News

Christmas delivered strong results at the box office as audiences returned to cinemas. James Cameron’s «Avatar: Fire and Ash» took the top spot on Christmas Day with $24 mln, positioning the film for a solid run through the end of the year as it aims to match the billion dollar success of earlier entries in the franchise.

The film opened to $88 mln last week and is forecast to earn between $75 mln and $80 mln over the four-day Christmas holiday period. While behind the pace of 2022’s «Avatar: The Way of Water,» which earned $29 mln on Christmas Day...

Uzbekistan plans to raise exports of tourism services to $20 bn over the next five years, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in an address to parliament and the nation.

In Samarkand, new pedestrian routes and bridges will link Bibi-Khanym, Registan, the Amir Temur mausoleum, Ulugbek Observatory, Shah-i-Zinda and the Afrosiyob Museum into a single tourist area. In Shahrisabz, the first phase of the large Gelon tourism complex will be launched, while the Pap district will develop the Arashan mountain resort zone. Khiva’s Ichan-Kala is set to become an immersive smart museum city.

Authorities also plan to create a major tourism...

Amos Poe, the New York underground filmmaker who captured the city’s punk scene and directed films such as «Blank Generation» and «Alphabet City,» has died at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer.

His wife Claudia Summers shared the news on Poe’s Instagram account on December 25, writing,

«Amos took his last breath today at 3:33 pm, surrounded by loved ones. ‘Adios’ — AP.»

His 1976 film «Blank Generation,» co-directed with guitarist Ivan Kral, was among the first to document New York’s punk rock movement. Filmed partly at CBGB, it included appearances...

Oil prices fell sharply on Friday as traders weighed expectations of a global supply surplus against easing geopolitical tensions, including hopes of progress toward a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.

Brent crude slipped $1.03, or 1.65%, to $61.21 a barrel by midday in New York, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate dropped $1.05, or 1.8%, to $57.30. Despite recent support from supply disruptions, both benchmarks are heading for their steepest annual losses since 2020. Brent is down about 18% this year and WTI nearly 20%.

Rising production has fuelled concerns of an oil glut next year. The International Energy...

Severe winter storm warnings caused widespread disruption to U.S. air travel on Friday, with airlines cancelling and delaying thousands of flights during the peak holiday period, according to FlightAware.

By 12:30 p.m. ET, 1,139 flights had been cancelled and 3,808 delayed. The National Weather Service warned that winter storms would create hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes to the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England through Saturday morning.

Major airports in affected regions, including New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports as well as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, cautioned passengers about possible delays and cancellations.

JetBlue recorded the...

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan prompted a shift in opinion for former England rugby star Matt Dawson, who said one remark by Meghan made him rethink his initial reaction.

Dawson, 44, said he began watching the series expecting a «woe is me» narrative but changed his view after Meghan addressed the number of books written about the couple by people they did not know. In the series, Meghan questioned why the public would not want to hear their story directly from them rather than through third-party accounts.

Dawson said the comment resonated...

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism have delivered advanced forensic and ballistic equipment to law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as part of a joint initiative to combat the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons.

Funded by Canada, the project aims to strengthen national security and improve the effectiveness of criminal investigations linked to organised crime and terrorism.

In November, Tajikistan’s Interior Ministry received high-precision digital ballistic microscopes capable of analysing bullets and cartridges and integrating data into national ballistic information systems. Officials said the equipment...

North Korea has revealed its first nuclear-powered submarine, a major milestone in its military development that is expected to heighten regional security concerns.

State media released images showing leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the 8,700-tonne vessel, which is designed to carry nuclear-capable missiles and remain submerged for long periods. Kim described the submarine as an «epoch-making change» in the nuclear arms race, signalling what analysts say could be a significant boost to Pyongyang’s deterrence capabilities.

Experts note that a nuclear-powered submarine would strengthen North Korea’s so-called second-strike capability, allowing it to retaliate even if land-based missile systems were...

