Housing & Finance: The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) plans mortgage rule changes to help young first-time buyers under 35, raising the loan-to-value limit from 80% to 90% (10% down) while tightening third-property purchases with a 30% down payment. Public Safety & Defence: A row has erupted over Slovakia’s 2K12 KUB air-defence systems, with opposition alleging multi-stage deals and possible resale abroad, while the defence minister says the equipment was declared surplus and insists operational battery numbers remain unchanged. Economy & Enforcement: Slovakia’s shadow economy is estimated at about €17 billion; the tax “Tax Shield” memorandum aims to speed up information sharing between police and tax authorities to hit tax crime and organised fraud. Diplomacy: Slovakia signed new agreements with India on diplomatic staff work rights and visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, and North Macedonia’s president is on an official visit to Bratislava to discuss trade, energy and transport. Bratislava Culture: The Open Parks and Gardens Weekend returns with 140+ sites nationwide and 30 in Bratislava, including the story of a plane tree from the Danube embankment that was cut down in 2005 but still lives on as a thriving cluster of shoots. Sports (Slovan): Football legend Yaya Toure is reportedly “one step away” from a first top job as manager, with Slovan Bratislava mentioned as a possible next stop.