News

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...

The film «Taymetov. Herald of Victory,» dedicated to the life of Uzbekistan’s first pilot, Abdusamat Taymetov, has won the Press Award at the prestigious Eurasia International Film Festival, as reported by Uzbekistan Airports.

The historical biopic, which beat out 90 competing entries from around the world, marks a significant recognition of Uzbek cinema on the international stage. The film had earlier been awarded Best Film at the Dialogue of Cultures forum.

«Thanks to the support of Uzbekistan Airports, we were able to study rich archival materials and museum collections,» said director Eldar Yuldashev. «This helped...

Uzbekistan’s sabre fencer Fernanda Herrera has earned a bronze medal at the Asian Fencing Championships, marking the first medal for the national team at the tournament, according to the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan.

In the quarterfinals, Herrera delivered a dramatic comeback against Kazakhstan’s Aigerim Sarybai. Despite trailing by seven points, the Uzbek athlete managed to close the gap and clinch victory by a single point.

In the semi-finals, Herrera was narrowly defeated by Japan’s Misaki Emura, ending her run with a well-deserved spot on the podium.

The Asian Fencing Championships are being held on Bali from June...

Very soon, Uzbekistan will welcome a global superstar and one of the most beloved icons of our time.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has officially been added to Jennifer Lopez’s world tour. Her concert is scheduled for August 7 at Bunyodkor Stadium

1. Born Jennifer Lynn Lopez on July 24, 1969, in the Bronx

Raised in a Puerto Rican family in New York City, she started dance lessons at age five and went on to study gymnastics and performing arts.

2. Rose to fame as a Fly Girl dancer on «In Living Color» (1991)

Her early break in entertainment came as...

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has declared that Iran will not surrender, delivering the message in a televised address to the nation, according to IRNA.

«The Iranian people, just as they resisted an imposed war, will firmly resist an imposed peace,» he said.

Khamenei praised the courage shown by Iranians during Israel’s recent strikes on the country. He added that the attacks came at a time when Tehran and Washington were engaged in negotiations over a nuclear agreement.

To recap, US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to...

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump that the May ceasefire between India and Pakistan had been reached without Washington’s involvement, Reuters reports.

«Prime Minister Modi made it clear to President Trump that no discussions took place during this period regarding a trade deal between India and the US, nor any American mediation between India and Pakistan,» said India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vikram Misri.

His statement followed Trump’s earlier claim that the United States had helped de-escalate tensions between the two South Asian nations. India, however, maintains...

A press conference was held at the Sputnik Uzbekistan press center in Tashkent to mark the national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event featured head coach Timur Kapadze.

«We fear no one»

During the press conference, Kapadze stressed that qualifying for the World Cup is not only the result of hard work but also a sign of the overall growth of Uzbek football.

«No one wants to end up in a group with the strongest teams, but we won’t fear anyone. This is our first World Cup, and we will show...

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has approved a resolution that will make environmental criteria a mandatory component of public procurement documentation from early 2026.

According to the government’s decision, state buyers must ensure that at least 15% of their procurement in 2026 qualifies as green procurement. This share must increase by 5% each year.

By the beginning of 2030, the government aims to raise the share of green procurement to 30% of all public contracts.

The resolution also states that the absence of eco-labelling will not be grounds for excluding companies from participating in public tenders.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan...