Digital Government: Timor-Leste officially launched verify.gov.tl in Dili, a Cambodia-assisted blockchain document verification portal, starting with QR verification for driver’s licences to cut production costs and improve public service delivery. Regional Security: At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, China’s Global Security Initiative drew attention as an alternative to bloc-based security, while Japan’s defence shift and arms-export relaxation faced scrutiny. Peacekeeping Spotlight: Nepal marked UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring Nepali personnel including a soldier who died on a peacekeeping mission in East Timor in 2000. Diplomacy & Defence Tech: India’s defence secretary said BrahMos missile deals with Vietnam are already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is near completion, underscoring growing defence cooperation across ASEAN. Local Life & Culture: Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu reopened its Art Gallery and Cultural Hub, giving local artists a venue for exhibits, markets and workshops.