Crime Crackdown in Tashkent: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered a tougher fight against crime in the capital, warning that businesses won’t invest where security is weak and stressing zero tolerance for officials’ failures. Uzbekistan–South Korea Strategic Push: Mirziyoyev met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Seoul, highlighting 700+ joint ventures and a project portfolio worth about $12 billion, alongside an $8 billion strategic partnership program with Korea’s Export-Import Bank. Critical Minerals, AI and Defense Deals: The two sides signed 13 cooperation documents covering critical minerals, AI/data centers, high-speed rail feasibility, smart cities, pharma/biotech, and defense cooperation. Middle Corridor Growth: Moody’s says transport and logistics expansion along the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” is boosting growth across the region, with spillovers reaching Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. AI Infrastructure Race: Moody’s also flags AI as a new growth pillar, noting Uzbekistan among countries making progress on data centers and computing capacity. Finance Sector Update: ABB Bank completed its controlling-stake acquisition of Davr Bank (51%), launching “ABB Davr” operations in Uzbekistan. Visa Facilitation: India’s embassy in Tashkent says eligible Indian citizens with certain multiple-entry visas can stay visa-free up to 30 days with onward/return tickets. Chess Olympiad Countdown: FIDE’s interim president and India’s chess federation handed the ceremonial torch to Uzbek player Javokhir Sindarov ahead of Samarkand 2026. Women in Energy: A new study highlights barriers keeping women from energy jobs after technical training, pointing to a steep drop-off into the sector. Regional Media Freedom: Reports describe Meta blocks tied to copyright complaints targeting independent Azerbaijani outlets, raising concerns about coordinated pressure.