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The World Gold Council (WGC) has announced the updated ranking of countries based on their gold reserves. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the largest buyer in the gold market was the National Bank of Poland, which increased its gold reserves by 42.33 tons. Countries that increased their gold reserves: Hungary: +15.52 tons ?? India: +12.88 tons ?? Turkey: +10.44 tons ?? Uzbekistan: +8.71 tons ?? However, Kazakhstan's reserves decreased by 12.85 tons. World leaders: The world leader in gold reserves remains the USA, with reserves totaling 8133.46 tons. The following positions are: Germany: 3351.53 tons ?? Italy: 2451.84 tons ?? France: 2436.94 tons ?? Russia: 2335.85 tons ?? China: 2264.32 tons ?? Uzbekistan's position In the second ten of the ranking, Uzbekistan occupies the position after Poland and Turkey with 382.2 tons of gold reserves. This result is of significant importance in ensuring the stability of Uzbekistan's economy

Have you ever responded to your cat with a "meow"? Perhaps it was just a joke or a desire to communicate with it. But how does the cat perceive this? Let's answer this question from the perspective of animal behavior science. The language of cats: more than just a simple "meow" Cats communicate through various sounds, but "meowing" is typically directed at humans. According to scientists, cats have learned to use this sound to express their needs and attract attention. The pitch, duration, and tone of the sound vary depending on the context: low sounds may indicate anxiety, while high sounds signify a demand for food or attention. The human "meow" often sounds overly harsh or unreliable to cats. In the cat's view, it resembles a "language accent" and makes you seem like a stranger. What does the cat think? Cats do not perceive human "meowing" as genuine communication. Often, it is just a strange sound to them. However, cats may respond to such sounds in various ways: Curiosity: The cat may raise its head, twitch its ears, or approach to investigate the source of the sound. Surprise: If the sound seems unreliable, the cat may consider it pointless and ignore it. Trying to understand: Sometimes, a cat may interpret a human's "meow" as a demand for attention and respond or approach. Do cats understand human imitation? Cats closely observe their owners' actions and may understand that you are trying to communicate with them. However, they do not comprehend that you are imitating their sounds. To them, it simply seems like an unusual behavior. The interesting thing is that cats can "teach" their owners how to communicate. For example, if a cat realizes that a certain type of "meow" can lead to food or affection, it will learn to use that sound more frequently. Why do humans "meow"? Humans tend to imitate animal behaviors to establish an emotional connection. By accepting the cat's "meow" as a communication signal, a desire to respond arises. Psychologists emphasize that such mutual imitation strengthens the bond between owners and cats. Conclusion: Are you a friend to your cat or a strange human? Cats often do not pay much attention to human "meowing" or perceive it as a funny behavior. However, this communication helps strengthen your relationship with your cat. For cats, your love and attention are the most important aspects. So, you can continue to "meow" to make your cat happy!

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) presented the list of chess players who earned the largest prize money in 2024. This list includes Uzbek grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The first place was taken by Indian representative, the 2024 World Champion in classical chess Gukesh Dommaraju. His prize money amounted to $1,577,842. The second place was taken by Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren ($1,183,600), and the third place was occupied by Norwegian representative Magnus Carlsen ($639,369). Nodirbek Abdusattorov ranked 12th on the list with an income of $132,981. He achieved this result by participating in 12 major tournaments throughout the year. The year 2025 promises new achievements and opportunities for Nodirbek. He will participate in the "Tata Steel Chess-2025" tournament taking place in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, on January 17.

The head coach of “Lans” club, Will Still, shared warm thoughts about the Uzbek central defender Abduqodir Husanov. Husanov's interest from “Manchester City” is not without reason: the “citizens” offered 40 million euros plus additional bonuses for the defender. “Abduqodir is a central defender with strong physical preparation. He can move at high speed. A video of him catching up with Reims player Junya Ito at a speed of 37 km/h caught everyone's attention. He is not very talkative, but he is a very strong player. When I arrived at “Lans,” Danso was on the verge of leaving. At that time, the sports coordinator Jan-Lui Leka told me: ‘Don't worry, Abduqodir is here.’ He was right. We later realized that Husanov has immense potential,” said Still. Abduqodir Husanov's aggressive playing style in defense has led to comparisons with Manchester City defender Ruben Dias. This style is particularly important for Pep Guardiola. The new transfer is expected to make an impact in the City squad as well.

