News

Conor McGregor, a former champion in two UFC weight classes, says he has reached an agreement with the promotion to host a fight at the White House.

«Done deal, signed, delivered. McGregor will compete in the White House for America’s 250th birthday,» McGregor told Fox News.

In July, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a UFC tournament to be held on the grounds of the White House. The event, inspired by Trump’s idea, is scheduled for July 4, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

McGregor almost immediately...

Toyota remained the world’s top-selling car brand from January through August 2025, marking its 10th consecutive year as global market leader, according to Focus2Move, which compiled sales data from 159 countries.

The Japanese automaker’s sales increased by 3.2%, resulting in a 10.8% share of the global market. Volkswagen ranked second with a 5.6% share and a 1.3% increase in sales. Ford came in third, capturing 4.3% of the market despite a 4.6% drop in sales.

Hyundai, the South Korean automaker, followed closely behind. As its sales rose 1% year-on-year, the company moved up from fifth...

According to The Guardian, German historian Jürgen Matthäus, who spent years investigating Nazi crimes during World War II, used AI to shed new light on one of the Holocaust’s most infamous images — a Nazi soldier aiming a pistol at a kneeling man before a pit of corpses.

On July 28, 1941, Nazi forces massacred Jews in Berdychiv, a city with a large Jewish community at the time. When the Red Army retook the area in 1944, only 15 of an estimated 20,000 pre-occupation Jews had survived.

By applying AI facial comparison tools to historical photographs, Matthäus identified...

South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been in custody since July following his second arrest on charges tied to his failed attempt to impose martial law in December, had his request for bail rejected by the Seoul Central District Court on Oct. 2, Yonhap reported.

The ex-president had based his bail application, filed last month, on his right to mount a defense and concerns over his health. However, the court denied the request, citing fears of evidence being destroyed and stating it found no valid grounds to approve bail.

Yoon faces charges of leading a power...

A video featuring Kazakhstani star singer Dimash Qudaibergen, opera legends Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and cellist HAUSER has reached the finals of the prestigious European Lovie Awards.

According to Dimashnews.com, the artists’ collaborative performance of “My Way,” presented at the anniversary edition of the Virtuosos Talent Show, is competing in the «Music Video (Film and Video)» category.

The Lovie Awards are considered the European counterpart to the Webby Awards, recognizing projects in digital art, the internet and related fields. This year, the organizers received 1,200 submissions from 35 countries.

The winner will be determined by audience vote, available...

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will step down on Friday, handing the crown to his eldest son, Guillaume. Luxembourg, one of Europe’s smallest states, will thus see its first change of monarch in 25 years, ABC News reported

Henri, now 70, is known for his reserved demeanor and tall stature. His education took him across Europe, including studies in France and Switzerland, as well as military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. Guillaume, 43, mirrored much of that path — attending schools in London, Switzerland and France, training at Sandhurst, and later gaining...

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become the first person to surpass a net worth of $500 billion. His wealth briefly hit $500.1 billion Wednesday before edging down to just above $499 billion, according to the BBC.

Musk’s wealth primarily rose from Tesla’s stock gains as he owns over 12% of the company. His other two companies, SpaceX and xAI, also reported increased valuations. On Wednesday, Tesla shares rose 3% in New York trading and are up over 20% this year.

Musk remains the world’s richest person, far ahead of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, whose net worth is about...

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the Philippines on Sept. 30 killed 72 people, up from 69 reported Oct. 1, Reuters reported, citing a civil defense agency.

All deaths were recorded in the central Visayas region. A report issued on Oct. 2 by the agency indicates 294 injured.

This was a shallow earthquake, occurring at a depth of about 10 kilometers. Authorities reported nearly 800 aftershocks, including one that reached magnitude 6. Located on the Pacific «Ring of Fire,» the island country is highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The White House announced that mass furloughs of U.S. federal workers would start within two days amid the government shutdown that began on Oct. 1, triggered by the failure of Democrats and Republicans to agree on a new spending bill, the BBC reported.  

