Argentina's Finance Secretariat reports 63 offers for LELINK conversion. 64.30% of LELINK D27F6 was converted to D30A6 bonds. Participants must transfer eligible titles by Feb 20, 2026.

ENRE Resolution 79/2026 publicizes TRANSENER's request for San Juan mining projects. Vicuña Argentina's Josemaría mine needs 260 MW. Works include 500 kV upgrades at Rodeo and new Chaparro substation.

Argentina's National Public Sector posted a $1.105 trillion financial surplus in January. This followed $2.020 trillion in interest payments. Primary surplus was $3.125 trillion. Total revenue rose 30.8% year-over-year.

Defense Minister Presti attended the Munich Security Conference, meeting global counterparts. He finalized the acquisition of 48 + 16 Unimog 4000 military trucks for the Argentine Army, the first such purchase in over 50 years.

Argentina's Finance Secretariat set the LELINK D27F6 conversion price at USD 999.25 for settlement on Feb. 23, 2026. This is part of the conversion operation announced Feb. 12, 2026, under Decree 846/2024.

Australia boosts firefighter numbers. 219 permanent firefighters start in 2025, up from 112 in 2022. A new campaign targets on-call recruits. Minister Jihad Dib highlights investment in stations and ending wage caps.

NSW releases guide for councils to use operational land for affordable housing. Targets include Shoalhaven City Council (39 units) and Lismore City Council (56 units). Aims to boost supply and address housing crisis.

NSW Health boosts community care with two new Extended Care Paramedic vehicles. This initiative, co-designed with the Health Services Union, aims to reduce hospital ED visits for non-emergencies. Minister for Health Ryan Park stated, "patients can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time."

NSW crackdown targets black-market seafood. 15 restaurants inspected Feb 14-16. 106 abalone seized, 15kg total. Minister Tara Moriarty vows stricter rules to protect legal fishers. Report illegal activity: 1800 043 536.

Waterfall Way reopens with one lane, temporary lights, and a 40 km/h limit after a 250-tonne landslip. Shipping container barriers will shield motorists. Permanent repairs are planned.

Lula partially sanctions Brazil's Chamber, Senate, and TCU career adjustments, maintaining the 2026 pay raise. He vetoed post-mandate increases and payments exceeding the constitutional ceiling.

Minister Tim Hodgson met Türkiye’s Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in Paris. They discussed nuclear energy, critical minerals, and LNG collaboration. Canada aims to support Türkiye’s clean energy goals.

Minister Tim Hodgson met with UK's Ed Miliband in Paris. They discussed co-operation on critical minerals and fusion energy. The partnership aims to boost economic growth, energy security, and the clean energy transition for Canada and the UK.

Minister Mandy Gull-Masty to announce support for Inuit communities in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Announcement at Kativik Regional Government meeting. Contact media@sac-isc.gc.ca for details.

Yukon First Nations, Yukon gov't, and Canada gov't met Feb. 18, 2026, for the Intergovernmental Forum. Topics included Arctic security, health, and infrastructure. Attendees: Grand Chief Math’ieya Alatini, Premier Currie Dixon, Ministers Rebecca Alty and Rebecca Chartrand.

Minister Sidhu met with UK's Chris Bryant to discuss trade. They focused on the Canada-UK Economic and Trade Working Group, covering defense, digital trade, and critical minerals. Both committed to maximizing the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement.

Xi Jinping sent a Chinese New Year card to friends in Iowa. The card expressed greetings and well wishes for the holiday. This gesture follows previous exchanges between Xi and Iowans.

ECB raises key interest rates by 25 basis points. Deposit facility rate now 3.75%. Inflation remains too high, says ECB President Christine Lagarde. Next meeting July 25th.

ECB raises key interest rates by 25 basis points. Main refinancing operations rate now 4.25%. Deposit facility rate at 3.75%. Marginal lending facility rate at 4.50%. Inflation remains too high.

ECB partners with ONCE Foundation for accessible digital euro. Collaboration ensures the app is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Piero Cipollone emphasized inclusion as a core principle.

France tackles narcotics trafficking, a major security issue. A 2025 law targets traffickers and users. In 2025, drug offenses rose: +6% for use (307,200 people), +8% for trafficking (56,600 people). National Police, Gendarmerie, customs, and Navy are mobilized via OFAST.

France aims to be a top research hub with the Paris-Saclay Summit - Choose Science. 33 international laureates will join French institutions, boosting scientific sovereignty in fields like climate, health, and AI. Event held Feb. 18-19, 2026.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz wishes Muslims peace during Ramadan 2026. He praises interfaith invitations and the contributions of Muslims to Germany's society. "Ramadan Mubarak!"

Chancellor Merz wishes Muslims a peaceful Ramadan 2026. He praises interfaith invitations and contributions to Germany. "Freedom and dignity are state goals," he states, thanking Muslims for enriching the country.

62nd Railway Hindi Advisory Committee meeting held at Rail Bhavan. Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu chaired. Discussed Hindi promotion in railways. Ministers Bittu and V. Somanna assured implementation of suggestions.

