Myanmar Peace Talks Watch: MNDAA and UWSA leaders are reportedly expected to visit Naypyidaw as the junta’s 100-day peace initiative nears its deadline, potentially marking another rare engagement by major northern armed groups. Scam Industry Expansion: Satellite-based reporting says new or expanded scam compounds have appeared across Myanmar’s Myawaddy area despite last year’s crackdown, pointing to a fast-rebuilding criminal business model. Cross-Border Drone Smuggling: Thai authorities seized advanced FPV drones and components meant for illegal transport into Myanmar, detaining a recipient over undeclared goods and missing import-duty documentation. Food Supply Pressure: El Niño-linked drought is worsening conditions across Asia’s rice belt, with Vietnam reporting water stress and lower monsoon rains—raising risks for regional food prices and inflation. Energy & Shipping Security: India’s EAM Jaishankar urged zero tolerance for terrorism and called for safe, uninterrupted international waterways at ASEAN Regional Forum talks in Manila, as Middle East tensions keep shipping risks in focus. Regional Energy Cooperation: China and ASEAN agreed to explore mechanisms to strengthen regional energy security and power interconnectivity amid Middle East spillovers. Myanmar Development Lens: A UN-backed Myanmar case study highlights how seeds, training and small infrastructure can restore farm output after disasters, showing what “development” looks like on the ground.