News

The economies of Central Asia and the Caucasus are expected to expand by 5.5% in 2025, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) July economic outlook. This marks a slight upward revision from the bank’s April forecast, which had projected 5.4% growth. The improved outlook is attributed to increased oil production and resilient domestic demand across the region.

However, growth is expected to moderate to 5.1% in 2026, as external conditions become more challenging. The ADB noted that, despite the overall positive trajectory, the region remains exposed to global uncertainties that could affect medium-term performance.

Asia-Pacific Outlook Weakened...

The 27th season of South Park has premiered with a provocative episode that takes aim at former US President Donald Trump and entertainment giant Paramount, its own parent company. The episode, titled Sermon on the ’Mount, satirises Paramount’s recent decision to pay a $16 mln settlement to Trump, just as the studio sought federal approval for a multibillion-dollar merger. South Park’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, use the episode to deliver one of their most direct and uncompromising critiques in years.

True to South Park’s hallmark style of topical humour and rapid production, the episode presents a hyperbolised...

Algeria has strongly condemned France’s decision to restrict travel for several high-ranking Algerian officials, calling it a “serious violation” of diplomatic norms and threatening to escalate the dispute to the United Nations, as reported by BFM TV.

The move by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau came after Algeria refused to accept the return of 120 of its nationals subject to deportation from France under OQTF (orders to leave French territory). In response, Algeria announced it would enforce strict reciprocity and accused France of breaching the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

In a statement released Thursday, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry...

The average monthly nominal wage in Uzbekistan reached 5,982,300 UZS ($472.8) in the first half of 2025, marking a 17.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary data released by the National Committee on Statistics.

This rise reflects a steady upward trend over the past five years. In 2021, the average wage stood at 2,968,500 UZS ($234.6), gradually increasing each year to surpass 5,106,000 ($403.5) in 2024 and now approaching the 6,000,000 mark.

Tashkent Leads in Regional Earnings

Among Uzbekistan’s regions, Tashkent city continues to offer the highest wages, with an average of ...

WWE icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, has passed away at the age of 71 following a suspected cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, as reported Daily Express.

According to TMZ, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s residence on Thursday morning after a report of cardiac arrest. Paramedics were seen outside the property, and the wrestling legend was reportedly taken from the home on a stretcher and transported by ambulance.

Tributes have been pouring in for Hogan, who rose to fame in the 1980s as a wrestling superstar and pop culture icon. Fans and fellow...

Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to defend his heavyweight title against Joseph Parker following his fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, as reported by Daily Express.

The Ukrainian dominated the bout, dropping Dubois with a right hook before finishing him moments later with a left hand. Now, the WBO has given both camps 30 days to agree terms or face a purse bid. If Usyk refuses the fight, he risks being stripped of the belt.

«The WBO is ordering the commencement of negotiations,» the organisation stated. «If no deal is...

Uzbekistan imported more than 24,300 vehicles during the first six months of 2025, with electric vehicles accounting for a significant portion of the total. According to figures released by the National Statistics Committee, 14,300 of the imported cars were electric models.

The total value of car imports during this period amounted to $422.1 mln. China continued to dominate as Uzbekistan’s leading vehicle supplier, delivering around 21,300 units. South Korea followed with 2,000 vehicles, while India contributed 168 units.

In June alone, 4,000 new foreign-brand cars were sold across Uzbekistan, reflecting a 12.6 percent drop compared to the previous month...

Uzbekistan has extended an official proposal to Georgia, inviting the country to take part in the development of a major railway project connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, according to a statement from the Ministry of Transport.

The initiative was put forward by Ilkhom Makhkamov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, during a meeting with Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. The two sides also explored ways to deepen cooperation in both road and rail transportation sectors.

Earlier this month, Kyrgyz authorities announced the launch of construction work on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway line. The project, which is estimated to...

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine this September during the United Nations General Assembly. The declaration, made via his official social media channels, reaffirms France’s long-standing position in favour of a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.

“Faithful to its historic commitment to a just and durable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote. “I will make this solemn announcement at the UN General Assembly next September.”

Urgent Call for Ceasefire...

Across Uzbekistan, the weather on July 25 is expected to remain dry throughout the day, with no precipitation in the forecast. Winds will blow at speeds of 7 to 12 metres per second, with occasional gusts reaching up to 13 to 18 m/s in some areas. These stronger winds may be accompanied by dust near the ground. Daytime temperatures will range from a scorching 35°C to 40°C.

In the capital, Tashkent, dry conditions will also persist. Winds are forecast at 5 to 10 metres per second, and the temprature is set to climb to between 38°C and 40°C.

Mountainous...

Several banks have updated the rates for exchanging foreign currencies for UZS on July 25. This article contains information about the most favorable rates.

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

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

Financial institutions may change the value of currencies...

Cultural artifacts seized during attempts to illegally export them abroad will become part of the exhibition at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent. The Customs Committee has handed over 267 ancient coins and pieces of jewellery to the center, according to the committee’s press service.

The items were discovered with smugglers at a customs checkpoint in the Surkhandarya region. Expert analysis confirmed their historical and cultural value, and a court ruled to confiscate the finds in favor of the state.

The Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee, Akmalkhuja Mavlonov, personally presented the future exhibits to the head of the...

According to data presented to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a briefing on the activities of the Accounts Chamber, audits helped reduce inefficient budget spending by 5.6 trillion soums in the first half of 2025.

Through inspections, an additional 5 trillion sums were brought into the state treasury as reserve funds. Violations amounting to 4 trillion sums were eliminated thanks to the “Remote Audit” platform.

