Global Powers Tackle Corruption, Finance, and Future Markets
US sanctions Palau Senate President for bribery. EU names safe countries for asylum. UK Treasury hosts U.S. on digital assets. Argentina boosts agro exports. Nigeria focuses on reforms.
Argentina Boosts Peacekeeping, Ag Exports, and Military Ties
224 peacekeepers deploy to Cyprus. Record 2025 agro output includes 27.8M tons wheat. New SENASA unit speeds Patagonian fruit exports to U.S.; agro paperwork simplified. Argentina-Italy boost military cooperation.
Sources (5)
- El ministro Presti despidió a un nuevo contingente de Cascos Azules con destino a Chipre ↗
Minister Presti bids farewell to 224 Argentine peacekeepers deploying to Cyprus for UNFICYP. Argentina has participated in the mission since 1993. The contingent includes personnel from Army, Air Force, Navy, and regional allies.
- Argentina se posiciona como líder en la producción agroindustrial ↗
Argentina achieved record agricultural output in 2025. Wheat production hit 27.8 million tons, barley yielded 46.9 qq/ha, and soybeans reached 49.9 million tons. Government policies supported this growth.
- Nueva Unidad Entomológica agiliza exportación de frutas frescas a EE.UU. desde la Patagonia ↗
Argentina's SENASA opens Entomological Unit in Centenario, Neuquén, speeding fresh fruit exports to the U.S. from Patagonia. Unit connects to Villa Regina lab for real-time analysis, meeting APHIS-USDA requirements.
- Simplificación en trámites para el agro ↗
Argentina's Ministry of Economy and ARCA simplify agro-sector paperwork. Resolution 5821/2026 integrates grain transport documentation (electronic freight letter) into the SISA system, replacing the old RUCA. Producers in SISA can now get permits.
- Las Fuerzas Armadas de Argentina e Italia avanzan en su relación de confianza mutua ↗
Argentina and Italy military chiefs met Feb. 10 in Buenos Aires for the XVI Interconsultation Meeting. The goal: boost military cooperation. Rear Adm. Marco Montoneri led the Italian delegation. Both nations signed understanding minutes.
NSW Farming Booms, Illegal Tobacco Targeted
NSW farming hit $25.5B GVP. Cropping up 33%, livestock up 28%. 78 inspectors tackle illegal tobacco, seizing 560,000 cigarettes. $12.8M boosts animal welfare enforcement. Safe drivers get 1 demerit point removed annually.
Sources (4)
- Data shows NSW farming’s record‑breaking growth across cropping and livestock ↗
Minister for Agriculture
NSW farming hits record $25.5 billion GVP. Cropping up 33% to $11.6B, livestock up 28% to $7.2B. Average farm income $419k. Government invests $100M in research.
- More boots on the ground to tackle illegal tobacco ↗
Minister for Health
NSW Health boosts tobacco inspectors to 78. New laws led to 66 store closures since Nov 2025. In Jan, 560,000 cigarettes, 98kg tobacco seized. Fines total $41,300. New penalties target illicit sales, with up to 7 years jail.
- Minns government increases funding to $12.8 million to support animal welfare enforcement ↗
Minister for Agriculture
NSW Minns government boosts animal welfare funding to $12.8 million. This includes an extra $300,000 for the 2025-2026 financial year. Funds support RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW inspectors enforcing animal cruelty laws.
- Minns Government moves to permanently reward safe drivers ↗
Minister for Roads
NSW Government makes Demerit Point Reward Program permanent. Eligible drivers get 1 point removed after 12 months offence-free. Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison calls it a "carrot and stick" approach, complementing enforcement.
Lula OKs R$4.6B for 11 Airport Upgrades, 2,000 Jobs
President Lula attends ceremony for R$4.64 billion in airport upgrades. 11 airports nationwide will be modernized, creating over 2,000 jobs. Event is Wednesday, February 11th, at 11 AM in Brasília.
Sources (1)
- Presidente Lula participa de cerimônia sobre investimentos para ampliação e modernização de aeroportos ↗
President Lula attends ceremony for R$4.64 billion in airport upgrades. 11 airports nationwide will be modernized, creating over 2,000 jobs. Event is Wednesday, February 11th, at 11 AM in Brasília.
