News

As global temperatures rise sharply, climate change is triggering severe environmental challenges across the world. Many regions are already facing disasters such as rising water levels, floods and droughts, all signs of worsening ecological conditions. Central Asia, and particularly Uzbekistan, is not immune to these threats.

Central Asia at the frontline of climate stress

The region is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Extreme heat accelerates the evaporation of water from lakes and reservoirs, reduces river flows and shrinks glacial reserves. Such pressures intensify water shortages, which in turn create risks for agriculture, energy generation and ecosystems...

On August 18, a working session took place at the Uzatom Agency with a Kazakh delegation led by Zhomart Aliev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, to discuss the next stage of cooperation in the nuclear field.

From the Uzbek side, leaders and specialists of Uzatom, the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministries of Health and Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Ecology Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Tashkent branch of NRNU MEPhI as well as O‘ZGASHKLITI and Uzliti Engineering took part.

The Kazakh side was represented by senior officials and experts...

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised Zelenskiy to support Ukraine’s security in any eventual peace settlement with Russia, though the scope of that assistance is not yet clear, Reuters reports.

The pledge came during a high-level summit at the White House where Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and a group of European leaders, following Trump’s recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

«When it comes to security, there’s going to be a lot of help,» Trump told reporters, adding that Europe would be deeply involved. Zelenskiy called the assurances «a major...

On August 19, Uzbekistan is expected to experience dry conditions across the country. Daytime winds will reach 7–12 m/s, with gusts in desert areas rising to 13–16 m/s, bringing dusty air near the ground. Daytime temperatures will range between 32°C and 37°C.

In Tashkent, the forecast also predicts clear skies with no rainfall. Winds in the capital will be lighter at 3–8 m/s, while the daytime temperature is set to stay between 33°C and 35°C.

Mountainous regions will remain dry as well. Winds are forecast at 7–12 m/s, occasionally strengthening to 13–18 m/s in certain areas. Temperatures in these...

Several banks have updated their rates for exchanging foreign currencies into UZS as of August 19. This article contains information about the most favourable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer the best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value...

On August 17, 2025 Uzbekistan advanced its cultural engagement with Japan on two fronts.

MoU Signed with Nara Partners

In Nara a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, the City of Nara and the Nara National Museum. The agreement sets out plans to co-organise in 2027 a major exhibition on cultural connections along the Great Silk Road and to expand academic, museum and expert cooperation in heritage fields. The signing marks a new step in Uzbekistan’s cultural diplomacy, opening opportunities to deepen links with Japanese institutions and increase international visibility...

A Liverpool supporter who racially abused Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been banned from attending football matches across the UK.

Merseyside Police confirmed that the 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence following the incident at Anfield on Friday. He has now been released on conditional bail, which includes a ban from regulated football matches and a restriction preventing him from coming within one mile of any designated stadium.

The abuse took place in the 29th minute of the match when Semenyo went to take a throw-in. Witnesses reported the fan shouting a...

On August 18, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the newly built Olympic Village in Tashkent, a project designed to become a landmark for national sport and modern architecture.

Construction of the complex began on November 9, 2022. At the time, the head of state said it would symbolise the creative potential of the Uzbek people and showcase the country’s sporting ambitions through advanced design, energy efficiency and the use of innovative solutions. Less than two years later, those expectations have been met with the delivery of a facility covering more than 100 hectares.

Developed by CAMC Engineering

The Chief of Staff to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva, has announced that Bishkek will host the second edition of the Zakovat Asian Cup.

The event will take place on August 20, bringing together national teams from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Both delegations will feature some of the strongest players in the intellectual movement.

«Bishkek, get ready for us! On August 20 we are coming to you with the Zakovat Asian Cup II. I am glad that Zakovat is becoming a game that erases borders and unites the best minds of Central Asia,» Mirziyoyeva wrote.

On the eve of Entrepreneur’s Day, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) released its latest nationwide survey assessing Uzbekistan’s business climate. The results reveal steady improvements across most sectors, with entrepreneurs showing confidence in future growth.

Overall Trends

In July, the composite business climate index rose to 52 points, an increase of five compared with the same month in 2024. The rise was largely due to higher current activity, with the current situation index climbing by 14 points to reach 44. This measure reflects how entrepreneurs assess sales, demand, employment, access to resources and operational stability.

Thailand is preparing to roll out a new pilot scheme that will allow foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for use in the country, the nation’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced.

The initiative, known as TouristDigiPay, will begin in the final quarter of 2025 and run for 18 months. It is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Payments in baht, not crypto

Under the framework, cryptocurrencies themselves cannot be spent directly. Merchants will instead be paid in baht, while...

A section of the kiswa, the cloth that covers the sacred Kaaba in Mecca, has been brought to Uzbekistan, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the republic announced.

The fragment, which was positioned above the door of the holy site, was delivered from Saudi Arabia intact. It measures 6.3 metres in height and 3.3 metres in width.

By the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the cloth will be placed in the museum of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent.

The Kaaba, regarded as the holiest site in Islam, is located in Mecca. According to tradition it was built...

Supernova Strikers 2025 delivered one of the year’s most talked-about fights, as Alana Flores earned a unanimous decision victory over Gala Montes on August 17 at the Palacio de los Deportes.

Venue was sold out and the result was clear: Alana Flores won 30–26 on all three judges’ scorecards. The fighter from Monterrey raised her arms in celebration after overcoming an opponent who held a size and weight advantage but could not match her pace or resolve.

