News

JPMorgan Chase has begun relocating some of its European staff back to London from Paris, signalling a reassessment of its post-Brexit strategy.

The bank had previously expanded its presence in France following the UK’s exit from the European Union, but is now scaling back after overestimating staffing needs on the continent. While the exact number of employees moving remains unclear, the shift reflects a broader rethink of its European operations.

Chief executive Jamie Dimon, who has long been critical of Brexit, had earlier warned the bank might significantly reduce its UK footprint. However, JPMorgan has since increased its...

Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) recorded a year-on-year growth of 8.7% in the first quarter of 2026.

According to the latest report from the National Statistics Committee the national economy generated a total of 447.9 trln soums ($37.1 bn) by the beginning of April.

This strong economic performance was fuelled by solid gains across multiple key industries. The construction sector experienced the most dramatic surge as it expanded by 16.3% to reach 26.4 trln soums ($2.2 bn). Meanwhile the broader industrial sector grew by 8% to hit a valuation of 124.8 trln soums ($10.3 bn).

Services also maintained steady...

An eight-player squad will represent Uzbekistan at the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Club Championship in Hong Kong. The chess tournament is scheduled to run from June 17 to 21.

The country’s lineup features heavyweights such as Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Rustam Kasimdzhanov. The roster is completed by Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, Mukhiddin Madaminov, Afruza Khamdamova and Umida Omonova.

This summer’s gathering will be the fourth instalment of the club championship in the sport’s history. Up to 42 international teams are expected to travel to the Asian financial hub to compete for the titles. Organisers have stated that the...

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona has suspended its legal proceedings against Gulnara Karimova, SRF reports.

The presiding judge announced on Tuesday morning that the case against the daughter of former Uzbek President Islam Karimov cannot go ahead because she is legally prevented from leaving her home country.

Karimova is currently serving a prison sentence in an Uzbek penal colony where she is expected to remain until December 2028. The statute of limitations for the major offences she faces in Switzerland which include corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation, will expire earlier in...

A road traffic collision in South Carolina has claimed the life of Dylan Carter at the age of 24. While millions of television viewers knew him as a standout contestant on the hit U.S. reality programme The Voice, his hometown community in Moncks Corner is mourning the loss of a dedicated philanthropist and beloved local businessman.

The talented vocalist shot to national prominence during season 24 of the high-profile singing competition. Delivering a moving rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Look to You he managed to secure a four-chair turn from celebrity coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Niall Horan and Reba...

Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov has celebrated a highly successful season in English football by purchasing a spectacular modern home for his parents in his native Uzbekistan.

The 23-year-old national team standout acquired the property in Kibray, a scenic suburb situated just outside the capital of Tashkent, according to the entertainment outlet Showbiz.

This highly desirable neighbourhood is famous for its clean air and sits right next to a massive woodland park spanning over 40 hectares. Sports media reports suggest the lavish eco-friendly residence is valued at roughly $330,000 and provides his family with a tranquil green retreat away...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has enacted a new regulation designed to liberalise foreign exchange regulations across the country. Under the updated framework personal money transfers between individuals via bank accounts are now permitted regardless of citizenship.

Overseas citizens will also benefit from an expanded list of approved currency transactions. Foreigners are now authorised to invest funds into a local company’s share capital. They can also seamlessly execute charitable donations and process financial operations related to inheritance matters.

The legislative overhaul brings administrative relief to the corporate sector as well. Businesses seeking to purchase foreign currency will face less...

A lavish megayacht associated with a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin has successfully navigated the heavily restricted Strait of Hormuz, BBC reports.

The 142-metre Nord made the journey from the United Arab Emirates to Oman over the weekend despite a continuing blockade that has virtually halted private maritime traffic in the critical Gulf channel.

Tracking data from Marine Traffic shows the Russian-flagged vessel departed Dubai late on Friday evening and moored at the Al Mouj marina in Muscat by Sunday morning. The ship’s transit is highly unusual given that non-commercial boats have largely steered clear of the waterway...

