ASEAN Diplomacy & Protest Policing: In Manila, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. denied “harassment” claims as police pushed back protesters outside an ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting, including allegations that photojournalists were blocked while covering arrests. Human Rights & Governance: An ASEAN SOGIE Caucus statement warned Indonesia’s move to label “dissemination of LGBTQ culture” a “non-military threat” could legitimize discrimination and repression. Energy Prices: Malaysia’s finance ministry raised unsubsidised fuel prices for July 23–29, citing higher global crude costs tied to West Asia tensions. India Education Crisis & Youth Protests: In Delhi, the “Cockroach Janta Party” protests over alleged NEET paper leaks continued with police crackdowns, while Rahul Gandhi and BJP leaders traded blame; a Delhi High Court PIL seeks a court-monitored NIA probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” violence. State Service Delivery: Delhi’s government cut processing times for 84 services on its single-window system, aiming to speed permits and clearances. Anti-Scam Enforcement: UNODC said Asia-Pacific scam losses hit $88–$114bn in 2025, as Cambodia pushes a crackdown on scam hubs. AI & IP Tensions: The White House accused China’s Moonshot AI of covertly distilling Anthropic’s Fable for its K3 model, escalating US-China tech and IP disputes. Regional Security: Taiwan reported a Chinese helicopter’s closest recorded approach, with multiple PLA flights crossing the median line. Infrastructure & Water: Madhya Pradesh promised an inquiry into complaints over rehabilitation for families displaced by the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Trade & Industry: Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed in principle to reroute some transit trade through China amid security risks, formalizing amendments later.