1,500 to R$50,000, with aggravating factors like death or economic gain.

Brazil President Lula signs "Justiça por Orelha" decree. Fines for animal cruelty now R$1,500-R$50,000 per animal, up to R$1 million with aggravating factors. Named for abused dog Orelha.

Finance Minister Champagne ordered a 180-day safeguard inquiry into frozen/canned vegetable imports. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will assess injury to Canadian growers and impact on food affordability.

Canada's Trade Tribunal amended its order on photovoltaic modules from China. Flexible modules under 200W for vehicle surfaces are now excluded. Order dates from March 25, 2021.

Minister Sidhu met Brazil's Mauro Vieira to boost Mercosur trade talks. Canada-Brazil trade hit $14.7 billion in 2025. They'll meet again at the WTO conference in Cameroon.

Minister Gary Anandasangaree proposes Anton Boegman as Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner. Boegman, former BC Chief Electoral Officer, will oversee a new registry under the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act. This aims to boost transparency and combat foreign interference.

Minister Maninder Sidhu highlighted Canada-EU trade growth: 75% merchandise, services nearly doubled. Record $134 billion merchandise trade last year. Launched digital trade agreement talks, strengthened CETA investment protections, and opened EU construction market for architects.

China's Government Work Report outlines 2024 goals: 5% GDP growth, 3% inflation. Focus on tech innovation, green development, and common prosperity. Premier Li Qiang presented the report.

China's Two Sessions focus on innovation and shared growth. Key priorities include advancing high-quality development and ensuring economic stability. The government aims to boost technological self-reliance and improve livelihoods.

China passes landmark legislation for green modernization. The law aims to boost ecological civilization and sustainable development.

China approves 2026-2030 plan. Focuses on high-quality development and modernization. Details to follow.

China passes national development planning law. Aims to strengthen top-level design and coordinate economic and social development. Law effective immediately.

EMA's 2025 report: 104 new human medicines, 38 new active substances. 30 new vet medicines. Board also discussed new pharma legislation and electronic product information roadmap.

CVMP backs AviGate S. Infantis and VeroBlue-3 vaccines. Extended Syvazul BTV-3 authorization. Advised on selective antibiotic dry cow therapy to cut antibiotic use.

EU's PRAC warns of aseptic meningitis risk with chikungunya vaccine Ixchiq. Update to product info reflects risk in young adults. Review concludes June 2026.

France's Macron hosted Ukraine's Zelensky at the Elysée. Discussions focused on French/European support for Ukraine's defense, increasing pressure on Russia, and combating its "ghost fleet." The visit occurred as Russia's war enters its fifth year.

PM Modi launched ₹19,480 crore in Assam projects, including the Lower Kopili Hydropower Project. He also released ₹18,000 crore via PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to farmers nationwide and distributed land pattas to tea garden workers.

India's Health Ministry approves major food safety reforms. FSSAI licenses now have perpetual validity. Turnover threshold for registration rises to ₹1.5 crore (from ₹12 lakh) and state licensing to ₹50 crore from April 1, 2026. Street vendors will be deemed registered.

Piyush Goyal urges industry to use India-EFTA TEPA. Agreement includes $100 billion FDI commitment and potential for 1 million jobs. Sensitive sectors protected. India-UK deal progressing rapidly.

India's PM-PRANAM scheme offers financial incentives to states for reducing chemical fertilizer use. 50% of saved subsidy goes to states. No funds disbursed yet. Focuses on organic, bio, nano fertilizers and sustainable practices.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan launched the National Dialogue on Online Crimes Against Women and Children in New Delhi. Focus: strengthening coordinated mechanisms and building specialized units to combat online threats. A Master Trainers Induction Programme was also initiated.

Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan published the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026. The bill allows Irish courts to take oral testimony for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. It aims to aid victims' families in their search for truth.

Ireland's Department of Finance released Credit Union Stabilisation Fund Process Note and FAQ on March 13, 2026. The document details procedures and answers questions regarding the fund.

Ireland's Finance Ministry reports €10m repaid to Exchequer, ending CIRF funding. Credit union stabilization fund FAQs published. No levy planned until 2029.

Minister McEntee and UK Defence Secretary John Healey updated the Ireland-UK Defence MoU. The agreement enhances cooperation in Maritime, Cyber Defence, Air, and Joint Procurement. Refreshed MoU signed March 13, 2026.

UK PM Starmer and Irish Taoiseach Martin met, reaffirming shared prosperity, seas, and ties. They pledged progress on MaresConnect and North-South Interconnector by end of 2026, boosting €2 billion/week trade and energy security.

