Space & Learning Partnerships: Japan and Singapore signed a cooperation memorandum with JAXA to jointly develop peaceful outer-space work, including quantum satellite communications—an education-adjacent boost for science and tech collaboration. Scholarships for Access: In the Philippines, Pagcor launched the P60m Ayudang Hatid ay Tagumpay Scholarship Program, with 2,000 Bulacan students from low-income families set to benefit for higher education and TVET. Student Mobility Costs: Australia raised its standard student visa fee to AUD 2,500 from July 2026, while ELICOS applicants get a lower AUD 2,050 rate—shifting costs for many Asia-based language-to-degree pathways. India-Indonesia “Golden Chapter” (incl. education): Modi and Prabowo announced a wave of defence, trade, minerals and capacity-building deals, explicitly including health and education cooperation. Disaster Disruptions to Schooling: Mumbai faced an IMD orange alert with heavy rain and strong winds; authorities closed schools and colleges and extended exam/admission timelines. Biodiversity & Research Infrastructure: Mizoram University’s Natural History Museum was designated India’s 21st biodiversity repository, strengthening taxonomy and conservation capacity. STEM for Cleaner Cities: CSIR-CIMFR unveiled India’s mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), using microalgae to improve air quality in space-constrained urban areas. Regional Security Signal: China’s Pacific missile test drew condemnation and renewed debate over what Pacific island states should do next beyond protests.