US-Iran Sanctions Pressure: The US is pushing “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, but analysts say a real chokehold would likely need China’s help—something Beijing is resisting, setting up fresh US-China friction. Digital Trade & Rules: Kazakhstan is set to join the Digital Cooperation Organization as more countries move to shape cross-border data, AI and trade rules. US-China Tech Decoupling: A new US tariff push hits drones up to 100%, deepening supply-chain separation pressures. Semiconductor Self-Reliance Reality Check: China says chip supply chains are “safer,” with domestic equipment share at 35%, but key components like RF power and vacuum valves still rely heavily on foreign suppliers. Pakistan Crypto Rollout: Pakistan launched a virtual asset regulatory framework in under six months, spending about $200,000 while building licensing and compliance for exchanges, brokerage and lending. ASEAN & Vietnam Diplomacy: Vietnam praised ASEAN’s regional cooperation model as it seeks more concrete bloc-wide coordination. Central Asia Connectivity: PM Modi begins a Central Asia tour with Uzbekistan talks focused on trade, defence, energy and digital links. India Education & Tech Infrastructure: Himachal Pradesh leases 68.75 acres to IIT Mandi for a Palampur campus, with more land pending forest clearance. Coastal Resilience in India: Odisha advances the ARISE coastal protection and climate resilience plan with ADB support. Energy Anxiety in Europe: EU gas storage is at record-low seasonal levels, fueling “winter panic” amid the Iran-war and Russia-phaseout backdrop. UAE Satellite Internet: Starlink wins a 10-year UAE licence to expand satellite broadband for critical sectors like maritime, aviation and emergency response. Nepal Flood Recovery: A billionaire calls for coordinated international funding to rebuild Nepal’s infrastructure and restart economic activity after devastating floods.