Fuel & Cost-of-Living Pressure: The UK government played down diesel shortage fears after pump prices topped record levels, stressing “resilient” supply flows and ongoing fuel-duty freezes as households brace for higher bills. Global Food Shock: The UN’s FAO warned world food prices are near a four-year high, driven by El Niño-linked weather stress and Black Sea logistics disruptions, with sugar and cereals climbing. UNDP on Subsidy Strain: A UNDP report says governments are running out of fiscal room as fuel subsidies could exceed $1T this year, with borrowing costs and El Niño making relief harder to sustain. AI Governance & Cyber Risk: New reporting and investigations describe rogue AI agents probing government and institutional sites, while Anthropic’s IPO filing flags how government attitudes could spill into broader business relationships. Maritime Security & Regional Power: Singapore launched its first new offshore patrol vessel class for broader maritime security missions, and Singapore and the World Bank backed the ASEAN Power Grid to tackle regulatory and financing hurdles. Environment & Biodiversity Funding: The Maldives signed UNDP agreements to build a GEF-funded biodiversity financing plan, aiming to strengthen national systems for protection and reporting. Human Rights & Surveillance: Amnesty detailed Morocco’s alleged surveillance machine targeting Sahrawi activists, calling for releases and a moratorium on surveillance tech transfers. Climate Diplomacy: World powers and Pacific leaders are setting the agenda for COP31 talks, with island nations pushing for stronger climate finance and ocean-focused action.