A new transport interchange has been commissioned at the entrance to Tashkent, the construction of which cost 240 billion soums. This facility is located on the border of the Bektemirsky and Urtachirchik districts of the Tashkent region.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited and inspected this infrastructure landmark during his trip to the Tashkent region on July 22. This was reported by the president's press service.
The new overpass was built at the intersection of the A373 highway and the Tashkent Outer Ring Road. The project utilized an area of 14.1 hectares. The complex includes a 66-meter long and 46-meter wide bridge, as well as a 450-meter long vehicular tunnel.
Two turning lanes, four underground pedestrian crossings, and a 950-meter circular exit were also created. Additionally, 9.5 kilometers of pedestrian and bicycle paths were established along the entire transport hub, eight public transport stops were installed, 240 external lighting poles were set up, and 6 kilometers of road barriers were laid.
It is expected that this facility will significantly improve the transport situation: it will help regulate traffic, increase safety levels, and reduce congestion. The capacity of this section is planned to be increased many times—up to 130 thousand vehicles daily. The president was also presented with the technical solutions of the project, and plans were outlined for launching the BRT rapid bus system on the route connecting Tashkent and Nurafshan.
David Masondo, Deputy Minister of Finance, has resigned from his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). His decision was made to ensure the stability of the state fund manager and maintain confidence in the organization, which oversees assets worth approximately R3.6 trillion, primarily on behalf of public servants.
Masondo announced his resignation late Thursday, following a period of instability at PIC. This period was characterized by a series of dismissals of board members, the temporary suspension of CEO Patrick Dlamini, and increased scrutiny of governance issues related to the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) financing deal in Acapulco concerning Lanseria Airport.
In his statement, Masondo emphasized that his move was driven by the interests of the country and the organization itself, rather than personal motives. He stated: 'I am doing this in the interest of the Republic of South Africa, the continued stability of PIC, and the trust of millions of South Africans whose savings are entrusted to this institution.'
He noted that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana acknowledged that Masondo acted with integrity and honesty while fulfilling his duties as chairman of the board. Masondo added that throughout his tenure, he strived to perform his fiduciary duties impartially, stressing that his actions were aimed at protecting the funds entrusted to PIC on behalf of South African employees and beneficiaries.
Masondo's departure comes amid a worsening governance crisis at the country's largest asset manager. PIC temporarily suspended Dlamini last week to investigate allegations contained in a whistleblower report regarding the R411 million BEE financing provided to Acapulco to acquire a 25% stake in Lanseria Airport over ten years ago, as well as subsequent arbitration rulings related to that deal.
The scandal has triggered an exodus of personnel from the board. Four non-executive directors left this week after two others departed several days earlier, leaving Masondo as one of the remaining members. According to Business Report, the PIC board is expected to meet on Monday to consider further developments, including a possible shareholder vote on the removal of the remaining non-executive directors.
Godongwana also indicated that he is considering measures to restore stability at PIC. The minister's office previously stated this week that the minister had received communication from the PIC Board and would announce any interventions at the appropriate time, adding that the minister would not publicly comment on PIC matters.
Despite his departure, Masondo defended the work of the outgoing board, stating that it acted collectively, relying on legal advice and adhering to good governance principles. He noted that the board advanced the implementation of recommendations from the Mphati Inquiry Commission, strengthened governance and institutional control systems, and continued to support investment and economic development.
Masondo called for investigations into issues inherited by the board to continue despite his resignation. He specifically mentioned the whistleblower report, the allegations against Dlamini, the Acapulco case, which he referred to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), and other governance issues. He expressed hope that all these matters would be thoroughly investigated and properly resolved, rather than 'swept under the rug.'
In conclusion, Masondo expressed confidence in the future of PIC, believing that the organization will continue to provide pension savings for South African public servants while supporting long-term economic development and investment.
Smartphones with 128 GB capacity are ideal for average users, as they allow storing photos, videos, and essential daily applications with good space reserve. In 2026, it is possible to find economical models from manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola that offer this internal memory, along with features like high-definition screens and long-lasting batteries.
