Education Reform Fallout in India: India’s “Cockroach” youth protests over alleged exam paper leaks forced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, and Prime Minister Modi has now set up a high-powered exam reforms task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, aiming to restore credibility and transparency in high-stakes testing. Crypto Tax Crackdown: India’s tax authority (CBDT) issued guidance for crypto exchanges and intermediaries to strengthen reporting and curb evasion, pushing platforms toward tighter cross-border transaction tracking. Hepatitis Push: India expanded its National Viral Hepatitis Control Program with free screening, diagnostics and treatment, targeting elimination by 2030. Energy & Grid Procurement: India’s POWERGRID invited bids for a nationwide 500 MW/1,000 MWh battery energy storage system, with domestic sourcing and cyber-safety testing requirements. Air Defense Upgrade: India successfully tested a long-range surface-to-air interceptor (“Kusha”) to bridge gaps in its air defense coverage. ASEAN Ceasefire Monitoring: Cambodia met the ASEAN Observer Team in Siem Reap to monitor and verify ceasefire implementation along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Philippines Growth Outlook: AMRO warned the Philippines could be the ASEAN+3 region’s fourth slowest-growing economy this year, citing oil shock impacts and weak investment. China Development Shift: China is moving from poverty eradication to preventing “poverty relapse,” building long-term monitoring and social security mechanisms. Brazil–China Trade Drive: Lula and Xi agreed to speed Mercosur–China trade talks and expand cooperation in AI, satellites, critical minerals and fertilizer. South Asia Security Tensions: Pakistan rejected India’s Kashmir remarks, warning against rhetoric that could escalate tensions. Japan Citizenship Rules: Japan published updated naturalisation requirements for foreigners applying in 2026, including a five-year residence condition and nationality surrender in most cases.