News

Underground religious schools operating illegally in Uzbekistan have been found to be involved in abuse against children, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Law enforcement agencies carried out raids on several unlicensed religious institutions in the Andijan and Khorezm regions. In some of these schools, children were subjected to physical abuse, officials confirmed.

One such school was discovered in Namangan, where a local resident had turned his home into a clandestine classroom for eight minors. Both the individual and the children’s parents have been held administratively responsible.

In another disturbing case, a chief doctor at a medical...

A surprising claim about Elon Musk seeking political asylum in Russia has been labelled a «fabrication» by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The rumour emerged after Russian MP and former presidential candidate Vladislav Davankov said during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that the political party New People had proposed offering asylum to the American billionaire. Davankov argued that Musk’s entrepreneurial skills and visionary thinking could be valuable for Russia.

However, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson Maria Zakharova swiftly dismissed the speculation, stating that no official request from Elon Musk had been received.

The...

A new joint-stock company will be established in Uzbekistan’s Kashkadarya region to efficiently manage and develop more than 1.3 mln hectares of pastures and forest lands, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during a regional development meeting.

According to the president, the region’s natural resources — including 515,000 hectares of irrigated land and 45,000 hectares of household plots — represent one of the country’s largest untapped reserves. These lands have the potential not only to ensure food security for the region but also to meet the national demand for meat.

In 2024, agricultural production in Kashkadarya reached 43 trillion UZS. However, with...

85.8% of corporate clients in Uzbekistan are satisfied with the services of local banks, according to a new analysis by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR). The study highlights that businesses are increasingly shifting to cashless and mixed payment methods while also expecting improvements in credit services.

When choosing a bank, business owners prioritise recommendations, quality of service, and the institution’s reputation. Overall satisfaction with banking services remains high; however, entrepreneurs cite a need for improved support in credit issuance and fund transfers.

Credit and Deposits: Still Underused

A significant 68% of surveyed entrepreneurs said they do...

On Friday, June 20, the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar in Uzbekistan dropped to 12,496.94 UZS, according to data from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. This marks a daily decrease of 62.32 UZS.

At commercial exchange offices, the dollar is being:

Other exchange rates as of June 20:

Market rates show the ruble being:

The euro is:

Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that Universal Bank shares rose last...

Several companies in Tashkent have been caught illegally using the logos of Hyundai and Kia, according to a statement from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry’s Intellectual Property Center launched an inspection after receiving complaints from the official rights holders. Experts confirmed that the companies were unlawfully displaying the automotive trademarks on their storefronts without authorization.

The offending businesses voluntarily removed the signage from their facades. However, they were also held accountable under intellectual property law for the violations.

The Ministry reminded the public that brand logos are legally protected trademarks and may only be used with explicit permission...

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom and Uzbekistan’s Uzatom signed a set of documents outlining plans for the construction of a large nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, as reported by TASS.

The agreement marks another step in deepening nuclear cooperation between the two countries. At the same forum, Russia and Kazakhstan also signed documents regarding the first nuclear power plant in the republic, along with a roadmap for project development through 2027.

Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that Tashkent and Moscow are working not only on a small modular reactor project...

The United States has resumed issuing student visas under categories F, M and J, starting June 19, 2025. According to the U.S. State Department, all applicants must now provide access to their social media accounts as part of enhanced security measures.

The new policy applies globally, including to applicants from Central Asia. Officials state the goal is to identify security risks through the review of online activity. Refusal to share information may result in visa denial.

This update follows a temporary suspension of student visa processing in May, when the administration of President Donald Trump ordered a review of...

Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Israel has issued an update for citizens currently residing in the country, noting that civil aviation routes remain suspended amid the ongoing security situation.

Airspace Closed, Repatriation Flights Not Available

As of now, Israel’s airspace remains closed to all international commercial flights, with no confirmed reopening date. According to the Embassy, only Israeli carriers are operating limited special flights to repatriate their own citizens from abroad.

Uzbekistan Airways has suspended all flights to Israel until 30 June 2025. Other Uzbek carriers are awaiting official clearance before resuming operations.

The Embassy stressed that it will promptly notify...

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has adopted a resolution aimed at expanding the use of environmentally friendly goods and services in public procurement. According to the official document, the share of such procurement is expected to reach 30% of total public contracts by 2030.

The resolution «On Measures to Improve the System of Supporting Green Public Procurement» was developed with the support of the World Bank. It sets out mechanisms to promote energy-efficient and eco-labelled goods in tenders, along with incentives for businesses implementing sustainable practices.

What the New Measures Include

The resolution outlines several key steps:

In the second round of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage, Palmeiras defeated Egypt’s Al Ahly with a 2–0 scoreline at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

In the first round, both teams played out goalless draws: Al Ahly against Inter Miami, and Palmeiras against Porto.

Match Recap: Palmeiras vs Al Ahly

The first half began cautiously. The Egyptians held more possession early on, but created no real danger.

Midway through the half, Palmeiras began to pick up pace. Estevão and Vitor Roque each had good chances, but the ball stayed out of the net.

The key...

On June 26, 2025, the first international conference «KEY TECH: AI in Banking and Fintech» will be held at U-Enter in Tashkent. The event aims to become a key platform for discussing the role of artificial intelligence in transforming Uzbekistan’s financial sector.

The development of AI technologies is one of Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities. According to a Presidential Decree by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country is implementing an AI Development Strategy through 2030, aimed at building a competitive digital economy and reaching $1.5 billion in AI-driven software and digital services. Globally, the economic impact of generative AI could reach $350–600 billion by...

