BRICS & Soft Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Kishore Kumar song rendition went viral at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, adding a people-to-people “soft diplomacy” moment to the leaders’ economic push. Tech & Industry Linkages: Anwar also urged Malaysia and India to deepen synergy in E&E and semiconductors, with business leaders from both countries and the Gulf attending. Religious Freedom Tensions: In India’s Nagaland, Christians rallied for protection of religious freedom, targeting proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution rules and pressure around national song singing. Indigenous Rights Under Pressure: Indigenous groups across Asia and beyond held a global speak-out on land defenders’ struggles against land grabbing, repression, and projects without free, prior and informed consent. China’s Family Policy: China announced expanded, more affordable childcare and stronger pediatric access to build a “birth-friendly” environment. Energy & Culture Economy: China’s solar overproduction is driving panel prices down to about 12 cents per watt, reshaping power markets across the Asia-Pacific. Sports & Identity: India’s Women’s Asia Cup win sparked controversy over players refusing to collect the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. Arts & Inclusion: Macau’s TCM-focused exhibition and a US museum “Shared Canvas” show how culture spaces are widening access for broader communities.