Canada Condemns West Bank Expansion, Boosts EVs
Ottawa condemns Israel's West Bank expansion. CBSA seized child abuse material. Drought relief for Newfoundland farmers. New $75M agri-export program. $97M for 8,000+ EV chargers.
Sources (5)
- Statement on Israel’s security cabinet’s decision to expand Israeli control over the West Bank ↗
Global Affairs Canada
Canada condemns Israel's decision to expand control in the West Bank, calling it a violation of international law. Ottawa urges Israel to reverse the move and halt settlement expansion, reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
- CBSA intercepts package of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, man charged by Kingston Police ↗
Canada Border Services Agency
CBSA intercepted a package from China at Hamilton Airport containing child sexual abuse material. Kingston Police arrested a 57-year-old man on Feb 3, 2026, charging him with possession and import offenses. He was under a long-term supervision order.
- Governments provide financial relief for eligible Newfoundland and Labrador farmers affected by drought con... ↗
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador offer drought relief for farmers. The AgriRecovery program helps livestock producers buy feed. Deadline to apply: March 2, 2026. Other programs like AgriStability and AgriInsurance also available.
- The Government of Canada strengthens support for agricultural exports with a new market diversification pro... ↗
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canada launches $75 million AgriMarketing Program Market Diversification streams. Starting Feb. 13, 2026, funding supports agriculture, agri-food, fish, and seafood exporters over 5 years to access new global markets. Minister Heath MacDonald announced the initiative.
- Canada advances new Auto Strategy by expanding EV charging infrastructure across the country ↗
Natural Resources Canada
Canada's new Auto Strategy boosts EV adoption. $97 million funds 8,000+ new chargers, clean transport projects, and education. Aims to secure the auto industry and create jobs.
EU Backs UN, Digital Euro, Faster Asylum
EU Parliament backs UN chief Baerbock, supports ECB independence while pushing for digital euro and preserving cash. New asylum rules name Bangladesh, India, Morocco as safe countries. Wine sector gets new labels, more funds.
Sources (4)
- UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock: The United Nations need Europe ↗
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock urged the EU to support the United Nations amid global crises. She called for defending democracy, upholding international law, and paying dues on time. Baerbock also advocated for women in leadership at the UN.
- MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of heightened tension ↗
MEPs back ECB independence but demand accountability. They support a digital euro but want to preserve cash. The report criticizes the ECB for a slow return to price stability, noting a third increase in meal costs since the pandemic.
- Asylum: new rules for safe third countries and EU safe countries of origin list ↗
EU Parliament approves new asylum rules. Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Kosovo, India, Morocco, Tunisia named safe countries of origin. EU candidate countries presumed safe. Rules aim for faster processing.
- New measures to protect and promote the EU’s wine sector ↗
EU Parliament backs new wine sector rules. "Alcohol-free 0.0%" for <0.05% ABV. "Alcohol reduced" for 30% lower ABV. More funds for weather events, tourism, exports. Approved 625-15 on Feb 10, 2026.
India Boosts AI, Defense, Cyber Security
MeitY launched Kaushal Rath for AI literacy. Ministry of Defence seeks feedback on DAP-2026, prioritizing Indian acquisition. Amit Shah unveiled CBI Cybercrime Branch, recovering ₹8,189 crore from fraud. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted Odisha's role in nuclear and marine plans. Annpurna Devi discussed women and child welfare with Mizoram.
Sources (5)
- Kaushal Rath flagged off with “Yuva AI for All” for Democratising AI Literacy Across India ↗
Ministry of Electronics & IT
MeitY launches Kaushal Rath mobile AI lab for "Yuva AI for All". Minister Jitin Prasada flagged off the initiative from India Gate. Aims to democratize AI literacy in semi-urban and underserved regions.
- SMT. ANNPURNA DEVI DISCUSSES ISSUES REGARDING WELFARE & WELL-BEING OF WOMEN & CHILDREN WITH MINISTER OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT, MIZORAM ↗
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Annpurna Devi met Mizoram's Lalrinpuii to discuss women and children's welfare. Key issues covered included empowerment and well-being.
- Inviting Comments on the Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) - 2026 uploaded on the Website of Ministry of Defence ↗
Ministry of Defence
India's Ministry of Defence seeks comments on Draft DAP-2026. The new procedure aims to boost jointness, Atmanirbharta & integration, and speedy acquisition. It replaces DAP-2020, prioritizing 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)'. Submit feedback by March 3, 2026.
- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah delivers keynote address at National Conference on “Tackling Cyber-Enabled Frauds & Dismantling the Ecosystem” in New Delhi ↗
Ministry of Home Affairs
Amit Shah launched CBI Cybercrime Branch & S4C dashboard. ₹8,189 crore recovered from ₹20,000 crore cyber fraud. 12 lakh SIMs cancelled, 3 lakh IMEIs blocked, 20,853 arrested by Dec 2025. Urges banks to adopt Mule Account Hunter.
- Eastern Coastal Region a prominent part of the current Budget’s Nuclear and Marine roadmap: Dr Jitendra Singh ↗
Ministry of Science & Technology
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlights Odisha's role in the nation's nuclear and marine roadmap. The state gets one of four Rare Earth Corridors. Deep sea fishing provisions are a "game-changer."
Meloni honors Foibe massacre victims at Day of Remembrance
PM Meloni attended the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies. The event honors victims of the Foibe massacres and the exodus from Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia.
Sources (1)
- President Meloni attends commemoration ceremony on Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Foibe massacres and the exodus from Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia ↗
PM Meloni attended the Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies. The event honors victims of the Foibe massacres and the exodus from Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia.
Kishida marks Foundation Day, vows stronger Japan
PM Kishida marks National Foundation Day, honoring Japan's long history and culture. He vows to build a stronger, more prosperous nation, learning from the Showa era's challenges and ensuring a hopeful future for the next generation.
Sources (1)
- Message from the Prime Minister on the Occasion of National Foundation Day ↗
PM Kishida marks National Foundation Day, honoring Japan's long history and culture. He vows to build a stronger, more prosperous nation, learning from the Showa era's challenges and ensuring a hopeful future for the next generation.
Tinubu Focuses on Agriculture, Reforms, Appointments
President Tinubu congratulates Minister Kyari on election as IFAD Chair. He also stressed policy dividends reaching all communities at the NEC conference, urging governors to deliver improvements. New NEMSA and SHESTCO leadership appointed.
Sources (5)
- PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES AGRICULTURE MINISTER, ABUBAKAR KYARI, ON ELECTION AS IFAD CHAIR ↗
President Tinubu congratulates Minister Abubakar Kyari on his election as IFAD Chair. Kyari, Nigeria's Agriculture Minister, was unanimously elected Tuesday to lead the 49th Governing Council. Tinubu expressed confidence in Kyari's leadership amid global food crises.
- PRESIDENT TINUBU AT NEC CONFERENCE: WE’LL ENSURE OUR POLICY DIVIDENDS ARE FELT ACROSS EVERY COMMUNITY IN NIGERIA ↗
President Tinubu at NEC Conference: "Renewed Hope Agenda reforms will be felt across every community." He urged state governors and officials to deliver visible improvements in jobs, infrastructure, and healthcare. Reform is a process, not an event.
- PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS CEO AND BOARD MEMBERS OF NEMSA; MAGAJI DA’U ALIYU AS MD OF SHESTCO ↗
President Tinubu names Magaji Da’u Aliyu MD of SHESTCO. Engr. Adesayo Olusegun Michael is new MD/CEO of NEMSA. Two nominees sent to Senate for RMAFC confirmation.
- VP SHETTIMA AT NEC CONFERENCE: INCLUSIVE GROWTH, ECONOMIC PROGRESS MUST FILTER DOWN TO EVERYDAY LIVES OF NIGERIANS ↗
VP Shettima urges governors to ensure inclusive growth benefits all Nigerians. At the NEC conference in Abuja, he stressed progress must reach everyday lives, citing the National Development Plan (2021-2025) and Nigeria Agenda 2050.
- FG, ERICSSON SET TO LAUNCH CONNECT NEXTGEN INNOVATION HACKATHON ↗
FG & Ericsson launch Connect NextGen Hackathon Feb 11, 2026. Upskilling Nigerian youth in 5G, IoT, AI. Open to students, startups. Apply by March 10.
Putin Focuses on Healthcare, Diplomacy, Global Ties
Feb 10, 2026: President Putin reviewed 4.8 trillion ruble healthcare reforms with Tatyana Golikova. He also spoke with South Africa's Ramaphosa on trade and Ukraine, and addressed Diplomatic Worker's Day, stressing national security and a multipolar world.