This compilation presents nine suggestions of devices with 128 GB, aimed at those who prioritize economy, functionality, and balanced specifications, catering to various budgets and usage profiles.
The Galaxy A36 is a notable mid-range device, equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and 6 GB of RAM in the 128 GB version. Although it uses the UFS 2.2 memory standard, which does not offer ultra-fast read speeds, it ensures smooth performance for daily tasks. This device features a Super AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, rear cameras with a 50 MP main sensor and optical stabilization (OIS), capable of recording in 4K at 30 fps. Samsung guarantees six years of Android updates support, extending it until 2031.
The Redmi Note 15 is a mid-range device focused on social media, streaming, and gaming. Its 128 GB version comes with 6 GB of RAM and uses the UFS 2.2 standard, allowing expansion via microSD card. The main camera features a 108-megapixel sensor and f/1.7 aperture, providing good images within the price range, although videos are limited to 1080p at 60 fps. A strong point of this model is its 6,000 mAh battery and 33W fast charging.
For basic tasks, the Galaxy A17 5G is an entry-level phone priced under R$ 1 thousand. It features a large Super AMOLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, ideal for watching videos. With 128 GB of storage in the UFS 2.2 standard and microSD expansion capability, it has the Exynos 1330 processor, efficient at 5 nm, and a 5,000 mAh battery, offering autonomy for a day of moderate use.
The Galaxy A07 5G has a basic 6 nm processor but with good energy efficiency for calls and browsing. It offers 128 GB of UFS 2.2 internal memory and 4 GB of RAM, expandable via microSD. Its 6.7-inch PLS LCD screen facilitates content viewing but presents less vibrant colors than AMOLED screens. It stands out with a robust 6,000 mAh battery, which can last more than a day with common use.
The Galaxy A06 5G is a more economical alternative, presenting camera, screen, and processor specifications similar to the A07 5G, but at a lower cost. The difference lies in the battery, which has 5,000 mAh and shorter autonomy, and the update policy, which will only reach Android 19 in 2029.
Among Xiaomi models, the Redmi 15C 5G is one of the most affordable with 128 GB in 2026. It uses an efficient 6 nm processor and 4 GB of RAM, ensuring basic performance without freezing during daily use. The UFS 2.2 storage is expandable via microSD. Additionally, it has a 6,000 mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging.
The Poco C85 shares similarities with the Redmi 15C, using the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor (6 nm). However, this model is often found with 6 GB of RAM in the 128 GB version, which improves multitasking fluidity. It also has UFS 2.2 memory, a microSD slot, a 6,000 mAh battery, and 33W fast charging.
Motorola presents the Moto G35, an entry-level phone with a Unisoc T760 (6 nm) processor and 4 GB of RAM in the 128 GB version, using UFS 2.2 and a memory card slot. Its 6.72-inch IPS LCD screen offers high resolution, and the audio with Dolby Atmos certification contributes to immersion. The cameras include 50 MP (wide) and 8 MP (ultrawide) sensors, capable of recording videos in 4K at 30 fps. It is important to note that it was launched with Android 14 and will no longer receive system version updates, only security patches until 2027.
Motorola's cheapest option is the Moto G06, which has a less efficient processor (12 nm) and 4 GB of RAM. Although the company does not specify the storage standard, the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra processor suggests it is eMMC 5.1, slower than UFS. This device is recommended only for simple activities, such as messaging and social browsing, as performance may be compromised in more demanding applications.
When deciding which 128 GB smartphone to purchase, it is crucial to analyze several components. The storage standard (UFS or eMMC) defines data transfer speed and app startup time. For gaming and heavy applications, it is recommended to prioritize models with at least 6 GB of RAM and efficient processors (6 nm lithography or lower). Media consumers should opt for AMOLED panels due to their superiority in color and contrast over LCD. Finally, batteries above 5,000 mAh and support for charging over 25 W ensure greater autonomy and faster recharging.
