Port Capacity Upgrade: ICTSI’s Contecon Manzanillo terminal in Mexico won approval to handle container ships up to 15.5m draft and 400m length, targeting ultra-large vessels up to 24,000 TEUs and aiming for 17m at new berths. Flood Response on Key Artery: Metro Pacific Tollways (NLEX) apologized to stranded motorists in Pampanga after monsoon flooding made sections impassable; it’s deploying temporary concrete flood barriers, siphoning trucks, and intensified pumping in Tulaoc while opening counterflow for emergency vehicles. Cross-Border Payments Scrutiny: India’s new compliance expectations for banks on cross-border payments from Oct 1 raise the bar on verifying service contracts, overseas parties, export proceeds, and third-party payment flows—concerns grow about regulatory risk. Strategic Trade Route Under Pressure: India is seeking a “sustainable way forward” for Chabahar Port as West Asia conflict and sanctions shift operating rules, with talks ongoing with stakeholders. Aviation Disruption: Air India Express made an emergency landing in Ahmedabad after a “bomb” note was found in a lavatory; passengers were deboarded and security checks found nothing suspicious. Defense & Tech Push: Japan submitted its record ¥8.9tn defense budget request for FY2027, emphasizing an “AI orchestrator,” mass drone production, and resilient communications. Logistics Investment: GLP Japan raised 600bn yen to fund logistics centers, drawing overseas capital amid Japan’s infrastructure and logistics boom.