China’s graduation culture goes viral: Universities across China are turning commencement into personal, creative celebrations—everything from hanfu and anime outfits to pets, champagne toasts, and playful awards—showing how tradition is getting a more human, shareable makeover. Outbound investment rules: China’s new regulation on outbound investment took effect, aiming to align with international trade standards and boost “high-quality” overseas deals while adding national-security-style oversight. Tourism push to South Korea: South Korea extended visa fee waivers for group tourists from China (and others) through end-2026, betting on renewed travel demand and people-to-people exchange. India textbook controversy: Odisha’s Class 8 art textbook sparked backlash after it included full lyrics from Bollywood songs, with critics arguing it crowds out local folk heritage amid wider textbook quality concerns. Digital India at 11 years: A roundup marks how Digital India has moved beyond infrastructure into everyday life—payments, healthcare access, and rural market reach—through digital public services. China’s ethnic unity law: A sweeping new “Ethnic Unity and Progress” law took effect, tightening integration requirements and raising fears over its overseas reach. Japan coexistence spotlight: Kobe’s long-running Muslim community and its historic mosque are framed as a model for trust and coexistence in a multicultural port city. Pop culture diplomacy in sports: The US–India basketball “Freedom 250” event brought NBA representatives to Delhi schools, using sport to build cross-cultural ties. LGBTQ rights via courts: A regional look at Asia’s LGBTQ progress argues legal recognition is increasingly coming through court rulings rather than legislatures. Art meets sound: London’s Oliver Beer exhibition turns music into paint—using sound frequencies to physically shape luminous abstractions. India tech navigation upgrade: India highlighted GAGAN’s role in safer satellite-based landing approaches and broader navigation services. Anti-Muslim incident tracking: A new India-focused database compiles reported anti-Muslim incidents across states during May 2026, ranging from demolitions and intimidation to hate speech and violence.