News

England captain Harry Kane has played down suggestions of a rift between manager Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham, insisting the coach’s criticism is intended to push the team to improve rather than create division.

The debate followed England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, when Tuchel publicly criticised his side’s performance despite reaching the last four. Bellingham, who scored both goals, defended the team’s display, pointing to the difficult weather conditions and the quality of Norway’s attack.

Speaking before the semi-final against Argentina, Kane backed Tuchel’s approach, saying the England boss “just wants to...

Hungary’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment that will remove President Tamas Sulyok from office, marking one of the most significant political reforms since Prime Minister Peter Magyar‘s government replaced Viktor Orban earlier this year.

The amendment, adopted by a vote of 139 to 6, enables parliament to elect a new head of state and introduces a series of reforms aimed at dismantling institutions established during Orban’s 16 years in power. The package also includes judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures and term limits for lawmakers.

Sulyok, an Orban ally appointed in 2024, has refused calls to resign and now...

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been reported to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over allegations that his conduct during the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have breached the organisation’s principles of political neutrality.

The complaint, filed by human rights group FairSquare, centres on claims that political influence played a role in overturning a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun following intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump. FairSquare also raised concerns over Infantino’s broader relationship with Trump and questioned whether FIFA’s political neutrality rules had been compromised.

FIFA has denied any improper involvement, stating that the decision to...

FIFA has made a rare exception to its strict World Cup branding rules ahead of the semi-final between England and Argentina by allowing the iconic Mercedes-Benz logo to remain visible at Atlanta Stadium.

Under normal tournament regulations, all commercial branding that conflicts with FIFA sponsors must be removed or covered during World Cup matches. However, officials determined that concealing the large Mercedes-Benz emblem built into the stadium’s retractable roof could pose engineering and structural risks. As a result, the venue received a special exemption.

The decision marks the only known exception among the 16 World Cup venues across...

Fitch Ratings upgraded UzAuto Motors’ long-term rating from “BB-” to “BB” with a stable outlook, projecting the average price of its vehicles will remain around $10,800 between 2026 and 2028.

The agency expects the automaker to increase sales by 1.3% in 2026 to reach 400,000 units. Supported by stable pricing, revenue is forecast to grow to $4.4 bn this year and hit $4.7 bn by 2029.

The rating upgrade follows the company’s successful Eurobond refinancing and improved liquidity. Last autumn, UzAuto Motors issued $350 mln in Eurobonds maturing in 2030, using the proceeds to retire previous securities and bank...

Businesses operating within the newly established Tashkent International Financial Centre (TMFC) face penalties of up to $10 mln for breaching regulatory requirements under a constitutional law enacted on July 13.

Alternatively, authorities can fine non-compliant entities up to 10% of the transaction value linked to the violation. The legislation formally designates the zone as a special territory governed by a bespoke legal framework operating exclusively in English.

The hub will feature an independent commercial court, a governing council, an administrative body and a dedicated financial services authority. This independent regulator holds the power to draft and implement its own...

“This Morning” presenter Alison Hammond has ruled out marrying her partner David Putman despite describing their three-year relationship as incredibly strong.

The 51-year-old broadcaster confirmed she has no plans for a wedding with the 28-year-old Russian model and massage therapist. Speaking to The Mirror, Hammond explained that a formal union is unnecessary for the couple.

“We don’t need to,” Hammond said regarding marriage. “We’re both cool.”

The television anchor described the romance as effortless. She emphasised that Putman accepts her authentically and they consciously choose each other daily.

Addressing the 22-year age gap that...

The extended British royal family has grown following the birth of a baby girl to art professional Flora Vesterberg and her spouse Timothy, who works in finance.

Taking to social media to broadcast the news, the King’s third cousin revealed their infant arrived on the morning of July 8. An accompanying online photograph showed the newborn resting in a traditional white gown and a knitted headpiece.

The couple named the child Isabel Marina. According to the mother’s public statement, the first name represents a divine gift while the middle title serves as a direct tribute to her paternal great-grandmother...

