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As of the end of June 2025, more than 98,400 citizens of Uzbekistan were residing in South Korea, according to a recent report by The Korea Times. This figure places the Uzbek diaspora as the fifth largest foreign population in the country.

Chinese nationals remain the largest foreign group in South Korea, with 972,100 residents. They are followed by Vietnamese citizens at 341,100, and Americans at 196,600. Thai nationals rank fourth, with a population of 173,700.

The report notes that the majority of foreign residents are concentrated in Seoul, the surrounding capital region and the southern provinces of the...

British actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has unveiled a surprising new look in the latest issue of Men’s Fitness UK, revealing the results of an intense physical transformation undertaken for his role as Mephisto in the Disney+ Marvel series Ironheart. The 52-year-old, widely known for satirical characters like Borat and Ali G, took to social media to share images from the magazine shoot, showcasing his muscular build, an unexpected twist that has left fans both stunned and intrigued.

Cohen’s portrayal of Mephisto, a long-anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), officially debuted earlier this summer in Ironheart...

American Eagle’s latest advertising campaign, fronted by actress Sydney Sweeney, has become the subject of public scrutiny following accusations that its messaging carries racially insensitive undertones. The campaign, launched to promote the retailer’s autumn denim collection, uses the tagline «Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans» — a phrase that has prompted concern for what some have interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to «great genes.»

Sweeney, 27, known for her roles in Euphoria and Reality, appears in a series of stylised images wearing American Eagle’s signature denim. The Spokane-born actress is also set to portray boxer Christy Martin in a forthcoming...

Luis Díaz is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich after Liverpool agreed to a transfer deal worth up to €75 mln (£65.5 mln), the Guardian reports. The 28-year-old Colombian international is expected to leave the Reds’ pre-season camp in Tokyo to undergo a medical with the Bundesliga champions.

Bayern have pursued Díaz for some time and ultimately met Liverpool’s valuation to secure the move. Díaz had shown openness to a transfer as early as summer 2024, prompting negotiations that have now come to fruition. Despite offering the winger two new contract extensions, Liverpool have opted to cash in...

The weather across Uzbekistan on July 28, 2025 is forecast to remain mostly dry and hot, with only isolated areas in the Republic of Karakalpakstan expecting short-lived showers and thunderstorms. According to meteorological data, daytime temperatures will range from 32°C to 37°C across much of the country.

Winds are expected to blow at 7–12 metres per second, with localised gusts reaching up to 18 m/s, accompanied by blowing dust in some regions.

Tashkent to Remain Dry with High Temperatures

In the capital, Tashkent, no rainfall is anticipated. Winds will be lighter than in some other regions, at...

Several banks have updated the rates for exchanging foreign currencies for UZS on July 26. This article contains information about the most favorable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value of currencies...

Turkmenistan has announced the export of over 860 vehicles and luxury cars, including German-made machinery and armoured sedans, via its State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange. The listings reflect the country’s continued efforts to boost international trade in automotive and industrial sectors.

Specialised Equipment Priced from $53,000

According to official data, the Motor Enterprise of the Presidential Administration is offering 704 units of specialised transport equipment.

Each vehicle, produced in Germany, is priced at $53,000 and available on EXW terms from Ashgabat, with full prepayment required.

An additional batch of 160 units has also been made available at $66,000 per vehicle. These, too, are manufactured in Germany and ready for immediate dispatch.

Luxury Vehicles...

Japanese investment group Sojitz Corporation plans to build a large multi-specialty medical centre in Samarkand. The project will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, according to the regional administration.

Healthcare Investment in Shirin District

The future medical facility, designed for 800 beds, will be located in the newly developing Shirin residential area, near Samarkand International Airport.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Sojitz representatives and Adiz Boboyev, the acting governor of the Samarkand region.

Sojitz Expands Role in Uzbekistan

Founded in Tokyo in 2003, Sojitz is active in global trade and infrastructure development. In Uzbekistan, the company already supplies hospital equipment and supports digital education projects.

