News

A businessman who funded his divorce through an elaborate property scam after his wife left him for Cesc Fabregas has now been ordered to repay £1.3 mln.

Elie Taktouk married Lebanese model Daniella Semaan in 1998, but the relationship ended 13 years later when she began a romance with the former Arsenal midfielder. The separation led to a bitter legal dispute, during which Taktouk lost the couple’s £5.5 mln Belgravia home to Semaan and her new partner.

Fraud Conviction and Confiscation Orders

Taktouk, now 50, was jailed for seven years in 2021 after being convicted of a multi-million...

PDC darts sensation Luke Littler has topped a nationwide poll to be named the world’s sexiest sportsman, beating stars including Tyson Fury, Lando Norris and Carlos Alcaraz.

The survey, conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, asked over 2,000 women across the UK to vote for their ideal sportsman. The 18-year-old from Warrington, known for his love of kebabs, pints and darts, won for his «confidence, authenticity, and approachability.»

A spokesperson for the site said the result marked «a victory for real men everywhere,» adding: «Women are over the airbrushed look. Luke Littler is the anti-supermodel sportsman – a working-class hero with a...

In October, the average inflation expectation among Uzbek residents fell slightly to 11.7%, down 0.3% points from September, the Central Bank reports. The median expectation remained at 10.3%.

The highest anticipated inflation was recorded in Tashkent at 14.5%, followed by Tashkent region at 12.6% and Kashkadarya at 12.2%. Lowest forecasts were in Fergana at 10.4%, Andijan at 10.5% and Namangan at 10.6%.

Sector and Demographic Expectations

Residents expect the strongest price rises in household services (13.4%), trade (12.6%) and tourism services (12.4%). Pensioners were the most optimistic group with expectations at 10%, followed by healthcare workers at...

A French man deliberately drove his car into pedestrians and cyclists on Oleron Island off the Atlantic coast on November 5, injuring five people, officials said. Witnesses reported that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” when arrested by police.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the motive for the attack on the quiet island, popular with summer tourists, remains unknown. The suspect, 35, is not on any radicalisation watchlist.

«This morning, starting at 8:40, an individual driving his vehicle went on a journey during which he deliberately hit several people on bicycles or on foot,» Nunez said...

Controversial Malaysian rapper Namewee has been remanded in custody as police investigate the death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, found in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago.

Police reported that Namewee, 42, was the last person seen with 31-year-old Hsieh, who had been in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video Namewee was set to direct, according to her social media manager.

Murder Investigation Underway

Authorities have reclassified Hsieh’s death from «sudden death» to murder. Namewee, who previously faced charges of illegal drug use and possession and was granted bail, has turned himself in to assist...

Uzbekistan has concluded negotiations with Canada and Panama on joining the World Trade Organization, according to Azizbek Urunov, the country’s presidential representative to the WTO.

Urunov added that discussions remain with three additional countries, though he did not disclose which ones. Earlier this year, Uzbekistan completed negotiations on joining an international financial organisation with the European Union in October, and with Argentina, Australia and Honduras in September.

In late September, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated that Uzbekistan was close to completing the accession process and suggested the country could formally join the organisation by spring 2026.

Uzbekistan plans to build a 300 MW energy storage system in the Navoi region, the Ministry of Energy announced. The agreement with Abu Dhabi-based company Masdar was signed at the ADIPEC 2025 international forum in the UAE.

The project is designed to enhance the stability of Uzbekistan’s power system and develop infrastructure for storing renewable energy. A similar agreement was also signed with AMEA Power at the forum, under which the company will construct a 200 MW energy facility.

The Ministry of Energy added that during the Abu Dhabi meetings, the Uzbek delegation discussed current renewable energy projects and...

Netflix and Sony have confirmed plans for a new animated KPop Demon Hunters movie, with the musical sequel scheduled for release in 2029, according to Bloomberg. The extended timeline reflects the lengthy production process typical for animated films, though dates may shift depending on progress.

