The Federal Reserve trimmed rates to 4–4.25% and signaled further easing amid slowing growth and inflation pressures, prompting modest market gains. The Trump administration is accelerating green card processing for Indians, cutting waits by over a year in some categories, with investor visas and skilled worker programs most affected. In Africa, Washington revived mediation over Ethiopia’s Nile dam dispute with Egypt, pairing diplomacy with commercial incentives. A state visit by President Donald Trump to Britain unlocked billions in U.S. investment across technology, defense, and biotech. In the Middle East, more than 500 Palestinians emigrated from Gaza via Israel’s Ramon Airport, revealing the tip of the iceberg of a process that has been going on for over a year. Meanwhile, Poland froze China’s €25bn rail corridor to Europe, straining supply chains ahead of the holiday season. Most consequentially, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact, reshaping regional security and unsettling India, Iran, and Washington.