The early parliamentary elections in Germany, scheduled for February 23, 2025, are causing heated discussions. According to the Federal Election Commission, 56 parties and political organizations have submitted applications to participate in the elections. Notably, among the applicants are parties with unusual names. According to Rut Brand, the head of the German Federal Election Commission, the final decision on which parties will participate in the elections will be made on January 13 or 14. These elections are expected to create opportunities for new participants in the German political arena and bring unique innovations to the electoral process

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted research on the impact of negative text, photos, and videos on human mental health. The results showed that such content worsens the condition of individuals with mental health issues. To analyze what types of information internet users focus on, over a thousand individuals were studied. Their usage of various web pages and the emotions evoked during this process—such as anger, fear, sadness, or joy—were assessed through specialized algorithms. Participants in the study initially spent 20 minutes a day on the internet for 5 days, and then increased this to 30 minutes. During this time, the scientists evaluated the texts on the web pages used. Additionally, participants recorded the emotions they felt online in questionnaires. It was found that users in a good mood tended to choose positive and non-harmful content, while those in a bad mood showed more interest in negative materials that evoked feelings of fear. Based on these findings, researchers developed a special plugin called "Digital Diet." This program allows filtering search results on the internet based on three criteria: emotions (positive or negative), knowledge (level of understanding of the information), and usefulness. This tool helps users limit negative content and direct them towards positive information. "People with mental health issues often seek negative information, which exacerbates their condition. We hope that Digital Diet will help them refrain from negative content," say the researchers.

Japan's Sony company has presented its first electric vehicle. The new Afeela 1 electric car, created in collaboration with Honda, was showcased at the CES-2025 exhibition held in Las Vegas. According to initial information, this car will be sold only in the US market. The starting Origin version of the Afeela 1 electric vehicle is priced at $89,900. The more comfortable and technology-rich Signature variant is priced at $103,000. This electric vehicle has a length of 4.90 meters and provides 490 horsepower with its dual motor system. The car's 91 kWh battery ensures a range of 480 kilometers on a single charge. Additionally, the maximum charging power is 150 kW, allowing for fast charging. One of the most important features of the car is the digital display located along the front panel. This "cockpit" has screens designed not only for the driver and front passengers but also for those sitting in the back seats. They can watch movies through the Sony cinema portal or play PlayStation games. The Afeela 1 has an aerodynamic appearance and is equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies, level 3 autopilot systems, and modern driver assistance features. A $200 deposit is required to order the new car. However, buyers will only be able to receive their first vehicles in mid-2026, and currently, only in the state of California.

At the Republican Scientific Center for Emergency Medical Care in Tashkent, 135 magnetic balls were removed from the belly of a 2-year-old girl. This case was confirmed by the press service of the Ministry of Health. It was reported that the girl swallowed the magnetic balls while playing with them. After some time, the balls accumulated in her belly, putting the child's life at risk. Her parents urgently contacted the Republican Emergency Medical Center in the Fergana region. During examinations, it was determined that the magnets had accumulated in the child's belly. Initially, the doctors opted for conservative treatment and managed to remove 14 balls through vomiting. However, the majority remained inside. Later, the girl was brought to Tashkent and underwent emergency surgery. During the operation, in a challenging 4.5-hour process, experienced doctors – Professor Habibulla Oqilov, Nozim Ormonov, and Dilmurod Sabirov – removed 135 magnetic balls from the girl's belly. According to the Ministry of Health, the girl's condition is satisfactory, and she is feeling well under the supervision of doctors

