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Culture

UNESCO Conference on the Scientific Heritage of Central Asia Held in Paris

On October 7, 2026, an international conference dedicated to the intellectual heritage of Central Asia was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. More than 300 participants discussed the contributions of the region's scholars, the work of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, the digitization of manuscripts, and international scientific cooperation. The initiative is linked to speeches by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the UN in 2017 and 2025.

3 min read
Culture

Portuguese journalist and writer Joaquim Letria dies

Portuguese journalist and writer Joaquim Letria died on Friday at the age of 82. The newspaper Observador reported the news, citing a source close to the family. Letria was the founder of the weeklies O Jornal and Tal & Qual, worked for AP, DPA and the BBC, and also taught journalism for more than 20 years.

2 min read
Culture

BTS becomes the first group to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify in a year

According to the label BigHit Music, BTS has become the first music group to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify in a single year. The result is more than double the 2025 figure (4.5 billion) and was largely driven by the album Arirang, released on March 20, which has amassed over 5 billion streams.

2 min read
Culture

Pompeii's Cats Star in the Photo Book 'Cats of Pompeii'

The cats living in the Pompeii Archaeological Park, who have become social media stars, are the subject of the photo book 'Cats of Pompeii', published by Giunti Editore together with the park. The book is based on photographs by archaeologist and photographer Silvia Vacca. The colony numbers 40–50 animals, and the park, together with Archeogatti Onlus, ensures sterilization, veterinary care, and rehoming of the cats.

2 min read
Culture

Doris Dörrie makes a film about care robots and the 'end-of-life mode'

The new film by German director Doris Dörrie, 'Frau Winkler verlässt das Haus', explores ageing, assisted suicide and people's emotional bonds with robots. It is set in the near-future Hamburg, where a care robot with an EOL function assists an elderly woman. Dörrie calls for swift international regulation of AI.

3 min read
Culture

Directors and Producers Warn: 2027 Budget Project Threatens French Cinema with Loss of 400 Films Over Five Years

In a column published in Le Monde, renowned filmmakers including Jacques Audiard, Claire Denis, and Justine Triet warn that measures in the 2027 finance bill draft — cutting France Télévisions' budget, seizing €35 million from CNC, and doubling VAT for Canal+ — could deprive the industry of €750 million in funding and lead to a shortfall of approximately 80 films annually.

4 min read
Culture

BBC commissions two-part documentary about J.K. Rowling

BBC has announced a documentary project about the career and legacy of the author of Harry Potter. Rowling is not involved in the making of the film. The announcement coincided with accusations of censorship against the BBC and disputes surrounding HBO's new Harry Potter series.

2 min read
Culture

Composer Felix Yanov-Yanovsky dies in Tashkent

On October 12, in Tashkent, composer, Honored Art Worker of Uzbekistan and professor Felix Yanov-Yanovsky died at the age of 92. The Union of Composers and Bastakors of Uzbekistan announced his death. He was the author of nine operas, four ballets, five symphonies and music for 60 films.

2 min read
Culture

'Celebrity Traitors': Hannah Fry's banishment, Rob Beckett's murder and a 'creepy' death march

In the fifth episode of Celebrity Traitors season two, the traitors murdered Rob Beckett face to face, while at the round table a majority of votes — including those of his own fellow traitors — sent mathematician Hannah Fry out of the castle gates. King Kenny became the new traitor. The 'death march' mission ended in victory for the players, who earned all of the prize money for charity.

4 min read
Culture

Lion Green Road housing complex in a London suburb wins the 2026 Stirling Prize

The Lion Green Road project in Coulsdon (south London) — 157 homes in five 13-sided blocks — has been named the best building of the year by RIBA. The authors are Mary Duggan Architects and RUFF Architects, with Croydon Council as the client. The jury praised its integration into the landscape and its approach to affordable housing.

3 min read