Society news

The Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan has officially denied reports circulating on social media about the sale of ice cream posing a danger to life and health. This was reported by Upl.uz. The Committee's press service assessed these claims as completely unfounded. It was emphasized that in recent years, there have been no recorded cases of poisoning or serious health damage caused by ice cream produced within the territory of our republic. Representatives of the Sanepid Committee stated that all types of ice cream undergo several stages of quality control before arriving at official retail stores. The products are subjected to mandatory laboratory tests and confirmed to meet safety standards. Moreover, food quality control in Uzbekistan is organized in accordance with international standards. The Committee advises citizens not to trust anonymous reports and rumors on social media, but to rely only on official and reliable sources. It was noted that ice cream should only be purchased from certified, regularly operating retail points. At the same time, it was acknowledged that the issue of uncertified ice cream sales violating sanitary regulations occasionally arises. Earlier, it was reported that samples taken from street vendors under the name “Andijan ice cream” contained harmful bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. In April of this year, specialists from the Sanepid Committee in the capital again found staphylococcal bacteria in samples of “Andijan ice cream” sold on the streets of Tashkent. This product was sold without labels, without indicating composition, production date, or shelf life, and storage temperature requirements were not observed. Additionally, in July of this year, in cooperation with law enforcement and sanitary officials, an illegal ice cream warehouse was discovered in a private house in the Shaykhontohur district of Tashkent, where 220 kilograms of product were seized and destroyed due to poor conditions, spoilage, and contamination with insects. Large batches of such dangerous products have also been confiscated in previous years. Ice cream, as a perishable dairy product, provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth if storage temperatures are not maintained. Refreezing frozen products worsens their taste and texture, increases the number of microbes, and can result in food poisoning. Therefore, strict adherence to sanitary rules is necessary when purchasing and storing the product.

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has announced that a large-scale charity campaign will be held across the entire country on August 22 and 23. This was reported by Upl.uz. This event is organized under the slogan “Prosperous and flourishing neighborhood – the adornment of the country” based on the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers. Within the framework of the campaign, extensive work aimed at improving neighborhoods, rural and urban areas, multi-apartment buildings, and their surrounding territories will be carried out. Additionally, services for streets, parks, pilgrimage sites, and cemeteries are planned. Tasks such as cleaning streets, boulevards, and playgrounds, whitewashing trees, and sanitary pruning will also be performed. The government decision places special emphasis on the social aspect of the charity campaign. It envisages assistance in improving housing conditions for socially vulnerable groups, people with disabilities, lonely elderly individuals, and families in need. Moreover, local authorities and relevant organizations are tasked with transporting collected waste to designated landfills in a centralized manner. Strict safety measures are outlined in the Cabinet of Ministers' decision. Work is prohibited in areas that may pose a threat to life and health. Such areas include noisy and busy roads, shores of water bodies, active construction sites, building roofs, and hazardous industrial facilities. Furthermore, compulsory public works unrelated to the campaign, including construction, repairs, and agricultural activities, are strictly prohibited from forcing citizens to participate. Improvement works in the territories of organizations and enterprises must be carried out in strict compliance with labor protection and safety regulations. The tradition of charity campaigns dates back to ancient times and represents an important form of social solidarity and responsibility based on mutual assistance. Historically, charity campaigns included not only environmental cleaning but also large-scale activities such as building homes for orphans, constructing bridges, and digging canals. This plays a significant role in strengthening the unity and cohesion of society.

On August 16, 2024, a 5-year-old child left home in the Tashkent region and did not return. This was reported by Upl.uz. Today it became known that the child was found deceased. The child lived in the Urta Chirchiq district and left home at approximately 14:30. According to family members, the child's body was found in the water. Responsible organizations advise parents not to lose sight of young children and to avoid letting them go out alone. Special attention must be paid to the safety of children. This incident should serve as a warning to parents and society. The lives and health of our children are our most important responsibility. Therefore, it is essential for every family to take precautions in caring for and protecting their children.

