Taiwan Defence Budget: President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan’s 2027 defence spending will top NT$1 trillion (NT$1.1225tn), a first for the island as China pressure grows. India–Bangladesh Extradition Row: Bangladesh’s ICT chief prosecutor says Dhaka has no clarity on Sheikh Hasina’s legal status in India, while Bangladesh says PM Tarique Rahman’s visit depends on a “conducive environment” tied to Hasina’s extradition. India Air Power Procurement: India launches a ~$12bn plan for 60 medium transport aircraft and 150 jet trainers to modernise fleets and expand domestic defence manufacturing. Maritime Security & Trade: GTRI warns India must treat shipping chokepoints and Red Sea disruption as a persistent trade risk, calling for stronger naval protection, trade finance and alternative corridors. Japan Economy: Japan’s Q2 growth slows to 0.3% (1.1% annualised), complicating Bank of Japan rate plans as Middle East-linked inflation and bond yields bite. Pacific Climate Politics: Australia’s planned Pacific climate summit in Fiji faces scepticism over whether Pacific leaders will show up. South Korea Asset Probe: Seoul will revive a pro-Japanese collaborator asset investigation committee after a 16-year gap. Infrastructure Watch (Sri Lanka): JICA-backed work to restart Bandaranaike Airport’s second terminal before November. Public Safety (India): A Bihar temple stampede killed seven after a reported snapped electric wire sparked panic. Diplomacy (Liberia–India): Liberia’s lawmakers visit India’s reopened embassy in New Delhi as India marks its 80th Independence Day with renewed cooperation. Cybersecurity: APT36-linked malware cluster targets telecoms and critical infrastructure across Afghanistan and South Asia.