AI Infrastructure Push: China is planning about 2 trillion yuan ($295bn) over five years for a nationwide network of interconnected AI data centers, with state firms building most facilities and at least 80% of tech sourced domestically, signaling a direct bid to narrow the gap with US AI leadership. Defense & Deterrence: Taiwan carried out its first live-fire HIMARS demonstration into the Taiwan Strait toward China, while China continues drills around the island and Taiwan frames the tests as protection against “enemy threats.” Maritime Security: India protested a US strike off Oman that killed three Indian sailors and summoned a senior US diplomat, while also reporting 13 Indian-flagged vessels still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Regulation & Competition: India’s consumer distributors group urged regulators to halt Zepto’s IPO pending a review, warning that quick-commerce discounting could distort retail competition and mislead investors. Market Oversight (China): China’s market regulator summoned major e-commerce platforms over “rat race” pricing claims, including unclear subsidy funding and weak disclosure of seller information ahead of the June 18 618 shopping festival. Regional Diplomacy: Philippines President Marcos will lead ASEAN’s review of ties with Russia at a summit in Kazan, with Manila set to steer follow-up steps for deeper engagement. Public Services & Governance (India): Himachal Pradesh officials are working to bring home the body of a seafarer killed in the Oman incident, while Kerala held a monsoon preparedness review focused on road, drainage, and emergency coordination. Education Cooperation: China and Ethiopia signed an agreement to expand Chinese language education across Ethiopia’s schools. Energy & Grid Stability (China): China advanced a grid-forming renewable project, moving a 220 kV step-up substation into civil construction to improve stability as inverter-heavy renewables grow.