SCO Diplomacy: In Bishkek, Xi, Putin and Modi met as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit underscored non-Western alignment; Putin floated making visa-free Russia–China travel permanent while Modi pressed for peace efforts on Ukraine. India–Central Asia Upgrade: Modi’s Uzbekistan visit elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, linking trade, uranium/critical minerals, defence and digital cooperation. India Economy Watch: India’s Q1 GDP grew 7.8%, beating forecasts despite West Asia and oil-price pressures, with services and manufacturing both cited. Nuclear Policy: India’s SHANTI Act draft rules open reactor and parts of the fuel cycle to private firms but keep enrichment tightly state-controlled, leaving key gaps for a private enrichment pathway. Pacific Flashpoint: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the Pacific Islands Forum opening in Palau, raising regional political tension. US–China Tech Politics: Trump attacked US opposition to AI data centres, saying China “could not be happier,” while Temu’s Meta ad blitz faced scrutiny over likely fake creator accounts. Disaster & Security: Nepal flood rescue efforts continued as India’s Army entered tunnels; in India, a firecracker factory blast killed 11, and an Air India Express flight diverted after a “bomb” note scare.