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Mobile payment services Apple Pay and Google Pay are set to become available in Uzbekistan. The initiative was announced during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s meeting with representatives of American business circles in Washington.

Work to introduce these payment systems is being carried out in partnership with Google and other technology companies. Uzbekistan is also developing a Digital Academy and a network of start-up hubs to support innovation and new talent.

During the discussions, the sides also considered future projects in uranium extraction and the processing of rare earth metals. The plan is to apply American technologies in these sectors and...

Apple has stopped signing the iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 beta 1 updates for the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e and cellular M5 iPad Pro, just one day after their release to developers.

The company has not confirmed the reason, but all affected devices use Apple’s new C1 and C1X modems, suggesting a possible bug linked to the chips. Users enrolled in the beta programme can still see the update, but installation now fails.

Analyst Max Weinbach reported that his iPad Pro entered recovery mode after installing the update, requiring a rollback to iPadOS 26.1. Apple has since completely pulled the...

Rockstar Games has pushed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to 19 November 2026, marking the game’s second delay after moving from an original Holiday 2025 window to 26 May 2026.

Rockstar said the extra time is needed to polish the title «to the level fans expect,» with the launch planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Parent company Take-Two backed the decision, with CEO Strauss Zelnick noting the publisher will always allow more time if needed to deliver the best version.

The shift raises questions about the PC release timeline, which Rockstar has indicated will arrive...

Google has quietly started rolling out its Gemini AI assistant to a limited number of Android Auto users, nearly six months after announcing the feature.

According to reports from 9to5Google, users running Android Auto versions 15.6 and 15.7 on the beta channel are beginning to see Gemini integration, including new settings for location sharing and AI controls. The rollout appears to be server-side, not dependent on specific phone models.

Once fully deployed, Gemini will replace Google Assistant in Android Auto, offering improved natural language processing and smoother integration with apps like Google Maps, Home and Keep.

Google says Gemini can...

US spot Bitcoin ETFs snapped a six-day outflow streak with $239.9mln of net inflows on Thursday, after nearly $1.4bn was pulled during the slump.

BlackRock’s IBIT led with $112.4mln added, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC ($61.6mln) and ARKB ($60.4mln). Grayscale’s GBTC was flat on the day.

Ether funds also broke a six-day run of redemptions, posting a modest $12.5mln net inflow after about $837mln in outflows. Newly launched Solana products have amassed $322mln of inflows since 28 Oct, with no net-outflow days.

Market-maker Wintermute said ETFs, alongside stablecoins and corporate digital-asset treasuries, form the three core pillars of crypto liquidity...

China has officially commissioned its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a major leap forward in its naval ambitions and escalating competition with the United States.

The domestically built vessel, China’s third aircraft carrier, was launched in southern Hainan province during a ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping. State media hailed it as a «major milestone» in the country’s military modernisation drive.

Equipped with electromagnetic catapult technology, similar to that used on US carriers, the Fujian can launch heavier, more heavily armed aircraft at higher speeds, extending China’s strike capabilities. It is significantly more powerful than its predecessors...

Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi, claiming that «Argentina won two World Cups without Messi» — while reminding fans that «without me, Portugal has never won anything.»

In the second part of his interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old Portuguese star struck an unusually calm tone about his future, saying:

«Winning the next World Cup will not change my name in football. It’s not a dream to win the World Cup — I just want to enjoy the moment.»

Ronaldo, who remains the captain of Portugal as the...

A woman has been praised online after transforming her 2024 £240 P. Louise advent calendar into a stunning Christmas train, perfect for decorating under her tree.

Han shared the process on TikTok, showing how she repurposed the cardboard train into a mini Polar Express. She explained that she wanted a large decoration after previously spending £50 on a smaller train that did not meet her expectations.

«I want something for under my tree absolutely massive,» she said. «So here goes nothing!»

Han began by removing the windows of the train and spray painting...