Taylor Swift is taking novel legal measures to safeguard her identity from the growing threat of artificial intelligence, Variety reports. Following a blueprint established by actor Matthew McConaughey, Swift has recently filed a series of trademarks designed to protect her distinctive voice and visual persona.

On Friday April 24, the singer’s firm TAS Rights Management submitted three applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Intellectual property lawyer Josh Gerben identified the filings, which aim to legally ring-fence specific aspects of her brand:

The Austria Auction Company is set to hold its upcoming «Collector Rugs 20 – No Reserve» auction in Vienna, offering collectors a wide selection of antique carpets and textiles.

The event, scheduled for May 2026, will feature hundreds of lots, continuing the auction house’s established series of no-reserve sales that attract international buyers. According to listings, bidding will take place both online and via webcast, allowing global participation.

The auction will include a diverse range of rugs from regions such as Persia, the Caucasus, Anatolia and Central Asia, reflecting the broad geographic scope typical of the series. Previous...

Kazakhstan has officially ratified a trilateral agreement on green energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, marking a step forward in regional clean energy integration.

The law was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and published in the national press. The agreement, originally signed in Baku in November 2024 by the leaders of the three countries, focuses on strengthening strategic cooperation in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The deal includes joint projects in the production and trade of green hydrogen and ammonia, as well as the development of infrastructure for cross-border electricity transmission. It also aims to establish stable technical...

The Kyrgyzstan U-18 national ice hockey team suffered a defeat against Uzbekistan U-18 national ice hockey team in the U-18 Asian Cup, according to local reports.

Uzbekistan secured a convincing victory, maintaining control throughout the match and limiting Kyrgyzstan’s scoring opportunities. The result highlights Uzbekistan’s strong performance in the tournament as it continues to compete for top positions.

The match is part of the ongoing U-18 Asian Cup, which brings together youth teams from across the region to compete at an international level. Kyrgyzstan, where ice hockey is still developing, continues to gain experience through participation in such...

The daughter of Uzbekistan’s former president, Gulnara Karimova, is facing trial in absentia in Switzerland on charges of bribery and money laundering involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

Proceedings opened in a federal criminal court in Bellinzona and are expected to run until late May. Karimova, 53, is currently serving a prison sentence in Uzbekistan and is unable to attend the hearings.

Swiss prosecutors allege she led a criminal network known as «The Office,» which involved dozens of individuals and companies. The group is accused of moving large sums of illicit funds through Switzerland and other jurisdictions, as...

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Hokkaido early Monday, just days after a powerful offshore tremor triggered a rare megaquake advisory in Japan.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake hit at around 5:23 a.m. local time near the town of Sarabetsu at a depth of more than 80 kilometres. Despite being widely felt, authorities reported no casualties, significant damage, or tsunami risk.

The tremor follows a 7.7-magnitude offshore earthquake last week that prompted warnings of a potential «megaquake.» However, Monday’s event occurred outside the advisory zone, and officials said the heightened alert period will conclude as planned.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is facing renewed criticism after a joke about Melania Trump resurfaced in the wake of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The remark, made days earlier during a parody segment, described Melania Trump as having the «glow of an expectant widow.» Following the attack, critics, largely from conservative circles, have pointed to the joke as an example of increasingly hostile political rhetoric.

Several commentators have called for an apology from broadcasters, arguing the tone of such remarks contributes to division. Social media backlash has also intensified, with some users questioning whether the...

Brigitte Macron has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of nearly a decade in the public eye, saying her time as France’s First Lady exposed her to the world’s «stupidity» and «wickedness.»

In a recent interview, the 73-year-old described becoming increasingly pessimistic since her husband, Emmanuel Macron, took office. She cited constant scrutiny, online abuse, and conspiracy theories as major sources of strain, adding that the intensity of life at the Elysee has been overwhelming.