Cases of illegal religious education for material gain have been identified in Namangan region, the press service of the State Security Service reports. This was reported by Upl.uz. Special rapid operations were conducted by officers of the State Security Service. During these operations, it was revealed that a person born in 1995, living in Namangan city, illegally taught religious knowledge to several people in a multi-storey building on Balikchi street. It was also found that a woman born in 1974, living in the “Ma’rifat” neighborhood of Namangan city, provided religious education to 14 minors and charged each 1.5 million soms. In Yangi-Namangan district, a person born in 1983, living in the “Mehnatobod” neighborhood, illegally taught 10 minor girls and 3 adult citizens. Additionally, a 48-year-old citizen living in the “Mashad” neighborhood of Uychi district conducted religious classes for children. Similar violations were also committed by two citizens born in 1975 and 1981, living in Turakurgon and Namangan districts. Measures were taken against all individuals engaged in illegal religious activities, as well as parents who failed to fulfill their responsibilities in raising their children, in accordance with current legislation. Officials emphasized that in our country, all conditions are created for receiving religious education alongside secular education. Therefore, parents cannot entrust their children to individuals providing illegal and suspicious religious education.

Two minor citizens have been returned to Uzbekistan, the press service of the Social Protection Agency reports. This was reported by Upl.uz. On August 18, 2023, two minor citizens of Uzbekistan were brought from Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, to Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov. These children had remained abroad without adult supervision. They were temporarily placed at the Center for Social and Legal Assistance to Minors under the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the capital. Later, one of them was handed over to his mother in Tashkent city, and the other was taken to his place of residence, to the home of his brother who had previously been deported from the Russian Federation for violating migration rules. Currently, it is planned to place them in a foster family system with the assistance of the social services center "Inson". According to information, a total of 61 minor citizens have been returned to Uzbekistan during 2025. Another 20 minor citizens are expected to return in August-September.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Transport, the ministry is currently taking all necessary measures to improve the quality of passenger transportation services and to enhance the urban public transport system in Fergana region. This was reported by Upl.uz. In this regard, the limited liability company “Ferganaavtotrans service” has purchased 24 new Yutong buses manufactured in China. In the near future, these new buses will be put into operation on the routes of Fergana city and will begin serving the city’s population. Currently, there are 6 bus routes in Fergana city, with a total of 72 buses operating under a single gross contract. These measures are being implemented to develop the city’s transport system and to create comfortable conditions for passengers. The Ministry of Transport continues its work to improve the mobility opportunities for the population.

The press service of the Surxondaryo region Department of Internal Affairs commented on the information circulating on social networks. This was reported by Upl.uz. It has been reported that on August 16 of this year, at approximately 02:30, a man living in the "Mehrobod" neighborhood of Termez city severely beat his wife during a family quarrel, causing serious bodily injuries. Information about this incident spread widely on social networks. Furthermore, after the man fell asleep, the woman managed to escape from him with her child. According to social media, the woman had been constantly subjected to violence and psychological pressure from her husband. A friend of the victim reported this and drew public attention to ensure that the perpetrator does not evade responsibility. The Department of Internal Affairs staff emphasized that the woman had never previously applied to law enforcement agencies. Currently, the Termez city Department of Internal Affairs officers are conducting preliminary investigation actions regarding this case. Based on the investigation results, the man's actions will be legally assessed. The public is urged to immediately contact the relevant authorities in cases of domestic violence. Additionally, measures to prevent such incidents and to protect women's rights are being continuously strengthened.

The press service of the Traffic Police Department of the Samarkand Regional Internal Affairs Directorate announced that measures have been taken against a person who seriously violated traffic rules. This was reported by Upl.uz. A video clip showing a driver of a "VAZ-2101" vehicle violating traffic rules in the city of Samarkand has circulated on social networks. The driver blocked traffic on a public road and performed dangerous maneuvers, which could have led to serious consequences. An administrative report was drawn up against the driver regarding this incident, and his vehicle was placed in the impound lot. According to the "Road Hooliganism" article of the Administrative Liability Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, he may be fined 25 base calculation units, which amounts to approximately 10 million 300 thousand soums. Additionally, the driver's license may be confiscated for a period of 1 to 2 years. The case has been sent to court.

According to the press service of the Republican Seismoprognostic Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, an earthquake occurred on August 18, 2025, at approximately 04:00 in the Parkent district of Tashkent region. This was reported by Upl.uz. The magnitude of this earthquake was 2.9. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers from the earth's surface, and the strength of the underground shocks at the epicenter was estimated at 3 points. The earthquake was felt by residents of the following areas: Yukorichirchik district at 2-3 points, Urtachirchik district at 2 points, Nurafshan city at 2 points, as well as in the Bektemir, Yangihayot, and Yashnobod districts of Tashkent city at a strength of 2 points. It was also noted that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 25 kilometers from Tashkent city. It is recommended to be prepared for emergencies and take necessary precautionary measures regarding this event.

