Tech & Security: European intelligence officials say Russia is ramping up efforts to steal Western technology and defense know-how via fake firms, middlemen, cyber operations, and covert procurement—targeting advanced machine tools, lasers/cameras, and dual-use software. Climate Forecasting: UAE researchers report an AI model that predicts heatwaves with 96% accuracy, aiming to help residents reduce exposure as extreme heat accelerates. Research Metrics: New data claims Iran leads major nations in internationally indexed papers per research dollar, highlighting high publication efficiency despite constraints. Quantum Materials: Brown and Michigan researchers stabilized a previously elusive “missing step” in metal crystal transformations, with optical effects that could feed quantum tech. Quantum Weirdness: A study explores what happens if you “cut” a photon with a fast mirror, predicting a superposition involving infinitely many photons. AI in Education: China is deploying AI tools for language labs, smart sports tracking, and classroom personalization to narrow rural-urban gaps. Space Science: Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter findings strengthen the case for subsurface water-ice near the Moon’s south pole. STEM Funding/Startups: India’s Treefe Technology raised ₹5 crore to scale Identityy, while Cyient agreed to acquire TAO Digital to boost AI-native engineering. Policy & Governance: UK plans “AI age checks” for some asylum cases using facial age estimation as an aid to human assessments.