News

Meta Platforms, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars into AI infrastructure, including the construction of two massive data centers in the United States, as part of its long-term strategy to dominate artificial intelligence, as reports Bloomberg.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company will launch its 1-gigawatt Prometheus data center in Ohio by 2026, and build a larger Hyperion facility in Louisiana capable of reaching 5 gigawatts — enough to power nearly a million homes.

These investments will support the company’s new Meta Superintelligence Lab, designed to develop AI...

Russia exported over $170 mln worth of chocolate in the first four months of 2025, with most of it going to its closest neighbours, according to RIA Novosti. The figures are based on official trade statistics from various countries and the UN Comtrade platform.

Kazakhstan ranked first, importing $78.3 mln worth of Russian chocolate between January and April. It was followed by Azerbaijan with $23.4 mln, Uzbekistan with $21.4 mln, Kyrgyzstan with $14.7 mln and Georgia with $8 mln. Belarus is likely among the top importers as well, though its trade data has not been disclosed since 2022.

China...

Kazakhstan has successfully launched its first high-precision robotic telescope outside its borders, choosing the renowned Atacama Desert in Chile — one of the world’s top locations for astronomical observation. Developed by the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute, the telescope is now operational at the ObsTech International Observatory, a major global centre for astrophysical research.

This landmark project took nearly seven years to complete and was made possible through cooperation with Chilean experts from the University of Santiago. The partnership not only resulted in the installation of the telescope but also inspired plans to establish an astronomical hub within Kazakhstan. The new...

Uzbekistan is strengthening ties with Qatar to boost foreign investment in its growing tourism sector. Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, met with key Qatari stakeholders to discuss future cooperation in infrastructure and hospitality development.

Investment in tourism: Qatar eyes Uzbek tourism sector

Talks in Doha centred around investment opportunities in hotel construction, theme-based tourist complexes, and joint hospitality projects. The delegation highlighted Uzbekistan’s untapped tourism potential and its strategic location in Central Asia.

High-level meetings with Qatari leadership

Shadiev held key discussions with Sheikh Naif Eid Muhammad Thani Al Thani, who chairs Retaj Group and serves as Deputy Chair of the Arab...

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, visited the Kyzylorda region on July 8–9 to monitor ongoing afforestation efforts aimed at rehabilitating the dried seabed of the Aral Sea. These large-scale projects are part of the country’s wider environmental strategy.

In Kazalinsk, the minister inspected a forest nursery launched in late 2024. Spanning 33 hectares, the nursery currently has 10 hectares in active use, where saxaul seeds have been sown. Once mature, these are expected to yield around three mln seedlings to support reforestation in arid zones.

Nyssanbayev also surveyed areas planted in 2023, covering 4,000 hectares...

The United States has cut $500 mln in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, worsening the country’s fragile situation. The move has led to a sharp decline in healthcare access and food security.

Until early 2025, the US was the largest aid donor to Afghanistan. It provided over 40% of international assistance. That support helped combat hunger and keep health facilities running.

Trump Halts Funding

After returning to office in January, President Donald Trump cancelled all USAID programmes. His administration said the aid no longer aligned with US interests.

The White House also cited evidence that the Taliban had intercepted supplies, preventing them from reaching...

Kazakhstan plans to begin construction of its nuclear power plant in two years, according to Timur Zhantikin, Deputy Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency. He shared the details in an interview with Jibek Joly TV.

Nuclear Power Plant: Pre-Construction Phase to Take Two Years

Zhantikin said that one year will be needed to evaluate and choose among four shortlisted international vendors. Another year will be required to prepare essential documents, including safety and environmental reports.

Only after these preparations are complete will the actual construction begin.

Five Years for Construction

Once ground is broken, construction is expected to take around five years. This brings...

South Korea’s port city of Busan is preparing to send trade delegations to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan this autumn, according to the Yonhap news agency. The move is part of a broader effort to expand into Central Asian markets, which Busan views as a key area for growth.

The delegations will visit Tashkent and Astana between 15 and 20 September. Central Asia is described as an emerging market with strong demand for both industrial and consumer goods, making it an attractive destination for Korean exporters.

Delegation members will take part in export negotiations, one-on-one business meetings and specialised seminars.

Busan’s...

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...