Brazil welcomed over 2.6 million international visitors in January and February 2026, marking the second-highest figures for the period in the nation's history. This surge highlights a robust recovery and sustained interest in the country as a premier global travel destination, driven by diverse attractions and strategic promotional efforts.
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has concluded an oversight visit to industrial zones in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The committee assessed manufacturing growth, infrastructure challenges, and the impact of Special Economic Zones on local economic development and job creation in the region.
The Indian Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore. The initiative aims to boost manufacturing by developing 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country, designed to streamline infrastructure and accelerate industrial growth.
Foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations convened in Riyadh to formally condemn recent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. The meeting underscored regional concerns regarding security stability and the impact of these strikes on critical infrastructure, calling for immediate de-escalation and adherence to international law.
Surging global oil prices are projected to help China overcome its recent period of deflation sooner than expected. Analysts suggest that increased energy costs will likely lift the Consumer Price Index (CPI), potentially ending a streak of weak price growth as the nation works to stimulate domestic demand and stabilize its broader economic recovery.
Iran's ambassador to South Africa, Mahdi Agha Jafari, has pledged safe passage for South African vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The offer comes amidst heightened regional tensions, with the ambassador also calling on BRICS member nations to take a unified stance against U.S. and Israeli policies in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have formalized a new agreement granting visa exemptions to holders of official, diplomatic, and special passports. This bilateral move aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and facilitate official travel between the two nations, reflecting a commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors.
The China-Democratic Republic of the Congo Media Forum convened in Kinshasa, bringing together media professionals and officials to enhance bilateral cooperation, promote cultural exchange, and discuss the future of media development between the two nations.
Gold prices in India have experienced a notable downward trend across various carats. Market analysts attribute this decline to the strengthening of the US dollar and fluctuations in global crude oil prices, which have impacted investor sentiment and commodity market dynamics across the country.
The UK government has unveiled a £746 million financing package to support the redevelopment of two major Nigerian ports. This initiative, backed by UK Export Finance, aims to modernize infrastructure while creating significant opportunities for British exporters and strengthening trade ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia hosted a high-level meeting in Riyadh bringing together foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations. The summit focused on coordinating unified positions regarding escalating regional security developments and ongoing conflicts, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions and stability in the Middle East.
New data from Counterpoint Research reveals that Apple's smartphone sales in China grew by 23% during the first nine weeks of 2026. This performance stands in stark contrast to the overall Chinese smartphone market, which experienced a decline during the same period, highlighting Apple's resilience in the competitive region.
Iraq and Turkey are working to resume oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline to the port of Ceyhan. The pipeline, which transports crude from northern Iraq, has been offline for an extended period due to legal and technical disputes. Officials from both nations are coordinating to finalize the necessary technical and operational requirements to restore this critical energy corridor.
World Bank Vice President for South Asia Johannes Zutt has concluded a three-day visit to Bangladesh. The mission focused on discussing critical economic reforms, job creation strategies, and the World Bank's ongoing support for the country's development priorities amid current economic challenges.
Assam Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following his resignation from the Indian National Congress. The move marks a significant political shift in the state of Assam, as the veteran leader transitions to the ruling party.
As South Australia prepares for its upcoming election, debate has intensified regarding the role of third-party lobby groups. Critics and political observers are raising concerns about how these entities operate under the state's current political donation and disclosure framework, prompting calls for greater transparency in campaign financing.
Recent reports suggesting that the Argentine government has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization are inaccurate. As of March 2026, Argentina remains a member state of the WHO, and no official government action has been taken to initiate a withdrawal process from the international health body.
France is advancing plans for its next-generation aircraft carrier, the PANG, with reports suggesting the integration of three electromagnetic catapults. This design upgrade aims to significantly boost the operational strike capacity and flexibility of the French Navy's future flagship, which is intended to replace the current Charles de Gaulle carrier by 2038.
To support the upcoming university intake, German consulates worldwide have initiated surge operations to accelerate student visa processing. This effort aims to reduce wait times and ensure international students can arrive in Germany in time for the start of the academic semester, addressing previous administrative backlogs and high demand for study visas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a videoconference with government officials to review the socioeconomic development of Crimea and Sevastopol. The discussion focused on infrastructure projects, tourism, and regional economic integration efforts within the Russian Federation.