China has imposed sanctions on Boeing and a range of US defence firms after the administration of Donald Trump approved one of the largest-ever packages of arms sales to Taiwan.

Beijing’s foreign ministry announced sanctions on 10 individuals and 20 US defence companies, including Boeing’s production hub in St Louis, Missouri, a key manufacturing centre for fighter jets such as the F-15EX Eagle and the MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueller. Other companies targeted include Northrop Grumman and L3Harris.

The move follows Washington’s approval of an arms deal worth more than $11bn (£8bn), which includes missile systems and drones for...

Sam Altman has predicted that the next major step toward superhuman artificial intelligence will come when AI systems develop «infinite, perfect memory».

Speaking on the Big Technology Podcast, the OpenAI chief said future AI assistants could eventually remember «every detail of your entire life», from conversations and documents to daily work, something no human can do. Altman suggested OpenAI is working toward such capabilities as early as 2026.

Current advances in large language models, including ChatGPT, have focused largely on improving reasoning skills. However, Altman said memory remains «very crude» and represents a key frontier for the technology.

Erling Haaland has given himself the green light to feature for Manchester City against Nottingham Forest after responding to a public weight warning from manager Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola had warned that any City player returning overweight after the Christmas break would be left behind for the trip to Nottingham. Haaland reported back to training on Christmas Day after three days off and revealed on social media that he weighed 94.4kg, captioning the post «All good!!».

The striker has previously spoken about his physical transformation, saying in a 2021 interview that he had increased his weight significantly since joining Borussia Dortmund...

During Pope Francis’s visit to Portugal in August 2023, thousands queued to confess to priests — a reminder of how, for centuries, humans turned to religious authority for guidance. Today, some thinkers argue, that role is increasingly being filled by artificial intelligence.

Commentators and researchers warn that reliance on AI tools for everyday decisions, from navigation and writing to personal and political choices, may signal a retreat from independent reasoning. The concern echoes ideas first articulated by Immanuel Kant, who described intellectual maturity as the courage to think without external guidance.

Since the launch of ChatGPT, AI adoption...

Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly reassessing his long-held opposition to cosmetic procedures as he navigates ageing in Hollywood, according to media reports citing industry insiders.

The Oscar-winning actor, who previously ruled out Botox, fillers and hair transplants, is said to be open to subtle, conservative treatments aimed at maintaining a camera-ready appearance. Sources claim DiCaprio now views his looks as «non-negotiable» for both casting opportunities and personal confidence, though any changes would be limited to minor «maintenance work» rather than dramatic alterations.

Insiders suggest the actor has become more conscious of wrinkles, looser skin and the impact of high-definition...

Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) could climb to $167 bn next year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said while addressing the Oliy Majlis.

He also announced the launch of the «Doubling Productivity and Efficiency» programme, which will be supported by $200 mln in international loans and grants.

In addition, the country will establish a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution to introduce Industry 4.0 solutions, including robotics, the internet of things and smart factories. Companies will be able to test new technologies at the centre before rolling them out in production.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan plans to attract...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced new priorities for Uzbekistan’s investment policy, saying the country plans to attract an additional $50 bn in foreign investment in 2026.

He stressed that future investment must not only finance projects but also bring advanced technologies and support the production of high value-added goods. Special support measures will be introduced for strategic investors, including the direct allocation of land for projects at market prices. If the land category is changed, investors will be allowed to pay fees for underused land in instalments.

To simplify procedures, the government will launch a digital single-window platform. Through...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that Uzbekistan’s first astronaut and an artificial satellite are ready for space launch.

He said the mission will give a major boost to the country’s scientific and technological progress and raise national development to a new level.

Plans are also in place to host the International Astronomical Congress in Samarkand in 2028.

The satellite project, agreed in 2023 by Uzbekcosmos and the Agency for Innovative Development, will involve young specialists from Uzbekistan. Tashkent has expressed interest in launching the satellite with SpaceX, which is also set to assist in developing Uzbekistan’s space exploration...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced plans to strengthen Uzbekistan’s digital sector in 2026. Four data centres and two supercomputers will open in Tashkent, Fergana, Bukhara and Tashkent region.

