News

The last living Israeli hostages held in Gaza were freed on Monday under a ceasefire deal that also saw Israel release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, marking what US President Donald Trump declared the official end of the two-year war that has shaken the Middle East.

Hours later, Trump gathered Muslim and European leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza’s post-war future and prospects for regional peace. Neither Israel nor Hamas attended the meeting, as both sides have yet to agree on the next steps.

The Israeli military confirmed that all 20 surviving hostages had been handed over by...

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has hit back at claims he was against signing Oscar Piastri as a rookie driver, calling the suggestion «ludicrous» and entirely untrue.

At a London court hearing last week, Alex Palou, the Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar champion, alleged that Brown told him in late 2022 the decision to hire Piastri had not been his own.

Speaking to Reuters ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Texas, where Piastri is defending a 22-point championship lead over teammate Lando Norris, Brown dismissed the accusation.

«I’m not sure which...

A possible acquisition of a stake in Uzbekistan’s national postal operator UzPost by Russian online marketplace Wildberries could mark a major step in its digital transformation, according to economist Shukhrat Bobokhuzhaev.

«UzPost genuinely needs major investment and partners to build a digital platform. If the reports about Wildberries’ acquisition are confirmed, it would be good news that could turn the postal service into a thriving business,» Bobokhuzhaev told Kursiv Uzbekistan.

The expert recalled that back in 2018, UzPost had already attempted a digital upgrade under Russian manager Evgeny Birger, but the project stalled due to...

India is doubling down on a multipolar world vision while preserving its non-aligned doctrine, according to a new commentary by Prof. Sudhanshu Tripathi. The piece argues that U.S. dominance and widening geopolitical rifts are pushing New Delhi to balance great-power ties without joining rival blocs.

Tripathi highlights three pillars of India’s approach:

Pakistan and Russia agreed to expand cooperation across oil, gas and minerals as Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik led Islamabad’s delegation to the 14th St Petersburg International Gas Forum (SPIGF).

At the forum’s plenary, «Gas Market 2025–2035,» Malik outlined Pakistan’s energy reforms and investor-friendly policies, pitching diversification and transparency to global players. On the sidelines, he held talks with Gazprom Chairman Alexey Miller to advance collaboration with OGDCL in upstream exploration, joint ventures and infrastructure. Separate meetings with Rusgeo and AI firm Nedra Digital explored Russian investment, technology transfer and digital solutions to boost exploration and production efficiency.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has warned his G20 counterparts that soaring asset prices, particularly in AI-linked tech stocks, may be out of step with a fragile global outlook, leaving markets vulnerable to a sharp reversal.

In a letter sent in his capacity as chair of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), Bailey cautioned that recent rebounds across financial markets have produced valuations that «could now be at odds with the uncertain economic and geopolitical outlook,» heightening the risk of a «disorderly adjustment.»

The alert follows the BoE’s own assessment that stock market valuations look «stretched,» with concerns extending to...

The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) says the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is currently facing 280 restrictive measures from third countries, but notes Uzbekistan has partially eased one of its own rules, scrapping the excise tax on imported white sugar from 1 October 2025.

According to the EEC, most curbs come from the EU and U.S. (30+ each), with Türkiye just under 30. Several others, including the UK, Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, China and India, maintain 6–20 measures. Fewer than five have been recorded from countries such as Uzbekistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Japan and Korea.

The Commission added it...

China will convene the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee on October 20–23, using the meeting to lock in a steady, innovation-led course rather than announce abrupt policy shifts, according to an analysis by Dr. Imran Khalid.

Officials are expected to review outcomes of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) and sketch priorities for 2026–2030 around three themes: «new productivity,» «China’s large market,» and «high-level opening up.» The agenda signals confidence in an economic model that pairs state guidance with market vitality, prioritising advanced manufacturing, AI, clean energy and domestic consumption from a vast middle class.

Selective...

Uzbekistan has hosted a coordination meeting for the upcoming «Unity-2025» (Birlik-2025) joint regional military exercise, bringing together defence delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense, participants reviewed the operational objectives and conducted preliminary maneuvers in preparation for the regional drills. The exercise aims to strengthen coordination and interoperability among the armed forces of Central Asian and allied nations.

Azerbaijan’s commando and UAV units are set to take part in 14 planned activities across 20 tactical episodes during the «Unity-2025» exercise.

Uzbekistan’s hosting of the coordination meeting highlights the country’s growing role in promoting...

Emmanuel Macron is being accused of ruling like a monarch while relying on a parliament he can no longer control, as France’s political system teeters on the edge of paralysis.

After a week of dramatic twists, the French president stunned observers by reappointing Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, just days after his first government collapsed in record time. Lecornu now faces the near-impossible task of passing an austerity budget through a deeply divided National Assembly.

Veteran political analyst Alain Duhamel said France has «gone beyond a political crisis» and is now facing a regime crisis.

Uruguay secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Monday in a friendly that will hone their game plan for next year’s World Cup. The match, played under floodlights in Malaysia, handed Italian icon Fabio Cannavaro his first defeat as Uzbekistan coach. After a dismal first half, Uruguay turned the tables with a brilliant second half that left the fans in raptures.

After an even, low-key first half, Marcelo Bielsa’s side seized control after the break. Federico Viñas twice unlocked Uzbekistan’s defence, setting up Facundo Torres for the opener around the 50th minute and then Juan Manuel Sanabria for...

TV Azteca is preparing to launch its most ambitious reality series yet, La Granja VIP 2025. Debuting on October 12, the show blends celebrity culture with real-world hardship, promising ten weeks of unfiltered endurance, teamwork and drama.

