Cost of Living: A Pulse Asia survey found 35% of Filipinos want the government to make food more affordable, up from 30% in July; concern was highest among the poorest households. Regional Environment: ASEAN’s weather centre issued its highest-level haze alert as smoke from Indonesian fires worsened air quality and disrupted daily life across Southeast Asia. India’s Protests: Six US lawmakers urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to raise alleged excessive force and wrongful detentions during Indian protests. New Delhi rejected a UN expert’s claims about retaliation against young people as unverified. China-Philippines Tensions: Philippine lawmakers called for China’s ambassador to be expelled after the embassy challenged them over the proposal to declare him persona non grata. Pacific Climate Finance: The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and PCRIC are exploring ways to help island governments prepare financially for climate shocks, including El Niño-related drought. China’s Tech Controls: Beijing proposed export restrictions covering AI, chips and solar technologies, including advanced models and AI agents. Japan: Male parental leave reached 50.9%, meeting the government’s 2025 target; Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also sent an offering to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, a move likely to draw attention from Japan’s neighbours. India-Maldives: New Delhi approved a rollover of its 30-billion-rupee currency swap facility to support the Maldives’ financial stability.