Japan Demographics: Japan’s population fell to 123.05 million in 2025, down 3.1 million from 2020, with ageing and natural decline driving the record drop. Japan Security: Parliament passed a law to create a national intelligence council chaired by the prime minister, raising concerns about weaker oversight. Japan-Philippines Defense: Tokyo and Manila agreed to upgrade defense ties and begin talks on an intelligence-sharing pact, plus maritime boundary negotiations. India Exam Security: India’s plan to use Indian Air Force aircraft to move NEET re-exam papers sparked backlash over exam-system credibility. India-US Trade: US envoy Sergio Gor said the interim trade deal is near completion, with signing expected in weeks to months. Energy Resilience: India ordered state fuel firms to build at least 30 days of LPG reserves amid West Asia supply risks; Japan warned private rice imports could undercut domestic demand. South Korea-Canada Naval Deal: ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho completed a trans-Pacific crossing as Seoul eyes Canada’s submarine procurement. China Finance: China appointed Ding Xiangqun to lead the National Financial Regulatory Administration as Beijing continues a financial-sector cleanup. China-Global Diplomacy: Foreign leaders’ state visits to China are reshaping Beijing’s diplomatic calendar, with economic stability a key draw. South Africa Trade Rules: South Africa launched pre-export conformity checks for selected imports from China to curb substandard, low-cost goods. Pacific Infrastructure: Quad partners plan Fiji port infrastructure development, positioning the Pacific project as a potential US-China flashpoint. Public Safety: Suspected illicit liquor deaths in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad prompted arrests and a widening investigation.