A vote to end the shutdown also failed, hours after it began.

The point of contention is healthcare funding. Democrats are seeking assurances on healthcare funding before agreeing to a spending deal, whereas Republicans prefer a temporary stopgap to keep the government running at current funding levels until mid-November.

Analysts, cited by the media outlet...

AI platforms such as ChatGPT can instantly provide information on illnesses, diets and medications. However, as technology becomes more accessible, rising concerns about misinformation and limited oversight have pushed governments around the world to consider restricting AI from dispensing medical advice. The debate has drawn sharp opinions from physicians, technologists and patients alike, writer Kavitha Yarlagadda noted in a recent commentary.

Risks of self-diagnosis

Reports from Asia highlight a surge in self-medication as people rely on chatbots and AI tools for health advice. This trend is dangerous; some individuals have been hospitalized after following unverified recommendations...

The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan issued a statement amid the U.S. government shutdown.

«Due to the lapse in appropriations, this account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,» a statement on the embassy’s social media said.

At the same time, scheduled passport and visa transit services will continue during the lapse, as circumstances allow.

By Oct. 1, the U.S. Congress had failed to pass a funding bill, triggering a government shutdown. The operations of several U.S. federal agencies were suspended. Hundreds of...

Munich’s Oktoberfest beer festival will remain closed until at least 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The closure comes after police responded to an early-morning fire caused by an explosion in a northern residential building, where explosives were found and one person died, according to Reuters.

Officials stated that the fire started during a family dispute that occurred earlier on Wednesday. Special forces entered the building to remove booby traps following the explosion. One person died, and another is missing but not thought to be at risk. Police stated that there is no immediate danger to the public, but they...

Selena Gomez shared photos of her September wedding to Benny Blanco at Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara, California.

Viewers see a lush garden, the couple’s genuine smiles and joy, and Selena in three Ralph Lauren looks: a bridal lace gown with a sheer skirt, a long dress with a train for portraits, and an off-the-shoulder midi dress for the reception.

Fans were especially taken with the heart-shaped wedding cake and Gomez’s bouquet of lily of the valley, a symbol of purity and tenderness.

The couple’s journey from friendship in 2021 to marriage culminated in a celebration...

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has instructed an increase in penalties for crimes against children and women following the murder of 17-year-old Aisuluu Mukasheva. He proposed reintroducing the death penalty for killing women and for the sexual assault of children.

«Specifically, the point at issue is introducing a clause on the death penalty for the rape of children, as well as for rape combined with the murder of women. President Sadyr Japarov believes that crimes, especially against children and women, must not be left unpunished,» presidential press secretary Askat Alagozov said.

He added that Japarov...

At least 69 people have died after a strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Philippines late Tuesday. Officials say the number could increase as rescue teams keep searching. This is one of the region’s most powerful quakes in a decade, according to Reuters.

The earthquake was shallow, about 10 kilometers deep, and caused widespread panic. It knocked out power, damaged buildings and caused several collapses. Over 150 people were injured, and officials are still checking how many are missing.

Hospitals near the epicenter, such as those in Bogo City, struggled to handle the large number...

Today, Oct. 1, 2025, is Maha Navami, the ninth day of Navaratri (nine nights), one of the most significant Hindu festivals, marking the climax of Goddess Durga’s battle against Mahishasura and the impending victory of good over evil.

On Maha Navami, devotees venerate Durga as Mahishasuramardini, or «slayer of Mahishasura.» A central ritual, Shastra Puja (also known as Astra Puja), involves the formal worship of tools, weapons, and instruments of trade to sanctify and seek blessings for implements used in daily work. Many families also observe Kanya Puja, in which nine young girls are ceremonially worshipped as...

