Gulf Security: Bahrain sounded air-raid alarms after Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait; US forces said they intercepted missiles and shot down drones near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure amid a fragile ceasefire. Pakistan-SCO: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed pacts with Russia on curbing illegal immigration, repatriation, and drug trafficking, while also warning SCO partners about terrorist camps and narcotics production in Afghanistan. Saudi Governance & Investment: Saudi Arabia launched protections for whistleblowers in corruption cases and tightened rules for foreign firms buying property, requiring certified documents and authorised representatives. Saudi-Pakistan Trade: Pakistan and Saudi partners signed an MoU to develop a 140-acre Karachi Port Trust waterfront maritime business district. Oman Energy Logistics: Oman reported operations at Mina al Fahal export terminal returning to normal after a suspected drone-related blast. India-Pakistan Diplomacy: India protested Pakistan’s planned Gilgit-Baltistan elections, while also trading sharp UN barbs over Kashmir. Sports & Society: India began a one-off Test vs Afghanistan in New Chandigarh with Rahul and Sudharsan steadying the innings; meanwhile, thousands of children in western Afghanistan’s returnee and displacement settlements lack access to schooling.