BRICS Climate Diplomacy: BRICS sherpas are reportedly drafting a joint declaration for the New Delhi summit amid West Asia tensions, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the table—an uneasy backdrop for climate finance and green-transition talks. Hormuz Oil Shock: The US says it destroyed five Iranian crude tankers after IRGC ballistic-missile attacks on a US Navy warship, while Iran claims further strikes near the Strait of Hormuz—pushing Brent back above $100 and raising risks for Gulf marine ecosystems and energy-dependent economies. Ground Zero Toxic Air: New York City declassified 170,000+ pages of records showing authorities concealed Ground Zero air toxicity after 9/11, including widespread asbestos findings—renewing pressure for public health accountability. Saudi-Pak-Türkiye Defence Link: Pakistan’s defence minister warns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could trigger the Makkah Defence Alliance, underscoring how regional conflict can spill into critical infrastructure and environmental safety. Counter-Drone Tech: AeroVironment won its first international LOCUST laser counter-drone order worth $50M+, signaling a shift toward scalable, lower-cost drone defense for protecting facilities. Pakistan Flood Losses: Rawalpindi residents report major damage from Nullah Lai flooding after heavy monsoon rains, highlighting how urban drainage and land-use pressures worsen climate-driven disasters.