Argentina's Carnaval weekend saw over 80% national tourism occupancy. Daniel Scioli cited national policies for the success. Entre Ríos hit 97%, Jujuy 95%, and Buenos Aires City 83%.

Daniel Scioli sees Mar del Plata as a prime destination for international cruise tourism. He met with local officials to discuss docking ships, expecting 20,000 tourists initially, a $374 million economic boost, and 22,000 jobs.

Ritmos Argentinos drew over 15,000 people to Palacio Libertad on February 14-15. The event featured live music from artists like La big band, Nes Campano, Clari Ceschin, Jungla, Miguel Tallarita, and Reina Madre, plus a federal fair and book giveaways.

NSW introduces the Music Bill 2026, aiming to protect local music. Key measures include a new noise assessment method, a live venue accreditation scheme, and ending genre-based discrimination. A $500,000 grant program supports all-ages gigs.

NSW doubles drought loans to $500,000. New $100,000 relief loans available. Funding boosts for financial counselling ($1.8M), adoption officers ($1.2M), feed/water testing ($250K), and pest control ($3.2M). Drought Coordinator role extended.

Minns Labor delivers 24 new classrooms at Parramatta East Public School, removing 21 demountables. Project opens Term 1, 2027. $9 billion invested in NSW schools, $3.9 billion for Western Sydney.

Central Coast welcomes 138 nurses/midwives and 69 intern doctors. This is part of 3,200 new graduates joining NSW Health. Minister Ryan Park stated the government is rebuilding the health workforce.

Sydney launches MetroWay, a 13.8km path linking Bankstown to GreenWay. Opens Dulwich Hill plaza. 80% of Southwest Metro conversion complete. New link connects 350+ bike spaces.

Minister Champagne visited Brussels, meeting EU Finance Ministers and Luxembourg's Gilles Roth. He launched a Canada-Luxembourg Financial Sector Policy Dialogue and discussed the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.

Minister Anand met Italy's Deputy PM Tajani in Rome. They discussed cooperation roadmap, defense, energy, critical minerals, and trade. Both reaffirmed support for Ukraine and Gaza peace.

Health Canada funding to combat the illegal drug and overdose crisis in Northern Alberta. Details to be announced.

Canada and allies mark second anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death. They blame Russia for his death, citing ECHR ruling. Demand transparent investigation. Over 1,700 held politically in Russia.

Minister Sidhu met Singapore DPM Gan Kim Yong in Singapore. They discussed boosting Canada-Singapore investment. Sidhu highlighted Canadian companies in AI, aerospace. He also pushed for ASEAN-Canada FTA this year.

China's Spring Festival saw a spending surge, boosting global markets. Consumers spent billions, driving tourism and retail. This holiday period highlights China's economic influence worldwide.

China's Xi Jinping addressed the African Union, calling for joint modernization and Global South solidarity. African nations welcomed the message, emphasizing cooperation for shared development.

Rajnath Singh inaugurated Missile Integration facility at BEL, Bengaluru on Feb 16, 2026. He flagged off Akash 3rd & 4th Regiment combat systems, unveiled Mountain Fire Control Radar, and launched BEL's AI Policy.

India's exports hit $720.76B April-Jan 2025-26, up 6.15%. Merchandise exports rose 2.20% to $366.63B. Engineering goods, petroleum, and marine products led growth. January 2026 exports reached $80.45B.

India's Finance Ministry report shows digital payments surged 11x (2021-2025). UPI now 80% of digital transactions. Scheme promoted RuPay, BHIM-UPI, boosting financial inclusion.

PM Modi discussed the Union Budget, "Reform Express," and India's global economic standing in a PTI interview. He highlighted government efforts for MSMEs and StartUps, and the focus on defense.

PM Modi meets French President Macron in Mumbai on Feb 17. They'll review India-France Strategic Partnership, discuss global issues, and inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Macron's visit is Feb 17-19.

PM Meloni visited Niscemi, Sicily. Met Mayor Conti, local officials, and citizens. Accompanied by Fabio Ciciliano, Head of Civil Protection.

PM Takaichi met with Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo on February 16, 2026. The meeting occurred at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Takaichi met with the "Plum Mission" from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine on February 16, 2026. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office.

PM Takaichi met with families of abductees on Feb. 16, 2026. The meeting occurred at the Prime Minister’s Office.

PM Takaichi Sanae wishes a Lunar New Year of peace and prosperity. Hopes the Year of the Fire Horse brings dynamism, turning ideas into results. “May it deliver great happiness and prosperity to all.”

Shane Jones names Andy Knight chair of the $200 million Gas Security Fund panel. The fund, open since January 12, 2026, aims to boost gas supply. Tim Allan and John Pagani also appointed.

Education Minister Erica Stanford calls for major change at the Teaching Council after critical reviews found serious failures in child protection, leadership, and teacher support. New board members appointed.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop tabled the National Infrastructure Plan in Parliament. The 30-year plan identifies four themes and 10 priority actions. New Zealand spends 5.8% of GDP on infrastructure but ranks low for efficiency.

Simon Watts orders independent review of Moa Point sewage plant failure. “Completely unacceptable,” Watts states. Review to determine causes, provide actionable recommendations. Findings needed before Tiaki Wai Ltd takes over operations.

President Tinubu visits Adamawa, praises Gov. Fintiri for education, infrastructure. Promises continued reforms for prosperity. Commends NSA Nuhu Ribadu.

FG donates N5bn, APC govs N3bn to Kano Singer Market fire victims. VP Shettima led delegation, welcomed Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf into APC. Shettima praised Kano's contributions.

President Tinubu hails BUA Group's UAE MOU with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group. Agreement targets sugar refining, agro-industry, logistics. “Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” he stated. Partnership boosts Nigeria's global trade standing.

VP Shettima returns to Abuja after representing Nigeria at the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Feb. 14-15, 2026. He met UN Sec-Gen Guterres, who urged Nigeria to lead Africa's global order quest. Shettima also pushed for African health security sovereignty.

Nigeria renews South Sudan peace support. VP Kashim Shettima called for Riek Machar's release and an inclusive dialogue. Nigeria backs the AU's efforts for lasting peace and elections.

Orel Region Governor Andrei Klychkov reported 108% GRP growth in 2025. Agriculture production is up 2.8x since 2017. Klychkov requested support for a national seed center, receiving a positive response. The region also boasts 820 European bison.

President Putin congratulated KAMAZ on its 50th anniversary. The first truck rolled off the line on February 16, 1976. Putin hailed KAMAZ as an "auto giant" and praised its role in the "special military operation."

Putin spoke with Kazakhstan's Tokayev. They discussed trade, economy, and Putin's May state visit to Astana for the Eurasian Economic Council. Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact on international matters.

OFCOM published new website pages between Feb 1-14, 2026. Check the site for updates.

Swissmedic seized 6,647 illegal medicine imports in 2025. Consignments stable, but new product trends and increased EU shipments noted. Risks to public health persist.

UK and California sign MoU to boost clean energy investment. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Governor Gavin Newsom deepen cooperation, aiming for jobs and innovation. Agreement builds on decades of climate partnership.

Professor Dame Carol Black GBE's term as Chair of the British Library is extended. She has advised the government on drugs since 2022 and completed four major reviews. Her annual remuneration is £35,180.

UK completes Project Renovator, handing over five modernised rehab wards to Ukraine's Armed Forces. Project increased bed capacity by 250, delivered over 21,000 items. “Helping return Defenders to the fight,” said Col. Simon Doyle.

MHRA consults on indefinite recognition of CE-marked medical devices in Great Britain. Proposals aim to ensure patient access and supply continuity. 90% of devices are CE-marked. Aims for UK MedTech access by 2030.

2029 is the UK-Saudi Year of Culture. The announcement follows Prince William's visit. The initiative aims to boost creative dialogue and youth connections, building on nearly a century of UK-Saudi relations.

US and Philippines held 12th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila. Discussed political, security, economic cooperation. Marked 80 years diplomatic ties, 75 years Alliance. Key achievements: $144M for EDCA sites, 500+ military exercises.

U.S. wishes happy Lunar New Year. Welcomes Year of the Horse. Celebrates traditions, family gatherings, hope for health, happiness, success.

US congratulates Lithuania on 108th Independence Day. Praises trusted partner for NATO defense investments, burden-sharing, and commitment to sovereignty and democracy. Wishes continued strength.