Climate Finance & BRICS: At BRICS in New Delhi, China pushed for reform of the global financial system with a big emphasis on green finance—more predictable climate funding and debt relief for developing countries. Disaster Resilience (Pacific): Fiji is gearing up for Pre-COP31 with 2,000+ delegates, plus leaders’ events in Tuvalu, to amplify Pacific priorities ahead of COP31. Extreme Weather (South Asia): Nepal’s flash floods after a Himalayan glacial collapse killed 1,400+ and wrecked hydropower; India has approved expedited electricity exports to Nepal (up to 654 MW for 18 hours/day) while recovery continues. Energy Security (ASEAN/West Asia): Malaysia and ASEAN face rising oil-price pressure as West Asia disruptions hit supply routes, with subsidies and budgets taking the hit. Energy Transition (Policy): The US EPA move to remove limits on coal and gas plant emissions raises new climate risk—while China keeps expanding coal-based power for grid reliability. AI Governance (China/US): China rejects US calls to slow frontier AI, warning against “fearmongering,” while China’s security chief flags AI risks and calls for tighter oversight. Nature & Science: Chinese researchers reconstructed hidden Gondwana fragments, reshaping estimates of ancient landmass and offering new clues to Earth’s deep past.