The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has provided recommendations on what to eat during the current cold weather. According to experts, the body expends a lot of energy in the cold and needs additional vitamins and proteins to retain heat. Therefore, it is important to consume heat-giving products. Such products include buckwheat, corn grits, bell peppers, garlic, fish, beef and lamb, chicken meat, dairy products, raisins, ginger tea, and coffee. Additionally, baked goods also warm the body. During the cold season, it is recommended to use spicy seasonings such as red and black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. These spices improve blood circulation and help the body warm up faster. Furthermore, chicken soup and other protein-rich dishes help boost immunity. Experts advise consuming more hot and nutritious foods to support the body during cold days, while reducing sugar intake. Hot coffee increases alertness and helps keep the body warm

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadir Japarov, awarded the honorary title of People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, on December 13. The President emphasized that culture serves as an important factor in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Sadir Japarov: “Our peoples are connected by centuries-old ties of friendship and good neighborliness. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, bilateral relations have reached a new level, and culture plays a key role in developing this partnership. Your creative path inspires many,” he said. A musical evening featuring Ozodbek Nazarbekov is planned to be held at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic on December 15. Nazarbekov expressed gratitude for this recognition and emphasized his commitment to strengthening the fraternal ties between the two nations. Ozodbek Nazarbekov holds titles such as People's Artist of Uzbekistan (2010), Honored Artist of Turkmenistan (2020), and People's Singer of Tajikistan (2024). Additionally, he was awarded the "El-yurt hurmati" order in 2014.

Young footballer Abduqodir Husanov from Uzbekistan has made history! He signed a contract with English Premier League giant "Manchester City," becoming the first Uzbek footballer to play in this league. The contract is valid until the summer of 2029 and may be extended for another year. This is a significant step for the development of Uzbek football. Playing in a strong team like "Manchester City" allows Husanov to showcase his talent at an even higher level. Football fans are eagerly awaiting his future games.

According to the draft state program planned for 2025, a special "Carbon Collection" system is set to be implemented for industrial products with a high carbon footprint (cement, coal, compressed gas, etc.). The funds collected through this collection will be directed towards addressing ecological problems in the regions, as reported by the kun.uz website. What is the "Carbon Collection" and who will it apply to? This system aims to establish compensation payments for companies that produce and sell products with a high carbon footprint. This collection is considered one of the measures aimed at increasing ecological sustainability and protecting the environment. Plan to expand local production The program draft will develop measures to analyze imported products and localize them. It also envisions the expansion of production of industrial products that replace imports by large enterprises. The following will be implemented: * Analyzing products with high import volumes and establishing measures for their localization. * Developing investment projects for the production of substitute products and attracting investors. * Establishing internal production by large enterprises to develop the "driver" sectors of the industry. The state aims to expand local production, reduce dependency on imports, and ensure ecological sustainability through this plan that combines ecology and economic development.

Abduqodir Husanov's transfer to "Manchester City" is significant not only for its sporting achievement but also for its financial benefit. This transfer, valued at 50 million euros (40 million base amount and 10 million bonuses), is expected to bring additional income to the player. Factors affecting the player's income: Share and bonuses in the contract: In many cases, players have the right to receive 5-10% of the transfer fee. If Husanov has signed such a contract, his income could be around 2-5 million euros. This amount depends on the special agreements between the player and the club. Loyalty bonuses: If Husanov has maintained good relations with the "Lans" club and has not caused issues during the transfer process, he may receive an additional bonus for loyalty. This bonus usually constitutes 2-5% of the transfer value, which could bring the player an extra 1-2 million euros. Agency contract: The player's agent may negotiate favorable terms for his benefit. Experienced agents create opportunities for their clients to receive a higher share. Husanov's agent is also expected to play an active role in this process. Real-life examples: Pogba's transfer (2016): When he moved from "Juventus" to "Manchester United," Pogba received significant bonuses from the transfer, and his agent also earned a huge commission. Neymar's transfer (2017): In the 222 million euro transfer, Neymar and his family received a large amount of "transfer bonuses." The income derived from Husanov's transfer is expected to be substantial, depending on his contract and agreements with his agent. This income will contribute to the player's future financial stability.

