News

Global oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel as tensions between the United States and Iran continue despite an extended ceasefire.

Brent crude oil rose sharply amid uncertainty over the stability of the truce announced by Donald Trump, who said the ceasefire would remain open-ended but acknowledged there was no clear timeline for a full resolution.

Ceasefire fails to calm markets

Despite the extension, Iran has accused the U.S. and its allies of violating the agreement. Tehran’s negotiators have заявили that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, preventing the resumption of normal oil shipments.

The...

Pope Leo XIV has returned to Rome after an 11-day tour of Africa that combined religious outreach with strong political messaging, including a public clash with Donald Trump.

A high-profile African tour

The visit spanned four countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, underscoring Africa’s growing importance to the Catholic Church. The Pope called for social justice, condemning inequality, exploitation and authoritarianism during public addresses.

Focus on human rights

One of the most symbolic moments came during a visit to Bata Prison in Equatorial Guinea, where inmates greeted the pontiff while calling for freedom. The...

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson is expanding his international profile with a US tour, building connections with figures linked to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Growing presence in the US

Robinson’s visit includes speaking events, podcast appearances, and meetings with conservative politicians across the United States. During the tour, he has promoted an upcoming rally in London, positioning himself as a prominent critic of immigration and multiculturalism in the UK.

Diplomatic concerns

His entry into the US has sparked controversy in Britain, as Robinson had previously faced restrictions over passport-related offences. Reports that allies of...

Uzbekistan is strengthening its role in the global uranium market through the adoption of advanced in-situ recovery (ISR) technology, transforming how the resource is extracted and processed.

The country is currently among the world’s top uranium producers, with output reaching around 7,000 tonnes in 2025, driven largely by operations of state-owned company Navoiyuran.

Shift to modern mining methods

ISR technology, widely used in Uzbekistan, allows uranium to be extracted by injecting a solution underground to dissolve the mineral, which is then pumped to the surface. This method significantly reduces the need for traditional mining infrastructure such as...

A major railway project linking China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan could pose serious risks to endangered wildlife, including the snow leopard, according to a new research paper.

The study warns that the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway would pass through key habitats in Kyrgyzstan, potentially fragmenting ecosystems and disrupting biodiversity in high-mountain regions.

Threat to vulnerable species

The snow leopard, classified as a vulnerable species, relies on vast, connected mountain landscapes across Central Asia. Researchers say the planned railway corridor cuts through one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important habitats, raising concerns about long-term ecological damage.

The report highlights risks including habitat...

Officials from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have discussed expanding economic cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, and joint development projects.

Mikayil Jabbarov met with Laziz Kudratov as co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission.

Focus on investment and trade

The talks highlighted the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and their commitment to strengthening economic ties. Both sides explored opportunities to increase mutual investments and boost trade turnover.

Joint projects and industry cooperation

Ministers also discussed the implementation of joint investment and infrastructure projects, alongside plans to expand industrial cooperation across key sectors.

Officials said the dialogue reflects...

An international forum titled «Countering Transnational Drug Threats for the Health and Safety of Society» was held in Samarkand on April 20–21, bringing together global experts to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking.

The event was organised by the Agency for Control of Narcotics and Firearms in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Around 500 participants attended, including representatives from major international organisations such as the WHO, OSCE, SCO, CIS, and the World Customs Organization.

Focus on global cooperation

Participants discussed strategies to combat transnational drug networks, improve law enforcement coordination, and enhance...

A newly released autopsy report has laid bare the horrific circumstances surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, BBC reports. The teenager, whose dismembered remains were discovered in a vehicle belonging to the pop singer D4vd, died from multiple penetrating injuries to her upper body.

Following a months-long delay, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office unsealed documents on Wednesday that officially ruled the death a homicide. The detailed findings provide the first comprehensive look at the brutal nature of the crime that has resulted in first-degree murder charges against 21-year-old musician David Anthony Burke.

Injuries...

Production for the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the smash-hit video game Elden Ring is officially underway.

Acclaimed independent studio A24 is currently leading the extensive filming process on location in London ahead of a scheduled worldwide premiere in March 2028.

Recently, the internet was set ablaze when a trove of leaked photographs and videos surfaced from the tightly guarded set. Paparazzi managed to capture striking images of actress Emma Laird, recently known for her work in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Adorned in lavish regal attire and flanked by an entourage of nobles and heavily armed guards...

In 2026, the number of Russian billionaires in the global Forbes ranking reached 155, with a combined wealth of $696.5 bn. For comparison, a year earlier there were 146 billionaires with total assets of $625.5 bn.

«Over the year, the number increased by nine people. This is primarily due to the slowdown of the Russian economy caused by the Central Bank’s high key interest rate and sanctions pressure. At the same time, the weakening of the dollar worked in favour of Russian billionaires — the ruble strengthened by 16% over the year,» the publication noted.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has mobilised a staggering $1.2 bn in combined private and partner capital to bankroll landmark renewable energy projects in Uzbekistan.

Detailed in the institution’s newly released 2025 Annual Report, this massive financial injection underscores a decisive shift towards green infrastructure and sustainable private sector growth across Central Asia.

Uzbekistan: A billion-dollar solar hub

To help unlock the republic’s green energy potential, the $1.2 bn funding block was directed primarily towards two massive 500-megawatt solar energy facilities. The push for public-private partnerships yielded further significant results as the bank achieved financial closure on a...

BTS leader RM is currently embroiled in controversy following allegations that he repeatedly violated local smoking regulations during a recent night out in Tokyo. The claims surfaced shortly after the South Korean megastars concluded their two-night stint at the Tokyo Dome.

According to a detailed report published by the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun, the 32-year-old rapper was spotted flouting strict public health rules in the bustling Shibuya district. The publication alleges that RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, spent several hours socialising and moving between various local bars and izakayas with acquaintances.

