Judicial Clash in Israel: Netanyahu’s government says it will not respect a Supreme Court ruling on the media regulator’s composition, warning of a renewed constitutional fight ahead of an expected late-October election. Prison & Public Safety: Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister says she’ll take charge over the Negombo prison clash, says the situation is under control, and orders a comprehensive investigation. Regional Power Shift in Pakistan: PPP leader Amjad Hussain was sworn in as Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister after winning unopposed, pledging to meet public expectations and push tourism and local development. EU Social Policy: Ireland’s ministers used an EU Council event in Ballina to spotlight disability employment and press for practical outcomes, not box-ticking. UK Tax & Local Services: Scotland opened consultation on a “mansion tax” to fund public services, proposing new council tax bands for homes worth £1m and £2m-plus. Transport & Logistics Reform (South Africa): Transport Minister Barbara Creecy touts early gains from rail and port reforms, including more private rail operators and restored priority rail lines. Infrastructure Accountability (Nepal): Nepal’s communications minister defends spending on security printing and mobile monitoring, promising transparency and frugality. Energy & War Costs (Lebanon): Lebanon’s information minister says preliminary war direct costs are estimated at $3–4 billion and urges faster returns and service restoration. Governance & Procurement (South Africa): Communications minister Solly Malatsi and the Public Service Commission brief media on a SITA report into governance failures and alleged procurement irregularities.