Sources (4)
- Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova ↗
President Putin met with Deputy PM Tatyana Golikova on Feb 10, 2026. She reported on healthcare reforms, including three national projects and a 4.8 trillion ruble budget for medical insurance in 2026. Primary care expansion and staff recruitment are priorities.
- Greetings to the First International Congress of Public Administration ↗
Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the First International Congress of Public Administration on February 10, 2026. He stressed the importance of substantive discussion on improving public administration, talent pools, and regional development.
- Telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa ↗
Putin and South African President Ramaphosa spoke by phone Feb. 10, 2026. They discussed trade, economy, and investment. Ramaphosa supported Russia's diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine. They also agreed to align policies in G20 and BRICS.
- Greetings on Diplomatic Worker’s Day ↗
Putin sent greetings to Russian Foreign Ministry staff on Diplomatic Worker's Day. He emphasized the need for diplomacy amid global turbulence, focusing on national security, allies, and a multipolar world order.
UK Treasury hosts U.S. on digital assets. DCMS reappoints archives council members. PM names new museum trustees. Adrian Usher reappointed Prisons Ombudsman. Focus on future markets and governance
UK Treasury hosts U.S. on digital assets. DCMS reappoints archives council members. PM names new museum trustees. Adrian Usher reappointed Prisons Ombudsman. Focus on future markets and governance
Sources (4)
- U.S.-UK Transatlantic Taskforce Hosts Industry Engagement in London ↗
HM Treasury
UK Treasury hosted U.S. Treasury in London on Jan 26, 2026, for the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future. Discussions focused on capital markets and digital assets. The taskforce, established by Scott Bessent and Rachel Reeves in Sept 2025, seeks industry input.
- Advisory Council on National Records and Archives appointments and reappointments ↗
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
DCMS reappoints Dr Nigel Fletcher, Sir David Natzler, Jonathan Scherbel-Ball to Advisory Council on National Records and Archives. Eleni Bide and Johanna Higgins appointed. Terms begin Jan 2026, last 4 years.
- Three Trustees appointed to The Imperial War Museums Board. ↗
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
PM appoints Jeremy Bailey (Navy Trustee) and Sir William Worsley (Estates Trustee) to Imperial War Museums Board. Sec. of State names Samantha Washington (Media Trustee). Terms begin Feb. 1, 2026, and March 16, 2026.
- Prisons and Probation Ombudsman reappointment ↗
Ministry of Justice
Adrian Usher reappointed Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for 3 years from April 24, 2026. Usher, former Metropolitan Police Commander, investigates prisoner and probation complaints.
US Targets Corruption, Terror Finance, Illicit Oil
U.S. sanctions Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules for accepting bribes from China. Hizballah finance operatives and 14 vessels trading Iranian oil also sanctioned. Burundi health MOU signed. Actions aim to disrupt illicit finance and protect U.S. interests.
Sources (4)
- Designations of Palau’s Senate President and Marshall Islands’ Former Mayor for Involvement in Significant Corruption ↗
Bureau Of East Asian And Pacific Affairs
U.S. designates Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules for taking bribes from China-linked actors. Former Marshall Islands mayor Anderson Jibas is designated for stealing U.S. funds meant for nuclear test survivors. Both, and their families, are banned from the U.S.
- Sanctioning Hizballah Finance Operatives ↗
Bureau Of Counterterrorism And Countering Violent Extremism
U.S. sanctions Hizballah operatives exploiting Lebanon's finance sector. Targets include Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH). Action supports maximum pressure on Iran and Hizballah. Aims to disrupt Iran's funding of the group.
- Sanctions to Combat Illicit Traders of Iranian Oil and the Shadow Fleet ↗
Bureau Of Counterterrorism And Countering Violent Extremism
U.S. sanctions 14 vessels and 15 entities, plus 2 individuals, for illicit Iranian oil trade. Action targets revenue funding terrorism and repression. Sanctions under Executive Order 13846.
- Building Health Resilience in Burundi Through the America First Global Health Strategy ↗
Bureau Of African Affairs
US and Burundi signed a 5-year health MOU. $129M from US for HIV/AIDS, malaria, surveillance. Burundi commits $26M. Goal: protect Americans, bolster Burundi's health system. 16 MOUs signed total.