Global Powers Forge Alliances, Boost Economies
Australia Day honors heroes as Brazil eyes World Cup. Canada funds transit, aid. India celebrates Republic Day. Italy recalls envoy. Nigeria courts Shell investment. Putin meets leaders. UK reforms policing. U.S. deepens ties with Oman on space, trade.
Australia Day Honors Heroes, Welcomes New Citizens
Sydney celebrated Australia Day with events honoring Bondi attack responders, including the Ferrython. Prof. Henry Brodaty AO and Nedd Brockmann were recognized at the Australian of the Year Awards. Over 350 new citizens were welcomed.
Sources (3)
- Australia Day Ferrython to honour Bondi attack responders ↗
Minister for Jobs; Minister for Tourism
Australia Day Ferrython will honour Bondi attack responders. Steve Kamper stated the event celebrates the "best of Australian humanity". The race is a cherished tradition, part of a wider program celebrating diversity and community spirit.
- Sydney comes together for Australia Day ↗
Minister for Jobs; Minister for Tourism
Sydney celebrates Australia Day with projections on the Opera House, WugulOra Morning Ceremony, and a citizenship ceremony welcoming 350+ new citizens. Events include a Midday Salute, Ferrython, and a concert featuring Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, and more.
- NSW’s Professor Henry Brodaty AO and Nedd Brockmann honoured at Australian of the Year Awards ↗
The Premier
Prof. Henry Brodaty AO named Senior Australian of the Year for 50+ years of dementia research. Nedd Brockmann is Young Australian of the Year for raising $8M+ for homelessness via his 3,952km run.
Brazil-EU Data Pact, Women's World Cup Boost
VP Alckmin and EU's McGrath recognized data protection equivalence on Jan 27. FIFA and CBF met President Lula to plan the 2027 Women's World Cup, expecting 3-4 million fans.
Sources (2)
- Alckmin preside cerimônia de reconhecimento entre Brasil e União Europeia de equivalência em proteção de dados pessoais ↗
VP Alckmin meets EU Commissioner Michael McGrath on Jan 27 at 4 PM for data protection equivalence recognition. This agreement ensures legal security for international data transfers between Brazil and the EU.
- FIFA e CBF exaltam a Copa do Mundo de Futebol Feminino 2027, após encontro com presidente Lula ↗
FIFA and CBF met with President Lula to discuss the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The tournament, from June 24-July 25, will feature 32 teams in eight cities. FIFA expects 3-4 million fans and 3 billion viewers, calling it the best World Cup ever.
Canada Funds Transit, Boosts Industry, Aids Families
Canada invests $894K in BC rural transit. Quebec and Canada add $2.05M to Atelier Côté & Audet for expansion. New Groceries and Essentials Benefit offers up to $237 monthly for low-income families. Ministers release National Commitments to Combat Antisemitism. Defence Minister signs Canada-Japan tech pact Jan. 27.
Sources (5)
- New purchases to support rural transit in British Columbia ↗
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Canada invests $894,196 in BC rural transit. Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District gets $762,000 for bus stops. Semiahmoo First Nation receives $132,196 for a mini-bus.
- Stimulating regional growth and innovation: Government support to enhance Atelier d’usinage Côté & Audet’s ... ↗
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Canada and Quebec invest $2.05 million in Atelier d’usinage Côté & Audet. The $4 million project will fund expansion and new equipment, boosting growth in the pulp and paper, hydroelectricity, and steel sectors.
- The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit ↗
Department of Finance Canada
Canada launches Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Eligible families get up to $237 monthly. Aimed at easing food costs for low-income Canadians. Details on eligibility and application forthcoming.
- Ministers Anandasangaree and Fraser Present National Commitments to Combat Antisemitism ↗
Public Safety Canada
Ministers Anandasangaree & Fraser release National Commitments to Combat Antisemitism. Focus: enhanced law enforcement, public awareness, community security. Follows National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism.
