Energy Security & Infrastructure: India approved an $8.81b offshore oil and gas exploration plan and a ₹84,084 crore “Samudra Manthan” scheme to cut long-term import dependence, while Brookfield launched Lumara to speed renewable project delivery in India by tackling PPA, grid and land bottlenecks. Regional Trade & Connectivity: India–China Shipki La border trade resumed after six years, and Indo-China border trade restarted via Nathu La; Malaysia also finalized the Ipoh Accord to deepen ASEAN–China cooperation on sustainable cities and quality housing. Disaster Response & Public Safety: India’s Home Ministry approved an advance release of Rs 2,117.85 crore from SDRF for monsoon floods, and Japan ended rescue at a quake-hit Aeon Mall in Kumamoto after 34 deaths. Water Politics: India’s DMK moved the Supreme Court seeking Karnataka’s compliance on Cauvery releases to Tamil Nadu, as Karnataka’s CWRC/CWMA directions remain contested. Governance & Social Protection: India moved to ensure social security for gig workers via Labour Codes, and Japan’s defence export policy liberalisation continues to reshape regional security posture. Tech, Crime & Enforcement: Malaysia crackdown on crypto mining stealing electricity highlighted growing Southeast Asia enforcement pressure, while Belgium arrested a Chinese Canadian woman linked to alleged NATO spying. Health & Exams: India’s health ministry reviewed NEET-PG 2026 readiness for a secure, technology-enabled exam across 340 cities. US–China Tensions: The US added 43 more Chinese firms to its forced-labor import ban list, while China issued a five-year plan to upgrade supply and marketing cooperatives for rural services and food security. Maritime & Diplomatic Risk: Philippine Coast Guard issued a debris warning for China’s Jielong-3 rocket launch, and US embassies urged Americans to consider leaving West Asia amid Iran-related escalation fears.