Kyrgyzstan–Uzbek Land Exchange: A joint working commission meeting in Kadamdzhai (Batken) reviewed the practical steps for the land swap, including citizenship, resettlement, property transfer, land use, social protection, and even continuity of education for affected residents; a joint working group was formed and will visit the exchanged territories. Afghanistan’s 5-Year Turning Point: Taliban marked five years since taking Kabul with a military-style “victory day” parade in Kabul, while UN and aid groups warned crises are worsening—especially for women and girls—amid humanitarian strain and tighter restrictions. Uzbekistan–SCO Education Push: Uzbekistan’s higher education ministry official argued that integrating education and science across Central Asia fits the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s goals, pointing to the region’s historic knowledge exchange routes. Tashkent Hosts Regional Sports: Bahrain finished 11th in the juniors’ medal table at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, winning three medals via Jhon Lopez; Uzbekistan also featured prominently in the overall standings. Tashkent International Cotton Agenda: Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference in Tashkent on Oct. 7, bringing together government, UN agencies, and industry across the cotton value chain. BRICS Payments Talk: India’s central bank chief said BRICS is discussing linking instant payment systems and central bank digital currencies to cut cross-border transaction costs.