Government Shake-Up: Kazakhstan’s new leadership moves fast: President Tokayev appointed Erlan Karin as Vice President under the new constitution, while deputies backed Olzhas Bektenov as Prime Minister; Bektenov says law and order, at least 5% GDP growth, higher incomes, lower inflation, and a big construction push will anchor policy, with digitalization and AI a 2026 priority. SCO Summit Focus: Kazakhstan is watching the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek closely as leaders including Xi, Putin and Modi gather; Iran’s Pezeshkian arrives to join talks aimed at boosting regional cooperation and countering US influence, with Modi also set for meetings on the sidelines. Investment Drive: Kazakhstan launches a new investment cycle targeting manufacturing, deep processing and high-tech, using fast-track approvals and a digital investment platform, with dozens of agreements signed across pharma, energy, metallurgy, agriculture and infrastructure. Security at Schools: Kazakhstan is stepping up child safety measures as schools add surveillance coverage—over 283,000 cameras installed—plus road checks near education sites. Energy & Trade Links: Kazakhstan’s oil output faces pressure after pipeline attacks, while Lindian Resources secured exclusive access to heavy rare-earth feedstock in Kazakhstan, potentially supporting magnet-related materials. Crime Crackdown: Prosecutors say “KhimProm” ran a call-center network in Ukraine to recruit drug dealers for illegal sales in Kazakhstan, with seven suspects detained. Tech/Leisure: A Kazakh-made fitness game, “Pushup RPG: Fitness Quest,” has topped 100,000 installs after viral push-up videos.