News

Uzbekistan will invest $100 mln to support startups focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and to introduce AI solutions across government institutions, the economy and social sectors.

Half of the funding will be used to integrate AI technologies into public administration, aiming to improve efficiency and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens. The remaining $50 mln will be channelled through the venture funds Fondlar Fondi and IT Park Ventures, which will finance promising AI-driven startups and innovative projects.

The Coordinating Commission for the Implementation of the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy will oversee the allocation of funds and ensure...

Uzbekistan’s national payment systems, Uzcard and Humo, have reported strong profit increases for the first nine months of 2025.

Uzcard recorded earnings of 930 bn soums ($77.5 mln), a 40.7% rise compared to the same period last year. Humo’s profits jumped by 87.7%, reaching 224 bn soums ($18.7 mln). In terms of profitability, Uzcard outperformed 31 of the country’s 35 banks, ranking behind only the National Bank, SQB, Hamkorbank and Kapitalbank.

It is worth noting that earlier this year, Humo became part of the Paynet Group following a $65 mln acquisition deal, which has since strengthened its position in...

Uzbekistan is nearing the launch of a carbon regulation system and could soon become one of Central Asia’s frontrunners in the transition to a green economy, according to a joint report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the CAREC Institute.

The report highlights that Uzbekistan has already established a solid regulatory framework and begun developing a national system for monitoring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, which is a key component for future carbon trading. Since 2018, the country has been actively building its climate infrastructure, submitting and later updating its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The document sets...

China successfully launched its Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on October 31, carrying three astronauts and four small mammals to the Tiangong space station, state media reported. The crewed mission lifted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.

The flight marks the seventh journey to China’s permanently inhabited space station since its completion in 2022. Each Shenzhou mission sends a team of three astronauts for a six-month stay in orbit, with the country’s newer recruits gradually replacing older veterans.

This time, the crew includes first-time astronauts Zhang Hongzhang, 39, and Wu Fei, 32, the...

The White House is expected to announce that Dutch semiconductor firm Nexperia will resume shipments from its facilities in China, a move that could ease growing concerns among car manufacturers facing production slowdowns, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Dutch Seizure Triggers Chinese Export Block

Earlier this month, the Dutch government took control of Nexperia, which is owned by Chinese company Wingtech. In response, Beijing halted the export of Nexperia products from China. The company produces large quantities of semiconductors in the Netherlands, widely used in automobiles and consumer electronics, with around 70% of the chips...

At the Kuksaroy Presidential Residence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Alexander Stubb of Finland held talks attended by members of their official delegations. The discussions focused on prospects for further strengthening the wide-ranging Uzbek-Finnish partnership, particularly in political, economic, investment and humanitarian fields.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of political dialogue, growing exchanges at various levels and the intensification of business contacts. Mutual trade volumes continue to expand, supported by stronger economic and corporate ties. The Nordic University, established in cooperation with Finland, is successfully operating in Uzbekistan, alongside joint programmes in school...

Chennaiyin FC finished their Super Cup 2025 campaign after a remarkable 1-1 draw with Dempo SC, highlighted by an extraordinary goal from goalkeeper Samik Mitra. The all-Indian squad is managed by Clifford Miranda.

The game took an unexpected turn in the 30th minute when Samik became the first goalkeeper in Chennaiyin’s history to score from open play in a competitive fixture. His long kick from inside his own penalty area sailed over Dempo’s defence and looped past their keeper to bring the scores level.

📹 | WATCH: CHENNAIYIN FC'S SAMIK MITRA SCORES A SHOCKING GOAL VS...

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Uzbekistan and Central Asia. From the turquoise domes of Samarkand glistening under crisp blue skies to the vibrant bazaars of Tashkent filled with autumn fruits, the season is full of charm. Yet it’s also the period when sudden weather changes, dry air, and long travel days can put stress on your immune system.

Here’s your complete guide to staying healthy, avoiding seasonal colds and protecting yourself from the flu while traveling across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan this autumn.

The autumn weather in Uzbekistan and Central Asia

The...

