A significant rift has emerged within India’s Election Commission involving Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and two Election Commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign. It was revealed that a total of 14 formal written objections have been filed concerning the decision-making process of this initiative. Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have declared changes made in Form 6, the centralization under ECInet, the revisions in West Bengal, and the work division orders as unlawful. Following the investigative report, opposition parties have demanded the arrest, resignation, or impeachment of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, with some calling for fresh elections.
Since the launch of the Special Intensive Revision campaign in October 2025, over 130 million voters from 30 states and union territories across the country have been removed from the voter list, which has intensified serious differences among the senior officials of the Commission. According to an exclusive investigative report by journalist Ritika Chaudhary for The Indian Express, two members of the three-person Election Commission panel, Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi, have submitted written objections criticizing the decision-making process and working style of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
On April 16, Commissioner Sandhu clearly stated to senior officials that despite extensive media material being released in the Commission’s name, no such material had received official approval from the Commission. He also warned that according to the February 2023 Act, all correspondence and decisions now require the Commission’s full sanction. This incident raises serious questions about the Election Commission’s autonomy and its sensitivity to democratic principles.
Counter-terrorism police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and involvement with explosives after receiving reports of three “suspicious vehicles” heading towards RAF Fairford airbase. The arrests occurred early Sunday morning around 12:45 a.m. local time near the Gloucestershire airbase. Authorities subsequently declared a major incident near RAF Fairford and evacuated dozens of nearby homes. A military bomb disposal team is currently inspecting the vehicles, which belong to or are linked with the US Air Force (USAF) using the airbase. The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism units.
Residents from the nearby village of Woolfold were moved to safe locations and were not allowed to return home overnight as a precautionary measure. Officials have expressed confidence that the situation remains under control. Aerial images show white vans stopped in wooded areas and a remotely operated robot advancing, though police have not confirmed the robot’s use at the scene. A 400-meter security cordon has been established around the area. A specialist hazardous area management team from emergency services has been deployed to manage the incident.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been briefed on the situation and expressed serious concern over the incident. The site has a long history with the US military and was recently used as a temporary base for American warships conducting defensive air operations against Iran. US President Donald Trump stated that those arrested were planning significant damage and added: “We have been monitoring them for a long time and have finally arrested them.”
September 28, Kathmandu — The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) models has created the largest gap in history between technology and policy making. As the pace of AI development outstrips regulatory frameworks, policy voids have surfaced worldwide. On August 20, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, convened a meeting outside Brussels to discuss the priorities of the 27 member states along with the risks posed by AI. However, in her September 16 ‘State of the Union’ address, von der Leyen stated, “AI brings both opportunities and risks. Without addressing these risks, we cannot fully harness AI’s potential.”
Not only the European Union (EU) but governments around the globe are struggling between controlling AI and encouraging innovation. In 2024, Europe enacted the world’s first comprehensive ‘AI Act,’ widely regarded as a model regulatory framework. Yet, two years on, this legislation has become more of a warning signal. The rapid pace of technological change, bureaucratic delays, and concerns over losing competitive advantage have significantly hampered the law’s implementation. French President Emmanuel Macron warned, “If we allow American and Chinese firms to surge ahead, even the world’s best regulations will be ineffective to regulate what remains.”
During the legislative process, unforeseen new AI forms emerged, such as autonomous AI agents operating without human oversight. In July, OpenAI’s models breached their testing environments and hacked a startup company named Hugging Face. Incidents like these fall into ambiguous areas of the EU’s regulatory framework. Similarly, AI safety bills have stalled in the US Congress. Following warnings from Anthropic about cybersecurity risks posed by their new model ‘Mythos,’ Democratic Representative Lori Trahan and Republican Representative Jay Obernolte drafted legislation on AI safety testing. However, due to commercial pressures and political hurdles, the bill has yet to advance.
Representative Ted Lieu proposed a bill to implement a ‘kill switch’ for out-of-control AI models, expressing, “I fear AI more now than at any point in 2023.” Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump argued that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and benefit China. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump discussed AI in Washington a few months ago, no concrete security agreement was reached. As governments falter, companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind have been compelled to self-regulate. Yet, ironically, even these company leaders are calling for governments to slow AI development and impose stricter regulations. AI researcher Sun O’Hegarty of Cambridge University remarked, “There is a misconception that there are mature leaders or bodies capable of making decisions on this matter, but in reality, no such entity exists. This lack of leadership is the greatest cause for concern.”
