News

The ongoing conflict across the Middle East has prompted Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade to actively seek out alternative logistics corridors.

Representatives from the ministry’s press service told Kursiv Uzbekistan that officials are currently evaluating new trade pathways that would rely on Chinese ports while transiting through Kazakhstan. Additionally, Georgian ports are being considered as another viable option, which would involve moving cargo overland via Turkmenistan.

This urgent search for new supply lines is a direct response to the mounting financial pressures caused by regional volatility. The ministry highlighted that instability surrounding Iran has driven up freight costs...

Law enforcement in the American state of Louisiana have shot and killed a man following a devastating domestic rampage that claimed the lives of eight youths, BBC reports.

The perpetrator, named by authorities as Shamar Elkins, went on a shooting spree in the city of Shreveport early on Sunday morning. He murdered seven of his own offspring alongside an unrelated juvenile in what police have characterised as a severe domestic disturbance.

According to official reports, the youngsters who died were between one and 14 years of age.

A morning of terror

The violence began at approximately 05:00 local...

Reacting to recent controversial remarks made by Timothee Chalamet, Charlize Theron stated that artificial intelligence will be capable of replacing screen actors within a decade, whereas the raw authenticity of live stage dancers remains entirely irreplaceable by machines, Variety reports.

In an interview with The New York Times, Theron expressed her dismay at Chalamet’s claim that «no one cares» about ballet or opera. When interviewer Lulu Garcia-Navarro raised the topic, Theron branded the young actor’s comments as highly irresponsible and delivered a sharp reality check regarding the looming threat of AI in Hollywood.

«Oh boy...

Potatoes are a kitchen staple, but leave them sitting too long and they can quickly develop sprouts, turning from everyday ingredient into something far less appealing — and potentially unsafe to eat.

There has long been confusion over how best to store potatoes. For years, people were advised to avoid keeping them in the fridge due to concerns that cold temperatures would alter their starch and make them less healthy. However, more recent research suggests refrigeration is safe and can even extend their shelf life.

Experts now say storing potatoes in the fridge can keep them fresh up to three...

A new study suggests that turmeric, the spice responsible for the yellow colour in many curries, could be as effective as standard medications in treating indigestion.

Researchers found that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric derived from the Curcuma longa plant, may match the effectiveness of omeprazole, a widely used treatment for reducing stomach acid.

The clinical trial, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, involved 206 patients in Thailand suffering from functional dyspepsia, a condition marked by symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating and early fullness. Participants were divided into three groups: one received curcumin, another omeprazole, and a...

Bahrain’s parliament speaker Ahmed Al Musallam has discussed recent Iranian attacks with international counterparts during the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Turkey.

During bilateral meetings with representatives from France, Brazil and Uzb/ekistan, Al Musallam condemned what he described as Iranian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and vital facilities across the region. He said Bahrain had faced more than 45 days of drone and missile attacks affecting homes and key energy and water sources.

The speaker highlighted international condemnation of the incidents, pointing to resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations...

A 22-year-old woman from Manchester has issued a warning about the dangers of vaping after being given just 18 months to live following a lung cancer diagnosis.

Kayley Boda began vaping at 15 and said she was using a 600-puff device each week when she first noticed alarming symptoms, including coughing up brown, grainy mucus. Despite repeated visits to doctors, she says she was initially told she had a chest infection before later coughing up blood, prompting further tests.

After multiple biopsies, she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2025 and underwent surgery to remove part of her...

A new UK poll has found overwhelming public opposition to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle using their royal titles for commercial purposes.

The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 61% of respondents oppose the couple leveraging their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles for personal gain. When excluding undecided participants, opposition rises to nearly 80%, with only 16% expressing support.

The findings come amid scrutiny of the couple’s recent visit to Australia, where they combined charity appearances with paid speaking engagements and branded events. Critics argue this approach blurs the line between public service and private profit, reigniting...

A former detainee of China’s Xinjiang internment camps has accused the UK government of undermining human rights after approving plans for a new Chinese mega-embassy in London.

