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Sharon Osbourne has spoken out against what she calls “false press” regarding the amount of money raised for charity by Back to the Beginning, Black Sabbath’s farewell concert held on July 5 at Birmingham’s Villa Park.

Billed as a historic moment in heavy metal history, and widely praised as the greatest metal concert of all time, the event marked Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance and featured a powerhouse lineup including Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Tool and others. The show was livestreamed globally, with proceeds pledged to Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cure Parkinson’s.

A total of 25K tickets were sold for Jennifer Lopez’s concert at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, according to Uzbekistan 24. Of those, 15K were purchased by foreign visitors, with Russians making up the majority — 7,500 attendees — followed by 2,500 from Kazakhstan. Ticket prices started at 800K soums.

While the Uzbek government has yet to announce how much revenue the country earned from the event, the condition of the stadium’s grass pitch after the concert became a hot topic among local football fans.

Post-concert damage to Bunyodkor Stadium turf. Photo: Tribuna.uz

Diyor Imamkhodjayev, head of Uzbekistan’s Professional Football...

Enterprises in Uzbekistan will be eligible for preferential loans of up to 5 bn soums at an 18% interest rate if they hire university graduates, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during a recent government meeting.

The loan amount will be tied to the number of young specialists employed. For example, a company applying for a loan of up to 1 bn soums must hire at least one graduate. To receive the maximum 5 bn soums, the business must employ at least five graduates.

However, if the company terminates the graduate’s employment within two years, the preferential interest rate will be revoked...

Alarming projections that climate change could reduce global GDP by 62% by the year 2100 have turned out to be significantly overstated—due to a critical error in data relating to Uzbekistan, according to a new review by Stanford University researchers.

The original study, published a year ago in Nature, claimed that the global economy was on track to lose 19% of its GDP by 2050 and 62% by 2100 due to climate-related impacts. These forecasts gained widespread media coverage and were cited in policy planning by the U.S. government and the World Bank.

However, further analysis revealed that these...

A hacker group known as Paper Werewolf launched a series of cyberattacks in July and August targeting organisations in Uzbekistan and Russia, according to a report by RBC citing cybersecurity firm Bi.zone.

The attackers employed phishing emails containing RAR-format archives that exploited known vulnerabilities in the popular file compression software WinRAR to install malicious software (malware) on victim systems.

«The attackers had two objectives: not only to exploit WinRAR vulnerabilities to install malware, but also to increase the likelihood that their phishing emails would bypass email security filters, as such attachments are common in business...

Between January and July 2025, solar panels installed on homes, businesses and infrastructure sites across Uzbekistan generated 875 mln kWh of electricity, according to the Ministry of Energy.

As of August 1, the total installed capacity of these solar systems had reached 1,600 MW, with panels fitted at around 130,000 locations nationwide.

Among them, 19,900 public sector facilities, including schools and hospitals, accounted for 377 MW. A further 71,800 residential properties contributed over 361 MW, while rooftop systems on 2,100 apartment buildings added another 27 MW.

The private sector has played a leading role in scaling up small-scale solar...

Uzbekistan is set to begin construction of new international airports in Tashkent, Bukhara and Urgench starting in 2026, according to the national fiscal strategy published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance for the period 2026 to 2028.

The government plans to launch all three airport projects next year, aiming to significantly expand aviation infrastructure across key cities.

In addition to expanding airport capacity, the authorities intend to increase domestic air traffic by at least 50% and bring in no fewer than six international airlines to foster greater competition in the aviation market.

The new Bukhara airport project, estimated...

With expanded government support for the logistics sector, Uzbek national carriers have, for the first time, begun transporting large-scale and heavy equipment directly from manufacturers in the People’s Republic of China using road transport.

At present, modules weighing over 270 tonnes each are being delivered from China to Surkhandarya region on specially equipped transport vehicles. This high-capacity equipment is intended for a new thermal power plant currently under construction in the region.

The transport is being carried out along a carefully planned route, based on special permits issued for the operation.

