Port Performance: China’s ports dominate global efficiency rankings, taking 7 of the top 10 spots in the World Bank/S&P Container Port Performance Index, helped by automation and infrastructure investment as geopolitical shocks stress trade routes. Rare-Earth Supply Security: The US House passed the DOMINANCE Act to counter China’s near-monopoly on rare earth processing by building allied extraction and processing hubs across partners including Southeast Asia. Defence Tech & Readiness: India’s DRDO completed three back-to-back tests of a multi-layer ballistic missile defence system and a naval anti-ship missile, placing it in a select club for high-end interception. Maritime Tensions: US officials warned India that commercial vessels must comply with US orders in the Strait of Hormuz, after US strikes killed three Indian mariners; India protested and summoned diplomats again. Aviation Safety: An Indian Air Force AN-32 crash in Assam killed five during training/landing operations, prompting an inquiry and renewed scrutiny of military aviation safety. Rail Disruption: Bihar’s Patliputra Railway Station saw stone-pelting and vandalism amid exam crowds, disrupting train movement and triggering a heavy police response. Cross-border Logistics Pact: The Philippines and Canada signed a logistics support agreement to boost interoperability and maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Aviation Growth: Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport said it is ready for international operations as passenger numbers nearly doubled over 12 years. Trade Friction: India’s stricter tea import checks are threatening shutdowns in Nepal’s Ilam, with large volumes stuck pending mandatory testing clearances. Road Safety: A UP Roadways bus rammed a truck on the Agra bypass in Rajasthan, injuring at least 20 people.