Korea–Central Asia Summit Momentum: South Korea’s first leaders-level summit with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in Seoul produced a “Seoul Declaration” and 74 deals, signaling a shift from aid to supply-chain cooperation, critical minerals, energy and AI-driven tech collaboration. Uzbek–Korean AI Education Tie-Up: Kookmin University signed an agreement with Tashkent University of Information Technologies to expand AI and software education, research and industry-academia programs. Uzbekistan Business Climate: CERR’s August survey shows Uzbekistan’s composite business climate index rose to 59, with improving expectations and demand, especially in industry and services. Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Uzbekistan and Türkiye agreed to enhance cooperation in radiation and nuclear safety, including training and joint research. Aral Sea Adaptation in Karakalpakstan: A new Aral School program in Nukus will train participants on climate and landscape, including saxaul planting on the dried sea bed. Uranium Cleanup Update: Kyrgyzstan’s Mailuu-Suu cleanup faces higher costs after engineers found tailings inside a dam, with remediation expected to continue until 2032. Cybersecurity Threat Watch: Researchers linked SilkParasite-linked RAT infrastructure (SpiceRAT/NodeEdgeRAT/NomadRAT) to Central Asian government and energy targets. Agritech for Water Saving: Uzbekistan is pushing beyond irrigation delivery toward soil moisture retention using biochar and turning cotton waste into biochar feedstock.