India Education Shake-Up: Pralhad Joshi took charge as India’s new education minister after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid youth protests over an exam leak scandal, with Joshi pledging humility and duty. South Asia Governance: Bangladesh will elect a new president in September after parliament convenes, following the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu. Middle East De-escalation Efforts: Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam said Lebanon wants an “active” partnership with Iraq on regional projects, while Iran-US tensions show a brief lull in reported US strikes as Pakistan and Qatar push mediation. Iraq Power Security: Iraq’s new GE Vernova deal requires the company to secure 10 GW of electricity imports from regional countries by 2027, as lawmakers question past contract results. EU-China Tensions: The EU accused China (and Russia) of trying to reshape the global order and return to a sphere-of-influence logic in a new strategy paper. Public Safety & Security: Germany faced multiple vehicle-ramming incidents since 2016, including a Berlin Pride attack described by officials as Islamist extremist terrorism. Environment & Disaster Response: France’s wildfires have forced large-scale evacuations near Bordeaux and triggered EU civil protection support. Human Rights & Accountability: UN chief Guterres visited Syria’s Sednaya Prison, calling it a “moment of opportunity” for Syria’s recovery and a more inclusive future.