What Is The Govt Saying

New South Wales saw significant developments this week. Women of the Year finalists were announced, and St George Hospital received a major upgrade. Child protection was strengthened with Rachael Ward's appointment.

Workers compensation reforms passed, freezing premiums, while new building laws aim to boost confidence. NSW is set to exceed energy storage targets with new batteries. Over 1,000 junior doctors joined hospitals.

31,000+ homes are planned near Sydney stations. Major pumped hydro projects were declared critical. Flood-damaged roads will receive $6.1M in funding. A new mental health center opened in Blacktown.

The government launched a road safety campaign after 75 rider deaths. Police prepared for protests during the Israeli President's visit. $1M+ was allocated to aid Bondi attack victims.

President Lula's week saw significant action on multiple fronts. In Bahia, he announced R$ 345 million in health investments, including 107 ambulances. A major initiative was the launch of a National Pact Against Femicide, a cross-governmental effort to combat violence against women.

Lula also emphasized Brazil's role in global affairs, advocating for Palestinian inclusion and Latin American integration. Domestically, economic gains, including record minimum wage hikes and substantial foreign investment, are contributing to stability.

Further bolstering the health sector, Brazil extended the use of FGTS funds for non-profit hospitals and allocated R$ 4 billion for health infrastructure. The nation also commenced its national dengue vaccination program with nearly 4 million doses.

Canada's trade tribunal is investigating Austrian oil and gas well casing imports. Health Minister Mark Holland will detail the nation's digital health strategy. A new Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy aims to protect whales with innovative, ropeless gear. Energy innovation funding was also announced.

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Bonds, Data, and Fisheries Updates

A $2 billion green bond was issued. Bill S-5 mandates digital health data sharing. The fisheries industry received regulatory updates. Canada, part of the Freedom Online Coalition, condemned Iran's internet shutdown.

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Auto Sector, EV Push, and Homes

A new auto strategy, focusing on EVs, innovation, and jobs, was unveiled. The Build Canada Homes Act aims to construct over 7,500 affordable homes on public land, backed by $13 billion.

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Arctic Expansion and Trade Missions

Canada opened a new consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, strengthening Arctic and Nordic ties. Trade missions to Singapore and Vietnam aim to diversify $262 billion in Indo-Pacific trade.

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Security Cooperation and Arctic Presence

A new consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, was opened, enhancing Arctic connections. Canada and India agreed to liaison officers and cybersecurity cooperation to combat crime.

This week, China signaled a dual focus on rural revitalization and capital region development. Beijing is pushing agricultural modernization with a tech and green strategy, aiming for food security and better rural incomes. A new spatial plan for the capital area targets high-quality development and urbanization.

Separately, Premier Li Qiang signed a decree to revise and repeal administrative regulations. This move is intended to improve the business environment and stimulate economic activity.

France enacted new regulations this week, aiming to expedite flight dispute resolutions and streamline candidate registration for the 2026 municipal elections. Laurent Nunez outlined the requirements for potential candidates.

Separately, the nation unveiled a significant initiative to bolster fertility and perinatal health. This plan includes 16 measures, such as establishing gamete preservation centers and a national information portal. Initial findings from a national perinatal health project are expected by June 2026.

Chancellor Merz concluded a significant tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aiming to forge deeper strategic partnerships. Discussions centered on energy security, trade, and regional stability. A key outcome: Qatar's Emir is slated for a visit to Germany in July, signaling warming relations. The trip underscores Germany's push for diversified energy sources and diplomatic engagement in the Middle East.

India closed a significant trade deal with the US, cutting tariffs and opening up the $118 billion textile market. Prime Minister Modi pushed for India's global leadership and domestic reforms, while also engaging with Nepal and the Maldives on agricultural cooperation. The nation also saw major boosts in its semiconductor industry, with a new Qualcomm chip launch and increased funding for the India Semiconductor Mission. Security was a key focus, with reviews in Jammu & Kashmir and a determined push to end Naxalism by March 2026.

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Key Developments:

• Trade & Economy: US-India Interim Trade Agreement signed. SAIL reported record sales. Plastics industry showcased at PLASTINDIA 2026.
• Technology & Infrastructure: Qualcomm's 2 nm chip launched. India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 funded. West Bengal rail projects worth ₹92,000 crore announced. Amaravati Quantum Valley unveiled.
• Security & Governance: J&K security reviewed, focus on terror-free region. Naxalism targeted for elimination by March 2026. Ministry of Cooperation appointed an Ombudsman.
• National Focus: World Cancer Day observed. NSIC celebrated 71 years. PM Modi urged students for #ParikshaPeCharcha26.