Experts warn that while governments deliberate over years to decide policies, AI evolves in weeks and months. Without timely and effective interventions, AI may slip beyond human control, increasing the risk of irreversible harm.
Image caption, The practice known as ‘bluing’ involves delivering drugs intravenously through shared needlesArticle Information
Fiji declared a national state of emergency last week amid a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic.
Despite global progress, HIV and AIDS remain significant threats in some regions, with signs indicating the epidemic could soon get out of control.
In the Pacific Islands group, approximately one in every 60 adults is currently living with HIV.
Five years ago, the rate was one in 167 people. UNAIDS global data estimates about 41 million people worldwide could be infected with HIV.
A concerning practice called ‘bluing’—where injecting drug users share needles after drawing blood from one person to administer drugs to another—is deepening the crisis.
This practice involves drawing blood from a drug user and then injecting it into another person via the same needle. This results in the second person experiencing the effects of the drug as well. Users perceive this as a way to save money and enhance the drug’s effectiveness.
This behavior has been observed in African countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. While debate continues about its spread and its relation to Fiji’s situation, community activists emphasize it is a real threat that governments and health agencies worldwide must address seriously.
“How many more lives must be lost before we truly act?” questions Kalesi Volatabua, executive director of Drug Free Fiji.
Why is ‘Bluing’ Risky?
HIV is transmitted through blood, so exchanging infected blood via needles among drug users poses a high risk of virus transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states this practice also heightens the risk of transmission of severe bacterial infections, including hepatitis B and C.
In Fiji, limited access to sterile needles and materials for drug users has contributed to the growing trend of sharing needles. Poverty is identified as a key underlying factor.
Volatabua was shocked the first time she witnessed this.
“I saw five or six people lined up sharing the same needle,” she said.
“If they infect five people, it could easily spread to 25 to 30 others. This represents a highly contagious risk.”
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption, Experts report increased HIV infections in Fiji as more people undergo testing
In 2024, Fiji’s Ministry of Health identified this practice as one of the key reasons behind the surge in HIV cases.
That same month, the government declared HIV a national epidemic and announced plans to implement needle and syringe exchange programs.
A rapid assessment conducted by the WHO in December revealed evidence that ‘bluing’ is a common practice in Fiji.
Out of 56 injecting drug users interviewed, only two admitted to engaging in ‘bluing’ while four others reported witnessing it firsthand.
Volatabua expressed skepticism about the practice until she witnessed it herself.
She believes the stigma associated with drug addiction and needle use has led to limited government attention to this issue.
“I knew this problem would arise,” she said. “We shouldn’t have reached this point.”
Global Status of HIV
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption, HIV can be transmitted from mother to child
The HIV virus destroys immune system cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight disease.
HIV is primarily transmitted via the body fluids of infected individuals, most commonly through unprotected sexual contact. However, it can also spread through needle sharing or open wounds among drug users, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
When HIV severely damages the immune system, the resulting condition is called AIDS.
In the past decade, treatment options have improved significantly, enhancing the life expectancy of those living with HIV.
In 2025, approximately 570,000 deaths were caused by HIV-related illnesses, a 73% reduction compared to 2004.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to lower the viral load to undetectable levels and maintain immune system health.
However, UNAIDS head Winnie Byanyima warned that the US President Donald Trump’s decision to cut foreign aid has led to 2,000 new daily HIV infections, with nearly 6 million deaths projected within four years.
In 2025, new infections increased in three regions and 21 countries, including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Sudan, Brazil, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Senegal, and the Philippines.
Where Else is ‘Bluing’ Taking Place?
Image source, Ponto Tumisi
Image caption, Participants at an anti-drug event in Lesotho
Lesotho has the second-highest HIV infection rate worldwide, with HIV cited as the leading cause of death among women there.
A women’s organization in Lesotho called ‘A Mothers Cry’ is actively trying to stop bluing. In their campaign, women share experiences regarding children affected by drug addiction.
In 2024, they discovered that abandoned buildings in South Africa were being used for buying, selling, and consuming injectable drugs.
Ponto Tumisi, once an exemplary student before using crystal methamphetamine, explained that bluing often occurs when small quantities of drugs are sold.
