Rare Earth Deal Watch: India is in confidential talks with Russia’s Rosneft to access samples from the Tomtor rare earth deposit in Siberia, with preliminary processing in Russia before shipment to India—part of a push to secure critical minerals and reduce reliance on China. Tax Integrity: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is investigating 44 employees over corruption-related breaches, after some officers failed to declare cash, gifts and vouchers as required. Energy & Cost Pressure: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire but warned energy recovery will take time, as supply disruptions and infrastructure damage linger. Urban Development: Monkey Bay is set to become a secondary city under a 10-year Nkope-to-Sawuya development plan aimed at jobs, infrastructure and investment. Health Supply: Malawi Blood Transfusion Services says demand is rising with the National Cancer Centre, pushing Central Region needs to about 1,200 units weekly; it warns school holidays could disrupt collections. Agribusiness & Food: Tobacco sales reached about MK223.4 billion in eight weeks, while maize remains tangled in policy debates over prices and GMOs. Public Finance & Growth: World Bank downgraded Malawi’s growth forecast to 2.3%, citing weaker demand, higher energy costs and tighter financial conditions. Infrastructure & Power: ESCOM plans Sunday and Monday outages during upgrades of the Mapanga–Fundis line across Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe and Chiradzulu. Education Access: NBM, Press Trust and Government committed K1.2 billion for a 112-bed girls’ hostel and staff housing at Njerenje CDSS in Balaka. Carbon Credits Clarification: Malawi’s Natural Resources Ministry dismissed claims of mismanaged $100m from carbon credit trading, saying only realised proceeds are remitted to government. Migration Response: Malawi begins emergency evacuation of nationals from xenophobic violence in South Africa, with thousands still stranded and logistics delays reported.