Ignored warnings and littering...

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul has issued a formal statement regarding the death of Uzbek national Nozima Kim in South Korea following significant uproar and speculation across social media platforms.

Diplomats confirmed that they have been working closely with South Korean law enforcement from the very first day to determine the exact circumstances and causes surrounding the woman’s passing.

Officials added that the deceased’s mother recently travelled to South Korea. Upon her arrival she held a meeting with her legal representative, embassy staff and the local police officers in Pyeongtaek who are currently spearheading the investigation.

Forensic...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has officially opened correspondent accounts in both the national soum and foreign currencies for Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI). The national financial regulator announced the development via its official Telegram channel.

A spokesperson for the press service described the move as another vital stride in advancing Uzbekistan’s domestic financial market and successfully embedding it into the broader global financial architecture.

Providing account access to a prominent foreign lender is explicitly designed to accelerate investor engagement within the secondary market for government securities. Authorities expect that the resulting spike in trading volumes will be instrumental...

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, has been appointed to lead the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) for the 2027–2029 term.

The decision was finalised during a summit of member states on April 22, chaired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and attended by the leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

The high-level talks predominantly focused on the current state of the Aral Sea alongside broader regional challenges concerning water resources, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Addressing the summit, Mirziyoyev cautioned that the compounding effects of climate change and surging consumption are drastically complicating the region’s...

Darrell Sheets, a beloved original cast member of the hit reality television programme Storage Wars, has died at the age of 67, Variety reports. Police have stated the cause of death appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officers from the Lake Havasu City Police Department were called to a residence on Chandler Drive in Arizona during the early hours of April 22, 2026 following reports of a deceased individual. Upon arrival they discovered Sheets with a fatal head injury.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has since been transferred to the Mohave County Medical...

As part of its business trip, the insurance company «Uzbekinvest» held a series of negotiations with the heads of leading export credit agencies in Northern Europe — the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) in Copenhagen, Denmark; Exportkreditnämnden (EKN) in Stockholm, Sweden; and Finnvera in Helsinki, Finland.

As a result of these business meetings:

Following a series of scrapped performances across the UK, Switzerland, France and Poland, Kanye West’s attempt to bring his latest tour to Italy has ignited a fierce political firestorm, Variety reports.

The controversial American artist, now operating under the moniker Ye, is drawing heavy criticism over his scheduled headline slot due to his well-documented history of making antisemitic statements.

The gig is scheduled in for July 18 at the 103,000-capacity RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy. According to promoters, this would mark one of the grandest standalone shows of the rapper’s entire career.

However, the choice of venue...

During the recent Regional Environmental Summit, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, made a call to establish a pioneering interstate consortium named “Clean Air of Central Asia”.

According to the president, this collaborative body would function as a joint operator for green finance. Its primary objective would be to fund the modernisation of industrial facilities and facilitate the rollout of advanced emission purification systems across the region.

Addressing the acute climate shifts impacting the local landscape, Mirziyoyev suggested upgrading Uzbekistan’s national centre for combating desertification and drought to a fully recognised regional institution.

This move is designed to...

Uzbekistan has announced the creation of a new tax-free crypto mining zone in Karakalpakstan, as part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment and expand the use of renewable energy.

Under a decree signed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the «Besqala Mining Valley» will allow regulated cryptocurrency mining with income from operations exempt from taxes until 2035.

Incentives and regulations

The initiative is designed to encourage large-scale, legal mining operations powered primarily by solar energy. Only registered companies will be allowed to operate in the zone, and all activities will be subject to licensing and state oversight.

Operators...

Privatisation plans for Uzbekistan Airways are gaining momentum as the Uzbekistan National Investment Fund prepares for an initial public offering (IPO), which will include its 25% stake in the airline.

Uzbekistan Airways is the most valuable asset among the fund’s 13-company portfolio, with a net asset value estimated at $403 mln, according to asset manager Franklin Templeton.

IPO plans take shape

UzNIF, owned by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, confirmed plans to list shares on both the Tashkent and London stock exchanges. The offering will include two components: ordinary shares for domestic and select international investors...

Uzbekistan has made its debut at Milan Design Week 2026 with When Apricots Blossom, an immersive exhibition at Palazzo Citterio exploring the environmental crisis of the Aral Sea and the role of culture in addressing it.

Organised by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, the project places the spotlight on Karakalpakstan, a region deeply affected by the shrinking of the Aral Sea. Once one of the world’s largest inland bodies of water, the sea has largely disappeared, leaving behind desert landscapes and struggling communities.

Reframing the Aral crisis

The exhibition traces the transformation of the region...

Fact-checkers have dismissed a viral claim that Donald Trump attempted to launch a nuclear strike on Iran, calling the allegation unsubstantiated and unsupported by any credible evidence.

The rumour originated from a podcast appearance by retired CIA analyst Larry Johnson, who alleged that Trump was stopped by General Dan Caine. However, independent fact-checking organisations found no official records, media reports, or Pentagon briefings confirming such an incident.

No evidence to support claim

Investigations by fact-checkers concluded that the allegation relies entirely on a single, unnamed source and lacks documentary proof. Neither the White House, the Pentagon, nor...

Hungary’s incoming prime minister Peter Magyar has vowed to keep the country within the International Criminal Court and enforce its arrest warrants, warning that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu would be detained if he entered Hungarian territory.

Magyar’s statement marks a sharp policy reversal from outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose government had initiated Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC and previously declined to act on the court’s warrant during Netanyahu’s 2025 visit.

Break from Orbán’s approach

Under Orban, Hungary moved to exit the ICC in protest against its actions targeting Israeli leadership. The withdrawal was expected to take...