Territorial Pushback in the Classroom-Adjacent Sphere: Philippine officials and lawmakers rejected Chinese scholars’ claims that Batanes is an extension of Taiwan and therefore belongs to China, calling it propaganda and warning it could seep into education and public narratives. Maritime Rights and Livelihoods: A Reuters report says Scarborough Shoal fishermen in the Philippines still avoid the area despite a 2016 tribunal win, citing harassment that has pushed them closer to shore. School Safety Disrupted by Storms: The Philippines postponed Manila school safety drills and a national safe schools summit due to Typhoon Bavi-related weather disruptions. Disaster-Linked School Closures: In India’s Himachal Pradesh, heavy rain and landslide risk kept schools closed in Sirmaur and Solan districts. Child Marriage Ruling: India’s Allahabad High Court reaffirmed that child marriage laws apply regardless of religion, strengthening protections for a 16-year-old girl. Student Tech Misuse Case: Japan arrested a teen for using ChatGPT-assisted code to delete nearly 47,000 anime streaming accounts, treating it as a deliberate cyberattack. Education Quality and Governance: Malaysia’s MQA won a higher-education governance award, spotlighting quality assurance reforms. School Meals as Attendance Support: Nepal’s mid-day meal program is credited with improving attendance for early grades, including in food-insecure communities. India-Australia Education and Sports Linkages: India and Australia signed multiple agreements and unveiled a sports roadmap that includes coach development, sports science, and youth exchanges involving universities and schools.