Global Powers Deepen Security, Economic Bonds
Japan and UK launch cyber pact, boost GCAP fighter jet talks. US bolsters ties with Brazil, Mexico. Canada funds MDF study, creating 2,740 jobs. Australia grants $1.8m for cancer research, opens copper mine. India diversifies crops, honors airmen. Nigeria celebrates 96-year-old doctorate recipient.
NSW Boosts Cancer Research, Mining
$1.8m in NSW grants fund Prof. Verrills' cancer tool. New copper mine, Constellation Project, promises 255 jobs and supports net zero goals.
Sources (2)
- Uni of Newcastle professor awarded cutting-edge precision cancer tool as part of $1.8m NSW Government grants ↗
Minister for Medical Research
NSW Government awards $1.8m in grants for cancer research. Prof. Verrills receives ~$600k for a cell-capturing tool. Prof. Pickett and A/Prof. Blyth also awarded $600k each for microscopes and cell therapy systems.
- Approval of new copper mine boosts NSW’s critical minerals potential ↗
Minister for Natural Resources; Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
NSW approves Aeris Resources' Constellation Project, a new copper mine near Tritton. Expected to produce 500,000 tonnes annually, creating 255 jobs and contributing $42 million in royalties. Supports net zero technologies.
Canada invests $7.5M in Kap Paper for MDF facility study, supporting 240 jobs
Canada invests $7.5 million in Kap Paper Inc. for a new MDF facility study. This supports 240 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Minister Mélanie Joly stated the funding will help diversify revenue and strengthen the regional economy.
Sources (1)
- Government of Canada announces funding to support regional sawmills and employment in Northeast Ontario ↗
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Canada invests $7.5 million in Kap Paper Inc. for a new MDF facility study. This supports 240 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Minister Mélanie Joly stated the funding will help diversify revenue and strengthen the regional economy.
India Boosts Agriculture, Honors Air Warriors, Preps for Navy Run
Chhattisgarh forms ag team for crop diversification. VP Radhakrishnan lauded Bharat Parv 2026 unity. Western Air Command honored brave airmen. New Delhi gears up for Indian Navy Half Marathon on Feb 1, 2026.
Sources (5)
- RUN WITH THE NAVY: SECOND EDITION OF INDIAN NAVY HALF MARATHON IN NEW DELHI ↗
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy Half Marathon returns to New Delhi on Feb 1, 2026. Expect 14,000 runners at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with routes via India Gate and Kartavya Path. Minister Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya flags off the race. Features include veteran/senior runs and international participation.
- Bharat Parv reflects India’s unity in diversity: Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan ↗
Ministry of Tourism
VP Radhakrishnan hailed Bharat Parv 2026 as a symbol of India's "unity in diversity." The Red Fort event, running Jan 26-31, showcased cultural vibrancy. Over 400 crore domestic tourist visits were noted for 2025.
- SINDOOR SHAURYA SAMMAN SAMMELAN HELD AT HQ WESTERN AIR COMMAND ↗
Ministry of Defence
Western Air Command held Sindoor Shaurya Samman Sammelan honoring Air Warriors for bravery and service. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra presided, commending their professionalism. The event celebrated Presidential Award recipients for exceptional courage.
- A scientific–farmer–administrative coordination team to be formed in the state for agricultural development; strategies to enhance crop diversification and productivity to be implemented ↗
Ministry of Rural Development
India forms scientific-farmer-administrative team for Chhattisgarh ag development. Focus: crop diversification, productivity. Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan aims to double farmer income via tech, integrated farming. 1.8M+ houses, roads built.
- A scientific–farmer–administrative coordination team to be formed in the state for agricultural development; strategies to enhance crop diversification and productivity to be implemented ↗
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
India forms a scientific-farmer-administrative team in Chhattisgarh to boost crop diversification and productivity. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan aims to double farmer income via technology and integrated farming. 1.8 million houses built.
Japan, UK Forge Deeper Security, Economic Ties
Japan and UK leaders met Jan. 31, launching a Strategic Cyber Partnership. They agreed to accelerate GCAP fighter jet development, boost cooperation on critical minerals, and science/tech. Trade and investment have grown 1.5 times since their pact. A 2+2 meeting is planned.
Sources (3)
- Japan-UK Summit Meeting and Working Dinner (Summary) ↗
Japan and UK leaders met Jan 31, launching a Strategic Cyber Partnership. They agreed to accelerate GCAP fighter jet development and boost cooperation on critical minerals and science/tech. A 2+2 meeting is planned.
- Japan-UK Summit Meeting (2) ↗
Japan and UK leaders met, agreeing to deepen security and economic ties. Key outcomes include accelerated joint fighter jet development, cybersecurity cooperation, and industrial collaboration in wind power, quantum, and fusion. Trade and investment have grown 1.5 times since their economic pact.
- Japan-UK Summit Meeting (1) ↗
Japan's PM Takaichi met UK PM Keir Starmer on Jan. 31, 2026, in Tokyo. The leaders held a summit meeting following a guard of honor ceremony.
Tinubu hails 96-year-old Gbajabiamila on honorary doctorate
President Tinubu congratulates Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, 96, on her honorary Doctor of Science from Summit University. A trailblazer, she was the first female elected local government chairman in Lagos. The university will name its College of Nursing in her honor.
Sources (1)
- PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES ALHAJA LATEEFAT GBAJABIAMILA ON HER HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARD BY SUMMIT UNIVERSITY, OFFA ↗
President Tinubu congratulates Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, 96, on her honorary Doctor of Science from Summit University. A trailblazer, she was the first female elected local government chairman in Lagos. The university will name its College of Nursing in her honor.
Rubio Boosts Americas Ties
Secretary Rubio spoke with Brazil and Mexico ministers. Discussions focused on economic and security cooperation, strengthening regional partnerships.
Sources (2)
- Secretary Rubio’s Call with Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira ↗
Bureau Of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Secretary Rubio spoke with Brazil's Foreign Minister Vieira. They agreed to advance mutual interests on economic and security issues.
- Secretary Rubio’s Call with Mexican Foreign Secretary de la Fuente ↗
Bureau Of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Secretary Rubio spoke with Mexican Foreign Secretary de la Fuente on shared priorities and regional security.