S. Korea–Japan Defence: Seoul and Tokyo reaffirmed denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and agreed to deepen defence cooperation, including AI-focused advanced science, plus expanded maritime search-and-rescue drills. India–Seychelles Tech & Security: PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie unveiled 19 outcomes spanning defence and maritime security, UPI-based digital payments, outer-space cooperation, healthcare and agriculture, alongside new patrol and coast-guard support. India Monsoon Risk: El Niño-linked stalled monsoon has pushed rainfall to a 45% deficit versus normal, raising stakes for kharif crops and water stress. India Payments Push: NPCI CEO Dilip Asbe says AI will help UPI reach a billion daily transactions via fraud detection, credit distribution and improved multilingual voice onboarding. China Fusion & Industry: China’s CRAFT “artificial sun” superconducting magnet cleared final tests, while industrial profit growth slowed as weak domestic demand persists despite AI-driven export support. ASEAN Higher Ed: ASEAN ministers backed three initiatives to boost digital transformation in higher education, teacher development and cross-border research collaboration through 2030. Google Wallet: Google Wallet is testing Gmail-receipt-based package tracking that surfaces delivery updates inside the app. China EV Shift: China’s NEVs hit 56.9% of new car sales in May, with the next battleground moving toward AI-driven in-car software experiences.