UNESCO Recognition for Tashkent Modernism: Ten modernist buildings and urban complexes tied to Tashkent’s post-1966 transformation have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting how international modernist design was adapted to local traditions, climate and seismic risks. Central Asia’s “Cholpon-Ata” Diplomacy: Presidents of Central Asia and Azerbaijan met in Cholpon-Ata to push cooperation from talk to implementation, with Kyrgyzstan floating a unified tourist visa and leaders discussing transport, trade and regional coordination. Uzbek-Kyrgyz State Visit Outcomes: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev wrapped up talks in Kyrgyzstan, with a Treaty on Allied Relations and plans for an interstate council, plus targets to expand trade and deepen connectivity along the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Rail Progress Check: Kyrgyz and Uzbek transport ministers inspected construction on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, focusing on tunnels, bridges and delivery timelines. Afghanistan Support via Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan provided $200,000 in medical and non-medical equipment to Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Hospital in Balkh, as Afghanistan’s healthcare sector faces shortages and funding pressure. Water Risk Warning: New research flags rising water-related risks for businesses, citing drought-driven crop losses and sector-specific pressure, including textiles’ complex water footprints. AI Alliance Tensions: A new AI and semiconductor rivalry is framed as a U.S.-led bloc versus a China-Russia counter-alliance, with Central Asia mentioned as part of the wider geopolitical tech contest.