Critical Minerals: The IEA says global investment in critical minerals fell 9% in 2025 as geopolitics and price swings made investors cautious, with battery metals hit hardest while copper spending rose. Copper-Sulphuric Acid Crunch: The IEA warns copper supply could worsen due to a sulphuric acid bottleneck, raising fears for the clean-energy supply chain. West Asia Tensions: Iran’s new leadership escalated rhetoric against the US, while Iran’s army said it targeted US bases in Kuwait after strikes on civilian infrastructure. India-Afghanistan Trade: Afghanistan’s chamber urged easier business visas and fewer hurdles with India as transit trade with Pakistan drops sharply. China-Taiwan Pressure in the Pacific: Reports say Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s office, with the US calling it part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign. China Tech & Markets: China’s CXMT $8.6b IPO drew huge institutional demand but less “feverish” than past chip deals, reflecting broader chip-stock jitters. Asia Business & Diplomacy: Taiwan’s major hospitals expanded cancer-care ties with Vietnam, while India’s Jaishankar met Zanzibar’s president to deepen cooperation in AI, digital tech, water and healthcare. Energy & Logistics: China’s new giant dredger entered operation, and India’s RITES pushed West Asia logistics and a digital “virtual corridor” for customs and ports. Markets Watch (India): Investors brace for Q1 earnings and West Asia-driven crude moves, with RBI policy uncertainty tied to inflation and monsoon risks.