Brigitte Macron has been the target of persistent false claims online, including widely circulated conspiracy theories about her identity. She said the harassment...

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded across Australia and New Zealand after widespread flight disruptions grounded travel plans on Sunday, with dozens of services cancelled and hundreds more delayed.

Airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia accounted for the majority of cancellations, though delays rippled across the broader aviation network.

Major hubs such as Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport, Auckland Airport and Wellington Airport were heavily affected.

Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport saw some of the worst disruption, with 84 flights delayed and several cancellations. Sydney, the country’s busiest airport, recorded the highest number of cancellations, alongside dozens of...

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in St Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian state media reported, as Tehran seeks to strengthen ties with Moscow during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.

According to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, the visit is intended to signal a united stance between the two countries in opposition to Western influence. The high-level meeting comes as diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations between Iran and the United States remain stalled.

Mediated talks involving Pakistan and Oman have yet to produce a breakthrough. US President Donald Trump recently cancelled a planned...

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is holding for now, but Hezbollah continues to pose a significant risk of renewed escalation as tensions persist across the region.

Despite a 10-day truce, intermittent exchanges along the border underline how quickly hostilities could resume. Hezbollah’s position in southern Lebanon, close to Israel’s northern frontier, gives it the ability to rapidly open a new front in the event of broader conflict.

The group’s influence extends beyond the battlefield. Deeply embedded in Lebanon’s political system, Hezbollah combines military strength with institutional power, allowing it to withstand pressure and maintain long-term strategic...

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is beginning to recover after days of disruption, with 19 vessels reported to have crossed the critical maritime route on Saturday.

Despite the uptick in movement, analysts say the increase has not yet led to a meaningful rise in oil and gas flows, highlighting continued caution among shipping operators navigating the region.

Tensions remain high as diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis show little progress. Iran has proposed easing its control over the strait, but the proposal does not address its nuclear programme, a key sticking point in negotiations.

U.S. President...

The Japanese gaming publication 4Gamer accidentally published an article detailing Valve’s updated Steam Controller ahead of its official announcement. As reported by DTF, the hastily deleted post indicated that the new gamepad is slated to hit the shelves on May 4, at least in the Japanese market.

Although the original material was quickly removed, the details had already spread across the internet. In the leaked piece, journalists compared the dimensions of the upcoming device with its major competitors, the PlayStation 5’s DualSense and the Xbox One controller.

This latest blunder is not the first indication that a release is...

The possibility of welcoming new member states into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is still very much on the table, TASS reports. According to Ahmad Saidmurodzoda, the SCO’s Deputy Secretary-General, the topic of enlargement continues to be an active part of the international bloc’s agenda.

Speaking to journalists, Saidmurodzoda emphasised that while further expansion is not ruled out, any future admissions will ultimately depend on a unanimous agreement among existing members. He highlighted that the organisation’s charter is built upon a principle of openness, allowing any state or multilateral group that shares the SCO’s core values to join the...

A new platform for educational and cultural exchange centred on the Korean language and the “Korean Wave” has launched in the heart of Central Asia.

The Korea International Development Cooperation Center (KIDC) announced on Monday that it hosted an opening ceremony for the new K-Culture & Education Complex Centre on 21 April. The modernised facility is located within the Faculty of Oriental Languages at the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages in Tashkent.

Orchestrated by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with KIDC and Pyeongtaek University, the global programme dispatches young South Korean volunteers to nurture international...

The high-profile corruption trial surrounding Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of Uzbekistan’s late President Islam Karimov, has opened at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland.

This case, which has been unfolding for nearly two decades, examines allegations that Karimova orchestrated a sprawling criminal syndicate known internally as “The Office”. Swiss prosecutors accuse her of using this vast network to extract hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes from international telecommunications companies seeking lucrative access to the Uzbek market.

The indictment includes charges of corruption, money laundering and leading a criminal organisation. The probe has also ensnared the Swiss...