128 GB of space is sufficient for most users, supporting hundreds of applications, photos, and videos without overloading the system. However, the overall quality of the device depends on other factors such as the processor, RAM, cameras, and battery. Generally, after installing the operating system and pre-installed apps, the user will have between 100 GB and 112 GB free. Memory expansion via microSD card is common in entry-level and mid-range models, allowing media storage without filling up the main space. Meanwhile, the 256 GB version is advised for those who record in 4K or use very heavy games, but 128 GB models offer a great balance between price and usability.
The Federal Government has implemented an alteration to the Move Brazil program, now allowing the acquisition of used vehicles. This program functions as a line of credit with a total amount of up to R$ 30 billion, intended to facilitate the purchase of both new and used cars by taxi drivers and ride-share drivers, offering special conditions and reduced interest rates.
This expansion came into effect on July 15th and covers electric or hybrid flex models with a model year from 2024 onwards, maintaining the price limit set at R$ 150 thousand. Previously, the benefit was restricted to the purchase of brand-new automobiles. The change aims to broaden possibilities for workers who face difficulties obtaining full financing for a new car, while also encouraging the migration to more environmentally friendly fleets.
According to the first report released by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) on July 14th, approximately R$ 1 billion of the R$ 30 billion available has already been utilized. This resource benefited 10,179 drivers, with an average financing value recorded of R$ 102 thousand.
The program is part of a Brazilian Government initiative to simplify vehicle purchases for taxi and ride-share drivers, offering financing with lower interest rates and facilitated conditions. It was created specifically to support self-employed professionals in individual passenger transport.
Eligibility criteria vary according to professional category. Ride-share drivers (such as Uber, 99, and similar) must have an active registration on the digital platform for at least 12 months and prove they have completed at least 100 rides on that same platform, with this aptitude confirmed by the platform itself. Taxi drivers, on the other hand, must possess valid licenses and registrations with competent municipal or traffic bodies, in addition to demonstrating fiscal and registration regularity with the Federal Revenue, which is validated via the gov.br portal.
Each beneficiary, identified by CPF, is permitted to finance only one vehicle. For taxi cooperatives, the maximum limit is one automobile per cooperative member. Additionally, to promote gender equality and support female entrepreneurship, Move Brazil offers differentiated credit conditions for women drivers and taxi drivers, including lower interest rates and greater flexibility in grace and payment periods.
Credit operations are managed by BNDES and executed by a vast network of partner banks. The program provides distinct interest rates: 0.91% per month (equivalent to 11.5% per year) for women, and 0.99% per month (12.6% per year) for men. The maximum repayment term stipulated is up to 72 months (six years), and applications can be made until September 15th. The grace period is up to six months, as defined by the National Monetary Council.
Initially, the Mover program financed only modern and clean fleets, requiring brand-new vehicles, powered by flex, hybrid, or 100% electric technology, with a maximum value of R$ 150 thousand on the invoice. With the inclusion of used vehicles, new requirements emerged: the price limit remains at R$ 150,000, the model year must be from 2024 onwards, and the propulsion must be exclusively electric or hybrid flex. It is mandatory that the manufacturer is enabled in the Mover Program (Green Mobility and Innovation).
The procedure to join the Move Brazil Program is entirely digital and free. The interested party must access the government portal at gov.br/movebrasil or the MDIC services section, log in with the gov.br account, and authorize data cross-referencing for eligibility verification. Within five business days, the candidate receives confirmation of service in the gov.br profile messages or via WhatsApp. After approval, the participant chooses the eligible vehicle, respecting the R$ 150 thousand ceiling, and seeks out an accredited dealership or store to contract the credit. Alternatively, the application can be made directly at the client's bank, where the credit analysis is rigorous and considers the banking history, not just the Serasa Score. Finally, after bank approval, the proposal is sent to BNDES for automatic validation, and the amount is released to the bank to settle the Invoice, allowing the driver to pick up the vehicle.
