BRICS
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to deepen ties between their countries during a meeting yesterday in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit. Putin reiterated the need to build a platform alternative to the West, yet India is among the nations most actively trying to balance the divergent interests of its allies, particularly Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which stand on opposing sides of the Middle East conflict.
WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia has shut down the oil pipeline that had previously allowed it to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, following a drone attack launched from an Iraqi region bordering Iran. Riyadh stated yesterday that the pipeline was closed as a precautionary measure with the foreign ministry reporting that the attack caused injuries and damage, the extent of which is still being assessed.
MYANMAR
In recent days, armed groups comprising the resistance against Myanmar’s military regime attacked the Tada-U airbase near Mandalay, damaging aircraft and killing military personnel. Footage released by the National Unity Government shows a drone striking one of three fighter jets parked inside a hangar at the base. Meanwhile, military regime leader General Min Aung Hlaing travelled to Cambodia in an effort to restore diplomatic ties with other Southeast Asian countries.
THAILAND
An illegal data centre was discovered on a side street in the Thai capital, Bangkok, where 200,000 litres of fuel had been stockpiled without authorisation. Local street vendors have expressed concern that Thailand is welcoming investments in data centre construction without proper public consultation. The facility in question is part of a US$ 1 billion investment by the Dubai-based conglomerate DAMAC.
AFGHANISTAN
Speaking to the broadcaster Amu TV, young Afghan women, who for several years had access to education and the freedom to travel, described how their ambitions were shattered following the Taliban's return to power. Although terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and the local branch of the Islamic State (IS-K) are currently weakened, experts warn that, 25 years after 9/11, it would be a mistake to underestimate the threat they pose. This is particularly true regarding the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who continue to find refuge in Afghanistan and have shown the ability to carry out increasingly sophisticated attacks.
KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan is proposing to criminalise the unauthorised burial and reburial of the deceased, a practice widespread in the country. Violators could face fines of up to 100,000 soms or prison sentences of up to three years. The proposal's backers highlight the risk that unofficial burials could complicate criminal investigations: a body could be concealed, making forensic examinations and the determination of the cause of death difficult.
TAIWAN
People from Taiwan's indigenous groups have long kept their origins secret to avoid social stigma and discrimination with many forced to adopt Han Chinese customs and languages and to assimilate. On 30 July of this year, the Siraya became the latest indigenous group to be recognised by the government, making it the island's 17th group with this status. Some 26 indigenous groups exist in Taiwan, including some that are not recognised by the government. Taiwan's indigenous communities, traditionally divided into highland and lowland groups, account for approximately 2.7 per cent of the island's 23.3 million inhabitants. Their history on the island spans millennia, predating the arrival of the first foreign settlers in the 17th century.
