Asian Games 2026: Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya Games kick off Saturday with 17,000 athletes and officials across 43 sports, with swimming in Tokyo and debuts including eSports, breakdancing, BMX and teqball. PNG Rugby Shock: Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls face a World Cup race after key back Nene Macdonald is ruled out for the rest of the Super League season with a knee injury. China Travel Curbs: China tightens exit and entry rules tied to national security, industrial and tech controls, raising concern over how broadly the new powers could affect politically sensitive people. BRICS Diplomacy: BRICS leaders wrap up in New Delhi with a joint declaration calling for more democratic global governance and condemning wars in West Asia, despite sharp divisions. Pacific Disaster Watch: A ferry sinks off Vanuatu with 30+ missing; authorities cite strong winds, ignored warnings and possible overloading. Digital Sovereignty: A new IDC/Expereo study finds over half of APAC firms want more control of strategic data as AI and compliance risks rise. OCA Safeguarding: The Olympic Council of Asia rolls out a strict safeguarding code for the Asian Games, with penalties up to suspension and referrals to law enforcement. Climate & Energy Debate: Greenpeace East Asia attacks Japan’s fossil gas and ICE push as a “dangerous climate trap” amid Hormuz-linked oil vulnerability. Canada Crackdown: Canada removes 111 foreign nationals linked to extortion and organised crime, including four Indian-origin cases highlighted by CBSA. Tourism & Travel: Marriott expands in New Zealand as visitor numbers rebound, while Qantas and Scoot run Asia fare sales for Australians.