EU-India Trade Under Strain: The EU’s next Russia sanctions package could include unnamed Indian entities, threatening ratification of the EU-India trade deal and raising uncertainty for firms tied to drones, energy, crypto, and trade. US-Iran Talks Fog: Conflicting claims from Washington and Tehran keep a potential peace deal elusive, with Trump signaling skepticism and Pakistan’s PM saying a final text is already reached. Cuba Reform Push: Cuba announced wide-ranging economic reforms—more private activity, tourism openings, and less state import intermediation—after new US pressure on CUPET. Pakistan Budget Shock: Pakistan’s finance minister unveiled a budget that boosts defense spending while trimming development, aiming for 4% growth and 8.2% inflation. Digital Payments Leap: Sri Lanka’s mCash is integrating GovPay to let citizens pay thousands of government services, from traffic fines to taxes, via mobile money. Gig Work Protections: The ILO adopted the first global convention for platform workers, extending labor protections beyond contractor status. Trade & Tech Diplomacy: Malaysia urged wider 5G adoption to lift productivity, while Kazakhstan and Sweden set up a bilateral trade-investment commission.