What Is The Govt Saying

3,000+ first home buyers in Illawarra gained stamp duty relief. Wollongong saw 618 beneficiaries. Scheme offers full exemption up to $800k. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey states, "We’re backing first home buyers because everyone deserves a fair shot."

8,000+ first home buyers in Hunter, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie got stamp duty exemptions/concessions. Wallsend, Maitland, Cardiff, Cessnock led suburbs. Scheme helps buyers up to $1M. “Giving more people the chance to put down roots,” says Scully.

NSW launches Development Coordination Authority (DCA) to simplify planning. Centralized advice cuts delays, aiming for 28-day feedback on DAs. Reforms follow Planning System Reforms Bill 2025. Public exhibition runs Jan 29-Feb 25, 2026.

NSW Government orders Mid-North Coast roads assessment after Waterfall Way landslips. Transport for NSW will review Waterfall Way, Summervilles Road, and other routes. Assessment due late 2026. Minister Jenny Aitchison inspects site.

82,174 NSW first home buyers saved $1.7 billion in stamp duty since July 2023. Premier Minns stated, "everyone deserves a fair shot at owning a home." The program offers full exemptions up to $30,412.

CRTC Vice-Chair Nathalie Théberge addressed the Canada Media Producers Association, discussing modernization of broadcasting rules under the Online Streaming Act. The goal is to integrate foreign streamers while supporting Canadian talent and content.

Minister Robertson and Minister Lyall to make Nunavut housing announcement on Jan 30, 2026, 11 AM EST at Caivan Head Office, Ottawa. Paul Irngaut also attending.

HMCS Yellowknife begins seven-week Operation CARIBBE in Caribbean Sea. Canada aids U.S.-led effort to disrupt narcotics trafficking. Since 2006, operation has seized over 123 metric tons of cocaine.

Canada's Finance Dept. seeks feedback on draft tax legislation. Proposals include clarifying investment rules, expanding anti-avoidance measures, and changes to the Canada Carbon Rebate. Feedback deadline is October 30, 2026.

Minister Rebecca Chartrand in Winnipeg on Jan 30, 2026, to detail affordability measures. Focus on the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and food insecurity initiatives. Media availability to follow.

China unveils plan for service consumption. Aims to boost new growth drivers. Focus on digital services, green consumption, and cultural tourism. Targets increased spending and improved quality.

Germany's Bundestag passes Umbrella Act for Critical Infrastructure Protection (KRITIS). The law strengthens resilience for sectors like energy, health, and IT, setting minimum protection standards. It defines critical facilities serving over 500,000 people. The act will be evaluated in two years.

Germany will boost protection for critical infrastructure after a Berlin power grid attack. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "we need to better protect critical infrastructure." The government will limit public access to related information and increase security against sabotage and cyberattacks.

Chancellor Merz calls for EU and German reforms. He stressed NATO's importance and the need for free trade, urging conclusion of MERCOSUR and EU-India deals. He also highlighted strengthening EU competitiveness.

PM Modi shared glimpses of Beating Retreat 2026. He praised the Air Force, Naval, Army, and CAPF bands for their "memorable" and "exceptional" performances, highlighting specific tunes and formations.

SAIL earns Great Place to Work certification for the third consecutive year, valid until February 2027. The recognition highlights the company's commitment to employee growth and a positive workplace culture. CMD Amarendu Prakash called it a proud moment.

Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth held a 3-day training on "Identification of Flora" in Wayanad, Kerala, from Jan 27-29, 2026. 30 Dravyaguna students learned about medicinal plants and conservation in the Western Ghats.

IIM Ahmedabad to establish Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence via ₹100 crore endowment from alumna Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed it as a step toward India becoming a global AI superpower.

India's Ministry of Law and Justice offers free legal aid via NALSA. 37 State Legal Services Authorities, 707 District Legal Services Authorities, and 2440 Taluk Legal Services Committees serve the poor. Monitoring committees ensure quality.

PM Meloni met European Parliament President Metsola at Palazzo Chigi. They discussed EU priorities and Italy's role.

President Tinubu condoles with Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on his mother's passing. He extends sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who died Thursday. “I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers,” the President stated.

VP Shettima: President Tinubu's reforms are restoring global confidence. 2,100 professionals certified in procurement, including foreigners, showing faith in Nigeria's reforms. Procurement is now central to governance.

Putin met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Kremlin. Talks focused on cooperation, the Middle East, and international issues. Bilateral trade is growing, with 1.5 million Russian tourists visiting the UAE in the first nine months of 2025.

UK government accepts MAC Seasonal Worker review points. 5-year route continuation announced. 2 years' notice for closure, not 5. Cooling-off period reduced to 4 months.

80th anniversary of the Polish Resettlement Act 1947, "Churchill's Promise," nears. Ilford Park Polish Home in Devon, opened 1948, honours WWII veterans. Now a care home for 40 residents (avg. age 91), it upholds Polish heritage.

Immigration Advice Authority releases its first annual report. Highlights include 320+ regulatory inquiries, 606 referrals, and 27 languages for materials. Gaon Hart leads the agency's new proactive approach.

1 in 4 UK school-leavers remain unprotected against HPV, missing vital cancer prevention. Uptake is 75.5% for girls, 70.5% for boys in Year 10. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock calls for expanded access.

TB notifications in England stable in 2025 at 5,424, down 1.1% from 2024. UKHSA reports 81.6% of cases in those born outside the UK. Dr. Esther Robinson urges awareness of symptoms.

State Department and NFL partner for sports diplomacy. Focus on international games, Super Bowl, and flag football at LA28. Under Secretary Sarah Rogers signed the MOU. Events planned in 65+ countries for Super Bowl LX.

U.S. withdraws from WHO, citing pandemic failures. Secretary Rubio and Secretary Kennedy state the organization acted against U.S. interests. All U.S. funding and staffing ceased. The U.S. will pursue bilateral health partnerships.