AI in Education: Aiken Technical College will roll out Element451 AI chatbots and student-focused automation over 9–12 months, tying into school systems for reminders and alerts. EV Batteries: Indonesia’s BRIN is developing artificial graphite from coal waste for lithium-ion battery materials, alongside EV prototypes and hybrid conversion work. Digital Health Tech: Taiwan’s ITRI unveiled a noninvasive in-ear vagus nerve stimulator for generalized anxiety, paired with an app and cloud monitoring for clinicians. AI Trust & Watermarks: Anthropic is pushing invisible watermarking for AI output, adding to the growing fight over how to verify synthetic media. Cyber Skills: India launched CYBER KUSHTI 2026, a free hackathon testing human judgment in cybersecurity assessments, not just vulnerability hunting. Privacy & Surveillance: Local agencies are reviewing Flock camera policies after reported misuse concerns, as privacy advocates renew pressure to curb facial recognition and mass tracking. AI Policy & Governance: Pakistan’s Dr. Shahid Mahmud was recommended for a top civilian honor for decades in telecom and digital tech leadership. Tech & Data Transparency: Kuwait’s CITRA urged residents to use its “My Numbers” service in the Sahel app to check telecom lines registered under their names. Robotics in Healthcare: NHS Ayrshire and Arran marked 1,000 robotic surgery procedures, highlighting faster recovery and reduced complications.