What Is The Govt Saying

$2.5m Lung Bus arrives in Shellharbour offering free health checks. 5,000+ workers annually screened in regional NSW for dust diseases. 23 local workers prioritized. Checks take 30 mins.

NSW Govt deploys mental health resources, counsellors, and psychologists to schools following the Bondi attack. Dr Rob Gordon OAM trained staff. $60 million allocated for recovery. Premier Chris Minns vows long-term support.

3,370 Central Coast residents bought homes via stamp duty exemption. Gosford led with 969 buyers saving $20.6M. NSW saw 82,174 first-home buyers benefit since July 2023. Minister David Harris: "scheme is turning the home-owning dream into reality."

NSW tightens overseas licence rules from Feb 1, 2026. Drivers 25+ from more countries need knowledge & driving tests. Builds on 6-month conversion rule. 320 extra Saturday test slots added. Minister: "Road safety is not negotiable."

Thousands of NSW students start 2026 in new/upgraded schools. 7 new halls, 6 libraries, 200+ classrooms add 4,500+ spaces. Teacher vacancies at 12-year low. Projects include Cecil Hills HS, Concord HS, Box Hill HS, The Forest HS, 3 new co-ed HS, Girraween PS, Ryde SC, Wollumbin HS, Condong PS, Tumbulgum PS.

President Lula sent the Mercosul-EU trade deal to Congress. Signed Jan 17, it covers 718 million people, a $22.4 trillion GDP. 95% of EU imports from Mercosul will see tariffs eliminated.

President Lula opened the 2026 Judicial Year at the Supreme Court, reaffirming Brazil's commitment to the Constitution, democracy, and sovereignty. He noted institutions' strength after anti-democratic attacks in 2023.

Lula sent a message to Congress, highlighting 2025 as a year of reconstruction. He cited 4.26% inflation, 5.2% unemployment, and R$3,574 average income. 17.4 million escaped poverty. He aims for 2026 to be even better.

Canada's International Trade Tribunal began an expiry review of its March 25, 2021 order on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China. The review will determine if dumping or subsidizing is likely to resume and harm the domestic industry.

CNSC holds Feb 9-12 public hearing in Saskatoon on NexGen Energy's Rook I uranium mine proposal. Indigenous groups, public to participate.

Canada launches its sixth green bond issuance this week, offering a new 10-year bond. This adds to $15.5 billion issued since March 2022. Funds support clean growth and climate action.

Estee Lauder Cosmetics Ltd. fined $750,000 for violating Canada's Environmental Protection Act. The company pleaded guilty to two counts: failing to report a "significant new activity" involving PFAS in eyeliner and not complying with a subsequent order. The fine goes to the Environmental Damages Fund.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will hold a virtual technical briefing on the Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy on February 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. EST. Media must email Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca to register. Information is embargoed until release.

India at UN 64th Commission for Social Development. Minister Savitri Thakur highlighted "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" approach. Focus on inclusive policies, digital infrastructure, and Viksit Bharat 2047.

PM Modi thanked President Trump for reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. Modi stated cooperation between the two largest democracies benefits both nations and supports global peace.

India's Baggage Rules, 2026 simplify customs. New regulations offer enhanced free allowances (up to Rs. 75,000), easier transfer of residence benefits, and duty-free laptops and pets.

DFS Secretary spoke at PSB Alliance Meet in New Delhi. Launched BAANKNET mobile app & DBCP platform. Urged expanding services beyond PSBs, focusing on unbanked, and offering digital lending for smaller banks.

India's Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry launches Comprehensive Internship Policy. Aims to give youth practical experience in sports administration, science, and governance. Policy details are public. Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced this in Lok Sabha.

Meloni met with ministers and security chiefs to address recent violence. The government backs security forces and seeks opposition cooperation on a joint resolution for public order.

Putin met with officials including Denis Manturov and Maxim Oreshkin on Feb. 2, 2026, to discuss Russia's chemical industry. The goal is steady development, leveraging resources with modern, eco-friendly tech. A national project aims for 130+ priority chemical products by 2030.

Sir Christian Turner KCMG is the new UK Ambassador to the US, presenting credentials on December 18, 2025. He previously served as FCDO Director General and High Commissioner to Pakistan.

UK and Switzerland held 9th FTA talks in London, Jan 12-16, 2026. Deal aims to boost £49bn trade, support services, and data flow. Provisional agreement on environment/labour.

Julie Hill named Interim Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection for four months until May 31, 2026. She replaces Dame Glenys Stacey. The joint appointment aims for leadership continuity.

Valuation Office Agency urges businesses to check rates valuations by March 31. New lists take effect April 1. Allow 15 days to register for an account to request changes.

MHRA CEO Lawrence Tallon highlighted Mila's story and the push for individualized gene therapies for rare diseases. Mila, diagnosed with Batten disease, received milasen, a custom ASO drug developed by Dr. Tim Yu and Boston Children's Hospital, becoming the first person with a one-person drug.

US hosts Critical Minerals Ministerial on Feb. 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Secretary Marco Rubio leads talks with 50+ nations to secure supply chains vital for tech, economy, and security. VP J.D. Vance also speaks.

U.S. congratulates Costa Rica President-Elect Laura Fernández Delgado on victory. U.S. expects cooperation on narco-trafficking, illegal immigration, cybersecurity, and economic ties. Partnership to deepen.

Six years after COVID-19's PHEIC, WHO asks: Is the world ready? Progress is yes and no. The WHO Pandemic Agreement and amended IHR are key. The Pandemic Fund has mobilized $1.2B+. Genomic sequencing and intelligence systems are also enhanced.