UN Diplomacy & AI: UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that runaway AI and worsening wars are pushing the world toward an “explosion,” as UNGA High-Level Week in New York is set to spotlight AI governance alongside Middle East and Ukraine crises. Middle East & Iran: The UN said US strikes on an Iranian school in February likely amounted to war crimes, while the US also issued visas for Iran’s UN delegation to attend UNGA. Trade & Security: Canada’s talks with the US over USMCA extension have collapsed, with Trump tariffs escalating and Canada signaling it will pivot to EU economic and security talks. Nuclear & Nonproliferation: Malaysia was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2026–2028, underscoring its role in safeguards and peaceful nuclear use. Digital Payments: India is set to introduce merchant fees on UPI business transactions above 2,000 rupees, sparking political backlash over shifting costs to merchants. Labor Rights: South Korea’s KCTU will rejoin government talks opposing labor-rule exemptions for semiconductor megaclusters and the 52-hour workweek cap. Public Safety & Health: Wales says it will deliver a new FFP3 mask fit-testing framework after the Covid inquiry found the stockpile lacked in-date masks. Energy Policy: Utah lawmakers back the Trump administration’s repeal of Biden-era power plant emissions rules, framing it as a threat to electricity and cost savings. Local Governance: Fiji opposition leaders urged slowing constitutional reform, warning the rushed timetable could destabilize politics and the economy.