Indo-Pacific Drills: The Philippines sent the newly commissioned BRP Miguel Malvar to RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii, marking Manila’s return to the major maritime exercise since 2022 and underscoring its push for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Quad leaders’ meeting is aimed for later this year, potentially alongside another Indo-Pacific summit, after recent energy and critical-minerals talks in New Delhi. China-Taiwan Tensions: China imposed travel bans on New Zealand lawmakers over a Taiwan trip, while also urging New Zealand to follow the one-China principle. China-EU Trade Friction: China urged the EU to treat bilateral ties objectively as Brussels weighs new restrictions, with both sides trading barbs over “de-risking” and forced-labour claims. India Energy & Finance: India moved to lure foreign capital amid rupee pressure, with tax cuts and easier access for overseas bond investors reportedly on the table. Defence Boost: India received its fourth Russian S-400 squadron, while DRDO and the IAF also completed successful RudraM-II missile trials. Logistics & Trade: The China-Laos Railway hit 107,900 tonnes of cross-border fruits since the year began, as rail cuts transit times and costs. Weather Watch: Delhi-NCR braces for monsoon-linked rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds.