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A resident of Kasansay promised cheap loans via Telegram and received 250 million sums

In the Kasansay district of the Namangan region, a man was detained who promised to arrange low-interest loans via Telegram and received more than 250 million sums from citizens. He created a fake 'Microcredit' page in the messenger, asked users to transfer money to bank cards in advance, and then stopped responding. The suspect had previously been convicted of fraud. A criminal case has been opened under Article 168 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan; investigative actions continue.

The new prime minister's first deputy will coordinate the work of state bodies and governors in three areas

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree on October 9 to improve the executive structure of the Cabinet of Ministers, introducing the position of First Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of Education and Science, to which former Syrdarya governor Erkinjon Turdimov was appointed. He will coordinate education, science and healthcare, overseeing relevant ministries, agencies and regional governors. A 12-person secretariat will be established, and the Cabinet's executive staff was set at 243. The president explained the appointment by declining quality of education.

Man dies after falling from a roller coaster in the US

At the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park in Georgia, one person died and several others were injured in an incident on a ride. Police did not specify which ride was involved, but footage shows the stopped Goliath roller coaster. Six Flags suspended similar rides at nine other parks as a precaution. Witnesses said the man fell out of his seat and struck parts of the ride before hitting the ground.

NASA Showed a 'Piece of the Moon' in Madagascar

NASA published an orbital photo of Madagascar's Saririaki massif, where light-colored anorthosite rocks resemble the Moon's highlands. Geologists had studied the massif long before: in 1998, researchers led by Lewis Ashwal dated the anorthosites' crystallization to about 660 million years ago, linking later alterations to the assembly of Gondwana. Lunar anorthosites, by contrast, are over four billion years old, like the famous 'Genesis Rock' brought back by Apollo 15 astronauts in 1971.

UzAuto Motors: there is no plan to sell cars with no down payment

Reports on social media claimed that Chevrolet Damas, Cobalt, Tracker and Onix cars were being sold with no down payment on installment terms. UzAuto Motors' press service denied these reports, stating that no such sales plan exists for any model. The company asked the public and social media users not to spread unverified and misleading false information. Earlier, from October 7, UzAuto Motors began selling the Cobalt and Damas on installments without bank participation, with down payments of 50% and 30% respectively, noting that the number of cars was limited.

No respite for Ukraine despite Trump’s energy truce announcement

As an aside, you might notice a new look and feel to our newsletter from today. Good news: you can now also read Europe Today every morning in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. But first, some breaking news: Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has said that two more ships have been hit by drones in the Black Sea, one of which sank. Ukraine has blamed previous such attacks on Russia, accusing Moscow of seeking to choke off Kyiv’s vital maritime export route. More . Ukraine under

A 35-Year Debt Burden: Ukraine Will Repay Its Debt Until 2061

Ukraine plans to repay its debts to international financial institutions by 2061. TASS, calculating based on data from Ukraine's Ministry of Finance, reported that the country's total payments to the IMF and the World Bank will amount to about $128.86 billion. Ukraine's state debt has grown significantly, and the 2027 budget deficit is estimated at about $96 billion, or 37% of GDP.

Russia strikes Kharkiv and Kyiv: at least five killed

On the night of October 13, Russia launched another large-scale strike on Ukraine. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported three killed and 11 wounded in the city. On the evening of October 12, Russian forces attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones, killing two people and wounding 11. Ukraine's Air Force said it failed to declare an air alert in advance because data on missile launches from Russian territory arrived late.

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In Uzbekistan, 43,000 bank cards have been blocked since the beginning of the year over fraudulent schemes

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Internal Affairs reported 17,483 cybercrimes solved this year, with damages of over 209.9 billion soums returned to more than 19,000 citizens. Over nine months, the joint MIA and Central Bank system prevented the illegal withdrawal of 77.3 billion soums and blocked 43,001 bank cards linked to criminal activity. Authorities also shut down over 38,000 phishing programs, protecting more than 668,000 citizens. However, the ministry acknowledged that current measures are not yet sufficiently effective, criticizing cybersecurity work in Tashkent and several regions.

