Energy Security & Trade: Russia and Malaysia agreed on a long-term framework to secure petrol, oil and gas supplies, shifting from annual deals to multi-year arrangements. Coal-to-Chemicals Push: India is accelerating coal gasification with Rs 65,000 crore projects and incentives aimed at making syngas and downstream products like methanol, hydrogen, ethanol and chemicals domestically. Shipping & Middle East Risk: Japan’s shipping firms welcomed a US-Iran preliminary deal to reopen Hormuz but warned mines, insurance and negotiations mean “normalcy” isn’t guaranteed. EU Trade Defense: EU leaders backed stronger trade defenses against a surge of Chinese exports while keeping “constructive dialogue” with Beijing. Chemicals & Health Scrutiny: A French study linked eight food additives to higher hypertension and heart disease risk, while US and EU regulators face calls to reassess additive safety. PFAS Fallout: Dakota County released a PFAS dashboard showing detections in all environmental wells and most private drinking wells, adding pressure for source control. Corporate Watch: Singapore refiner Aster said it’s still hunting M&A and is open to an IPO when assets mature. Industry Moves: Olin and Huntsman announced a $12.5 billion chemicals merger, reshaping the sector’s competitive landscape.