State Honors for Culture: Senate chair Tanzila Narbaeva visited families of artists and writers awarded posthumously by President Mirziyoyev, including People’s Artist Manzura Khamidova, actors Gani Azamov and Obidjon Yunusov, and singer Rasulqori Mamadaliev—decorations such as “Fidokorona Xizmatlari Uchun” and “Mehnat Shuhrati.” More Awards for Arts & Literature: Another presidential decree granted titles and medals to performers, musicians, teachers, and cultural leaders, highlighting Uzbekistan’s push to preserve heritage and support youth education. Reading Culture Boost: Uzbekistan will launch an annual national reading promotion movement from 2026, with an online stage on kitobxonlikharakati.uz and cash prizes for top students. Digital Tourism with AI: Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee met Beijing International Studies University to explore an AI and big-data “Smart Tourism Data System,” aiming to build a similar platform for Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan–Kuwait Cultural Links: Talks in Tashkent focused on implementing the culture agreement, including Kuwaiti participation in Namangan’s Maqom festival and postponing Kuwait’s “Days of Culture and Arts” to next year. Ferghana–Japan Cooperation: Ferghana region officials held business and tech meetings in Japan, discussing investment, smart cities, agriculture exports, and JICA-backed projects. Lifestyle in Tashkent: A cost-of-living snapshot estimates a comfortable monthly budget for a family of four in Tashkent at about UZS 23.5 million (excluding rent). Fashion Meets Heritage: A profile of OZBE streetwear shows how Uzbek ornaments and symbols are being reworked for a modern youth audience.