The Japan Fair Trade Commission searched six major ice cream manufacturers. Companies are suspected of colluding to raise suggested retail prices. This is the first such investigation into the ice cream industry in Japan.

An earthquake occurred in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The seismic intensity was recorded as Lower 5 on the Japanese scale.

The Daily Manila Shimbun has effectively suspended publication. The company faces financial difficulties, including unpaid wages and rent. Reputation was damaged by investment fraud allegations involving a former president.

Vikram Solar is advancing the first phase of a 12 GW solar cell facility, targeting 9 GW by December 2026. The company is expanding module capacity from 9.5 GW to 15.5 GW by Q1 2027. The expansion aligns with India's ALMM List-II requirements effective June 1, 2026.

China plans to increase electricity prices by up to 0.1 yuan/kWh for nine energy-intensive sectors. The policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by 200 million tonnes by 2028. Analysts suggest the impact on the aluminium sector may be limited due to current profit margins.

A Chinese research team developed a model to estimate PV panel surface temperature using MODIS satellite imagery. The method accounts for 3D array structures and low emissivity of PV panels, improving accuracy by ~10 C. The study was published in the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) launched a 30MW data centre in Seoul, South Korea. The facility is a joint venture between STT GDC (60%) and Hyosung Heavy Industries (40%). The site targets AI and cloud infrastructure demand in North-east Asia.

Mining accidents in China and export policy changes in Indonesia are tightening global coal supplies. The US-Iran war has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting energy markets. Asia-Pacific coal consumption is expected to rise by 70 million tonnes in 2026 due to the conflict.

Chinese energy companies are reporting strong profit guidance for the first half of the year. The growth is attributed to rising oil prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Eve Energy expects net profit to increase by 95% to 110%.

The Nikkei Stock Average exceeded 70,000 yen during trading on the 16th. The rise was supported by the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike, which was in line with market expectations.

A study published in Current Biology estimates 58 critically endangered Tapanuli orangutans died in landslides in November 2025. The landslides were triggered by extreme rainfall linked to climate change and Cyclone Senyar. Researchers urge the Indonesian government to strengthen habitat protections and halt industrial expansion in the Batang Toru ecosystem.

The World Bank lowered Myanmar's annual growth forecast to 2% from 3%. Fuel shocks linked to the Middle East conflict are cited as a primary cause for economic strain. Inflation in Myanmar reached 24.6% year-on-year in April.

Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw stated the company aims to be the world's number one insulin supplier in five years. The company is capitalizing on Big Pharma's shift toward GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Biocon is currently the third-largest insulin supplier globally.

Australian Development Investments (ADI) committed up to $8 million to TVM Capital Healthcare's Southeast Asia Fund. The investment aims to expand access to affordable healthcare and advance women's leadership. TVM Capital Healthcare focuses on emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to approximately 0.75 percent from 0.5 percent. The decision reflects confidence in achieving wage growth and inflation targets.

Researchers at Foshan University developed a low-cost microwave-absorbing composite. The material uses expanded graphite and titanium dioxide. The development could enable mass production of stealth coatings.

Researchers from HKUST created a tandem solar cell using a phenothiazine-functionalized monolayer instead of PEDOT:PSS. The new device achieved 29.1% efficiency and improved long-term stability. The design avoids degradation issues associated with the acidic and hygroscopic nature of PEDOT:PSS.

Tata Motors anticipates industry-leading growth in FY27 driven by new vehicle launches. The company maintains its commitment to Net Zero by 2040.

Adani Ports is deploying AI-powered systems to enhance container terminal efficiency. The initiative aims to increase cargo handling capacity to one billion tonnes annually by 2030.

Twenty Trinamool Congress MPs have announced a merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). This move could significantly alter the composition of the Lok Sabha.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated that all syrups are now prescription-only. The regulation aims to regulate the sale of these medications.

Fujitsu Chairman Hidenori Furuta resigned on June 16, 2026, following reports of inappropriate conduct. The company has withdrawn his candidacy for non-executive director.

Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg expresses desire to strengthen ties with Japan. Cooperation is sought in various fields, including the aviation sector.

Disney pledges to expand the Shanghai theme park following its 10th anniversary. The park faces challenges from growing competition and sluggish consumer demand.

