Daniel Scioli aims to boost Argentina's faith tourism, noting it's 20% of global travel. He spoke at the Continental Rocío Encounter in Buenos Aires, highlighting Argentina's large Andalusian community. “It’s a demonstration of confidence in our country,” he stated.

Museo Casa Rosada hosts "Semana del Animal" from April 24 to May 2. Events promote animal protection, including a K9 unit display and rescue stories. The week honors Ignacio Lucas Albarracín, a pioneer in animal welfare.

PM Albanese attended Strait of Hormuz Freedom of Navigation Summit with 49 countries. Australia will send Wedgetail E-7 aircraft to the Gulf. Fertilizer from Indonesia and 100 million liters of diesel secured.

Brazil's "Carro Sustentável" program boosts popular car sales by 32.9% since July 2025. VP Alckmin highlighted zero IPI for eco-friendly, recyclable entry-level cars. He also noted R$15 billion in aid for export-affected businesses.

Lula calls for replacing despair with hope at Global Progressive Mobilization in Barcelona. He urged strengthening progressive movements to combat inequality and extremism, stating, "We have to replace despair with dreams. Hate with hope."

Lula calls for UN reform in Barcelona. He demands greater representation and a more responsive Security Council, stating the UN "cannot remain silent" amid global conflicts. He stressed multilateralism and international cooperation are vital for democracy.

Canada Gazette Part I, April 18, 2026, Vol. 160, No. 16 published. Official notices, regulations, and government information are included.

Canada invests $277,100 in BMO Soccer Centre upgrades for Halifax Tides FC. The funding supports renovations to enhance training and recovery spaces, promoting women's professional soccer in Atlantic Canada.

China launches new policies to boost comprehensive bonded zones. Measures aim to optimize business environment, attract foreign investment, and promote high-quality development. Specifics on tax breaks and customs procedures are included.

China's Vice Premier stated the Luban Workshop in Turkmenistan boosts friendly cooperation. The initiative provides vocational training, fostering mutual development and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

China and Turkmenistan deepen energy ties. Vice Premier Han Zheng highlighted a new gas field project, boosting cooperation. This strengthens energy security and bilateral relations.

China's envoy attended the inauguration of President Denis Sassou Nguesso in the Republic of the Congo. The event marks continued diplomatic ties between the two nations.

China issues guidelines to boost green industrial design. Aims to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and promote sustainable manufacturing. Focus on eco-friendly materials and processes.

France's Élysée Palace mourns Nathalie Baye, a celebrated actress known for her roles in films like "La Nuit américaine" (1973) and "La Balance" (1982), for which she won a César. She passed away at 75.

PM Modi condoles the passing of Shri Balbir Punj, a prolific writer, thinker, and public intellectual. His contributions to literature and public discourse will be remembered.

PM Modi shared glimpses of his upcoming address to the Nation. Details on the speech's content were not provided.

PM Modi criticizes parties opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He states women will remember the insult and hold opponents accountable. The bill aimed to empower women and was a "Mahayagya" for their progress.

Modi govt launches Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee. Aims to shield India's shipping from global volatility, reduce foreign insurer dependence. Covers hull, cargo, P&I, war risks. “Transformational step” for maritime resilience.

PM Modi apologizes to Indian women as the Nari Shakti Vandan Act amendment fails. He blames Congress, DMK, TMC, SP for prioritizing party interests over national ones, causing women's dreams to be "crushed." He vows voters will punish them.

Ireland, Slovenia, Spain urge EU's Kaja Kallas to act on Israel's alleged human rights violations. Citing death penalty approval and West Bank violence, they demand EU uphold values.

National Archives releases 1926 Census records. An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Patrick O’Donovan marked the centenary event. The €5 million project digitised 750,000+ returns, now online.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemns the unacceptable attack on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon. A French soldier died, three wounded. Targeting peacekeepers violates international law. Irish troops are safe.

Minister Byrne in Türkiye for 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Meets Deputy Foreign Minister Bozay. Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum, discusses EU-Turkish cooperation amid global instability.

