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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that he intends to visit Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries in 2026, signalling a renewed diplomatic focus on the region. Speaking ahead of the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington, Rubio said the visit would likely span a week or longer, covering all five nations.

«I personally intend to visit in the coming year as well. And all five. So I know it’ll probably be a week-long or longer trip. So we’ve got to work on that and make that happen together,» he told delegates.

At a formal reception opening this year’s C5+1 summit in Washington, Senator Jim Risch used his remarks to signal what he called the start of a «new and exciting era» in US relations with Central Asia. Addressing foreign ministers and representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, the Senator announced he had joined with Senator Steve Daines to introduce new legislation aimed at removing outdated trade barriers.

Repealing a Cold War Legacy

The bill focuses on repealing the Jackson–Vanik amendment, a Cold War-era measure originally designed to pressure the Soviet Union over the emigration of...

Roman Abramovich’s representatives have criticised UK sanctions for leaving a pledged multi-billion pound fund for Ukraine in limbo, saying the Government has offered «no legal solution» to release the money frozen since 2022.

The former Chelsea owner vowed in 2022 to donate the «net proceeds» from the club’s sale to «all victims» of the war. New remarks from his camp say entities linked to him, including Camberley International Investments, have been «effectively paralysed,» so no action can be taken without Government approval. Ministers insist the money must be spent only inside Ukraine and say they are prepared to go...

Azerbaijan has held talks with members of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) to expand economic cooperation and boost joint investments, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said on Wednesday.

Speaking after a high-level roundtable in Baku, Jabbarov noted that discussions focused on co-financing projects, investment in liberated territories, and strategic infrastructure development. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s «productive cooperation» with ACG institutions and stressed the need to deepen economic integration and promote sustainable development.

The talks come as Azerbaijan seeks greater foreign investment in reconstruction and transport projects in Karabakh and across the wider region.

The United States should shift from an energy-first approach in Eurasia to a broader economic strategy, as the C5+1 summit with Central Asian leaders convenes at the White House on 6 November for its 10th anniversary, according to analyst Wesley Alexander Hill.

The forum comes amid tighter US ties with Uzbekistan, which has accelerated market reforms, launched a national investment fund with Franklin Templeton and attracted US corporates. Recent deals include Boeing’s $8.5bn order from Uzbekistan Airways and industrial projects by Air Products, with more than 300 US companies now active in the country. Nasdaq is exploring exchange modernisation...

Uzbekistan and Poland are set to expand cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector following talks in Tashkent between the Investment Promotion Agency and a delegation of Polish pharma companies.

The Polish group, led by Krzysztof Kopec, head of the Polish Union of Employers of the Pharmaceutical Industry, included executives from Polpharma, Adamed Pharma and Biofarm. Discussions focused on potential investment projects, technology exchange and strengthening the capabilities of Uzbekistan’s pharma industry.

The Polish side welcomed Uzbekistan’s adoption of global standards, including the World Listed Authority (WLA) system, which supports local producers’ access to export markets. Officials described the meeting as...

TBC Bank Uzbekistan has entered the country’s top three banking brands, with the strongest recognition in Tashkent, according to Research Group Central Asia’s (RGCA) 2025 Brand Health Tracking report.

Conducted in Q3 2025 across roughly 2,000 adults who use banking or payment apps, the study ranked TBC third in overall brand awareness among the top 15 banks. Unaided awareness reached 11%, while 29% recognised the brand when prompted. Respondents also rated the bank highly for reliability and convenience, citing improvements in its mobile app and service quality. Usage in the past three months rose alongside a growing customer base.

The research outlines four key trends shaping behaviour next year, including a strong move towards simplicity and stress-reduction. Rising daily stress levels and economic uncertainty mean people want calm, comfort and practical wellbeing choices at home. Many are choosing fewer, better products, and turning to natural ingredients and nostalgic brand experiences for reassurance.

A second trend shows consumers embracing bold identity and honest communication. Nearly half want products tailored to personal taste and expect brands to show authenticity while supporting individual expression.

