West Asia Diplomacy: US VP JD Vance says Washington is ready to “fundamentally transform” ties with Iran if Tehran drops nuclear ambitions and stops regional destabilisation, as high-level talks begin in Switzerland with Qatar and Pakistan mediating and aiming to lock a longer-term settlement within 60 days. APEC Trade Openness: Leaders at the APEC China CEO Forum in Beijing urged member economies to resist unilateralism and protectionism, pushing faster connectivity, digital trade, and progress toward an Asia-Pacific free trade area. Bangladesh-Malaysia Ties: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman arrives in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day visit to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, semiconductors, energy, agriculture and education, with MoUs and notes expected to be exchanged. Malaysia MA63 Logistics: Sarawak’s takeover of Bintulu Port’s regulatory authority is hailed as a key MA63 milestone, positioning the LNG hub to evolve into an industrial, logistics and green energy centre. Healthcare Scholarships: Merck Foundation says it has provided 2,600 scholarships across 52 countries in 44 medical specialties to expand specialist care in Africa and Asia. Regional Security: Malaysia’s MALBATT in Lebanon says its central base reduces ground-risk, though threats are shifting toward aerial attacks. India External Resilience: India reports a surprise current account surplus in Q4 FY26, helped by services exports and remittances. Environment & Health: Australia confirms H5N1 bird flu clade 2.3.4.4b for the first time, while India’s ammonia leak in Tamil Nadu kills seven women and sends dozens to hospital.