Uzbekistan Wins Chess Olympiad Gold: Uzbekistan clinched the Open title at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, beating Ukraine 2.5-1.5 in the final round; China won the Women’s section, while Caribbean teams finished at the bottom of the standings. IsDB Financing for Uzbekistan: The Islamic Development Bank approved a $938m package across six member countries, including $115m for Kungrad wind power and battery storage and $202.15m for agriculture mechanization in Uzbekistan. C5+1 Digital Cooperation: Kazakhstan and the U.S. discussed AI and digital cooperation at the C5+1 conference in Astana, with U.S. officials linking trusted digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to investment. OTS Security Shift: Analysts note the Organisation of Turkic States is moving from identity and culture toward more regular, operational security coordination via security council meetings. Russia Cash-Ruble Limits Hit Neighbors: Putin signed a decree cutting the cash ruble export limit to 1 million rubles for travel to EAEU states plus Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with confiscation for violations. Labor-Pension Talks: Uzbekistan is negotiating with Russia and Kazakhstan on accounting migrant work experience and pension accruals. PM Fuel Relief Coordination: Pakistan’s DPM Ishaq Dar urged continued coordination to keep the PM fuel relief scheme running, citing millions registered and tokens redeemed. New Direct Flight to Tashkent: Centrum Air launched a twice-weekly Hyderabad–Tashkent route, boosting South Asia–Central Asia connectivity.