According to the press service of the Samarkand regional internal affairs department, another case of cultivating prohibited plants has been identified. This was reported by Upl.uz. A special rapid operation was conducted in cooperation with internal affairs officers and representatives of the state security service. During the operation, the house of a 42-year-old woman living in Pastdargom district was searched. During the search, it was found that the woman had cultivated 112 cannabis plants, recognized as a narcotic substance, on an area of 20 square meters in her yard. A criminal case has been initiated under the articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan concerning "Cultivation of prohibited crops" and "Illegal production, purchase, storage, and trafficking of narcotic substances." Investigative actions are ongoing by the relevant authorities. This case demonstrates the strict enforcement of legal measures and the continuation of the fight against narcotic substances.

In the first half of 2025, the number of Uzbek citizens visiting Qatar for tourism purposes increased 5.7 times compared to the same period last year. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the State Statistics Committee, the total number of tourists reached 5,800. Statistical analysis shows that trips made for travel purposes predominate. In January-June of this year, the purposes of Uzbek citizens visiting Qatar were distributed as follows: 5,029 people for travel, 644 for visiting relatives, 114 for business trips, 41 for education, and 3 for medical treatment. The growing interest in Qatar creates new opportunities to develop bilateral relations and strengthen cultural and economic ties. This serves to further reinforce cooperation between the countries.

In the city of Nukus, rescuers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations helped to remove a ring stuck on a finger. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the incident occurred on the evening of August 15, 2025. At approximately 23:30, a call was received through the "112" system by the Emergency Management Department of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The residents of the "Tinchlik" neighborhood assembly reported that they could not remove the ring from their child's finger independently. Rescuers quickly arrived at the scene and carefully cut the ring using special equipment. The girl was not harmed during this process. Thanks to their skilled and coordinated actions, the situation was resolved without serious consequences.

From January to June 2025, a total of 14.8 thousand Uzbek citizens traveled to South Korea for tourism purposes. This was reported by Upl.uz. These data were provided by the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This figure increased by 4.9 thousand people, or 48.7 percent, compared to the same period last year. In the first half of 2025, Uzbek citizens traveling to South Korea were distributed according to their travel purposes as follows: 10,032 people for tourism, 3,041 people to visit relatives, 1,557 people for education, 187 people for business trips, and 25 people for medical treatment. If this growth rate continues, the number of Uzbeks traveling to South Korea is expected to increase further in the future. This will contribute to strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.

As of July 1, 2025, the permanent population of the Republic of Uzbekistan amounted to 37.9 million people. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to data from the State Statistics Committee, the majority of the population is of working age, which is an important factor for the development of the country's economy. Analysis of the demographic structure shows the age distribution of the population as follows: those below working age number 12.2 million people or 32.2 percent, those of working age number 21.2 million people or 56 percent, and those above working age number 4.5 million people or 11.8 percent. The high proportion of the working-age population creates great opportunities for economic growth, as well as the development of production and service sectors. By effectively utilizing labor potential, Uzbekistan can confidently move forward on the path of sustainable development.

In 2024, a total of 10,824 performances were shown in theaters across Uzbekistan, of which 3,445 were free. This was reported by Upl.uz. This information was provided based on data from the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This initiative is aimed at bringing theater art closer to the wider public and demonstrates active support for the cultural sector in the country. The highest number of free performances were held in Tashkent and Fergana regions, indicating the leading role of these areas in cultural life. The distribution of free performances by region is as follows: 1,035 in Tashkent, 441 in Fergana region, 347 in Samarkand region, 311 in Khorezm region, 271 in Andijan region, 261 in Surkhandarya region, 240 in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 134 in Namangan region, 124 in Kashkadarya region, 107 in Bukhara region, 68 in Jizzakh region, 58 in Navoi region, and 48 in Syrdarya region. Providing free performances is an important step in the fields of culture and education. This opportunity helps people of different income levels to access art and introduces them to classical and contemporary works. Such initiatives contribute to enhancing the nation's cultural potential and strengthening social connections. An increase in the number of free performances is expected in the future, which will make theater art more accessible and popular for all segments of society.

