Middle East Security: A Saudi Aramco refinery blaze in Jizan was linked by Houthis to a precision drone strike, underscoring how Yemen’s conflict is spilling into Gulf energy and testing the new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense alignment. Diplomacy & Regional Stability: Bahrain’s foreign minister and Pakistan’s counterpart discussed de-escalation and keeping navigation safe in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran and Germany also traded calls on how to end the crisis. Gaza Truce Pressure: UAE and other Muslim-majority governments accused Israel of undermining a Gaza peace plan, adding to regional friction around ceasefire sequencing. Parliament & Economic Policy (NZ): New Zealand’s PM backed government statements in Question Time while finance ministers faced scrutiny on heating costs and the economy; the Reserve Bank raised the official cash rate to 2.5% amid still-high inflation. Business & Governance (UK): Britain’s Chambers of Commerce warned of a “cost of business crisis,” saying controversial government policies have lifted firm expenses by 70% over a decade. Local Infrastructure (India): India’s Gadkari said the government targets zero road fatalities and is focusing on 100 high-accident districts. Housing & Land Use (NZ): Auckland and Queenstown mayors urged a pause on fast-tracking greenfield housing where infrastructure isn’t ready. Public Health & Safety (Fiji): Fiji announced a professional Counter Narcotics Bureau to tackle drug trafficking and abuse as a national emergency. Anti-Corruption/Rule of Law (Ireland): Daniel Kinahan’s extradition returned him to Ireland on a government jet, with his arrest and remand following. Environment & Development (World Bank): The World Bank warned Pakistan against redirecting flood housing funds in Balochistan, saying it would deepen poverty. Energy & Climate (Korea): South Korea added 25 billion won in disaster grants to fight heatwave and drought impacts, focusing on water supply measures. Trade & Security (Colombia/Israel): Colombia recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining the US and escalating diplomatic fallout.