ASEAN Digital Integration: ASEAN has wrapped talks on the region’s first comprehensive digital economy pact, the ASEAN DEFA, with signing targeted for November and a goal to lift the bloc’s digital economy from $1T by 2030 to potentially $2T. Crypto Enforcement & Security: The U.S. seized about $1B in Iranian-linked crypto under “Operation Economic Fury,” while the SEC sued a Texas man over a $12.3M alleged scheme using fake AI trading bots and promised returns. Onchain Finance Risk: Grayscale says Hyperliquid could become a “financial services juggernaut,” but CertiK warns TradFi is held back by frequent AI-driven hacks and smart-contract vulnerabilities. Nepal Budget Shockwaves: Nepal’s budget cuts taxes for IT exports and introduces an AI-enabled e-assessment system, but also raises EV import/customs-based duties and adds VAT on electricity consumption—sparking political pushback. Digital Skills Push: Nigeria’s First Lady inaugurated a N1bn ICT Experience Centre at EKSU to expand AI-ready learning and research. Energy & Inflation Pressure: Ghana’s fire service warned that safety lapses in the Kpone industrial enclave could threaten oil, gas and power generation, while U.S. consumers are cutting back as gasoline tops $4.50 a gallon amid the Iran-war-driven supply squeeze.