AGP Executive Report

Land & corruption crackdown (India): Cyberabad police arrested former YSRCP MLA Bolla Brahma Naidu over alleged fake government order land documents, sending him to judicial custody after a probe into forged papers used to claim state land. Urban governance & safety (India): Delhi’s “zero tolerance” drive against illegal construction continued with 94 demolitions and 114 building seals since June 1, with officials warning of action against builder-official collusion after recent fire incidents. Public health (India): Rajasthan reported a Ugandan tourist’s Ebola-like symptoms tested negative; samples were sent to Pune for confirmation, while another suspected case in Hyderabad was also isolated pending results. Digital public goods (India–Nepal): India and Nepal signed an MoU linking BHASHINI and Kathmandu University’s DPI-AI to advance multilingual AI and inclusive digital public infrastructure. Regional diplomacy (Nepal–India): Nepal’s FM Shishir Khanal said ties with India are the top priority and framed the relationship as a modern, development-focused partnership. Economy & energy pressure (India): Reports peg FY27 GDP growth around 6.5% amid higher input costs, weak monsoon risk and West Asia uncertainty; separately, India raised domestic LPG by Rs 29 per 14.2-kg cylinder. Protest & education politics (India): Delhi saw the “Cockroach Janta Party” protest over exam mismanagement, with police monitoring as organizers demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Border security (India): Amit Shah chaired a Tripura border-management meeting calling for a “foolproof security grid” using local administration, technology and BSF. Taiwan–China military signaling: Taiwan detected PLA aircraft and naval activity around the island, with Taipei saying it monitored and responded. ASEAN rights push: The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus welcomed Marcos’ Pride message but urged passage of a national anti-discrimination law.

Youth Protest & Education Integrity: India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” drew hundreds to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities, as police kept tight watch. Opposition Politics: Ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting, CPI(M) leader M A Baby pressed Congress for clarification over claims of a Left-BJP understanding during Kerala campaigning, warning it could strain alliance cohesion. School Access Gap: Hyderabad activists say only about 13% of slum children attend government schools, with many pushed to costly private options or out of school. Admissions Equity: Delhi’s Government Schools Teachers Association urged the state to let NIOS Class 10 students get equal Class 11 admission rights, arguing current rules block science/commerce choices. Energy Security & Diplomacy: Malaysia’s national security chief said fuel sourcing is being expanded globally to keep supplies stable amid West Asia conflict, while India and Venezuela explored deeper energy cooperation during Delcy Rodríguez’s refinery and industrial visits. ASEAN Monitoring: Cambodia facilitated an ASEAN Observer Team field visit to the Steung Me Teuk Bridge area in Pursat after a 2025 Thai air strike, citing commitments to peace agreements. Local Service Delivery: Metro Pacific Water took over as interim operator for San Jose del Monte’s water system in Bulacan, aiming to restore service for 250,000+ residents. Public Safety: Delhi faced renewed scrutiny after a deadly Malviya Nagar fire, with officials citing hundreds of fire-related deaths since 2019.

India’s Growth Beat Forecasts: India reported FY2025-26 real GDP growth of 7.7% (Q4 7.8%), citing strength in agriculture, construction and services despite West Asia risks. Rupee Support Measures: The RBI held rates at 5.25% and moved to attract dollars, including scrapping capital gains tax on foreign holders of government bonds and easing hedging costs. Digital Infrastructure Push: PM Modi backed AirTrunk’s plan to invest about ₹3 lakh crore (around $30bn) to build 5GW of data centres, aiming to accelerate cloud and AI capacity. Energy & Mobility Shift: Maruti Suzuki launched India’s first flex-fuel car (E20–E100), as the government pushes ethanol blending to cut oil import dependence. Seafood Export Drive: Piyush Goyal urged the sector to scale seafood exports from $8.5bn to $30bn in five years, focusing on quality and value-added products. Immigration Enforcement: India said deportation of illegal Bangladeshi nationals will continue once Bangladesh confirms nationality, with verification requests still pending. India-Pak Tensions: India lodged a strong protest over Pakistan’s planned Gilgit-Baltistan assembly elections, calling the region integral to India. China Media Crackdown: China launched tighter controls on micro-dramas, targeting obscenity, violence and “soft pornography.” Pacific Ocean Governance: A new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner in Palau is moving forward, with member governments urged to support its independence and coordination role. Cambodia Policy Capacity: Future Forum, with Australia and The Asia Foundation, graduated 28 Cambodian researchers from an inclusive policy fellowship and launched a capstone publication.