- Defence Minister McGuinty to sign important agreement with Japanese Ambassador to Canada ↗
National Defence
Defence Minister McGuinty signs Canada-Japan Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement with Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi on Jan. 27 at 4 p.m. EST, National Defence HQ. Media must register by 3:45 p.m.
India Celebrates Republic Day, Honors Citizens
Bharat Parv launched at Red Fort. PM Modi thanked world leaders for 77th Republic Day greetings. Lokpal stressed constitutional ideals. Amit Shah congratulated Padma Award recipients, honoring selfless individuals. BRO rescued 20 civilians and 40 troops in J&K after a snowstorm.
Sources (5)
- Bharat Parv Celebrates India’s Multifaceted Soul: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla ↗
Ministry of Tourism
Bharat Parv 2026 launched at Red Fort by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla. The six-day festival celebrates India's multifaceted soul, folk heritage, and cultural grandeur, coinciding with Republic Day and 150 years of Vande Mataram.
- Prime Minister thanks World Leaders for their greetings on India’s 77th Republic Day ↗
Prime Minister's Office
PM Modi thanked world leaders for 77th Republic Day greetings. He specifically thanked Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, France President Emmanuel Macron, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and Maldives President Muizzu.
- 77th Republic Day was celebrated in Lokpal of India with great fervor and enthusiasm ↗
Lokpal of India
Lokpal of India celebrated 77th Republic Day. Chairperson Justice A.M. Khanwilkar stressed upholding constitutional ideals: justice, liberty, equality, fraternity. He noted Lokpal's role in fighting corruption and reinforcing accountability.
- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, congratulates the individuals selected for the Padma Awards from various states ↗
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Padma Award recipients. He stated that under PM Modi's leadership, selfless individuals are now honored. Shah highlighted awardees from Gujarat and West Bengal, including Prosenjit Chatterjee and Arvind Vaidya, for their contributions to social service, education, literature, and art.
- BRO Successfully Conducts High-Altitude Rescue and Road Restoration Operation at Chatergala Pass in J&K ↗
Ministry of Defence
BRO cleared 38 km of snow at Chatergala Pass (10,500 ft) after a Jan 23 storm. The 40-hour operation, completed Jan 25, rescued 20 civilians and 40 troops.
Meloni recalls Ambassador over Moretti release. Italy demands probe
Meloni recalls Ambassador Cornado from Switzerland over Jacques Moretti's release. Italy demands a joint investigation into the Crans-Montana tragedy of Jan 1, 2026, before the ambassador returns.
Sources (1)
- Crans-Montana tragedy: President Meloni receives Italian Ambassador to Switzerland ↗
Meloni recalls Ambassador Cornado from Switzerland over Jacques Moretti's release. Italy demands a joint investigation into the Crans-Montana tragedy of Jan 1, 2026, before the ambassador returns.
Nigeria: Tinubu Courts Investment, Boosts Ties
Shell plans $20B Nigeria investment, citing Tinubu's vision. Governor Alia detailed Benue progress. Tinubu visits Türkiye Jan. 26 for security, trade talks.
Sources (3)
- MEDIA INTERACTIVE SESSION ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GOVERNOR IN MARKUDI OVER THE WEEKEND ↗
Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia highlighted achievements at a Markudi media event. Attendees included Eze Anaba (Nigerian Guild of Editors) and Bayo Onanuga (Special Adviser to the President).
- SHELL GLOBAL CEO HAILS PRESIDENT TINUBU, SAYS HIS LEADERSHIP AND VISION THE REASONS SHELL IS KEEN TO INVEST $20 BILLION IN NIGERIA ↗
Shell CEO Wael Sawan praises President Tinubu's leadership, citing it as the reason for Shell's keenness to invest $20 billion in Nigeria. Sawan highlighted the improved investment climate and the company's commitment to long-term projects like Bonga Southwest.
