Climate Finance: Development banks pledged a record $162.5bn for climate in 2025, but the World Bank’s move away from a 45% climate-lending goal is raising fears for poorer countries. Public Health: WHO says global tobacco use is down 27% since 2010, even as 1.2bn people still smoke and tobacco remains a major killer. Middle East Security: The US and Iran both claim control of the Strait of Hormuz after weekend attacks, with UN chief warning diplomacy is slipping toward catastrophe. Yemen Conflict: Houthi rebels say Saudi strikes hit Sanaa International Airport, adding to fears of wider regional escalation. Global Trade/Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor is set for a late-July opening after a revenue and ownership standoff was resolved. Digital Policy: Malaysia’s MCMC will host a July 21-22 international regulatory conference in Kuala Lumpur on the next digital era, trust, data privacy and social media governance. Climate Law in Malaysia: Malaysia’s National Climate Change Bill is set to be tabled this year, with a carbon tax planned to encourage greener industry. Textiles & Business: India’s Bharat Tex 2026 opens July 14-17 in New Delhi, aiming to connect 7,000+ buyers and 1,600+ exhibitors across the textile value chain. Humanitarian Crisis (Gaza): The UN issued a rare rebuke of Hamas after gunmen obstructed aid deliveries at a Jabaliya distribution point. Demographics & Youth (Cambodia): Prime Minister Hun Manet urges investment in youth education and STEM while preparing for rapid population aging. Sports/Science: Oxford begins human trials of an Ebola vaccine, while a new high-resolution global map tracks seagrass “underwater rainforests” and shows slow decline with some recovery hotspots. Immigration Enforcement (Malaysia): Malaysia detained Myanmar nationals in a raid tied to alleged “Ali Baba” arrangements, alongside arrests of overstaying workers.