India Security & Courts: India’s NIA court framed charges against Popular Front of India leaders and office bearers under conspiracy, terror-related offences and UAPA after a 2022 crackdown. India Economy & Markets: India reported FY26 GDP growth of 7.7% (Q4 7.8%) and raised its FY26 growth estimate to 7.7%, while also exempting foreign investors and BIS from capital gains tax on government securities to support the rupee. India-US Trade: Trade minister Piyush Goyal said the first tranche of the India-US trade deal could be signed by mid-July as talks close “open ends,” amid renewed US tariff threats. India Digital Governance: Delhi Police registered an FIR after CBSE complained of coordinated cyber attacks on its post-result portal; separately, India’s public Wi‑Fi debate is heating up as telcos question PM‑WiFi’s relevance. China Financial Regulation: China issued its first top-level roadmap for private funds, aiming to curb risks and tighten oversight while steering capital toward innovation. China-Taiwan Flashpoint: Taiwan said Chinese and Taiwanese coast guards standoff near the Pratas Islands, with China entering restricted waters despite warnings. Japan Policy & Social Media: Japan is considering new limits on minors’ social media access, focusing on practical age verification methods rather than blanket bans. India-Pakistan: India lodged a strong protest over Pakistan’s planned Gilgit-Baltistan elections, calling the move a violation of Indian territory. India-Russia Defence: Putin offered joint development and production of Russia’s Su‑57 with India as New Delhi weighs options alongside its AMCA program. Asia-Pacific Energy & Climate: Japan cleared a supplementary budget over Middle East-driven energy pressures, while India’s clean-energy push continues to spotlight hydropower’s role in stabilizing renewables.

Japan Fisheries Exports: Japan’s fishery product exports hit a record ¥423.1bn in 2025, up 17.2%, as the government pushes seafood abroad amid weaker domestic demand. Taiwan-China Tensions: Taiwan President Lai condemned China’s Tiananmen crackdown, while China imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs over a Taiwan visit. Northeast Asia Peace Talks: South Korea’s unification minister Chung Dong-young urged restarting four-party talks (South Korea, North Korea, US, China) and expanding them to include Mongolia, Japan and Russia. Central Asia AI Push: Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in generative AI adoption, helped by government policy and education investment, including plans to bring “ChatGPT Edu” to schools. India Opposition Fallout: India’s INDIA bloc faces churn as DMK plans to skip a June 8 meeting over Congress “betrayal,” while TMC internal splits also threaten unity. India Public Sector AI: India’s MeitY empanelled six firms to deploy AI solutions across government departments, moving from building AI capacity to scaling use in ministries. Japan Nuclear Policy: Japan is set to draft targets to rebuild ageing nuclear reactors—2-5 by the 2040s and up to 11-14 by the 2050s—to meet rising power demand. China Espionage Warnings: New Zealand and Five Eyes partners warned that Chinese military-linked actors use fake job ads on platforms like LinkedIn to recruit people with access to sensitive information. Energy & Mobility in India: Maruti Suzuki launched India’s first flex-fuel passenger vehicle (E20 to E100), as the government expands ethanol blending and flex-fuel infrastructure.

Aviation Fuel Shock Response (India): India’s cabinet approved a ₹10,000 crore ($1bn) jet-fuel price stabilisation fund to help airlines and oil firms cap costs amid West Asia-linked volatility. Energy Transition & Rural Economy (India): Maruti Suzuki launched India’s first flex-fuel Wagon R (E20–E100 capability; certified up to E85), with the government planning 50–100 ethanol pumps in key cities and a target of 5,000 by end-2027. Industrial Policy Push (India): India set up six sector working groups to pick up to 100 products for greater domestic manufacturing, with recommendations due to the Cabinet Secretariat within weeks. Disaster Disruption (Japan): Typhoon Jangmi struck Japan, cutting power to tens of thousands, disrupting transport, and triggering flooding and landslide warnings. Diplomatic Engagement (Nepal-India): Nepal’s FM Shisir Khanal will visit India June 5–7 to discuss trade, investment, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties, amid border-politics friction. Trade & Security Tensions (Thailand): A viral claim from Bangkok alleges a Chinese-run restaurant refused Thai baht and demanded renminbi, reigniting scrutiny of payment practices by foreign businesses. Human Rights (Tibet/China): A Tibet rights report says China arrested 90+ Tibetans in 2025, with religious freedom restrictions tightening. Opposition Politics (India): Tamil Nadu’s DMK says it will boycott the June 8 INDIA bloc meeting, citing Congress “betrayal” after state election fallout. Regional Water Dispute (Pakistan-India): Pakistan accused India of “weaponising” water over new Chenab projects after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty. EV Market Signal (China): China’s NEV share hit 63% in May, underscoring accelerating EV competition and product transition momentum.

