Uzbekistan–South Korea Cultural Tech Links: Uzbekistan’s culture ministry met Korea Development Institute officials to expand arts and creative-industry cooperation, including exchanges and joint initiatives using modern sector practices. China–Central Asia Science Push: China is deepening scientific cooperation across the region, highlighted by Uzbekistan–China work on the Samarkand-2028 hyperspectral satellite (agriculture, environment, water, disasters) and Aral Sea desertification research with drought-tolerant plants. Kazakhstan Cloud-Seeding for Drought: Kazakhstan began a UAE-backed cloud-seeding trial near Turkestan, aiming to boost rainfall over 911,000 hectares of cotton belt and support water-stressed farming. Caspian Sea Monitoring Gets Funding: Kazakhstan allocated 1.1 billion tenge for marine monitoring equipment and lab facilities as Caspian Sea Day events and regional cooperation continue. Uzbekistan Climate-Smart Orchards: FAO and Uzbekistan’s agriculture structures are rolling out precision, solar-powered irrigation and smart farming gear for climate-resilient horticulture under a 2025–2028 project. SCO at 25, Tech on the Agenda: The SCO’s 25th anniversary summit in Bishkek is set to focus on security plus connectivity, energy, healthcare, and digitalisation including AI and cybersecurity. Mahalla-Level Local Economy: In Nurota’s Dekhibaland mahalla, an interview highlights community infrastructure and local business activity supporting jobs and services.