News

Held in Samarkand for the first time, GSMA M360 Eurasia 2026 brought together more than 50 speakers, representatives from more than 40 countries and territories and 250 companies, including telecom operators, technology businesses, investors and public-sector stakeholders. Over half of attendees were director level and above, driving senior-level conversations focused on the future of AI, 5G, cybersecurity and the digital infrastructure of Uzbekistan and the wider Eurasian region.

The event served as a platform for practical dialogue on investment, digital infrastructure and long-term cooperation across Eurasia. Discussions focused on how AI, resilient connectivity, cloud capacity and data-center development are transforming...

Football fans and gamers have a new reason to celebrate as FIFA officially announces FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition. Slated for release on June 11 to perfectly coincide with the start of the 2026 tournament, the game promises to bring the thrill of the World Cup directly to living rooms across the globe.

The ambitious title will feature a staggering 1,248 players representing 48 national teams. Fans will be able to take to the pitch in 16 authentically recreated stadiums located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The extensive roster notably includes the Uzbekistan national squad, giving players...

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the national team’s squad for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. The final roster features a formidable mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, highlighted by the inclusion of iconic forward Neymar.

As the tournament prepares to make history by taking place across three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, the South American giants are gearing up to fight for football’s ultimate prize.

The selected roster

Ancelotti has called upon a deep and versatile group of players to represent the national team:

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson and Weverton.

Defenders: Danilo...

Younger cinema-goers eager to see whether Odysseus finally reaches the shores of Ithaca will need to be accompanied by an adult this summer. Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, has been handed an R-rating by the Motion Picture Association.

While the exact reasons for the restrictive classification remain unconfirmed, it is highly likely that brutal battlefield clashes and visceral encounters with mythological beasts like the Cyclops have contributed to the decision. It is a rare move for a massive summer tentpole release. Studios generally prefer the safety of a PG-13 or PG certificate for action-heavy...

World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov appears remarkably grounded despite his rapid ascent in the chess world, TOI reports. The 20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster is known for his friendly demeanour and genuine interactions with fans, recently sharing insights into his upcoming schedule and his mindset ahead of the highly anticipated match against D Gukesh.

A hectic summer schedule

Sindarov’s calendar is packed with top-tier competitions starting in July. However, he revealed a slight scheduling conflict that highlights his commitment to both team and individual success.

“I will be going to the U.S. for the World Cup...

James Handy, a prolific character actor whose four-decade career included roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, has been killed in a brutal stabbing outside his Los Angeles home. He was 81.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the incident occurred in the Tarzana neighbourhood on the morning of June 3, 2026. The suspected attacker is 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s current partner who also lived at the Erwin Street property.

Authorities from the Robbery-Homicide Division’s Valley Bureau Section are currently spearheading the investigation. According to an official press release, officers were dispatched around 9:30 a.m. after...

Artificial intelligence and youth engagement in environmental governance were among the key themes discussed at Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 in Samarkand on June 4, as experts, policymakers and young activists explored new approaches to climate resilience and sustainable development.

A dedicated session on digital meteorology and artificial intelligence examined how emerging technologies can improve weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and early warning systems. Participants highlighted the growing need for accurate climate data as Central Asia faces increasing climate variability and more frequent extreme weather events.

Representatives of Uzbekistan’s hydrometeorological service, Uzhydromet, presented ongoing efforts to modernize forecasting through...

Uzbekistan is continuing to strengthen its position as a regional transport and logistics hub, driven by rising cargo volumes, expanding rail connections and efforts to improve international trade corridors.

The country’s transport sector has seen significant growth in recent years, supported by investments in rail infrastructure, road networks and multimodal logistics projects aimed at improving connectivity with China, Europe and neighboring Central Asian states. Uzbekistan has also increased container and block train shipments as trade with key partners continues to expand.

Officials have identified the development of international transport corridors as a strategic priority, viewing improved connectivity as...

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to St. Petersburg on June 4–5 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the launch of Uzbekistan’s first integrated nuclear power plant expected to be a centerpiece of the trip.

According to the presidential press service, Mirziyoyev will participate in the plenary session of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where he is expected to discuss global economic trends, Uzbekistan’s development priorities and prospects for expanding economic cooperation with Russia.

The visit will also include bilateral talks with Putin and a ceremony marking the start...

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has highlighted the city’s role as a “super connector” between China and global markets during a business luncheon in Tashkent, calling for deeper economic cooperation with Central Asia.

Speaking to government officials, business leaders and investors in Uzbekistan’s capital, Lee said Hong Kong could serve as a gateway for Central Asian companies seeking access to international finance, trade networks and investment opportunities. He emphasized the city’s position under the “one country, two systems” framework and its role as a bridge between mainland China and the rest of the world.

Lee pointed to...

FIFA has come under fire after making a last-minute scheduling change for a 2026 World Cup match, with critics warning that the decision could expose players and supporters to dangerous temperatures.

The controversy centers on a fixture that was moved to an earlier kickoff time despite forecasts of extreme heat in the host city. Player welfare advocates and football commentators have described the decision as “disgraceful,” arguing that it increases the risk of heat-related illnesses during the tournament.

Medical experts have repeatedly warned that high temperatures and humidity can pose serious health risks to athletes, particularly during high-intensity...

Argentina has renewed its opposition to oil exploration around the Falkland Islands, threatening legal action against a British energy company involved in offshore drilling projects near the disputed territory.

The Argentine government said it would pursue measures against firms operating in waters it considers part of its sovereign territory, escalating a long-running dispute over natural resources in the South Atlantic. The latest warning is aimed at a British oil exploration company seeking to advance development plans in the Falklands.

Buenos Aires maintains its claim to the islands, which it calls the Malvinas, and has repeatedly challenged oil and...

