US Immigration Enforcement Funding: The Senate has passed a $70bn package to keep ICE funded through Trump’s term, with House action expected as Republicans push back on “sanctuary city” claims. Middle East Escalation & Markets: Renewed Iran-Israel fighting is driving oil up again, with traders pricing a higher risk premium and warning that de-escalation may be slow. US–Israel–Iran Diplomacy: Trump says a “total victory” could come in two weeks while warning Netanyahu to halt attacks, even as negotiations drag on. North Korea–China Pivot: Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping vow a “new chapter” of cooperation across politics, economy, culture and defense, including closer strategic communication. European Protest vs Rearmament: A Brussels rally under “Welfare not Warfare” targets the EU’s rearmament push and planned big increases in military spending. UK Pensions Politics: Labour MPs face growing pressure to change the “triple lock” as critics warn it’s driving up long-term state pension costs. South Asia Governance: India urges UN sanctions on Afghanistan be revised toward incentives, citing changed political realities. Pakistan Security Talks: Zardari and Shehbaz discuss security, budget priorities and regional issues, including Azad Kashmir. Church Scandal in Sri Lanka: Allegations of internal marginalization and politicized appointments inside the Catholic Church reignite debate over fairness. Local UK Debt Pressure: New figures show at least 1.5m people taken to court over unpaid council tax. EU Health Agenda: Cyprus hands the rotating EU Council presidency to Ireland, with Dublin pushing health policy as part of economic competitiveness.**