Bangladesh earmarks 400 billion taka ($3.2 billion) in the upcoming budget to stabilize the banking sector. The move aims to prevent a financial crisis amid governance failures and high nonperforming loans.

SK Hynix plans to triple wafer capacity by 2034 due to AI demand. Japan aims to play a larger role in Asia's subsea cable networks.

Mountaineers and conservationists photographed the rare blue-fronted lorikeet on Buru Island, Indonesia, in April 2026. This is the second photographic record of the species in over 100 years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing on June 16, 2026. The leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents.

A study published in Science shows that Himalayan river courses are shifting more rapidly due to melting glaciers and permafrost. Increased instability poses risks to water security and infrastructure.

Sarvam raised $234 million in a series B funding round led by HCLTech at a $1.5 billion valuation. The funds will support research on agentic AI and sovereign AI solutions.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force personnel will join parachute drop training in Batanes, Philippines. The drill is part of the annual 'Kamandag' exercise involving Philippine and U.S. marines. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability amid regional tensions.

HIT researchers developed a new MPCVD technology for large-scale single-crystal diamonds. The technology allows for high-purity diamonds of various sizes. This could provide China with a strategic advantage in next-generation AI hardware by addressing heat constraints.

Taiwan has launched a website for mainland Chinese to securely report intelligence-related information. The initiative is modeled after intelligence agencies in the US, UK, and Israel. The move has faced skepticism from opposition lawmakers and critics regarding its effectiveness and potential for disinformation.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have exposed structural energy risks in Southeast Asia. The region's energy import bill is projected to reach a record $185 billion in 2026. IEA emphasizes the need for diversification, electrification, and regional cooperation.

Navi Mumbai International Airport and Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Terminal 2 were named among the World's Most Beautiful Airports 2026. The recognition highlights design, sustainability, and passenger-focused planning.

SolarSquare raised $53 million to expand into new cities and enhance technology. The company is India's largest residential rooftop solar provider.

The Bank of Japan raised its short-term policy rate to 1% from 0.75%. The decision aims to address inflationary pressures caused by the energy shock from the Iran war. The vote was 7-1, with Governor Kazuo Ueda absent due to medical treatment.

JMH pledged to grow dividends by at least 5% annually through 2030. The company launched a US$500 million share buyback program. JMH is shifting toward a return-focused investment company model.

At least HK$255 billion in shares will see lockups expire in July. The potential selling pressure is seen as a headwind for the Hang Seng Index. Goldman Sachs estimates record IPO-induced lockup expiries in the coming year.

AIA and Prudential have created new executive roles to target wealthy clients in Hong Kong. The move follows increased wealth flows into Hong Kong and Singapore. Insurers are responding to geopolitical uncertainty and demand for asset protection.

New home prices in China fell 0.2% in May, steeper than the 0.1% decline in April. The property sector continues to struggle with fragile demand. Major cities show tentative signs of stabilization, while smaller cities continue to decline.

Philippine fuel prices are expected to take 6-12 months to normalize despite the US-Iran peace deal. Economic growth forecasts for the Philippines have been downgraded to 4.1%. Household spending is under pressure due to high inflation and limited government subsidies.

Cambodia is looking to increase labor exchanges with Japan. The move is driven by a surge of workers returning from Thailand due to regional conflicts. The government is focusing on investment and managing low-skill worker limits.

China recorded its first monthly decline in retail sales since the end of COVID restrictions. The decline highlights weak domestic demand despite robust exports. Economists describe the situation as a K-shaped economy.

Monsoon-related flooding caused $3 billion in damages in 2025. Procedural delays and poor urban planning have hindered resiliency efforts. Climate change is intensifying extreme rainfall events.

Wealthy individuals in Vietnam are moving assets beyond gold and property. The shift is occurring as fortunes pass to heirs, often amidst inheritance disputes. Investors face challenges like capital controls and distrust.

Interior Minister Sar Sokha signed $285,000 contracts with two US law firms. The goal is to remove his name from a US congressional bill targeting the scam industry. The bill proposes sanctions on figures connected to the industry.

Volkswagen expects the Chinese new vehicle market to fall below 21 million units this year. The market is facing pressure from policy changes, rising fuel prices, and intense price competition. Volkswagen's electric vehicle sales continue to grow despite the overall market downturn.