Uzbekistan–Korea Diplomacy: Senior diplomats from South Korea and Uzbekistan met in Tashkent to deepen cooperation on energy, transport, infrastructure, and critical minerals, and to coordinate preparations for the Korea–Central Asia Summit on Sept. 16–17. Middle Corridor Politics: The Caspian Policy Center’s Trans-Caspian Forum in Washington highlighted efforts to make the Middle Corridor work for cargo, energy, data, and capital, including discussion of a proposed 43-kilometer Armenia link near Syunik. World Cup as Regional Politics: UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin’s “uninteresting matches” remarks triggered a joint pushback from 13 national associations, including Uzbekistan, with debutants insisting every match matters. Uzbekistan on the Pitch: Uzbekistan begin their World Cup debut against Colombia on June 17 under coach Fabio Cannavaro, after tough warm-up results. Security Screening Row: Reports say Uruguay players faced drug-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, and intensive checks ahead of their opener—part of a wider pattern critics call humiliating. Public Health Rule Change (India): India moved cough syrups off over-the-counter sales, requiring prescriptions after deaths linked to contaminated products. Migrant Support (Korea): South Korea launched 11-language web posters to help migrant women affected by violence access protective services regardless of immigration status.