Middle East War’s Economic Shock: IEA, IMF, World Bank and WTO warn the conflict is hitting energy, food and jobs unevenly, with fuel and fertilizer costs rising just as planting seasons begin. Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: The US says it shot down Iranian drones threatening shipping, as Washington weighs using frozen Iranian assets to help Gulf allies pay for damages. South Asia Water Crisis: Pakistan’s Sukkur Barrage canal system is short on irrigation water, threatening Kharif crops amid governance failures and illegal upstream water theft. India LPG Cost Pressure: India’s domestic LPG cylinder supply cost has jumped above Rs 1,600, with the government and OMCs absorbing about Rs 700 under-recovery as West Asia disruption lifts benchmarks. South Africa Migration Tensions: Government insists there will be “no shutdown” on June 30 despite protests over undocumented migrants, after Cabinet approved a new migration action plan. Kenya Two-Thirds Gender Rule: Kenya’s High Court rejected a dissolution advisory tied to the gender quota, spotlighting how constitutional promises keep colliding with political implementation. Regional Politics Watch: Armenia’s parliamentary election begins with 2,005 polling stations, while Gilgit-Baltistan votes under tight security with a crowded field and a 17-seat majority threshold. Public Health Under Strain: Nepal launches a free health portal for real-time access to free hospital beds, as doctor shortages remain a major bottleneck.