Nuclear Energy: Uzbekistan officially began construction of its first nuclear power plant, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin authorizing the first power unit via video link in Jizzakh; the project is led by Rosatom and framed as a major step toward advanced engineering, baseload electricity, and long-term energy security under IAEA supervision. Digital Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Russia discussed expanding digital infrastructure and ecosystems, including AI deployment, modern data centers, e-government upgrades, electronic signatures, and cross-border data exchange, with a roadmap planned. Construction Services Reform: From 1 July, Uzbekistan will simplify construction-related public services using “one application, one payment” for utility connections, streamline urban planning assignments, and extend correction deadlines for deficiencies. Innovation & Trade Links: A major Hong Kong delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee wrapped up a five-day Central Asia mission, securing 96 agreements worth about $1.65B and pushing “hub-to-hub” collaboration in finance, innovation, technology, and aviation; Cyberport also signed MoUs with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan tech parks. Cybersecurity Watch: A report says free smart TV apps on Samsung/LG/Roku can quietly route AI web-scraping traffic through users’ devices via embedded SDKs, raising new concerns about consent and device security. Environment & Water Resilience: At Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand, a Swiss-funded Zarafshan River Basin project pavilion drew high-level visits, highlighting climate-resilient water management and support for PhD research.