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) conducted a nationwide survey of over 1,100 bank customers in Uzbekistan to gauge satisfaction with financial services.

The findings revealed a consistently high level of satisfaction: more than 80% of respondents gave positive ratings across key banking areas.

Reported dissatisfaction remained low, not exceeding 14% in any category.

Areas for Improvement

While overall satisfaction is high, the majority of respondents believe banking services still require improvement.

As of June 19, the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar has dropped to 12,559.26 Uzbek soums, according to data from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. This marks a daily decrease of 59.37 UZS.

At commercial exchange offices, the dollar is being bought for 12,500–12,615 UZS and sold for 12,640–12,680 UZS.

The Russian ruble was set at 160 UZS, while the euro stood at 14,413 UZS.

In retail exchange rates:

Kursiv Uzbekistan...

The international exhibition Eco Expo Central Asia 2025, dedicated to the development of ecological technologies, has officially opened in Uzbekistan’s capital, drawing participants from across the country and abroad.

According to Kursiv Uzbekistan, regional representatives from across the republic, as well as international and local companies — including Tok Bor and BYD — are taking part in the event. The exhibition aims to showcase green innovations and support dialogue on sustainable development.

Focus on Public Transport and Renewable Energy

Uzbekistan’s regional pavilions are displaying projects aimed at improving ecological conditions and expanding green public transportation. Plans for 2026 include:

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed establishing cardiology centres in at least 14 regions of the country, using the Ok Saroy clinic in Shakhrisabz as a model.

«We must take this experience as a foundation and create such clinics in no fewer than 14 regions. It does not matter how much funding will be required — we will find it. What matters is ensuring guaranteed, high-quality and accessible care for the population,» the president said during his visit.

The Ok Saroy cardiology centre was established with support from a Russian investor...

US President Donald Trump has approved a military plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities but has not yet given the order to proceed, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing unnamed sources.

The uranium enrichment facility in Fordow is considered a likely target. Located deep beneath a mountain, the site is heavily fortified and beyond the reach of most conventional weapons. According to analysts, only US-made bunker-busting bombs could pose a credible threat to the complex.

However, Trump reportedly remains uncertain about the effectiveness of such an attack and is concerned that military action could escalate into a prolonged conflict.

As of early May 2025, the number of Uzbek citizens who visited Egypt reached 22.4 thousand, more than doubling year-on-year, according to data from the Statistics Agency under the President of Uzbekistan.

Of these, over 19.5 thousand travelled for leisure. Another 2.7 thousand visited relatives, while 58 citizens entered as medical tourists. Seven and five individuals respectively travelled for work and study purposes.

Between January and April this year, a total of 2.1 mln Uzbek citizens travelled abroad as tourists. The most frequently visited destinations remained neighbouring countries — Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

Previously, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Uzbek citizens...

All of Pavel Durov’s biological children will receive equal inheritance rights — but only after a 30-year waiting period. In an interview with Le Point, the founder of Telegram shared the details of his will.

If Durov, who remains Telegram’s sole shareholder, dies or disappears, control of the platform will transfer to a non-profit foundation. This organisation would continue to develop Telegram in line with its founding principles: upholding freedom of speech and protecting user privacy.

The 40-year-old entrepreneur said the will was written to safeguard both his family and the company. Durov added that due to Telegram’s firm stance...

The New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS has approved Uzbekistan’s and Colombia’s applications to join the institution, its president Dilma Rousseff announced during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ethiopia and Indonesia may also join the bank, as their applications are currently under review by NDB leadership.

In June, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Rousseff in Tashkent. They discussed a project portfolio worth $5 bn, with a focus on private sector support.

The BRICS New Development Bank primarily finances infrastructure projects. Its authorised capital stands at $100 bn. Since 2021, the bank has expanded its membership...

The Federal Reserve has held its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25–4.5% for the fourth consecutive time, following a two-day policy meeting. The decision was published on the regulator’s official website.

The Fed confirmed its long-term goal of bringing inflation down to 2%. It also noted that the US economy continues to show steady growth, although a modest rise in prices has been observed.

The decision aligned with forecasts by analysts surveyed by Reuters. However, market expectations point to a possible rate cut in September or October.

Earlier, reports suggested that US President Donald Trump considered dismissing Federal...

Uzbekistan and Russia will work together to resolve migration-related issues, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with media agency heads.

«We agreed with Shavkat Miromonovich [Mirziyoyev] that we will address migration matters together. We all know the current state of the labour market,» the Russian leader said.

Putin also emphasised the importance of fostering closer ties between Uzbek and Russian youth.

In 2024, 698,000 Uzbek citizens worked in Russia, compared to 1.2 mln in 2023. During this period, the number of Uzbeks who travelled to Russia for employment rose from...

Pharmaceutical company Noya Ca Pharmaceutical will invest $14.6 mln into the production of medications in Uzbekistan, according to the country’s Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency.

Under the agreement, the company will launch operations within the Tashkent Pharma Park cluster. The new facility is expected to include the manufacturing of psychotherapeutic drugs.

«The implementation of this project will not only expand pharmaceutical production, but also create new jobs, enhance industrial infrastructure, and boost the country’s export potential,» the agency noted.

This marks a significant step in Uzbekistan’s efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen its pharmaceutical...

Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been named in Manchester City’s official squad for their upcoming match against Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca. The game is part of the first round of the group stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

According to the official match sheet, Pep Guardiola included Khusanov in the 23-man squad. While the young defender is not listed in the starting XI, he may still make his debut at this level if he comes on as a substitute.

For Khusanov, this could mark a major milestone — his first appearance in a global club tournament. He...