News

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, concluding a remarkable year for the 42-year-old leader who toppled Bashar al-Assad and has since worked to reverse Syria’s global isolation.

The visit, the first by any Syrian president to the White House, comes just six months after Sharaa and Trump held their initial talks in Riyadh. Sharaa seized power last December after opposition forces launched a rapid offensive from north-western Syria, ousting Assad within days.

Security cooperation is expected to dominate Monday’s discussions. Syria is poised to join a US-led...

A photo shows Olympic gymnast Simone Biles standing next to the world’s tallest college basketball player, Olivier Rioux. At 7ft 9in, Rioux is much taller than the 4ft 8in gymnast in an image produced by the Daily Mail.

The height difference is such that Rioux is only 1ft 5in shorter than two Biles stacked on top of each other. Fans have compared the image to a previous picture of Biles alongside Shaquille O’Neal, who is 7ft 1in. One social media post noted:

«During her floor routine, the top of Biles’ head reached 12ft above the...

Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 in Baku has been hailed by officials as a diplomatic and climate-policy success, contrasting with a stuttering start to COP30 in Belem, Brazil.

Azerbaijan’s selection to host the 29th UN climate conference was framed by Baku as recognition of the country’s growing international standing and its willingness to tackle environmental challenges. Authorities say the lead-up to COP29 was marred by an «information war,» with the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security and the COP29 Security Management Center identifying and blocking 15 domestic «fake news» resources.

Despite the criticism, organisers reported robust participation: more...

Newcastle United’s chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone has been placed on immediate gardening leave, with reports suggesting he is set to take up a business role at Juventus later this year. Silverstone, who spent three years at St James’ Park after a previous spell with Arsenal, is departing on good terms.

His exit comes as new chief executive David Hopkinson conducts a 100-day review of the club’s operations. Hopkinson, who joined from Real Madrid, has promised significant changes where he sees fit, reportedly adopting the mantra:

«You’re either with us, or with yourself.»

Sources...

BBC director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness have resigned following criticism that a Panorama documentary misrepresented Donald Trump’s speech. The programme was accused of editing together sections of Trump’s January 6, 2021 address to make it appear he encouraged the Capitol riot, though the segments were originally more than 50 minutes apart.

Davie, who had led the BBC for five years, faced growing scrutiny over perceived bias and a series of controversies. He said his decision to step down reflected the ongoing debate around BBC News and stressed the importance of accountability. Turness, who has...

UFC lightweight Chris Padilla was visibly emotional after missing out on a performance bonus he hoped would ease financial pressure on his family.

The 30-year-old extended his winning run to seven with a second-round TKO over Ismael Bonfim at UFC Fight Night 111. During his post-fight interview with Paul Felder, Padilla appealed directly to the promotion for support.

«I need money more than anything,» he said. «I’ll fight anyone, but I need to look after my family. It is difficult to sleep knowing they are struggling. I stepped in, I took him out even though...

The US Senate on Sunday advanced a House-approved bill aimed at ending the 40-day federal government shutdown, which has left employees unpaid and disrupted services. The measure will fund the government until January 30 and include three full-year appropriations bills.

If approved by both chambers and signed by President Trump, it will also extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that help low-income Americans afford health insurance. The procedural vote passed 60-40, just enough to overcome a filibuster.

Protections for Federal Workers

The bill prevents federal agencies from firing employees until January 30 and guarantees back pay for all federal staff...

A powerful typhoon known locally as Uwan has caused significant damage in the northern Philippine city of Santiago in Isabela province. Homes were battered while trees and electricity poles were brought down by the storm.

«We could not sleep last night because of the winds slamming into our metal roofing and tree branches falling,» said resident Romeo Mariano, who was sheltering at home with his grandmother.

He added that much of the surrounding vegetation had collapsed and their house had sustained visible damage.

Initial figures from the Civil Defence office indicate that at least...

Washington and Tashkent have reached a series of major agreements covering investment, industrial and energy collaboration as well as a new 30-day visa-free entry period for US citizens. The details were shared in a State Department release following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to the United States on November 6.

Investment in American industry and energy

According to the statement, Uzbekistan plans to direct several billion dollars into the US economy and American companies. A key agreement includes up to $400 mln for projects involving critical minerals and rare earth elements, alongside plans to purchase small modular nuclear...

Lando Norris strengthened his grip on the World Championship with a composed and commanding victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli produced the finest drive of his young career to fend off Max Verstappen in a breathless final lap fight for second place.

The race at Interlagos delivered its usual blend of high drama and strategic uncertainty, with mixed tyre strategies, early collisions and a late chase for the podium combining to produce a captivating afternoon in Sao Paulo. Norris kept his head while the action unfolded behind him and crossed the line more than...

Timur Kapadze, former head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team, has stepped down and will not take part in the team’s upcoming training camp in the United Arab Emirates, according to Championat Asia.

The 44-year-old coach decided to leave the national team, but the reasons for his departure have not been made public.

During his time in charge, Kapadze helped the team achieve major successes, including qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. His leadership marked a period of growth and strong international performances.

Earlier, head coach Fabio Cannavaro confirmed that there were no conflicts with Kapadze.

The Uzbekistan...

Uzbekistan is expanding its collaboration with U.S.-based technology company NVIDIA as part of its plans to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov discussed new areas of partnership with the company’s leadership during his working visit to the United States.

According to the Ministry, the cooperation will focus on three priorities:

training specialists, building AI research capacity, and deploying high-performance computing systems in key sectors of the economy.

One of the planned initiatives is the establishment of a Centre for AI Excellence in Uzbekistan. The facility will offer training for university...

OpenAI has asked the U.S. government to provide loan guarantees to support a large-scale expansion of its computing infrastructure that could ultimately exceed $1 trillion, Barron’s reports.

