Philippines-Japan Security: The Philippines says its Japan defense logistics pact is now in force, with the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) enabling the two militaries to exchange supplies and services for exercises, disaster response, and other joint activities. Defense Tech Push: Japan’s major defense firms are accelerating drone development as unmanned systems and AI move to the center of the country’s new strategy, with companies racing to scale prototypes. North Korea Threats: Pyongyang denounced Japan’s reported record-high defense budget request, warning it could trigger “war of aggression” and promising “counterattack.” Budget Watch: Japan’s fiscal 2027 budget requests are projected to top 130 trillion yen for the first time, driven by new growth spending categories and higher interest costs. Japan-India Partnership: Uttar Pradesh and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture announced a Rs 600-crore MSME fund plus a dedicated Yamanashi Desk at Invest UP, alongside MoUs on skills, training, tourism, and GCCs. Wildlife Safety: A foreign tourist was injured in a bear attack near Lake Towada in Aomori, airlifted to hospital as authorities step up patrols and trapping efforts. Sports (Youth): Gilas Pilipinas Youth fell to Japan 80-75 in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup classification round, setting up a final bid for 7th/8th vs Chinese Taipei or Iran.