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Uzbekistan set a target to reach the highest level in the taxation category of the World Bank’s Business Ready ranking by 2030. According to the Ministry of Justice, this strategic initiative is outlined in a recent decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The World Bank metric evaluates significantly more than just the formal tax burden placed on businesses. It also rigorously assesses the development of digital state services and the overall transparency of national fiscal policy. In the 2025 assessment, the republic secured a baseline score of 70.67 out of a possible 100.

To achieve this new benchmark...

A prominent social media influencer, Gabbie Gonzalez her father and her former boyfriend have been formally charged in a shocking murder-for-hire plot aimed at a well-known pop singer, KTLA reports. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charges following a lengthy investigation initiated by the FBI that dates back to 2020.

Authorities allege that between 2020 and 2021, 26-year-old Gabriela Lauren Gonzalez, who built a sizeable online following through lifestyle and travel content, enlisted her then-boyfriend, Kai Faron Cordrey, to secure a dark web hitman. The intended target was Jack Avery, a former member of the boy...

Apple is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking privacy feature in its upcoming iPhone 18 range that will restrict mobile network operators from tracking a user’s exact location. This enhanced security measure is powered by Apple’s proprietary C2 modem, which is anticipated to be integrated across the entire iPhone 18 lineup.

Dubbed “Limit Precise Location”, the feature masks a device’s exact coordinates from telecom providers. Instead of pinpointing the user, it only shares an approximate location at a neighbourhood level.

How limit precise location works

Typically, mobile networks identify a smartphone’s location by tracking its connection to local mast towers...

Uzbekistan is positioning itself as one of Eurasia’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets, offering international investors expanding opportunities in manufacturing, exports and healthcare innovation, officials say.

In an interview with Pharmabiz, Abdulla Azizov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency and First Deputy Minister of Health, described the country’s pharmaceutical sector as strategically positioned for long-term growth.

According to Azizov, government-backed reforms have accelerated modernization of the industry through localization programs, technology transfer, GMP alignment and export-oriented production. Uzbekistan is also expanding pharmaceutical industrial zones and offering incentives aimed at attracting global manufacturers and investors.

Officials...

A rapidly expanding blaze originating in the Santa Ana River bed has triggered mass evacuations and left several people injured in Riverside County, California. The fire, officially named the Bain Fire, ignited on Tuesday morning shortly before 11:30 am in the Mira Loma neighbourhood of Jurupa Valley.

According to the state firefighting agency Cal Fire, the flames initially took hold near the intersection of Bain Street and Limonite Avenue.

Fuelled by dense vegetation, the blaze exhibited a moderate rate of spread throughout the afternoon. By 8:30 pm, it had scorched roughly 1,375 acres with containment sitting at just...

The South Korean television landscape has been completely dominated by MBC’s latest romantic comedy. Starring beloved idol-turned-actress IU alongside Byeon Woo-seok, “Perfect Crown” has taken the globe by storm.

Set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy, the 12-episode series follows a gripping contract marriage between Seong Hui-ju, a fiercely competitive chaebol heiress with everything but a royal title, and Grand Prince I-an, a royal who possesses status but lacks personal freedom.

With its grand production scale, sharp political manoeuvring and electric chemistry between the lead actors, the drama recently concluded its run on May 16, 2026 with a massive...

Tech giant Apple is reportedly laying the groundwork for the release of its flagship Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside the standard Pro model in September 2026.

Beyond the usual flagship upgrades, the autumn launch event might also serve as the stage for a monumental debut: the brand’s very first foldable smartphone. Currently, industry insiders are referring to this elusive device as either the “iPhone Fold” or the “iPhone Ultra”.

Anticipated pricing strategy

While early speculation heavily focused on processor speeds and camera lenses, recent reports are shedding light on how much these premium handsets might cost across global...

Tashkent hosted the first Global Tech Weekend festival, bringing together international investors, startup founders, technology companies and innovators as Uzbekistan strengthens its ambitions to become a regional tech hub.

