UK Politics & Online Safety: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a blanket ban on social media for children under 16, targeting major platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, with legislation before Christmas and a spring 2027 start; messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal are exempt, while extra restrictions (including stranger contact and livestreaming) are set to apply by default for 16- and 17-year-olds. Diplomacy & Middle East Security: Qatar says it helped narrow US-Iran gaps, culminating in a memorandum of understanding covering issues including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz; the UAE echoed calls for dialogue, diplomacy and strict adherence to international law. AI & Government Power: The US government ordered Anthropic to shut down its advanced Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, and Anthropic suspended access for all users while disputing the scope of the alleged jailbreak risk. International Tensions: Germany’s top diplomat condemned “heinous” Russian strikes on Ukraine that hit a UNESCO-protected Kyiv monastery complex, warning it signals no real push toward negotiations. Public Finance: Ghana’s government exceeded its Treasury bill target, raising GHS 8.29bn at a strong acceptance rate, underscoring demand for short-term securities. Education & Infrastructure: Oman’s Sultan Haitham City launched tenders for a government school complex and a cultural/social centre. Governance & Trust: A Philippine police chief warned officers they won’t be swayed by “divisive political interests” amid Senate tensions tied to alleged destabilization concerns.