Philippines Power Crisis: Ahead of President Marcos’ SONA, consumers are stuck with record-high electricity prices and a grid that keeps flashing instability warnings, with rotating blackouts contradicting earlier government assurances. Southeast Asia Energy Industry: ASEAN is shifting from EV adoption to battery manufacturing and grid integration, with a focus on scaling the regional value chain. West Asia Tensions: Iran and the US trade strikes as missiles hit and air defenses are tested across the region, including reports of attacks near Jordan’s Aqaba and Iran’s claims of intercepting a US drone. Iran Protest Crackdown: Iran’s judiciary says two men were hanged over alleged roles in January anti-government protests, amid competing claims about responsibility for violence. South Asia Policy & Rights: India’s monsoon session is set for new bills including income tax and MSME reforms, while a WhatsApp usernames dispute raises global privacy and censorship concerns. Pakistan Transport Costs: Fuel price revisions are already feeding through to higher public transport fares and freight charges, with operators warning of more changes. Bangladesh Infrastructure: An AIIB delegation met Bangladesh’s bridge authority to discuss sustainable, tech-driven transport and communication projects. Australia Tech Policing: Western Australia’s real-time facial recognition trial begins with a live arrest, sparking privacy backlash. Sports & Culture: Sangram Singh becomes the first Indian to win an Asian MMA championship title; India’s Rath Yatra draws massive crowds in Puri.