The three-day event featured more than 120 local and international speakers alongside thousands of entrepreneurs, engineers, venture capital representatives and young innovators. More than 40 events were held across the city, including startup pitches, workshops, networking sessions and technology showcases.

Organisers said the festival aimed to strengthen Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem, attract global investment and expand international cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, Web3, gaming and digital infrastructure.

Uzbekistan is preparing for its historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after becoming the first Central Asian nation ever to qualify for football’s biggest tournament.

The Uzbek national team secured qualification following a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in the Asian qualifiers, ending decades of near misses and heartbreak.

Led by head coach Timur Kapadze, Uzbekistan’s squad features rising stars including Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov and CSKA Moscow winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Analysts say the team’s disciplined defense and strong youth development system have played a major role in its...

A full production cycle for Volkswagen vehicles is planned to be launched in Angren. This became known during a presentation of proposals for the development of the automotive industry reviewed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The Volkswagen project will be implemented in stages. The first stage предусматривает large-scale assembly in Tashkent, after which the company plans to move to a full production cycle in the Angren Free Economic Zone.

By the end of 2026, a strategy for the development of the auto parts market is also expected to be prepared with the involvement of international consultants.

Today, Uzbekistan already...

U.S. prosecutors have moved to drop fraud and conspiracy charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani over an alleged bribery scheme linked to a massive solar energy project in India.

The case, filed in federal court in New York in 2024, accused Adani and several associates of paying about $265 mln in bribes to Indian officials to secure lucrative solar contracts while misleading U.S. investors. The Adani Group denied all allegations, calling them baseless.

According to court filings, the U.S. Department of Justice said it decided not to devote further resources to the prosecution and requested dismissal of the...

Uzbekistan Airways has introduced support for Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing passengers to purchase tickets and additional services using digital wallets through the airline’s website and mobile app.

The airline said the new payment options are aimed at making the booking process faster and more convenient for customers. Payments can now be completed directly through booking.uzairways.com and the Uzbekistan Airways mobile application.

The launch is part of the carrier’s broader digitalization strategy, which recently also included the introduction of WeChat Pay services for passengers traveling from China.

Uzbekistan has been actively expanding the use of international payment...

A new family law has come into force in Afghanistan, according to which the silence of a girl who has reached puberty is now considered legal consent to marriage, the New York Post writes.

According to the new rules, if a girl who has reached puberty does not verbally object to marriage, this may be interpreted as consent to the wedding.

At the same time, the rule applies only to girls who have never previously been married. For men, widows, and divorced women, verbal confirmation remains mandatory.

The document was signed by Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada.

In...

New leaks about the future Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, which Apple is expected to unveil in September 2026, have appeared online, according to Live India. Insiders report a larger battery, camera upgrades, and a more compact Dynamic Island.

According to the leaks, Apple will retain the overall design of the Pro lineup with a titanium body but reduce the Dynamic Island cutout by nearly one-third. The company is also reportedly testing under-display Face ID, which could leave only a small hole for the front-facing camera on the screen.

The main upgrade is expected to be the camera...

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in the national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a record sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

Head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the 41-year-old striker’s inclusion as Portugal prepares for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ronaldo previously played at the World Cups in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Portugal’s squad also features stars including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao as the team aims to win its first-ever World Cup title.

Martinez described the squad as balanced and experienced, while also paying...

Uzbekistan’s small business sector has continued to expand, with the number of active small enterprises surpassing 1.2 mln as of April 2026, according to data from the National Statistics Committee.

Statistics cited by Trend News Agency show the country had more than 507,000 small enterprises and microfirms, alongside nearly 348,000 individual entrepreneurs and over 353,000 dehkan farms.

The highest concentration of small businesses was recorded in Tashkent, followed by the Khorezm, Syrdarya and Navoi regions. Officials say the growth reflects ongoing economic reforms aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, improving access to finance and encouraging private sector development.

Small businesses...

