West Asia Flashpoint: The US released footage of retaliatory strikes after intercepting six Iranian ballistic missiles over the Gulf, targeting Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites near Goruk and Qeshm Island, as Bahrain and Kuwait reported missile attacks and air-raid alerts. Defense & Alliances: Washington approved a $1.5 billion sale of five Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand, as Wellington plans to nearly double defense spending amid China-linked regional security concerns. Energy Security: Malaysia’s National Security Council says Petronas-led efforts to diversify fuel sourcing should keep supplies stable through end-August despite West Asia disruptions, while urging tighter action against fuel smuggling. Tech & Jobs: A PwC survey finds more than one-third of Bangladeshi CEOs expect AI to cut junior jobs in the next three years, with adoption still early-stage. Culture & Society: Japan’s Muslim community says intolerance is rising as the population nears 420,000, with reports of online hate and mosque-related incidents. Sports: India’s U-18 hockey teams win at the Asia Cup—men take gold with a 4-1 win over Japan, women secure bronze—while Gilas Pilipinas girls rout Indonesia 88-62 to clinch a FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup spot.