The tafs uz editorial desk is responsible for the website’s publications in English, Uzbek and Russian. Every story has a persistent byline. Our author directory explains the topic bylines. Original publications and saved revision history are retained for editorial staff.
The Environment Agency has declared a severe drought in parts of southern England — Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East and West Sussex — after a record-hot summer and the driest April–September in more than a century. Critically low water levels at the Wimbleball (14.9%) and Ardingly (19.4%) reservoirs, hosepipe bans are in force, and the government is urging water conservation.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) announced the temporary suspension of operations at Chios "Homer" Airport from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, to extend and modernize the runway to 1,799 meters. The contractor committed to striving to complete the works by February 28, 2027. Local authorities and the business community oppose the earlier-than-agreed closure starting November 15 instead of January 15 and demand a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.
Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva, during her visit to Turkey, visited the Baykar company complex and familiarized herself with its developments in high technology, including the defense industry. She noted that the Turkish experience is of practical interest for Uzbekistan and pointed to opportunities for exchanging experience and joint technological projects. Earlier, she visited Ibn Haldun University and the Yenidogu school in Istanbul together with Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan.
Nearly 57% of residents of 32 developing landlocked countries cannot afford a healthy diet, according to FAO. Logistics costs in these countries are 75% higher for imports than in transit states. The issues were discussed at a forum in Tashkent, where Uzbekistan proposed a regional initiative on water management and agricultural innovation.
Heavy rains hit Istanbul on October 15, 2026, causing widespread flooding. According to various reports, between two and three people died, and five are missing. Hundreds of inundations and landslides were recorded, schools are closed, dozens of flights were diverted, and electricity and gas were cut off in several districts.
In the Chakar mahalla of the Shaykhantahur district of Tashkent, trees were cut down and asphalt dismantled under the 'Obod mahalla' program, but the work has dragged on. Residents complain about dust, leftover rebar, and danger to children. The mahalla chairman cites heat and financial problems, while the district administration's press secretary claims the work never stopped and will be completed by November 15.
The press service of the Tashkent hokimiyat reported the dismissal of the hokims of Chilanzar, Yashnabad and Yangihayot districts due to their transfer to other jobs. According to Kun.uz, Hayot Inogamov has headed the Chilanzar district, and the Yangihayot district has been headed by Lazizbek Temirov; Abdulaziz Abdulhakov has been approved in Yashnabad. At the time of the first publications, there was no information about the appointments in Chilanzar and Yashnabad.
Uzbekistan has increased fines for begging and for involving others in it. The changes were introduced by a law aimed at protecting children from all forms of violence. The fine for begging in public places has risen from 1–3 to 3–5 BRV, and for involving minors, the elderly and vulnerable persons — from 5–10 to 10–15 BRV. In both cases, administrative arrest of up to 15 days remains possible.
Azerbaijan hosted the seventh CICA summit in Baku, bringing together leaders and delegations of conflicting states — Israel, Iran, Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, Russia, Palestine and Asian countries. Israeli President Isaac Herzog held meetings with Aliyev and Bahrain's foreign minister; a number of delegations walked out during his address. The Baku Declaration was adopted, Azerbaijan's chairmanship extended for 2026–2028, and Laos became a full member. Azerbaijan hosted the seventh CICA summit in Baku, bringing together leaders and delegations from conflicting states including Israel, Iran, Qatar, UAE, Turkey, Russia, Palestine, and Asian nations. Israeli President Isaac Herzog held meetings with President Aliyev and the Bahraini Foreign Minister; several delegations left the hall during his speech. The Baku Declaration was adopted, Azerbaijan's chairmanship extended for 2026–2028, and Laos became a full member.
According to Ukrainian officials, SpaceX has restricted the speed of military Starshield terminals without warning, hindering drone operations. Zelenskyy called the decision a 'big mistake,' while Musk stated that the U.S. military and Trump set the restrictions. Amid this, Russia launched strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lutsk, killing at least 8 people and leaving around 600,000 without electricity.
The press service of the Tashkent khokimiyat reported a series of personnel reshuffles: new heads have been approved in the Yashnabad, Yangihayot, Chilanzar and Yakkasaray districts. Khayot Inogamov, who had led Yangihayot since 2020, was transferred to Chilanzar and was replaced by Lazizbek Temirov. According to Daryo.uz, Nilufar Allabergenova has been appointed deputy prosecutor of Tashkent.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Euronews that Russia made a mistake by trying to force Ukraine into capitulation through a deal with the US after the Anchorage summit, called Trump's diesel deal a 'gift to Putin,' and described Kyiv's strikes on refineries as self-defense. Zelensky told the FT that strikes on refineries have resumed, accusing Washington of suspending intelligence sharing and of Starlink disruptions. The Kremlin doubted the existence of an energy truce.
The fishing vessel Kilda went missing off the northern coast of the Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides). The body of 49-year-old Dougie Crombie was found near Port of Ness a day before his 50th birthday. Skipper Norman Murray (Tam), 40, and 23-year-old Murdo Morrison remain missing. The Coastguard suspended the search on Thursday evening pending new information.
At the EU summit, Bulgarian leader Rumen Radev backed the deal on Russian diesel supplies agreed by Trump and Putin despite Western sanctions, citing high fuel prices in Europe. Other EU leaders condemned the agreement: Kaja Kallas called it a "gift for Putin," and Ulf Kristersson — a step in the wrong direction. Radev also criticized Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries.
Russian authorities reported the arrest of a 35-year-old Swede accused of illegally crossing the border and preparing attacks on military facilities, as well as the detention of Hokkaido Shimbun journalist Yuki Imai on suspicion of espionage. Tokyo lodged a protest, and Sweden confirmed awareness without comment. Observers link the detentions to the 'exchange fund' practice mentioned by Dmitry Medvedev.
France's Interior Ministry published a national study on violent deaths within couples: 136 deaths in 2025 (down 1% from 2024), of which 111 were women — up 4%. The number of killed men fell to 25. There were 445 attempted murders. At the same time, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a comprehensive bill against sexist and sexual violence, which now goes to the Senate.
The German government approved a draft law on a tax on drinks with a sugar content of 5 g per 100 ml. Rates will be 0.26–0.32 euros per litre, with expected revenues of 690 million euros in 2027 and 925 million in 2028. The law must be approved by the Bundestag; critics, including Boris Rhein (CDU) and the Tax Foundation, doubt the measure's effectiveness.
Following the attack on Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran, for which Yemeni Houthis claimed responsibility, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned of negative consequences for the global economy. Brent crude rose above $106, Lufthansa suspended flights to Riyadh, and the IMF forecasts a 3.3% contraction in Saudi Arabia's economy this year.