News

At least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in an air strike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, a spokesman for the Taliban government said on Tuesday, marking a sharp escalation in tensions with Pakistan.

Islamabad rejected the allegation as «false and misleading», stating that its forces had targeted military sites and what it described as terrorist support infrastructure during strikes carried out late on Monday.

The attack came hours after China reiterated its willingness to help ease tensions between the neighbouring states, urging both sides to avoid further escalation and return to talks.

Witnesses and...

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has announced that Uzbekistan has delivered a humanitarian aid shipment to the people of Iran.

The shipment included essential food supplies such as flour, rice, sugar, pasta, sunflower oil and canned goods, along with medicines and medical equipment.

Officials from the Iranian side attended the handover ceremony in the city of Daregaz. Among those present were Daregaz governor Mojtaba Bazmara, head of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Razavi Khorasan and adviser to the minister Ali Masumifar, as well as Iran’s ambassador to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Ruzbexani.

During the event, Iranian...

The Vanity Fair Oscars after-party signaled a shift in red-carpet style, with celebrities favoring refined, structured looks over the revealing «naked dresses» that have dominated recent awards seasons.

Held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the event reflected a broader trend toward minimalist, individually tailored fashion. Designers emphasized precise tailoring, rich fabrics and subtle detailing rather than sheer or highly revealing designs.

Givenchy creative director Sarah Burton’s aesthetic appeared to shape much of the evening’s style. Actress Elle Fanning wore a black satin duchesse bustier gown with a dramatic draped bow, while model Kaia Gerber chose a...

China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) has overwhelmingly approved a new law aimed at promoting «ethnic unity» and strengthening the use of Mandarin as the country’s national common language.

The Law Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress was passed with 2,756 votes in favor, three abstentions and three votes against. Around 442 representatives from ethnic minority groups participated in the vote, accounting for roughly 14% of lawmakers.

The legislation, which will take effect on July 1, seeks to «forge a strong sense of the community of the Chinese people» and support national unity, according to its first article.

China officially...

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that media outlets reporting what he called false information about the war with Iran could face treason charges, in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform.

Writing Sunday evening, Trump accused some outlets of spreading a fabricated story originating from Iranian sources that claimed a U.S. aircraft carrier had been destroyed. He said Iran circulated the claim along with what he described as an AI-generated video of the alleged attack.

«The story was knowingly FAKE,» Trump wrote. «Those Media Outlets that generated it should be brought...

Seven members of Iran’s women’s national football team delegation initially accepted asylum offers from Australia after reportedly refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem during an international event, according to media reports.

The Australian government offered the group humanitarian visas, citing concerns for their safety following what appeared to be a political act of defiance.

However, five of the seven individuals, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, later withdrew their asylum requests and returned to Iran.

Iranian state media hailed their return as a victory against what it described as «psychological warfare,» suggesting the players had been under significant...

The 2026 Academy Awards red carpet showcased a mix of classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary runway influences, with several clear fashion trends emerging from the night.

One of the most noticeable directions was 90s-inspired minimalism, sometimes referred to as «CBK minimalism,» influenced by the understated style associated with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Stars such as Emma Stone, Renate Reinsve and Gwyneth Paltrow opted for sleek, elegant gowns with minimal embellishment, proving that simplicity can still stand out on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Another standout trend was the «Jessica Rabbit» silhouette — dramatic, curve-hugging gowns reminiscent of the iconic cartoon character. Kylie Jenner drew...

Political statements took center stage on the 2026 Oscars red carpet as several actors used jewellery and lapel pins to express views on global conflicts and social issues.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem drew particular attention by wearing the same «No a la Guerra» («No to War») badge he first displayed at the 2003 Goya Awards in protest of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Bardem appeared at the Oscars wearing the pin alongside another badge depicting Handala, the Palestinian cartoon character symbolizing resistance.

While presenting the award for Best International Feature with Priyanka Chopra, Bardem told the audience:

Uzbekistan has identified major mineral reserves at the Yoshlik-1 and Qalmoqqir deposits, including about 45 mln tonnes of copper and more than 5,000 tonnes of gold, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced during the launch of a new copper processing facility.

Speaking at the opening of Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3 at Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine, Mirziyoyev said the deposits contain enough raw materials to support the country’s industrial needs for at least a century.

The sites also hold reserves of rare metals including molybdenum, selenium, tellurium and rhenium, which could support the development of new high-technology and innovation...

Former Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahror Burkhanov has been appointed Uzbekistan’s first consul general in Washington state, he announced on the social media platform X.

In a post, Burkhanov reflected on his years of service and thanked colleagues for their cooperation.

«The past years have been extremely meaningful and diverse for me. The initiatives we promoted together, the projects implemented, the experience gained from mentors and the work carried out shoulder to shoulder with colleagues made this period rich in unforgettable and valuable memories,» he wrote.

Burkhanov added that a shared goal united the team...

Around 87.15% of voters supported proposed constitutional amendments in a national referendum in Kazakhstan, according to preliminary results released by the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan.

Of the country’s 12.4 mln eligible voters, about 7.9 mln took part in the vote.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful organisation of the referendum.

The amendments mark the seventh round of constitutional changes in Kazakhstan. One of the key proposals extends a special legal regime across the entire country, whereas it previously applied only to Astana.

Other planned reforms include abolishing the post of state adviser, restoring the role of...

South Korea powered into the Women’s Asian Cup semifinals with a 6-0 demolition of Uzbekistan at Stadium Australia on Saturday. Son Hwa-Yeon and Ko Yoo-Jin put the Koreans 2-0 ahead within the first 20 minutes.

Despite Uzbekistan’s efforts to contain the damage, Park Soo-Jeong, Ji So-Yun, Lee Eun-Young and Jang Sel-Gi added four more goals in the second half in front of 12,974 fans.

