UN Diplomacy & Sanctions: The US issued visas for Iran’s UN General Assembly delegation, while Rubio announced new US sanctions on Cuban military-linked entities and mining actors, underscoring intensifying great-power pressure. Middle East Security & Energy: Reuters reports Trump weighing a major Iran decision as Houthi advances and Strait of Hormuz risks keep energy markets jittery; Iran also claims it struck a tanker in the Hormuz area. NATO Politics: Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico warned he doesn’t want Slovakia pulled into conflict “because of some Article 5,” challenging alliance expectations. Digital Payments Policy: India’s NPCI says UPI merchant transactions above 2,000 rupees will face a 0.4% fee from Oct. 15, raising business concerns. Migration & Education: Canada says international student admissions fell sharply in 2026, citing a shift to higher-calibre postgraduate applicants. Public Sector Tech Controls: Australia is considering a ban on recording-capable smart glasses in Commonwealth workplaces amid privacy fears. Food Security & Local Governance: Ghanaian tomato farmers in Anloga-Avume report rotting crops due to crate shortages and alleged bribe-taking; Yemen’s fuel price rise adds pressure to already strained households. Development Finance: The World Bank invited Kenyan youth and civil society groups to apply for up to Ksh434m for health and nutrition advocacy. Regional Integration: Indonesia’s trade deputy heads to ASEAN Economic Ministers talks on accelerating integration amid geopolitical uncertainty.