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Nicholas Brendon, the actor known for playing Xander Harris in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds, has died aged 54. His family said he passed away in his sleep on Friday from natural causes.

In a statement, his family said they were «heartbroken» by the loss, describing him as a passionate and creative individual who had recently devoted himself to painting and art. They added that, despite well-documented personal struggles, he had been undergoing treatment and remained hopeful about the future. The family requested privacy as they mourn his death.

Brendon rose to fame as...

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the Riyadh region and destroyed five drones overnight, as regional tensions continue to escalate.

According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, three ballistic missiles were launched toward Riyadh on Sunday. One was successfully intercepted, while the remaining two fell in uninhabited areas without causing casualties.

In separate operations, Saudi air defenses also intercepted and destroyed five drones. Four were taken down in the eastern region, while a fifth was neutralized in another incident.

The Saudi Civil Defense authority confirmed that the situation in Al-Kharj had stabilised, urging residents to follow...

Uzbekistan’s rich textile traditions are offering travellers a deeper insight into the country’s history, culture and identity, with fabrics such as silk, ikat and suzani serving as living links to its Silk Road past.

Across cities like Bukhara and Tashkent, textiles remain a visible and meaningful part of everyday life, from bazaars and museums to homes and workshops. Experts say these fabrics carry cultural codes, reflecting social status, regional identity and centuries-old traditions.

Silk production, particularly in the Fergana Valley, has long been central to Uzbekistan’s heritage. Historically, silk from the region was highly prized and widely traded...

A festive ceremony marking the national holiday of Navruz was held at Yangi Uzbekistan Park, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressing the nation and outlining priorities for development and social progress.

The president отметил that this year Navruz coincides with Ramadan Hayit, describing the period as a symbol of renewal, unity and prosperity. He extended congratulations to citizens at home and abroad, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity regardless of nationality, language or religion.

Mirziyoyev said the celebration reflects a broader commitment to improving living standards and expanding opportunities across the country. Ongoing reforms include job creation, poverty reduction and...

Max Verstappen, Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon initially celebrated victory at the second round of the ADAC RAVENOL Nurburgring Endurance Series in their Mercedes-AMG GT3, before being stripped of the win hours later due to a rules violation.

Following routine checks by race officials, data from the mandatory tyre monitoring app revealed that the team had used seven sets of tyres on race day instead of the permitted six. As a result, stewards disqualified the car.

The victory was subsequently awarded to Dan Harper and Jordan Pepper, who competed in a BMW M4 GT3 for ROWE Racing.

Christian...

Uzbekistan has announced plans to select its first astronaut and launch two Earth observation satellites, marking a major step in developing a national space programme.

The initiatives were presented by Uzbekcosmos during a parliamentary roundtable, outlining a long-term strategy to boost scientific and technological capacity.

Authorities said a nationwide competition will be held to select the country’s first astronaut. Candidates aged 27 to 40 will undergo rigorous medical, psychological and physical testing, with finalists expected to complete training abroad before a short-duration mission focused on scientific research.

Uzbekistan is considering cooperation with countries including the United States, Russia...

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has outlined plans to deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in February 2025.

According to William Tompson, head of the OECD’s Eurasia Division, the agreement creates a framework for supporting reforms across a broad range of sectors, including public governance, anti-corruption, environmental policy, taxation, education, and investment.

Talks are currently underway with authorities in Tashkent to define specific projects and allocate resources under the memorandum.

Tompson noted that implementation will be gradual, given the scope of the agreement, which covers 19 areas. The first...

Uzbek private carrier Qanot Sharq is set to launch direct flights between Tashkent and New York from May 3, 2026, becoming the first non-state airline to operate the route.

The airline will run two weekly services, on Wednesdays and Sundays, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The move ends the long-standing monopoly of Uzbekistan Airways on the 13-hour transcontinental route.

