Nuclear Deterrence & Pacific Security: China’s PLA Navy test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific, landing near the EEZ of Kiribati or Tuvalu, prompting condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US and raising fresh questions about transparency and intent. India-Australia Strategic Push: PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese held talks in Melbourne and used the India-Australia CEO Forum to pitch deeper cooperation on clean energy, uranium, AI and investment, with AustralianSuper adding AU$500m to India’s NIIF. India’s West Asia Stakes: India urged restraint after renewed attacks on commercial shipping and rising tensions around the US-Iran ceasefire breakdown, warning of risks to energy supplies and global trade. Crypto Policy Tightening: India’s central bank reiterated a preference for a crypto policy leaning toward prohibition, while tax officials warned offshore trading is hard to track. Monsoon Disaster Response: Heavy rains triggered deadly building collapses and landslides across India, including four deaths in Delhi and fatalities in Kerala and Maharashtra. Cyber Espionage Watch: Experts flagged “Mustang Panda” hacks targeting India’s hydropower and government-linked entities, using malicious files and common cloud tools. Japan Political Economy: Japan’s “honebuto” fiscal guidelines spurred a jump in long-term bond yields, fueling investor concern over inflation and fiscal strain. Regional Sovereignty Claims: Chinese academics renewed claims that the Philippines’ Batanes belongs to China through Taiwan, with critics warning of “lawfare” aimed at shifting legal narratives. Energy-Industry Deal: NLC India and NALCO signed a JV for a 1,080 MW captive thermal plant in Odisha, aimed at boosting power reliability for industrial expansion.