Japan-Indonesia Disaster Response: Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi ordered troops to wrap up their first overseas firefighting mission in Indonesia, after CH-47 helicopters made 40+ aerial drops and helped contain forest fires. India Flood Preparedness: Odisha evacuated at least 140,000 people from low-lying areas ahead of renewed Mahanadi River flooding after dam releases, as monsoon crises strain disaster systems. India Counter-Terror Anniversary: India marked 10 years since the 2016 Uri surgical strikes, a milestone in its counter-terror doctrine. India Steel Policy: India’s steel secretary said a revamped National Steel Policy will go to public consultation soon, targeting 600 million tonnes capacity by 2047 and adding measures to curb cheap imports and cut emissions. China Tech Risk-Sharing: China expanded “technology insurance,” with coverage for scientific and tech activities rising sharply as regulators push insurers to cover more stages of innovation. China-Taiwan Narrative Clash: Taiwan rejected Xi’s WWII-era framing, saying Beijing’s history edits and Taiwan pressure ignore ROC sovereignty. China AI Talent Curbs: China broadened overseas travel restrictions for AI and chip talent to spouses and children, tightening controls on key personnel. Oman-Green Hydrogen: Oman said it aims to export green hydrogen by 2030, highlighting energy cooperation with India. Korea-India Defence Industry: South Korea and India reviewed joint defence projects, including K9 howitzers and air defence systems, to deepen industrial cooperation. Singapore Port Strategy: Busan Port Authority shifted its Southeast Asia hub from Indonesia to Singapore to win cargo and strengthen ties with shipping networks. Food Labelling Fight (India): India’s Supreme Court ordered front-of-pack warning labels for high fat, sugar or salt foods, while Red Bull challenged FSSAI’s “energy drink” descriptor ban in court. Asia-Pacific Governance/Policy Research: The Asia Foundation launched InsightWorks to help governments turn research into actionable policy across Asia and the Pacific.