tafs uz editorial desk

Laos Joins the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia

Laos signed the founding documents to join the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku on October 14, becoming the organization's 29th member. Final approval of Laos' membership is expected at the 7th CICA Summit on October 15 in Baku. CICA, founded in 1992 on Kazakhstan's initiative, unites 28 states covering about 90% of Asia's territory and population, cooperating in five dimensions: military-political, economic, humanitarian, environmental, and new challenges and threats.

14 Oct 2026 · 19:041 min read

Entre Nous - French MPs back bill to tackle sexual and gender-based violence

In France, a child is reportedly raped or sexually assaulted every three minutes. In a bid to put an end to sexual and gender-based violence, French MPs have voted for a comprehensive bill that could turn into law by the end of the year; it has yet to be debated by the more conservative Senate at the end of the month. FRANCE 24's Aurore Dupuis, who made the documentary "Broken children", tells us how this new law could help improve the situation for women and children in France.

14 Oct 2026 · 19:021 min read

Economy

Government considering proposal for a moratorium on zeroing out the fuel damper

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the government is considering a proposal to introduce a moratorium on zeroing out the fuel damper mechanism. The damper, in effect since 2019, pays oil companies to keep domestic fuel prices down when export netbacks are high, but is not paid when exchange prices exceed normative thresholds. A previous moratorium was introduced from October 2025 to May 1, 2026 amid record fuel prices on the St. Petersburg exchange.

Dilnoza Rahimova

14 Oct 2026 · 19:012 min read

Naval phase of Russian-Indian exercises to take place in the Sea of Japan

The naval phase of the Russian-Indian cross-service exercise "Indra-2026" will be held in the Sea of Japan on October 16-17. Ships of the joint task force will practice tactical maneuvering, conduct live artillery firing at sea and air targets, carry out an inspection operation, free a conditionally seized ship, and practice repelling attacks by drones and unmanned boats. The opening ceremony at the Pacific Fleet base in Vladivostok was attended by crews of the Russian corvette "Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov" and the Indian Navy frigate "Sahyadri."

14 Oct 2026 · 19:011 min read

Controversial vaccine trial touted by RFK Jr gets go-ahead in Guinea-Bissau

A controversial research trial that will withhold hepatitis B vaccines from some African newborns was given approval to move forward this week. It is a central part of the vaccine vision for Robert F Kennedy Jr , the secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a longtime vaccine opponent. At an anti-vaccine conference last month, Kennedy praised the Danish researchers behind the trial and touted US-supported research on hepatitis B in newborns as exemplifying the Trum

14 Oct 2026 · 18:577 min read

Guinea-Bissau denies it has approved controversial vaccine trial in newborns

Guinea-Bissau has not approved the controversial hepatitis B study in newborns that would be funded by the US government and private partners, the African country’s minister of health said on Tuesday. The study, which would not investigate the safety or effectiveness of vaccines but would instead track “nonspecific” health outcomes like overall mortality or neurodevelopmental conditions, has been championed by Robert F Kennedy Jr , secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HH

14 Oct 2026 · 18:526 min read

Sport

Players of the Uzbek club touched Cristiano Ronaldo throughout the entire match

Players of the Uzbek club Neftchi spent the whole match trying to get Cristiano Ronaldo's attention during their game against Al-Nassr, which they lost 3:1. They repeatedly touched the star and fought for his jersey at the end, drawing criticism from fans for unprofessionalism.

Bekzod Nazarov

14 Oct 2026 · 18:441 min read

Holidays remain a priority for Britons, but demand for budget-friendly trips is growing — ABTA report

According to the ABTA Holiday Habits 2026/27 report, 70% of adults in the UK plan to travel abroad in the next 12 months, despite the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical upheavals. Only 7% are giving up holidays because of prices, but many are saving on accommodation and dining. City breaks have overtaken beach holidays for the first time, while Spain remains the most popular destination.

14 Oct 2026 · 18:283 min read

Science

Are you eating your food correctly?

Did you know that you should give up tea with milk, that stewed tomatoes are healthier, and that cinnamon can be added not only to coffee or baked goods? We explain which foods you are eating incorrectly and how to get the maximum benefit from them. Improper cooking and storage lead to the loss of important nutrients, so experts recommend getting vitamins and minerals from food rather than relying only on supplements. Read more in issue No. 42 of the Darakchi Plus newspaper dated 15.10.2026. Subscription to Darakchi Plus for 2026 is open at any post office.

Madina Usmonova

14 Oct 2026 · 18:192 min read

Economy

Kazakhstan wants to link the ports of Aktau and Kuryk with Antwerp-Bruges to develop the Middle Corridor

At a business forum in Astana attended by King Philippe, Tokayev proposed a partnership between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Kazakhstan's Caspian ports. Logistics, critical raw materials and 17 agreements were discussed; the port talks were confirmed by the head of Samruk-Kazyna.

Dilnoza Rahimova

14 Oct 2026 · 18:134 min read

Culture

Composer Felix Yanov-Yanovsky died in his 93rd year of life

Honored Art Worker of the Uzbek SSR Felix Yanov-Yanovsky died in his 93rd year of life. The Union of Composers and Bastakors of Uzbekistan announced his death on October 12 via its Telegram channel. Born on May 28, 1934, in Tashkent, he created nine operas, four ballets and five symphonies, including the operas "Orchestra" and "The Accompanist," the ballet "Urashima Taro," and a Requiem. He also wrote music for 60 films, including animated ones, and 15 theatrical productions.

Shahnoza Ergasheva

14 Oct 2026 · 18:101 min read

Culture

Dubrovnik: A Journey Through the Old Town, the Elaphiti Islands and a Zipline on Mount Srđ

Euronews published a report on a journey through Dubrovnik: a walk through the Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, kayaking along the city walls, a trip to the island of Lopud, the Blue Caves, cooking traditional peka and a zipline on Mount Srđ.

Shahnoza Ergasheva

14 Oct 2026 · 18:072 min read

Japanese journalist Yuki Imai arrested in Russia on espionage charges; Tokyo summoned the Russian ambassador

The FSB detained Hokkaido Shimbun correspondent Yuki Imai on Sakhalin on suspicion of espionage (Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code). The Lefortovo court ordered his detention until December 12. Japan demanded explanations and summoned the Russian ambassador; Moscow said the security services are 'doing their job'.

14 Oct 2026 · 17:254 min read

Navoi has a new khokim: Bobir Islomov now heads the city

Bobir Islomov has been appointed khokim of the city of Navoi. Before this appointment, he served as First Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC 'Regional Electric Networks' for the operation of electric networks. The appointment decision was made on October 13, 2026, and approved by the Navoi City Council of People's Deputies, which at the same session dismissed Dilmurod Ergashev from the post of city khokim. Bobir Islomov was born in 1981 in the Navbahor district of the Navoi region. He graduated from the Navoi State Mining Institute in 2003, the Bukhara Technological Institute of Food and Light Industry in 2005, and the Higher School of Business in 2012.

14 Oct 2026 · 17:141 min read

Journalist Natacha Polony Announces Candidacy for the 2027 French Presidential Election

51-year-old journalist and essayist Natacha Polony announced on France Inter that she will run in France's 2027 presidential election. She presented the movement 'Nous sommes la France', advocates for economic, energy and food sovereignty and reindustrialization. According to Euronews, nearly three dozen figures are already running or being considered in the race.