“Whether or not people know about blood types or disease transmission, it doesn’t seem to matter to them,” she said.
Tumisi said that healthcare workers have indicated that direct blood exchange is not a safe practice and should not occur.
Image source, Ponto Tumisi
Image caption, Tumisi highlights the importance of education
The blood-injecting drug use method has different names in other countries—for example, in Tanzania, it is called ‘flash blood’. UNAIDS regional director Eamon Murphy noted that this is not a common global practice.
Tumisi expressed concern that this practice might pose significant risks in countries with less experience and information.
She emphasized the importance of raising early warnings about these risks among those working to combat drug abuse.
“If you are a parent anywhere in the world, you are human and therefore at risk. Anything can happen with drug addiction.”
For related videos and updates, access Nepali YouTube channels and social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, the Nepali radio service broadcasts a BBC program Monday through Friday at 8:45 PM.
Hirdabahadur Pun from Jajarkot, who worked as a road laborer in Syafru-Bensi, Rasuwa for five years, says he feels ‘saved from a great catastrophe.’
On September 26, a devastating flood struck, but just before that, Pun and five friends had gone to charge their mobile phones at their camp.
He told the BBC, “As soon as we stepped outside the camp, there was a loud thunderous noise like a bomb. Without thinking, we climbed higher. Suddenly, the camp seemed to collapse beside us.”
He said there were about 75 workers in their area and added, “If we hadn’t climbed just 20 steps higher, the flood would have swept us away too. Of us, only six survived; the rest perished.”
The devastating flood caused extensive damage to water resources, tourism, road networks, and other sectors. The affected areas also lost housing and employment opportunities.
A Major Hub for Employment
Due to Nepal-China border trade, tourism, hydroelectric projects, and road construction, this area had been developing into a key employment hub.
Ram Hari Karki, president of the Nepal Himalayan Cross-Border Trade Association, estimated that tens of thousands of people depended on employment at the border.
He stated, “One worker usually supports 8 to 10 dependents. From an employment perspective, about 5,000 to 7,000 people were directly working in the area.”
Photo credit, MFA China
Officials have reported significant damage to 12 hydroelectric projects and one solar energy project in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, the areas most affected by the disaster.
Some of these projects were operational, while others were under construction, employing Nepali, foreign, and Indian workers.
Authorities are continuing rescue operations as some workers may be trapped in tunnels and powerhouses of these hydroelectric projects.
Ganesh Karki, former president of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), said, “Highly skilled Nepali and foreign workers were working there. Losing such skilled manpower is a major loss and impossible to replace.”
Regions Marked by Persistent Disaster Risks
Photo credit, Nepal Army
Major natural disasters are not new to Rasuwa Gadhi and surrounding areas. Last year, an outburst flood from an ice lake caused a flood in the Lende River at the Nepal-China border, resulting in 18 deaths and losses exceeding 600 million rupees.
The epicenter of the powerful 2015 earthquake was in Sindhupalchok, which caused severe damage to Kodari border and nearby regions.
More than 9,000 people lost their lives across various districts and the capital region in that earthquake.
After the 2015 earthquake, Nepal-China trade gradually shifted toward the Rasuwa Gadhi border. Hundreds of cargo containers used to move daily through this trading point, with traders reporting about 200 containers lost to floods.
Labor expert Mina Paudel explained that shrinking nearby labor markets made employment opportunities in Rasuwa and surrounding areas an accessible option for many.
She said, “Political influence in Nepal has often overlooked labor markets. Consequently, when nearby labor markets contracted, people sought work wherever they could find it. The region had major national hydroelectric projects employing people from all across the country.”
In addition, Nepal-China import-export activities and proximity to agricultural production strengthened the labor market, she noted.
However, she added, “That situation is unlikely to return to how it was even a month ago. For those who lost relatives and workers, rebuilding confidence is very difficult. We can no longer encourage relatives to work in these hydroelectric projects, and I doubt that workers from other regions will come.”
Can the Labor Market Return to Its Former State?
Ganesh Karki, former president of IPPAN, said the recent disaster was not a typical flood and warned of increased risks if such disasters occur again.
He said, “This is an event that happens once in thousands of years. When planning new projects, safety standards must be stricter. Definite red zones must be declared. Economic losses from floods can be recovered, but it is impossible to restore lost technical manpower.”
