News

Barcelona put on a brilliant performance at Montjuïc, beating Borussia Dortmund 4–0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Hansi Flick’s team dominated from start to finish and are now strong favourites to reach the semi-finals.

Match highlights

Raphinha opened the scoring in the first half with a smart finish after a low cross.

In the second half, Barcelona turned up the pressure. Lewandowski scored twice in quick succession, and Lamine Yamal made it 4–0 with a calm one-on-one finish.

Dortmund struggled all game. They couldn’t control the midfield, their attack didn’t create chances, and their...

US President Donald Trump has delayed the introduction of new tariffs for three months and raised the levy on Chinese imports to 125%, Bloomberg reports.

Over the next 90 days, most countries will face a 10% tariff. The White House believes this window will provide enough time to negotiate trade deals and lift restrictions on American exports.

Markets responded with a historic rally. The S&P 500 surged by 9.5% during the session. The Dow Jones rose by 7.8%, while the Nasdaq jumped by 12%, driven largely by gains in tech and industrial stocks.

Oil prices rebounded by 4.2% per...

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has confirmed that discussions with China on a 30-day visa-free regime remain ongoing, despite rumours circulating online suggesting the talks had stalled.

A spokesperson from the ministry told Kursiv Uzbekistan that both sides are finalising internal procedures, after which the visa-free regime will come into effect.

Earlier, speculation had spread on Uzbek social media claiming that negotiations had ended without agreement.

According to Uzbekistan’s State Committee on Statistics, more than 18,000 Uzbek citizens travelled to China for leisure in the past year. During the same period, over 74,300 Chinese tourists visited Uzbekistan.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has welcomed Uzbekistan’s full membership in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS during a meeting with the country’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, according to the US State Department.

Rubio also thanked Saidov for Uzbekistan’s cooperation in facilitating the return of individuals deported from the United States.

The two officials discussed ways to modernise Uzbekistan’s civil nuclear energy sector and expand bilateral collaboration on critical minerals.

The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS was established in 2014. Its primary goals include combating ISIS through military and financial means, enhancing intelligence sharing, and countering violent extremism.

The administration of Donald Trump plans to introduce new sanctions targeting illegal migrants. Those who have received a deportation order but remain in the United States will face a fine of $998 for each day they stay in the country, Reuters reports.

This measure could be applied retroactively – up to five years. This means potential debts running into millions of dollars.

Reuters has seen internal documents that detail the mechanism for imposing the fines. In addition to the fines themselves, the documents stipulate asset seizures in cases of non-payment.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the...

In February 2025, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan led global gold sales, selling 12 tonnes of the precious metal. ​

Kazakhstan’s National Bank ranked second, selling 8 tonnes. Meanwhile, many central banks in emerging markets continued to increase their gold holdings.​

Poland emerged as the largest buyer, acquiring 29 tonnes, marking its 11th consecutive month of net gold purchases.China’s People’s Bank purchased 5 tonnes, while Turkey’s central bank bought 3 tonnes. Jordan, Qatar, and the Czech National Bank each added 2 tonnes to their reserves. ​

Overall, global central banks reported net gold purchases totaling 24 tonnes in February 2025.​

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that the death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic could reach 20 mln, despite official estimates putting the figure at 7 mln.

Tedros stated that the pandemic has inflicted an economic loss of $10 trillion on the global economy.

«The pandemic could cause more deaths and greater social and economic upheaval than war,» he said.

He also highlighted the ongoing outbreaks of the Ebola and Marburg viruses. According to Tedros, avian influenza continues to spread among birds, animals, and humans.

The government of Uzbekistan has approved a policy to increase electricity and gas prices every year, but by no more than 10%. This decision comes in line with a new decree, according to the Ministry of Energy.

The decree specifies that prices for electricity and gas will rise annually from the beginning of May.

Additionally, from May this year, an intermediate electricity tariff will be introduced, covering consumption from 201 kWh to 500 kWh. The cost per kWh will be set at UZS 800.

