News

Uzbekistan may be losing up to $4.5 bn annually because of its rigid data localisation rules. A new report by Kotib AI Research outlines the economic cost of the 2019 law on personal data.

Local Servers Rule Out Global Integration

Under Article 27-1, all personal data must be stored on servers inside Uzbekistan. This rule affects cloud services, increases infrastructure costs, and discourages foreign tech companies.

Localisation Rules: Billions Lost Across Key Sectors

Annual losses by sector include:

These losses add up to 5.7% of GDP each year.

Global...

As glaciers continue to retreat at an alarming rate, scientists and international organisations are raising urgent concerns over the far-reaching consequences for both human health and the environment. The latest Frontiers report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights the growing threats linked to glacial melt, particularly for older populations and communities dependent on cryospheric regions.

The report warns that surpassing a 2°C rise above pre-industrial temperatures could lead to dramatic losses across the cryosphere — including permafrost, sea ice, snow cover and glaciers. Around 670 mln people live in these areas, and billions more rely on freshwater originating...

Most people are familiar with Egypt’s three iconic pyramids — now imagine over 300 of them reduced to fine particles and swept into the air. That’s roughly the amount of sand and dust lifted into the atmosphere each year by powerful storms, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The WMO’s latest annual report reveals that although the total dust levels slightly declined in 2024, their effects on public health and economies are worsening. The agency estimates that more than 330 mln people across 150 countries are regularly affected by these storms, which are linked to respiratory illnesses, heart...

Uzbekistan has doubled its agricultural exports to the United Kingdom in the first five months of 2025, according to Dunyo news agency.

In particular, Uzbek melons began entering the British market in July this year. Within a short period, 10 tonnes of melons were delivered by Uzbekistan Airways on the Tashkent–London route. The melons, known for their unique sweetness and flavour, have generated strong demand among British consumers.

Exports of legumes, dried fruits and nuts have also increased this year. These include grapes, cherries, raisins, chickpeas, mung beans and apricot kernels. Fresh produce and processed goods grown in Uzbekistan...

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has shared that he has gone twenty years without alcohol, tobacco, coffee, medication or drugs. According to him, this lifestyle choice is key to maintaining good health, mental clarity and high productivity.

«If you want to reach your full potential and maintain clarity of mind, stay away from addictive substances. My success and health are the result of 20+ years of complete abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, pills, and illegal drugs. Short-term pleasure isn’t worth your future,» he wrote in a recent post.

Durov stressed that brief moments of pleasure...

Foreign currencies rate against UZS for today, July 14, remained the same as on July 11.

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

Several banks have updated buy rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

As of the latest news, all foreign currencies above have weakened against the UZS.

Uzbekistan has officially recognised Zaamin Kazan Patyr bread as a geographical indication, adding it to the State Register as the country’s 20th protected regional product.

The designation confirms that the bread is made using a traditional recipe specific to the Zaamin district in the Jizzakh region. The preparation involves dough made with local milk and butter, baked in a kazan (cauldron). This bread is known for its unique flavour and soft texture.

Under the new status, the name, recipe and origin of Zaamin Kazan Patyr are now protected by law. This aims to preserve regional culinary heritage, support local producers and ensure consumers receive an authentic, high-quality product.

Kursiv Uzbekistan...

Kazakhstan has denied entry to over 3,500 foreign nationals since the start of 2025 due to suspected links with terrorist organisations. The figure was confirmed by Yermek Sagimbayev, Chairman of the National Security Committee (NSC), in an interview with Kazinform.

According to the NSC, 246 individuals directly involved in terrorism were stopped at the country’s borders. Authorities also identified 16 people wanted in their home countries for religious extremism or terrorist crimes.

Kazakhstan ramps up anti-terror border checks

Security services have strengthened screening at entry and exit points. Migration routes are being closely monitored to prevent infiltration by foreign radicals, Sagimbayev said.

An additional...

North Korea has confirmed its full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The announcement followed a meeting on July 12 between Kim Jong Un and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan, a coastal city in North Korea.

State media reported that North Korea supports all measures Russia takes in Ukraine. A new cooperation plan for 2026–2027 was signed during the visit.

North Korea and Russia Expand Strategic Ties

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui also met Lavrov. The two discussed joint action in global forums and closer military and diplomatic cooperation.

Lavrov called the talks a strategic dialogue. He praised North Korea’s firm support for...

China will invest $800,000 to establish a new Centre for Automotive Engineering at Tashkent State Technical University (TSTU), Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport announced.

The centre is being created in partnership with Guangdong Province under the Belt and Road Initiative. A formal agreement was signed at Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Guangzhou with representatives from both governments in attendance.

Focus on hydrogen, servicing and design

The new facility will focus on vehicle design, technical maintenance, and hydrogen technologies. A dedicated lab will be built with support from leading automakers including BYD, Chery, and Toyota.

The initial $800 thousand investment covers the first phase of construction and setup. The Guangdong government will provide additional...

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its initial findings into the deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft went down minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 260 people. Only one passenger survived.

India’s Boeing 787 Crash: Pilots Caught Off Guard by Engine Failure

Cockpit recordings reveal the pilots were shocked by the sudden shutdown of both engines. Just seconds before impact, one crew member asked:

«Why did you shut down the engines?»

The other replied: «I didn’t.»

According to the report, fuel supply was...

A recent study reveals that 82% of foreign specialists who relocated to Uzbekistan in recent years intend to stay and continue working in the country.

The findings come from joint research by the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) and IT Park Uzbekistan. The report paints a portrait of the typical relocator: a qualified expert around 38 years old, usually married and with young children.

Uzbekistan Offers Long-Term Opportunity for Digital Talent

About 40% of those surveyed have children under 16, indicating a family-oriented move rather than short-term labour migration. The results suggest that Uzbekistan is viewed not only as a career destination but...

