Society

On the night of March 21, the strongest geomagnetic storm in 2 months occurred on Earth. This event resulted from solar plasma ejections observed earlier in the week and the impact of mass separated from coronal holes on Earth's ionosphere. The International Solar Astronomy and Geophysics Center had previously forecast disturbances, but the storm's intensity exceeded expectations, stemming from a combination of multiple factors.

Yayoi Kusama, a leading figure in Japanese contemporary art, is nearing 100 years of age, yet her works and themes continue to resonate deeply. A retrospective of her career is on display at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne until August 2, 2026. Kusama is renowned for her Instagram-famous "Infinity Rooms"—immersive installations that create illusions of endless space—and large-scale polka-dot sculptures, but behind these playful pieces lies the story of a woman who faced significant social and mental health challenges.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – Podrobno.uz. Legendary actor, martial arts master, and hero of numerous internet memes Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86. According to reports from the American publication TMZ and other leading media outlets, the actor passed away on Thursday morning in Hawaii.

South Korea's global K-pop phenomenon BTS is making a full-group comeback after a four-year hiatus and the completion of mandatory military service by all seven members. The new album "ARIRANG" is set for release on March 20, 2026, followed by a free comeback concert in Seoul on March 21, expected to draw 260,000 fans. Netflix has secured streaming rights for the concert, bringing the event to a worldwide audience.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – AN Podrobno.uz. In January and February 2026, over 1 million Uzbek citizens traveled abroad. This is 49.3 thousand more than in the same period last year. According to the national statistics committee, this indicator shows an increase in the travel activity of the country's population.

South Korean K-pop megastars BTS released their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' on Friday, marking their first album in nearly four years. The 14-track album is named after a traditional Korean folk song and is billed as reflecting the boy band's roots and identity, with entertainment magazine Billboard describing it as 'a love letter to their home country.' Ahead of the release, BTS member Jimin stated, 'We gave deep thought to our identity — and how best to express ourselves authentically — across the entirety of our music and performances. As an extension of that process, we also revisited the significance of our background as a group comprised entirely of Korean members.'

According to the Uzbekistan Hydrometeorological Service (Uzhydromet), the country will be under the influence of moderately warm and humid air masses from March 19-20. Rain is expected in some districts of the central and southeastern regions, with daytime temperatures today ranging from +13…+16°C and tomorrow from +17…+20°C, signaling a gradual shift towards spring conditions across the nation.

Toshavtobustrans LLC, a subsidiary of Toshshahartransxizmat JSC, has resumed operations of bus route No. 1226 from Mashinasozlar Metro Station to Chorbog (Humsan village). This move is aimed at developing domestic tourism and providing comfortable transport services to residents.

In Istanbul's Maltepe district, the murder of 36-year-old Uzbek citizen Hurriyat Tursunboyeva, who was reported missing by her sister in 2019, has been uncovered by a special police group. According to NTV television, the investigation revealed that the woman was killed by her husband, and her body was stored in their home for a month before being discarded in a waste container. The case emerged during a re-examination of the missing persons report filed by the victim's sister, Sevara Zakhidova.

The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has officially set the prayer times for Eid al-Fitr, as the holiday coincides with Friday, March 20. This announcement is significant for Muslims across the country, providing clear guidance for the timing of the festive prayer ceremonies.

The Tashkent City Court has overturned a previous sentence and imposed actual prison terms on professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Shahzod Uzakov, known publicly as 'Shahzod-Gold', and his accomplice, Nurillo Kuldoshev. The court's cassation ruling replaced their initial punishment of restricted freedom with deprivation of liberty, sparking widespread discussion and varied interpretations on social media.

The Hydrometeorological Service of Uzbekistan (Uzhydromet) has reported that on March 19-20, the country's territory will be under the influence of moderately warm and humid air masses. During this period, rain is expected in the central and southeastern regions of the republic, including the capital city of Tashkent. Daytime temperatures on Thursday are forecast to range from +13…+16°C, rising to +17…+20°C on Friday, which is slightly above seasonal averages.