Middle East Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump welcomed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, framing it as a major step toward regional self-defense. Regional Security: Saudi and Omani foreign ministers also held calls focused on keeping coordination strong amid shifting regional developments. Gaza Mediation: Jared Kushner met Hamas leadership in Cairo as mediators push to revive a Gaza peace roadmap. Philippines Governance & Infrastructure: Globe Telecom urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to set a national policy for underground conduit infrastructure to reduce cable theft and outages. Energy Sector: Maharlika Investment Corp’s plan to buy a 20% stake in the power-grid operator Synergy Grid & Development Philippines remains delayed as the government weighs a stronger NGCP foothold. Climate Policy: Ireland’s climate plan delivery is under fire as critics say the government has lost momentum on retrofitting targets and heat-pump rollout. Disaster & Weather: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island without landfall but left flooding risk, power disruptions and damage concerns. European Agriculture: Dutch farmers protested plans to revoke permits for poultry farms over nitrogen emissions, escalating tensions with the government. Sports Governance: FIFA Infantino’s proposed spin-off of its commercial arm sparked backlash and a potential fight ahead of March elections.