Photo credit, EPA/Shutterstock
Business leaders emphasize that the government should act swiftly to restore the Nepal-China trade border, acknowledging that a massive natural disaster devastating the hillside was unimaginable.
Ram Hari Karki stated, “If the state facilitates smooth transportation at Rasuwa border, labor and business activities will return to previous levels.”
He added, “Our geography is similar to China’s. These border posts can operate year-round. If we don’t maintain the roads for the next 20 years, they will deteriorate. Now, we need to build our own roads or seek assistance from China. Alternatively, a new crossing can be established by constructing a 3-kilometer road via Dholkha’s Lama Bagar.”
According to customs department data, over 4.5 billion rupees worth of goods entered Nepal through the Rasuwa border in the previous fiscal year.
Photo credit, RSS
The customs department further said that after the border was closed for six months due to flooding last year, it had collected more than 700 million rupees in revenue just before this year’s flood.
China also values bilateral trade and the government has indicated that reconstruction in flood-affected areas will require approximately 72.3 billion rupees, though securing the funds remains uncertain.
Hirdabahadur Pun from Jajarkot is no longer inclined to return to work in Rasuwa. He said, “If we had not gone to charge our mobiles, we wouldn’t have survived. Now I must find a livelihood in my village.”
“Though I feel like I escaped a great disaster, I can’t think clearly about what comes next. My mind isn’t functioning well.”
“I have returned to the village empty-handed and don’t know how to make ends meet,” he added.
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According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the death toll of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 74,016, with 175,068 injured. The ministry reports that since the ceasefire, an additional 1,145 Palestinians have died. The Israeli military continues operations in response to potential threats. Ahead of next month’s elections, Israel’s main opposition parties have announced plans to collaborate to defeat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. (October 11, Jerusalem)
The Gaza Ministry of Health states that the nearly three-year-long war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in more than 74,000 Palestinian deaths. Although the ceasefire, implemented on October 10, has halted intense fighting, the Israeli military has continued military actions in response to potential dangers or attacks. The Gaza ceasefire process remains stalled.
According to a report released by Gaza’s Ministry of Health on Saturday, the conflict has so far claimed 74,016 Palestinian lives with 175,068 wounded. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched an attack inside Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 civilians and took 251 hostages. The ministry, led by Hamas, reports that an additional 1,145 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was announced.
Data published by the ministry is generally considered reliable by United Nations bodies and international organizations. However, the ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties in its reporting. Approximately half of the total deaths are women and children. Since the ceasefire, seven Israeli soldiers have also died. Other elements of the ceasefire mediated by the United States have yet to be fully implemented.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected the latest proposal sent by Iran following indirect talks held earlier this week in New York. Qatar and other regional intermediaries are striving to restart negotiations between the United States and Iran, but significant disagreements persist on key issues.
While Iran sought to focus discussions on the Hormuz Strait and the removal of the U.S. naval blockade, the Trump administration demanded that Iran adopt more flexibility regarding its nuclear program and accept a range of concessions.
On Saturday, Trump stated, “They sent a proposal, and I rejected it.” However, a U.S. official claimed that through intermediaries, “positive and constructive” discussions continue between the two countries on nuclear and related matters.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner conducted a new round of indirect talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During these talks, Qatari officials facilitated the exchange of messages between both parties.
Foreign Minister Araghchi presented Iran’s conditions aimed at reopening the Hormuz Strait and advancing nuclear talks. According to Iran’s proposal, the U.S. would need to lift the naval blockade, remove sanctions on oil sales, and implement a ceasefire across the region. Under this agreement, the Hormuz Strait would be reopened and nuclear negotiations restarted within a week.
However, during talks on Tuesday, U.S. negotiators clarified to Iran that, since Iran does not control the Hormuz Strait, it was inappropriate to make demands or conditions based on that premise.
Currently, dozens of oil tankers pass daily through the Hormuz Strait within the U.S. security perimeter, supplying millions of barrels of oil to world markets. While this volume is less than pre-war levels, it has helped ease some pressure on the market.
Renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has reached a remarkable milestone by scoring 15,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Kohli achieved this feat during the first ODI against the West Indies by hitting a boundary. He became only the second player in ODI history to reach 15,000 runs, previously held solely by India’s legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli reached this landmark in just 303 innings, breaking Tendulkar’s previous record of 377 innings. Impressively, he scored from 14,000 to 15,000 runs in only 16 innings. Having already retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, Kohli continues to deliver outstanding performances in the 50-over format. While the West Indies are chasing a target of 297 runs set by India, Kohli is currently at the crease with 75 runs.
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump urged him to immediately halt any form of assistance being provided to Iran. This was confirmed by David Perdue, the U.S. Ambassador to China, in an interview with CNBC on Friday. The Trump administration views China’s ongoing economic, intelligence, and military support as a major obstacle to its efforts to economically isolate Iran amid the ongoing conflict.
American officials believe that it is impossible to impose full economic pressure on Iran without cutting off China’s support. Since the onset of the war, China has been supplying Iran with parts necessary for building air defense systems and drones, raising concerns among U.S. officials. In recent weeks, American authorities have claimed that Iran has used high-resolution images obtained from a Chinese commercial Earth observation satellite to target U.S. military bases, aircraft carriers, and naval vessels in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
Following these revelations, the U.S. military adjusted its operational procedures to prevent Iran from easily locating the positions of U.S. ships. Ambassador Perdue told CNBC, “We had already made it clear to China a few weeks ago that any direct or indirect assistance to Iran—whether in intelligence, parts, or military equipment—is completely unacceptable to us. President Trump has reiterated this point.”
Perdue added, “We have made it clear to China that the Iran issue is entirely separate and cannot be linked in any way to Taiwan. We have evidence that China has listened to us. They have withdrawn some steps, and we have proof they paid attention when President Trump spoke about Iran.” Conversely, according to Chinese state media, President Xi urged Trump to return to the June memorandum of understanding (MOU) by reviving the nuclear deal to reduce tensions with Iran. Xi stated, “China has encouraged the parties involved to remain committed to a peaceful resolution and to maintain an environment conducive to dialogue.”
At least 12 people have lost their lives and dozens more are missing after a boat carrying traders capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo. The vessel was carrying over 50 passengers, and approximately 15 individuals have been rescued safely, according to Felix Habiragi, the chief of Kisheke village.
Local administrator Pascal Muhindo Ntambuka reported that the boat was transporting fishermen and goods from Buvina to Boja on Idjwi Island. The accident occurred late Saturday night near Idjwi Island, located in South Kivu province. Habiragi confirmed that about 15 people have been rescued so far.
The cause of the accident remains unknown at this time. Boat accidents frequently result in significant human casualties in Congo. With a population exceeding 100 million, rivers and lakes serve as primary transportation routes across the country, making such accidents a recurring occurrence.
At the ongoing 20th Asian Games in Japan, Nepal’s Som Bahadur Kumal was eliminated in the heat stage of the men’s 800-meter race. The event took place at Nagoya City’s Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium, where Som completed the first heat in 1 minute 48.95 seconds, finishing fifth in his race. Despite exiting early, Som improved his personal record.
Seven runners competed in the first heat of the 800 meters, with Som finishing fifth. Ko Ochiai of Japan won the heat, finishing in 1 minute 45.90 seconds, followed by Abubakar Abdalla of Qatar at 1 minute 46.53 seconds; both advanced to the next round. Ibrahim Alzofairi of Kuwait finished third with a time of 1 minute 47.62 seconds, also qualifying for the second stage. Som’s time of 1 minute 48.95 seconds placed him fifth in the heat and eighth overall among 21 competitors in the qualifying round.
Following talks supported by the United States, a total of 39 political prisoners were released in Venezuela on Friday and Saturday, according to the human rights organization Justice, Meeting, and Forgiveness. Among those released were eight women accused of drug-related terrorism in 2021 and six individuals implicated in the 2020 attempt to overthrow Maduro. According to Foro Penal, as of September 18, there were 344 political prisoners still held in Venezuela, and their families have been protesting in front of the El Rodeo First Prison. (October 2, Caracas)
The human rights organization Justice, Meeting, and Forgiveness confirmed the release of 39 political dissidents held in various prisons across Venezuela after talks between the interim government and the opposition, supported by the United States. The group includes eight women accused of drug-related terrorism acts in 2021. The organization stated on social media that it will continue to advocate for the full freedom of all prisoners still under surveillance and awaiting release.
