News

Masked thieves staged a dramatic daylight robbery at Paris’ Louvre Museum on October 19, using a crane to smash an upstairs window and steal pieces from France’s crown jewels collection before fleeing on motorbikes.

The heist, lasting just six minutes, reignited concerns about security at the world’s most visited museum. President Emmanuel Macron called it «an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our History,» vowing to recover the stolen treasures.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said four unarmed robbers threatened guards with angle grinders before entering the Galerie d’Apollon. Eight objects were stolen, while one, the crown...

Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass at the Circuit of the Americas, taking a lights-to-flag victory at the 2025 United States Grand Prix. The Dutchman, who started from pole, resisted early pressure before storming clear to claim his fourth win at the Texas circuit and his fifth of the season.

Lando Norris finished second after a fierce battle with Charles Leclerc, while Lewis Hamilton brought his Ferrari home in fourth, just ahead of Oscar Piastri’s McLaren.

The result closes the gap in the title race once more, with Verstappen now openly admitting that «the chance is there» for a late-season surge...

Israeli forces have renewed airstrikes on targets in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reported.

According to the publication, Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir called on the military to act with «maximum force.» Tel Aviv stated that the strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks on Israeli soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian movement Hamas reiterated its commitment to peace agreements and the ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Since the escalation of the Palestinian–Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 19,000 children.

As of mid-August...

Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has appointed Kamila Makhmudova as its new Chief Financial Officer, the bank announced in a statement. Her appointment will take effect on January 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Makhmudova, a native of Uzbekistan, brings over 20 years of experience in the banking sector. She joined RBI in 2007, where she worked on mergers and acquisitions before leading the corporate development and strategic management division from 2019.

In 2021, she was appointed CFO of Raiffeisenbank in the Czech Republic, further strengthening her leadership profile within the group.

Upon assuming her new position, Makhmudova will also join the management board of Raiffeisen Bank International, overseeing the financial strategy of...

China has unveiled a plan to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to double national charging capacity by the end of 2027.

According to the plan, around 28 mln new charging stations will be installed across the country, while existing facilities will undergo modernization to improve efficiency and accessibility.

Once implemented, China’s charging network is expected to provide more than 300 mln kilowatts of power, sufficient to serve over 80 mln EVs. The country currently operates a fleet exceeding 30 mln electric vehicles.

As of late August 2025, China had 17.3 mln charging stations, representing a 54% increase compared to the same period last...

Uzbekistan’s first gold vending machine has been installed in the capital, according to Kursiv Uzbekistan’s correspondent.

The machine, introduced by Paynet, is located inside Tashkent City Mall. It allows customers to purchase certified gold bars weighing 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 grams, with prices set according to the official exchange rate of the Central Bank.

As of the latest rate, a 5-gram bar costs 8.8 mln soums, while 10 grams are priced at 17.6 mln soums. Larger bars — 20 grams, 50 grams, and 100 grams — are available for 35.2 mln, 88 mln, and 176 mln soums, respectively.

The installation of the gold vending machine reflects growing consumer interest in precious metal investments and digital access to financial...

Air freight transport in Kyrgyzstan increased 2.3 times in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Eurasian Economic Commission’s (EEC) Statistics Department.

Between January and August, 36,800 tons of cargo were transported by air, reflecting significant growth in the sector’s activity.

With this result, Kyrgyzstan ranked second among Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, following Russia, in terms of air cargo volume.

The increase highlights the expanding role of air logistics in Kyrgyzstan’s trade and connectivity, driven by growing regional demand for faster cargo delivery and diversified transport routes.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has urged lawmakers to accelerate the adoption of the draft law «On State Social Insurance,» emphasizing the need to strengthen social protection for unemployed citizens and workers affected by illness or workplace injuries.

During a meeting with representatives of trade unions, the president noted that the new law should clearly define the roles of employers and employees in forming the social insurance fund, ensuring shared responsibility and sustainable financing of the system.

