Academic Freedom Watch: A new ranking using V-Dem data shows steep declines worldwide, with Belarus among the biggest losers (-67% from 2015 to 2025), alongside Nicaragua, Myanmar and Afghanistan—another reminder that research and teaching freedom is under pressure. Space & Comms: Starlink is tightening international access on cheaper Roam plans, pushing travelers to the Roam Unlimited tier for use outside their registered home country. Belarus Education & Skills: Belarus enrolled about 5,600 target-admission students (90% of the plan), with engineering/technical, medical and teacher-training among the largest intakes. Belarus Science Funding: The Council of Ministers reallocated budget money, including support for Academy of Sciences research programs and upgrades for scientific infrastructure. Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: The UK and EU attribute a Poland power-grid cyberattack to Russia’s GRU, highlighting risks to industrial control systems near the Belarus border. Human Rights & Research: Belarus security forces searched Stalinist repression researcher Ihar Stankevich’s home, linking the case to the “Nation of Leaders” online courses. Belarus Tech & Industry Links: Belarus and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership package covering labor, science, culture and trade, plus easier mutual travel rules (up to 10 days without registration).