Food Security & Research Recognition: The World Food Prize Foundation named 40 “Top Agri-food Pioneers” from 30 countries, including awardees working on crop and livestock research, child nutrition, methane cuts, and even AI and 3D/4D food printing—set to be honored at the 2026 Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa. Uzbekistan Investment Push: Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) opened as a major Central Asia deal hub, with President Mirziyoyev promising continued reforms and a new Tashkent International Financial Center featuring zero profit/VAT/property/customs duties, free capital movement, and an independent financial regulator. Biotech & Industry Clusters: Uzbekistan and South Korea agreed on new industrial clusters, including a dedicated biotechnology cluster and a joint industrial zone, following Uzbek–Korean business talks tied to TIIF. Critical Minerals Plan: Uzbekistan unveiled a $4.2B critical minerals investment program (120 projects) aimed at building full value chains and high-value products by 2030. Energy Efficiency Finance: Japan approved about $230M in loans for energy-efficiency upgrades in Uzbekistan’s public buildings and industry. Regional Connectivity Think-Tank Talks: Afghanistan and Central Asian states, plus Azerbaijan, met in Kabul to strengthen research-led cooperation on connectivity, trade, energy, transit, and stability. Health & Safety Regulation Watch: India moved cough syrups to prescription-only rules after safety concerns and child deaths linked to contaminated products—an example of tighter medicine oversight.