Climate & Food Security: KOICA and South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment signed a $12 million, 2026–2031 grant to boost climate-resilient rice production in Nepal’s Terai, aiming to strengthen seed systems, improve harvest handling, and raise farmers’ incomes in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. Urban Heat & Sports Accountability: A Guardian analysis flags World Cup matches played in severe heat, with calls for FIFA to cut ties with fossil-fuel sponsors and better protect player welfare. Inter-Korean Border & Civilian Access: South Korea plans to ease civilian-restricted boundaries near the North Korea border, a move that could affect how people move and how local environmental risk management is handled. Seoul Water & Summer Cooling: Seoul opens Han River park pools and water playgrounds for the summer season, while also pushing riverside water access upgrades. Biodiversity & Marine Stress: Reports of dead fish on Korea’s east coast are linked to a tuna surge and warming seas, underscoring how marine heat can ripple through ecosystems. Green Tech & Materials: Himadri increased its stake in International Battery Company to 20.47% to commercialize LFP cathode and advanced anode materials, supporting cleaner energy storage supply chains.