Kursiv also reports that China National Gold...

U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that he will host a historic peace summit at the White House on Friday, bringing together the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, for a formal signing ceremony aimed at ending years of conflict between the two nations.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump called the summit a «Historic Peace Summit,» declaring that both leaders have agreed to meet in Washington to finalize a peace agreement. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has spanned decades, with periodic outbreaks of violence, most notably over...

In the first six months of 2025, TBC Uzbekistan reported a net profit of 254 billion soums — a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the bank’s financial report obtained by Kursiv Uzbekistan.

Operating income doubled year-on-year to reach 1.5 trillion soums. The bank’s loan portfolio grew by 113%, reaching 11.4 trillion soums. TBC Uzbekistan now holds a 5.1% share of the retail lending market in the country.

TBC Uzbekistan’s Key Financials for H1 2025
Deposits rose to 6.2 trillion soums — up 93% year-on-year. The number of Salom debit cards issued by the bank reached...

A German company, AMK Global, could become a partner in a planned waste recycling plant in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent region, according to a statement from the regional administration.

Regional governor Zoir Mirzayev met with AMK Global President Andreas Karsten during a working visit to Germany. The meeting took place at Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Frankfurt and was part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment into the region’s environmental infrastructure.

AMK Global is known for its work in renewable energy and environmentally sustainable waste management. The company offers full-service support for infrastructure projects, including technical expertise, assistance with permits, financing...

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to South Korea, Alisher Abdusalomov, has voiced strong support for Korean district heating technology during a visit to the Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC) this week.

The visit focused on the K-heating initiative, a Korean-led project aimed at introducing modern, eco-friendly district heating systems to New Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s planned smart city, and other major urban areas.

«We appreciate KDHC’s support for the development of our energy sector,» said Abdusalomov during his meeting with KDHC President Jeong Yong-ki. «Uzbekistan will do everything it can to ensure the successful adoption of the K-heating system.»

Dry and sunny weather is expected across Uzbekistan today, with daytime temperatures ranging from 33°C to 38°C. Winds will remain moderate, blowing at speeds between 7 and 12 m/s.

The capital, Tashkent, will also remain dry throughout the day. Light winds between 3 and 8 m/s are forecast, and the temperature will stay between 35°C and 37°C.

In the country’s mountainous regions, no rainfall is expected either. Winds will mostly range from 7 to 12 m/s, although occasional gusts could reach up to 13–18 m/s. Temperatures in these areas will be slightly cooler, ranging from 26°C to 31°C.

Alisher Kadyrov, a member of Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber and leader of the Milliy Tiklanish party, has commented publicly on the balance between secular freedoms and religious expression following pop star Jennifer Lopez’s high-profile concert in Tashkent.

In a post shared on his Telegram channel, Kadyrov reaffirmed that Uzbekistan is a secular state, where citizens are free to live as they choose, as long as they do not violate the law. He stressed that Uzbekistan’s laws guarantee equality and protect all citizens regardless of ethnicity or worldview.

Beer Fest and Same-sex Marriages

Addressing personal freedoms, Kadyrov used the example...

Several banks have updated their rates for exchanging foreign currencies into UZS as of August 8. This article contains information about the most favourable rates.

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

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

Financial institutions may change the value...

On Thursday, August 7, a concert of world pop star Jennifer Lopez took place at the Bunyodkor stadium in Tashkent. A correspondent of Kursiv Uzbekistan prepared a photo report from the event.

Kursiv also reports that Jennifer Lopez has publicly thanked Uzbek singer Munisa Rizaeva for the warm welcome she received in Tashkent.

American pop star Jennifer Lopez has publicly thanked Uzbek singer Munisa Rizaeva for the warm welcome she received in Tashkent. In an Instagram Story, Lopez shared her appreciation and attached her latest single, Birthday, to the post.

Rizaeva later reposted the Story on her own Instagram page, sharing the moment with her followers.

