Humanoid Robotics: Beijing kicked off the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games with 666 teams and 2,056 robots, shifting from simulated demos to real-world tasks in factories, hotels and model homes. Middle East Tensions: Malaysia and Brunei urged restraint after renewed West Asia hostilities, warning of civilian harm and disruption to Strait of Hormuz shipping and global supply chains. UAE-Russia Trade: The UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) entered into force, aiming to expand services market access and investment protections across sectors like fintech, healthcare, transport and logistics. North Korea-Japan: Pyongyang condemned Japan’s planned defense budget increase, warning it could fuel an arms race and “preemptive attack” capabilities. US Immigration Courts: A US judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension as unlawful, reopening paths for affected applicants. China Education & AI: A study on Chinese students found generative AI boosted homework performance but hurt closed-book exam results, widening gaps for heavy users. Pacific Weather: New Zealand braced for stronger El Niño impacts, with preparations for drier, windier conditions, heat and smoke. Philippines School Violence: A student was shot dead in a classroom in Zamboanga, reigniting calls for stronger campus safety and deterrents.