Italy monitors adrift LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz in Mediterranean. PM Meloni met ministers. Italy will share monitoring and offer support, coordinating with Malta.

Italy's Meloni offers condolences to France for a soldier killed in Erbil. She wishes recovery to the injured and reaffirms Italy's commitment to regional peace and stability.

Japan and Bhutan Prime Ministers met March 13, 2026. PM Takaichi hosted PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay at the Prime Minister's Office. A ceremony preceded their talks.

Japan and Bhutan celebrated 40 years of ties. PM Takaichi met PM Tobgay, pledging aid for a Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases and AI health projects. Business forums and cultural events planned.

Energy Minister Simon Watts heads to Japan for the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum, March 14-15, 2026. He will discuss global energy security, particularly liquid fuels, amid geopolitical uncertainty. New Zealand's fuel supply is deemed resilient.

NZ Racing Minister Winston Peters backs greyhound rehoming plan. A transition agency will manage dog care, rehoming, and support for industry workers. This follows the 2024 decision to end greyhound racing due to welfare concerns.

NZ Minister Casey Costello heads to Vienna for the Global Fraud Summit. She'll address rising fraud, a major crime in NZ. Costello will also meet with UNHCR, Red Cross, and others in Geneva and London.

Attorney-General Judith Collins names incoming Solicitor-General Anna Adams as King's Counsel. Adams, an expert in public law with 28 years experience, starts her new role May 11, 2026. Collins calls her an exceptional lawyer.

Oranga Tamariki shows progress. 97% of children in care visited by social workers on time. Caregiver support plans up 8%. Harm in residences down 14%. Minister Karen Chhour notes investment in $68m tech and more social workers.

President Tinubu forms Petroleum Reform Taskforce, chaired by Fola Adeola. Aims to unlock $5-10 billion, create a 10-year energy roadmap. Delivers blueprints in 6 months.

President Tinubu celebrates Senator Jonah Jang at 80. Tinubu praises Jang's service to Plateau State and Nigeria, highlighting his efforts in promoting peace and his legacy projects. Jang, a former military governor, turns 80 on March 13, 2026.

Qatar praises Syria for granting broad access to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry. Hamad Mohammed Al Suwaidi stated this cooperation aids investigations and accountability. He also welcomed Syria's integration of Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian National Army.

President Putin briefed Security Council members on critical infrastructure protection. Attendees included Matviyenko, Volodin, Medvedev, Shoigu, and others. Reports from Novak, Savelyev, and Fayzullin were heard.

USTR launches Section 301 probe into forced labor imports. Singapore among 60 economies investigated. Probe began March 12, 2026.

Singapore FM Vivian Balakrishnan attended ASEAN emergency meeting on Middle East crisis, March 13. He urged parties to return to negotiations, citing risks to civilians and global stability. ASEAN agreed on unified response to mitigate impact.

Singapore regrets US/Israel strikes on Iran, and Iran's retaliation. FM Balakrishnan calls for de-escalation, citing economic impact on ASEAN. Singapore co-sponsored UN resolution.

Alvin Tan highlights JSIT-WST's role in navigating global turmoil. The Wholesale Trade sector, contributing 20% of GDP with 50,000+ firms, faces disruptions from geopolitical events and tech shifts. Transforming and training are key to staying competitive.

Singapore Senior Minister of Transport Murali Pillai marked ReCAAP ISC's 20th Anniversary. He highlighted ReCAAP's success in combating piracy, growing from 14 to 21 member states. Pillai stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing for maritime safety.

Albania is the first country to ratify the WIPO-administered Riyadh Agreement on the International Registration of Industrial Designs. This treaty aims to simplify and reduce the cost of protecting designs internationally.

Switzerland's Federal Council reviewed foreign policy implications of rising antisemitism. Adopted report finds resurgence since autumn 2023 a challenge to cohesion/security. Concludes no new foreign policy measures currently needed.

Switzerland bans more designer drugs starting March 13, 2026. New synthetic substances pose unknown health risks. Their manufacture, trade, and use will be illegal under the Narcotics Act.

Swiss Federal Council OKs CHF 98 million in extra spending for 2026. Funds primarily target EU research and innovation. Some costs will be offset.

Switzerland approves Bilaterals III package to stabilize EU ties. Aims to future-proof economic, scientific, social relations with its top trading partner. Approved March 13, 2026.

UAE expresses solidarity with Ethiopia after deadly floods and landslides in the Gamo Zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to victims' families and the Ethiopian government.