Sixteen well-known figures from television, sport and social media will abandon luxury and comfort to live and work on a farm. Every task, from feeding animals to harvesting crops, will unfold live on screen, with the public deciding who stays and who goes.

«It’s not just entertainment — it’s a social experiment,» producers said, describing the project as...

Economists Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for their influential research on how innovation and «creative destruction» drive long-term economic growth. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the decision on Monday.

Formally known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, the award is worth 11 mln Swedish crowns (approx. $1.2 mln) and concludes this year’s Nobel season.

The Academy praised the laureates for explaining how technological progress spurs the development of new products and production methods, replacing outdated ones and ultimately...

A new study by the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has shed light on visitor behaviour and business trends in the Airitom Free Zone in Termez, a year after its opening.

According to the report, 91% of visitors come to the zone to buy food, 48% for clothing, and 38% for household appliances. Most shoppers say prices are lower than at other markets, though many complain about poor transport accessibility.

Out of 490 commercial spaces, 218 are currently operating. The greatest demand is seen in hospitality and healthcare services. The Hilton Garden Inn hotel has already hosted more...

Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced pointed questions on women’s rights during a rare press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, attended by several female journalists.

Muttaqi, a senior Taliban leader under UN sanctions, insisted that women’s education was not «haram» under Islamic law but claimed it had been «postponed» pending a decision by the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.

«We have not declared it religiously forbidden,» he said, adding that «necessary changes will come with time.»

Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where women and girls are barred...

Global warming is accelerating faster than scientists had anticipated, with the world’s coral reefs now approaching an almost irreversible collapse, according to a major international report released on October 13. The findings mark what researchers describe as the first tipping point in the breakdown of climate-linked ecosystems.

The Global Tipping Points report, compiled by 160 scientists from around the world, assesses the critical thresholds beyond which environmental damage becomes permanent. Warning comes just weeks before the COP30 climate summit, which will take place on the edge of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, itself now approaching its own point of collapse.

On Sunday, October 12, Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, the youngest daughter of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, turned to Instagram to ask for help finding her family’s missing cat.

She said the pet had lived with the family for many years and was especially beloved by the children. Her post quickly gained attention as many social media users shared the missing cat’s details and offered assistance.

A short while later, the cat was found. Mirziyoyeva expressed her gratitude to everyone who had helped in the search.

«Thanks to your kindness and responsiveness, our pet is back home. Every message and...

Seven Israeli hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza by Hamas on Monday, according to officials involved in the operation, Reuters reports. Their release marks a key moment in ongoing mediation efforts supported by Qatar, Egypt, and other regional partners.

A total of 1,966 prisoners expected to be freed have now boarded buses, officials confirmed. Of these, 250 are set to be released to the West Bank, Jerusalem and other destinations, while 1,716 will be freed at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital.

Joy and Relief in Israel

In the northern town of Lavon, well wishers gathered before...

Uzbekistan’s pavilion at the World EXPO in Osaka has been awarded the gold medal in the category of Best Thematic Presentation, according to Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration.

The concept, titled «Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for the Society of the Future,» embodies a balance between tradition and innovation. Mirziyoyeva noted that the project received wide international recognition and expressed gratitude to the entire team and partners for their professionalism and dedication.

The pavilion’s design, centred around the tumar, a traditional Uzbek amulet symbolising protection and wisdom, has previously earned praise from German experts at ATELIER BRÜCKNER...

US President Donald Trump has stated that America’s intention is to help China rather than damage its economy, even amid rising trade tensions between the two nations.

Posting on TruthSocial, Trump wrote: «He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!»

His comments came as Washington prepares to introduce new tariffs on Chinese goods starting in November. In addition, the US plans to impose tighter controls on exports of critical software to China. Trump explained that the new duties were a...

Dozens of soldiers were killed overnight in clashes along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, officials from both sides confirmed on Sunday. The fighting is being described as the most serious since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.

Pakistani military reported that 23 of its soldiers were killed, while the Taliban claimed nine deaths on its side. The renewed violence comes amid rising tensions following Islamabad’s demand that the Taliban act against militants it says are staging attacks in Pakistan from Afghan territory. Taliban denies the presence of Pakistani militants on its soil.

Both governments issued conflicting casualty figures. Pakistan...

A Russian e-commerce platform has purchased the government’s stake in UzPost, according to Gazeta.uz, which cited industry sources.

As of October 13, it remains unclear which Russian marketplace acquired the share in Uzbekistan’s postal operator. However, several reports indicate that Wildberries may have taken part in the privatisation.

Kursiv Uzbekistan has sent inquiries to the State Asset Management Agency (UzSAMA) and to Wildberries’ press office for clarification.

According to data from the Unified State Register of Enterprises (USREO) as of October 13, 100% of UzPost’s shares are now distributed among various shareholders, although no detailed breakdown has been disclosed.

For the first time in history, representatives of the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) have been appointed to FIFA committees, according to a statement from the UFA press service.

Uzbekistan has strengthened its cooperation with FIFA in recent years, hosting major international tournaments. In 2024, the country welcomed the Futsal World Cup for the first time, and in 2027, it will host the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

UFA First Vice President Ravshan Irmatov has been named Deputy Chair of the FIFA Committee on Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in Football. The committee oversees the development of technological solutions such as VAR...

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy has called for increasing the level of capital investment in the country’s GDP, according to the National Development Program presented on October 10 at the 11th «Life in Kyrgyzstan» Conference.

The updated strategy outlines economic goals through 2030, following the current program that runs until 2026. The new framework aims to expand the national economy by 1.7 times within six years, requiring an annual growth rate of 6–7%. Between 2014 and 2019, Kyrgyzstan’s GDP grew at an average of 4.2% per year.

Officials noted that unlocking the investment potential of the economy will be...