Foreign Funding Rules Clash: India’s envoy Vinay Kwatra is pushing back hard on criticism of the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, calling claims of “church takeovers” and NGO asset grabs “myths” and arguing the changes are about transparency and national security. Civil Society Under Pressure: In India’s Mizoram, the state government and Christian bodies are urging the Centre to send the FCRA amendment to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, warning the bill could chill foreign-funded civil society. Climate Finance Partnerships: Nigeria is seeking private investment and partnerships to close its climate adaptation financing gap, framing its National Adaptation Plan as the backbone for resilience work. Indigenous Rights: The Philippines’ revised FPIC guidelines are drawing backlash from human rights groups, who say shortened timelines weaken indigenous communities’ free, prior and informed consent. Homelessness Focus: The Vatican urged UN member states to treat homelessness as a core housing and urban policy priority, not just an economic issue. Election Integrity Watch: Zambia’s opposition leader Brian Mundubile raised last-minute ballot-marking and results-timing concerns ahead of the Aug. 13 vote. AI Safety Moves: OpenAI says it’s pausing some internal work on its Astra model after security and capability reviews, while tightening controls. NGO Accountability in Liberia: Liberia’s CENTAL welcomed President Boakai’s fast probe into LDEA leadership recusal allegations, calling for broader participation to protect credibility.