Uzbekistan–South Korea Economic Push: Korea Eximbank chief Hwang Ki-yeon met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Seoul to expand cooperation after the inaugural Korea–Central Asia summit, focusing on critical minerals, bio/digital sectors, and industrial diversification, with memorandums aimed at turning summit deals into bank-backed projects. Regional Summit Diplomacy: South Korea and Central Asia leaders gathered in Seoul for a new leadership-level format on trade, supply chains, digital innovation, and people-to-people ties, with a joint Seoul Declaration expected to set the agenda. Critical Minerals & AI Cooperation: South Korean PM Han Seong-sook urged deeper collaboration with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan on critical minerals and AI, framing resources like lithium and rare metals as strategic inputs for high-tech industry. UPI Fee Debate (India): India’s RBI backed MDR on high-value UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, stressing person-to-person and small payments stay free—an issue that’s already sparked political and business pushback. Security & Trade Shock (BRICS/Red Sea): Coverage highlights how Red Sea disruptions and Houthi moves are exposing divisions inside BRICS, with the New Delhi declaration notably silent on the crisis. Local/People Stories: A mother and son were arrested in connection with shop thefts at Changi Airport, while Uzbekistan’s role as a regional hub continues to draw international attention through events and partnerships.