15 artificial intelligence laboratories will be launched in universities to support over 100 projects across agriculture, finance, healthcare and other industries. A new Centre for Digital Technologies will also be established to nurture young talent.

Mirziyoyev said these initiatives aim to develop the IT sector and predicted that by 2030 Uzbekistan’s IT services will reach $5 bn.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan’s GDP has exceeded $145 bn for the first time in...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced that 2026 will be the year of mahalla development and the advancement of society in Uzbekistan.

A special state plan will be adopted to implement initiatives in over 9,000 mahallas, aiming to make them centres of harmony, justice and community education.

«The well-being of the country begins with the mahalla. People judge our reforms by the condition of roads, water and electricity supply, transport, as well as the state of kindergartens, schools and local clinics,» he said.

The president added that developing mahallas and their infrastructure is a top priority...

Pomegranates grown in Uzbekistan have entered the Japanese market for the first time, Dunyo reports.

The fruit is being sold to Japanese consumers through Costco, one of the world’s largest retail chains with over 800 warehouse stores globally. Uzbek exporter Quva-Agro Star plans to deliver 50 tonnes of pomegranates by the end of 2025.

In addition, a partnership has been established with AEON, one of Japan’s largest supermarket chains. Through this collaboration, Uzbek pomegranates will reach a wider audience, with exports expected to total 100 tonnes by February 2026.

By the end of 2026, Uzbekistan aims to increase pomegranate...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan that the country’s GDP has exceeded $145 bn for the first time in its history.

«Our economy has been reshaped, we have expanded market relations and social protection, and strengthened the rule of law. Most importantly, the results of our reforms are felt in everyday life in every neighbourhood, every home and for every citizen,» he said.

Exports rose 23% to $33.4 bn, while foreign investment reached a record $43.1 bn, accounting for 31.9% of GDP, the president noted.

Mirziyoyev added...

In 2025, Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan increased by 20%, Gazprom chairman Alexey Miller told TASS.

Miller said Russian gas would remain in demand in Uzbekistan in the coming years, and the company plans to continue expanding exports.

«We are focused on long-term cooperation given the growing gas needs in Central Asia,» he said.

Gazprom has also agreed to increase deliveries to Kazakhstan and is discussing the construction of new pipelines in the country. Miller noted that while Central Asia has its own gas resources, the region’s rapid economic growth is...

Turkish authorities said they have disrupted planned attacks targeting Christmas and New Year celebrations after detaining more than 100 suspected members of the Islamic State group.

The chief prosecutor in Istanbul said coordinated raids were carried out at 124 locations across the city. Police seized firearms, ammunition and what officials described as organisational documents.

Authorities said IS supporters had been actively planning attacks across Turkey this week, with particular focus on events involving non-Muslims. Police detained 115 suspects, while efforts continue to locate another 22 people, according to an official statement.

Prosecutors said the suspects were in contact with Islamic...

The killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov has led a Moscow court to order the arrest in absentia of two men from Uzbekistan, Saidakbar Gulomov and Mirjalol Odilov, TASS reports.

The Basmanny District Court also issued an arrest warrant in absentia for Andriy Hedzyk, a Ukrainian national. All three have been placed on an international wanted list.

Four other people are implicated in the case, including another Uzbek citizen, Ahmad Kurbanov. Russian law enforcement agencies say Kurbanov carried out the attack that killed Kirillov.

Investigators said Kurbanov told them he was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services. He claimed he...

President Donald Trump said the United States carried out a «powerful and deadly» strike against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria. He described the group as terrorists and accused it of killing civilians.

Trump said the US military conducted what he called precise and successful strikes. US Africa Command later confirmed that the operation took place on Thursday in Sokoto state and was carried out in coordination with Nigerian forces.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the BBC the action was a joint operation aimed at terrorists and had no connection to any religion. Trump wrote on...