AGP Executive Report

India–Bangladesh Tensions: India’s MEA said ties should be “positive, constructive” with “reciprocity,” while reiterating extradition requests for Sheikh Hasina’s accused are being examined under existing processes, as Dhaka keeps pressure over a Hasina-related press conference. US–ICC Sanctions: Washington sanctioned Japan’s ICC President Tomoko Akane and ICC trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, barring them from US entry and transactions, escalating US pushback against the Hague court. China Tech & Data Controls: China ordered state-linked entities to uninstall a government Windows 10 version ahead of schedule, citing data security, and passed a law enabling it to target critics beyond its borders. AI & Data Race: A US congressional report warned China is commercializing data to gain an AI edge, while US officials and researchers debate whether Chinese AI supremacy is a real threat. India Domestic Policy: India expanded FASTag “Local Pass” to 121 toll plazas via an app rollout, and is considering sugar import and stock curbs to rein in record prices. Regional Trade/Industry: Uzbekistan wants to import steel from India to cut logistics costs; Malaysia eyes Japan’s waste-separation model via a planned MoU to support a circular economy. Defense Cooperation: India and Armenia signed an MoU for defense R&D, startups and joint production. Infrastructure Governance: Nepal’s delays in major road and airport projects are pushing it toward a separate tribunal to speed infrastructure disputes.

Digital Transformation & Cloud: Cambodia’s CDC met Chinese AI firm iFLYTEK to explore public-sector digital transformation cooperation, including links with telecom and technical bodies. Japan IT Modernization: AWS’s Asia chief is relocating to Tokyo as Japan pushes to modernize legacy systems to unlock AI adoption. Public Sector Training: Japan granted Sri Lanka JPY 282m (about Rs. 591m) for 15 officials to study master’s programs in Japan from 2027. Power Infrastructure: Nigeria’s TCN commissioned upgraded substations in Lagos (Apapa, Ijora) to ease transmission bottlenecks and support industrial growth. Online Safety & Content Moderation: India told Meta there is no “safe harbour” for CSAM violators and urged moderation tailored to India’s languages and cultural context. Satellite Connectivity: Nelco partnered with Elveo to deliver direct-to-device and IoT satellite connectivity across India and South Asia for sectors including maritime, energy and government. Regional Politics: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown won re-election despite a row over China ties with New Zealand. Markets & Rates: Japan bond yields surged on BOJ rate-hike bets, while China’s insurance capital allocation to equities hit a record. Security & Tech: Taiwan detained a tech executive over alleged use of Chinese drone components and falsified origin documents. Climate Risk: China forecast a potentially record-strength El Niño, warning of compounding disasters.

Philippines Debt Pressure: UNESCAP says Philippine 10-year bond yields jumped 133 bps since end-February, reflecting regional risk aversion after the Middle East conflict and higher energy and inflation pressures. India Youth & Finance: India’s finance minister backs a “Banking for Viksit Bharat” committee and urges banks to expand education, entrepreneurship and youth-focused finance. India Fuel Policy: India’s chief economic adviser proposes bringing back lower-ethanol petrol (E10) alongside E20 to ease consumer anger and compatibility concerns for older vehicles. China Demand Slump: China’s retail sales rose only 0.6% in July as weak domestic demand and a property drag weighed on investment, while industrial output held up on AI-linked production. China Clean Power Rules: A critique flags gaps in China’s clean power accounting—especially “additionality” proof and risks of double counting—raising concerns for credible carbon reporting. India Jobs Update: India’s unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in July as labour force participation and worker population ratios improved. India Social Inclusion: The SMILE scheme is rolling out rehabilitation and livelihood support for marginalized people, including those engaged in begging. India Security Crackdown: India says it arrested 200+ terror operatives linked to Pakistan’s ISI ahead of Independence Day. Japan Immigration Costs: Japan faces low participation in the national pension system among foreign residents, blamed on bureaucracy and language barriers. Pacific Sports Development: Fiji formally joins a Pacific Rugby League Partnership backed by Australia, with funding for grassroots sport and youth programs. Bihar Temple Tragedy: A stampede at a temple in Bihar killed seven after a snapped electric wire sparked panic; investigations continue. India Electronics Push: India cleared 31 more projects under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, adding ₹7,877 crore in investment and thousands of jobs. China Digital Yuan Expansion: China added eight more banks as digital yuan operators, bringing the total to 30. China–Japan Tensions: China urged Japan to “deeply” reflect on war crimes and make a clean break with militarism after Japan’s Aug. 15 remarks. Bangladesh–India Visit Talks: A former diplomat says Tarique Rahman’s India visit could unlock progress on Tista, Rohingya and extradition issues, but hinges on Hasina’s extradition.

