Energy security & hydrogen: Philippines’ PXP Energy chief Manuel Pangilinan says his group is exploring native hydrogen alongside new petroleum service work, seeking partners (including China) to fund service contracts. Climate risk planning: The African Union urged El Niño preparedness as forecasts point to a strong event from August, with East Africa likely wetter and Southern Africa facing drought. Energy data reform: India’s expert panel calls for overhauling fragmented energy statistics into a real-time, harmonised system, flagging major gaps in biofuels and EV-related power demand tracking. Wildfire impacts: Greece reported a midair collision of two firefighting helicopters battling a wildfire near Athens, killing two crew members, as heat-driven fire conditions persist across Europe. Oil & geopolitics: In the Strait of Hormuz, a Qatari LNG carrier lost propulsion after an apparent projectile strike, underscoring no “detour” option for the energy corridor. Plastic & tourism: Tamil Nadu plans to upgrade Courtallam into a “Plastic-Free, Garbage-Free” destination with new toilets and sanitation at major falls. Great Green Wall: Nigeria’s NSCDC arrested a suspect for vandalising fencing at a Gabasmari Forest Reserve, part of the environmental protection project. Renewables push: China is set to have solar overtake coal as its biggest installed power source before end-2026.