Central Bank fined 8 banks

In September 2026, the committee held its 8th meeting, reviewing 37 issues and adopting relevant decisions. Of these, 21 concerned registration and licensing, including registration of amendments to the charters of credit institutions, recording microfinance organizations in the register, accreditation, and issuing a license to a payment organization. Permissions to acquire shares in the charter funds of credit institutions and candidates for members of banks' supervisory boards and management, as well as key personnel, were also considered. Another 16 issues concerned the financial condition of credit and payment organizations, including compliance with Central Bank directives and prudential ratios, and the results of inspections at banks and non-bank credit organizations. Issues of testing within the financial services 'regulatory sandbox' were also reviewed. The names of the fined banks and the fine amounts were not disclosed.

"I would really like to do that": Trump speaks out about a third term

Donald Trump, at a meeting with Republican supporters in Ohio, expressed a desire to remain president for a third term, which contradicts the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution.

In Samarkand, a grandmother and grandchild died after being hit by a Cobalt car while riding a scooter

A fatal traffic accident occurred in the Paxtachi district of the Samarkand region. According to Kun.uz, on October 9, a man riding a scooter with his spouse and grandchild collided with a Cobalt car. The 57-year-old woman and her 2-year-old grandchild died, while the scooter driver was hospitalized in serious condition. The regional Road Safety Department stated that the Cobalt driver swerved to avoid a cyclist, lost control, and collided with the electric scooter. For reference, in the first 9 months of 2026, 563 accidents involving mopeds and scooters occurred, killing 89 people and injuring 488.

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Before the lesson is even over: NATO presents the 'Theory of Victory'

According to DW, NATO's supreme commander in Europe, Alexus Grinkevich, presented the alliance's new 'Theory of Victory' concept on October 12 at a security conference in Warsaw. It outlines three stages of action against a potential aggressor — Block, Blunt and Break — from detecting signs of attack preparation in advance to disabling the enemy's military system. Grinkevich stressed that NATO's aim is not a strategic defeat of the adversary state but the military defeat of attacking forces, and said he does not consider war inevitable.

Several drug distributors detained in Tashkent region

In Tashkent region, police stopped the activities of a group distributing drugs through stash drops. In Chirchik, two girls born in 2006 and 2008 were detained for distributing synthetic drugs through 41 stash drops; 1 kg 259 g of synthetic narcotics were found in their apartment. A man, a woman, and a underage girl born in 2009 were also detained on suspicion of distributing mephedrone; 2 kg 850 g of mephedrone, 200 g of alpha-PVP, and 200 g of heroin were seized. Four more alleged group members were detained in the Kibray district with about 200 packets of synthetic drugs. Among the detainees are natives of Syrdarya, Fergana, and Namangan regions, including university students. A criminal case has been opened; law enforcement is identifying other persons involved.

Uzbekistani servicemen took second place at the "Cambrian Patrol" international competition in Great Britain

A team of servicemen from the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan won a silver medal at the "Cambrian Patrol" international military competition held in Wales, Great Britain. More than 140 patrol groups from about 35 countries took part. Over 48 hours, participants covered about 70 kilometers, demonstrating reconnaissance, combat, obstacle-crossing and first-aid skills. The competition has been held since 1959 and is organized by the 160th Welsh Brigade. Uzbekistani servicemen first took part in 2017, taking second place, won gold in 2018 and 2019, and silver medals from 2020 to 2025.

A suspect in fraud was detained in Tashkent: he promised a plot for $840,000

In Tashkent, a man born in 1970 was detained for fraud. He promised to arrange documents for developing four hectares out of nine hectares of a non-residential facility in the Bostanlyk district, claiming he could resolve the issue through acquaintances among officials of the Cadastre Agency. He demanded $100,000 first and then another $740,000, totaling $840,000. He was detained in the Yunusabad district while receiving the first $100,000. A criminal case was opened under Part 4 of Article 168 (fraud), as well as Part 3 of Article 28 and Part 3 of Article 211 (bribe-giving).

A benefit for migrants in Russia: some workers may be exempted from the Russian language exam

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed exempting certain labor migrants working in territories of advanced development from the Russian language exam. The draft law has been published on the portal of draft regulatory legal acts. It would exempt foreign citizens with work permits in these territories from confirming knowledge of Russian, Russian history, and the basics of legislation. There are 16 such territories in the Far East and two in the Arctic zone. Earlier, in 2025, migrants with work permits under a special quota were exempted from the exam, while requirements for other categories were tightened. In October–December 2025, over 201,500 people took the exam; 35.5 percent failed on the first attempt, but 87.9 percent ultimately met the requirement.

