Winter holidays generated $2.12 trillion economic impact, up 2.5%. 4.6 million people traveled, a 5.9% increase. Record receptive tourism in H1 2026 with 3.1 million foreign visitors.

NSW RFS deploys Chinook and Bell 412 helicopters with 24 personnel to France for wildfire support. This marks the RFS's first European deployment. Australia also aids the US and Canada. Deployments won't impact domestic readiness.

Secretary of State van Koeverden congratulates Team Canada on their Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games success. Athletes showed talent, determination, and resilience. He thanked coaches, staff, volunteers, and families for their support.

China launches five-year plan to boost supply and marketing cooperatives. Goal: improve rural services and agricultural development. Focus on modernization and efficiency.

China sends central disaster relief supplies to Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, battling severe flooding. The move aims to support affected residents and aid recovery efforts in the region.

PM Modi launched the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan' via VC. He emphasized that drugs offer a temporary high but ruin careers and families. He urged professors to help make youth drug-free for a developed India.

PM Modi honors Shri Pingali Venkayya on his 150th birth anniversary. Modi lauded Venkayya's role in creating the Tricolour, stating it inspires national pride and service.

PM Modi launches 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan'. Over 1 crore youth joined the call for a drug-free India. The 100-week campaign aims for a healthy, confident youth for a developed India.

India survey finds no manual scavengers under MS Act, 2013. 89,915 sewer workers validated under NAMASTE Scheme (2023-24). Govt. pushing mechanized sanitation, PPE kits, and training.

VCF-SC funded Mrs. Swarnalatha Nethipudi's rubber recycling plant with ₹5 crore. The Visakhapatnam firm recycles 2 lakh tires annually, creating ₹8 crore in assets and ₹4.36 crore in revenue.

Chris Bishop opens consultation on Wellington heritage rules. Report finds provisions negatively impact growth. Modifying rules could enable 770 apartments, $280M construction, 300 jobs. Public feedback sought until August 15.

NZ expands School Onsite Training Programme to 704 places annually from 2028. Education Minister Erica Stanford highlights $21.7M investment over five years. Trainees get $20,660 stipend in 2027. Focus shifts to secondary teachers.

Simeon Brown reappoints Whaimutu Dewes and Owen Coppage to Transpower Board until 2029. They will oversee $13 billion investment. Rukumoana Schaafhausen also reappointed to Kiwi Group Capital board.

Hauraki Gulf shellfish bans extended two years to August 7, 2026. Shane Jones cited need to replenish stocks. Closures impact Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā, Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island.

Tinubu admin refutes Atiku Abubakar's claims on economic reforms. Cites 49% GDP growth post-adjustment, 69% Naira GDP expansion. Argues reforms were necessary, debt is for productive investment.

Dr. Al Hammadi received Malta Ambassador Maria Camilleri Calleja's credentials on Sunday. He pledged full support to advance Qatar-Malta relations and cooperation.

Putin congratulates Russian Airborne Forces on their holiday. He praised their fortitude and resolve, noting paratroopers' actions in the special military operation. He expressed confidence in their future contributions to Russia's defense.

Putin congratulates Russian railway workers on their holiday. He highlights the 175th anniversary of the Moscow-St. Petersburg line and their role in the special military operation. He praises their dedication and the ongoing development of high-speed rail.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. They discussed regional developments, Middle East security, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. They discussed regional developments, Middle East security, and strengthening bilateral ties.

Sofia, a Venezuelan woman, was trafficked for sexual exploitation after seeing a fake job ad on Facebook. She escaped and was helped by a stranger in a taxi, leading to her rescue by Trinidad and Tobago's Counter Trafficking Unit and the IOM.

U.S. State Dept. updated Spain travel advisory Aug. 1, 2026. Ceuta now Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) due to migrant unrest. Spain deployed military. Overall Spain advisory remains Level 2 (Increased Caution).

Vietnam's National Assembly will convene an extra session to approve 15 laws, including revised petroleum and urban development laws. Discussions will focus on removing bottlenecks for wind and solar power projects. Other key items include the Penal Code, Land Law, and the Hanoi Ring Road 5 investment policy.

Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam addressed the 33rd Diplomatic Conference. He emphasized foreign affairs as a "crucial and regular" task for the entire nation, not just diplomats. Lam called for unified priorities and concrete outcomes following the conference.