US-Canada Trade Clash: The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on $20bn of Canadian goods after talks collapsed, and Canada vowed “dollar-for-dollar” retaliation, escalating a fresh round of economic brinkmanship. Middle East Law & Settlements: Gulf and Arab-Islamic states, plus Western allies, condemned Israel’s E1 settlement plan as a direct threat to Palestinian contiguity and the two-state path, while an Irish MEP accused the U.S.-Israel axis of sidelining international law with European aid. Afghanistan Politics: Iran’s interior minister urged Afghan leaders abroad to return, as Taliban officials continued pushing unity under their system—while a separate analysis warned that de facto control is outpacing international legitimacy. Palestinian Governance: Hamas reiterated it will seek a consensus-based political system through Palestinian elections, aiming for unified leadership amid existential pressures. Nigeria Security & Youth: Nigeria’s police chief urged youths to reject political and digital thuggery ahead of 2027, framing violence as a threat to their future. India Regional Autonomy Talks: India’s home ministry set up a committee to draft a “permanent political solution” for Gorkha identity demands in West Bengal hills. Public Health & Governance: Maharashtra set service standards for government hospitals, while Congo received the first Ebola vaccine doses to bolster its outbreak response. Australia Gun Buyback: Australia’s ACT joined a federal gun buyback scheme after the Bondi Beach mass shooting, with funding split between Canberra and the territory.