US-Iran Oil Shock: Oil prices pushed higher as the US ruled out extending a ceasefire and Iran signalled a tougher “fully offensive” posture, keeping Strait of Hormuz shipping risks front and centre. Markets Watch: Asia stayed relatively resilient despite the energy jitters, with investors weighing West Asia uncertainty against earnings and data. Korea Diplomacy: Chinese FM Wang Yi is set to visit South Korea for two-day talks on bilateral ties and the Korean Peninsula, with Seoul also looking to build on recent efforts to restore relations. Tech & AI in Singapore: Voice AI firm Deepgram will set up its APAC HQ in Singapore after an EDBI investment, aiming to expand low-latency services and support more Asian languages. Payments Upgrade: Ripple is partnering Jeonbuk Bank in South Korea to enable near real-time cross-border remittances for business clients. EV Push (India): India’s EV exports surged 16-fold to $369m in Q1 FY26-27, with Europe emerging as the biggest destination. Sustainable Data Centres (NZ): Datagrid says its Southland AI factory will cut water use 70% and halve backup generator needs, positioning Invercargill as a greener digital gateway. Sports (AFC U18): Bahrain’s U18 team thrashed Syria 92-68 to reach the FIBA U18 Asia Cup quarter-final play-offs.