China-Taiwan Tensions: China banned four New Zealand MPs for a year after a Taiwan visit, prompting New Zealand FM Winston Peters to instruct officials to raise concerns with Beijing and seek an explanation. Five Eyes Cyber/Espionage: ASIO and Five Eyes partners warned that Chinese spies are using LinkedIn and other job platforms to recruit government and military personnel, pressuring candidates to share “non-public” policy and defence details. Pacific Security: The US carried out another “Southern Spear” strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two crew members and again drawing human-rights criticism over proof and due process. India Capital Markets: India plans to scrap capital gains tax on foreign portfolio investors’ investments in government securities to boost overseas inflows amid rupee pressure and West Asia risks. Japan Demographics & Policy: Japan’s fertility rate fell again to a record low (1.14 in 2025), deepening labour and social-security strain. Indonesia Conservation: A new NGO launched to support Bintan’s East Bintan marine protected area, aiming to protect biodiversity as industrial activity threatens funding and ecosystems. India-Asia Diplomacy: Japan’s PM Takaichi is reportedly considering a July visit to India, with talks expected to cover security, energy stability and critical minerals.

Aviation Fuel Shock Response (India): India approved a $1bn airline support package and a separate Rs 10,000-crore jet-fuel stabilisation scheme to cushion soaring ATF costs after the Iran war choked the Strait of Hormuz, with interest-free advances to state oil marketing companies to keep fuel pricing steadier and protect air connectivity. Trade & Human Rights Pressure (US-Asia): The US proposed 12.5% additional tariffs on Japan (and 10% on some others) under Section 301 over forced-labour concerns tied to Xinjiang, while India says it is still engaged in talks. Border Talks Openings (Nepal-India): Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said PM remarks in India’s Parliament reopened the door for dialogue on Nepal-India border disputes after talks stalled. Digital Economy Push (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan highlighted IT Park Uzbekistan’s push to grow digital services exports, aiming for $5bn by 2030, as it showcased the tech hub at a major forum. Connectivity & Investment (Angola-China): Angola launched a new route linking Icolo e Bengo to Guangzhou, positioning it as a step toward deeper logistics and investment ties with China. Public Safety & Rights (India): A “People’s Tribunal” urged India to end “impunity” over rising anti-Christian violence, alleging failures by police and institutions. Demographics (Japan): Japan reported record-low births in 2025 and a falling fertility rate, with deaths continuing to outnumber births. Regional Diplomacy (Hong Kong-Kazakhstan): Hong Kong’s leader met Kazakhstan’s top officials to expand cooperation across aviation, finance, trade, digital economy and green development.

Local Governance Reform: Wellington Mayor Andrew Little warns Cabinet’s 9 August deadline is forcing rapid design of a new regional council structure, with amalgamation and service/asset decisions on the table. India–Oman Trade: India’s India-Oman CEPA enters into force (June 1), framed as a stabilising trade corridor amid West Asia turmoil and Strait of Hormuz risks. Myanmar Democracy Push: PM Modi urged Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing to pursue democratic transition and inclusive peace talks, with India stressing “engagement not disengagement.” India–Defence Procurement: India has written to France to seek 114 Rafale jets in a Rs 3.25 lakh crore government-to-government deal tied to security and defence indigenisation. Japan Security & Property: Japan postpones proposed restrictions on foreign real-estate purchases until fall, amid espionage and base-proximity concerns. Japan Budget Cushioning: Japan approved a 3.1 trillion yen extra budget to blunt Middle East-linked inflation, funded via new deficit bonds. Disaster Response: Typhoon Jangmi/Jangmi-related storm impacts Japan with evacuations, flight cancellations, and power cuts to tens of thousands. China Outbound Investment Rules: China expands outbound investment curbs to explicitly cover individual investors, raising compliance pressure for founders and wealthy residents. Pacific Security: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says his government will review the 2022 secretive security pact with China. Maharashtra Governance: Maharashtra formally acquires the Air India building in Mumbai for Rs 1,601 crore to ease office-space pressures. Trade & Finance: India tightens silver import rules by adding more restricted forms and requiring prior DGFT authorisation.