It has become known which agencies Erkinjon Turdimov will oversee

First Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of Preschool and School Education Erkinjon Turdimov will coordinate the work of a number of ministries, agencies and regional khokimiyats under a presidential decree of October 9. His remit covers education, health, the Academy of Sciences, youth affairs, as well as cooperation with the MIA, SSS and National Guard on drug prevention, violence in schools and youth protection.

At least 11 missing after two ships struck off Bulgaria in latest Black Sea attack, official says

Eleven people are missing after two merchant ships were struck off the Bulgarian coast on Tuesday in the latest spillover from the Ukraine war in the Black Sea. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev summoned the Russian ambassador after drones struck a Ukrainian-owned cargo ship, while another vessel was also hit and sank further north off the coast of the NATO and EU member. NATO chief Mark Rutte said the alliance would adjust its defences "as needed." Radev said the Ukrainian-owned cargo shi

Neftchi lost to Al Nassr in the ACL

In matchday 2 of the AFC Elite Asian Champions League, Uzbekistan champion Neftchi lost 1:3 to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in Riyadh. Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal, Alisher Odilov pulled one back for Neftchi, and an own goal by Gofurov sealed the result. Neftchi sits 7th with 3 points; Al Nassr is 8th.

Structures, a hearth and a young child's burial dating to the Bronze Age discovered at Jarkutan

At the Jarkutan archaeological site in Surkhandarya region, structures, a hearth and burials dating to the Bronze Age have been discovered, the Agency for Cultural Heritage reported. Excavations began in October this year and are led by Komil Rahimov of the Samarkand Institute of Archaeology, with participation from Termez State University students and an Italian master's student. Finds include mud-brick structures, a 70 cm hearth, four intact ceramic vessels in one grave, a young child's burial, a household pit and two circular ash pits. The finds date to the Bronze Age (3rd–1st millennia BC) and will help study the life, economy and burial rites of the ancient population. Research is ongoing.

Houthi attack alarms Saudi Arabia: the kingdom has asked Pakistan for help

Saudi Arabia has requested air defense assistance from Pakistan amid escalating Houthi attacks in Yemen, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources. The kingdom faces a shortage of interceptor missiles and has redistributed its air defense batteries between royal palaces and energy infrastructure. Riyadh is also seeking air defense systems worldwide and considering hiring foreign fighters for its allies in Yemen. Despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to build close ties with the US, Washington remains cautious about military aid requests, though it has sent military advisers. The crown prince's personal security has been tightened. On October 10, an attack on Riyadh's main airport killed 12 people and injured 309, including two Uzbek citizens with minor injuries.

Germany opens admissions for studying and working in floriculture and horticulture

The Migration Agency, together with the German Federal Employment Agency, has opened admissions for the APAL (Ausbildung) program starting in February 2027. It offers three-year dual vocational training in floriculture and horticulture, with the possibility of permanent employment in Germany afterwards. Applicants aged 18–25 with German at B1 level or higher and a valid certificate (Goethe, ECL, telc, DSD, ÖSD or TestDaF, obtained no earlier than February 2026) may apply. Graduates of secondary schools, colleges, lyceums or technical schools are eligible; those with higher education are not. Participants receive a monthly gross scholarship of 724–900 euros in the first year, 854–1000 euros in the second, and 977–1100 euros in the third, plus free vocational education, support with flights and visa costs, accommodation of about 200–250 euros per month (first month free), insurance coverage, and German language courses up to B2. Applications are accepted until October 20; details are available via the Migration Agency's short number 1282.

Founder of "Rayhon Family National Dishes" Odilkhon Ismoilov released in the courtroom

The Namangan regional court reviewed the appeal against the verdict of the Pop district court in the case of Odilkhon Ismoilov, founder of "Rayhon Family National Dishes." The first-instance court had sentenced him to 8 years in prison under Article 167 of the Criminal Code and other articles. The appellate court left the sentence unchanged but set a 3-year probation period under Article 72 of the Criminal Code. After the ruling was announced, Ismoilov was released in the courtroom.