India and Uzbekistan expand cooperation under a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Economic cooperation was a central focus of the discussions. The Uzbek government reports bilateral trade at $1.3 billion in 2025, representing a 33% increase. Both nations aim to boost annual trade to $5 billion by 2030. The number of joint ventures has risen sevenfold recently. Additionally, India and Uzbekistan maintain 14 direct flights per week, and four Indian universities currently operate within Uzbekistan. The leaders emphasized the importance of expanding industrial and commercial links further. An agreement was reached by both governments to create a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee the execution of bilateral accords. They also intend to establish a joint working group to address non-tariff barriers and investment challenges. Officials will explore further initiatives following the completion of a feasibility study for an India-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement. Key sectors identified as priorities include energy, electrical engineering, metallurgy, critical minerals, and agriculture. Other sectors discussed included healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry. Expansion of cooperation across vital industries confirmed in agreements During the state visit, India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements, memoranda, and related arrangements covering diverse fields such as culture, higher education, scientific research, environmental protection, traditional medicine, tourism, geology, and mineral resources. The package also involves collaboration on archival projects and economic and financial dialogue. An additional agreement links Gujarat state with Uzbekistan’s Sam
Rescue operations continue after deadly floods across Nepal and Tibet. Rescue efforts in Nepal have successfully evacuated 10,451 individuals to safety, including 252 foreign nationals. Among those still missing are 592 foreigners, along with 933 workers involved in hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors. Authorities have documented 267 injured persons, while 156 have left medical treatment. Over 20,000 security personnel have been deployed across affected districts for search, rescue, and relief activities. Helicopters continue to transport survivors and deliver emergency supplies to remote communities.
Health
In Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province, health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have initiated a focused Ebola vaccination drive to fight the nation’s most severe outbreak to date. Frontline healthcare workers, emergency response teams, and individuals with direct exposure to confirmed cases are being prioritized during the initial phase of the deployment. Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that the government launched the immunization effort using doses of the Ervebo vaccine to protect frontline personnel working in the affected eastern regions.
Travel
Technology
The United Nations urges the digital industry to accelerate efforts in safeguarding children and adolescents from escalating online information hazards. A recent UN issue brief highlights key concerns such as disinformation, hate speech, harassment, algorithmic manipulation, and artificial intelligence. It also underscores dangers associated with data collection, behavioral advertising, and digital systems engineered to capture attention. These warnings come amid a context where young users increasingly depend on online environments for learning, communication, information sharing, and civic engagement.