National Law & Identity: India’s President Murmu signed a bill criminalising intentional disruption of singing “Vande Mataram,” giving it anthem-level protection. Public Safety & Governance: South Carolina lawmakers approved a $15bn FY2027 budget after a compromise on earmarks and property tax relief, including higher teacher pay and a cancer hospital funding boost. Disaster Response: A major earthquake hit Colombia’s conflict-affected regions, with aid groups warning the quake worsens an already dire humanitarian crisis as rescuers race to reach survivors. Education Accountability: A viral video from Satna, India, shows schoolchildren allegedly working as labourers at a government school; officials have ordered an inquiry into who ordered it and whether safety was compromised. Trade & Diplomacy: The Philippines and New Zealand launched a joint economic commission aimed at boosting bilateral trade by 50% by 2030, focusing on agriculture, renewables, education and defense manufacturing. Faith-Based Funding: The Trump administration announced $2bn for faith-based groups in global health, drawing skepticism from experts about claims of efficiency. Local Housing: In India’s Delhi, residents complain that an automated parking facility near a busy market still pushes people to park on the road, citing delays and inconvenience. Humanitarian Health: Qatar Red Crescent opened a dialysis centre in Yemen’s Lahej governorate, its first specialised facility, to reduce patient travel. Sports & Youth: Girl Rising and HP launched India’s first mixed-gender cricket league for government school youth, pairing sport with life skills training.