Afghanistan could receive up to 3 mln returning migrants this year, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The figure far exceeds initial projections and risks deepening the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

UNHCR Raises Concerns Over Return Scale

Arafat Jamal, head of the UNHCR office in Afghanistan, said the country faces growing pressure from a «massive, unorganised and humiliating» return of citizens, mostly from Iran and Pakistan.

Over 1.6 mln Afghans have already returned in 2025. The majority have come from Iran. The initial forecast for the year was 1.4 mln.

Border Crossings Surge Daily

More than 30,000 people now cross the Islam Qala checkpoint at...

A new state named New Caledonia is set to emerge, following a landmark agreement reached in a suburb of Paris. According to Politico, the territory will retain certain dependencies on France.

Representatives from opposing sides — both pro-independence and pro-unity — reached a compromise. The agreement grants New Caledonia autonomous status and several new rights.

Under the terms, the archipelago will introduce its own citizenship and take on some responsibilities in foreign policy. Before the deal takes effect, it must be approved by the French Parliament and endorsed in a referendum by New Caledonia’s population.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the...

Kyrgyzstan is currently working with Turkey on three major energy projects involving the construction of power plants and an oil refinery, according to the country’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Nazgul Usenova.

Speaking at the “Central Asia School” conference, organised by Russia’s Gorchakov Foundation, Usenova outlined the scope of the projects.

«At present, we are jointly implementing three large-scale projects with Turkey. The first is the construction of a second thermal power station in Bishkek. The second is the Kazarman hydropower cascade. Research has been completed on that, and we expect to make a final decision...

Kazakhstan has become the first nation in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States to sign a civil aviation master plan with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), laying out a roadmap for industry development through to 2050.

The agreement was formalised during a visit by ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, who met with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport to sign the document.

Under the plan, ICAO will work with Kazakhstan to enhance its aviation sector between 2026 and 2050. The Ministry noted that the country has already made considerable progress in aligning with ICAO regulations. Over the past...

Japanese Johkasou wastewater treatment systems have been installed at social institutions in Karakalpakstan, according to Akiko Fujii, the UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.

The systems make it possible to reuse treated wastewater for irrigating gardens and small-scale agriculture. One of the installations was set up at a rehabilitation centre in Nukus district. The centre now grows fruits and vegetables on site to feed its patients.

Water reuse improves health and nutrition

Johkasou systems were also introduced at a kindergarten and a specialised school in Khodjeyli. The installations improved sanitation and helped save water for garden irrigation. In addition...

In the first half of 2025, residents of Uzbekistan received mortgage loans totalling 9.4 trln soums, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Of this amount, 6.3 trln soums were allocated by banks using state budget funds, while the remainder came from the financial institutions’ own resources.

In total, more than 31,500 people in the country took out mortgages during this period.

Citizens received 6,900 flats in the New Uzbekistan districts.

A total of 624 bn soums were allocated for infrastructure development in these areas. The funds are being used for the construction of roads, gas, electricity and...

On July 11, a Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Eritrea was signed, according to a statement by Eritrea’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.

The document was signed on behalf of the governments of the two countries by Ulugbek Lapasov, Uzbekistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and Sophia Tesfamariam Yohannes, Eritrea’s Permanent Representative.

The Eritrean mission noted that this event marks a new stage in bilateral relations, founded on mutual respect and the principles of the UN Charter. Eritrea has become the 161st country with which Uzbekistan has established official interstate...

Foreign currencies rate against UZS slightly declined on July 11.

Central Bank Reference Rates several banks now offer notably higher buy rates—beneficial for travellers seeking to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks now offer notably higher buy rates—beneficial for travellers seeking to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Saturday’s update presents a favourable environment for foreign exchange: modest strengthening of the...

On July 11, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Uzbekistan, Abdul Ghaffar Terawi.

The two sides discussed current issues on the bilateral and regional agenda, with Uzbekistan reaffirming its commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s sustainable development.

Particular attention was given to the importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional and global supply chains. Strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing connectivity and developing dynamic partnerships were noted as key factors in ensuring lasting stability and prosperity across the broader region.

Kursiv also reports that Kazakhstan is strengthening its...

Based on open-source data, the BBC alongside Mediazona and a volunteer team has identified the names of 118,139 Russian military personnel killed during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. More than 500 of the deceased were foreign citizens from 28 countries—including Central Asian states.

These figures include only those foreign nationals who had no Russian citizenship when they signed up, and whose deaths could be confirmed via sources such as official announcements, relatives’ posts on social media or gravestone photos. The actual number of foreign recruits killed is expected to be much higher.

When compiling the list, no data was...

The original Hermès Birkin bag, once owned by Jane Birkin herself, sold for a record-breaking $10 mln at a Sotheby’s Paris auction, making it the most expensive handbag ever sold.

This was no ordinary accessory—it was the first Birkin prototype, custom-made for the British actress in 1984 after a chance meeting with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. Birkin famously sketched the design on an air sickness bag, leading to the birth of the now-iconic luxury handbag.

The worn black leather bag features her initials, a pair of silver nail clippers, and faded humanitarian stickers, giving it unmatched historical and personal...

Threads user @baibolov_a01 posted a photo of the menu from the Uzbek restaurant Uzbek Corner in London and expressed outrage over the price of plov.

«Uzbeks in London, have you lost your minds? Plov for £12 [206,000 Uzbek soms]? When I see Asian cuisine, I expect reasonable prices — 4 or 5 max. You’re not some hyped-up trendy cuisine abroad to show off with price tags. Get back to reality, please,» he wrote.

Prices for other Uzbek dishes at the venue are not far behind. A bowl of mastava or moshkhurda is priced at...