News

China has broken ground on what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower project, a massive cascade dam system located along the Yarlung Zangbo River on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The development, with a projected price tag exceeding $170 bn, marks the country’s most ambitious hydropower venture since the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, Reuters reports.

According to state media outlet Xinhua, Premier Li Qiang described the undertaking as a «project of the century», pledging that ecological protection would be a central focus during its development.

Designed to Power a Nation, Stirring Global...

Uzbekistan has made significant strides in closing the gender gap in access to financial services, according to the Global Findex 2025 report by the World Bank. The share of women with a financial account, either through a bank or mobile platform, rose sharply from 28% in 2017 to 50% in 2024.

The report surveyed 141 economies during 2024. It highlights Uzbekistan’s growing access to mobile technology and financial services.

In 2024, 56% of the adult population in Uzbekistan had either a bank or mobile account, up from just 34% in 2017. Uzbekistan is among the 75% of adults in...

From September this year, Uzbekistan will begin a full phase-out of AI-80 petrol, a low-octane fuel widely used across the country. The move was confirmed to Kursiv by Momin Ibodov, press-secretary for Uzbekneftegaz under the Senate of Uzbekistan.

According to Ibodov, all enterprises within the company’s system aim to use up their remaining AI-80 stocks by the end of 2025. From 2026 onwards, only high-octane fuels such as AI-92 and AI-95 will be available for sale.

Current Production and Supply

AI-80 petrol is currently produced mainly at refineries in Bukhara and Fergana. The Bukhara facility is operated by Uzbekneftegaz...

Microsoft has issued an urgent security warning following a wave of cyberattacks targeting SharePoint servers used by government bodies and businesses to manage internal document sharing. The attacks have exploited a critical vulnerability in on-premises SharePoint software, prompting the tech company to release immediate security updates, Reuters reports.

The FBI confirmed on Sunday that it is aware of the attacks and is collaborating with federal and private-sector partners, although further details were not disclosed. Microsoft clarified that only self-hosted SharePoint servers are affected — the cloud-based SharePoint Online, part of Microsoft 365, remains secure.

On-Premises Servers at Risk...

Twenty-three snakes listed in Uzbekistan’s Red Book have been returned to their natural habitat in Surkhandarya, Tashkent Zoo reports. They include six Central Asian cobras (Naja oxiana) and 17 eastern boas (Boa constrictor). These protected species had been illegally captured and kept by private individuals.

During enforcement raids, inspectors from the Ministry of Ecology confiscated the snakes. They were temporarily housed at Tashkent Zoo, where they received care, veterinary checks and preparation for life in the wild.

Following expert approval from the Institute of Zoology, all 23 snakes were released into the natural zones of Kampyrtepa, Sherjon and Sholkon...

Former head coach of Uzbekistan’s national football team, Srečko Katanec, has called on fans not to expect major achievements from the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Championat Asia reports.

Katanec encouraged Uzbek supporters to focus on enjoying the experience.

«I have one piece of advice for all Uzbek fans: don’t expect anything from the team. Just enjoy your first World Cup. Achieving great results in your first match is never easy. Enjoy the process,» he said.

The coach added that the outcome of the tournament for Uzbekistan would largely depend on their...

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology has reviewed the proposal from entrepreneur Murad Nazarov, presented during an open dialogue hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The proposal suggested replacing the nationwide moratorium on tree-felling with compensatory planting and the creation of a «tree bank». In response, the ministry issued a statement stressing several key points.

Uzbekistan, lacking access to seas and oceans — vital natural sources of oxygen and carbon dioxide absorption — is over 60% desert and semi-desert. This makes the country particularly vulnerable to climate change.

It is important to consider the impact of regional climate...

The number of Russian tourists visiting Uzbekistan continues to grow. Russia now ranks fourth among countries sending travellers to the country.

Strong growth in first five months

From January to May 2024, Uzbekistan welcomed 4.2 mln international tourists. That’s 1.4 million more than in the same period last year. The increase equals 48.2% year-on-year.

