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.