Advanced health solutions are also becoming mainstream. High-tech wellbeing tools, at-home diagnostics and medical-grade beauty products are gaining...

The UFC has launched an investigation into Isaac Dulgarian’s bout at UFC Vegas 110 following dramatic betting shifts before his first-round submission loss to Yadier Del Valle.

Dulgarian entered the event as a heavy favourite, but odds unexpectedly tightened just before the fight. Some sportsbooks even suspended props such as first-round finish bets. He was released from the promotion the day after the defeat.

«We take these allegations very seriously,» the UFC said, adding that its betting-integrity partner IC360 is reviewing wagering activity and the circumstances surrounding the 1 November fight. «Nothing is more important...

New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani began his post-election address by taking aim at President Donald Trump, setting the tone for what is expected to be a defining political rivalry.

«Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,» the Democrat told an enthusiastic crowd on Tuesday night, shortly after securing victory.

The election marked a significant win for Democrats, who claimed three major contests in the first electoral tests since Trump returned to the White House nine months ago. The results have been seen...

Ethereum could be heading for a major move, with one well-known crypto trader warning the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency is stuck in «limbo» and at risk if key support breaks.

Analyst DonAlt said ETH needs to break above $4,000 to confirm a bullish trend. Ethereum has repeatedly failed to push past resistance near $3,900 in recent months, keeping buyers cautious.

If the price falls below the $2,900 support level, DonAlt believes ETH could slide toward $1,800, with even deeper levels possible in a severe downturn. For now, the token trades in a tight range as traders wait for a clear...

Speaking to supporters after his election victory, newly elected New York mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed particular gratitude to Uzbek nurses for their role in helping mobilise voters.

He also acknowledged several other minority communities across the city, including Mexican grandmothers, Yemeni corner shop owners and Senegalese taxi drivers.

«Thank you to those so often forgotten by the politics of our city who made this movement their own. I speak of Yemeni bodega owners and Mexican abuelas, Senegalese taxi drivers and Uzbek nurses, Trinidadian line cooks and Ethiopian aunties, yes aunties,» he told the crowd.

South Korea’s Defence Intelligence Agency says North Korea could conduct a major nuclear test «in a short time» if leader Kim Jong Un orders it, and that Pyongyang is also showing signs of preparing more spy satellite launches with Russian technical support.

Lawmakers were told the assessment during a closed parliamentary audit, which said North Korea has facilities at the Punggye-ri test site ready for use and could mount a test quickly if directed. The agency also flagged activity suggesting further satellite launches aimed at higher-resolution reconnaissance.

The warning comes after Kim vowed in September to...

Chris Eubank Jr has revealed the severe aftermath of his April clash with Conor Benn, responding to critics who accused him of seeking sympathy.

At a press conference in September promoting their upcoming rematch, the IBO middleweight champion claimed his ambulance was delayed leaving Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after their 12-round fight, which he won by unanimous decision. On November 3, Eubank Jr posted a video on social media showing an ambulance attempting to leave the venue, which he said supported his claim.

Battered and Bruised

The 36-year-old, son of boxing legend Chris Eubank, faced criticism from some followers...

Gemma Collins, 44, is reportedly preparing to leave her £2M Essex mansion as she sets her sights on a new life in Dubai. The Only Way Is Essex star joins a growing number of British reality personalities relocating to the United Arab Emirates in search of fresh opportunities.

The TV star recently shared a post from Dubai, writing:

«If you can dream it, you can do it in Dubai. Dubai is a place of positivity, a place of making dreams come true.»

Viewing Homes Abroad

Gemma is currently viewing villas in popular areas...

Gopichand Hinduja, the head of the UK’s richest family, has passed away at the age of 85. Known as GP, he and his family built their fortune through the Hinduja Group, an Indian conglomerate active in finance, media, entertainment, oil and eight other sectors, employing around 200,000 people worldwide.

The family said in a statement that he would leave “a deep hole at the heart of our family” and would be “remembered for his formidable work”.

