US-Iran Economic Pressure: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged allies and China to join a coordinated campaign to “collapse” Iran’s government, warning of tough consequences for those who don’t comply. India-Japan Defence Push: PM Modi met Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, spotlighting deeper maritime security and defence co-development/co-production under “Make in India,” alongside a new maritime security cooperation arrangement. China Detentions Escalate: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Myanmar scholar Min Zin as “wrongfully detained” in China, with China citing espionage claims; his brother called for release ahead of expected Xi-Trump talks. China’s Evergrande Fallout: China sentenced Evergrande founder Xu Jiayin to life in prison and fined the group over $2bn for fraud, underscoring ongoing property-sector stress. Bangladesh Leadership Signals: China, the UK, France and Switzerland congratulated Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, signaling continued diplomatic engagement. India Governance & Policy: PM Modi told senior officials to break silos and adopt long-term planning; separately, opposition accused NCERT of pushing RSS-linked ideology in new political science textbooks. Taiwan Defence Budget: Taiwan proposed a record NT$31.4bn defence budget for 2027 as China’s pressure grows. Trade & Investment: Switzerland and China said talks on an upgraded free trade agreement are concluded, aiming for signing by end-2026; China also urged the US to repeal drone tariffs. Local Development: India’s Jammu & Kashmir trout-farming training partnership and India’s coconut sector stats highlighted rural livelihoods and agricultural value chains.