ECCA

UN Climate Change has introduced a new strategy for its Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) initiative ahead of the COP31 climate summit. The plan focuses on leveraging creativity from the entertainment and culture sectors to drive public engagement and climate action. Observers see it as an effort to broaden the reach of climate diplomacy beyond formal negotiations.

Pakistan has appointed a general with a counter-terrorism background to lead the Saudi-led military coalition headquartered in Mecca, widely known as the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. The move places a Pakistani officer in charge of a 41-member alliance, underscoring Islamabad's growing role in Middle East security arrangements and drawing attention to how the coalition will balance counter-terrorism priorities with regional rivalries.

New Jersey Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett have clashed publicly over US military action against Iran and tariff policy. The exchange highlights how foreign policy and trade costs are becoming central issues in New Jersey's congressional race, with the two candidates staking out sharply different positions.