A massive forest fire that broke out near Los Angeles, California, is being observed from space. Satellite images clearly show the area of the fire and the large plume of smoke. The smoke has spread over a wide area due to the wind, affecting Los Angeles and surrounding rural areas. The fire has engulfed over 12,000 acres, leading to the evacuation of more than a thousand residents to safe areas. Firefighting crews and special services are working vigorously to bring the fire under control. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning due to strong winds and low humidity levels. This fire could further worsen the ecological situation in California and cause serious damage to the local economy.

News surrounding the transfer of 20-year-old central defender Abduqodir Husanov is increasing. Various media outlets continue to report on the Uzbek footballer, who is in the spotlight of more than ten clubs in Europe. Currently, Husanov is not with “Lans” and is not preparing for the upcoming matches. It has been reported that he is very close to moving to “Manchester City.” The club's head coach, Josep Guardiola, supports Husanov's transfer and has high hopes for his talent. This transfer is expected to be the largest deal in the history of Uzbek football. “Manchester City” is ready to allocate 50 million euros for the young player. This figure is significantly higher than the previous record — Eldor Shomurodov's transfer to “Roma” for 19.6 million euros. Husanov's agents, Football Group LLC, confirmed in an interview with Russia's “Match TV” that negotiations regarding the transfer are ongoing. They stated: — Yes, this is a fact. Negotiations are continuing, but a contract has not yet been signed. Husanov is currently in the process of obtaining a work visa for the United Kingdom. Once this issue is resolved, the parties are expected to sign a five-year contract. We hope that the Uzbek defender, who was trained at “Bunyodkor,” started his career at “Energetik-BGU,” and achieved success at “Lans,” will also find success in English football.

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan announced new exchange rates effective from January 13, 2025. According to the announcement, the following changes in the value of major currencies were observed: The US dollar appreciated by 16.56 soums, setting the rate at 12,957.00 soums. The euro increased by 9.29 soums, reaching 13,345.71 soums. The British pound rose by 46.26 soums, reaching a level of 15,941.00 soums. The Russian ruble was set at 127.77 soums (+0.92). The Kazakh tenge decreased by 0.05 soums, now at 24.57 soums. These changes in currency rates are noted to be related to the economic situation in domestic and foreign markets.

A 16-year-old teenager wearing a black mask and armed with a hammer burst into a school in Kursk, Russia. According to Kursk region governor Alexander Khinshtein, the school guard was unable to stop the teenager. “During the incident, the teenager ran into the school building and broke a window in the hallway. Despite being pursued, he exited and also smashed the front door's window with the hammer. While escaping, he left behind two knives and a bottle filled with flammable liquid. The entire incident lasted more than two minutes,” Khinshtein said. The teenager was apprehended shortly after. It was reported that he was not a student of the school, but he had a personal relationship with a girl studying there.

One of the biggest changes in Abduqodir Husanov's career is approaching. England's "Manchester City" club is reaching an agreement with "Lance" to purchase the defender. According to journalist Sanati Auna, Husanov's contract with his new team is planned to be signed until 2030. The English club is ready to spend 50 million euros for the young player. Currently, Husanov is not participating in "Lance" training sessions. Fabriz Hokkens links this situation to the player's imminent addition to the "City" squad. In this transfer process, the contribution of renowned agent Jorge Mendes is significant. He has managed to increase the transfer amount for "Lance" and finalize the agreement at 50 million euros. Thus, Abduqodir Husanov will soon become an official player of "Manchester City"!

The scientists at the National Institute of Health in Japan have found that peaches possess properties that slow down the aging process and extend lifespan. The research results were published in the Asian Journal of Longevity Research (AJLR). “Peaches are a true treasure of antioxidants. This fruit, rich in soluble and insoluble fibers, creates a strong protective shield for the body,” said Dr. Kenzo Hashimoto, a specialist in gerontology and dietetics at Tokyo Medical University. According to the research, antioxidants such as beta-carotene and polyphenols in peaches have the ability to selectively eliminate cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The effectiveness is particularly high when consuming well-ripened peaches. Based on experiments conducted on model organisms, it has been concluded that peach extract can extend lifespan by up to 23 percent. Scientists believe that regular consumption of peaches could become the cheapest and simplest way to enhance health and prolong life.

