US-India Trade Talks: India and the U.S. say they’re on track to execute the first tranche of a bilateral trade pact by mid-July, with key issues like U.S. tariff proposals and India’s Section 301 relief still unresolved. Middle East Energy Shock: Businesses and consumers brace for more disruption if the Strait of Hormuz stays shut into September, raising trade and energy costs. Global Finance Friction: A World Economic Forum report warns geoeconomic fragmentation is already costing the world $213–$307 billion a year and pushing up inflation, tariffs, and investment restrictions beyond rivals. AI Infrastructure Push: Data-center investment is set to reach about $1.6 trillion by 2030 as “AI factories” reshape the sector, while policymakers debate AI’s social and economic fallout. Energy Transition Gap: IATA says sustainable aviation fuel will hit only about 0.8% of aviation fuel use in 2026, despite net-zero pledges. Regional Inflation Watch: South Korea’s inflation accelerated to 3.1% in May as fuel prices spiked. Africa Investment & Trade: Morocco tops Africa’s business climate rankings, while Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 faces backlash for potentially eroding EAC trade exemptions. Food & Logistics: Qatar reports a surge in new firms with non-Qatari capital after reforms, and Somalia pitches the New Mogadishu Maritime Port to unlock long-term trade growth.