Digital Payments & Fees: India’s NPCI says UPI “Merchant Discount Rate” charges will apply from Oct. 15 for certain business transactions, while person-to-person stays free—sparking backlash over shifting costs to merchants. Public Safety & Health Rules: England’s DBS push encourages parents and carers to use enhanced checks when hiring self-employed workers; separately, new UK vape rules ban free samples and major discounts from Oct. 29. Social Protection: The Philippines’ DSWD clarified social pension claimants can use any valid government-issued ID, not just a National ID. Immigration & Due Process: Australia’s migration changes face criticism for lacking a safety net for domestic-violence victim-survivors, while Labor’s detention-centre plan is attacked as risking “ICE-style” raids. Online Governance: Australia recasts its digital duty-of-care laws as an antisemitism response, aiming to curb algorithm-driven hate content for children. Local Governance & Housing: Scotland’s government faces pressure over asylum housing in Glasgow, with calls for local connection rules. Charity Oversight: UK regulators open a statutory inquiry into a sports charity’s governance and public-benefit claims. Infrastructure & Industry: Wales details FFP3 fit-testing plans after pandemic stockpile failures; UK regulators move ahead on assessing an advanced modular nuclear reactor for Hartlepool.