West Asia Tensions & Energy Markets: Renewed US-Iran strikes and talk of a Strait of Hormuz blockade sent oil higher, dragging Asia stocks—India’s Sensex fell 561 points and the rupee slipped below 96 as investors priced in inflation and earnings risk. Maritime Security: India’s DG Shipping will monitor Indian seafarers in West Asia regardless of vessel flag, with threat assessments and a real-time dashboard aimed at protecting crews amid Hormuz attacks. Public Health in India: West Bengal will offer free cervical cancer vaccines to girls in Kolkata’s Sonagachi, alongside condom-vending machines, in a push led by the state health department and a sex-worker welfare group. Aviation Connectivity: Cebu Pacific will become Southeast Asia’s first low-cost carrier to install SpaceX Starlink Wi‑Fi across its fleet starting 2027, part of a major inflight internet rollout by Indigo Partners. Regional Business & Policy: Philippines business leader Kevin Tan urged stronger AI governance and anti-scam cooperation at APEC ABAC, warning deepfakes and cyber fraud are rising. Southeast Asia Finance: Malaysia’s IPO market stayed active in 1H 2026, with Deloitte saying Singapore’s reforms helped it overtake Indonesia in rankings. Tech Capital Markets: China’s CXMT set IPO pricing for its record STAR Market listing, targeting about $8.6bn before over-allotment. Humanitarian Crisis: Reporting highlights the siege of El Obeid in Sudan and fears of another massacre as the conflict between government forces and the RSF continues.