Flood Investigation: Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has set up a seven-member expert committee to pin down the origin, causes and sequence behind the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood, using field studies plus drones and satellite imagery, treating it as a “cascading disaster.” Child Safety & Platforms: India’s child-rights watchdog (NCPCR) pressed Meta again over alleged CSEAM ads; Meta admitted a mistake and agreed to strengthen its child-safety reporting, including direct reporting to Indian law enforcement via the cybercrime portal. Semiconductor Push: PM Modi met semiconductor CEOs and urged deeper industry-government partnership for India’s next chip-growth phase, including skilling and emerging tech like AI and quantum. AI Governance Debate: Meta CEO Zuckerberg said AI labs should self-manage safety pacing, as US and Chinese voices clash over whether to slow development or bring in government oversight. UPI Fees & Digital Payments: India moved to introduce a 0.4% fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 (capped at Rs 300), drawing debate over whether it undermines “Digital India.” India–Pakistan Naval Tensions: Both countries summoned top diplomats after a naval collision in the Arabian Sea, each calling the other’s conduct “unprofessional/unacceptable” and warning of escalation risks. Lakshadweep Bulldozers: India demolished private buildings in Muslim-majority Lakshadweep for lacking land-conversion permission, reigniting concerns about land control and the use of bulldozers. Japan Demographics: Japan’s centenarians surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677, with women making up about 88%. China–ASEAN Trade & AI: China’s CAEXPO and CABIS spotlight economic/trade cooperation with AI as a centerpiece and bigger enterprise participation, including a new “Nanning AI Compound.” Climate Smoke Crisis: Indonesia’s Borneo wildfires pushed air quality in Pontianak to hazardous levels, disrupting flights and raising health fears amid El Niño conditions.