Credit & Governance: Japan’s Rating and Investment Information (R&I) kept the Philippines’ investment-grade “A-” rating with a stable outlook, saying corruption disruptions are temporary and budget execution should normalize, supporting growth near 5% from 2027. ASEAN Industrial Push: Maybank and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation signed an MoU to expand access to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, linking manufacturers with banking support for sustainable finance, payments, and supply-chain financing. Fuel Price Stability: South Korea extended fuel price ceilings for another four weeks as West Asia tensions kept oil prices elevated, maintaining caps on petrol, diesel and kerosene. India–Bangladesh Diplomacy: Bangladesh has not decided on PM Tarique Rahman’s India visit for the BRICS summit, while India withdrew a planned ceremonial welcome after preparations were announced. India–Pakistan Tensions: India’s MEA said it removed temporary structures outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as a “proportionate action” after Pakistan removed structures outside India’s mission in Islamabad. India’s Economic & Tech Drive: PM Modi met founders of 20 Indian space startups, urging cross-industry collaboration to build a global space hub; MeitY also notified a ₹62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme to boost domestic value addition. Japan Security & Justice: Japan’s Cyber Defense Law will let authorities neutralize cyberattack sources, and Japan hanged a man convicted in a 2009 pachinko parlor fire, amid renewed debate over capital punishment. China Watch: China’s summer box office hit record highs, while reports describe tightening curbs on Catholic religious life, including restrictions on Bibles, pilgrimages and funeral rites.