Indus Waters Treaty Standoff: An international tribunal ordered India to keep honoring the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and to pause work on parts of hydro projects in Kashmir, while India rejected the ruling and said it has no jurisdiction—an issue that directly affects water for farms across the Indus basin. India Economy & Farm Outlook: India’s Q1 FY27 GDP grew 7.8% (services and manufacturing strong), but agriculture growth stayed modest at 3.6%, with El Niño flagged as a risk to crop yields and rabi moisture/temperatures. Rice Subsidy Probe: India’s CBI booked eight people, including senior FCI and NERAMAC officials, over an alleged ₹28.87 crore rice diversion scheme involving subsidised grain meant for vulnerable groups. GM Crop Research Boost: India inaugurated a new BRIC-NABI facility in Mohali to test GM crops under simulated conditions, aiming to reduce reliance on field trials. Cacao Market Watch (Philippines): A policy brief says Philippine cacao prices have risen sharply, but productivity remains low and the country still imports cocoa products—leaving room for expansion if yields improve. Pacific Biodiversity Warning: Scientists warn that abandoned coconut plantations can become “avian deserts” when invasive rats remain, and predator removal alone may not fully restore seabird breeding habitat.