Uzbekistan has opened the Samarqand Digital Hub in San Francisco as part of its efforts to strengthen ties with global technology companies and attract investment into the country’s growing IT sector.

The new hub is expected to support Uzbek startups, promote outsourcing opportunities and connect local tech firms with investors and partners in Silicon Valley. Officials say the initiative will also help position Uzbekistan as a regional center for digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

The launch follows a series of digital roadshows and technology events organized by IT Park Uzbekistan in the United States, where representatives met with...

Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan are making progress on plans to develop a major trans-Afghan transport corridor aimed at connecting Central Asia with Pakistani seaports and expanding regional trade.

The project centers on a proposed railway linking Uzbekistan with Pakistan through Afghanistan, giving landlocked Central Asian states faster access to ports in Karachi, Gwadar and Qasim. Officials say the corridor could significantly reduce cargo delivery times and strengthen trade between Central and South Asia.

Earlier this year, Uzbekistan approved a joint feasibility study for the railway project following agreements between the three countries. The planned route would run from...

Uzbekistan’s National Investment Fund (UzNIF) has completed a landmark dual IPO in London and Tashkent, marking what analysts describe as a major milestone for the country’s capital markets and economic reform agenda.

The offering raised about $603.6 mln and valued the fund at nearly $1.95 bn, becoming Uzbekistan’s first international equity offering and the largest IPO on the London Stock Exchange so far in 2026.

UzNIF, managed by Franklin Templeton, holds stakes in 13 major state-linked companies, including Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbektelecom and national energy firms. Strong demand from global investors such as BlackRock and Redwheel reportedly...

Spanish police have arrested the son of Mango founder Isak Andic as part of an ongoing investigation into the fashion tycoon’s fatal cliff fall in December 2024, Reuters reports.

The late billionaire plummeted more than 100 metres (328 ft) to his death while on a family hiking trip near the Mediterranean city of Barcelona. While authorities initially treated the tragic plunge as an accident, Catalan police subsequently launched a homicide probe after uncovering potential foul play.

A spokesperson for the family confirmed that Jonathan Andic was taken into custody on Tuesday and is facing questioning by detectives but refused...

The Portuguese Football Federation has officially unveiled its men’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The announcement confirms that the European heavyweights are bringing a star-studded roster to the global tournament, blending seasoned veterans with a thrilling new generation of talent.

The most notable inclusion in the squad is undoubtedly Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary forward continues to defy his age, heading into yet another World Cup campaign to add to his record-breaking international career. He will be supported by a world-class creative midfield featuring Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.

The 2026 World...

The highly anticipated television reboot of Harry Potter is facing its first major casting hurdle before a single episode has even aired. Gracie Cochrane, the young star initially tapped to play Ginny Weasley in the first season of the HBO adaptation, will not be reprising her role going forward.

As production on the debut instalment, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, nears completion, Cochrane’s family released a statement confirming her exit. Citing “unforeseen circumstances” as the driving factor, they announced she would officially step away from the wizarding world.

“Her time as part of...

Sony Santa Monica is reportedly crafting a new God of War spin-off for the PlayStation 5 that shifts the spotlight away from the franchise’s iconic protagonist. According to recent industry leaks, the unannounced project will instead centre on Kratos’ wife Faye and the Norse god of war Tyr.

Information circulating as of May 14, 2026 suggests a drastic departure from the series’ recent Scandinavian backdrop. The prequel will reportedly transport players to a time long before the 2018 soft reboot to explore an array of different folklore. The mythologies rumoured to be featured include Japanese, Chinese, Native American.

In addition...

Bianca Andreescu shocked the tennis world in 2019 by winning the U.S. Open. After years of injury setbacks the Canadian star is rebuilding her career on the ITF circuit with her sights set on Grand Slam success once more.

In September 2019 Bianca Andreescu stood victorious on Arthur Ashe Stadium as confetti rained down around her. At just 19 years of age she had defeated the legendary Serena Williams to capture the U.S. Open title and reach the summit of world tennis.

At that historic moment the Canadian teenager could never have predicted it would take more than...