El Niño preparedness: The UN ESCAP says El Niño is likely to return by mid-2026 and could be strong, urging Timor-Leste and neighbors to invest early in resilience to cut drought, food and health risks. Maritime cooperation: India’s IOS Sagar docked in Colombo with a multinational crew that includes Timor-Leste, under “Bridges of Friendship” aimed at shared security in the Indian Ocean. Budget adjustment: Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers approved a first amendment to the 2026 State Budget, adding about US$101.1m to cope with higher international fuel prices, CPLP presidency costs, and Oe-Cússe expenses. Trade integration: Trade and Industry Minister Nino Pereira highlighted Timor-Leste’s WTO accession and ASEAN full membership at the ADB-World Bank Trade Forum, stressing predictability and rules-based trade. Local business risk: A UK Home Office investigation is ongoing after a company was probed for allegedly hiring illegal workers from East Timor. Tech talent: Timor-Leste teams won awards at Huawei’s APAC ICT Competition finals in Jakarta, with more finalists set for global rounds.