Airlines’ Profit Warning: IATA cut its 2026 global airline net profit forecast to about $23B, nearly half the prior estimate, blaming Middle East conflict, higher jet fuel costs, and Gulf airspace disruption. Trade & Finance Tech: Bangladesh’s Mutual Trust Bank launched “MTB Trade X,” a digital portal to streamline trade transaction requests and tracking end-to-end. Dubai Trade Surge: Dubai’s DIEZ logged record 2025 trade of about Dh491B (+46%), boosting the emirate’s non-oil trade share to 16%. Border Modernization: India’s Home Minister will launch a Land Port Management System to digitize land-port cargo and passenger processing and cut border delays. Energy Politics in South Asia: India visit diplomacy dominated Nepal’s Rabi Lamichhane messaging, while India-linked LPG price hikes sparked renewed political heat in Maharashtra. Immigration Crackdown: South Africa’s Ramaphosa warned anti-immigrant groups against inciting violence, saying enforcement remains government’s job. US Political Tension: Trump walked off “Meet the Press” after election and January 6-related pushback, escalating claims about rigged voting. Thailand Wellness Push: Thailand’s deputy PM inspected a GMP-certified herbal extraction facility in Songkhla as part of a drive to build a southern wellness economy.