Top visitors came from Kyrgyzstan (1.2 mln), Tajikistan (993,000), and Kazakhstan (899,000). Russia followed with over 344,000 visitors in five months.

By the end of 2024, more than 870,000 Russians visited Uzbekistan. That’s up from 714,000 in 2023.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Azerbaijan to takes legal action against Russia over AZAL plane...

Several banks have updated the rates for exchanging foreign currencies for UZS on July 21. 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 better buy rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value of currencies...

At the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the strategic significance of the Zangezur Corridor, estimating it could handle 15 mln tonnes of cargo in its initial phase.

Speaking with Sherzod Kudratkhoja, rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, Aliyev described the corridor as a new axis of the North–South transport route, with implications for the broader Turkic world.

A new gateway to Europe for Central Asia

The corridor opens a shorter and more efficient trade route from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and parts of Kazakhstan to European markets and ports on the Eastern Mediterranean.

Once operational, it will offer...

Kazakhstan has begun building a 500-metre railway bridge over the Syr Darya River. The structure is part of the new Darbaza–Maktaaral railway line, stretching 152 km. The project was launched on the orders of the President and carries strategic importance for both the country and the region.

Alternative to Saryagash–Tashkent route

The new railway will reduce pressure on the overloaded Saryagash–Tashkent corridor. It will provide a direct connection between Maktaaral and Zhetysai districts and the national rail network — without passing through Uzbekistan. This will increase export capacity and speed up logistics across southern Kazakhstan.

Half of...

Azerbaijan plans to file international lawsuits against Russia over the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft in Kazakhstan’s Aktau in December 2024. President Ilham Aliyev announced the decision during a public address, citing the lack of cooperation from Moscow.

Legal pressure builds over unresolved investigation

Aliyev said that the incident is «as clear as day» and criticised Russia’s refusal to provide meaningful answers for over seven months. According to him, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan sent multiple official requests to the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee. The only response has been that the «investigation is ongoing.»

Uzbekistan has officially joined the International Home of Journalists (IHJ), a global media organisation that promotes international cooperation and press development.

Global media forum in China

The announcement was made during the international media forum «Power of the Press: Dialogue Between Civilisations and the Role of Journalists in Global Modernisation.»

The event took place in Jiangxi Province, China, and brought together media representatives from over 60 countries, including the US, Germany, France, Russia and Belarus.

Uzbekistan was admitted as a member during the forum. The Journalists Union of Uzbekistan will serve as the country’s official representative within the IHJ.

Strengthening media ties

Membership in...

Germany has no plans to recognise the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed during a press briefing on recent deportations of Afghan nationals.

Diplomatic recognition «not under consideration»

Chancellor Merz stated clearly that diplomatic recognition of the Taliban is off the table.

«I reiterate: diplomatic recognition of the Taliban is not on the agenda at all and is not being considered,» said Merz.

He explained that the German government’s communication with the interim Afghan authorities is limited to technical coordination. These contacts have taken place, but Merz avoided sharing specifics, citing confidentiality.

Rustem Umerov, who was born in Uzbekistan, has been appointed Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council (NSDC). President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the order this week.

Umerov’s background

Umerov was born in 1982 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, into a Crimean Tatar family. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he moved to Crimea.

He became Ukraine’s Minister of Defence in 2023 and previously led the State Property Fund of Ukraine.

From rejected ambassador to security chief

Ukrainian officials had planned to appoint Umerov as ambassador to the United States. But Washington reportedly rejected the nomination.

Zelensky later...

The number of Uzbek citizens visiting Vietnam has seen a sharp rise. From January to May 2025, 15,801 Uzbek citizens travelled to the Southeast Asian country, according to Vietnam’s National Statistics Office.

Uzbek tourists visit Vietnam for holidays and family reunions

Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of Uzbek visitors increased by 11,500 people, or 3.7 times.

