Meat multinational faces legal challenge over green credentials of $6bn global expansion plan

• UN human rights experts condemned the M23 armed group on Tuesday for orchestrating a "reign of terror" in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. • The Rwanda-backed group is accused of systemic sexual torture and violence targeting civilians within the territories it controls.

• Pakistan has requested a $10 billion bilateral exchange stabilisation facility from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to bolster its foreign exchange reserves. • The request follows Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts in mediating talks regarding the conflict in Iran.

• A global weekly roundup highlights a period of intense strategic competition characterized by military escalation, economic fragmentation, and a race for technological advantage. • Key trends include the rise of influence for nations developing advanced technologies and the emergence of complex humanitarian crises driven by conflict, climate change, and disease.

• The U.S. military has concluded its 11th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. • These military actions have largely overshadowed diplomatic attempts to revive a collapsed interim ceasefire deal.

• Diplomatic consultations were recently held in Cairo to address the strategic stability and security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. • The meetings focused on the region's growing geopolitical importance, specifically regarding maritime security and international trade routes.

• The Middle East conflict is creating significant economic uncertainty for Pakistan, threatening to disrupt the country's fragile macroeconomic stability. • Key risks include fueling sticky inflation, widening external financial pressures, and increasing volatility in global energy prices.

• The United States and Iran have entered their 10th day of renewed fighting, with ongoing attacks across the Middle East threatening to derail diplomatic efforts. • Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, which is serving as a key mediator, in an attempt to salvage a collapsed interim deal between the two nations.

• The Houthis have announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to disrupt maritime traffic in the region. • This escalation risks expanding the existing shipping crisis in the Middle East, potentially impacting global trade and energy security.

• The UN Security Council is conducting its monthly debate on Syria as Secretary-General António Guterres travels to Damascus. • The session occurs amid reports of an Israeli attack in occupied territory and ongoing tensions regarding the US-Iran war.

EU ambassadors head to Brussels aiming to sign off on 21st package of sanctions, after previous attempts ended without successUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the overnight attack on “logistics hubs involved in supplying the Russian army with drone component, navigation equipment and other gear.”“We are, quite justly, bringing the war back home – to Russia. Peace is needed, and Ukraine has presented the Russian side with every proposal. They must be forced to turn to diplomacy.” Continue reading...

US military completes 11th night of strikes as attacks overshadow diplomatic efforts in Pakistan to salvage interim ceasefire dealHouthis threaten attacks on shipping tankers if they use Saudi ports on Red SeaWhat is Pickaxe Mountain, Iran’s underground nuclear facility?Donald Trump on Tuesday made new threats to attack and destroy Iran’s nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain.Here’s what we know about Pickaxe Mountain, why it has captured Trump’s attention and how the US military could strike at the deeply buried complex. Continue reading...

Measure backed by £454m of funding, with £400m coming from switching investment in international climate finance to loansSingle bus fares across England will be capped at £2 from January, the prime minister, Andy Burnham, has announced.The nationwide cap is currently set at £3 until the end of March 2027 although some areas – including London and Greater Manchester, where Burnham set a £2 limit as mayor – have lower top rates for single tickets. Continue reading...