UPI MDR Shake-up in India: India’s new Merchant Discount Rate for UPI (0.4% on payments above ₹2,000, with exemptions and sector rules) is sparking fresh backlash from traders and a Supreme Court PIL challenging the levy, with the Finance Ministry pushing back on “foreign influence” claims. SME Cybersecurity Gap: A Tata Tele Business Services/CyberMedia Research study finds 84% of Indian SMEs plan to raise cybersecurity spend, but only 12% continuously monitor systems and 45% cite lack of expertise—investment intent is outpacing readiness. Regulator Crackdown on SME Listing: SEBI barred telecom infrastructure firm Kore Digital and its top executives from fundraising and trading, alleging revenue inflation via non-genuine subsidiaries and manipulated statements, and blocked migration from NSE’s SME board. Cross-border Trade Boost for Women: Philippines women entrepreneurs are expanding exports, with about 30% of Women Strong Network members already selling internationally, supported by training, matching and financing. Tourism Hit for Japan SMEs: Chinese mainland arrivals to Japan fell 59% in August amid deteriorating ties, a blow to tourism-linked small businesses. China-ASEAN Expo Opens: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Guangxi kicked off with thousands of firms, including many SMEs, pitching deals under CAFTA 3.0 and AI-enabled trade.