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.

Japan Flood Response: Chiba Prefecture’s record rainfall has killed 10 people, with about 1,500 homes flooded and over 1,200 vehicles abandoned as recovery strains local towing capacity. Japan Neo-militarism Debate: On WWII surrender anniversary, Japan’s ruling party figures and ministers visited Yasukuni Shrine, drawing renewed criticism from China and South Korea and fueling Taiwan warnings about security risks. Philippines–China Tensions: Manila’s defense ministry hit back at Beijing after accusations over alleged “cover-ups” involving Chinese nationals arrested in a steel plant case. India–Bangladesh Extradition Standoff: Bangladesh says Tarique Rahman won’t visit India until Dhaka’s extradition demands on Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives are met, keeping bilateral talks tied to legal process. India LPG Security Push: India set refinery-by-refinery LPG production targets totaling 63,810 tonnes/day and ordered storage/transport readiness amid Hormuz-linked supply risks. India Sports Pipeline: PM Modi announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5–15 to build an athlete pipeline ahead of potential 2036 Olympics. ASEAN Semiconductor Plan: Penang aims to shift toward chip design and upstream R&D, targeting a leading ASEAN semiconductor design hub by 2040. China–AI Supply Constraints: China’s push to replace Nvidia chips is proving hard due to software ecosystem gaps, leaving developers scrambling for workable domestic alternatives. China–Homelessness Rebrand: China’s “dispersed persons” label signals worsening street homelessness, with officials citing tens of millions affected amid youth job strain. Jordan–China Trade Outlook: King Abdullah’s China visit is framed as a chance to diversify investment and narrow a widening trade deficit. X Transparency on Censorship Requests: Elon Musk says X will more clearly label government takedown/restriction requests, naming agencies and legal reasons.

US-Asia Tech & Supply Chains: The US government pressed Apple to avoid sourcing memory chips from Chinese firms, warning “other solutions” are needed as AI-driven demand tightens supply and raises prices. India’s Energy Security: An economist warned India’s annual oil import bill could rise $5–10 billion if Russian crude purchases drop by half, with knock-on effects for inflation, the rupee and the current account. India’s Space Sector: India reported ~440 space technology startups, with IN-SPACe granting 113 authorisations to 52 non-government entities, including 18 startups. India’s Governance & Rights: India said 414 protected monuments and areas have seen encroachments, with action taken under the AMASR Act. Regional Security—Japan & Korea/Taiwan: North Korea escalated criticism of Japan’s defence posture and US-Japan-South Korea ties; Taiwan groups warned Japan’s neo-militarism could raise Strait risks. Taiwan Defence Readiness: A government audit said Taiwan’s $3.55bn anti-drone network can’t reliably detect newer Chinese drones and faces verification gaps. India–Myanmar Border: Reports of a possible land adjustment in Manipur drew concern, while India’s MEA said only parts of the border remain unsettled. Local India: Punjab’s NHRC member alleged Independence Day was not properly observed in some border schools and panchayats. Mobility & Industry: India set LPG production targets for refiners with facility-wise benchmarks, while Japan’s “onion trains” face uncertainty as a local rail route is reviewed. China–Africa Auto Shift: Chinese automakers, including Chery’s purchase of Nissan’s plant in South Africa, are moving from exporting to local production to tap Africa’s growth and EV momentum.