Philippines–China Tensions: The AFP says it monitored an unusually high number of PLA-N and China Coast Guard vessels around Bajo de Masinloc in May, with satellite imagery pointing to a possible fixed structure—raising concerns amid ongoing West Philippine Sea disputes. India–Nepal Border Row: India rejected any third-party role after Nepal’s PM said Kathmandu sought UK help, stressing the boundary is mostly demarcated and that bilateral mechanisms handle remaining segments. India Youth Protest: India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” founder Abhijeet Dipke says he will return for a street protest demanding the education minister’s resignation over alleged exam irregularities. Anti-Corruption/Finance: India’s ED provisionally attached 14 properties worth about ₹1,596 crore in the PACL scam linked to a Gian Sagar Educational & Charitable Trust. Maritime Law in Southeast Asia: Cambodia’s National Assembly backed the government’s move to invoke UNCLOS compulsory conciliation over its overlapping maritime claims with Thailand after Thailand withdrew from a long-running MoU. Japan Shipping Security: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi urged free, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in talks with Iran, seeking smoother transit and goods amid wider conflict uncertainty. Public Health: The Philippines said it is still evaluating the Japanese dengue vaccine Qdenga, citing lower efficacy in some age groups and possible risk signals. Regional Infrastructure: A Beijing seminar focused on managing and operating the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway corridor, including cross-border standards and high-capacity rail systems. Energy/Trade: India tightened silver import rules by restricting more forms and requiring prior DGFT authorization, while Japan moved to boost petrochemical supplies for paint and thinner amid Middle East-linked bottlenecks.

Green Transition: China is accelerating its low-carbon shift, pushing green energy and industry transformation under the 15th Five-Year Plan’s emissions-intensity target. Media & Culture: Pacific broadcasters face revenue pressure and rising costs, with regional cooperation urged to sustain public trust and services. Sports Governance: New Zealand’s foreign minister has started talks to secure the future of Moana Pasifika amid funding uncertainty. Youth & Inclusion: Japan’s NPOs and firms are teaming up to close opportunity gaps for young children through free cultural and outdoor experiences. Food & Supply Chains: Japan warns of a banana shortage risk as Middle East-linked fuel disruptions tighten ethylene supplies for ripening. Public Safety: Typhoon Jangmi hit Japan’s southwest, knocking out power and injuring people, with further disruptions expected. Indo-Pacific Defence: India and Australia are deepening defence cooperation at the second ministers’ dialogue, including interoperability and industry collaboration. Myanmar Border Assurance: Myanmar’s president told India its territory won’t be used against India’s security interests, with talks also covering critical minerals and connectivity. Digital Policy: India amended immigration rules, requiring certain foreign nationals to register before their 180-day visa period ends. AI Chips & Security: The US clarified licensing rules to curb Chinese access to advanced AI chips via overseas entities. Protests & Exams: India’s “Cockroach Party” founder says he will return to push street protests demanding the education minister’s resignation over exam leaks. Skills & Jobs: India’s PM-SETU scheme approved Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam ITI cluster as a first industry partnership under the upgraded ITI model.