Sayragul Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh who fled China in 2018, said Prime Minister Keir Starmer was prioritising economic ties with China over international law.

«The recent activities of the UK government have left us in deep anguish,» she said, accusing Britain of hypocrisy in promoting democratic values while strengthening relations with Beijing.

Sauytbay says she was forced to work in a detention facility in the Xinjiang region, where...

A recent discussion at the European Parliament has exposed divisions over how Europe should engage with Iran’s opposition, amid ongoing unrest in the country.

The meeting, organised by the Foreign Affairs Committee in cooperation with its delegation for relations with Iran, aimed to assess the situation following the January 2026 nationwide protests. The uprising was met with a harsh response from Iranian authorities, including mass arrests and executions targeting political activists.

However, concerns were raised by several lawmakers about the balance of voices represented at the session. Critics argued that some participants were aligned with groups advocating a...

The UK and France are leading a new international «Coalition of the Willing» aimed at safeguarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions with Iran and divisions with the United States complicate efforts to stabilise the region.

Following a meeting of 51 countries, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that freedom of navigation must be protected, amid reports that Tehran is demanding steep tolls for vessels passing through the strait.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump declaring the crisis resolved, Iran signalled the situation remains unstable, citing ongoing restrictions on its shipping. The...

Supporters attending matches at MetLife Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be allowed to walk to the venue due to local safety laws, officials have confirmed.

The 82,500-capacity stadium, located roughly 12 miles from New York City, is set to host eight matches, including England’s group-stage clash with Panama and the tournament final. Fans from countries such as Norway, Brazil and France are also expected to attend fixtures at the venue.

However, access to the stadium is restricted to vehicles and public transport. The surrounding area is dominated by highways and parking lots, with no...

A humanoid robot developed by Honor has outpaced the human half-marathon world record at a robot race in Beijing, highlighting rapid advances in China’s robotics sector.

The robot completed the 21-kilometre course in 50 minutes and 26 seconds at the Beijing E-Town Robot Marathon on Sunday, according to organisers. The time surpasses the current human world record set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo, who clocked approximately 57 minutes earlier this year.

The achievement marks a dramatic improvement from the inaugural event last year, when the fastest robot finished in over two hours and 40 minutes. This year’s competition...

Bloomberg has released its latest Billionaires Index, highlighting the overwhelming financial dominance of the United States technology sector. Nine of the world’s ten wealthiest individuals are American tech leaders, leaving just one spot for a European representing the luxury goods market.

Here is the updated breakdown of the ten richest people on the planet:

Elon Musk ($656 bn): The driving force behind electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and private aerospace firm SpaceX. His staggering wealth is further supported by his ownership of the social media platform X and the neurotechnology startup Neuralink.

Larry Page ($286 bn): The Alphabet co-founder has...

International investment and technology firm Freedom Holding Corp has announced the acquisition of ChessBase, one of the world’s oldest and largest platforms dedicated to chess software, analytics and data.

The takeover aims to strengthen the company’s market position through the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence and its integration into the wider Freedom corporate ecosystem. The firm expects to invest approximately €5 mln into the project’s future development.

A new era for a historic brand

Timur Turlov, chief executive of Freedom Holding Corp, highlighted the significance of the deal for the global chess community.

“ChessBase is...

The Uzbek private cargo carrier My Freighter has officially expanded its aviation park with the arrival of a new Boeing 767. The aircraft, which landed on April 17 and carries the tail number UK67022, marks the tenth addition to the company’s growing fleet.

Continuing a recently established corporate tradition of honouring the nation’s most outstanding historical figures, the airline has named the new freighter after Abdulla Qodiriy.

Qodiriy is widely celebrated as one of the principal founders of modern Uzbek literature, a brilliant playwright and a dedicated public figure. He is best known for authoring the masterpieces Bygone Days and...

