U.S.-China Tech Friction: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanded Ford drop technology partnerships with Chinese battery maker CATL, warning of national security risks; China’s embassy hit back, saying Washington is politicizing trade. Trade War Fallout: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods (15%–50%) add pressure to already tense U.S.-Canada talks, with auto parts and manufacturing among the exposed sectors. Energy Security & Costs: An IEA report urges governments to prepare for future natural gas shocks using reserves, flexible contracts, and policy tools after recent LNG disruptions; in Cebu, prolonged rotational brownouts are pushing firms to cut hours and buy solar. Governance & Public Services: Nepal’s House urged immediate restart of the e-GP system after shutdown disruptions; in the Philippines, a court ordered Romualdez’s transfer for medical checks tied to plunder charges. Work, Skills & Inclusion: India’s RBI says fintech is key to expanding financial inclusion and cutting fraud; England universities propose work experience for all undergraduates plus lifelong careers support. Tech Policy: South Korea tightens industrial espionage rules to better protect semiconductor secrets. Markets & Money: Bitcoin stays under pressure near $77,000 ahead of U.S. inflation data; Malaysia retail/wholesale trade rose 9% y/y in July, while a broker kept its 2027 index target steady on power-grid spending. Labor: Bank employees in India staged a nationwide strike over a five-day banking week and PLI/pension demands. Health & Safety: Whittington Hospital says maternity and neonatal services will continue during major construction via a temporary unit.