Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Why Russia Recognized the Taliban
Earlier this month, in a move that surprised some, Russia formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The decision reflected a calculated geopolitical strategy rather than an ideological endorsement. By engaging with the Taliban,...

Chinese efficiency boosts Central Asia infrastructure with region's first light rail in Kazakhstan
A light rail train is hoisted at Station 101 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 11, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Yang Yongjiu Near the international airport in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, a light rail train, painted in the deep blue...

Investing with a sense of adventure: Meet the BlackRock Frontiers managers who go where investors fear to tread
It's tempting to think of fund managers as desk-bound boffins with masses of research and data at their fingertips trying to make index-beating decisions. The managers of the buccaneering BlackRock Frontiers Trust, Emily Fletcher and Sam Vecht,...

Regional film festival hosts screen bonanza
The 2025 SCO Film Cooperation Forum was held in the Yongchuan district of Chongqing on July 4. [Photo provided to China Daily] To the delight of movie fans in China, they will have more opportunities in the future to watch quality films from...

Why was Abdu Rozik arrested at Dubai Airport? Here’s what we know so far
DUBAI – Tajik singer and social media star Abdu Rozik has been arrested and it sparked widespread curiosity among fans, and followers. Rozik, who is known for his beloved figure in Bigg Boss, gained fame through his music, viral videos, and...
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms: How Can Resilient Landscapes Help?
Publication date: 11 July 2025 The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed July 12 as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, emphasizing that this destructive natural phenomenon poses a global threat to sustainable...

Uzbekistan exported over 28,000 tons of carrots worth $5.6M
From January to May 2025, Uzbekistan exported 28,348 tons of carrots totaling $5.6 million, according to the National Statistics Agency. The largest volumes were shipped to neighboring countries. Kyrgyzstan was the main importer, receiving 14,990...

China and Uzbekistan establish joint venture for container transportation
A new joint venture, UTK International Logistics, has been established by China and Uzbekistan to strengthen container transportation links, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport. Source: Press service of the Ministry of Transport The...

Central Asia’s Emerging Problem with Narcotics Trafficking
Executive Summary This report highlights the significant increase in narcotics trafficking and related law enforcement operations across Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The large heroin and synthetic drug...
Doctoral Scholarship on “Rural Community Resilience in Central Asia: Understanding Perceptions, Responses, and Adaptation Needs”
Publication date: 09 July 2025 The Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) invites applications for a doctoral scholarship to join the Central Asia Rural Community Resilience (CARe) Research Group within the...

Ship with Filipino sailors sunk by Houthis: 3 confirmed dead, 6 rescued
Today's news: Turkey and Pakistan strengthen their alliance in the energy and defence sectors. Chinese university students are leaving campuses due to excessive heat. The island of Bali is officially the second most crowded island in the world. A...

President Emomali Rahmon to visit Sughd province: road closures announced
14:16, todayAuthor: Asia-Pus President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will begin a working visit to the Sughd province on July 11, which will continue through July 13. The visit will begin with a trip to Ayni district, according to a source from the...

Award Of Rights Under The Company's Sars Scheme
(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining 7 July 2025 Vast Resources plc (“Vast” or the“Company”) Award of rights to employees and consultants under the Company's Share Appreciation Rights...

Israel-Hamas negotiations 'on brink of collapse'. Settlers kill two Palestinians
Today's headlines:preliminary reports reveal deliberate act caused the Air India Boeing's engines to shut down; Lavrov in North Korea to strengthen cooperation with Pyongyang; After 24 years, Beijing ready to resume imports of Japanese beef;...

Ahsan for early commencement of transshipment operations between Gwadar, Persian Gulf
ISLAMABAD - The government is considering designating either Gwadar or Turbat as the winter capital of Balochistan, with the federal minister for planning favouring Turbat due to its larger population and stronger commercial base. In a high-level...

Youth Voices from Central Asia —— 'Our Dreams Come True in China-Central Asia Cooperation'
Fresh off the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the outcomes reveal vast opportunities for deeper cooperation between China and Central Asia. As the vibrant tapestry of China-Central Asia cooperation unfolds, it showcases the...

Experts Forecast 5% Economic Growth for Kazakhstan in 2025
ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the presentation of the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development’s (EFSD) regional economic report, which outlined mixed economic trends across the region in early 2025, shaped by a combination of domestic...

Deanship of Diplomatic Corps organizes farewell for 6 outgoing envoys
Outgoing envoys at the cake-cutting ceremony KUWAIT CITY, July 12: The Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps in Kuwait organized a farewell ceremony for six ambassadors who completed their assignments in the country. The ceremony was held at the St....

Taiwan begins largest military exercises ever
Today's news: South Korea repatriates six North Koreans: The Taliban rejects International Criminal Court warrant for its leaders; Indian media report an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen could be executed in the coming days; Tajikistan...

Kyrgyzstan Seeks Foreign Investment in Critical Minerals Sector
Kyrgyzstan is emerging as a potential player in the global critical minerals market and is actively seeking international partnerships to develop its untapped geological resources. Speaking at the International Forum on Critical Minerals 2025 in...