San Martín de los Andes hosted the International Congress of Orthopterology (ICO 2026), March 8-12. Nearly 200 specialists from 39 countries shared knowledge on locust and grasshopper management. Organized by SENASA, Conicet, and the Orthopterists’ Society.

March 15 marks World Consumer Rights Day. Since 1983, this day promotes consumer rights, recognized by the UN in 1985 as vital for economic and social progress. Consumers have rights to safety, choice, and education.

NSW cracks down on property underquoting. New laws mean $110,000 penalties for agents, up from $22,000. Agents must provide a Statement of Information detailing price calculations. Dummy bidding penalties also double. Minister Anoulack Chanthivong stated the goal is a fair property market.

NSW revamps student code of conduct. Kindergarten to Year 12 students to acknowledge annually. Full implementation by Term 1, 2027. Focus on respect, responsibility, safety. New guide supports teachers.

Minister Anandasangaree in Montréal on March 16, 2026, to unveil new tools for law enforcement and CSIS. The event at Sûreté du Québec Headquarters will highlight efforts to combat serious threats and organized crime.

Secretary of State van Koeverden and Minister Hajdu congratulated the Canadian Paralympic Team on their achievements at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. They praised the athletes' determination and resilience, inspiring a more inclusive world.

Minister Miller marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, denouncing intolerance. Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, Canada Community Security Program, and Anti-Racism Strategy aim to protect Muslim communities.

China and U.S. began economic and trade talks in Paris. Discussions aim to stabilize bilateral relations. Details on specific outcomes were not immediately available.

China outlines 2024 economic goals: 5% GDP growth, 3% inflation. Focus on tech innovation, green development, and rural revitalization. Plans aim for stable employment and improved living standards.

China's central and local budgets report details fiscal performance. Key figures and revenue/expenditure breakdowns are provided. The document outlines economic targets and policy directions for the upcoming period.

China released reports on budgets, national economic, and social development plans. Details on fiscal allocations and growth targets are now public.

China will expand its cross-customs return policy for e-commerce exports. This aims to simplify returns for consumers and boost cross-border trade. Details on implementation dates and specific regions are forthcoming.

Rajnath Singh calls for public-private partnership to boost India's sports economy. He highlighted Polo as a potential heritage sport, citing the Army's role. Initiatives like Khelo India and TOP Scheme are supporting athletes.

Election Commission sets 2026 schedule for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry assembly polls. Details available via provided links.

Nominations for Padma Awards-2027 are open until July 31, 2026. Submit online via awards.gov.in. Awards recognize distinguished service in various fields.

Dr. Jitendra Singh: Warfare is tech-driven, man-to-man combat is reducing. India's space startup ecosystem is expanding. Government nurtures scientific talent, encouraging girls via Vigyan Jyoti. India enters a new phase of technology-led development.

India monitors West Asia developments. LPG control order mandates PNG users surrender connections. 22 States/UTs set up control rooms. Jag Laadki sails safely. Refineries at high capacity, no petrol/diesel imports needed.

Minister Dara Calleary marks 35 years of the LEADER Programme. Launched March 15, 1991, it empowers rural communities via a "bottom-up" approach. The 2023-2027 phase has approved over 1,000 projects, totaling €50 million.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St Patrick's 255th Gala in Philadelphia. He praised President Theresa and honoree Madeline Bell, highlighting the enduring Irish-American connection and the Great Hunger Memorial.

Tánaiste Simon Harris is in London for St. Patrick's Day. He will meet UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy PM David Lammy. Harris will attend the parade, meet Irish community leaders, and speak at business events on March 15-16.

NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins attend Canberra's ANZMIN meeting. They will discuss Indo-Pacific instability and Pacific partnerships with Australian counterparts Penny Wong and Richard Marles. The meeting marks 75 years of the NZ-Australia Alliance.

President Tinubu mourns Henry Nwosu, 62, legendary Super Eagles midfielder. Nwosu, a 1980 AFCON winner at 17, served Nigeria for over a decade. Tinubu remembers his skill, pride, and inspiration.

Qatar's Minister of State spoke with China's Middle East Envoy Zhai Jun on March 15, 2026. They discussed regional escalation, condemned Iranian attacks on Qatar, and sought peaceful dispute resolution. China expressed solidarity and called for de-escalation.

Qatar PM met Egyptian FM in Doha on March 15, 2026. They discussed regional escalation, condemning Iranian attacks on Qatar. Both called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.

Qatar Ambassador Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani joined UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam in Beirut on March 15, 2026, to launch an urgent appeal for Lebanon's humanitarian needs.

Senior Minister Low Yen Ling lauded CASE at its 55th anniversary. CASE, founded in 1971, champions consumer rights. The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act is a cornerstone. Price Kaki app has 208,000+ downloads. A unit pricing pilot involves 180+ outlets.

Singapore's Dr Tan See Leng spoke at the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Forum. He highlighted energy security needs due to global conflicts and rising demand. Singapore is diversifying its portfolio, investing in natural gas and aiming for 3 GW of solar by 2030. The nation is also studying small modular reactors for nuclear energy.

Singapore and Japan signed an Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Change Cooperation Framework on March 15, 2026. Minister Dr. Tan See Leng and Minister Akazawa Ryosei inked the deal.

Singapore's Dr. Tan See Leng met Japan's Minister Akazawa, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties. They discussed energy security, $5,300+ Japanese companies in Singapore, and strengthening economic ties. The goal is to elevate partnership in energy, supply chains, and space.

UAE MoFA and NCEMA facilitated the return of ~500 Golden Visa holders and residents stranded abroad. Efforts prioritize safety, reflecting the UAE's humanitarian approach.

UAE MoFA and NCEMA are facilitating the return of ~500 Golden Visa holders and residents stranded abroad. Efforts prioritize safety, reflecting the UAE's "People First" humanitarian approach.

WHO releases $2 million in emergency funds for Lebanon, Iraq, Syria. Funds support health systems amid escalating Middle East crisis. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges peace. 27 attacks on Lebanese healthcare since March 2, 30 deaths.

Vietnam's FM Le Hoai Trung urged ASEAN to uphold international law and dialogue amid Middle East conflict. He stressed energy security, diversifying sources, and protecting citizens. Meeting March 13.

Vietnam's 16th National Assembly election is a key moment for legislative reform. The Assembly will drive growth, support the 2030 development agenda, and translate Politburo priorities into law. Reforms will impact daily life and the economy.

Vietnam holds general election today, March 15, 2026, for 16th National Assembly and local councils. 72,611 deputies to be elected from 120,873 candidates. Voting concludes at 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. if needed.