A blast at the power plant in Ridder and the appointment of a new Minister of National Economy are today's top news events.

The editorial team of IA "NewTimes.kz" has prepared an overview of significant events that occurred on December 20 for its readers.

Important:

• Personnel changes took place in the Government of Kazakhstan: by the decree of the Head of State, Baybazarov Nurlan Serikovich was relieved of his duties as Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It later became known that this position was taken by Serik Jumangarin.
• During the introduction of the new head of the Ministry of National Economy, Olzhas Bektenov set several tasks for the leader: he identified the priority task for the department in the upcoming period as fulfilling the directive from the Head of State to ensure dynamic economic growth.
• Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the President of Germany in connection with the tragedy that occurred at the Christmas market. A truck drove into a crowd of people: around 200 were injured, and there were fatalities. It later emerged that the suspect was a fugitive criminal from Saudi Arabia.

Astana:

• For active leisure enthusiasts, on December 22, the ski season will be opened at the ski roller track in Central Park, Astana.
• The capital's rescuers managed to prevent the explosion of three gas cylinders: during a fire, they were able to remove them from the house.

Exclusive:

• How to find a job without fear and what life hacks can be used during the job search – we share useful tips in the article by journalist Aurelia Akmullaeva from IA "NewTimes.kz".

Regions:

• A police officer was killed on the highway in Almaty region. The driver lost control due to icy conditions and ran over the police officer. He died on the spot.
• The activities of two drug laboratories were halted in Kazakhstan, one in Kostanay region and the other in Zhetysu region. All suspects have been detained, and an investigation is underway.
• In Ridder, at the CHPP, during scheduled repair and installation work on a conveyor belt section, an explosion of a dust-air mixture occurred without subsequent ignition, injuring six people.
• The body of a man was found in the industrial zone of Almaty. A video of the gruesome discovery circulated on social media. The police are investigating the circumstances of the case.