Power & Grid Stability: Temporary outages hit Almaty again, with disruptions reported in Almaly district (4:20 p.m.) and later around Seifullin and nearby streets (6:10 p.m.), after a major blackout on Aug. 14 that also affected water pressure. Electricity Planning: Kazakhstan says it’s on track to fully cover domestic demand by Q1 2027, with a planned surplus of about 1.3 billion kWh, while KEGOC and a special commission investigate the Central Asia blackout chain. Renewables Forecasting: The Energy Ministry says Samruk-Energy will launch an AI system by end-2026 to forecast renewable generation and boost accuracy to 80%, aiming to cut losses from forecast gaps. Water Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s ambassador to China pushed for coordinated water action, backing an SCO water study center in Kazakhstan and a UN-backed international water organization. Politics & Media Freedom: Kazakhstan’s court sentenced KazTAG editor-in-chief Amir Kasenov and CEO Aset Matayev to restricted liberty and banned them from journalism for five years, drawing criticism ahead of the Aug. 23 Kurultai election. Transport & Connectivity: Cathay Pacific will start direct Hong Kong–Almaty flights on Jan. 9, 2027, three times a week. Wildlife Update: A tigress named Ümit is adapting well after release, with monitoring confirming independent hunts including a wolf and wild boar. Sports: Kazakhstan’s wrestling team will compete across all weight categories at the Baku Qazaq Kuresi World Championships, while Kazakhstan’s chess players and taekwondo athletes continue to pick up medals abroad.