News

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...

The Uzbek government is establishing a special project office to regulate the domestic ferrous metallurgy market and combat illicit scrap metal trading.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the initiative during an industry development meeting, ordering the new regulatory body to become operational within a month.

To support the office’s oversight capabilities, authorities will launch a real-time electronic monitoring platform called E-lom in August. The system will track all ferrous metal transactions to promote market competition, stabilise prices and tighten industry control.

The project office will conduct daily analyses of the metal sector. Its mandate includes tracking raw material supply...

Uzbekistan has secured an agreement with Chinese partners to extract 650,000 tonnes of iron ore annually from the Surun-Ota deposit.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the joint venture during a government meeting focused on expanding the domestic metallurgical industry. The initiative capitalises on the country’s estimated 1.5 bn tonnes of iron ore reserves.

Under the agreed timeline, the Surun-Ota site will begin supplying iron ore concentrate to the Bekabad metallurgical plant by 2027. Mirziyoyev noted that launching the separate Tebinbulak deposit within the next four years will enable the production of up to 1 mln tonnes of steel annually.

Rihanna made a rare live appearance during the final night of Jay-Z‘s “Extra Innings” concert series at Yankee Stadium, joining the rapper on stage to perform two hit songs.

The singer emerged before thousands of fans to perform “Bitch Better Have My Money” and her collaboration with Jay-Z, “Run This Town.” Videos of the performance quickly spread online, capturing the crowd’s enthusiastic response and widespread singing.

Rihanna performing «B*tch Better Have My Money» at Jay-Z’s sold-out show tonight. pic.twitter.com/9o4tmg5Q1W

— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) July 13, 2026

The performance capped off a three-night residency at the historic...

Italian manager Fabio Cannavaro will remain in charge of the Uzbekistan national football team as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The confirmation follows speculation initiated by journalist Aleksandr Troitsky, who reported rumours that a different specialist would lead the team into the regional tournament. Troitsky later walked back the claims after receiving official denials regarding the Italian’s dismissal, noting that sacking Cannavaro at this stage would represent an administrative failure by the football association.

Despite a wave of negative public reactions online following recent performances, retaining the manager is viewed internally as the...

Screen legend Sam Neill passed away on July 13 in Sydney at the age of 78. Relatives announced the sudden loss via a public statement, expressing immense gratitude to healthcare workers at St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

The tragedy arrives shortly after the New Zealand actor publicly announced he was in remission following a gruelling treatment regimen for a rare blood cancer discovered two years prior.

Born to a military household in Northern Ireland, Nigel John Dermot Neill crossed the globe to settle in New Zealand when he was seven years old. His relatives already managed a successful liquor enterprise...

The hit tvN reality series “The Village Barber” is returning for a second season this November with a revamped cast.

Network officials confirmed the renewal on July 13, following earlier reports that production will commence in late August. Original cast members Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang Yi are set to reprise their roles. Ko Kyung Pyo will join the line-up to replace Kwak Dong Yeon, who is unavailable for the upcoming instalment.

The premise centres on Park, who earned a national technical barbering certification during his mandatory military service. The programme follows the actor operating a...

Canadian rapper Drake recently followed BTS member Jungkook on Instagram, prompting intense online speculation regarding a potential musical collaboration between the two global stars.

Fans noticed the social media update on Friday. Jungkook currently stands as the only K-pop artist on the Canadian hitmaker’s following list. Industry observers quickly pointed out that the rapper frequently connects with other musicians online shortly before announcing joint projects.

The digital interaction stems from a series of recent public acknowledgements. In May, Drake directly referenced the South Korean boyband in his track “Make Them Cry,” rapping about how his career trajectory mirrored their massive...

A rapidly spreading fire at a popular Bangkok bar killed 27 people and hospitalised more than 60 others late Sunday.

The blaze erupted near the stage of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao in the Chatuchak district just before midnight. Plunging the venue into darkness, the fire sent panicked patrons fleeing through the flame-engulfed front entrance.

Firefighters brought the emergency under control within 30 minutes. However, rescue teams discovered most of the deceased, nine men and 18 women, trapped inside a bathroom where they had sought refuge.

Suriyachai Raviwan, director of Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department, stated initial findings indicate the...

Two batches of fresh apples weighing 39.7 tonnes have been exported from Yan’an to Uzbekistan through the Khorgos border crossing in the Xinjiang region, Xinhua reports.

This marks the first time the northwestern Chinese city has shipped its signature agricultural product to the Central Asian nation. The General Administration of Customs reported the milestone as a key development in expanding the area’s trade footprint under the Belt and Road initiative.

Situated on the Loess Plateau, Yan’an is a major apple-growing hub. While domestic sales remain stable, producers are increasingly looking abroad and currently export to 26 countries including Canada...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a constitutional law establishing the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TMFC), an economic zone operating exclusively under English common law.

The legislation provides a distinct regulatory environment designed to attract foreign capital by offering an internationally recognised legal framework.

“This is one of the most important economic news items of the year and the result of reforms we have been working towards for almost 10 years,” said Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the presidential administration.

The designated territory will feature an independent commercial court alongside alternative dispute resolution mechanisms aligned with...