UN Security Council & Lebanon: France pushed for an emergency UN Security Council meeting as Israel’s Lebanon offensive continues, with Lebanese officials citing thousands killed and wounded since March 2. Palestinian prisoners & accountability: A Palestinian prisoner group urged international courts to prosecute Israel over “systematic” sexual violence and torture in detention, citing a UN report that verified thousands of cases and added Israel and Russia to a sexual-violence blacklist. West Bank settlements: Israel is set to discuss plans for thousands of new illegal settlement units, alongside zoning and boundary expansion projects, raising fears of more land confiscation and fragmentation. Korea-Africa diplomacy: South Korea hosted its first ministerial meeting with 50 African countries to deepen cooperation on supply-chain disruptions and shared global challenges. Local governance reform (Nepal): Nepal’s PM faced parliamentary questions on governance and corruption, while the Home Ministry formed a committee to assess border clashes and disputes. Water & access (Nepal): Remote Chure settlements in Sarlahi received drinking water via lift irrigation and solar boreholes, supported by UNDP and provincial funds. Public health & mass gatherings: WHO praised Saudi Arabia’s Hajj health management as disease-free, highlighting preparedness and monitoring. Tech & consumer protection: Seoul moved to tighten oversight of overseas lodging platforms after survey findings flagged misleading pricing and refund issues. Urban sustainability (India): UNIDO and partners ran a Sustainable Cities workshop in Vijayawada focused on climate action, waste management, and governance. Global environment: UN-linked reporting warns sand extraction is outpacing nature’s ability to replenish it, with major biodiversity and coastal impacts.