Venezuela Oil Deal: The US says it has secured majority control of 65B barrels of Venezuela’s proven reserves via a 100-year arrangement covering 17 fields, with claims it could boost US supply and ease gas prices. Energy Prices & Politics: Iran’s foreign minister alleges rivals are using media to manipulate energy markets as the conflict drags on, while UK households brace for a 4% Ofgem price-cap rise from October. Middle East Conflict Impact: Russia’s Shahed drone strikes hit Mykolaiv, damaging a food-industry warehouse and causing localized power outages. Industrial Policy Reality Check: Namibia faces a hard question on whether it’s serious about industrialisation beyond mineral speeches—urging a full link-up of resources, finance, energy, skills and markets. Data Centers vs Power & Water: New Jersey moves to require data centers to report water and energy use amid local bans and threats to officials. Central Asia Energy Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi begins a Central Asia push in Uzbekistan, flagging cooperation across trade, energy and defence ahead of the SCO summit. Critical Minerals Geopolitics: A new “mineral corridor” analysis argues value is won through processing and industrial ecosystems, not just mines. Pakistan Energy & Industry: Pakistan outlines petroleum reforms and local manufacturing incentives, while officials discuss tax policy aimed at sustaining manufacturing recovery. Regional Water Security: Pakistan warns Indus Waters Treaty breaches would have “profound consequences” for peace, tying water to energy and livelihoods.