News

Disney has officially unveiled the first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the highly anticipated third instalment in James Cameron’s epic saga. The teaser had previously leaked online after being shown exclusively in cinemas ahead of Fantastic Four: First Steps. Now publicly released, the footage invites audiences back to Pandora and reveals two new clans — the sky-roaming Wind Traders and the fierce, flame-wielding Ash People.

James Cameron first offered a glimpse of the Ash clan during the 2024 D23 Expo, where he described the soot-covered tribe as terrifying and emotionally complex.

«We’re showing more of...

Arnold Schwarzenegger could once again step into the role of Dutch from Predator, this time in a live-action capacity, following his recent animated cameo and renewed discussions with director Dan Trachtenberg.

During the Predator: Badlands panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Trachtenberg hinted that plans are in motion to bring back Schwarzenegger’s iconic character. «I’m cooking up stuff for that guy,» the director told the Hall H crowd, referring to a recent breakfast meeting he had with the actor and former California governor.

Dutch’s Legacy in the Predator Universe

Schwarzenegger originally portrayed Major Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer in John McTiernan’s...

With speculation swirling around Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, one key question has drawn the most attention — when will the new models officially launch?

While various leaks have surfaced regarding colours, display tweaks and camera upgrades, everything hinges on Apple’s announcement. Once the iPhone 17 lineup, expected to include the standard model, the 17 Air, Pro and Pro Max, is officially revealed, all other questions should be clarified, including pricing, which remains uncertain due to potential tariff concerns.

Possible Announcement and Launch Timeline

Judging by Apple’s release history, the unveiling will most likely take place in early...

As ChatGPT increasingly becomes a go-to source for emotional support, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has raised the alarm about a major gap in legal privacy protections, Business Insider reports. Speaking on a podcast with Theo Von, Altman stressed that conversations with the AI chatbot do not carry the same legal confidentiality as discussions with licensed professionals such as doctors, therapists or lawyers.

Privacy Concerns as AI Becomes Emotional Outlet

Altman pointed out that users often disclose highly personal and sensitive information to ChatGPT, treating it as a surrogate therapist or life coach. However, unlike traditional therapy sessions, these...

The Russian government has reintroduced a comprehensive ban on petrol exports, which will remain in force until August 31, 2025. The measure, formalised by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on July 28, applies to all fuel producers, including those directly refining oil products.

According to official statements, the decision was made to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market during a period of heightened seasonal demand, especially linked to summer travel and agricultural work across the country.

The renewed embargo follows a sharp rise in domestic petrol prices. On July 24, the price of AI-95 petrol on the St Petersburg...

Andijan region is moving ahead with ambitious reforms aimed at transforming its economic landscape and improving quality of life for residents.

As part of this year’s development targets, authorities plan to attract $3.1 bn in investments, reach $1.5 bn in export revenue, create 305,000 jobs and lift over 32,000 families out of poverty.

Since the beginning of the year, Andijan has launched new industrial facilities with a combined value of $1 bn. In addition, 344 trade and service centres have opened across the region, supporting business growth and community access. Projects worth $2.5 bn are now underway, and in...

Following a series of sweeping reforms to modernise its cultural and artistic landscape, Uzbekistan is turning its focus toward unlocking the full potential of its creative economy.

Home to a rich and diverse heritage, the country is already host to 14,000 creative enterprises employing nearly 100,000 people. Over the next five years, the government aims to double the sector’s output and increase its contribution to the national GDP to 5%.

The foundation for this expansion was laid last year with the adoption of legislation regulating the creative sector. Uzbekistan also hosted the fourth World Conference on Creative Economy in...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed a set of proposals aimed at modernising how Uzbekistan manages its cultural and artistic sectors, with special attention to promoting traditional craftsmanship.

Plans include revising funding strategies for the cultural sphere and adopting advanced international practices.

One key direction is the introduction of public-private partnership models in cultural centres. Support will also be extended to startup initiatives that promote creative ideas. The government aims to encourage the production of local historical, scientific and animated content that shapes the Uzbekistan brand and fosters patriotism, especially among the youth.