South Korea will face the winners of Sunday’s Japan-Philippines quarter-final in Sydney on Wednesday. Uzbekistan will take on the losing side in Thursday’s playoff on the Gold Coast, with a win securing a place at...

Jannik Sinner claimed his first Indian Wells title, defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6) 7-6(4) in a flawless display under the Californian desert sun. The Italian dominated the match with 28 winners, 10 aces and a perfect eight out of eight at the net.

With the win, Jannik Sinner became only the third player to secure all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles, joining Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. He also became the first player since 1990 to win consecutive Masters 1000 titles without dropping a set, extending his winning streak in this category to 11 matches, dating back to his...

A high-ranking source close to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, told Al-Jarida that he was transported to Moscow on a Russian military plane in a highly classified operation due to his medical and security needs. Upon arrival, Mojtaba underwent a successful surgery and is currently receiving treatment in a private hospital within a presidential residence.

The source said Mojtaba was injured during the U.S.-Israeli «opening raids» on Iran on February 28. His injuries required specialised hospital care, close monitoring, and secure conditions that could not be guaranteed in Iran amid ongoing attacks, especially after Israel indicated it would...

Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April will not take place due to ongoing instability in the Middle East. No replacement races will be arranged during that month, and the decision also affects Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds.

The announcement was made in consultation with the FIA and race promoters. Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 CEO, said the decision, though difficult, was necessary for the safety of all involved and expressed gratitude to the FIA and promoters for their understanding.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised that the wellbeing...

Dubai authorities said a fire caused by a drone near Dubai International Airport was brought under control on Monday, forcing a temporary suspension of flights, though no injuries occurred.

The incident is the third at the airport since February 28, amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, which has disrupted regional aviation. Most Middle East airspace remains closed over fears of missile and drone strikes, causing flight cancellations, reroutes, and surging fuel prices.

The Dubai Media Office reported that the drone affected a fuel tank, while police temporarily closed road and tunnel access to the airport. Emirates airline...

The World Bank has approved a $10.6 mln grant to help Uzbekistan reduce leaks in its ageing gas transmission system, recover lost gas, and boost energy security.

Uzbekistan’s gas network has suffered years of underinvestment, risking losses of 1.75 bn cubic metres and $228 mln in revenue by 2030.

The project, funded through the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Trust Fund, will repair major leaks across the state-owned JSC Uztransgaz network. By 2029, it is expected to recover 47,500 metric tonnes of gas annually and save $18 mln, with most funds reinvested into ongoing repairs.

The initiative...

The Academy Awards delivered a night of major wins and industry announcements, with One Battle After Another emerging as the biggest winner while organisers confirmed the ceremony will move to global streaming on YouTube from 2029.

The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, collected six awards including best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay. Acting honours went to Jessie Buckley for Hamnet and Michael B Jordan for Sinners.

The ceremony was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, who returned after presenting the show for the first time last year.

Major winners

Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, becoming the second-youngest race winner in F1 history after Max Verstappen.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver converted his maiden Grand Prix pole into victory after a composed drive in a chaotic race that featured early incidents, a Safety Car, and intense battles behind him.

Antonelli crossed the line seven seconds ahead of teammate George Russell, securing a dominant Mercedes one-two finish, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton completed the podium.

Kimi ? Lewis

Hugs all round for the first-time race winner! ?#F1 #ChineseGP

North Korea fired more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, as joint military exercises involving the United States and South Korea continued in the region.

The missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang at around 13:20 local time towards waters off the country’s east coast.

Japan Coast Guard said it had detected what may have been a ballistic missile that landed in the sea, though it appeared to fall outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, according to NHK.

North Korea has conducted missile tests for more than two...

A long-running investigation by Reuters suggests the real identity of elusive street artist Banksy may be David Jones.

According to the report, the artist previously used the name Robin Gunningham before changing it several years ago. Speculation about Banksy’s identity has circulated for decades. In 2008 the British newspaper The Mail on Sunday reported that the artist could be Gunningham.

Reuters journalists said they examined photographs, police records and court documents linked to early arrests in the United States. They also traced information about a trip the artist reportedly made to Ukraine in 2022.

The agency said it also spoke...

Brazilian scientists have identified a new species of giant dinosaur, named Dasosaurus tocantinensis, which shows a close link to a similar species found in Spain. The discovery adds evidence that land routes once connected parts of South America, Africa and Europe around 120 mln years ago.

The fossils, found in 2021 near Davinopolis in Brazil’s northeastern Maranhao during infrastructure work, include a femur measuring 1.5 metres, suggesting the dinosaur was about 20 metres long.

Researchers, led by Elver Mayer of the Federal University of the Sao Francisco Valley, say Dasosaurus tocantinensis is one of the largest ever discovered in...

Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike oil infrastructure on Kharg Island if Iran does not halt attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, the U.S. president said American forces had already «totally obliterated» military targets on the island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports and lies roughly 500 kilometres northwest of the strait. However he said the oil facilities themselves had not been targeted.

Trump warned that decision could change if Iran or any other actor interfered with what he called the free and safe passage...

Kimi Antonelli produced a stunning performance in Shanghai to take pole position for the Grand Prix, becoming the youngest-ever pole sitter at just 19 years old.

The qualifying session was dramatic from the start, with track temperatures soaring from 14°C during the Sprint to 32°C for Qualifying, challenging tyre management and grip.

Q1 Drama

The first segment saw no real surprises as Williams, Aston Martin, and Cadillac lost both cars. Nico Hulkenberg narrowly missed out on advancing, while Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Valtteri Bottas were eliminated alongside Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez.

Q2 Tensions