Uzbekistan’s military remains primarily focused on rapid-response and internal security, with priority on counterterrorism and stability along the Afghan border, according to defense analyst Michael Hilliard of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs.

In comments to The Times of Central Asia about a new Oxus Society report on Uzbekistan’s armed forces, Hilliard said the country’s doctrine has been shaped since Andijan 2005, driving investments in special operations, crowd control, and quick deployment units. Key rapid-response formations, including drone units and the 17th Air Assault Brigade, are concentrated in the Fergana Valley, while strong garrisons remain around Termez...

Uzbekistan is exploring a new freight rail corridor to Pakistan through Afghanistan as part of efforts to secure seaport access and expand trade routes, officials and media reported on Thursday.

Executives from state-owned Uzbekistan Railways held talks in Tashkent on October 30 with Pakistan-based logistics company SLG Trax Group to examine the feasibility of a secure and reliable rail connection, as well as multimodal cargo transport options. The discussions did not result in a formal agreement but both sides agreed to coordinate on developing routes through third countries and harmonising logistics approaches, according to Uzbek outlet UzDaily.

Any future...

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are advancing plans to boost freight traffic along the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan transport corridor, following high-level talks in Bishkek, officials said on Thursday.

A delegation from Uzbekistan’s rail container operator O‘ztemiryo‘lkonteyner met with leading logistics companies during the «Kyrgyz Trans Logistics 2025» exhibition to discuss expanding cargo flows and improving transport efficiency along the multimodal route.

Discussions focused on streamlining road transport between the two countries and cutting delivery times across the corridor, which is seen as a key link connecting Central Asia with China and global markets.

The sides also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding...

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a joint statement outlining a broad upgrade of bilateral relations following Stubb’s official visit to Tashkent on October 30–31.

Key steps include a Memorandum of Understanding creating an Uzbek–Finnish Business Council to spur trade, investment and private-sector links, and commitments to expand cooperation in manufacturing, green technologies, advanced industries, innovation, tourism and culture. The leaders also highlighted deeper ties between parliaments, think tanks and universities, building on Finland’s expertise in child-centred, play-based education and the Erasmus+ program.

Finland backed Uzbekistan’s WTO accession bid, while both sides discussed ethically...

Uzbekistan has sent more than 20 varieties of traditional crops, including melons, watermelons, wheat and eggplants, to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, the Ministry of Agriculture announced.

The seeds, many of which are ancient Uzbek varieties, were delivered with support from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), NordGen and Uzbekistan’s Institute of Plant Genetic Resources. Officials say the move helps protect the country’s agricultural heritage and supports global food security efforts.

Among the stored seeds is the native «Qayroqtosh» wheat variety, valued for its cultural and scientific importance.

Located deep in the Arctic permafrost, the Svalbard...

Israeli security agencies are preparing for a potential large-scale attack by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, similar to the Hamas assault on October 7, Israeli media reported on Friday.

According to sources cited by Walla, the IDF and Mossad believe militias supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could launch missiles and drones from Iraqi territory against Israeli targets. A ground operation through Iraq and Syria toward the Jordan-Israel border is considered a secondary option.

The report says Esmail Qaani, commander of the IRGC-Quds Force, recently held meetings in Iraq with militia leaders to coordinate potential operations. Groups such...

A Bolton woman who believes she spoke to a ghost as a child is now leading an all-female paranormal investigation group in the North West.

Emma Flood says that when she was a young girl, a friendly man who «looked a bit like Fred Dibnah» would visit her at night and chat with her. Her mother thought it was an imaginary friend, but Emma now believes she was seeing a spirit.

Today, Emma runs Para-Northern, a Lancashire-based ghost-hunting team that investigates reported paranormal activity in homes and historic buildings. The group uses cameras, voice recorders and other devices to...

India reached the Women’s World Cup final after pulling off the highest run chase in women’s internationals, beating Australia by five wickets.

Chasing 339, India made 341/5 at the DY Patil Stadium. Jemimah Rodrigues was the hero with 127 not out off 134 balls, sharing a 167-run stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur who hit 89. Australia dropped Rodrigues twice in the closing stages, chances that proved costly.

