India-Iran Security Talks at BRICS: India’s NSA Ajit Doval met Iran’s Supreme National Security Council official Ghadir Nezamipour in New Delhi, discussing Middle East developments and India-Iran ties alongside BRICS foreign ministers including China’s Wang Yi. China-US Trade Retaliation: Beijing added 10 US firms to export controls and barred Chinese government procurement from 46 others, escalating the tech and defense-linked sanctions spiral. Japan PM Under Fire: Japan’s Sanae Takaichi faced backlash after saying questions about a smear-video scandal were cutting into her PM duties. Uttar Pradesh Fire Tragedy: Lucknow’s animation training centre fire killed at least 15 students, with rescue and compensation announced by Prime Minister Modi. India Cyber “Boss Scam” Warning: India’s I4C flagged CEO impersonation fraud targeting executives via malicious files and hijacked WhatsApp sessions. UAE Eyes Indian Missiles: Reuters reports early talks for UAE purchases of India’s BrahMos and Akashteer air defense systems. China Foreign Investment Push: China unveiled 15 measures to stabilize foreign investment, easing procedures and expanding market access. ASEAN STI Cooperation: ASEAN’s science and innovation council advanced regional AI and tech transfer plans at a meeting in Vientiane. Nepal Electricity Tariff Overhaul: Nepal is preparing a seasonal electricity tariff structure to shift prices between monsoon and dry periods.