Myanmar–China Energy: Myanmar plans to restart the $3.6bn Myitsone hydropower dam in Kachin State, a China-backed project suspended in 2011 after protests, with officials saying an announcement is coming and completion targeted within eight years. India–Bangladesh Diplomacy: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman is reportedly weighing a visit to India in late August (Aug 20-25) as Dhaka and New Delhi try to stabilize ties amid the Sheikh Hasina extradition dispute. India–Russia Ties: India’s foreign ministry says it hopes to keep strengthening the “privileged strategic partnership” with Russia after Moscow’s Independence Day greetings. India Economy: India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to a six-month high of $31.98bn in July as imports rose, including electronics and gold, with oil costs pressured by the Middle East war. China Environment & Flood Response: China marked National Ecology Day with reported gains in desertification control and national parks, while Henan sealed a levee breach after Typhoon Dolphin-linked heavy rain. Tech/Policy: X says it will make government content-removal requests more visible to users, aiming for transparency around state pressure. Japan Energy Security: Japan protested Putin’s Kuril Islands visit, but the dispute is complicated by Japan’s reliance on Russian LNG via Sakhalin-2. Defence Industry: Reliance and Rolls-Royce plan to explore an indigenous combat engine for India’s AMCA fighter, including a possible aerospace gas turbine complex. Youth & Skills (India): Modi’s Independence Day push emphasized free online coaching, AI training for 10m youth, and sports-linked jobs and opportunities.

Japan WWII Commemoration: Japan marked the 81st anniversary of its 1945 surrender with PM Sanae Takaichi pledging peace but avoiding the word “remorse,” while Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined the government memorial. War Shrine Diplomacy: Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni and defence chief Shinjiro Koizumi visited, renewing tensions with China and South Korea. India Education Reform: After youth protests over exam leaks and recruitment scandals, India’s PM Modi announced free online coaching for competitive exams from the Red Fort. India Economy Outlook: SBI Research said India “was, is and will be” among the world’s fastest-growing economies, citing strong credit/deposit growth and improving monsoon conditions. India Trade & Youth Tech: Modi highlighted FTAs with nearly 40 nations and pledged AI skill training for 1 crore youth, aiming to boost startups and MSMEs. India Defence Push: Modi urged India to become a global defence supplier, focusing on drones, anti-drone systems and hypersonics. Bangladesh-India Talks: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s first India visit is reportedly being discussed for Aug 20–25, linked to scheduling and diplomatic coordination. China Green Lifestyle: Xinhua profiled Beijing’s Liangma River revival and China’s broader ecological restoration push reshaping urban leisure. China Safety Concern: China reported a capsized boat in Yunnan with two dead and three missing, and separately renewed worries over abandoned Japanese chemical weapons in Jilin.

Japan Flood Disaster: “Unprecedented” rain battered eastern Japan, killing at least four to eight people, cutting power for tens of thousands, and stranding thousands at Narita as evacuation orders hit Chiba and nearby areas. Philippines–China Tensions: President Marcos said a “reset” with China is meant to keep dialogue open and prevent misunderstandings in the West Philippine Sea, while joint oil and gas talks are “making progress.” Japan–Russia Kurils: The US backed Japan’s sovereignty over the Northern Territories after Putin’s Kuril visit, prompting Tokyo to consider steps and drawing fresh diplomatic friction. India–China Border Politics: India’s opposition demanded answers over claims China blocked Indian troop patrols in Arunachal Pradesh, escalating domestic pressure on the government. India Defence Industry: Reliance and Rolls-Royce plan joint fighter-jet engine development for India’s AMCA, aiming to build domestic propulsion capability. Malaysia Economic Shield: Malaysia’s PM Anwar said West Asia shocks are being cushioned via targeted subsidies and SME support, keeping inflation contained. Nigeria–China Trade Push: Nigeria warned it must fix production and export capacity to seize China’s zero-tariff opening, as aquatic products get zero-tariff access and bilateral trade hit $18bn in H1. US–China Tech & Procurement: US moves include sweeping review of China-made tech in federal procurement and renewed pressure on Chinese drone makers amid tariff and security concerns. India–Afghanistan Engagement: India said it is consolidating ties with Kabul as the Taliban marks five years in power. Nagaland Prison Remission: Nagaland granted remission to 29 prisoners ahead of Independence Day, with strict exclusions for serious offences. Sarawak Regenerative Medicine: Sarawak plans a RM50m regenerative biofoundry to build a regional regenerative medicine hub.

