Russia-Japan Tech Smuggling: A New York Times investigation says a secretive Russian military intelligence unit in Tokyo is using front companies and indirect shipping routes to buy or steal Japanese dual-use components despite export limits, with claims that up to 90% of some Russian missiles and drones include Japanese parts. Uzbekistan–Oman Air Link: Oman Air’s new direct Tashkent route is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and investment ties between the two countries. Islamic Heritage Push: Uzbekistan’s First International Islamic Civilisation Forum backed a proposal for a World Alliance to coordinate research, education, and preservation of Islamic heritage, with a Tashkent Declaration outlining global initiatives. SCO Anti-Terror Cooperation: Egypt’s Grand Mufti met an SCO RATS delegation in Uzbekistan to discuss joint efforts against extremism and Islamophobia. Archaeology in the Region: Excavations in Kazakhstan’s Kangju sites uncovered new inscription fragments and artifacts, adding hundreds of characters to the Kangju corpus. Uzbekistan Education Science Spotlight: The 58th International Chemistry Olympiad opened in Tashkent, bringing about 1,000 students from 90+ countries. Air Quality Collaboration: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan agreed to form a joint scientist-and-expert group to tackle transboundary air pollution with shared monitoring and data exchange. Medicine Pricing Enforcement: Uzbekistan’s consumer protection authorities flagged 237 pharmacies for exceeding medicine markup rules, with UZS 1.9bn in unjustified revenue identified. World Bank Investment Outlook: A new World Bank report says Uzbekistan’s reforms could draw $5.2–$6.4bn in private investment and create 300,000+ jobs, especially in logistics, tourism, and pharma.