The new service is expected to boost competition, offering passengers more flexible travel options and potentially lower fares. Analysts say the arrival of a second carrier could reduce ticket prices and improve scheduling for travelers between Central Asia and the...

Chuck Norris, the Hollywood action star who became a global internet phenomenon through viral memes, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed.

Best known for his roles in films such as The Way of the Dragon and Missing in Action, as well as the long-running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, Norris built a reputation as one of the most recognisable action figures of his generation.

However, for many younger audiences, his legacy extended beyond film and television. In the early 2000s, «Chuck Norris facts» emerged on online message boards, portraying him in humorous, exaggerated terms...

Max Verstappen has secured a commanding victory in the second round of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS2) to continue his impressive run in GT3 machinery.

Sharing the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with teammates Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, the four-time Formula 1 world champion conquered the four-hour endurance race at the infamous Nordschleife to cross the finish line over a minute ahead of the competition.

The race day started perfectly for the Verstappen Racing team when the Dutchman delivered a blistering lap time of 7:51.751 to put the Mercedes on pole position, finishing nearly two seconds clear of the rest of the...

K-pop group BTS have recorded their biggest ever first-day sales, with nearly 4 mln copies of their new album «Arirang» sold within 24 hours of release, their agency said on Saturday, Yonhap reports.

BigHit Music reported that the band’s fifth studio album reached 3.98 mln sales in its first day after launching on Friday. The figure surpasses the group’s previous first-week record of 3.37 mln copies set by their 2020 album «Map of the Soul: 7.»

«Arirang» also topped iTunes Top Albums charts in 88 countries and regions, including Italy, Mexico and Sweden, according to the label.

The album’s...

Around 40,000 fans gathered in central Seoul on Saturday to watch K-pop group BTS return to the stage after a four-year hiatus, prompting authorities to enforce heightened security measures, Yonhap reports.

The seven-member group began their performance at 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square, with police estimating attendance between 40,000 and 42,000 people.

Large Crowds Fill City Centre

The venue included about 22,000 standing places stretching from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul City Hall. Additional fans watched the concert on large outdoor screens mounted on nearby buildings, while others gathered around the area to catch a glimpse of the performance.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated across Hawaii after severe storms triggered the worst flooding the state has seen in two decades, officials said.

Governor Josh Green warned that a statewide flood watch remains in effect, with dangerous flash flooding threatening Oahu and parts of Maui County. The storm is the second to hit the islands in a week, leaving the ground heavily saturated and increasing the risk of further damage.

Some areas have recorded up to 50 inches (127 cm) of rain over the past 10 days, with more rainfall expected. Authorities say this has significantly raised...

Audi have confirmed that Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley has left the Formula 1 outfit with immediate effect, less than a year after joining the organisation.

Wheatley, a long-time Red Bull figure, took on the team boss role in April last year after moving to Kick Sauber, which transitioned into Audi’s works team for the 2026 season. He oversaw a strong period of progress, including multiple points finishes and Nico Hulkenberg’s first podium at Silverstone, helping lift the team from the bottom of the standings.

He also led the squad’s transformation into a full Audi works entry over the winter, marking...

Snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan has set a new professional record with a remarkable 153 break during his World Open match in China.

The historic moment came in the opening frame against Ryan Day, after O’Sullivan was awarded a free ball. He capitalised by potting the green, then compiling 15 reds with a mix of blacks and pinks before clearing the colours to surpass the traditional maximum break of 147.

The record-breaking performance helped O’Sullivan secure a dominant 5-0 victory, booking his place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

He is set to face Wu Yize next, as he...

The 2026 Formula 1 season is facing growing uncertainty after early cancellations and rising concerns over additional races later in the year.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix have already been called off due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, leaving gaps in the early-season calendar. Organisers confirmed that no replacement races would be scheduled, with support series events also affected.

Attention is now turning to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which could be at risk given its proximity to regional conflict zones. While Baku has not been directly impacted, logistical and safety concerns are increasing.

