Semiconductor Push (India): NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub unveiled a 10-year roadmap aiming to build a $120–150B semiconductor value chain by 2035, with bets on advanced packaging, compound semiconductors, wide-bandgap materials and AI-native chip design. Digital Economy (India): A new report ranks India 5th most digitalised and 4th in an AI index, noting strengths in AI users and talent but gaps in private AI investment and compute. AI in Education (China): China is rolling out AI-powered learning tools—from speech-to-text story recording to smart sports and classroom participation analytics—to narrow rural-urban gaps. Modular Housing (China): Chinese modular building exports are gaining traction abroad, with prefabricated units marketed as fast and cost-efficient. Digital Yuan (China): China’s central bank is expanding e-CNY use via banks, including lotteries, green electricity charges and cross-border payments. Exam Tech (India): CUET-UG 2026 faced a technical glitch at some centres; NTA issued revised timings and compensatory time. Smart Maritime (India): JNPA launched NIVIDA, an AI-driven tender evaluation engine, alongside an indigenous vessel traffic system. AI Hiring Caution (India): ACCA warns that AI can support recruitment, but human oversight is key to avoid bias. EU Tech Sovereignty: The EU is preparing tougher rules to reduce reliance on US cloud and Chinese chips. Asia Security (Singapore): Shangri-La Dialogue sessions stressed free flow of trade through international corridors and transit passage norms.