India and World Food Programme signed a five-year rice supply deal. FCI will provide 200,000 metric tonnes of rice. The agreement, effective Feb 18, 2026, aims to combat global hunger.

Feb 19 event marks five years of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's daily tree plantation pledge. Started Feb 19, 2021, the initiative aims to make environmental protection a public movement. Speakers include Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, and Shri Anil Joshi.

PM Modi met Estonian President Alar Karis on Feb 18, 2026, in New Delhi. They discussed boosting ties in IT, cybersecurity, AI, and clean energy. Both leaders welcomed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Minister Pralhad Joshi toured an AI-powered Public Distribution System exhibit at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. He highlighted ₹250 crore saved via Anna Chakra supply chain optimization and the ASHA grievance platform reaching 20 lakh beneficiaries monthly.

Ireland launches Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future strategy. 90 actions aim to boost digital leadership, including 100% key public services digitalized by 2030. New AI Office and Cyber Security Centre planned.

Minister McEntee, with 31 counterparts, signed a statement condemning unlawful attacks on civilians in Sudan. They expressed grave concern over drone strikes and aerial attacks impacting humanitarian operations in Kordofan and Darfur. The statement calls for an end to hostilities.

Minister of State Colm Brophy released the first annual report by Dr Ebun Joseph, Special Rapporteur on Racism. The report reviews progress on the National Action Plan Against Racism 2023-2027, noting it's the plan's mid-way point.

Minister O'Brien attends IEA Ministerial in Paris. He will chair an event on AI and data centres, following Ireland's Large Energy User Action Plan. This precedes Ireland's EU Council Presidency in July.

Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomes Dept. of Finance report on AI's impact. Ireland's labor market highly exposed to AI. Report highlights need for proactive policy, up-skilling. Labor market remains tight despite moderated growth.

Sanae Takaichi designated 105th Prime Minister of Japan on February 18, 2026. She is the first woman to hold the position.

PM TAKAICHI Sanae begins second term, vowing to strengthen Japan's economy, security, and diplomacy. “Making the Japanese archipelago stronger and more prosperous” is her goal, focusing on hope for the future and a safe, democratic Indo-Pacific.

NZ govt. amends Resource Management Act. Auckland housing plan capacity reduced from 2 million to 1.6 million homes. Minister Chris Bishop states changes offer flexibility, focusing growth near transit and centres.

Queenstown housing project approved via Fast-track. RCL Homestead Bay will build 2,800 homes, boost GDP by $720.3M, create 4,420 jobs. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop calls it the 10th Fast-track approval, speeding up needed projects.

New Zealand earmarks $80 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for critical minerals projects. Ministers Winston Peters and Shane Jones state the funding aims to boost domestic resource development, create jobs, and enhance supply chain resilience.

Simon Watts names Stuart Calman as NZ's Climate Change Ambassador. Calman, a senior diplomat with climate policy expertise, starts Feb 16, 2026. He will focus on Pacific and Southeast Asia cooperation, supporting Australia's COP31 role.

Winston Peters names Georgina Roberts High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Aramiro Tai Rākena Ambassador to Brazil. New diplomatic posts aim to strengthen ties.

President Tinubu wishes Christians and Muslims well as Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. He urges prayers for Nigeria's progress and security, promoting good neighbourliness, peace, and unity.

President Tinubu names Kaduna Governor Uba Sani as Renewed Hope Ambassador and deputy director-general for party outreach. Sani will promote APC programs and ensure public support for the 2027 election. Appointment is immediate.

Putin congratulated Russia's Buddhists on the Lunar New Year, praising their preservation of heritage and active public life. He highlighted their support for the "special military operation" and their work restoring temples.

Putin to meet Madagascar President Michael Randrianirina on February 19. Talks in Moscow will cover bilateral cooperation and international issues.

President Putin sent greetings to Kamby Lama Gelong Loden Sherab and Buddhists in Tuva for Shagaa, the Lunar New Year. The holiday symbolizes nature's awakening and inspires hope and noble deeds.

Putin sent greetings to Pandito Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheyev and Russian Buddhists for the White Month (Lunar New Year). The holiday symbolizes nature's awakening and inspires hope and good deeds.

Putin sent greetings to Shajin Lama Geshe Tenzin Choidak and Buddhists of Kalmykia on the White Month – Tsagaan Sar. The holiday symbolizes nature's awakening and inspires joy and hope.

Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré refutes claims of excluding local players from South Africa's R440 billion Independent Transmission Project (ITP). She stressed the program aims to develop future local ITP players, not privatize the grid.

Minister Parks Tau commits to investigating Film and Television Production Incentive governance issues. R2 billion contingent liability noted. R473 million owed to approved projects. Solutions include interim funding, working groups, and new incentive structures.

South Africa receives 1 million FMD vaccine doses this weekend from Argentina. 5 million more due in March. Goal: FMD-Free Status with Vaccination. Local production to scale up. New FMD support line launched.

South Africa's Parliament mourns Rev. Jesse Jackson, 84, who died Tuesday. They praised his civil rights work, global inspiration, and support for the anti-apartheid struggle. President Ramaphosa also sent condolences, noting Jackson received the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in 2013.

President Ramaphosa mourns Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr, calling him a "global moral authority" who championed justice. Jackson's anti-apartheid work earned him South Africa's Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver in 2013.

Switzerland will send 12 more armed troops to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2027. The Federal Council approved the increase for the EUFOR ALTHEA mission, which supports stabilization. Parliament must still approve the deployment.

Switzerland adds seven individuals to sanctions list against Sudan. Measures effective Feb. 18, 2026, 11 p.m.

Switzerland updates sanctions against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad supporters. Effective Feb. 18, 2026, one individual's entry is modified, another deleted.

Switzerland's federal finances hit a CHF 0.3 billion surplus in 2025, thanks to Geneva's receipts. However, structural deficits loom from 2027-2029. Relief package 27 and a VAT hike are still necessary to avoid CHF 2-4 billion deficits.

Switzerland's Federal Council plans stronger protections for critical infrastructure. New legislation will improve resilience and data security, addressing cyberattacks and manipulation. Decision made 18 February.

UAE Special Envoy Badr Jafar visited New Delhi and Mumbai to boost economic ties. Maharashtra's trade with UAE hit $21.4 billion. UAE-India trade now exceeds $100 billion, targeting $200 billion by 2032. Jafar met with leaders from Tata, Aditya Birla, and others.

AAIB investigates light aircraft accident in North Yorkshire on Feb 18. Team deployed to gather evidence.

Sellafield Ltd awards £45 million contract to LTi Metaltech Ltd for plutonium repackaging. The deal supports safe storage and future disposal of UK's plutonium legacy.

Dstl trial advances UK military atomic clocks. Matthew Aldous notes timing's societal role. Royal Navy seeks precise navigation. Trial aids manufacturers, with a 2027 follow-up. Quantum navigation targeted by 2030.

UKHSA reports 2,544 cold-linked deaths in England, Nov-Jan. 1,630 deaths in a 6-day January cold spell. Older adults, men, and those with circulatory issues most affected. Cold weather is a serious risk.

UN envoy Hanna Tetteh warns Libya's political deadlock, judicial split, and economic woes risk state unity. Parliament and High Council fail roadmap progress. Central Bank devalued dinar ~15%.

UNESCO report: AI threatens artists' income. Music creators may lose 24%, audiovisual 21% by 2028. Digital divide widens. Urgent action needed to protect livelihoods.

UN rights chief Volker Türk is alarmed after 57 killed, including 15 children, in Sudan drone attacks between Feb 15-16. Attacks hit markets, schools, and an IDP shelter. Meanwhile, a 26-truck UN convoy delivered aid to South Kordofan.

U.S. invests $40 million in CIMMYT crop research. Funding supports development of drought/heat-tolerant wheat and corn, benefiting U.S. producers and strengthening domestic supply chains. America First initiative.

US imposes visa restrictions on 18 Iranian officials and telecom leaders, plus families, for violating free expression. This targets those complicit in repressing protests. 58 individuals now restricted.

US imposes visa restrictions on three Haitian officials, including two Transitional Presidential Council members and a cabinet minister. The State Department cited their role in enabling gangs, some designated as terrorist organizations. This action targets those destabilizing Haiti.

US sanctions La Modelo prison director Roberto Clemente Guevara Gómez for gross human rights violations against political prisoners. The US demands the unconditional release of all unjustly detained individuals in Nicaragua.

US congratulates The Gambia on 61 years of independence. Reaffirms strong relationship, looks to deepen collaboration, advance shared economic interests, and enhance ties. Values partnership on global peace and prosperity.

Vietnam to elevate comprehensive diplomacy. Focus: national interests, peace, independence. Diplomacy will be more confident, self-reliant. Aims for a strong, prosperous Vietnam with a key global role. Integrates defense, security, economy, culture.

General Secretary To Lam attends Board of Peace's inaugural meeting in the U.S., reflecting Vietnam's commitment to global peace and development. The board, initiated by Donald Trump, aims to promote peace and reconstruction in Gaza.

Thai Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya believes Vietnam will advance economically, citing digital transformation and green transition. She highlighted Thai-Vietnamese relations, upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and the 50th anniversary of ties.

Ambassador Caroline Beresford calls 2025 an "extraordinary period" for Viet Nam-New Zealand ties. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevated in 2024, fuels high-level visits and trade. US$3 billion trade by 2026 is a goal.

G4 Ambassadors in Vietnam celebrated Tet with a message of joy and hope, highlighting football's role in fostering togetherness and building community. They wished Vietnamese people happiness and success in the new lunar year.

WHO validates Libya eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Libya is the 28th country globally, 8th in the region, to achieve this. Validation confirmed in 2025 after surveys showed prevalence below thresholds.