Apple presented its new flagship smartphones, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, in September. This was reported by Zamin.uz. These devices have been significantly updated not only in terms of internal capabilities but also in appearance. One of the biggest changes is that the rear camera module now spans the entire width of the body. The sensor layout remains the same as before, but the LiDAR and flash are now located on opposite sides. Apple has abandoned the titanium body and returned to an aluminum body. Aluminum dissipates heat 20 times more efficiently than before. The body is fully metal, with a Ceramic Shield glass area on the back for wireless charging. The front panel uses the new Ceramic Shield 2, which is three times stronger. Additionally, an anti-reflective coating has been applied to the screen surface. In terms of internal power, the new Apple A19 Pro chip is installed. It features a 6-core processor and a 6-core graphics processor, and with the second-generation Dynamic Caching technology, it operates 40% faster than before in long-lasting tasks. For the first time in Pro models, a vapor chamber cooling system has been introduced, with the aluminum body aiding this process. The camera system has also been significantly upgraded. Now there are full 48-megapixel main, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras. The telephoto camera offers 8x optical zoom, as well as 4x mode and 3D stabilization functionality. The front camera is 18 megapixels and equipped with Center Stage technology. Additionally, video recording in ProRes RAW format has been added, which is an important innovation for those engaged in video editing. Regarding battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro model offers 33 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max works for 39 hours. Charging the devices from 0 to 50 percent takes only 20 minutes. The prices are set as follows: iPhone 17 Pro at $1099, and iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1199. The devices will go on sale from September 19. The color options include Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange. New TechWoven cases and Crossbody Strap accessories have been introduced. Whether Apple has truly reached the “Pro” level with these updates is a topic of discussion among users. The new models offer high levels of power and quality, which will help strengthen their position in the market.

Amazing news is coming from Turkey. Euro-football.ru reported about this. According to the information, Zinedine Zidane may become the new head coach of the Fenerbahce football club. After the club management significantly strengthened the team in the summer, they reached an initial agreement with Zidane. The 53-year-old coach will move to Turkey after negotiations on salary and conditions are completed, reports Sabah Spor. It should be recalled that recently Fenerbahce parted ways with head coach Jose Mourinho. This decision was made after the Istanbul "Canaries" lost to Benfica in the Champions League qualifying round. Earlier, the media reported that Zinedine Zidane was planning to take over the position of the French national team head coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps is expected to leave this position at the end of the 2026 World Cup. These news have sparked great interest among football fans.

Earlier, a report was made about a major road traffic accident that occurred in Angren. This was reported by Upl.uz. A traffic accident involving several vehicles occurred on the Tashkent–Osh international highway. The incident happened on September 7 at approximately 12:20. According to information obtained from the internal affairs authorities, a Shacman truck carrying cement, driven by a 44-year-old driver, lost control and collided with two trucks stopped at a railway crossing and five passenger cars. As a result of the impact, a fire broke out but was quickly extinguished by emergency services that arrived at the scene. The internal affairs authorities reported the number of fatalities and injuries. Seven people died at the scene of the accident. Five people were hospitalized, and another four participants received medical assistance and were sent home. Currently, the government has formed a commission to investigate the causes of the accident. Deputy Prime Minister Achilbay Ramatov was appointed to lead the commission.

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Irina Zarutska, was stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina. This was reported by Zamin.uz. The police arrested 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, who attacked the woman, and charged him with murder. The incident was recorded on video and widely shared on social media, causing significant public outrage. The city mayor called the incident a failure of the judicial system and promised measures to enhance safety on public transport. Zarutska's family stated that she had fled the war in 2022 and come to the United States, quickly adapting to her new life. She was interested in art, loved animals, and lived happily with her family. The incident also sparked political debates. Some criticized that Brown, despite having been previously convicted of serious crimes, had been released. The state leader called for more effective measures against crime. This event once again prompted discussions in society about safety and justice issues.