The Freedom Holding Corp. Kazakhstan Manufacturing PMI® (Purchasing Managers’ Index™) posted 49.2 in September, up from 47.9 in August but still below the 50.0 no-change mark. The latest reading signaled a slight deterioration in business conditions, extending the current sequence of decline to four months.

According to Erlan Abdikarimov, head of the Financial Analysis Department at Freedom Finance Global PLC (a 100% subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp.), September showed mixed dynamics in Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector.

«While new orders returned to growth, output declined at a faster pace. The situation was driven by depleted inventories, weak procurement...

Almaty’s Kairat suffered a devastating 5-0 defeat to Real Madrid on Sept. 30. The La Liga club’s coach Xabi Alonso recapped the game’s outcome.

Alonso stated that the club had come with the goal of winning, so he was satisfied with the result.

«We came here with the clear objective of winning the match. It’s the Champions League and we wanted to make a good start. We’ve got six out of six [points]… We scored five goals, achieved our objective and played well. The players have been committed and doing things well,» he said.

On Sept. 30, Real Madrid defeated Almaty’s Kairat with a stunning 5-0 score on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League. Kairat’s head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin commented on the game’s outcome.

He said the result directly reflects the gap between the teams’ levels. Kairat can only learn a lesson from this defeat and keep developing.

«What is there to comment on? We are in different weight classes. We have to accept this. We received invaluable experience against such a rival. It’s always upsetting to lose — this is hard for any team. We have...

Car imports to Kazakhstan surged 59% in the first seven months of 2025, driven primarily by Chinese vehicles, which took the dominant share. Imports from China nearly tripled, reflecting a dramatic shift in sourcing, according to Finratings.kz.

More than 134,300 new and used cars were imported between January and July, a 59.4% rise from 2024, the Bureau of National Statistics reported. Notably, while imports from the U.S. declined, Chinese automakers significantly increased its shipments, signaling a shift in market dynamics.

Top car exporters to Kazakhstan (January-July 2025):

Spotify founder Daniel Ek will step down as CEO to become executive chairman, the company said Tuesday. After the announcement, Spotify’s shares fell by more than 5% in afternoon trading, according to the Associated Press.

With the leadership shift effective Jan. 1, Chief Product and Technology Officer Gustav Söderström and Chief Business Officer Alex Norström will assume responsibilities as co-CEOs. Both currently serve as copresidents, reporting to Ek.

Spotify explained that the move «formalizes» the company’s operating structure, which has been in place since 2023. Since then, Söderström and Norström have overseen strategic development and daily operations...

After Real Madrid defeated FC Kairat in yesterday’s Champions League match, goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza quickly became a social media sensation. Videos of Sherkhan’s stunning saves circulated on Threads, where users praised his performance and thanked him for preventing an even bigger loss.

Since the match, Sherkhan’s Instagram following has grown by 81,000, reaching 149,000 at the time of publication.

In the aftermath of the match, posts featuring Sherkhan on Threads received thousands of likes. Some users quickly calculated that he made seven saves during the game.

Almaty’s Kairat suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against Real Madrid in their Champions League group stage match.

Eduardo Camavinga scored Madrid’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute, before Brahim Díaz added a fifth in the third minute of stoppage time.

The match was officiated by a refereeing team led by Marco Guida.

Earlier, the starting lineups were announced.

On matchday one, Kairat lost 4-1 away to Portugal’s Sporting in Lisbon, while Real Madrid defeated Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappé.

At the 83rd minute of the Real Madrid vs. Kairat UEFA Champions League match, the visitors scored the fourth goal and took a 4-0 lead. The goal was scored by Eduardo Camavinga. The previous three goals were scored by Kylian Mbappé.

The teams are facing off at Central Stadium in Almaty on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League.

The match is being officiated by a refereeing team led by Marco Guida.

Earlier, the starting lineups were announced.

On matchday one, Kairat were defeated 4-1 by Portugal’s Sporting in Lisbon.