Gold Reserves: Central banks kept up strong gold buying in August, adding 39 net tonnes, led by China, Uzbekistan and Poland, with 170 tonnes bought year-to-date. Oman–Kazakhstan Ties: Sultan Haitham’s state visit to Kazakhstan wrapped with new agreements and MoUs, including investment, air services, a joint fund between Samruk Kazyna and Oman Investment Authority, and plans to deepen trade and financial cooperation. Trade & Logistics: Kazakhstan is moving cross-border trade hubs into implementation, with new logistics and production projects expanding gateways such as Khorgos, aiming to boost non-resource exports. Health Alert in Region: Russia’s reported plague scare in Irkutsk continues to drive hospital screening and border health checks across Central Asia, as officials insist the situation is calm while questions linger over transparency. Security & Accountability: Kazakhstan detained a former Navy commander over negligence linked to deadly Caspian Sea exercises, as investigations continue after servicemen deaths. Sports: Kazakhstan’s Aiganym Assylan won gold in women’s cadet sambo, while Lucía Borregales took silver for Venezuela.