The breakdown of travel purposes shows a dominant interest in leisure:

The growing number reflects both improved travel connections and the rising appeal of Vietnam as a tourist and cultural destination...

Banks across Uzbekistan have updated their foreign currency exchange rates for July 20. Here’s where customers can get the best deals today.

USD exchange rates in Uzbekistan

Euro exchange rates in Uzbekistan

Russian rouble exchange rates

Exchange rates may fluctuate during the day. For real-time updates, refer to the official websites of each financial institution.

Central Bank sets official rate

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan set the official exchange...

In Uzbekistan, more than 3,500 women are officially required to pay child support. The Bureau of Compulsory Enforcement (BCE) released the figures as part of its mid-year update on family-related enforcement cases.

Child support enforcement cases up 45%

According to BCE spokesperson Farrukh Toshpulatov, the number of child support cases has increased sharply over the past seven years. In 2018, there were around 240,000 active enforcement documents on alimony and child maintenance. By mid-2025, the figure reached over 348,000 — marking a 45% rise.

Each bailiff now handles an average of 147 child support cases per month.

Alisher Kadyrov, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and leader of the National Revival Democratic Party, has made remarks on Uzbekistan’s growing resistance to urban tree cutting.

He warned that extreme views on logging could push society to «forget religion and start worshipping trees.»

Red Tape Over Trees Sparks Outrage

In a Telegram post, Kadyrov shared his frustration over an incident near his office. A pest-infested tree needed removal. But the process took a year of paperwork.

«When the workers arrived with saws, I couldn’t tell whether to laugh or cry...

Cancer may soon cease to be a death sentence, according to Professor Stephen Powis, Medical Director of NHS England and Professor at University College London. In a bold prediction published by The Times, Powis forecasts that cancer survival rates will quadruple over the next 50 years, thanks to rapid advancements in oncology.

«We’re entering a golden era of medicine,» said Powis, who drew comparisons to the revolutionary progress made in HIV/AIDS treatment since the 1980s. «When I started as a doctor, HIV brought immense suffering. Today, people live long, healthy lives with the condition, something...

The Trump administration has formally requested the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 grand jury files, a move likely to intensify an already heated public debate over the late financier’s connections and alleged crimes, as reported by The Time.

On Friday, the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche, filed a motion in federal court to release the grand jury transcripts. The request follows mounting public pressure—including from Trump supporters—to bring more clarity to Epstein’s ties and legal proceedings.

President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, confirmed he had called for the...

Venture capitalist Tim Draper believes the impact of Bitcoin’s halving cycles will diminish as broader macroeconomic trends take center stage—particularly the decline of the US dollar and rising global inflation.

In a recent interview with Cointelegraph, the Draper Associates founder said Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as an «escape valve» from government mismanagement, failing banks, and fiat currency devaluation.

«The world is changing,» Draper said. «We are right in the center of an anthropological leap forward.»

Draper predicts the US dollar could become extinct within 10 to 20 years, giving way to alternatives like...

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is now reportedly open to a summer move to the Saudi Pro League, following the collapse of his proposed transfer to Napoli, as reported by FootballTransfers.

The Uruguayan international had prioritised a switch to Antonio Conte’s side, but weeks of negotiations failed to produce a deal. Napoli ultimately refused to meet Liverpool’s €75 million asking price and instead signed Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese on loan, with a future fee agreement worth up to €40 mln.

With Napoli no longer an option, Nunez is now prepared to entertain offers from Saudi Arabia, according to TBR...

Jack Grealish’s Manchester City future remains uncertain, with the club open to selling the midfielder this summer, though a permanent exit appears unlikely at this stage.

The 29-year-old, who was left out of City’s final Premier League and Club World Cup squads, was made available for transfer early in the window. Despite placing a £40 mln price tag on the former £100 mln signing, interested clubs are hesitant due to his £300,000-a-week wages.

According to The Telegraph, West Ham, Napoli and Everton are monitoring the situation, though they may only move if the fee drops or a loan deal becomes...