The original film, developed and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, follows a fictional K-pop girl group that battles demons through their music. Released directly on Netflix under Sony’s licensing agreement, it became the streaming platform’s most-watched movie to date. Several tracks from the film, including «Golden,» «Your Idol» and «Soda Pop,» have charted

Saint Laurent has been crowned the hottest fashion brand in the world for the first time, according to the Lyst Index covering July to September 2025. The Kering-owned label rose to the top of the rankings, displacing Miu Miu, which had held a consistent lead over previous quarters and now moves into second place.

Market Shifts Reflect a Season of Change

The new rankings highlight a season of notable repositioning across the industry. Cos made one of the most significant moves, rising four places to secure third, while Loewe fell from second to eighth. The Row and Coach...

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that he intends to visit Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries in 2026, signalling a renewed diplomatic focus on the region. Speaking ahead of the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington, Rubio said the visit would likely span a week or longer, covering all five nations.

«I personally intend to visit in the coming year as well. And all five. So I know it’ll probably be a week-long or longer trip. So we’ve got to work on that and make that happen together,» he told delegates.

At a formal reception opening this year’s C5+1 summit in Washington, Senator Jim Risch used his remarks to signal what he called the start of a «new and exciting era» in US relations with Central Asia. Addressing foreign ministers and representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, the Senator announced he had joined with Senator Steve Daines to introduce new legislation aimed at removing outdated trade barriers.

Repealing a Cold War Legacy

The bill focuses on repealing the Jackson–Vanik amendment, a Cold War-era measure originally designed to pressure the Soviet Union over the emigration of...

Roman Abramovich’s representatives have criticised UK sanctions for leaving a pledged multi-billion pound fund for Ukraine in limbo, saying the Government has offered «no legal solution» to release the money frozen since 2022.

The former Chelsea owner vowed in 2022 to donate the «net proceeds» from the club’s sale to «all victims» of the war. New remarks from his camp say entities linked to him, including Camberley International Investments, have been «effectively paralysed,» so no action can be taken without Government approval. Ministers insist the money must be spent only inside Ukraine and say they are prepared to go...

Azerbaijan has held talks with members of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) to expand economic cooperation and boost joint investments, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said on Wednesday.

Speaking after a high-level roundtable in Baku, Jabbarov noted that discussions focused on co-financing projects, investment in liberated territories, and strategic infrastructure development. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s «productive cooperation» with ACG institutions and stressed the need to deepen economic integration and promote sustainable development.

The talks come as Azerbaijan seeks greater foreign investment in reconstruction and transport projects in Karabakh and across the wider region.

The United States should shift from an energy-first approach in Eurasia to a broader economic strategy, as the C5+1 summit with Central Asian leaders convenes at the White House on 6 November for its 10th anniversary, according to analyst Wesley Alexander Hill.

The forum comes amid tighter US ties with Uzbekistan, which has accelerated market reforms, launched a national investment fund with Franklin Templeton and attracted US corporates. Recent deals include Boeing’s $8.5bn order from Uzbekistan Airways and industrial projects by Air Products, with more than 300 US companies now active in the country. Nasdaq is exploring exchange modernisation...

Uzbekistan and Poland are set to expand cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector following talks in Tashkent between the Investment Promotion Agency and a delegation of Polish pharma companies.

The Polish group, led by Krzysztof Kopec, head of the Polish Union of Employers of the Pharmaceutical Industry, included executives from Polpharma, Adamed Pharma and Biofarm. Discussions focused on potential investment projects, technology exchange and strengthening the capabilities of Uzbekistan’s pharma industry.

The Polish side welcomed Uzbekistan’s adoption of global standards, including the World Listed Authority (WLA) system, which supports local producers’ access to export markets. Officials described the meeting as...

TBC Bank Uzbekistan has entered the country’s top three banking brands, with the strongest recognition in Tashkent, according to Research Group Central Asia’s (RGCA) 2025 Brand Health Tracking report.

Conducted in Q3 2025 across roughly 2,000 adults who use banking or payment apps, the study ranked TBC third in overall brand awareness among the top 15 banks. Unaided awareness reached 11%, while 29% recognised the brand when prompted. Respondents also rated the bank highly for reliability and convenience, citing improvements in its mobile app and service quality. Usage in the past three months rose alongside a growing customer base.