- PRESIDENT TINUBU TO UNDERTAKE STATE VISIT TO TÜRKIYE ↗
President Tinubu visits Türkiye starting January 26. Aims to boost ties in security, education, aviation, trade. Meetings with President Erdogan and signing of MoUs planned. Business forum to follow.
Putin meets regional leaders, Malaysian Sultan
Putin discussed Leningrad infrastructure, aid to Donetsk, and military support. He also met St. Petersburg's governor regarding the city's 60th anniversary and aid to Mariupol. A private visit from Malaysia's Sultan Ibrahim included a tour of the Hermitage Museum.
Sources (3)
- Meeting with Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko ↗
Putin met with Leningrad Governor Drozdenko. Topics included the Road of Life marathon, a new Museum of Remembrance, 16 air defense facilities, a drone training center, 100 support measures for military personnel, and aid to Donetsk. Vyborg restoration and tourism were also discussed.
- Meeting with Governor of St Petersburg Alexander Beglov ↗
Putin met with St. Petersburg Governor Beglov. City marks 60th anniversary of Hero City title. 37,159 Siege survivors remain. Plans include new transport, schools, and aid for Mariupol.
- Meeting with Supreme Ruler of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim ↗
Putin met with Malaysia's Sultan Ibrahim in St. Petersburg on January 26, 2026. The leaders toured the State Hermitage Museum and held a working breakfast. Sultan Ibrahim is in Russia on a private visit.
UK policing reform, MHRA chair, NI solicitor named
UK proposes 2-century policing reforms, including force mergers. MHRA chairs Access Consortium for drug access. Claire Archbold named NI Crown Solicitor. Space operations saw more re-entries. Cost of living support boosted with wage rises, rail fare freeze, and pension increase.
Sources (5)
- White paper sets out reforms to policing ↗
Home Office
UK Home Office proposes largest policing reforms in 2 centuries. White paper 'From local to national' aims for force mergers and a new National Police Service to tackle serious crime. Reforms seek to boost efficiency and focus on neighbourhood policing.
- MHRA Takes Over Chair of International Access Consortium for 2026 ↗
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
MHRA takes over 2026 chair of the Access Consortium, a group of five regulatory bodies. The collaboration aims to improve patient access to medicines. MHRA CEO Lawrence Tallon stated the agency will build on existing foundations to deliver benefits for patients and industry.
- New Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland appointed ↗
Attorney General's Office
Claire Archbold appointed Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland for a five-year term. Advocate General Lord Hermer KC made the appointment. Archbold previously led the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
- How we protected the UK and space in December 2025 ↗
National Space Operations Centre
UK National Space Operations Centre reported 21% more re-entries in December. Collision risks rose 7%. One fragmentation incident occurred. Space weather activity was low.
- Help with the cost of living in 2026 ↗
Cabinet Office
UK gov boosts cost of living support in 2026. 2.7 million workers get 4% wage rise. Rail fares frozen. Prescriptions under £10. £150 off energy bills. State Pension up 4.8%. Two-child limit on Universal Credit removed.
U.S. and Oman Deepen Space and Strategic Ties
Oman joins 61 nations signing Artemis Accords. The third U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue in Muscat on Jan. 25, 2026, solidified partnership, discussed regional peace, and saw a Freedom 250 cooperation pact. Trade reached $3.3 billion in 2025.
Sources (2)
- United States Welcomes Oman Signing of the Artemis Accords ↗
Bureau Of Near Eastern Affairs
Oman becomes 61st nation to sign Artemis Accords, committing to peaceful space exploration. Said al-Maawal signed Jan. 26. Deepens U.S.-Oman partnership.
- Joint Statement on the Third U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue ↗
Bureau Of Near Eastern Affairs
U.S. and Oman held their third Strategic Dialogue in Muscat on Jan. 25, 2026. They reaffirmed their partnership, discussed regional peace, and signed a Statement of Cooperation for Freedom 250. Trade hit $3.3 billion in 2025. Oman will accede to the Artemis Accords.