Prime Minister Meloni's week was a whirlwind of diplomacy and domestic action. She met with Czech PM Babiš to forge a 2026-2030 EU Action Plan focused on energy, infrastructure, and defense.

• Chilean Ties: Meloni also engaged with Chile's President-Elect Kast, agreeing to enhance bilateral cooperation on economic growth, crime, and birth rates, with a focus on energy and raw materials in Latin America.
• Olympic Diplomacy: Attending the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics opening, Meloni held talks with leaders from Poland, the US, and Qatar on Ukraine, energy, and Middle East stability.
• Domestic Security: Italy launched ‘Operation Safe Streets’ in Milan to bolster security.

Prime Minister Takaichi's week was packed. She met with Nepal's President, discussing bilateral relations and Nepal's upcoming election. Domestically, the focus remained on the severe snowstorms that have gripped Japan since late January.

• International Engagements:
  • Meeting with Nepal President Paudel.
  • Courtesy call from TSMC CEO Dr. C. C. Wei.
  • Strong stance on Russia returning the Northern Territories.
• Domestic Issues: Addressing the ongoing heavy snow crisis.
• Olympic Spirit: Congratulating snowboarder KIMURA Kira on a historic gold medal win.

Nigeria's leadership is pushing economic reforms and international partnerships. World Bank praised President Tinubu's steady hand. VP Shettima launched a free financial literacy program for 10 million citizens and unveiled Vision 2050 for the South-East. The nation is seeking cleaner energy partners, evidenced by a surge in rig counts.

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• Economic Initiatives: VP Shettima champions inclusive growth at the upcoming NEC Conference.
• Global Engagement: Nigeria aims for a share of the $7.7 trillion Halal market and celebrates its talent on the global stage.
• Security Concerns: An army battalion was deployed to Kaiama following a Boko Haram attack.
• Leadership Milestones: Several birthdays of prominent figures, including NNPC Chair Kida and Governor AbdulRazaq, were celebrated.

President Putin navigated a busy week, balancing domestic economic concerns with international diplomacy. He met with officials to discuss 1% GDP growth and 5.6% inflation, while also engaging in high-level talks with Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman and China's Xi Jinping, emphasizing strengthened ties and cooperation.

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Key Developments:

• Economic Outlook: Discussions centered on achieving 1% GDP growth amidst 5.6% inflation.
• Diplomatic Engagements: Putin held significant calls with Xi Jinping and spoke with Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on energy and regional issues.
• National Initiatives: The Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia was launched, promoting national cohesion.
• Science & Culture: Awards were presented to young scientists (5 million rubles) and authors, including those focusing on the special military operation.
• Security & Cooperation: Meetings with Belarus and UAE leaders addressed security cooperation and upcoming state council preparations.

SASSA's grant review yielded significant savings, freeing up R44 million monthly, or R0.5 billion annually. This efficiency drive, spearheaded by Themba Matlou, aims to bolster grant integrity.

Meanwhile, the SANDF is gearing up for the 2026 Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou. The event will commemorate service and honor the legacy of the SS Mendi. The military is also actively involved in flood relief efforts in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

This week saw the UK invest in its future and global standing. A £1.85M competition aims to counter drone threats, while Barnsley becomes the first Tech Town for AI initiatives. Nuclear safety gets a boost with robot trials at Sellafield. Unions gained power via the Employment Rights Act 2025, and the UK Defence is planning for the future with science fiction. Efforts to combat deepfakes intensified, with 8 million identified in 2025. The UK also secured critical minerals with the US and finalized migrant return deals with Namibia, Angola, and DRC. Legal Aid fees for solicitors will rise 10% from March 3rd.

The US made significant diplomatic strides this week, focusing on securing critical mineral supply chains and strengthening international partnerships. Key engagements included Deputy Secretary Landau's talks with Argentina and Sierra Leone on minerals, and meetings with New Zealand for Indo-Pacific cooperation. Secretary Rubio hosted a Critical Minerals Ministerial with 55 partners, signing 11 MOUs to diversify supply chains. The US also bolstered ties with the DRC, increased aid to Cuba, and sanctioned entities involved in illicit Iranian oil trade. Envoy Gor visited Central Asia, while Under Secretary Helberg heads to Italy, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to attend the Olympics and advance peace efforts.