The research outlines four key trends shaping behaviour next year, including a strong move towards simplicity and stress-reduction. Rising daily stress levels and economic uncertainty mean people want calm, comfort and practical wellbeing choices at home. Many are choosing fewer, better products, and turning to natural ingredients and nostalgic brand experiences for reassurance.

A second trend shows consumers embracing bold identity and honest communication. Nearly half want products tailored to personal taste and expect brands to show authenticity while supporting individual expression.

Advanced health solutions are also becoming mainstream. High-tech wellbeing tools, at-home diagnostics and medical-grade beauty products are gaining...

The UFC has launched an investigation into Isaac Dulgarian’s bout at UFC Vegas 110 following dramatic betting shifts before his first-round submission loss to Yadier Del Valle.

Dulgarian entered the event as a heavy favourite, but odds unexpectedly tightened just before the fight. Some sportsbooks even suspended props such as first-round finish bets. He was released from the promotion the day after the defeat.

«We take these allegations very seriously,» the UFC said, adding that its betting-integrity partner IC360 is reviewing wagering activity and the circumstances surrounding the 1 November fight. «Nothing is more important...

New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani began his post-election address by taking aim at President Donald Trump, setting the tone for what is expected to be a defining political rivalry.

«Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,» the Democrat told an enthusiastic crowd on Tuesday night, shortly after securing victory.

The election marked a significant win for Democrats, who claimed three major contests in the first electoral tests since Trump returned to the White House nine months ago. The results have been seen...

Ethereum could be heading for a major move, with one well-known crypto trader warning the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency is stuck in «limbo» and at risk if key support breaks.

Analyst DonAlt said ETH needs to break above $4,000 to confirm a bullish trend. Ethereum has repeatedly failed to push past resistance near $3,900 in recent months, keeping buyers cautious.

If the price falls below the $2,900 support level, DonAlt believes ETH could slide toward $1,800, with even deeper levels possible in a severe downturn. For now, the token trades in a tight range as traders wait for a clear...

Speaking to supporters after his election victory, newly elected New York mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed particular gratitude to Uzbek nurses for their role in helping mobilise voters.

He also acknowledged several other minority communities across the city, including Mexican grandmothers, Yemeni corner shop owners and Senegalese taxi drivers.

«Thank you to those so often forgotten by the politics of our city who made this movement their own. I speak of Yemeni bodega owners and Mexican abuelas, Senegalese taxi drivers and Uzbek nurses, Trinidadian line cooks and Ethiopian aunties, yes aunties,» he told the crowd.

South Korea’s Defence Intelligence Agency says North Korea could conduct a major nuclear test «in a short time» if leader Kim Jong Un orders it, and that Pyongyang is also showing signs of preparing more spy satellite launches with Russian technical support.

Lawmakers were told the assessment during a closed parliamentary audit, which said North Korea has facilities at the Punggye-ri test site ready for use and could mount a test quickly if directed. The agency also flagged activity suggesting further satellite launches aimed at higher-resolution reconnaissance.

The warning comes after Kim vowed in September to...

Chris Eubank Jr has revealed the severe aftermath of his April clash with Conor Benn, responding to critics who accused him of seeking sympathy.

At a press conference in September promoting their upcoming rematch, the IBO middleweight champion claimed his ambulance was delayed leaving Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after their 12-round fight, which he won by unanimous decision. On November 3, Eubank Jr posted a video on social media showing an ambulance attempting to leave the venue, which he said supported his claim.

Battered and Bruised

The 36-year-old, son of boxing legend Chris Eubank, faced criticism from some followers...

Gemma Collins, 44, is reportedly preparing to leave her £2M Essex mansion as she sets her sights on a new life in Dubai. The Only Way Is Essex star joins a growing number of British reality personalities relocating to the United Arab Emirates in search of fresh opportunities.

The TV star recently shared a post from Dubai, writing:

«If you can dream it, you can do it in Dubai. Dubai is a place of positivity, a place of making dreams come true.»

Viewing Homes Abroad

Gemma is currently viewing villas in popular areas...