AI & Jobs Readiness: More than 200 economists and tech leaders, including Nobel laureates, warn AI could trigger an upheaval bigger than the Industrial Revolution but in a much shorter time, urging governments to build research and policy capacity now. UK Trade & Services: Switzerland and Britain have concluded talks on a modernized free trade deal, expanding services, investment, digital trade and mobility of service providers. UK Space Economy: King Charles opened the UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell, aiming to turn research into investment and export-ready capabilities. Malaysia Fiscal/Health Planning: Malaysia says it’s building long-term social protection and healthcare financing to handle “aged nation” pressures without breaking fiscal stability. Malaysia Manufacturing Costs: Prime Minister Anwar directed MITI and the Economy Ministry to engage manufacturers under global supply pressure, with plastics singled out as a key input for multiple industries. Ethiopia Monetary Reform: Ethiopia removed the commercial bank credit growth cap as it advances toward an interest-rate-based system while keeping tight monetary conditions. Bangladesh Trade Logistics: Bangladesh moves to cut port logistics costs and speed cargo clearance, while the Matarbari deep-sea port is set to enable direct calls by larger vessels by 2029. India-US Trade Pushback: India’s commerce minister and the US ambassador both dismissed a report claiming India rejected a “quick trade agreement,” saying talks remain constructive. Cuba Sanctions: The US imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s tourism ministry and state entities over alleged revenue diversion to the regime. Ecuador Shrimp Electrification: Ecuador’s aquaculture chamber and energy ministry signed an MoU to expand electricity access for shrimp operations, aiming to cut costs and boost competitiveness.