A Northern Ireland YouTuber has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 31 years after murdering his pregnant girlfriend and attempting to cover up the crime with a fake gaming livestream.

Stephen McCullagh, 36, was convicted of killing 32-year-old Natalie McNally at her home in Lurgan in December 2022. Prosecutors said he carefully planned the attack and used a pre-recorded six-hour YouTube broadcast to create the impression that he was at home playing video games at the time of the murder.

Investigators initially accepted the apparent alibi, but cybercrime experts later determined that the...

JJ Slater, the husband of British media personality Katie Price, is reportedly facing legal and financial difficulties after being released from a prison in Dubai, with outstanding costs and penalties said to exceed £100,000.

According to media reports, Slater was detained in the United Arab Emirates following a dispute linked to unpaid debts and financial obligations. His release was reportedly secured after negotiations involving legal representatives and local authorities.

Sources cited by British tabloids claim that the reality TV personality’s husband now faces substantial bills related to the case, including legal fees, settlement costs and other expenses incurred...

FIFA is facing an $18 mln lawsuit after a large football-themed mural in Dallas was painted over as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to court filings in the United States.

The legal action was brought by the artists behind the mural, who claim the artwork was destroyed without proper notice or compensation. The piece had become a well-known landmark in Dallas, one of the host cities for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The plaintiffs argue that the mural was protected under U.S. laws covering artists’ rights and...

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended his decision to attend a UFC event alongside President Donald Trump while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Iran were underway, rejecting criticism that he had neglected diplomatic responsibilities.

The controversy stems from Rubio’s appearance at a UFC event in Miami with Trump and UFC president Dana White while peace talks involving Iran faced setbacks. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argued that senior U.S. officials should have prioritized negotiations over attending a sporting event during a major international crisis.

Rubio responded by saying that diplomacy continued through other channels and...

The American agricultural sector is on high alert after the New World screwworm was detected in a calf in Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the presence of the flesh-eating parasitic fly on Wednesday evening, marking a severe new threat to the national cattle herd, Reuters reports.

The confirmed case occurred in La Pryor, a small town situated roughly 30 miles northeast of the Mexican border. This development is a devastating blow for American cattle ranchers who have spent the last year anxiously monitoring the pest’s steady northward advance through Mexico.

According to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins

Marjane Satrapi, the pioneering Iranian-French artist, animator and Oscar-nominated filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 56, Deadline reports. Close friends and family confirmed the news in a statement sent to the AFP on June 3.

They revealed that the visionary creator died of sadness just over a year after the loss of her husband and frequent collaborator Mattias Ripa. The producer, actor and screenwriter passed away on April 8, 2025.

Early life and exile

Born in the northwestern Iranian city of Rasht on November 22, 1969, Satrapi experienced a comfortable yet politically charged upbringing in Tehran...

Uzbekistan has taken substantial strides in its transition towards sustainable development but still faces considerable hurdles in combating environmental pollution.

These findings were detailed by experts from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) during the presentation of the Fourth Environmental Performance Review in Samarkand.

UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean praised the nation’s efforts, noting that Uzbekistan has executed ambitious reforms and embraced innovative methods to foster green development, renewable energy and nature-based solutions.

Significant green milestones

The country has successfully actioned 77% of previous UNECE recommendations. A key environmental success includes atmospheric pollutant emissions dropping by...

Waldemar Anton is currently drawing significant attention from the Premier League. The Almalyk-born defender, who currently plays for German side Borussia, has reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United scouts.

According to the publication Bulinews, the English heavyweights are prepared to test Borussia’s resolve with a substantial offer of €40.5 mln for the player. This is not the first time the talented centre-back has attracted interest from top-tier European clubs as he was previously on the radar of both Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.

From Almalyk to Bundesliga

Anton’s journey to the heights of European football began in Uzbekistan...

Uzbekistan’s State Assets Management Agency (UzSAMA) announced the winner of its tender to privatise a 100% state stake in the mobile network operator MobiUz, legally known as Universal Mobile Systems.

The successful bidder is an investor consortium led by U.S.-based McKim and Company with the active participation of JVR Enterprises LLC. The agreed deal values the telecom company at $351 mln. Furthermore, the new owners have pledged to invest up to $500 mln into developing and modernising the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.

To facilitate the complex transaction, the Uzbek government brought in a suite of high-profile international consultants. Rothschild...

Mark, a former standout member of the popular K-pop group NCT, has strongly suggested he is preparing for a return to the music industry.

On Wednesday he shared an intriguing video clip via the social media channels of Upper Room, an enterprise widely believed to be his newly formed independent agency.

The musician also linked the new venture in the introduction of his personal social media profile. The launch generated immediate excitement among fans and former colleagues alike. His ex-bandmate Chenle was quick to show his support by leaving firework emojis under one of the three promotional videos uploaded to...

World Cup spectators will be prohibited from bringing reusable water bottles into match venues following a late amendment to FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct. The governing body confirmed the safety-driven policy shift on Thursday, Reuters reports.

The updated regulations, which came into force on Tuesday, reverse a previous guideline that would have permitted fans to carry empty transparent plastic bottles into the grounds. The comprehensive ban now covers all outside bottles, cups, jars and cans to eliminate the risk of items being thrown and causing potential injury.

In a statement provided to Reuters, FIFA emphasised its absolute dedication to...

Citizens of Uzbekistan and Hong Kong will soon be able to visit each other’s territories without requiring a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This development in travel policy emerged from recent high-level talks designed to deepen bilateral ties.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu shared the news following successful discussions with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. During their meeting, the two leaders exchanged a formal verbal note to seal their commitment to the initiative.

Both administrations are keen to see the new travel rules take effect swiftly. Lee Ka-chiu confirmed that government representatives...