News

The name of Hande Ercel has found itself at the center of a high-profile investigation in Turkey. On March 25, local media reported that the actress has been summoned for questioning in a case related to drugs. This is not about a verdict or an arrest, the Istanbul police is conducting a review and collecting testimonies from those involved.

What the allegations are about

According to the investigation, 16 people are involved in the case. Among them are billionaires Hakan Sabancı and Kerim Sabancı, former presidents of football clubs «Besiktas» and «Galatasaray,» former footballer Ferhat Aydın...

Max Verstappen refused to begin his media session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix until a journalist he had previously clashed with left the room.

The four-time world champion halted proceedings at Red Bull’s hospitality unit in Suzuka, insisting that Giles Richards leave before he would answer any questions. Once the reporter exited, Verstappen continued the session as normal.

The tension dates back to last season, when Verstappen lost the title by two points to Lando Norris. During a media exchange in Abu Dhabi, Richards asked whether Verstappen regretted an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he...

Leonid Radvinsky, the Ukrainian-American entrepreneur who transformed OnlyFans into a global digital platform, has died at the age of 43 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

His death was confirmed by OnlyFans in an official statement on March 23. The company said Radvinsky passed away peacefully, adding that his family has requested privacy.

Radvinsky acquired a majority stake in the platform’s parent company, Fenix International Limited, in 2018 and played a central role in reshaping its business model. Under his leadership, OnlyFans shifted toward a subscription-based system focused largely on adult content, driving rapid global growth.

The platform...

President of the United States Donald Trump has sent a letter to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In his message, Trump praised Mirziyoyev’s participation in February’s inaugural Peace Council session and highlighted the Uzbek leader’s impressive achievements in his country. The letter also expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan.

Trump extended an invitation to Mirziyoyev to attend the next Peace Council meeting and the upcoming G20 summit in Miami.

The message concluded with a blessing for Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan: «May God bless you and the great people of Uzbekistan.»

Uganda could enter the conflict against Iran if Israel faces danger or defeat, said Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the country’s People’s Defence Forces.

He also called for an end to the Middle East war, stating:

«The world is tired of it. But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel.»

Kainerugaba also expressed gratitude to Israeli authorities for supporting Uganda during the 1980s and 1990s. His remarks sparked debate online, with some users arguing that national interests should come first.

Previously, Muhoozi Kainerugaba...

Singer Cruz Beckham left his brother Romeo in tears during a recent gig, performing a song believed to reflect on their estranged sibling Brooklyn.

Romeo, along with parents David and Victoria Beckham, attended the sold-out show on Tuesday at The Courtyard Theatre in East London to support Cruz. Witnesses reported seeing 23-year-old Romeo visibly moved, wiping away tears as Cruz, 21, performed «Loneliest Boy» with his band The Breakers.

The song’s chorus includes lines such as:

«Loneliest boy, mama don’t talk too much, it’s breaking her heart. It shows in the small things that you don’t...

The United Nations (UN) and Uzbekistan have officially closed their 2021–2025 cooperation cycle, presenting a comprehensive review of achievements. The five-year partnership delivered notable progress in social welfare, digital services, healthcare, education and environmental sustainability.

Social support, digital services and infrastructure modernisation

By 2025, around 200,000 people had received vital social assistance, and groundwork was laid for state maternity benefits. Digitalisation became a core reform, giving 12.8 mln citizens access to faster and more convenient government services.

In healthcare, 1.8 mln women and newborns received specialised care, strengthening maternal and child health systems. Schools across the country introduced...

Global spending on aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul is expected to increase from $140 bn in 2026 to $193 bn by 2036, according to figures presented at the MRO Central Asia Conference Uzbekistan 2026.

Maintenance costs account for roughly 10 to 13% of airlines’ operating expenses, with the strongest growth anticipated in engine servicing, component repairs and airframe maintenance.

Separate estimates from Spherical Insights suggest the global aircraft maintenance market could reach $139.4 bn by 2033, expanding at an average annual rate of about 4.6%.

The sector covers both line and heavy maintenance, as well as engine and component repairs...

Trade ministers are set to meet in Cameroon on Thursday for four days of negotiations on reforming the World Trade Organization, amid warnings that failure could push countries to set trade rules outside the body.

The meeting in Yaounde comes at a time of heightened global tension, including disruption linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and ongoing tariff disputes following aggressive trade measures introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Economic Risks and Divisions

John Denton, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, warned the situation could escalate into «the worst industrial crisis in living memory,» citing...

Uzbekistan is set to open the Enterprise Uzbekistan International Digital Technology Centre, officials announced during a presentation attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The centre will operate under a special legal framework until 2100, offering a platform for companies to test new technologies securely, pay staff in foreign currency, apply international labour standards and manage personal data under modern rules.

Incentives for Growth and Investment

The initiative aims to create favourable conditions for startups, protect intellectual property, attract investment and expand exports. Participating companies will receive tax and customs benefits to support faster and more profitable growth.

By...

More than 10 banks in Uzbekistan are preparing to introduce Islamic banking services, Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov said in an interview with Uzbekistan 24.

He noted that once the relevant law is approved, the regulator will begin drafting the framework needed to build the country’s Islamic finance infrastructure. The Senate approved the legislation in early February, and it is now under review by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Under the proposed law, banks will be able to operate fully in line with Islamic principles or combine them with conventional services. Islamic finance councils will also be established at the Central Bank...

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Iran signalled it could target another key maritime route if the United States expands its military operations.

According to Iranian media, a military source warned that Tehran may launch attacks in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic chokepoint between Djibouti and Yemen, in response to potential US actions on Iranian territory. The area has previously seen attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces on commercial vessels.

The warning comes amid reports that the United States has presented a 15-point proposal aimed at de-escalating the conflict. However, uncertainty remains over whether diplomatic...