GP Hinduja expanded his father’s modest textile and trading businesses into a global conglomerate and one of India’s largest companies. Lord Karan Bilimoria...

From January to September 2025, Uzbekistan imported 56,300 passenger cars from 29 countries, valued at $807.3 mln, according to the State Statistics Committee. This represents an increase of 1,900 vehicles compared with the same period last year.

China was by far the largest supplier, providing 51,800 cars. Other notable exporters included South Korea with 2,500 vehicles, the United States with 511, Japan with 296, and Germany with 265.

Smaller shipments came from Hong Kong, Russia, India, the UAE and Austria, each contributing fewer than 250 cars.

Kursiv also reports that in September, car sales in Uzbekistan reached...

Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of New York City, becoming the youngest person to hold the office since 1892, the city’s first Muslim mayor, and the first mayor born in Africa. Entering the race with minimal name recognition, limited funding, and no major party backing, Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Silwa, marking a notable political victory.

Mamdani ran on a platform addressing economic concerns such as housing affordability, public transport, and social services. He supported policies including free childcare and expanded city programmes, while appealing to working-class voters without abandoning progressive cultural priorities. His campaign...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Washington on Tuesday, November 4, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump and take part in the C5+1 summit.

Alongside the main talks, Mirziyoyev will also hold meetings with members of Congress, representatives of the US government and leading American businesses. According to the president’s press service, the key engagements are planned for November 5 and 6, with the C5+1 summit to be held in Washington on November 6. The gathering will bring together the leaders of all Central Asian states and the US President.

The Diplomat notes that...

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he plans to retire «soon» and expects he will cry when his long career comes to an end.

The 40-year-old forward, who plays for Al Nassr and Portugal, spoke to Piers Morgan and said he has already prepared for life after football.

«It will be tough,» Ronaldo said. «Probably I will cry, yes. But I have prepared for my future since I was 25 or 26. I think I will be ready.»

Ronaldo has scored 952 career goals and won five Ballon d’Or awards. He still watches Manchester United, where...

Net revenues rose 7.4% to €1.766bn as total shipments held near flat at 3,401 cars. Operating profit (EBIT) grew 7.6% to €503mln with a margin of 28.4%. Net profit was €382mln with diluted EPS of €2.14. EBITDA increased 5.0% to €670mln with a margin of 37.9%. Industrial free cash flow was €365m.

Ferrari said richer mix and higher personalisation offset lower Daytona SP3 deliveries. The quarter was led by the 296 GTS, Purosangue, 12Cilindri and Roma Spider. Hybrids were 43% of shipments and ICE models were 57%.

Management lifted full-year targets after its Capital Markets Day. It cited a...

Former England captain David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles in recognition of his contribution to football and British society. The 50-year-old received the honour at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, accompanied by his wife Victoria and his parents.

Beckham said he was «incredibly proud», highlighting his patriotism and long-standing admiration for the monarchy. «I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family,» he said, adding that people often ask him about the Royal Family when he travels abroad.

Victoria Beckham designed her husband’s morning suit for the ceremony, inspired by archival images of the King in...

Afghan women footballers forced into exile by the Taliban have returned to the international stage, competing at the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series in Morocco and symbolising resilience in the face of repression.

Among them is 22-year-old Manoozh Noori, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban banned women from education, work and sports. Noori once played for the national team but buried her medals before escaping to Australia. «Do I want to stay in a country where women are forbidden from studying or playing football?» she said, recalling her decision to leave.

Her team, Afghan Women United — formed by refugee...

Efforts to thaw relations between Tajikistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government are colliding with a flare-up of violence on their shared border, underscoring the fragility of any rapprochement.

Balkh governor Muhammad Yusuf Vafo paid a quiet visit to Dushanbe on 23 October, meeting Tajik National Security Committee chief Saimumin Yatimov to discuss cooperation and pledging to prevent hostile groups from operating across the frontier. The outreach followed earlier, unconfirmed security contacts and limited technical engagement on projects such as CASA-1000.

Within days, however, Tajik and Taliban forces exchanged fire near a gold-mining site across the Pyanj River on 25 October...