UAE envoy Jamal Al Musharakh briefed UN and global partners on Iranian aggression. He assured them of UAE's stability and continued humanitarian support, despite regional challenges.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with leaders from Tanzania, Tonga, Canada, Georgia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guatemala regarding Iranian missile attacks. They condemned the attacks, affirmed nations' rights to self-defense, and discussed regional security.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met Cyprus Foreign Minister Dr Constantinos Kombos. They discussed strengthening UAE-Cyprus ties, economic cooperation, and Iran's missile attacks. Cyprus assumes EU Council presidency in 2026.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with leaders from Tanzania, Tonga, Canada, Georgia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guatemala about Iran's missile attacks. They condemned the attacks, affirming the right to self-defense. All residents are safe.

Home Office boosts Project Vigilant with £1 million for 9 police forces to combat predators. Undercover officers target risky behavior, aiming to prevent violence against women and girls. Essex Police will conduct 80 deployments.

UKHSA and Stablepharma report fridge-free tetanus/diphtheria vaccine SPVX02 shows promise. Phase 1 trials indicate effectiveness after 24 months at 30°C. This breakthrough could cut waste and improve global vaccine access.

UK and Ireland leaders met in Cork, reaffirming ties. They pledged €2 billion/week trade, 1 GW electricity interconnection, and progress on MaresConnect and North-South Interconnector by end of 2026. Focus on energy, infrastructure, and innovation.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband meet fuel bosses Friday. CMA to crack down on pump price rip-offs. Fuel Finder app launches to show cheapest local prices. Reeves: "I will not tolerate any company exploiting the current situation."

Bank of England survey: 4.6% current inflation median, down from 4.7%. Year-ahead expectations at 3.2%, down from 3.5%. 39% see inflation target as "about right."

UN condemns antisemitic attacks on synagogues in Europe and North America. Syria's rights violations persist despite government efforts. Investigators cite killings, torture, disappearances post-Assad regime.

UNFPA reports 11,600 pregnant women in Lebanon face danger. 4,000 to give birth soon. 55 hospitals/clinics closed. Migrants are highly vulnerable amid conflict.

UN chief António Guterres launched a $308.3 million appeal from Lebanon. 816,000 displaced due to strikes. “Solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in action,” he stated. Aid targets food, water, healthcare for 3 months.

UN expert Tom Andrews warns Myanmar is at a crossroads. Civilians face escalating violence, with 982 killed in airstrikes in 2025. 12 million face hunger. He urges renewed international resolve to support the population.

Middle East: March 13 hostilities escalate, causing mounting civilian casualties and displacement. UN agencies warn of severe risks to children and families from disrupted services and strained aid. Regional stability is under pressure.

U.S. criticizes IACHR hearing on counternarcotics ops. Claims IACHR acted outside mandate, allowed ACLU to push for premature disclosure of court case evidence. Urges IACHR to stick to its rules.

US signs $46.5M health MOU with Honduras, $29.6M US investment, $16.9M Honduran co-investment. Also, $90.4M with Senegal, $63.1M US, $27.3M Senegal co-investment. Both focus on health security, HIV/AIDS, and disease outbreak response.

Secretary Rubio spoke with German Foreign Minister Wadephul about the Iran conflict. They discussed regional security, pledged to protect personnel, and stressed partner unity against Iranian threats.

U.S. Treasury issues Venezuela-related General Licenses. Amended FAQs clarify rules for oil sector transactions. Details on sanctions relief for specific entities.

Treasury removes cyber-related designations. This action targets entities involved in malicious cyber activities. The goal is to refine sanctions lists.

Vietnam and China will hold the 17th steering committee meeting for bilateral cooperation in Hanoi. The meeting aims to implement agreements reached by the leaders of both nations.

KOCHAM Chairman Ko Tae-yeon: Stable legal framework boosts investor confidence in Vietnam. 10,000 Korean firms operate there. Bilateral trade hit $94.6 billion, aiming for $150 billion by 2030. Vietnam seeks industrial upgrading.

Viet Nam's first UN-certified peacekeeping training course met international standards. UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix signed the certificate, presented March 11 in NYC. Only 50 countries worldwide have such courses.

Vietnam launches digital platform for overseas market development. Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son attended the March 12, 2026 debut. The platform offers market data, reducing costs and boosting competitiveness for businesses and local authorities.

Viet Nam prepares for March 15, 2026 general election. 864 candidates vie for 500 National Assembly seats. National Election Council formed, with 34 provincial and 3,320 commune-level committees. Measures to combat misinformation are in place.

Infant formula recalled in 99 countries due to cereulide toxin contamination from arachidonic acid oil. 144 cases reported Jan-Feb 2026 across 10 countries. WHO assesses risk as moderate.