Uzbekistan is exploring a new insurance approach aimed at protecting informal workers in the construction sector, following discussions supported by the International Labour Organization.

The proposal was outlined during a tripartite roundtable held in February, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, trade unions and employer organisations. Participants highlighted that many construction workers, particularly those who are self-employed or not officially registered, remain outside existing insurance systems.

To address this gap, stakeholders are considering a site-based insurance model, where a single policy would cover all workers on a construction site. Under this approach, premiums...

Customs officials in Uzbekistan have intercepted a major drug shipment in the southern Surkhandarya Region, uncovering more than 72 kilograms of hashish concealed inside imitation potatoes.

The discovery was made at the Termez-Autonomous Border Crossing during a joint operation involving customs authorities and border troops from the State Security Service.

According to initial reports, officers inspecting a truck found 222 artificial potatoes, each packed with narcotics. In total, the seized substances weighed approximately 72.3 kilograms.

Authorities believe the shipment was intended for export to another country. An investigation has been launched to determine those responsible and trace the...

Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro is set to lead Uzbekistan onto the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, embracing what he describes as a unique and inspiring challenge.

The former Italy captain, who lifted the trophy at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, took charge of Uzbekistan’s national team in late 2025, shortly after the country secured its first-ever qualification for the tournament.

Speaking about the experience, Cannavaro highlighted his desire to explore new football cultures and perspectives.

«I like to broaden my horizons,» he said, noting that his coaching journey across...

Wildlife experts and government officials in Tashkent have taken new steps to strengthen the care of animals rescued from illegal trafficking, following a specialised training held in February.

The two-day workshop was organised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in partnership with the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan under the CARE (Confiscated Animals Rescue and Enforcement) program.

Participants included representatives from the Tashkent Zoo, the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, and other key institutions involved in handling trafficked wildlife. The training focused on improving frontline response, equipping specialists with skills...

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate discussions with counterparts from Uzbekistan and Cyprus, focusing on regional tensions and diplomatic coordination.

During a phone call, Bakhtiyor Saidov and Prince Faisal reviewed the latest developments in the region and ongoing efforts to address them.

On the same day in Riyadh, the Saudi minister met with Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The talks covered bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Both meetings also addressed regional escalations and joint efforts aimed at easing tensions, underscoring continued diplomatic engagement between Saudi...

A major four-season resort development in Uzbekistan’s Chimgan is moving into its final stage, as French engineering group MND advances construction of one of Central Asia’s first year-round mountain destinations.

Two years after the project began, most approvals have been secured and large-scale logistics operations are nearing completion. Nearly 200 out of around 300 planned equipment deliveries have already been dispatched from France, with the remaining shipments expected in the coming months.

Despite harsh winter conditions, construction has continued steadily, with several key infrastructure components now taking shape. These include a 10-passenger gondola lift scheduled to open in...

The wizarding world is officially returning to the screen. HBO has unveiled the first trailer for its highly anticipated Harry Potter television reboot, offering fans a fresh, yet familiar, journey back to Hogwarts.

Here’s a complete, up-to-date look at everything revealed so far.

What the Trailer Reveals

The two-minute teaser retraces the earliest steps of Harry’s story, from life with the Dursleys to his arrival at Hogwarts.

We see the iconic cupboard under the stairs, where Harry lives before discovering his magical identity. Aunt Petunia is heard dismissing him as «nothing special,» just as his Hogwarts letter arrives, setting...

11-year-old Yasmina Khusniddinova from Tashkent successfully passed the audition for Britain’s Got Talent. All four judges voted for her to advance to the next round.

The young singer performed the challenging song Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. Amanda Holden praised her remarkable vocal control, while Alesha Dixon was impressed by her ability to hit and hold high notes. The show’s organisers noted:

«She may be small, but her voice is very strong!»

Yasmina studies at Tashkent Music School No. 1. She has already won Grand Prix awards at international competitions, including the Slavianski...

Dr Edna Foa, who recently passed away, was a leading expert in PTSD and the developer of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy.

PE helps patients gradually confront memories, feelings, and situations linked to trauma, allowing them to emotionally process and reduce PTSD symptoms. Studies show it is effective for 65% to 80% of clients.

Initially met with scepticism, PE is now widely taught because it is simple, logical, and effective.

Research and Impact

Dr Foa’s research, starting in 1991, demonstrated PE’s effectiveness over other therapies. Shorter sessions achieved the same results as the original long exposures. PE also reduces depression...

«Spider-Man: Brand New Day» has set a new benchmark after its trailer surpassed one bn views within four days of release, becoming the first film trailer to reach the milestone.

The trailer’s initial performance was equally historic, generating 718.6 mln views in its first 24 hours, the highest debut for any film or video game. Within eight hours, it had already amassed 373 mln views worldwide.

The new Spider-Man instalment has overtaken previous record holders, including «Deadpool and Wolverine», which reached 365 mln views in 24 hours after its Super Bowl debut in 2024. It also exceeded the launch...

Fernando Alonso will miss Thursday’s media duties at the Japanese Grand Prix after the birth of his first child. Aston Martin said the two-time world champion would arrive later than planned for «personal family reasons», with confirmation that his partner Melissa Jimenez has given birth.

The team added that Alonso will be at Suzuka in time for Friday, although he is not scheduled to take part in the opening practice session. Reserve driver Jak Crawford is set to drive the car as part of the team’s required rookie programme.

Difficult Start For Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso’s delayed arrival...

HBO has released the first look at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from its upcoming «Harry Potter» television series.

The design has been created by production designer Mara LePere-Schloop, known for her work on «Interview With the Vampire» and «Pachinko». The series is currently in production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom.

The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, alongside Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. Other key roles feature John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as...