According to OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Friar, government-backed guarantees would help the company attract the enormous investment required for AI data centres, especially given the uncertain lifespan of such facilities. State support, she noted, would significantly widen the pool of potential lenders, as many banks and financial institutions are subject to strict limits on high-risk financing.

The request comes amid a surge in spending on AI computing capacity, raising questions over...

Uzbekistan’s triathlete Konstantin Belousov claimed a confident victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, held on 9 November 2025 in the Indian state of Goa. Belousov completed the course in 4:25:47, finishing first among more than 1,300 athletes from 31 countries.

This was the fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, which saw a record number of participants. The race began under the flag raised by Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa. Competitors were challenged with the classic middle-distance triathlon format: 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21.1 km run.

Belousov crossed the finish line ahead of contenders from Germany and...

Internet access in Uzbekistan is now near-universal, with nine out of ten residents online. Over the past year, mobile internet speeds increased by 53.4%, while fixed-line broadband grew by 25%, according to the Digital 2026: Uzbekistan report.

Internet Use Becomes the Norm

DataReportal estimates that by the end of 2025, 33.1 million people in Uzbekistan—or 89% of the population—were using the internet. The remaining 11% are mostly rural residents and older age groups who remain offline.

Mobile Connectivity Reaches Almost Everyone

By October 2025, Uzbekistan had 33.9 million active mobile connections, representing 91.1% of the population. According to...

Uzbekistan plans to create a special tax-free zone for artificial intelligence (AI) projects and data centers in the western region of Karakalpakstan, Reuters reports, citing the government.

The initiative targets foreign companies willing to invest $100 mln or more. These investors will receive full exemption from taxes and duties until 2040.

To support the projects, the government will build the necessary infrastructure and provide electricity at preferential rates.

Officials in Tashkent have not yet announced a timeline for the start of construction. Reuters also notes that the government has not disclosed which companies might join the program.

This move...

Uzbekistan has set a new record in its financial history. According to the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country’s combined gold and foreign currency reserves have exceeded $59 bn, marking an unprecedented milestone.

The increase was rapid. In just one month, reserves jumped by more than $4 bn. In October 2025, the total stood at $54.9 bn, and now the figure has reached $59.3 bn.

Gold remains the backbone of Uzbekistan’s financial stability. While the physical volume of gold in reserves has remained steady at 11.9 mln troy ounces, the total value surged to $47.8 billion...

Uzbekistan’s First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva has been named among the 100 most influential women in oncology. The announcement was made by presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov.

The ranking was prepared by OncoDaily, an international platform focused on cancer research and healthcare. The list highlights women who have made a strong impact in oncology and public health.

Experts noted Mirziyoyeva’s work in promoting early detection and treatment of childhood cancers. She supports national programs that improve access to diagnosis and medical treatment for young patients. Her initiatives also include training medical specialists and raising awareness among families.

Mirziyoyeva has played a...

Lando Norris held off Kimi Antonelli to claim victory in a dramatic Sao Paulo Sprint at Interlagos on Saturday, extending his lead in the Drivers’ Championship over team mate Oscar Piastri.

The 24-lap dash began under cloudy skies on a damp track, with drivers splitting between soft and medium slick tyres. Norris, starting on medium tyres from pole, made a strong getaway, while Antonelli struggled slightly off the line but retained second ahead of Piastri and George Russell. Max Verstappen moved up to fifth after passing Fernando Alonso.

Red Flag

Lap two saw early chaos when Bearman was spun...

Olivia Rodrigo has publicly criticised the Trump administration after her music was used without permission in a video shared by the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.

The clip, posted jointly on Instagram, featured her track All-American Bitch from her chart-topping album Guts. The video shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detaining and deporting people, followed by footage of others apparently departing the United States voluntarily while smiling and giving thumbs up. The post urged viewers to «leave now» via a government app or «face the consequences.»

Rodrigo responded in the comments, writing: «don’t ever use my...

Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar lead the field for the 2026 Grammy Awards, while K-Pop makes its debut in the song of the year category. Lamar has the most nominations for the second consecutive year, with nine, including album of the year for GNX. Gaga is nominated for album of the year for Mayhem and has seven nods overall.

Two K-Pop tracks are up for song of the year: Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT, and Huntr/x’s Golden from Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters. Rosé is the first K-Pop idol to be shortlisted for one of the “Big...

Sydney Sweeney is once again at the centre of online debate after new video footage surfaced of her addressing the controversy surrounding her American Eagle campaign from earlier this year.

The advert, which ran with the tagline «Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,» played on the phrase «great genes.» In one clip, the actor, who is blonde and blue-eyed, spoke directly about inherited traits while highlighting her own appearance. Many critics argued the campaign inadvertently upheld notions associated with racial purity and eugenics.

The backlash intensified when the White House publicly defended the advert and President Donald Trump

Uzbekistan has introduced a tax-free zone in its western Karakalpakstan region targeting artificial intelligence and data centre projects, Reuters reports.

Foreign investors committing $100 mln or more will be granted full exemption from taxes and duties until 2040. The government will provide essential infrastructure and offer electricity at reduced rates.

Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region in Uzbekistan’s far west, is one of the poorest areas in the country. It has suffered heavily from the shrinking of the Aral Sea, much of which was diverted for Soviet-era irrigation projects.

The authorities have not specified when construction of the infrastructure will...

US President Donald Trump has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from sanctions on Russian oil and gas, a White House official confirmed to BBC News.

The decision follows discussions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Trump ally, who argued that his landlocked nation faces difficulties sourcing energy from elsewhere. Speaking during Orban’s visit to the White House on November 7, Trump said an exemption was being considered because “it’s very difficult for him [Orban] to get the oil and gas from other areas”.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto later announced on X that Budapest had received “a...