Philippines Cost-of-Living Pressure: Government workers are pushing to raise the proposed 2027 Personnel Economic Relief Allowance from a P500 increase to a P5,000 monthly level, saying the current P2,500 plan won’t keep up with rising prices and transport costs. Switzerland Leadership Change: Swiss President Guy Parmelin says he will step down from the Federal Council at the end of 2026, after 11 years in government. UAE-U.S. Security Talks: UAE leaders met U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and discussed deeper bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and countering extremism. Curaçao Transparency Row: A local foundation says Curaçao’s government still hasn’t answered requests on how the access-to-information law is working, despite deadlines in the ordinance. Armenia Reserves Hit Record: Armenia’s gross international reserves rose 54% year-on-year to over $6.53 billion by September 2026. G7 Energy Move: G7 leaders agreed to release up to 100 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves within four months to stabilize oil markets and protect households. Ethiopia-Eritrea Diplomatic Break: Eritrea severed ties with Ethiopia as fighting in northern Ethiopia intensifies, raising fears of a wider regional spillover. France Student Unrest Escalates: Violent protests spread across French cities as schools shut and arrests mount, with authorities blaming the hard left. EU Farm Group Leadership: Francie Gorman was re-elected vice president of Copa as Europe debates CAP budget uncertainty. Indonesia Volcano Update: New islands appeared around Anak Krakatau after a major eruption, based on satellite imagery. UK Travel Charges Scrapped: The UK plans to end extra airline fees for child seating under 14 and for minor booking name changes. Sweden Government Formation: Magdalena Andersson received a second mandate to try forming a Swedish government after her first attempt failed. AI and Government Tensions: Anthropic warns that strained relations with governments could harm commercial customers and reputations even if public contracts are small. Disney Layoffs: Disney President Dana Walden called recent job cuts “extremely painful” but necessary for survival.