This year, China became Tajikistan's main trading partner for the first time, with a balance exceeding billion. At the recent SCO summit held in Tianjin, there was also talk of establishing a centre for combating drug trafficking in Dushanbe, and bilateral agreements were signed on the digital economy, renewable energy and transport.

The Department of Religious Affairs has issued a new Internet code of conduct for priests and ministers of other faiths, who “must not engage in online activities as such”. The crackdown on educational initiatives for children has also been extended to the web with a ban on organising online religious training. Fundraisers to support places of worship or activities are out. Only the websites of authorised religious denominations are allowed.

Despite the 10 September agreement in Koh Kong to reduce tensions, the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border remains unsettled. Bangkok is considering applying economic pressure, while mutual accusations continue over online scam centres favoured by Cambodia, which seeks to minimise the consequences of the armed conflict that broke out on 24 July. A recent media investigation found that at least 50 Cambodian soldiers were killed in the fighting.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa identified four challenges: aging population, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and nutrition. He stressed the need for better diagnoses and treatment. One of the objectives is to improve the country's ranking on the Universal Health Index.

The incident took place in the Churachandpur district. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the Prime Minister's visit to the area, which has been the scene of sectarian violence. The target was the home of Khenthang Calvin, a member of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which signed a ceasefire agreement with Delhi. A second attack (unsuccessful) targeted the residence of Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC).

To reduce dependence on China, India has initiated direct contacts with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The Indian Ministry of Mines has engaged state-owned IREL and Midwest Advanced Materials, a private firm, to explore potential large-scale exports from Myanmar. Meanwhile, India’s government has decided to exempt mining projects from mandatory public consultations, effectively excluding local communities from vetting mining projects.