When the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Centre Court for the men’s singles tennis final on July 12, they were greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. Accompanying them was 11-year-old Princess Charlotte.

Dressed in a cornflower blue frock featuring ruffled sleeves, the young royal accessorised her summer outfit with a nautical-themed piece from Accessorize by M&S. Royal observers quickly noted that this particular wristwear mirrored a deeply personal habit once practised by her late grandmother.

Following her 1981 wedding, Princess Diana began curating a special gold chain gifted by her husband. Over their initial decade of marriage...

The first live image of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has surfaced online ahead of its official July 22 Unpacked event in London.

Weibo user Engage Machine Wang Tengxiao shared the photograph, noting the smartphone is already on display in Samsung’s South Korean retail stores. The image reveals a redesigned structure featuring a new two-section black hinge. Preliminary information indicates Samsung reworked the folding mechanism to improve durability and minimise the internal display crease while reinforcing the screen’s protective layers.

Tipster Debayan Roy provided additional hardware details. The device reportedly features a 5.4-inch OLED cover display alongside a...

Telegram’s widely used t.me short links have stopped functioning in web browsers following an unexpected Domain Name System (DNS) disconnection.

The messaging platform has quietly updated its link-sharing mechanism in response. When users copy links to chats, channels or profiles, the application now generates URLs using the telegram.me format instead of the standard t.me prefix.

While the short links fail to load in external browsers, the Telegram application remains fully operational. Internal link routing within the app is unaffected, and the primary telegram.me and telegram.org websites remain accessible.

The disruption stems from the t.me domain being dropped from the...

“Heated Rivalry” actor Hudson Williams confronted a group of autograph seekers who followed him to a temporary private residence in Paris. A video of the Monday altercation quickly went viral on social media, showing the visibly frustrated star rebuking the crowd.

As Williams exited a vehicle, individuals approached him with photographs requesting his signature. The actor confiscated the items and chastised the group for tracking him down.

“Guys, you just followed me to my residence,” he said in the footage.

As the group attempted to apologise, he refused to accept their excuses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has upgraded its cotton production forecast for Uzbekistan for the 2026/27 marketing season.

According to the July edition of “Cotton: World Markets and Trade”, the Central Asian nation will be among the key drivers of global output growth in the upcoming agricultural cycle.

The USDA estimates that Uzbekistan’s cotton fibre production will increase by 3% from 3.3 mln to 3.4 mln bales. This volume translates to roughly 740,000 tonnes compared with 718,000 tonnes the previous year.

Improved agricultural efficiency rather than expanded cultivation will drive the domestic growth. The total harvest area is projected to...

TWICE member Tzuyu is currently negotiating her contract renewal with JYP Entertainment following conflicting reports regarding her future at the South Korean agency.

Initial reports on Tuesday claimed the 27-year-old singer had decided to part ways with the company after 11 years while maintaining her position in the popular girl group. However, JYP Entertainment quickly clarified that nothing has been finalised.

“Currently, TWICE is in the contract renewal discussion period,” an agency representative told local media. “We will inform you as soon as the matter is confirmed.”

The Taiwanese artist debuted with TWICE...

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply after renewed military strikes between the United States and Iran heightened security concerns in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Shipping data showed tanker traffic dropped to its lowest level in weeks as operators delayed voyages or sought alternative routes amid fears of further attacks. Some vessels also switched off their automatic tracking systems while transiting the area to reduce security risks.

The latest disruption follows a new exchange of strikes between Washington and Tehran, with both sides accusing each other of threatening freedom of navigation...

Tajikistan remains the least urbanised country in Central Asia, with only 27.98% of its population living in urban areas, according to new regional analysis. The figure means that nearly three-quarters of the country’s residents continue to live in rural communities.