Disaster Response in Japan: Record monsoon-style rain in Chiba near Tokyo killed at least four and left one missing, with hundreds of thousands ordered to shelter and thousands stranded at major airports as power outages and flooding disrupted roads and rail. Territorial Flashpoint: Japan protested Vladimir Putin’s first visit to the Kuril Islands/Northern Territories, with Tokyo weighing further measures after summoning Russia’s ambassador. Philippines–China Tensions: Manila’s DFA is verifying reports that China detained more than 100 Filipinos, while Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro called it “extortion and blackmail,” escalating a dispute over law enforcement and consular access. US Tariff Evasion Watch: A White House report alleges a “shadow transshipment network” routing China-linked goods through 40-plus countries, flagging India and others as higher-risk enablers to dodge US tariffs. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu invited Japan’s PM to the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Event, focusing on climate finance, resilience, maritime transport, digital connectivity and renewable energy. Green Industry Push (India): BHEL and Norway’s Hystar signed to localize PEM electrolyser manufacturing for India’s green hydrogen drive. Regional Conservation: Cambodia’s Prek Toal Ramsar Wetland is set to become an ASEAN Heritage Park, adding a third site in the category. Bilateral Development (India–Liberia): India pledged 3,000 metric tons of rice plus expanded scholarships and community project support after Liberia reopened its embassy in New Delhi. Energy Market Pressure (Japan–US–Asia): Rising US Treasury yields are rattling Asia, with policymakers bracing for tighter financial conditions.

Philippines–China Diplomatic Row: Manila is verifying China’s claim that more than 100 Filipinos were detained over alleged immigration violations, while Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro calls it “extortion and blackmail” and says China is trying to interfere with Philippine law enforcement. Japan–Russia Territorial Tensions: Japan condemned Vladimir Putin’s first visit to disputed Kuril Islands (Iturup/Etorofu), warning it has an “extremely negative impact” on relations. India Energy Security: Bangladesh faces a severe power crisis and is seeking emergency fuel help from India to stabilize its grid. India Manufacturing Push: India’s parliament passed a bill limiting new state taxes on mineral rights unless cleared federally, aiming for a uniform mining tax framework. Rare Earths Industrial Policy: India received 20 bids for a Rs 7,280-crore scheme to build integrated rare earth magnet (NdFeB) plants, targeting 6,000 MTPA capacity. Digital Governance: India launched an upgraded India Code Portal with AI-assisted search, semantic and speech search, and better links across laws and amendments. Disaster Response: Japan’s heatwave ended in record rainfall, triggering floods and landslides and evacuations of around 300,000 people. Finance Innovation: MUFG plans a proof-of-concept for real-time blockchain settlement of Japanese government bond trades. Regional Business Linkages: San Miguel joined ASEAN Business Advisory Council efforts to connect MSMEs into sustainable regional supply chains.

