Brazil Labor Reform: Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies advanced a constitutional change to cut the workweek from 44 to 40 hours and add a second rest day, a pre-election win for President Lula that would affect over 35 million workers. Armenia Energy Deal: Armenia’s PM Pashinyan says a gas pipeline via the TRIPP route will pass through the country, giving Armenia “its own gas” and transit payments in gas, while the foreign ministry says it received a Russian energy ministry letter on the agreement. Zimbabwe Monetary Literacy: The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe launched a schools monetary policy challenge to boost financial literacy, letting students simulate central bank roles as the country works to stabilize currency and prices. Zambia Mining Impact: First Quantum Minerals says it delivered $3.459bn in direct contribution to Zambia’s economy in 2025, including $901.6m to government via taxes and royalties. Central Banking Under Pressure: A new analysis warns that post-crisis monetary frameworks are weakening policy transmission and blurring fiscal vs monetary roles, complicating inflation control. New Zealand Rates Decision: RBNZ Governor Anna Breman defended keeping the OCR at 2.25% despite inflation risks, citing near-term cost pressures like fuel. Oil and Inflation Risks: Oil prices rebounded nearly 4% as US-Iran tensions revived supply fears, with economists warning the squeeze will keep hitting household budgets. Singapore Logistics Costs: A report ranks Singapore among Asia-Pacific’s priciest logistics markets, with rents supported by port and connectivity strength. Crypto/Payments Regulation: Mastercard secured a New York BitLicense to expand stablecoin and digital payment infrastructure, while regulators and competition authorities continue tightening oversight across markets.