Uzbekistan is set to implement sweeping legislative changes aimed at bolstering child protection and increasing state support for vulnerable families. The new initiatives, recently presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outline a dual approach focusing on digital safety and comprehensive care for children with disabilities.

According to the press service of the children’s ombudsman, the republic will introduce targeted punishments for the possession of child pornography with the intent to distribute. First-time offenders will face administrative charges, while any repeat offences will automatically trigger criminal liability.

The state is also toughening the penalties for any depraved or predatory acts directed...

Kanye West will no longer be performing in Poland after the venue cancelled his upcoming show amid mounting political pressure regarding his history of racist, antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements, BBC reports.

The controversial American rapper, who also goes by the name Ye, was set to take the stage at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow on June. It would have marked his first Polish performance in 15 years, but venue officials confirmed on Friday that the event had been scrapped citing unspecified “formal and legal reasons”.

The cancellation follows strong condemnation from the Polish government. Marta Cienkowska, the country’s culture...

The Trump administration has extended a crucial sanctions waiver that permits nations to purchase Russian oil at sea for approximately another month, Reuters reports. The decision comes despite fierce criticism from U.S. lawmakers who argue the government is adopting a soft stance on Moscow while the war in Ukraine continues.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s updated exemption allows countries to acquire Russian crude and petroleum products loaded onto vessels from Friday until May 16. This replaces a previous 30-day grace period that expired on April 11. Transactions involving Iran, Cuba and North Korea remain strictly prohibited under the terms of...

The Association of Umrah Pilgrimage Travel Agencies has signed a strategic memorandum with the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (HUURSAD) to facilitate dedicated tours to Uzbekistan for Turkish citizens.

The initiative, officially titled “Umrah Plus Uzbekistan”, was recently unveiled to 50 tourism industry representatives during a special presentation in Istanbul. The showcase was coordinated by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan alongside the Organization of Turkic States, the Uzbek Consulate General in Istanbul and various Turkish travel coalitions.

Extending the spiritual journey

Under this new travel framework, Turkish pilgrims completing their religious duties in Saudi Arabia will be encouraged...

Uzbekistan Airports has formalised a strategic partnership with JPMorgan Chase following the signing of a memorandum at the Uzbekistan Investor Day forum in the United States.

This agreement is set to provide the company with critical access to international capital markets, paving the way for the issuance of Eurobonds and the utilisation of other sophisticated financial tools.

The forum was held across two major U.S. financial hubs, taking place in Boston on April 13 and New York on April 14. The event focused on showcasing Uzbekistan’s investment potential and the various economic reforms currently being implemented to attract foreign capital.

Uzbekistan’s chess sensation Javokhir Sindarov has returned to a hero’s welcome in Tashkent after a triumphant performance at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. Following his historic victory, the 20-year-old grandmaster was awarded the prestigious “Mehnat shuhrati” (Glory of Labour) order.

Upon landing at the capital’s airport, Sindarov was greeted by a high-profile delegation that included Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, officials from the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, coaches and his close relatives.

A presidential tribute

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev formally presented the state honour to the young champion while congratulating him on becoming the first player from Uzbekistan to secure...

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon, Reuters reports.

The U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a comprehensive deal to end the war with Iran could be finalised soon.

Taking to social media platform X, Araqchi confirmed the vital waterway is now open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day truce agreed between Israel and Hezbollah. Shortly after, Trump echoed the announcement on Truth Social, declaring the strait “fully open and ready for passage”.

Shipping resumes under a cloud of caution

Uzbekistan has placed Vladimir Dobrynin, the founder and chief executive of the technology company Humans, on the international wanted list. An official notice regarding the search for the businessman has been published on the Interpol website.

Domestic authorities are seeking Dobrynin on serious criminal charges encompassing the organisation of illegal gambling activities and money laundering.

Escalating corporate clashes

These criminal allegations mark the latest development in an increasingly bitter conflict between the tech executive’s business empire and the Uzbek state. The situation began to deteriorate significantly in June 2025 when Singapore-based Humans Mobile Ltd launched a lawsuit against...