Japan-Russia Tensions: Japan lodged a strong protest after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril island of Etorofu/Iturup, with Tokyo reiterating the “Northern Territories” are inherently Japanese territory. Korea Trade Push: China’s JD.com opened a direct sourcing buying office in Seoul to boost Korean exports to Chinese consumers, backed by Korea’s trade ministry and KOTRA. Taiwan Cybersecurity: Taiwanese authorities reported a cyberattack using open-source AI tools that accessed dozens of government accounts and thousands of personnel records, while probing IT vendors and energy-sector firms. India Parliament Turmoil: NDA and INDIA bloc MPs staged counter-protests near Parliament over student unrest in Jharkhand and other allegations, as the monsoon session ended in a washout. India Public Service Tech: Kerala selected SAS as an analytics partner to improve transparency and beneficiary management across social welfare schemes. Pacific Community Safety: Pacific leaders and experts urged families to guard against surging online scams as AI makes fraud tactics more convincing. China Governance & Legacy: Singapore PM Wong sent condolences to China’s Premier Li Qiang after former premier Zhu Rongji’s death, praising his role in reforms and WTO accession. Environment & Infrastructure: India’s environment panel approved diversion of 939 hectares of forest land for the Nar-Par-Girna river link project, affecting thousands of people.

FCRA Crackdown in India: India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, with proposed tighter rules for foreign-funded NGOs and renewed pressure on groups tied to protests and humanitarian work. Sanitation Worker Deaths: India faces scrutiny over deaths of manual scavengers in sewers and septic tanks, with advocates saying official definitions undercount the scale of unsafe work. India Inflation Watch: India’s retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July for the ninth straight month, driven by higher food prices, keeping pressure on the RBI. US-China Science Tension: A proposed US rule would restrict federal funding for science collaboration with China, drawing strong pushback from US scientists and warning it could backfire. Japan-Yen Intervention Unravels: The yen’s gains after a rare US-Japan intervention have faded, as markets focus on interest-rate gaps and Japan’s fiscal concerns. China Rare Earth Expansion: China is expanding the Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia to boost processing capacity, underscoring Beijing’s push to secure critical minerals. Taiwan Cyber Alarm: Researchers say China-linked hackers used open-source AI agents to breach Taiwanese government systems, hitting multiple agencies and extracting large volumes of data. Japan Defense Finance: Japan’s Financial Services Agency is reviewing how major banks and insurers invest and lend to the defense industry. NGO Governance in Malaysia: Malaysian civil society groups urge Parliament to continue until 2027 and call for reforms including limits on prime minister terms and stronger transparency rules. Air India Drug Test Fallout: An Air India captain linked to a Phuket-Delhi incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana, prompting further scrutiny of airline safety and procedures. India-Africa Trade Talks: India and the Southern African Customs Union signed ToR to negotiate a preferential trade agreement, aiming to deepen trade and supply-chain links. India-Nepal Development Grants: India signed MoUs for eight Nepal projects in education, health, and agriculture worth NPR 803 million. China-Taiwan Naval Tensions: Taiwan condemned planned Chinese naval drills with Indonesia near its coast, escalating regional security concerns.

India–Bangladesh Diplomacy: Bangladesh says it wants “win-win” ties with India while tackling Hasina extradition, border disputes and long-pending water sharing. India–China Border: India again links border peace to the wider relationship after fresh WMCC talks, stressing “peace and tranquillity” at the LAC. Philippines–China Maritime Deal: Manila says it will defer to the military on the provisional understanding with China over Ayungin Shoal, insisting it doesn’t limit sovereign rights. Pacific Security: Pacific foreign ministers back a 2026–2030 regional peace and security action plan, including a push for a possible Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace treaty. Thailand Gun Controls: Thailand vows tougher gun controls after two deadly shootings near Bangkok, including a high-school attack and a shooting at a government office. Australia–Japan “Melons” Row: Australia assures Japan Albanese’s comments weren’t offensive; Japan’s ambassador says Tokyo was formally briefed as the diplomatic spat escalates. Japan Finance: Japan bond yields jump on faster BOJ rate-hike bets, with fund managers pitching super-long JGB exposure to retail investors. India Economy & Policy: India considers limiting sugarcane-to-ethanol diversion to stabilize record-high sugar prices; it also proposes a 15-year tax holiday for foreign rough diamond sellers in special zones. Corporate Governance: Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran resigns amid board tensions with the charity arm, highlighting governance and Air India-related pressures. China–Africa Auto Shift: Chinese automakers increasingly move from exports to local African production, with Chery’s South Africa plant as a key example. China–Taiwan Tensions: China and Indonesia plan naval drills east of Taiwan; Taiwan condemns it as provocation. Climate & Clean Energy: India’s rooftop solar scheme hits 5 million households, while a report urges India’s small steelmakers to cut costs and emissions by switching to renewable power. Human Rights & Labor: India faces renewed scrutiny over deaths of sanitation workers in sewers and septic tanks despite a ban on manual scavenging.