Telegram has rolled out an official age verification bot that uses facial scanning technology to determine whether a user is over 18. The new tool is integrated into Telegram’s settings and is currently only available in countries where local laws require age checks for adult content.

Facial ID Without Data Transfer

The bot is built using Telegram’s own technology and functions as a mini app verified by the platform. Users can access it directly or through the «Settings» → «Chats» → «Sensitive Content» menu (or «Privacy & Security» on desktop).

Importantly, Telegram states that all data remains on the user’s device. No images are uploaded to...

A controlled gas release has been reported at the Muynak gas field in Karakalpakstan during exploratory drilling, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy confirmed on July 26.

Methane Leak Occurred at 4,707 Metres

The incident took place while drilling the first exploratory well, designed to reach a depth of 5,000 metres. The leak occurred when gas began to escape at 4,707 metres, exceeding expected pressure levels.

In response, emergency teams are working to seal the well and stabilise pressure, following all established safety protocols.

No Hydrogen Sulphide, No Threat to Public

According to the ministry, the gas released is pure methane, free of hydrogen sulphide.

Afghanistan has reported that more than 700,000 of its citizens were expelled from Iran in just one month, triggering urgent calls from Kabul for closer coordination and humanitarian support.

Afghan Authorities Demand Respectful Process

The Commission for Refugee Affairs expressed concern over how the deportations were carried out, urging Iranian officials to work transparently with Afghanistan to avoid chaos at the borders.

Spokesperson Ahmadullah Wasiq said the treatment of Afghan nationals by Iran fell short of international norms. He stressed that if roles were reversed, Afghanistan would have been prepared to offer refuge.

Border Arrivals in Distress

Thousands arriving at the Islam Qala crossing were...

Uzbekistan imported a record amount of natural gas from Russia and Turkmenistan in the first half of 2025, according to official data from the State Statistics Committee.

Imports Outpace Exports

Between January and June, Uzbekistan’s total gas imports reached $571.8 mln — despite a 30% decline year-on-year.

The highest monthly volume came in June ($286.3 mln), following a gradual rise from $2.7 mln in March and $8 mln in February.

Gas Exports to China Surge

Over the same period, Uzbekistan exported $354.9 mln worth of gas to China — a 50% increase.

Monthly shipments peaked at $105.4 mln in April, before slowing to $66.9 mln in June.

Discrepancies with...

On 25 July 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proposed by Tajikistan, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of Central Asia. The initiative was introduced by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Regional AI Centre to Open in Dushanbe

The resolution includes the creation of a Regional Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Dushanbe. The centre will coordinate AI integration efforts across Central Asian countries.

Main Objectives of the AI Centre

On Sunday, July 27, residents of Uzbekistan’s capital can expect a slight break from the intense heat. According to Uzhydromet, daytime temperatures in Tashkent will range between +35°C and +37°C. No rainfall is expected.

Wind Gusts and Dust Drifts in Lowlands

Winds in the city will blow at speeds of 3–8 m/s, with occasional gusts reaching up to 12 m/s. This may lead to the formation of localised dust drifts, especially in dry and exposed areas.

Across Uzbekistan: Hot and Mostly Dry

Most regions across the country will remain hot and dry. Temperatures are forecast between +33°C...

Telegram may soon launch a user rating system within its platform. According to Durov’s Code, users will be able to view their account level by tapping a special icon in the interface. A notification will then appear stating, «Profile level reflects the reliability of the user’s payments,» along with a link to an article about Telegram Stars.

The feature is currently being rolled out gradually on a test server.

While the full purpose of the rating system remains unclear, there are several likely scenarios. Firstly, it may be used to indicate a user’s payment activity or trustworthiness, potentially granting access...

Uzbekistan’s passport has improved its standing in the 2025 global passport index published by Henley & Partners, rising six spots to reach 74th place. As of this year, Uzbek citizens can travel visa-free to 62 countries.

The inclusion of China in the list of visa-free destinations helped offset the recent removal of Mauritania. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and reflects the number of countries passport holders can enter without a visa.