Ireland's €365,000 World Heritage Strategic Investment Fund will support 11 projects across six counties. Ministers Browne and O'Sullivan announced funding for sites like the Historic Astronomical Observatories (€240,000) and the Royal Sites of Ireland (€58,000).

President Tinubu congratulates Professor Emeritus Abiola Odejide on her 80th birthday. He praises her as the first female Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Ibadan and Nigeria's first Professor of Children’s Literature. He highlights her contributions to academia and gender advocacy.

Qatar PM & FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Turkish FM Hakan Fidan in Antalya. They discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, including US-Iran ceasefire efforts and de-escalation.

Qatar PM met Libya's Abdul Hamid Mohammed Al Dbeiba in Antalya on April 18, 2026. They discussed bilateral ties and regional issues, including the US-Iran ceasefire and de-escalation efforts.

Qatar's PM & Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Antalya on April 18, 2026, discussing Gaza developments. He reaffirmed Qatar's support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as capital.

Qatar's Dr. Al Khulaifi spoke at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 18, 2026. He stressed mediation's role in conflict resolution, highlighting Qatar's trust-building efforts and work in Chad and the DRC.

MOS Gan Siow Huang visited Türkiye April 15-19. Spoke at Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 17, highlighting ASEAN partnerships. Met Türkiye Minister Kacır and 10 other foreign officials, discussing cooperation. Engaged DEIK in Istanbul.

Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung spoke at the 9th Singapore Palliative Care Conference. 51% of those dying received palliative care, up from 46%. Home care capacity rose 50% to 3,600+. Still, 60% die in hospitals, a number needing further reduction.

SM Lee Hsien Loong addressed the Teck Ghee CCC-CDC Education Merit Award Ceremony on April 18, 2026. He noted the Middle East war, the US/Israel attack on Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz closure. Singapore launched a $1 billion package, including $500 CDC Vouchers and $200 Cost-of-Living payments.

UAE condemns attack on UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. One soldier killed, three injured. UAE calls for Lebanon to protect peacekeepers, hold perpetrators accountable.

UAE's Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. They discussed Iranian missile attacks, regional security, and UK solidarity. Cooper affirmed support for UAE sovereignty. They also reviewed US-Iran ceasefire news and bilateral ties.

UN peacekeeper killed, three injured in southern Lebanon attack. Patrol hit by small-arms fire while clearing ordnance. UNIFIL investigating, suspects Hezbollah. Attack violates international law.

UN economist Michael Herrmann says falling fertility isn't an economic crisis. UNFPA data shows 1 in 5 adults can't have desired children due to economic insecurity. He advocates for "demographic resilience," adapting institutions and human potential, not just raising retirement ages or offering cash bonuses.

UNICEF is outraged by the killing of two contracted water truck drivers in Gaza on Friday. The agency called for an immediate investigation and accountability, stating humanitarian workers must never be targeted.

DRC and AFC/M23 met in Montreux, Switzerland, April 13-17. They agreed on humanitarian access and judicial protection, committing to international law and civilian safety.

11 nations hail Libya's first unified budget in a decade, signed April 11. This 2026 budget aims to boost economic coordination, stability, and development. It includes funding for the National Oil Corporation and enhances energy security.

US sanctions Nicaraguan Vice Minister Luis Cañas Novoa for gross human rights violations. The move marks the eighth anniversary of the April 2018 protests, where over 325 protesters were killed.

US congratulates Zimbabwe on 46th anniversary of independence. Pledges to expand commercial ties, boost trade, investment, and promote transparent business practices for shared prosperity.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man met IPU Sec-Gen Martin Chungong, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, and Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus in Turkey on April 17. Man sought IPU support for Vietnam's legislature and proposed deepening ties with Russia and Turkey, including an FTA with Turkey.

Vietnam ranked among top five for Expanded Human Capital Index (HCI+). WB VP Mamta Murthi presented award. Success linked to health, education, workforce training policies through 2030. Demonstrates efficient public spending for economic outcomes.

Vietnam and Norway launch Green Strategic Partnership. Focus: climate, environment, circular economy, sustainable ocean economy. Aims: jobs, sustainable growth, trade, investment. Norwegian State Secretary Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad hailed it as a milestone.