UK Defence Showdown: Keir Starmer faced MPs over a £5bn defence investment funding gap, with Badenoch pressing him to explain a “black hole” while Starmer argues he has headroom to cover it. AI & Cyber Governance: Ireland’s NCSC published new public-sector guidance for secure AI use, while India flagged WhatsApp’s new username feature as a potential fraud and impersonation risk unless safeguards are strong. Supreme Court & Politics: US coverage says the Supreme Court is reshaping citizenship rules, with critics pointing to right-wing influence. Local Government Under Strain: South Africa’s City Power warned government departments that unpaid electricity bills could mean disconnections, as debt threatens service delivery. Flood Response: Ghana ordered removal of structures blocking waterways and released GH¢300m for emergency support. School Policy: Scotland issued refreshed guidance for phone-free learning, with possible exemptions as it moves toward new laws. Diplomacy Watch: Iran’s parliament chief said diplomacy with the US is preferred but war readiness remains. Regional Governance Tensions: Somalia’s Puntland president accused the federal government of suspending constitutional governance and politicizing the army. EV Transition vs Taxes (Nepal): Nepal’s new government tax proposal on EV imports and electricity use is drawing criticism for slowing clean-energy adoption.