Natalie Puskinova, a 21-year-old student, certified scuba diver, and dedicated environmental advocate from the Czech Republic, has been crowned Miss Earth 2025.

The 25th annual pageant took place in Manila on November 5, and Puskinova’s victory marks the second time her country has won the title. She will now serve as a global ambassador for climate action and sustainability.

Her elemental court includes three other environmental advocates who will work alongside her to champion green causes:

Since...

US President Donald Trump’s statement about Uzbekistan investing $135 bn in the American economy could have a positive effect on the stock market, according to analysis by fintech firm TipRanks.

The report noted:

“The announcement <…> could positively impact the stock market, particularly benefiting companies involved in the sectors mentioned. Boeing Company and Caterpillar may see increased demand for their products, given the focus on aviation and infrastructure.”

Investor interest may also rise in companies such as Tesla and sector-specific funds, including Industrial, Technology and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund.

Trump said...

US President Donald Trump on Thursday emphasised critical minerals as a key priority during a White House summit with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The meeting aimed to expand US influence in a region rich in resources long dominated by Russia and increasingly courted by China.

Trump called Central Asia “an extremely wealthy region,” adding:

“One of the key items on our agenda is critical minerals. In recent weeks, my administration has strengthened American economic security by forging agreements with allies and friends across the world to broaden our critical mineral...

Swiss commodity trader Gunvor announced on November 6, that it has withdrawn its offer to acquire the foreign assets of Russian energy giant Lukoil, following opposition from the US Treasury. The agency described Gunvor as a «puppet» of Russia and signalled Washington would not approve the transaction.

The withdrawal cancels what would have been Gunvor’s largest-ever acquisition and highlights the US government’s use of sanctions to restrict Russian revenues, which support the war in Ukraine.

The Treasury posted on X that President Donald Trump «has been clear that the war must end immediately. As...

Swiss trading firm Gunvor is considering purchasing Russian energy group Lukoil’s foreign assets, the company’s largest potential acquisition, but bankers and industry insiders say the deal far exceeds Gunvor’s financial capacity.

Lukoil began marketing its foreign holdings on October 27 following new US and UK sanctions and entered preliminary talks with Gunvor three days later. The Russian firm is approximately three times the size of Gunvor by equity and owns a vast international portfolio, including refineries in Europe, stakes in oilfields in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Mexico, plus hundreds of fuel stations worldwide.

Its Vienna-based subsidiary, Lukoil...

Uzbekistan and the United States have agreed to launch a business mission from Montana, following discussions between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and US Senator Steve Daines, who represents the state.

The talks, held on November 5 in Washington, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. Mirziyoyev highlighted that relations between Tashkent and Washington are now at a high level, with trade volumes increasing and new joint projects being developed with major American firms. Recent months have seen record-breaking agreements signed, and additional economic deals are expected during the ongoing visit.

The Uzbek president also emphasised the...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the C5+1 summit of Central Asian leaders and the United States, held at the White House. The event also brought together the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, Mirziyoyev presented several proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation. One of his key ideas was the establishment of a dedicated Secretariat for the C5+1 format. He also called for the creation of a Coordinating Investment Council and the launch of a regional investment fund.

Among other initiatives, the President encouraged closer collaboration with the United States on major transport, communications and energy...

US President Donald Trump has announced a major trade and economic agreement with Uzbekistan valued at $135 bn, calling the deal «incredible».

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said:

«Over the next three years, Uzbekistan will be purchasing and investing almost $35 Billion Dollars and, in the next 10 years, over $100 Billion Dollars, in key American Sectors, including Critical Minerals, Aviation, Automotive Parts, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Energy & Chemicals, Information Technology, and others.»

The partnership will support increased cooperation across agriculture, IT, the chemical industry and the energy sector. Trump also...

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov represented the country at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Mammadov participated in the election of UNESCO’s new Director-General, in which Khaled El-Enany of Egypt was chosen by majority vote.