Colossal Biosciences has announced it has successfully revived dire wolves using gene-editing technology, according to a report by Time.

Also known as dire wolves, these fearsome predators roamed North America before going extinct over 10,000 years ago. Based on fossil remains, scientists have established that dire wolves were larger than modern grey wolves, with shorter, more muscular legs, a broader skull, and powerful jaws — all features that made them effective hunters of young bison and other large Ice Age mammals.

Researchers at Colossal Biosciences extracted genetic material from a dire wolf’s tooth and bone. They then introduced 14 genetic modifications...

The United States has thanked Uzbekistan for its cooperation in tackling illegal migration and terrorism, following a high-level meeting in Washington between US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council, Abdulaziz Kamilov.

During the talks, Washington reaffirmed its support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The two sides discussed the strategic partnership between the countries. Landau praised Tashkent’s efforts to strengthen collaboration in the field of civil nuclear energy and highlighted growing US interest in investing in Uzbekistan’s critical minerals sector and other areas of the economy.

The Russian company had been operating at the Shahpakhty field in Karakalpakstan.

Gazprom Zarubezhneftegaz, a subsidiary of Gazprom, is exiting its gas development project in Uzbekistan, according to Interfax. The move comes as the company’s contract for the further development of the Shahpakhty gas field reaches its conclusion.

The Shahpakhty field is located in the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, where gas production has been underway since the 1970s. In 2002, operations at the field were suspended, but two years later, Uzbekistan signed a 15-year development contract with a consortium that included Gazprom’s subsidiary. Authorities later extended the agreement until...

Beeline Uzbekistan, part of the international telecommunications group VEON, announces the creation of a unified department for technology and innovation. This new division will consolidate IT operations, technical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the development of strategic digital solutions. It will be led by Gediz Sezgin, who has assumed the position of Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) as of April 2025.

The appointment of Gediz Sezgin reflects the company’s strategic focus on accelerating digital transformation, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and implementing advanced solutions for the benefit of customers, partners, and the industry.

Gediz Sezgin is a renowned international expert with more than...

In early April, US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on most of America’s key trading partners. He later referred to the move as a form of medicine for the economy.

Kursiv Uzbekistan analysed how global markets reacted to the decision.

European and Asian financial markets plunged as fears grew that the tariffs would disrupt global supply chains. Investors responded with sharp sell-offs across sectors.

By April 7, the European STOXX 600 index had dropped by 12%, despite previous forecasts predicting steady growth this year and next.

Meanwhile, the MSCI Asia Pacific index posted its worst decline since...

US President Donald Trump describes the tariffs he introduced as a remedy, according to Associated Press. He says he has no intention of backing down until other countries create fairer trading conditions with the United States.

«Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,» Trump said, defending his decision.

Global markets continue to tumble in response to the tariff measures. As of 7 April, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell by 6%, Australia’s ASX 200 dropped by 4%, and South Korea’s Kospi declined by 4.7%.

In Europe, the Euro Stoxx 50 index fell by over 6%, while Germany’s...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit Moscow on 9 May to take part in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War, Sherzod Asadov, the president’s spokesperson, told TASS.

Asadov said Mirziyoyev’s visit was discussed during his meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia.

Earlier, during his speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tashkent, Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan’s support for the Eurasia Group’s statement commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory.

The president also attended Victory Day events in Russia in both 2023 and 2024.

Passengers flying with Uzbekistan Airways will enjoy high-speed satellite internet onboard from 2026, as the airline partners with Saudi-based Neo Space Group (NSG).

The airline’s press service told Kursiv that the new technology will first appear on its Airbus A321neo fleet. NSG, a company specialising in advanced inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions, will provide access to the SES Open Orbits satellite network.

Uzbekistan Airways plans to equip its aircraft with the new system to allow passengers to message, work, or stream content during flights. The satellite constellation will ensure seamless connection and fast data transmission throughout the journey.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tashkent.

Speaking at the Assembly, President Mirziyoyev emphasised that Uzbekistan has consistently supported resolving conflicts through peaceful negotiations and diplomatic efforts.

«We hope that the ongoing negotiation process concerning the situation around Ukraine will lead to a positive outcome,» he said.

The president stressed the importance of addressing urgent global issues based on the United Nations Charter and international law. He also stated that the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lies in the establishment...

The inaugural Aral Cultural Summit opened in Nukus with the participation of Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan. Organisers plan to hold the event every six months.

During the summit, Mirziyoyeva highlighted the importance of the initiative for the country.

“For many years, we have continued to speak at various levels and platforms about how the development of the Aral Sea region is a global challenge that demands collective action,” she said.

She also emphasised the need to draw international attention to the region in order to preserve its unique...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, according to the Uzbek president’s press service. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade and economic sectors.

They paid special attention to accelerating the implementation of joint projects and programmes in investment and humanitarian fields.

Mirziyoyev and Aliyev also reviewed the schedule of upcoming high-level meetings and exchanged views on regional cooperation.

Uzbekistan’s Bakhodir Jalolov defeated Ukrainian heavyweight Ihor Shevadzutskyi in a ten-round bout at a major boxing event held on April 5 at Barys Arena in Astana.

Jalolov, an Olympic champion and undefeated heavyweight, secured a unanimous decision victory. The fight against Shevadzutskyi went the full ten rounds, marking the first time Jalolov has won a professional match without a knockout.

In the third round, Shevadzutskyi hit the canvas but managed to recover and continue the fight.

Another Uzbek boxer delivered a strong performance that evening. Otabek Kholmatov stopped Jason Cano Manigos with a technical knockout in the eighth round, delighting...

Barcelona missed the chance to secure a win as they drew 1–1 with Real Betis at the Montjuïc Stadium in Matchday 30 of the 2024/25 La Liga season.

Match Summary – Barcelona vs Real Betis

Gavi put Barça ahead in the 7th minute, converting a low cross from Ferran Torres. Just ten minutes later, Betis equalised as Nathan headed in a delivery from Giovani Lo Celso.

The Catalan side dominated possession with 75%, registering 16 shots on goal — yet failed to find a winner.

Betis goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel denied Barcelona several times, producing crucial saves against Robert...

The World Bank (WB) will allocate $153 miln for a project to restore forests and degraded lands in Uzbekistan, as reported by the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

The project was officially launched during a climate forum in Samarkand.

It will include planting forests, creating orchards and forest pastures, supporting agricultural enterprises and helping nature reserves. In addition, part of the funding will be used to build infrastructure for eco-tourism and create a database on forest landscapes.

The project will cover four regions. It will help the republic meet its goal of increasing forest area...

At the Samarkand Climate Forum on 4 April, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with UN Under-Secretary-General, Head of the UN-Habitat Programme (UN-Habitat) Anaclaudia Rossbach. The sides discussed the opening of the UN-Habitat office in Tashkent.

The participants also reviewed cooperation in sustainable urban development, modernisation of infrastructure and improvement of quality of life. Rossbach praised Uzbekistan’s reforms to develop ‘smart’ and ‘green’ cities.

Plans to hold World Cleanliness Day in Uzbekistan were discussed. Following the meeting, the sides agreed to develop a roadmap for co-operation.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Mirziyoyev and the UN deputy head discussed...

On the evening of 5 April Alexander Ovechkin scored two pucks in a match with the Chicago Blackhawks and repeated the record of Canadian Wayne Gretzky on the number of goals in regular games in the National Hockey League (NHL), reported the press service of the league.

Ovechkin opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the match. By the beginning of the third period, the Washington Capitals were losing to the visitors. Dylan Strome levelled the score, after which Ovechkin threw the long-awaited puck into the opponents’ goal and put the team ahead.

The game ended 5-3 in...