A new and unusual method of drug trafficking has been uncovered in Uzbekistan. Criminals are placing prohibited substances inside balloons and selling them along roadsides. This was reported in a segment by the Milliy television channel, which focused on modern drug trade techniques.
Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, addressed the country's growing external debt in an interview with the 'Expert' project. He emphasized that external borrowed funds are 'essentially free money,' playing a crucial role in rapidly developing infrastructure and improving living standards. The minister noted that relying solely on the state budget to build roads, schools, and hospitals would take decades, but external debt accelerates this process.
Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman has been charged with ball-tampering during Sunday's Pakistan Super League (PSL) match against Karachi Kings, as stated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an official release. The incident occurred in the final over, with Karachi requiring 14 runs to secure a win. Fakhar, along with Lahore captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf, were involved in a brief discussion, during which Fakhar and Rauf exchanged the ball between them.
Alimjan Tashkenbayev, a Honored Artist of Uzbekistan and a prominent figure in Uzbek circus arts, has passed away at the age of 81. The Ministry of Culture confirmed the news, highlighting his role as a representative of the globally renowned Tashkenbayev circus dynasty. Throughout his life, he made substantial contributions to the development of national tightrope walking traditions, cementing his status as a key figure in this cultural field.
According to Uzbekistan's Tax Committee, nearly 22,000 complaints were received from citizens in February regarding cases of refusing cashless payments via terminals to hide income and accepting payments through peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers. Deputy Chairman of the committee, Jahongir Abdiyev, disclosed this on March 27 during a media dialogue organized by the Central Bank, stating that the increasing violations necessitate a review of the effectiveness of applied penalties.
Law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan, including the State Security Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and customs committees, have jointly carried out a series of operational and preventive measures under the "Safe and Healthy Country" initiative to combat the illegal trafficking of narcotics and potent substances. These operations spanned several regions of the country simultaneously.
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has launched a new Account-to-Account (A2A) money transfer format, enabling individuals to directly transfer funds from one bank account to another. This service is being implemented under the presidential decree of December 10, 2025, and aims to develop digital financial technologies and expand opportunities for users.
Starting April 1, 2026, payments for fuel stations, real estate, vehicles, and major government services in Uzbekistan will be exclusively cashless, making plastic cards mandatory for many citizens. Economists propose waiving card top-up fees during the transition period to avoid barriers, arguing that increased transaction volumes will offset banks' revenue losses. The Central Bank has set commission limits: up to 206,000 soums for real estate and 103,000 soums for vehicles. Experts emphasize that these measures will facilitate a smooth shift to cashless payments, minimizing inconveniences and circumvention schemes.
The Business Ombudsman of Uzbekistan has proposed a review of the fine system under Article 227-1 of the Tax Code. Deputy Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs' Rights Jamshid Urunov, during a dialogue of the Interdepartmental Commission on WTO, described the current sanctions as critical for business survival.
A working group led by Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov and Deputy Prosecutor General Isroil Adkhamov conducted an inspection at the 'Daryon' scientific-experimental station in the Tashkent district of Tashkent region. The inspection focused on greening efforts and the expansion of the dendropark territory under the Forestry Agency.
In Tashkent’s Olmazor district, two young men have been sentenced for organizing street races that endangered citizens' lives and blatantly violated public order. According to the capital’s Legal and Public Safety Department (LPSD), on March 22 at 03:40, operational information was received about illegal racing involving Lacetti and Onix cars, which led to breaches of traffic rules and public peace.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka defeated hometown favorite Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the Miami Open final on Saturday, securing a victory that allowed her to join an exclusive club by completing the 'Sunshine Double'. This achievement involves winning the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back, a feat accomplished by only four other women in history.