Warner Bros. Discovery has rejected a $108 billion takeover bid from Paramount, opting instead to pursue a deal with Netflix that it considers more attractive and secure for shareholders.

The World Health Organization is warning of the rapid spread of a new influenza variant as the flu season begins earlier than usual in the Northern Hemisphere.

On December 16, a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was held to discuss the comprehensive socioeconomic development of Tashkent, improving the urban environment, and creating decent living conditions for the population. First, the results of the work accomplished in the capital were summarized. It was noted that Tashkent has undergone significant changes in recent years.

The head of state toured the new building and the educational and research activities of the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Ford has revised its ambitious electric vehicle plans amid financial losses, deciding to focus on producing hybrids and gasoline-powered vehicles instead.

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has become the first person in history to surpass a net worth of $600 billion, according to Forbes. The milestone follows a sharp increase in SpaceX’s valuation ahead of its planned IPO.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health has approved a phased rollout of the “E-Prescription” system following consultations with medical professionals and experts. The corresponding order was signed by Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov, the ministry’s press service reported.

The Ministry of Health has launched a 24/7 call center to provide consultations on the issuance and use of electronic prescriptions. The hotline operates around the clock via the short number 1003, based on the national trust helpline system.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced the dissolution of parliament, saying the decision “returns power to the people.” The move comes amid growing tensions between the government and the largest opposition group, the People’s Party.

Euroclear stated it has been prepared since 2022 to defend its interests in Russian courts in cases initiated by investors from Russia. The company emphasized, however, that these proceedings are unrelated to the dispute involving the Bank of Russia and the EU’s plans for Russian frozen assets.

Distinguished heads of delegations! I express my deep gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan, distinguished Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, to my dear brother, esteemed Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and excellent organization of today's forum.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree introducing new mechanisms of tax regulation that will come into force on 1 January 2026. The reforms aim to increase transparency in business operations and strengthen tax compliance across the corporate sector.

Ukraine has sent the U.S. administration its official response containing comments and amendments to Washington’s latest peace plan aimed at ending the war.

Euroclear has stated that it cannot transfer frozen Russian assets to the European Union for free, warning that the EU’s proposed reparation-loan scheme lies outside existing legal frameworks and could jeopardize financial stability.

Today in Tashkent, Saida Mirziyoyeva held a meeting with Long Yuxiang, Chairman of China’s International Communication Center. The sides discussed further strengthening the all-weather strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation of Saudi companies headed by the co-chairman of the Uzbek-Saudi Business council, head of “ACWA Power” company Mohammad Abunayyan.

On December 5, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received delegation of the Republic of Türkiye headed by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar.

European leaders are increasingly skeptical of Washington’s intentions in the ongoing peace negotiations on Ukraine. According to Der Spiegel, a confidential recording of a private discussion involving the German chancellor, the French president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and several other European leaders reveals deep concern that the U.S. may concede territory to Moscow without providing Kyiv with solid security guarantees.

A powerful sandstorm tore across a gold mine in the remote Tanami Desert, engulfing the horizon and forcing workers to seek shelter. Footage of the dramatic event quickly spread across social media.

Part of the upcoming film “Armour of God: Ultimatum” starring Jackie Chan may be filmed in Uzbekistan, according to Kazakhstan’s Salem Entertainment.