Singapore once again tops the index, offering its citizens visa-free access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea follow closely...

Kyrgyzstan has handed over three snow leopards to the Snow Leopard Centre located in the Altai Mountains as part of efforts to reintroduce and strengthen the local population, announced the republic’s Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev, RIA news agency reports.

“This is not merely a symbolic gesture but a contribution to the sustainability of the Altai-Sayan ecosystem,” he said during an international environmental conference.

According to the Prime Minister, Kyrgyzstan is actively engaged in protecting the snow leopard population, which now numbers over 500 species. To preserve...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently reviewed a presentation on new approaches to the nation’s employment system and vocational education.

The newly established system for reducing poverty, along with targeted funding, is already showing positive results, as of July 1, the national poverty rate has fallen to 6.8%.

Since the beginning of the year, models inspired by international best practices have been implemented. For example, the banking sector has increased cooperation with local communities (mahallas) to support job creation. In just the first half of the year over three million people were engaged in income-generating work.

Improving the quality of vocational...

Since December 2024, UzAuto Motors Powertrain has commenced exporting CSS Prime cylinder blocks to Latin America. The total shipment volume reaches 40,000 units, valued at $4.9 mln.

Notably, UzAuto Motors Powertrain stands out as a unique manufacturing hub in the region. It is currently the first and only plant in Central Asia to offer a full engine production cycle — from producing aluminium castings to final machining and assembly. This comprehensive approach significantly reduces logistics costs and enables the company to maintain production costs 10 to 20 percent lower than comparable manufacturers in other countries.

The company has been...

French luxury conglomerate LVMH, under the leadership of Bernard Arnault, is currently engaged in confidential discussions with multiple potential buyers regarding the sale of its fashion label Marc Jacobs, Reuters reports.

Among the interested parties are Authentic Brands Group, which owns Reebok, and WHP Global, though these companies have remained tight-lipped on the ongoing talks. Additionally, Bluestar Alliance, known for owning Brookstone, has emerged as another contender to acquire the Marc Jacobs brand. According to the Wall Street Journal, the label’s valuation could reach around $1 bn.

Neither LVMH, Marc Jacobs, nor Bluestar Alliance immediately responded to requests for...

Dry and hot conditions are expected across Uzbekistan today, on July 26. Winds will blow at 7–12 m/s, with occasional gusts increasing to 13–18 m/s and dusty low-level winds. Daytime temperatures will range from 35°C to 40°C.

In Tashkent, the capital, the weather will remain dry. Winds are forecast at 3–8 m/s, with possible gusts of up to 10–12 m/s accompanied by dust. Temperatures are expected to reach between 38°C and 40°C.

In the mountainous areas, dry weather is also forecast. Wind speeds will range from 7–12 m/s, with some areas potentially experiencing stronger gusts of 13–18 m/s. Temperatures...

Several banks have updated the rates for exchanging foreign currencies for UZS on July 26. This article contains information about the most favorable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value of currencies...

After a strong fifth-place finish in the 2024/25 Premier League season, Aston Villa are reportedly setting their sights on Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United, a player widely dubbed the «Cristiano Ronaldo regen.»

The 21-year-old Argentine winger has caught Villa’s attention for his flair, dribbling, and two-footed finishing — traits that could bring much-needed creativity to Villa Park. However, the club may struggle to meet United’s asking price.

With Ollie Watkins attracting interest from United, a potential sale could help Villa finance a move for Garnacho, though Chelsea are also said to be in the race for the young talent.

Villa...

Former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry has revealed he «never got along» with Jeremy Clarkson, describing him as a «massive show-off and egotist» during an interview with Al Arabiya News.

Berry, who hosted the BBC motoring show before Clarkson, Hammond, and May made it a global hit, recalled a tense first impression:

«He turned up two hours late to a shoot, while I arrived early to impress. The crew was fuming.»

Despite their differences, Berry admitted Clarkson’s bold personality was part of his appeal to TV executives. Off-camera, he said Clarkson is «a...