Energy Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim hailed Petronas’ new Turkmenistan deals as a boost to access major gas reserves, with cooperation spanning Caspian Sea presence and upstream expansion. ASEAN Human Rights: Lawmakers urged ASEAN to press for the immediate release of Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, citing the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus. Regional Security & Trade: A week of debate in Washington over how to contain Beijing highlights the limits of proposed anti-PRC coalitions, while markets watch shifting West Asia risks. Public Health & Rights: A global report says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, with land and conflict-related work among the deadliest. Business Confidence in Nepal: Nepal’s private sector is staying defensive despite cheap credit, citing regulatory uncertainty and weak demand. Drugs & Enforcement Debate: Thailand-based harm reduction voices warn that seizures alone don’t reduce harm as supply chains adapt. Sports—World Cup Milestone: Japan and Tunisia meet in the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match, while China’s Ma Ning becomes the first Chinese lead referee in 24 years.