A man in Tashkent fully paid off two years of child support debt and avoided criminal liability. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Tashkent City Enforcement Bureau reported on this. In 2023, a case was filed with the Mirzo Ulugbek District Enforcement Bureau to collect child support from this man for his minor child in the amount of one-fourth of his monthly income. However, he did not fulfill his obligations for two years, resulting in a total debt of 23,998,992 soms. Due to non-payment of the debt, documents were prepared on August 14, 2025, to take legal measures against him. The case materials were sent to the Mirzo Ulugbek District Criminal Court. At the court session on August 15, 2025, when the judge gave the defendant a final chance, the man agreed to pay the debt in full. If he had not paid the debt, he could have faced 15 days of administrative detention or up to one year of imprisonment for repeated offenses. This situation once again highlights the necessity for parents to seriously fulfill their obligations towards their children.

In Jizzakh region, officers of the State Security Service caught the deputy head of Farish district taking a bribe. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to official information, the official was caught receiving a bribe amounting to 20 thousand dollars. In exchange for this bribe, he promised to provide the head of a limited liability company with 204 hectares of irrigated land free of charge and permanently. This land plot was won by the company at an auction held in June 2025. Additionally, according to the agreement, the remaining 10 thousand dollars were to be given to the official after the first harvest was collected. Thus, the total bribe amount reached 30 thousand dollars. A criminal case has been initiated under two articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan: Article 168, Part 4 — fraud, and Article 211, Part 3 — bribery. Currently, investigative actions are being carried out within the framework of the criminal case. The official may face up to 10 years of imprisonment. This incident indicates the strict continuation of the fight against corruption in government institutions.

According to the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the volume of seized narcotic substances from January to July 2025 has tripled compared to the same period last year. This was reported by Upl.uz. This was announced by Ravshan Roziyev, head of the committee's main department, at a press conference held at the “Sputnik” information center. In the first seven months of the year, customs officers prevented the import of more than 1.2 thousand tons of narcotic substances. Additionally, over one ton of psychotropic and potent substances were also seized, which is six times more than last year's figure. The total value of all seized narcotic substances exceeds 16 million dollars. Roziyev emphasized that besides combating smuggling, the ongoing raids have particular preventive significance among young people. The judicial proceedings against the detained individuals demonstrate that crimes are being punished. The main goal of such measures is to form a “collective immunity” against drug-related crime in society, which serves to create a safe environment for all citizens. Combating the illegal circulation of narcotic substances is one of the Customs Committee's priority areas, and the achieved results confirm the effectiveness of the ongoing work.

A resident of Jizzakh region lost his Lacetti car due to unpaid debt. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the Jizzakh Regional Enforcement Bureau, the vehicle pledged to the bank was seized by court order. The citizen's total debt to the bank reached 100 million soums. During the enforcement process, bureau officers offered the debtor to voluntarily repay the debt, which would have prevented the seizure of the car. However, the citizen refused this offer and attempted to hide the vehicle. As a result, the car was put on the wanted list. After some time, law enforcement officers found the wanted vehicle and placed it in the impound lot. Currently, the seized vehicle has been put up for auction. All proceeds from the sale will be directed towards repaying the debt to the bank.

On August 16, 2023, a grand celebration was held at the Chirchiq training ground of the Tashkent military district on the occasion of Air Fleet Day. This was reported by Upl.uz. At the event, air defense troops and military air force soldiers participated together with their families. Additionally, many aviation enthusiasts also took part in the celebration. Guests were given the opportunity to closely familiarize themselves with military equipment and interact with professional military personnel. The main highlight of the celebration was the airshow, during which combat and transport aircraft as well as helicopters took to the skies over the training ground. The pilots demonstrated a high level of flying skill by performing complex flight maneuvers, which excited the spectators greatly. This celebration left unforgettable impressions on all participants and once again confirmed the high qualification of our country's military pilots.

According to the press service of the Capital's Compulsory Enforcement Bureau, the debt on the loan has been recovered. This was reported by Upl.uz. The Interdistrict Civil Court of Uchtepa received an enforcement order regarding the debt from the Chilonzor district Compulsory Enforcement Bureau. The debtor took a loan of 31,101,883 soums from "TBC Bank" and failed to repay it on time. After the enforcement proceedings began, the debtor was given a 15-day period to voluntarily repay the debt. However, no payment was made during this time, so the enforcement actions continued. Employees of the Compulsory Enforcement Bureau identified the debtor's property, including one vehicle, through the special electronic program "MIB-portal," and imposed a restriction on it. Following these measures, the debtor fully repaid the debt to the bank, and the enforcement case was completely closed due to the debt being settled. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of legal measures in recovering loan debts.