West Asia Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi spoke by phone with Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, urging de-escalation and diplomacy as tensions rise, while reaffirming India’s condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and noting Kuwait’s support for the Indian community. Disaster Preparedness: The Philippines’ PAGASA says El Niño conditions are now present in the tropical Pacific, with an 80% chance of a full event likely lasting until early 2027, raising risks of below-normal rainfall and drought in parts of the country even as above-normal rain remains possible in the west during Habagat. Pacific Security Debate: A US House Armed Services Committee vote advanced a pilot plan for small modular nuclear reactors in the Indo-Pacific, alarming Guam advocates who warn the move could escalate risks for the island. Human Rights & Anti-Scam Crackdown: Amnesty challenges Cambodia’s claims of success in its online scam crackdown, saying state intervention occurred at only 24 of 86 compounds and alleging ongoing abuse and failures to identify trafficking victims. Central Asia Environment: Workshops in Shymkent and Almaty focused on water quality standards and lab methods, plus capacity-building for Green Climate Fund concept notes across Central Asia. Energy Access in India: India’s PMUY LPG cuts to four cylinders are pushing millions to ration or stop using LPG, with households weighing cost against health and convenience. Tech & Industry Signals: New Zealand’s market rose on calmer Israel-Iran tensions and a Wall Street rebound in chipmakers, while Singapore-based EU Automation marked 10 years of APAC growth.