The evening began with theatrical walkouts. Montes entered first, styled in black lace and introduced as «The Bride of Mexico», though her...

On August 17, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The leaders exchanged views on current international matters as well as the bilateral agenda.

President Putin briefed his Uzbek counterpart on the main outcomes of the Russia–United States summit held in Anchorage on August 15.

President Mirziyoyev welcomed the positive momentum in high-level dialogue between Moscow and Washington and stressed the importance of working towards a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

The two sides also discussed the need for coordinated measures to maintain the current pace of trade and...

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have formalised contracts worth about $243 mln for four large-scale electricity infrastructure projects, Ariana News reports. The agreements were signed in Kabul on August 17 in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov.

The contracts were concluded between Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Uzbek energy partners. Once completed within 18 months, the projects will enable Afghanistan to import between 800 and 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan.

Projects Agreed

The four initiatives include:

On August 18, most of Uzbekistan will experience dry weather. Brief showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible in parts of the Fergana Valley during the morning. Winds will reach 7–12 m/s, occasionally strengthening to 13–18 m/s with dust in some areas. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 30°C and 35°C.

The capital will remain dry with winds at 3–8 m/s. Temperatures in Tashkent will be between 32°C and 34°C.

In the mountain regions, brief showers and thunderstorms are expected in some locations. Winds will be 7–12 m/s, sometimes increasing to 13–18 m/s. Temperatures will vary from 21°C to...

Several banks have updated their rates for exchanging foreign currencies into UZS as of August 18. This article contains information about the most favourable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer the best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value...

Philippe Coutinho scored two goals as Vasco da Gama secured a 6-0 victory over Santos in the Brazilian Serie A on Sunday, August 17, leaving Neymar with the worst defeat in his career.

Neymar, who signed a new deal with Santos in June, was part of the side that suffered the heaviest defeat of his career. Visibly emotional at the final whistle, he was comforted by a member of the coaching staff.

Vasco took the lead in the first half through Lucas Piton, with David Correa de Fonseca doubling their advantage after the break. Coutinho then struck twice, while...

Russia is increasing exports of products that meet halal standards, according to Pavel Bukhanov, head of the Russian Export Centre’s office in Uzbekistan. He made the statement at a conference held at the Sputnik press centre.

Bukhanov noted that in recent years Russia has placed greater emphasis on obtaining halal certification, which is also a pressing requirement for the Uzbek market. Several Uzbek firms are already ensuring that all certification procedures are strictly followed.

He warned that without proper confirmation from importers, supply problems could arise even when producers hold halal documentation.

According to Bukhanov, most Russian companies now take...

A memorandum has been signed to formalise twin-city relations between Uzbekistan’s Ferghana and China’s Kashgar, paving the way for cooperation in industry, agriculture and tourism, the Fergana regional administration announced.

New Investment Agreements

During a visit to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a Ferghana delegation held talks with Chinese companies. As part of the visit, Fergana-based tour operator Dilrabo Travel signed a $2.5 mln agreement with China’s Kashi Katie.

Chinese firms expressed interest in processing agricultural produce and manufacturing construction materials in Uzbekistan. The sides also agreed to collaborate on projects involving the production of robots and equipment for public...

On August 14, during an official visit to Singapore, Uzbekistan’s delegation led by Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov held talks with senior representatives of Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, Sembcorp Industries and Wilmar International. The discussions took place in a constructive spirit, with both sides outlining specific measures to advance cooperation.

Two sides reached agreement on a programme to improve the effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s special economic zones. The plans include the introduction of a one-stop shop mechanism, unified management standards, a CRM platform and modern infrastructure designed to attract strategic investment.

Pilot Project Based on Singapore’s Model

Starlink will enter the Uzbek market later than expected, according to an update published on the company’s official website.

The coverage map now shows that the satellite internet service is scheduled to launch in Uzbekistan in 2026. Rollout will also extend to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in the same year.

The company’s arrival in Uzbekistan was initially anticipated in 2023, before being postponed to 2025. The latest revision has now pushed the date back by a further year.

In 2022, SpaceX had announced its readiness to implement large-scale projects in Uzbekistan, raising expectations of an earlier entry.

In 1981 Airbus SE announced plans to develop a new single-aisle jet to challenge Boeing’s dominance. At the time Boeing’s 737 had already reshaped global aviation, offering airlines a cost-effective way to operate shorter routes. By 1988 when the first A320 rolled off the line, Boeing had already delivered some 1,500 737s.

Four decades on, Airbus has closed the gap, Bloomberg reports. Data from consultancy Cirium shows that by early August the A320 family trailed the 737 by only 20 aircraft, with 12,155 deliveries to date. The lead is expected to vanish within weeks.

From Underdog to Market...

Khamzat Chimaev has claimed the UFC middleweight title after defeating South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis in a one-sided contest at UFC 319 in Chicago.

In only his ninth bout under the UFC banner, the unbeaten Russian fighter dominated the five-round championship clash. All three judges scored the contest 50-44 in his favour. From the opening seconds of each round, Chimaev repeatedly took the champion to the ground, controlling the action and landing more than 500 strikes over the course of the fight.

Murphy’s Knockout Statement

In the co-main event, Britain’s Lerone Murphy produced a spectacular spinning elbow to...