Mirziyoyev also instructed regional governors to oversee the annual construction of at least one sanatorium and one children’s camp in each region. The projects are to be implemented jointly with trade unions...

Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate and the government of Pakistan have reached an agreement on an immediate and permanent ceasefire following negotiations held in Doha, Qatar. The talks were mediated by Qatar and Türkiye, according to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said both delegations agreed to halt hostilities and establish mechanisms to maintain peace and stability. Follow-up meetings will be held in the coming days to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and to address any emerging issues.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, confirmed the agreement, noting that both sides pledged not to engage...

From January to August 2025, the volume of specialized construction works in Uzbekistan reached UZS 19.9 trillion ($1.56 bn), according to data from the National Statistics Committee.

This represents a 54.1 percent increase, or UZS 7.7 trillion ($603 mln) more than in the same period last year. Specialized construction accounted for 10.6 percent of the country’s total construction activity during the reporting period.

According to the data, the largest share of specialized construction was recorded in Tashkent city (17.1 percent), followed by Tashkent region (14.1 percent), and Namangan and Kashkadarya regions (13.1 percent each).

Other regions contributed as follows:

Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive Sprint victory at the Circuit of the Americas after a dramatic 19-lap race that saw chaos on the opening lap and both McLarens eliminated within moments of the start.

The Dutchman led from pole, managing his tyres and the heat throughout, while George Russell pushed hard in the early stages before settling for second. Carlos Sainz completed the podium with a composed drive that salvaged valuable points for Williams.

McLaren’s Nightmare Start

The Sprint began in sweltering conditions, with track temperatures soaring above 40°C. As the lights went out, Verstappen made a clean...

President of Finland Alexander Stubb will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on October 30–31, his press service has announced.

During the visit, Stubb is scheduled to meet with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 31. The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Finland and Uzbekistan, as well as addressing geopolitical developments and their regional impact on Europe and Central Asia, the statement said.

The Finnish president’s office added that the agenda will also include issues related to Russia’s «unlawful aggression against Ukraine» and cooperation in support of the multilateral system.

Nvidia has unveiled its first US-made Blackwell wafer, produced at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) facility in Phoenix, as global demand for AI chips continues to accelerate.

The company said the milestone strengthens the US semiconductor supply chain and helps bring the AI technology stack back onshore, transforming data into intelligence while reinforcing America’s leadership in the AI era. The move also aligns with President Donald Trump’s ongoing drive to bolster US technology and manufacturing capabilities.

TSMC’s Arizona plant will produce some of the most advanced chip technologies, including two-, three-, and four-nanometre nodes, as well as A...

The mother and two sisters of Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Y. Lee are preparing to sell shares worth $1.22 bn in the South Korean tech giant, Reuters reports.

The planned sale of 17.7 mln shares, representing about 0.3% of Samsung Electronics, is intended to cover inheritance taxes and loan repayments, the filing submitted late Friday to the Korea Exchange stated.

Analysts say the move by Lee’s mother Hong Ra-hee and his sisters Lee Boo-jin and Lee Seo-hyun forms part of the family’s ongoing efforts to settle an inheritance tax bill of around $8.4 bn following the 2020 death of...

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank has imposed fines on eight banks for failing to comply with financial monitoring regulations and requirements related to the protection of clients’ rights.

A further seven banks and 13 payment institutions were issued official warnings and sanctions for various breaches of national financial legislation.

According to the regulator, the Banking Supervision Committee reviewed 43 cases in September, taking corresponding decisions. Of these, 28 were linked to registration and licensing matters, including amendments to the charters of credit institutions, the registration of new microfinance companies, and the accreditation of auditors.

The remaining 15 cases focused on the...

A new 1,500-megawatt thermal power plant has been commissioned in Uzbekistan’s Syrdarya region, developed in partnership with Saudi energy company ACWA Power. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov during an interview with O’zbekiston 24, the ministry’s press service reports.

The minister said that alongside the Syrdarya plant, new renewable facilities have begun operating, including a 200 MW solar station in Tashkent region, two 500 MW wind farms in Bukhara region, and a 100 MW wind project in Karakalpakstan. By the end of the year, an energy storage system will also be launched in Parkent district to store...

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have cemented their positions as the world’s top boxing nations, according to the inaugural men’s and women’s rankings published by World Boxing.

Uzbekistan leads with 12 fighters, seven men and five women, placed in the top five across 20 weight categories. Kazakhstan follows closely with 11 boxers, including six men and five women. Türkiye ranks third with eight athletes, while Brazil, China, England, India and Japan also feature strongly among the top contenders.

At the top of the leaderboards, Kazakhstan holds seven world number one spots, four in men’s divisions and three in women’s, while six...

Porsche has introduced the Macan GTS, the sportiest version of its all-electric SUV, combining bold design with exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology.

The Macan GTS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and delivers up to 571 hp, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. The WLTP range reaches up to 586 km, while fast charging from 10 to 80% takes only 21 minutes.

To enhance driving dynamics, the model comes with a sport-tuned air suspension, an electronically controlled rear differential lock, and all-wheel drive. The standard Sport Chrono package features a dedicated «Track» mode that...

Electricity imports from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan were severely disrupted after a 220-kW transmission line connecting the two countries collapsed into the Amu Darya River following a cable break.

The incident has reduced electricity supplies by more than half, leading to temporary outages in several Afghan provinces including Samangan, Baghlan, Parwan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Kabul. Partial power remains available in Nangarhar, Laghman, Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, Logar, Paktia and Khost.

Energy teams from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are working together to restore the damaged line and resume full electricity transmission.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has urged members of the Commonwealth of Independent...

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is finalising plans to open its first Regional Representation in Central Asia, a move marking a new phase in the bank’s engagement with the region, EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris told Trend in an exclusive interview.

«At the EU–Central Asia Summit, we signed a host country agreement with Uzbekistan, paving the way for the opening of our Regional Representation in Central Asia,» Kakouris said. «We expect all administrative steps to be completed soon, and the office to become operational shortly.»

The decision underscores the strategic importance of Central Asia in...

Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to remain sidelined for at least another week, according to fresh reports from Uzbekistan.

The 21-year-old has not featured since sustaining an injury during City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal last month. Despite early optimism about his recovery, Khusanov has yet to rejoin full training, delaying his comeback.

The Uzbekistan international has already missed four matches, against Huddersfield, Burnley, AS Monaco, and Brentford, and will reportedly be unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Sources, including journalist Davron Fayziev, suggest the club is being cautious to avoid aggravating...

A $7 Mln manufacturing plant, IMZO GLASS KHOREZM LLC, has started operations in the Hazorasp Free Economic Zone near the Al-Khwarizmi township in Urgench.

Equipped with advanced imported machinery, the facility will produce tempered glass and window/door frames with an annual capacity of 300K sq m. Output is projected at about 116 bn soums a year and the plant has created 100 new jobs for young specialists.

Officials say the project will help meet rising domestic demand for high-quality construction materials and boost export potential, supporting Uzbekistan’s industrial growth.

Uzbekistan’s ambassador met Pakistan’s Health Minister Dr. Mustafa Kamal to advance collaboration in healthcare and related fields. Dr. Kamal hailed the «deep, brotherly» ties and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work with Uzbekistan across the sector.

Both sides agreed to:

Dr. Kamal said the countries will work together to improve public health outcomes...

Uzbekistan and Japan agreed to expand cooperation in sericulture, agriculture and innovation after talks between Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Ilzat Kasimov and Yoshitsugu Minagawa, Director for Agriculture and Regional Development at Japan’s Silk Road Foundation and former Japanese deputy agriculture minister.

Plans include joint projects, scientific and technology exchanges, and introducing advanced Japanese agri-tech in Uzbekistan. The sides also discussed education programs, innovation clusters and new research centers. Tashkent invited Japanese partners to join the «Japan–Central Asia» Summit set for late 2025, with sericulture projects to be showcased.

Bilateral trade has grown 54% over the past...