US–Iran ceasefire/Hormuz: The IMF says the deal is welcome but energy disruption recovery will take time, with global growth still at risk as supply damage and rebuilding inventories linger. Central Asia investment push: At TIIF in Uzbekistan, investors and governments pitched Central Asia as a new trade-and-power hub, aiming to close about $75bn in deals as the region positions itself between East and West. EV battery safety (China): China’s new national EV safety rules tighten high-voltage battery requirements for thermal alarms, temperature limits, and fast-charging tests—an export-relevant move for markets like Australia. Industrial efficiency economics (ABB): ABB estimates a 0.2% efficiency specification gap in large motors/generators could cost operators up to $12bn over 25 years, with fast paybacks for adopting higher-efficiency options. Grid reliability bottleneck (NY): New York’s Champlain Hudson Power Express is connected, but power flow has been near-zero at times, with NYISO contract/payment details delaying full capacity. Energy affordability pressure (UK): A survey finds one in ten UK manufacturers already moving production overseas due to high energy costs, warning of further competitiveness losses. Workforce/nuclear training (US): DOE awarded a $1.4m grant for nuclear reactor safety training and workforce development in Nebraska. Data centers & water/energy: A report highlights how data centers are straining water and energy resources in the Global South, adding to scrutiny of digital infrastructure impacts.