During his visit, the deputy minister met with Khondker Mohammad Talha, Chair of the General Conference, and Vera El Khoury Lacoeuilhe, Chair of the Executive Board.

Talks focused on Azerbaijan’s active role and contributions within UNESCO, as well as ways to expand future cooperation in culture, education, and heritage preservation.

Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding business and investment ties during a meeting between Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, and Lord John Alderdice, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

Hajiyev said the talks focused on deepening the countries’ strategic partnership and identifying new areas for cooperation, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and connectivity.

«Glad to meet today Lord Alderdice, UK trade envoy on Azerbaijan and Central Asia. We had a great conversation on how we can further extend our bilateral trade, business, and investment...

U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan at the White House as Washington looks to secure alternative sources of rare earth metals vital for high-tech industries.

The C5+1 Leaders’ Summit, marking its 10th anniversary, comes as the U.S. seeks to reduce dependence on China, which controls nearly 90 percent of global rare earth processing. The meeting follows a temporary easing of trade tensions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, after Beijing postponed new export restrictions by one year.

Central Asia, home to vast rare earth and uranium reserves, is seen...

Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and China’s Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group (SCG) have agreed to expand cooperation in infrastructure and construction, focusing on energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable projects.

At talks in Tashkent, Chamber Chairman Davron Vakhobov and Nodir Khodjamov, Deputy Chairman of Uzsuvta’minot, met with SCG representatives to discuss future investment initiatives. The discussions centred on wastewater treatment facilities in the Yukori-Chirchik district of Tashkent region and the Pakhtaabad district of Andijan region, with planned capacities of 50,000 and 25,000 cubic metres respectively.

The projects, to be carried out under public–private partnership (PPP) models, will have financing and...

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled new global initiatives on poverty reduction, education and migrant protection at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, presenting his country’s model for a «fairer and more dignified future.»

Mirziyoyev proposed creating a Global Social Justice Fund to help developing nations tackle poverty, and announced Uzbekistan’s readiness to host international summits on hunger, poverty and migrant rights.

He noted that Uzbekistan’s social reforms have already reduced poverty from 35% to 6.6%, with every household now covered under a new social protection model that begins at the mahalla (community) level.

The president also...

Uzbekistan and Türkiye are discussing new steps to simplify legal labour migration, including an electronic work visa system for Uzbek nationals and a joint database to track irregular migrants.

Talks in Ankara focused on strengthening cooperation in employment, data sharing and migration management. Deputy Interior Minister Mehmet Aktas met the Uzbek delegation to review proposals that would let Uzbeks already in Turkiye under other visas apply for work permits without leaving the country.

Turkish employers in Antalya expressed interest in hiring up to 1,000 Uzbek seasonal workers for hotel jobs through the state employment agency Ozel İstihdam Burosu. The...

The National Bank of Kazakhstan and global payments giant Visa have signed a memorandum of understanding on digital financial cooperation, marking the first agreement concluded under the framework of the upcoming C5+1 Leaders’ Summit and Business Conference in Washington.

The memorandum, signed by Deputy Chairman Akylzhan Baimagambetov and Visa’s Senior Vice President Robert Thomson, aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s digital finance ecosystem, expand payment technologies, and enhance cybersecurity and fraud prevention.

Baimagambetov said the partnership would include creating a competence centre at the National Payment Corporation to test innovative solutions and promote biometric identification in banking.

Thomson called the deal...

During his visit to Washington, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held discussions with members of the US Congress, including Bill Huizenga, Carol Miller and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, according to the presidential press service.

The meeting focused on further strengthening cooperation between Tashkent and Washington, as well as expanding inter-parliamentary dialogue. Both sides highlighted the growing links between the legislative bodies of Uzbekistan and the United States, noting the effective work of the Congressional Caucus on Uzbekistan.

Special attention was given to advancing cooperation with the states of West Virginia, Michigan and California.

The press service reported that the two sides agreed...