Australia had posted 338 after Phoebe Litchfield smashed 119, with support from Ellyse Perry 77 and Ash Gardner 63. Skipper Alyssa Healy said her side «let ourselves down» with bat, ball and...

Bitcoin fell to $106,200 right before Halloween, dropping nearly 5% in hours, then quickly rebounded about 4% above $108,700. Traders say the move looks like a shakeout that reset sentiment, not random volatility.

Momentum signals back that view. The RSI showed a bullish divergence as price made a lower low, and charts now point to an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern building. A daily close above the $116,400 neckline would confirm a breakout.

On-chain data also turned supportive. NUPL slipped to 0.483, a six-month low that often marks weak hands exiting while long-term holders stay put. The next test is the...

Kanye West is reportedly planning a major comeback in the fashion world with the launch of a new fashion and beauty brand alongside his wife Bianca Censori, in what insiders describe as a «revenge play» against his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The launch is expected to take place on December 11, according to a teaser website unveiled by the couple.

A «Revenge» Project Against Kim’s Empire

Sources close to the couple claim that Ye and Bianca, aged 48 and 30 respectively, are crafting the brand to directly compete with Kim’s multi-billion-dollar ventures, SKIMS and SKKN.

Former NFL star Tom Brady has opened up about the challenges of balancing life as a father, broadcaster and businessman, admitting in his latest newsletter that «life finally caught up to me» after a hectic few weeks.

The retired quarterback, now 48, revealed that he had been feeling rundown and «a little under the weather» as he juggled his duties as a father of three and his growing list of professional commitments.

«It’s Been a Crazy October»

Brady, who shares 18-year-old Jack with ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan and two younger children, Benjamin and Vivian, with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, described...

King Charles has stripped his younger brother Andrew of his title of prince and ordered him to vacate his royal residence after renewed public scrutiny sparked by the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir. The decision, announced on October 30 and backed by Prince William, represents one of the most decisive and controversial actions against a member of the royal family in modern British history.

Allegations Resurface in Giuffre’s Memoir

In her book Nobody’s Girl, Giuffre claimed that as a teenager she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions at the request of Jeffrey Epstein...

In Samarkand, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay with the Dustlik (Friendship) Order, recognising her significant role in strengthening cooperation in science, education and culture, as well as her support in promoting Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

During their meeting, the two sides discussed deepening the partnership between Uzbekistan and UNESCO across various fields.

Azoulay congratulated President Mirziyoyev on hosting the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, marking the first time in 40 years that the event has been held outside Paris. She praised both the organisation and content of the...

Disney’s television networks have been removed from Google’s YouTube TV after negotiations for a new licensing agreement collapsed late on October 30. Both companies confirmed the breakdown in separate statements.

The blackout affects major Disney-owned channels such as ESPN, ABC, FX, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Disney Channel, and ABC News Live. According to a source quoted by Reuters, Disney’s networks were pulled from YouTube TV shortly before the contract officially expired at midnight. YouTube TV announced the removal on X (formerly Twitter) at 11:16 pm ET.

Standoff Between Media Giants

YouTube TV, which has more than...

A supercomputer has forecast the final Premier League table, predicting that Arsenal will finally lift the trophy after three straight seasons finishing as runners-up.

The simulation, conducted by CasinoHawks, projects that the Gunners will end the campaign with 90 points and 28 wins from 38 matches, making them clear favourites for the title.

Liverpool to Finish Second Despite Poor Form

According to the model, Liverpool will finish second on 77 points, even though Arne Slot’s side have endured a difficult spell with four consecutive league defeats, dropping them to seventh in the current standings.

Manchester City and Chelsea

A press conference was held on October 31, 2025 at the headquarters of the Uzbek Republican Commodity Exchange (UzEx) to review the results of its operations for the first nine months of the year. The exchange reported strong performance across all trading segments, driven by growth in digital platforms and expanding client participation.

Strong Performance Across All Trading Platforms

Between January and September 2025, over 150,500 new clients joined the UzEx trading system, while more than 2.6 mln deals were completed. The total trade volume increased by 30.3% compared with the same period in 2024, including a 30.2% rise...