South China Sea Defense: Philippines and Vietnam are deepening defense ties, with Manila saying cooperation is possible with partners who share trust, while it says Beijing lacks good faith; the move includes renewing a defense cooperation MOU in Manila. Taiwan Strait Nuclear Risk: A new study warns a US-China conflict over Taiwan could escalate fast and risk nuclear confrontation, citing expanded long-range strike capabilities and weak crisis “guardrails.” Cybersecurity Attribution: The US, EU, NATO, UK, Australia and Japan blamed China-linked hackers for attacks on Microsoft Exchange servers, warning of spillover risks to governments and businesses. India Digital Exams Security: India’s CBSE admitted loopholes in its On-Screen Marking system after an ethical hacker exposed vulnerabilities, triggering a cybersecurity exercise and tighter monitoring. India-US Trade Talks: India and the US are set to sign the first bilateral trade agreement soon, with talks on Section 301 tariff relief and legal text continuing. India Energy & Industry: Jet fuel prices for Indian domestic flights will stay unchanged in June as oil firms hold ATF rates; India also plans flex-fuel rollout via new Maruti Suzuki vehicle showcase and broader E100 infrastructure. China Foreign Investment Controls: China unveiled new rules tightening foreign investment, technology and data transfers, effective July 1, with government approval required for certain outbound deals. Pakistan-China Business Follow-Through: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz ordered MoUs from a China B2B conference to be converted quickly into formal agreements and joint ventures. Japan Drug Policy: Japan banned cannabinol (CBN) after reports of illnesses and risky behavior, allowing it only for limited epilepsy treatment. India Youth Protest: The “Cockroach Janta Party” founder says he will return to India to lead a protest demanding the education minister’s resignation over exam-related controversies.

PNG–China Economic Push: Papua New Guinea plans its first PNG–China business forum in October, aiming for 1,000+ participants and a fast-track push toward a comprehensive economic partnership with China, alongside progress on a new canning plant. Karnataka Leadership & Wealth: India’s Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as CM on June 3 and could become the richest CM on declared assets, overtaking Andhra Pradesh’s N Chandrababu Naidu. Critical Minerals Diplomacy: Chile is pitching CEPA-linked mining access for copper, lithium and cobalt to India, seeking a deal by Q3/Q4 and building long-term supply chains for EVs and semiconductors. Japan Energy Shock Budget: Japan is preparing a supplementary budget of over 3.1 trillion yen to cushion higher energy costs tied to the Iran conflict, using subsidies and municipal grants. Southeast Asia Forest Protection: IUCN and FAO co-lead a regional program to protect primary forests across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, backed by GEF grants and co-financing for Lao PDR, PNG and Thailand. Japan Capex Watch: Japan’s Q1 capital spending was flat year-on-year, with Middle East risks raising downgrade concerns. India–Oman Trade Boost: India’s CEPA with Oman starts June 1, promising near-total duty-free access and expected gains for Kashmir handicrafts and agri exports. Nepal–India Border Politics: Nepal’s RSP leader Rabi Lamichhane visits India amid renewed border dispute debate after PM Balen Shah’s “mutual encroachment” remarks. Regional Security Drift: At Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Indo-Pacific defense leaders pressed for deeper regional defense ties as U.S. focus faces doubts. China–Taiwan Maritime Tensions: China’s coast guard says it conducted patrols in Taiwan’s eastern waters in response to Japan and the Philippines’ maritime talks. China Migration Child Support: China orders better tracking of distressed migrant children and left-behind minors, requiring cross-checking across education, health and public security records. Cambodia–China NEV Skills Alliance: Cambodia and Chinese institutions signed a TVET partnership to train workers for new energy vehicle skills, aligning curricula with industry standards. India Water Research Drive: India launches “MAHA on Water” to fund high-impact water research and startups, aiming to strengthen drinking water and climate resilience. Solomon Islands Aviation Safety: The World Bank completed safeguard-focused site visits for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project, highlighting progress on aviation facilities.

Philippines–Japan Security Reset: Manila and Tokyo moved toward a concrete defence equipment transfer, agreeing to discuss retiring Abukuma-class destroyers and a TC-90 aircraft, as ties were elevated during President Marcos Jr.’s Japan visit. Indo-Pacific Arms Race: At Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urged partners to do more as regional leaders deepen defence links amid doubts about Washington’s focus. Nepal–India Border Talks: Nepal reaffirmed it will resolve the Lipulekh/Limpiyadhura dispute through diplomatic notes and talks, and said it wants the UK included given the colonial-era origins. China–Japan “Militarism” Row: Japan’s defence minister rejected Beijing’s “new militarism” label, accusing China of expanding without transparency. India–Oman Trade Boost: CEPA takes effect June 1, granting duty-free access for most tariff lines and expanding market access for Indian textiles and industrial goods. India Energy & Industry Push: India targets 100 GW nuclear by 2047 and is rolling out power/urban projects in Tripura, while also preparing isobutanol-blended diesel to cut emissions. China Public Health at Community Level: Shenzhen expanded community-based smoking cessation with digital follow-ups, screening millions and supporting thousands to quit. Myanmar Border Blast: A mining-explosives blast in Shan State killed 45+ and injured dozens near the China border, with authorities still assessing causes. Maritime Governance: India launched a Logistics Port Performance Index and digital initiatives to modernize port operations, alongside awards for port performance. NGO/Relief Spotlight: A Chinese ambassador joined fire-relief efforts in Manila, backing local groups assisting displaced families.

