Sports Focus: Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone says preparations for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will run separately, with a roster likely shifting between the two events as he trims a 30-man list for the Asiad title defense. Basketball Updates: Cone is still monitoring naturalization paperwork for Bennie Boatwright, while also dealing with manpower issues ahead of the August qualifiers, including doubts around key big men. Education & Tech: The Philippines’ CHED is pushing responsible AI use and stronger China-ASEAN education research ties, aiming for future-ready higher education across the region. Climate & Land: Mongolia hosts COP17 on desertification in Ulaanbaatar, with thousands of delegates expected to focus on restoring land and rangelands. Regional Economy: Hainan is positioning its Free Trade Port as a China-ASEAN gateway, highlighting port upgrades and incentives for digital trade and investment. Conflict Watch: North Korea is suspected of planning a major troop boost to Russia’s Ukraine war, raising security concerns for the Asia-Pacific. Cricket: Bangladesh notch a historic second Test win in SENA, beating Australia in Darwin by nine wickets. Netball: Pakistan women win the Asian Netball Championship plate division, beating Thailand 55-50 and qualifying for the Cup Division in Singapore in 2028. Culture & Society: A Bhutan quake drill in Thimphu exposes emergency gaps in a simulated 7.5 scenario, testing coordination and resources.