There are plans to expand the financial control system to ten more government agencies. This mechanism has already been implemented in 12 ministries. The head of state instructed officials to modernize...

On July 24, 2025, the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Uzbekneftegaz JSC signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for joint geological exploration and hydrocarbon development in the Ustyurt oil and gas region.

The agreement represents a milestone in Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan strategic energy cooperation, made possible through the shared vision and political will of Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev. It lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration in the exploration and commercial production of hydrocarbons.

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties plan to conduct 3D seismic surveys over an...

Presidet of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev celebrates his birthday today. Born on July 24, 1957 in Zaamin district, Jizzakh region, Mirziyoyev graduated from the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation in 1981. He began his career as a junior researcher, later becoming a senior lecturer, associate professor and vice‑rector there.

In 1990 he was elected to the Supreme Soviet, chairing its Mandate Commission. He went on to serve as khokim (administrative head) of Mirzo‑Ulugbek district in Tashkent (1992), then governor of Jizzakh (1996–2001) and Samarkand region (2001–2003), significantly boosting local socio‑economic development.

Prime Minister and Presidential Ascendancy

From...

South Korea’s Deputy Permanent Representative to Geneva, Choi Sung-yo, has been appointed chair of the World Trade Organization (WTO) working party overseeing Uzbekistan’s accession, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Choi’s candidacy was approved during the WTO General Council meeting held in Geneva on 23 July. South Korea has led the working group supporting Uzbekistan’s path to WTO membership since 2013.

Ambassador Sung-yo Choi reiterated Korea’s commitment to the WTO Chairs Programme on July 2, emphasizing that in the face of growing challenges to multilateralism, a cooperative, rules-based system is more vital than ever.

The chair of the working party...

Sony Group Corporation and Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. have announced a strategic business alliance aimed at deepening collaboration in the entertainment sector, particularly in the fast-growing anime and intellectual property (IP) market. As part of the agreement, Sony will acquire 16 mln shares in Bandai Namco, valued at approximately ¥68 bn, making it a shareholder with a 2.5% stake in the company.

This partnership brings together two of Japan’s entertainment powerhouses, uniting Sony’s expertise in content production and global distribution with Bandai Namco’s expansive IP portfolio, which includes beloved franchises in anime, manga, video games and toys.

Strengthening...

Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the 25th European Union–China Summit in Beijing on Thursday with a pointed call for the EU to “make correct strategic choices,” amid rising tensions over trade, rare earth exports, and the war in Ukraine, as reported by Reuters.

Hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasised the need for enhanced communication and cooperation in what he described as a «severe and complex international environment.»

«The more complicated the global situation, the more China and...

Uzbekistan and Russia have agreed to expand their air travel ties, authorising more than 1,000 regular weekly flights between the two countries, the Uzbek Ministry of Transport reports.

The expanded agreement opens the way for over 16 mln passengers annually, provided flight frequencies are fully used and tourist flows continue rising. In 2024, bilateral air travel reached 4.1 mln passengers across 32,600 flights, and the first five months of 2025 have already seen a 7.1% increase year-on-year.

The deal not only boosts overall flight numbers but also outlines a detailed distribution of routes between major cities:

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a major prisoner exchange during their third round of direct talks in Istanbul on Wednesday of July 23, though little progress was made on a broader ceasefire or a potential presidential summit as reported by CNN.

The meeting, hosted by Turkish officials at the historic Ciragan Palace, ended in under an hour. Ukrainian delegation head Rustem Umerov proposed a summit between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin by the end of August, with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, Russia’s lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky...

Uzbekistan’s business climate has reached its strongest point in two years, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) shared with Kursiv. The Business Climate Index rose to 63 points in June 2025, marking a 10-point increase year-on-year and the highest reading since 2023.

This upturn reflects growing confidence among entrepreneurs, supported by improved demand, employment and expectations for continued economic stability. The index rose by 2 points compared to May, showing consistent upward momentum since the start of the year.

The index, based on surveys of over 1,000 enterprises across key industries...

Jenna Ortega returns as Wednesday Addams in Wednesday Season 2, which will roll out in two parts: Part 1 premieres August 6, followed by Part 2 on September 3. The new season promises a darker, more complex storyline as Wednesday navigates old foes, new mysteries and deeper family entanglements at Nevermore Academy, announces streaming platform Netflix.

Season 2 expands the Addams Family universe with returning stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez and Fred Armisen. New cast members include Steve Buscemi as Nevermore’s new principal, Joanna Lumley as Grandmama, and a guest appearance by Lady Gaga as an...

Uzbekistan is expected to maintain strong economic growth of 5.5% in 2025, driven by public and private investment, growing household consumption and structural reforms. However, according to the Asian Development Bank’s latest July 2025 Outlook Update, the country faces greater vulnerability to global trade tensions than other Central Asian states, particularly due to its rising exposure to US tariff increases.

The report notes that while the growth forecast for Uzbekistan remains unchanged from April, new US tariffs introduced earlier this year are likely to impact Uzbekistan more acutely than its neighbours, especially in sectors linked to global supply chains...

Netflix’s gothic hit Wednesday, led by Jenna Ortega as the sardonic heroine, has officially been renewed for a third season, even before the second chapter premieres on August 6. The early green light signals the show’s growing momentum and enduring popularity.

Set once more at the eerie Nevermore Academy, Season 2 is poised to deliver even darker, more layered narratives, while preserving the signature deadpan humour that helped catapult the series into streaming history. Season 1 of Wednesday remains the most-watched English-language series on Netflix to date.

According to showrunner and co-creator Alfred Gough, the...