US Foreign Assistance Overhaul: Marco Rubio tells lawmakers the Trump administration is shifting foreign aid toward trade, investment, and partnerships tied to American interests. India–US Trade Talks: Negotiators in New Delhi aim to finalise an interim deal, but Section 301 and possible new US tariffs are the flashpoint. Middle East Trade Logistics: Iran’s Jilat border crossing with Iraq moves toward operations, targeting trade and pilgrim flows. Iraq’s Cash Economy: Exchange offices keep expanding as about 87% of Iraq’s money supply stays outside banks, limiting lending and investment. Egypt Trade Facilitation: Egypt’s finance minister outlines FY26/27 tax, customs, and property facilitation packages to cut burdens and speed clearance. Pakistan Energy Pressure: Traders in Pakistan slam an 8pm market curfew tied to fuel and FX strains. China Digital Trade Secrets: New rules expand trade secret protection to data, algorithms, and AI-related tech. Australia Sanctions Push: Timber industry urges tougher action against Russian timber rerouted via third countries. South Africa Jobs Focus: Labour minister flags a “missing jobs crisis” for youth despite stabilisation. New Zealand Research Funding: Cabinet backs a Tertiary Research Excellence Fund to reward impact and cut compliance costs. India Market Watch: India’s rupee strengthens slightly; stocks slip on US–Iran uncertainty. Regional Industrial Policy: Haryana launches “Make in Haryana” and backs major data-centre investment MoUs.