India Exam Reform: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to overhaul India’s exam system after the “Cockroach Janta Party” protests helped force Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation; the government also signalled new anti-paper-leak legislation and tougher penalties. New Education Minister: Pralhad Joshi was appointed education minister, with coverage focusing on his political profile and the challenge of restoring trust in competitive exams. India–Pakistan Security Rhetoric: On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India will hold no talks with Pakistan except on PoJK, while Pakistan-linked “terror ecosystem” claims and vows of a “befitting response” dominated official messaging. Pakistan Digital Influence Probe: Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar said security agencies arrested a suspect tied to an India-linked disinformation network using bot farms and funds traced to India. Maritime Safety: India issued a Black Sea advisory for seafarers amid heightened missile/drone risks after attacks involving commercial vessels. Indo-Pacific Strategy: Commentary around Marco Rubio’s India visit debated whether the QUAD’s role is shifting beyond China-focused deterrence into broader maritime, supply-chain and AI cooperation. China–Asia Weather & Disruption: Typhoon Noul (Hongxia) hit southern China, killing at least 10 and triggering mass evacuations and major flight and rail cancellations. China Heritage Diplomacy: China shared its World Heritage nomination and protection practices at the World Heritage Committee session in Busan. Sports: Mirabai Chanu won India’s first Commonwealth Games gold at Glasgow with a hat-trick; India also swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in T20Is.