The President called for a gradual introduction...

Weather conditions across Uzbekistan on July 29 are forecast to remain dry and warm, with strong winds expected in several regions. According to the national meteorological service, daytime temperatures will range between 32 and 37°C in most areas. Wind speeds are predicted at 7 to 12 metres per second, with occasional gusts reaching 13 to 18 m/s, potentially accompanied by drifting dust in open terrain.

In Tashkent, the capital, no rainfall is expected. Wind speeds will be slightly calmer, estimated at 5 to 10 m/s, while daytime temperatures are forecast between 34 and 36°C.

Mountain regions are also expected...

Several banks have updated the rates for exchanging foreign currencies for UZS on July 29. This article contains information about the most favorable rates.

Here are Central Bank Reference Rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Several banks offer best rates to exchange USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, JPY, or KZT into soums:

Financial institutions may change the value of currencies...

Former footballer Joey Barton has come under fire for mocking England’s Lionesses after their Euro 2025 triumph over Spain. The ex-Premier League midfielder dismissed their achievement as a «Nonsense Pottery Trophy» in a series of disparaging posts on social media platform X, as shared by GB Sport.

Barton’s comments followed England’s dramatic penalty shootout win in Basel, which earned them a second consecutive European Championship title, the first major tournament win on foreign soil for any English team.

He also criticised the quality of the penalty shootout and the team’s campaign for equal pay, saying, «Do not ever...

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, with Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minister, on board the HMS Prince of Wales in Darwin. Photo: Robbie Stephenson/PA Wire

British Defence Secretary John Healey has suggested that the UK is prepared to join allies like Australia in a potential conflict over Taiwan, stating, «If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the UK are nations that will fight together.»

Speaking aboard the HMS Prince of Wales, the UK’s largest aircraft carrier, Healey emphasized that joint military exercises help deter threats through readiness. His...

The 2025 Tour de France came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, as Wout van Aert (Visma Lease a Bike) delivered a solo victory in the 21st and final stage, held in Paris under pouring rain. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) secured his fourth career Yellow Jersey, confirming his dominance in modern cycling.

Unlike traditional processional finales, this year’s last stage, from Mantes-la-Ville to the Champs-Élysées, was full of aggression, tactics and raw emotion.

Montmartre Madness: Final Stage With a Twist

This year’s final route featured a historic twist: three climbs up the iconic Butte Montmartre, a nod...

The United States is considering a 30% reduction in its military presence in Europe, according to Politico, citing a source within NATO. The move comes as part of a broader global reassessment of U.S. military deployments, driven by shifting strategic priorities.

Currently, around 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed across Europe. The potential reduction could affect up to 30,000 personnel, particularly those serving on a rotational basis in Poland, Romania and the Baltic states.

The Pentagon’s Force Posture Review, expected this fall, will outline the final decision.

Concerns in Europe

The news has raised concerns in European capitals, particularly in...

Authorities in Samarkand have begun demolishing the infamous 12-story illegally constructed building located in the Konigil neighborhood, local outlet Podrobno.uz reported, citing eyewitnesses. The building’s owner posted a video online pleading for the demolition to be halted.

Footage from the scene shows a crane positioned at the site, beginning work on dismantling the structure. The demolition is complicated by the building’s unusual shape and location, it widens as it rises and hangs over adjacent residential houses, posing safety concerns.

Construction of the building began in 2012, allegedly based on a design by Japanese architects. However, the owner never obtained official...

Saneg has completed the installation of an automated vapor recovery system at its oil storage sites in Karshi and Mubarek, the company’s press service told Kursiv Uzbekistan.

When crude oil is stored in tanks, temperature fluctuations and transfer operations cause hydrocarbon vapors—known as “breathing gases”—to form.

Without specialized recovery systems, over 8 mln cubic meters of these vapors are lost annually—equivalent to more than 160,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Offsetting this would require planting over 7 mln trees.

«The project aims to reduce harmful emissions, enhance environmental and industrial safety, and minimize hydrocarbon losses during storage...