Apple company recently introduced the new iPhone 17 smartphone. This was reported by Zamin.uz. As a result of conversations with sellers at the "Malika" market in Tashkent, approximate prices for these new models have been determined. It has been revealed that iPhone 17 smartphones will be available for sale in Uzbekistan starting from September 23. Prices vary depending on the memory capacity and device features. For example, the 256 gigabyte model of the iPhone 17 is estimated to cost around 16 million 250 thousand soms. Models with larger memory capacity are priced higher. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max versions have even more features and capabilities, with prices starting from 23 million soms and approaching 50 million soms. These new smartphones are expected to generate significant interest in the Uzbekistan market. Memory capacity and budget are important factors for buyers when choosing the most suitable option. Additionally, full warranty and service options are expected to be provided at official sales points. The release of the new iPhone 17 models in Uzbekistan will bring innovations and increase competition in the smartphone market.

Domenico Tedesco is one of the main candidates for the position of head coach of the Fenerbahce team. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. The Turkish club is searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho. The "Canaries" management has shortlisted Tedesco's name, and the Italian specialist has expressed his readiness to take this position, according to the well-known journalist Nicolo Schira. If everything goes according to plan, the 39-year-old specialist will sign a contract with the major Istanbul club until 2027. Domenico Tedesco's most recent job was with the Belgium national team, where he served as head coach from February 2023 to January 2025. Previously, he worked at major clubs such as RB Leipzig, Moscow Spartak, and Schalke 04. His coaching experience and work with big teams could be a great opportunity for Fenerbahce. The club aims to achieve future successes with the new coach.

Famous footballer Edgar Davids, who played for Juventus in past years, learned that his acquaintance Nabila Habibi committed theft. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. The ad.nl portal provided information about this. According to the publication, Davids found out several years later that his painting collection had been stolen. He had entrusted the collection to a trusted person. For a while, Habibi also lived in his house. While Davids believed the collection was kept in a safe place, Habibi stole 37 paintings, pawned them at various pawnshops, and received approximately 30 thousand euros. In 2017, when Habibi was unable to repay her debts, the pawnshops gained the right to sell the paintings. One of the buyers saw Davids' name on the back of a painting and contacted him through social networks. After that, Davids filed a lawsuit. Habibi admitted to the theft. Earlier, she had faced problems related to criminal cases and had left her acquaintance after taking 3500 euros from him.

The general secondary education system in Uzbekistan is undergoing fundamental changes. This was reported by Upl.uz. The country has officially begun implementing a 12-year education model. This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. In the near future, a normative legal document confirming these innovations is expected to be signed. This decision was made as part of a comprehensive program to reform the education sector. The program was presented to the president on September 8 and envisions a systematic renewal of all stages from preschool to higher education. The transition to 12-year education is being carried out to align with international experience. The results of the PISA study conducted in 2022 showed that in 85% of countries considered leaders in education, the number of school years is exactly 12. The introduction of the new model will allow adapting curricula to international standards and also enable students to be well-prepared for subsequent stages of education and vocational training. The updated system structure will be as follows: the first year is designated as a preparatory stage for 6-year-old children, which is considered part of primary education. Primary education will last a total of 5 years, including 1 year of preparation and 4 years of primary school. The next stage is basic general secondary education, covering grades 5 to 9 and lasting 5 years. The final 2 years constitute complete general secondary education, which will be conducted in schools, academic lyceums, specialized military schools, or technical colleges. To ensure a smooth transition process and create the necessary infrastructure, about 3,600 new schools will be built and more than a thousand state kindergartens will be opened. It is precisely in these institutions that the updated preparatory program for the youngest students will be piloted. An interesting point is that information about the transition to 12-year education had been actively discussed on social networks since 2023. However, at that time, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education officially denied these claims, emphasizing that the 11-year education system was in effect. The current decision shows that approaches at the state level have been reconsidered and there is political will to implement large-scale reforms. In the history of independent Uzbekistan, a 12-year education system has existed before. From 2010 to 2017, education was organized based on a 9+3 scheme, where students who completed grade 9 were required to continue their studies at vocational colleges and academic lyceums.