Tashkent has officially been recognized as the safest city in Central Asia. According to the 2025 results published by global platform Numbeo, the Uzbek capital ranked 51st worldwide, surpassing Astana, Almaty, and other major cities in the region.

The Uzbek government has announced the creation of a Reading Culture Development Fund to ensure that every citizen reads at least ten books per year. The initiative aims to boost literary interest and support young authors.

The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from several European countries regarding the possible resumption of dialogue with Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks while commenting on statements by leaders of France, Italy and Germany.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation of the results of international cultural events, further objectives on tourism development and establishment of major cultural and tourism facilities.

Russia’s Federal Security Service has reported the exposure of a British intelligence officer allegedly working in Moscow under diplomatic cover.

Concerns are growing within the European Union that key decisions on Ukraine could be made without Brussels’ involvement.

Hearings have begun at the Paris Court of Appeal in the case of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen. The ruling could determine whether one of the country’s most prominent politicians will be allowed to run in next year’s presidential election.

On January 13, an expanded meeting of the Security Council on the issues of strengthening military security and defense of the country was held under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Türkiye have discussed preparations for the upcoming meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which is scheduled to take place in Tashkent. The talks reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership.

Hungary’s ruling party, Fidesz, officially nominated Viktor Orban as its candidate for prime minister in the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2026. “After twenty years of premiership, I am ready to take on this task again,” Orban said at the congress, broadcast live by channel M1.

The European Union is considering sanctions against major U.S. companies if Washington does not abandon its territorial claims over Greenland, according to The Telegraph.

Qatar has confirmed damage to its embassy in Kyiv following overnight shelling of the city on January 9. In a statement, the embassy said no staff members were injured and expressed deep regret over the incident, without naming those responsible.

Ukraine has granted the right to develop one of its largest lithium deposits to a group of U.S. investors that includes a billionaire closely linked to President Donald Trump, The New York Times reports.

According to the Central Bank, as of January 1, 2026, the value of gold in Uzbekistan’s international reserves reached $55.1 billion, up from $32.0 billion at the start of 2025.

The United States expects to manage Venezuela and tap into its vast oil reserves for far longer than a single year, President Donald Trump told The New York Times, signaling a prolonged American role in the country.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations deemed no longer aligned with American interests.

Electricity supply has been restored in southwest Berlin following a five-day blackout caused by arson. Repair works were completed faster than initially expected, and tens of thousands of homes are being reconnected to the grid throughout the day.

Today, the Uzbekistan U23 football team will play its first match at the Asian Cup.

On Monday, Bitcoin rose 3.9% to reach $94,000 — its highest level since November 17. The market reacts to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and rumors of a possible seizure of up to 600,000 BTC from the country’s “shadow” reserve.

The London club has announced 41-year-old Englishman Liam Rosenor as the head coach of the first team, with a contract running until summer 2032.