? Video: Jennifer Lopez’s Instagram

Earlier, Lopez also shared her excitement about a unique gift she received ahead of her Tashkent concert—a traditional Uzbek lyagan (decorative platter) featuring her portrait. She was also presented with a small gift set by local hosts.

Due to Lopez’s concert...

A man seen lighting a cigarette at the Eternal Flame of the Unknown Soldier beneath Paris’s Arc de Triomphe is facing legal action and the revocation of his residence permit, French officials confirmed Tuesday, as reported by 20minutes.

The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked outrage. In the footage, the man crouches beside the memorial, dedicated to those who died fighting for France, and calmly lights his cigarette before walking away, as stunned tourists look on.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin condemned the act as “shameful and disgraceful,” stating it dishonours the memory of...

Apple has announced plans to invest an additional $100 bn into the U.S. economy, bringing its total planned investments in the country to $600 bn. The announcement was made on August 6 during CEO Tim Cook’s meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.

Earlier this year, the tech giant had already committed $500 bn in domestic investments. According to Apple, the new funds will be used to expand U.S. manufacturing and reshape existing supply chains. Cook noted that components such as semiconductors and protective glass for iPhones are already being produced at U.S.-based facilities, though final...

At a government meeting focused on the development of the Navoi region, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was informed that investors are ready to invest $566 mln in the development of eight local mineral deposits.

According to officials, investors are particularly interested in deposits located in Uchkuduk, Navbahor, and other districts. These investments are expected to boost industrial output by 2.5 trillion Uzbek soums and increase exports by $100 mln.

In addition, authorities plan to establish an industrial granite processing zone in the Nurata district, where granite reserves are estimated at 750 mln cubic meters.

Beyond the mining sector, the region...

Since the beginning of 2025, more than 360 foreign nationals have left Estonia following orders from the country’s authorities, according to Estonian public broadcaster ERR.

Topping the list of deportations are Russian citizens (108 people), followed by individuals from Moldova (37), Ukraine (24), and Uzbekistan (23).

ERR notes that while most of those deported left voluntarily, some were expelled by direct order from Tallinn.

Estonian authorities have also repatriated citizens from Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia, citing various legal reasons for deportation, ranging from violations of immigration laws to other grounds defined by national legislation.

As previously reported by Kursiv...

American pop star Jennifer Lopez has been gifted a traditional Uzbek “lyagan” (decorative platter) featuring her portrait ahead of her concert in Tashkent. The singer shared a video of the unwrapping on Instagram.

«Oh, how beautiful, thank you,» Lopez says in the clip as she admires the handcrafted gift.

Video: Jennifer Lopez’s Instagram

The concert is scheduled for this evening, August 7, at Bunyodkor Stadium (also known as “Milliy”) in the Uzbek capital. According to a Kursiv Uzbekistan correspondent, ticket registration for the event has already begun.

The show starts at 8:00 PM, with stadium...

James Howells, the British IT worker who accidentally threw away a hard drive containing the private key to 8,000 Bitcoin in 2013, has described losing his final legal bid to retrieve it as «gut-wrenching», as reported by Mirror.

At today’s Bitcoin prices, the lost drive is now worth nearly £700 mln. Howells has spent over a decade trying to recover it from the Docksway landfill in Newport, Wales, where it was mistakenly discarded by his then-girlfriend, Hafina Eddy-Evans.

Despite reports suggesting he had given up, Howells insists he still believes the hard drive could be recovered, though Newport City...

Uzbekistan’s Committee for the Development of Competition and Consumer Protection has designated Allmedia Safe Service as a dominant digital platform in the country’s online streaming market, according to an official statement from the agency.

The company operates Allplay, a widely used streaming service that also offers digital TV access and advertising solutions. Its content is available via monthly subscription and includes popular TV series from platforms such as Amediateka and Premier.

Following this designation, Allmedia Safe Service will now be subject to specific antitrust obligations. The platform will be prohibited from engaging in practices that may restrict competition, such...