The report contrasts Tajikistan with its neighbours, where urbanisation has progressed much further. Around 59% of Kazakhstan’s population lives in cities, compared with approximately 52% in Turkmenistan, 50% in Uzbekistan and 38% in Kyrgyzstan. Analysts attribute Tajikistan’s slower urban growth to its continued reliance on agriculture and rural livelihoods, where farming and small-scale businesses remain the main sources...

Workers from Central Asia accounted for 78.5% of all UK Seasonal Worker visas issued in 2025, highlighting the region’s growing role in supporting Britain’s agricultural sector.

According to UK government data, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan supplied the majority of temporary farm workers, replacing Ukraine as the leading source of seasonal labour following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The shift has also been influenced by tighter migration rules in Russia, prompting more Central Asians to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.

Despite the growing demand, the Seasonal Worker visa remains limited to six months and does not provide a pathway...

Trade union leaders from across Central Asia have gathered to discuss how the region’s rapid industrial growth and rising foreign investment can deliver better protections and benefits for workers.

The meeting, organised by IndustriALL Global Union, brought together more than 50 representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Delegates focused on strengthening collective bargaining, improving workplace safety and ensuring employees receive a fair share of the economic gains generated by expanding investment in sectors such as mining, manufacturing and energy.

Participants also highlighted concerns over low wages, unsafe working conditions and the need for stronger social dialogue...

Britain’s counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe after new evidence emerged during the inquiry.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Devon last week. Police initially launched a murder investigation before transferring the case to Counter Terrorism Policing South East. Authorities said the move followed the discovery of new evidence but have not disclosed further details about the suspected motive.

A 28-year-old man, who had previously been arrested on suspicion of murder, has been re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related...

Switzerland’s World Cup quarter-final exit to Argentina was overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that resulted in the tournament’s first-ever red card issued following a video review.

With the match level at 1-1 in the 72nd minute, referee Joao Pinheiro overturned an initial booking for Argentina’s Leandro Paredes after consulting VAR. Instead, Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation, reducing the Swiss to 10 men. Swiss coach Murat Yakin condemned the decision, saying there was “no reason” to caution Embolo and describing the incident as a turning point in the match.

Argentina capitalised...

The latest episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 has sparked discussion among fans after Lord Ormund Hightower orders a soldier to be “gelded” as punishment for attempting to sexually assault a woman in Tumbleton.

The term “gelded” refers to the removal of a man’s testicles, a severe form of castration historically used as punishment or to ensure loyalty and obedience. In the episode, Ormund sentences the offending soldier to the punishment while also ordering that his arm be broken, demonstrating the harsh discipline imposed within his ranks.

The scene underscores the brutal justice system of Westeros...

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. He died unexpectedly in Sydney on Monday.

In a statement shared on the actor’s social media accounts, Neill’s family said his death was «sudden and unexpected.» They added that he had remained cancer-free following his treatment for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which he revealed publicly in 2023. No cause of death was disclosed.

Neill enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades, earning acclaim for performances in...

England’s controversial equaliser against Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final has been upheld after FIFA said match technology found no evidence that the ball struck an overhead camera cable before Jude Bellingham scored.

Norway players and coach Stale Solbakken argued that goalkeeper Orjan Nyland‘s long clearance clipped a spidercam cable, causing the ball to drop unexpectedly and helping England launch the attack that led to Bellingham’s first goal. FIFA, however, said data from the tournament’s Connected Ball technology showed no contact with any external object during the move.

The incident, dubbed “Cablegate” by fans and media, sparked...

A new BBC documentary, The Tech Billionaire Takeover, takes viewers inside the world of cryptocurrency billionaires, libertarian activists and self-proclaimed «tech bros,» exploring how their wealth and influence are reshaping politics and democratic institutions.

Presented by journalist Matt Shea, the documentary investigates the growing political power of crypto entrepreneurs, arguing that digital fortunes are increasingly being used to shape public policy, fund political campaigns and promote alternative systems of governance. The film also visits Liberland, a self-declared micronation backed by crypto enthusiasts, and examines the intersection of technology, finance and ideology.

Despite tackling serious themes, reviewers describe the...