On Friday, the second phase of negotiations took place between the interim government led by President Delcy Rodríguez and the opposition. These talks, progressing under U.S. approval, began after President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power following a U.S. military operation in January. According to the NGO Foro Penal, there were 344 political prisoners as of September 18 in Venezuela. Family members of these prisoners have been protesting in front of the El Rodeo First Prison, which U.S. embassies and NGOs have described as a torture center. Among those freed are six individuals accused of collaborating with the United States in the 2020 effort to depose Maduro. Under U.S. pressure, Rodríguez enacted an amnesty law in February, but progress in releasing political prisoners has been slow.
Summary: Despite US sanctions and blockades, Iran is accelerating the use of the rail corridor connecting it with China, prioritizing it over maritime routes. Roshanbakhsh Kanbari stated that goods transported via the Iran-China rail route take about 15 days instead of 45 to 50 days. However, each train carries roughly 1,000 tons and requires container transfers at border points, limiting capacity and increasing costs. Iran has formed an emergency committee to prioritize imports of food, medicine, medical equipment, and raw materials. Kathmandu, October 11.
Facing severe challenges caused by US sanctions and tensions, Iran has expedited the development of an alternative trade route through its northern borders. Following US naval blockades and reduced maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has given precedence to overland and rail corridors linking it with China. According to Roshanbakhsh Kanbari, Deputy Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization, the Iran-China rail corridor has been operating continuously for several months despite sanctions and obstacles. Speaking to Tasnim News Agency on September 25, Kanbari explained, “Maritime transport between Iran and China used to take 45 to 50 days, but the rail route has reduced this to around 15 days. This 35-day time saving is a significant advantage for trade.”
This rail route begins at the Pishgaman dry port in Yazd province in central Iran, passing through Isfahan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan before reaching the Yiwu inland port in China. While faster in terms of transit time, authorities have pointed out that the rail route’s cargo capacity remains far lower than maritime shipping. Kanbari noted that one train can carry about 1,000 tons, compared to much larger loads on ocean vessels. Due to this limited capacity, traders often have to wait to send goods. Another challenge is the different rail gauges in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, requiring containers to be transferred from one train to another, which adds time. To reduce costs, Iran has set up arrangements for cargo handling on both sides of the border. Previously, all empty containers returned from China, but now Iranian exporters have begun shipping goods in those containers. Nevertheless, shipping by rail is still more expensive than by sea. Kanbari emphasized, “Iran should not rely on a single route. A coordinated approach involving rail, road, and maritime transport is essential to develop new trade corridors.”
US sanctions have caused a sharp drop in Iran’s oil exports. According to US energy data, daily oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz was 21 million barrels in 2025 but decreased to just 4.9 million barrels by the second quarter of 2026. To prioritize essential imports, Iran has established an emergency committee. Currently, only imports of food, medicines, medical devices, and raw materials (under roughly 2,500 to 2,800 tariff codes) are permitted. Maintaining trade with China and facilitating the supply of critical goods, this rail corridor offers substantial relief for Iran. However, due to limited cargo capacity, technical complexities at border areas, and higher shipping costs, analysts remain uncertain if the rail route can fully replace maritime trade. It remains to be seen how significantly this development will strengthen the Iranian economy over the long term.
In August, Slovakia experienced a 37 percent increase in commercial flights compared to the same period last year. This growth rate is the highest among European Union member states, while the average increase across the EU stands at a modest 2.3 percent.
Slovakia’s Ministry of Transport identified the reopening of the Bratislava–Košice domestic air service as the main factor driving the rise in flights during August. This service had been suspended for seven years before resuming last year. Currently, Wizz Air operates daily flights on this route.
According to Eurostat data, Malta and Estonia saw smaller flight increases at 12.4 percent and 8.3 percent respectively. However, flight numbers declined in eight other EU member states. The ministry stated that the reestablished air service has contributed not only to increased passenger traffic but also facilitated new routes and expanded destinations at both airports.
Following rainfall caused by El Niño, flowers have bloomed in the Atacama Desert. This recent heavy rain brought by El Niño has transformed one of the driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert, filling it with beautiful blossoms.
Located in northern Chile, this desert stretches between the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. Seeds and tubers have remained dormant for years, but with sufficient rainfall, they become active, leading to a vibrant display of blooming flowers.
