Ethanol Push Meets Backlash: India’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol plan is facing fresh protests as motorists and farmers question vehicle performance and whether benefits reach growers; a farm leaders’ meeting with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged a “farmer-centric” policy with remunerative, direct crop pricing. Coconut Tech Trial: The Philippines’ Coconut Authority signed a two-year field trial with Japan’s Mitsui to test nanotechnology injected into coconut trunks to boost yield and tree health. Flood Relief in India: Kerala monsoon flooding has killed at least 25 people, with thousands displaced and relief camps active as authorities expand support and delegated powers to districts. Asian Oaks Conservation Gap: A new report warns 74% of 54 threatened Asian oak species lack representation in botanical collections, calling for urgent conservation action across multiple countries. Irrigation Modernization in Central Asia: Kazakhstan will receive 370 units of specialized equipment to mechanize cleaning of irrigation canals, aiming to improve water management. Cattle Biosecurity: The longhorn tick threat is growing in the US, with concerns over rapid spread and disease it carries. Agrifood Trade & Markets: China’s soybean demand remains a key driver for grain sentiment as it buys large volumes, while ADM raised its 2026 profit outlook on surging biofuels demand. Crops & Inputs Policy: India’s distributed rooftop solar expansion continues to accelerate, supporting energy transition that can indirectly aid farm operations.