News

George Russell set the pace in the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, edging out his Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli, while reigning champion Lando Norris finished third.

Drivers returned to action at the challenging Suzuka Circuit following consecutive races in Australia and China, with teams focusing on gathering data on the latest generation of cars. Early running saw Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc trade benchmark lap times as most opted for hard tyres.

Russell soon moved to the top of the timesheets, though conditions proved tricky. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar reported issues after a moment of...

The Italy national team defeated Northern Ireland 2:0 in Bergamo. Before the break, the favorites struggled, but then Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean decided the outcome of the match.

Italy searched for chances for a long time

Italy controlled the initiative from the first minutes and attacked активно through the flanks. At the same time, the visitors defended compactly and made almost no mistakes. Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni and Kean created pressure, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell kept a clean sheet.

Northern Ireland responded rarely, but dangerously from set pieces. Moreover, the hosts at times faced familiar finishing problems. Therefore, the first...

The Swedes played pragmatically, and a brace from Viktor Gyokeres became the key factor.

Sweden punished mistakes

At first, Ukraine controlled possession but lacked sharpness. At the same time, Sweden relied on counterattacks. As a result, the first goal came quickly. Gyokeres finished a cross from the flank and put his team ahead.

Then the Ukrainians tried to respond through the wings. However, crosses did not bring results. Moreover, the Swedes acted confidently in defense and did not allow space.

Gyökeres extended the lead

After the break, Ukraine pushed forward more actively. However, they immediately conceded a second goal. Gyokeres...

Brazil — France ended 1:2. France converted their chances and held onto the lead. Despite the sending-off of Dayot Upamecano, the team maintained its advantage. Brazil applied strong pressure after the break but failed to save the match.

France opened the scoring and controlled the game

At first, France took the initiative and played on the front foot. Then the team created several chances near the goal. Eventually, Mbappé went one-on-one and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper.

After that, France began to play more pragmatically. Meanwhile, Brazil tried to respond through the flanks. However, they failed to equalize before...

Under the new policy, athletes’ eligibility will be determined through a one-time genetic screening test. The IOC said the measure is intended to ensure fairness and safety, particularly in sports involving strength and physical contact.

The ruling means transgender women will no longer be eligible to compete in the female category at Olympic events. The decision will also apply to athletes with certain differences in sexual development who have undergone male puberty.

According to the IOC, the presence of the SRY gene, linked to male biological development, will be used as a key criterion in determining eligibility.

IOC...

Western officials have raised alarm over growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, warning that intelligence sharing and drone technology transfers could be fueling attacks on US interests and allies.

According to statements by UK Defence Secretary John Healey and several intelligence agencies, Moscow and Tehran are forming what has been described as an «axis of aggression.» The cooperation reportedly includes battlefield tactics developed during the war in Ukraine, as well as advanced drone capabilities.

The developments come amid rising geopolitical tensions, with conflicts involving Iran, Russia and Western-backed forces continuing to escalate across multiple regions.

At the...

As global conflicts intensify, experts are urging the public to understand basic safety measures in the event of a nuclear strike, amid growing concerns over escalating tensions between nuclear-armed states.

Currently, nine countries possess nuclear weapons, including the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and others. Ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe have heightened fears of potential escalation involving such arsenals.

According to Kathryn Higley of Oregon State University, immediate actions following a nuclear blast can significantly improve chances of survival. She advises people to seek shelter indoors as quickly as...

A U.S. jury has ruled that Meta and YouTube are liable for harm caused by addictive features on their platforms, in a landmark decision that could reshape legal challenges against social media companies.

The case was brought by a 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as «KGM,» who argued that prolonged use of Instagram and YouTube from a young age contributed to serious mental health issues, including depression, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts.

Jurors found both companies negligent in the design and operation of their platforms and concluded they failed to adequately warn users about potential risks. Responsibility was split, with...

A Russian-linked oil tanker carrying a large cargo of crude oil was struck by an explosion in the Black Sea, sparking a major fire and raising concerns over escalating tensions in the region.

The vessel, identified as the Altura and sailing under a Sierra Leone flag, was reportedly hit by what authorities described as a powerful blast around 15 miles from the coast of a NATO member state, as it approached the Bosphorus.

According to initial reports, the tanker was transporting approximately 140,000 tonnes of oil loaded at the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The explosion caused damage to...

The Istanbul Prosecutor General’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for actress Hande Ercel, who starred in the series Sen Cal Kapimi («Love Is in the Air»), according to Turkish outlet Sabah.

The warrant was issued as part of an ongoing anti-drug investigation in Turkey that has been underway for several months. Reports indicate that 14 people have already been detained, including former Besiktas football club president Fikret Orman and former Galatasaray head Burak Elmas, among others.

They are suspected of drug production and trafficking, as well as the purchase and use of illegal substances.

Ercel...

Archaeologists believe they may have uncovered the remains of the famed musketeer d’Artagnan beneath a church, more than 350 years after his death, The Sun reports.

Experts suggest the skeleton could belong to Count d’Artagnan, whose real name was Charles de Batz de Castelmore. A trusted aide to King Louis XIV, he was killed during the Siege of Maastricht in 1673, reportedly after being struck in the chest by a musket ball.

The historical figure later inspired The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, where he was portrayed as a companion to the iconic trio.

For years, it had been...

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...