The...

A Pakistan-flagged oil tanker has become the first non-Iranian vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with its tracking system active since Iran asserted control over the vital shipping lane amid ongoing conflict.

The tanker, identified as the Karachi, was reportedly allowed safe passage along a northern route near Larak Island, suggesting coordination with Iranian authorities. The transit comes after weeks of disruption, during which multiple vessels were targeted in the region.

Analysts say the move reflects a selective strategy by Iran, allowing certain ships, particularly from friendly or strategically important partners, to pass while maintaining pressure...

Israel launched air strikes on Tehran as Iranians marked Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in a sharp escalation of tensions across the Middle East.

Iran responded by firing missiles toward Jerusalem, with interceptions reported over the city. The exchange comes amid a widening conflict involving multiple regional actors.

The crisis is spreading beyond Iran and Israel. Missile and drone attacks were reported in several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. A drone strike on a Kuwaiti oil refinery triggered a fire, according to state media.

Diplomatic tensions have also intensified. Iran warned the...

A feature film based on the globally popular Labubu toys is officially in development, Chinese company Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have confirmed.

The project, which will combine live action and computer-generated animation, is in early development. It will be directed by Paul King, known for Paddington and Wonka, though no release date has been announced.

Labubu figures, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have become a global sensation, driving Pop Mart’s valuation to nearly $40bn and attracting a devoted fan base, including celebrities.

The character, a forest elf inspired by Nordic mythology, originates from Lung’s book...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed the completed construction of the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand, describing it as a major spiritual and cultural project for the country.

Rebuilt on the initiative of the head of state, the complex reflects the legacy of Imam Bukhari, one of the most revered hadith scholars in the Islamic world. Authorities said the site has been modernised to accommodate pilgrims while preserving its religious significance.

A new tourists center has been created on a 15-hectare area surrounding the complex, featuring hotels, guest houses and service facilities. The infrastructure now allows the site...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has congratulated the nation on the occasion of the Ramadan Hayit holiday.

«In these wonderful moments, we thank the Almighty for the peace and tranquility on our land. Following the tradition established in recent years, this year as well we, together with all our people, have carried out many good deeds to observe the holy month of Ramadan,» the head of state said.

Approximately 1 trillion Uzbek soums (UZS) were allocated to support low-income families and the sick. Of this amount, 450 bn soums were directed to assist...

K-pop titans BTS have officially launched their highly anticipated comeback, releasing a cinematic new music video, dropping their fifth studio album and preparing for a massive open-air concert in Seoul before embarking on an extensive world tour.

Cinematic Return With “SWIM”

The group kicked off their return on Friday at 1pm KST with the release of the music video for their lead single, “SWIM”. Filmed against the vast ocean backdrop of Lisbon, the visual masterpiece features real ships and intricate sets that create an overwhelming sense of scale.

Directed by world-renowned filmmaker Tanu Muino, the story-driven video stars...

BTS leader RM has sustained an ankle injury during rehearsals just days before the group’s highly anticipated full-group comeback concert in central Seoul, his agency said.

The rapper was injured on Thursday and taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment, according to BigHit Music. Medical staff diagnosed ligament damage and inflammation, advising him to wear a leg cast and avoid movement for at least two weeks.

The incident comes shortly before BTS is set to perform a free outdoor concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, celebrating the release of their fifth studio album, «Arirang.»

Despite...

Former U.S. president Donald Trump is confronting a growing web of legal risks that could shape his post-presidency, with challenges emerging both domestically and internationally.

A landmark 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision has significantly altered the legal landscape. In Trump v. United States, the court ruled that former presidents enjoy absolute immunity for core constitutional actions and presumptive immunity for other official acts, while unofficial conduct remains prosecutable. This distinction has made it more difficult for prosecutors to pursue cases, as courts must now determine which actions fall within official duties.

Legal analysts warn that Trump’s exposure may...