The online platform yashiltamojnya.uz («Green Customs») has been launched in Uzbekistan to help combat the illegal trade of wild animals and plants. The platform was officially presented at Green University.

It was developed by the environmental resource center Ekomaktab with the support of the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan.

The website allows customs and border officers to quickly verify the legal status of animals and plants under the CITES convention, and check for valid permits. This tool is especially valuable when smugglers attempt to transport rare animals or their parts disguised as souvenirs...

Chinese investors Li Sangzai and Zhou Chunwen will invest $20 mln in the construction of a plant to produce rebar, wire rod, and metal angles in Uzbekistan’s Fergana region, according to the regional hokimiyat (governor’s office).

During a meeting with regional governor Khayrullo Bozorov, the parties agreed to begin construction. The facility will be built in the small industrial zone of the Tashlak district.

The governor highlighted the growing demand for high-quality and affordable construction materials driven by the expansion of the construction sector. Local authorities pledged comprehensive support for the investors.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the Japanese...

A section of Tashkent Metro’s above-ground line «30 Years of Independence», between the stations Technopark and Yangiobod, will be closed starting August 2, the metro administration announced.

The temporary closure is due to scheduled maintenance work. Previously, the Turon and Kipchak stations on the same line were shut down. Service was later suspended between Yangiobod and Quruvchilar, which now results in a full line closure.

To minimize disruption, a free shuttle bus service will run between Technopark (Station 1) and Kipchak (Station 14) during the repair period.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports on the closure of some metro ticket...

American researchers were secretly preparing to carry out a controversial climate experiment aimed at reducing the amount of sunlight reaching Earth by creating artificial clouds, Politico reports.

The plan involved generating a cloud covering an area of approximately 10,100 square kilometres (3,900 square miles) using liquid salt particles. Scientists believed that such a formation would be visible from space. Proposed test locations included the western coast of North America, Chile or parts of south-central Africa.

A smaller-scale version of the experiment had previously been attempted in Alameda, California, but it was halted by local authorities. The researchers, led by...

Uzbekistan has achieved its best-ever result at the FISU World University Games 2025, claiming a total of 15 medals during the recently concluded international student games held in Germany. The National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan confirmed the accomplishment, highlighting the strong performance of the country’s young athletes on the global stage.

The Uzbek team finished 13th in the overall medal standings, earning four gold, four silver and seven bronze medals. Japan topped the table, followed by China and the United States.

On the final day of competition, July , Uzbekistan’s Sharifa Davronova delivered a standout performance in the women’s...

Porsche has experiences a dramatic collapse in quarterly profits, with its automotive division posting an operating profit of just €154 mln in the second quarter of 2025, a steep fall from approximately €1.7 bn in the same period last year. The 91% year-on-year decline highlights the mounting pressures facing the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, Bild reports.

According to Volkswagen’s half-year financial report, Porsche’s revenue also declined by around 12.9%, falling to just over €8.3 bn. The figures exclude earnings from the company’s financial services branch.

In contrast, Volkswagen’s core passenger car brand...

Umar Bozorov, a judoka from Uzbekistan, claimed a silver medal at the Judo Grand Slam tournament held in Mongolia, according to the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan (NOC).

In the final match, Bozorov was defeated by Japanese judoka Riku Okada. The bronze medal went to Bahrain’s Israpil Sagaipov, a former representative of Russia.

Video: JudoRewatch

The Grand Slam tournament took place in Mongolia from July 25 to 27. Overall, the Uzbek national team earned one gold and one silver medal at the event. The gold was secured by Abdurakhim Nutfullaev, marking the first major career medal for the athlete.

As of the end of June 2025, more than 98,400 citizens of Uzbekistan were residing in South Korea, according to a recent report by The Korea Times. This figure places the Uzbek diaspora as the fifth largest foreign population in the country.

Chinese nationals remain the largest foreign group in South Korea, with 972,100 residents. They are followed by Vietnamese citizens at 341,100, and Americans at 196,600. Thai nationals rank fourth, with a population of 173,700.

The report notes that the majority of foreign residents are concentrated in Seoul, the surrounding capital region and the southern provinces of the...