Philippines–China Security: Manila’s defense chief Gilberto Teodoro said any warmer ties with Beijing hinge on China building a government “other countries can trust,” keeping focus on state behavior rather than the Chinese people. China EV Waste Rules: China is tightening regulations on recycling end-of-life electric vehicle batteries, targeting illegal disposal, unlicensed dismantling, and substandard reuse, with plans to track battery flows digitally. India Karnataka Power Transition: Karnataka Congress lawmakers unanimously chose DK Shivakumar as CM-designate, setting his swearing-in for June 3 after Siddaramaiah’s step-down. Lao Drought Risk Financing: SEADRIF and FAO launched Southeast Asia’s first anticipatory drought insurance pilot in Lao PDR, linking early warning data to pre-arranged payouts for farmers. India Health Data Scale-Up: India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission surpassed 900 million ABHA health accounts, expanding a nationwide digital health identity for record access and sharing. India Child Health Gains: NFHS-6 shows improved immunisation and child nutrition, with stunting and wasting down and hospital births rising. US–China Media Spat: The US revoked a Xinhua employee’s visa in apparent retaliation after China expelled a New York Times reporter, escalating journalist-expulsion tensions. India Energy Buffering Push: A think-tank/consultancy warns West Asia risks and urges larger reserves for oil, LPG, fertilisers and key medicines to protect consumers. India–Australia Defence Talks: India’s defense secretary met Australia’s counterpart in Singapore to review progress under the comprehensive strategic partnership and deepen defence cooperation. Taiwan Info Security: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te heard student proposals to counter Chinese app influence and discussed AI regulation in education. China–EU Trade Warning: China warned the EU that any new discriminatory trade restrictions would be met with firm retaliation. India Semiconductor Roadmap: NITI Aayog unveiled a 10-year semiconductor strategy aiming for a $120–150 billion value chain by 2035, emphasizing advanced packaging and design.

Canada–India Trade Push: Western Canada-India Leaders Summit in Regina spotlighted expanding economic ties, with Saskatchewan leaders pointing to recent Modi–Carney outcomes including a $2.6B uranium supply deal and a Canada-India pulse protein centre. India Health Gains: India’s NFHS-6 shows higher institutional deliveries (90.6%), antenatal care and nutrition, with the Health Ministry crediting government maternal-health schemes. Myanmar–India Re-Engagement: Myanmar’s junta chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit India, underscoring India’s push to balance China’s influence and address border security and rare-earth interests. Japan Rights & Security Debate: In Tokyo, about 10,000 protesters rallied against Japan’s anti-espionage and foreign-agent plans; Human Rights Watch urged rights-respecting safeguards. Japan Education Pressure: Japan reports a record rise in students needing Japanese language support, driven largely by foreign-national learners. India Border & Migration Tensions: West Bengal migrants at Hakimpur border face uncertainty amid crackdown fears and “holding centres” for apprehended foreigners. India Governance & Public Land: Maharashtra moves to tighten state control over Mumbai gymkhanas on public land, following Delhi Gymkhana row. Pacific Finance: EU, UNDP and UN Capital Development Fund launched a Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund to help SMEs in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu access finance for blue/green growth. China Influence & Media Retaliation: China ordered a New York Times reporter to leave; the US revoked a Xinhua journalist’s visa in a tit-for-tat move. China SOE Performance: Chinese SOEs reported 1.9% profit growth in the first four months, with debt-to-asset ratio at 65.5%. Gig Worker Social Security: India is consulting fund managers to operationalise social security schemes for gig and platform workers. Regional Health & Safety: Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad saw arrests after suspected toxic liquor deaths.