Air Safety & Drug Testing: India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India’s CEO after an Airbus A320neo Phuket-Delhi flight lost about 300 feet; a confirmatory test reportedly found the captain positive for marijuana, while investigations continue. NGO Regulation: India’s government moved the FCRA Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee amid opposition from civil society and Christian groups, with concerns it could penalize past funding. Credit & Macroeconomy: Fitch affirmed India’s sovereign rating at BBB- with a stable outlook, citing resilient growth but warning fiscal risks tied to youth unemployment and energy-shock uncertainty. Trade Performance: India reported record Q1 FY27 merchandise exports at about $129.6bn, while noting the June trade deficit of $30.4bn remains broadly in line with averages. Energy Execution Gap: A Wood Mackenzie study says Southeast Asia’s gas-fired power pipeline is constrained—only a fraction of planned capacity is likely to reach commercial operation by 2030. Clean Fuel Push: India targets a 10-fold jump in compressed biogas output to 5 mmscmd (possibly 10) in 5-10 years, citing supply-chain pricing and offtake uncertainties. Maritime Security: Japan and Cambodia signed a ¥500m security assistance deal under Japan’s OSA framework, including communications gear and patrol boats, amid scrutiny over Ream’s Chinese-linked role. Defense Tech Leak: The UK Royal Navy stripped internet connectivity from K3 Scout drone cameras after “heartbeat communications” were found sending signals to China. Local Governance & Wildlife: Japan’s survey found many local governments faced abusive bear-related complaints, disrupting operations and burdening frontline staff. China-India Diplomacy via Nepal: A seminar highlighted warming China-India ties as a boost for Nepal’s stability and investment prospects. Japan Overseas Voting: Japan plans to explore online voting for citizens abroad in national elections.

Japan–Pakistan Education Aid: Japan and Pakistan signed a JPY 350 million ($2.2m) grant under JDS 2026, funding Masters and PhD scholarships for young Pakistani civil servants via JICA. Japan Defense Remilitarization: Japan’s 2026 defense white paper and a proposed record-high 2027 budget (about 8.9 trillion yen, possibly near 10 trillion) point to more offensive capabilities and faster weapons exports, drawing public and regional concern. Japan Space Milestone: JAXA successfully launched an H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No.7 positioning satellite, resuming momentum after a prior H3 failure. Philippines–China Tensions: Manila is investigating anti-China caskets found across Metro Manila, with police saying they have leads and will share results after verification. Bangladesh–ASEAN Push: Bangladesh’s fisheries/livestock minister highlighted deeper Bangladesh–ASEAN cooperation on trade, connectivity and people-to-people links, including Bangladesh’s move to seek Sectoral Dialogue Partner status. Bangladesh–India Extradition Pressure: Bangladesh again urged India to expedite Sheikh Hasina’s extradition after a meeting with India’s envoy, escalating diplomatic friction. India–Israel Arms Link: Amnesty says India supplied thousands of shipments of small arms, ammunition and components to Israel for aggressive use during the Gaza war period, raising accountability questions. India Energy & Mobility: India’s government said ethanol-blended diesel failed safety flash-point tests, while separate reporting highlights LPG import diversification and rapid EV growth. China Storm Disruption: Tropical Storm Dolphin triggered major flight and transport cancellations in eastern China, with flooding and evacuations reported. ASEAN–Bangladesh Diplomacy: ASEAN missions in Dhaka pledged to deepen ties with Bangladesh as ASEAN Day celebrations continue.