Afghanistan-Russia Ties: Russia and the Taliban government in Afghanistan signed a military-technical cooperation deal, with Moscow framing it as “full partnership” and pointing to regional security needs. Summer Youth Logistics: Uzbekistan is readying 1,100 buses to safely transport children to summer health camps, alongside road patrol deployment and route inspections. Creative Economy Boost: Tashkent unveiled the Uzbekistan Creative Park, offering support for creative businesses under the Creative Economy law, including tax incentives and resident-status rules. Stage Arts in Tashkent: The Uzbek National Puppet Theatre will premiere “Caliph-Stork” from 1 June, a modern take on Wilhelm Hauff blending puppet, drama, physical and musical theatre. Archaeology & Medicine: A Bronze Age child’s skull found in Uzbekistan shows signs of trepanation, described as the oldest documented surgery evidence in Central Asia. State Honors for Culture: Uzbekistan issued posthumous and new state awards for artists, writers and cultural workers, recognizing contributions to national spirituality and heritage. Education Fairs: The Third Education Fair of Uzbek Universities continued with international academic participation, highlighting science and higher-education cooperation. Digital Adoption Watch: Microsoft reports only 7.2% of working-age people in Uzbekistan used generative AI in early 2026, while adoption is rising.