BRICS Trade Diplomacy: BRICS trade ministers met in Jaipur to push stronger trade links, resilience, and SME support, with UAE officials urging the “immediate and unconditional” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid shipping disruptions. US Military Strain From Iran War: Reports say the Pentagon has shifted missiles, ships, and air-defense units to the Middle East, while Patriot and long-range missile inventories face shortages—fueling concerns for Russia and China’s risk calculations. South China Sea Pressure: The US State Department rejected China’s “national nature reserve” move at Scarborough Shoal, saying it’s a pretext to deny Filipino fishermen access and advance sweeping maritime claims. BRICS Culture Track: The 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal adopted the Bhopal Declaration, highlighting cultural and creative-industry cooperation, provenance research, and possible AI-based tracing tools. Tibet Tensions: Tibetan youth in Gangtok rallied against China’s “Ethnic Unity Law,” alleging cultural and political repression. Typhoon Dolphin Disruption: Typhoon Dolphin hit Japan’s Okinawa, injuring people and cutting power, while China shut ports and halted ferries ahead of expected landfall. US Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil: The US Senate passed a bill enabling up to 100% tariffs on countries—including India and China—that keep buying Russian oil and gas. Border Talks: India and China held WMCC border talks in New Delhi, with India pressing for transparency on upstream river projects and expert-level hydrology coordination. Cross-Strait Shipping Control Clash: Taipei called China’s typhoon-era traffic control order for the Taiwan Strait “ridiculous,” arguing it tramples international norms. China’s Gold Push via Hong Kong: PBOC gold holdings are reportedly being increased in Hong Kong to bolster the city’s role in global bullion trading and clearing.