WHO warns of Ebola 'blind spots' in DR Congo outbreak as cases surpass 600
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that significant “blind spots” remain in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of C...
The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan announced a nationwide energy-efficiency programme designed to reduce consumption, modernise standards and meet key obligations under the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to the ministry, the reforms introduce 166 international standards across the construction and industrial sectors, with the share of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials expected to reach 25% by 2026 and 35% by 2030.
This includes standards for insulation, heating systems, lighting, industrial equipment and building-material production.
Energy audits conducted at 34 major enterprises have already helped reduce fuel waste, and the introduction of digital monitoring systems and artificial-intelligence tools is projected to reduce industrial production costs by 5–10%.
To strengthen product quality and safety in line with the new standards, 4 scientific projects are being implemented jointly with the Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute, involving researchers from Germany, Korea and Türkiye.
These projects focus on upgrading production technology and developing new energy-efficient construction materials.
Beginning in 2026, the government will allocate 30 billion UZS (approximately $2.52 million) to support laboratory testing, certification systems and pilot production lines in the building-materials sector.
The first stage of implementation beginning in 2026 will include:
- conversion to LED lighting in all public institutions.
- expanded installation of smart meters in households and businesses.
- mandatory energy passports for buildings larger than 200 m².
- higher construction-efficiency standards aligned with international best practices.
- digitalisation of energy-management systems.
A nationwide public-awareness campaign on efficient energy use will also launch next year. To support these reforms, the government has allocated 100 billion UZS (around $8.39 million) for digitalisation and efficiency upgrades across priority sectors.
For reference, Uzbekistan began its WTO accession process on 21 December 1994, when its Working Party was formally established.
Officials emphasise that the current energy-efficiency programme is closely tied to the requirements of this long-running accession effort.
The Ministry states that the reforms will help modernise energy management, reduce system losses and increase the competitiveness of Uzbek goods in foreign markets.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
U.S. forces say they have completed strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks on an American base in Jordan, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two sides.
U.S. Donald Trump has said he has cancelled planned strikes on Iranian oil and gas ports announced earlier on Thursday. Trump said he made the decision after senior leadership in Iran agreed to peace talks.
Azerbaijan is considering new restrictions on children's use of social media, including a minimum registration age of 16 and fines for platforms that fail to protect young users. The proposals form part of a broader global trend towards tighter regulation of online platforms.
More than 500 Afghan prisoners serving prison terms in Iran have been transferred to Afghanistan after their identities were verified, Afghan officials said, as Kabul and Tehran continue a prisoner transfer process.
Domestic economic conditions are playing a growing role in shaping the outlook for Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to global financial services group ING.
Authorities in the western Afghan city of Herat have arrested at least 30 women for allegedly breaching dress rules imposed by the Taliban, according to the United Nations agency for women’s rights.
Bangladesh and India have agreed to strengthen cooperation along their shared border, focusing on improved intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols, according to a joint statement released on Friday.
Russia has once again offered warm words to Tbilisi, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praising Georgia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and saying Moscow is ready to deepen ties.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment