Society news

On August 7, the Jennifer Lopes concert held at the "Bunyodkor" stadium in Tashkent negatively affected the stadium field. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the report from "Championat.asia," the football field suffered serious damage. Experts believe that restoring the field to its previous condition usually takes 6-8 weeks after such events. Work to renew the field at the stadium will begin soon. This is not the first case of Jennifer Lopes' large concerts negatively impacting sports fields. A similar situation had previously occurred in Yerevan, where after the concert, the field of the Republic Stadium became unfit for football matches. Attention is now focused on Almaty, Kazakhstan. On August 10, a concert by Jennifer Lopes will also take place there. Time will tell whether the field of the central stadium in Kazakhstan will remain unharmed after the concert. This incident highlights the resilience of sports infrastructure to the impacts of large events. Issues related to the maintenance and restoration of stadium fields require serious attention

Starting from November 1, 2025, a number of changes will come into effect regarding job reservations and unemployment benefits. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan provided this information. From now on, organizations will be required to create job reservations for certain categories of citizens. This reservation is intended for the following individuals: - persons with disabilities; - victims of domestic violence; - members of low-income families registered in a special registry; - orphans raised in alternative forms of care; - individuals deprived of parental care. This requirement applies to enterprises with more than 100 employees. The number of job positions allocated for reservation should not exceed 3 percent of the total staff. Additionally, starting from November 1, 2025, unemployment benefits can only be received by individuals whose employment contracts have been terminated. The following conditions apply for receiving benefits: - Benefits will be granted to individuals who have worked for at least 18 months in the last five years and have applied within six months after the termination of their employment contract. Benefit payments are based on the average monthly salary for 18 months and are paid for three months. - In the first month, the benefit should be 75 percent of the monthly salary, but should not exceed three times the minimum wage. - In the second and third months, the benefit should be 50 percent of the monthly salary, provided it does not exceed three times the minimum wage. Importantly, to reapply for benefits after they expire, individuals must have at least 12 months of additional work experience. These changes are aimed at ensuring fairness and protection in the labor market.

As of January 1, 2025, the number of theaters operating in Uzbekistan is 48. This was reported by Upl.uz. This information was provided by the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The distribution of active theaters by region is as follows: 18 in Tashkent city, 5 in Fergana region, 4 in Samarkand region, 3 in Karakalpakstan, 3 in Andijan region, 2 in Bukhara region, 2 in Jizzakh region, 2 in Kashkadarya region, 2 in Namangan region, 2 in Surkhandarya region, 2 in Khorezm region, 1 in Navoi region, 1 in Syrdarya region, and 1 theater is operating in Tashkent region. The development of theater art is considered an important part of the cultural life of the country. The abundance of theaters in Tashkent and other regions indicates a commitment to supporting rich cultural traditions and a creative environment. In the future, the increase in the number of theater venues will not only raise the number of people interested in art but also create new opportunities for young talents. Therefore, it is essential to pay special attention to the development of the theater sector.

The legislative initiative has been adopted in the first reading and introduces a new mechanism for updating the housing stock in the country. This was reported by Upl.uz. This mechanism allows for the reconstruction of houses without the consent of the majority of consumers in certain exceptional cases. The point is that such a procedure will be applied to houses officially recognized as dangerous and unpromising by a special commission. The new project envisions regulating the reconstruction process in the field of urban planning. This process establishes the procedure for implementing projects and compensating property owners. Typically, at least 80 percent of property owners' notarized consent is required to initiate the reconstruction process at the initiative of investors or homeowners. According to Deputy Minister of Justice Mahmud Istamov, if four out of five property owners do not support the project, the reconstruction proposal will not be considered. However, the law also provides for exceptional cases. Head of the Economic Legislation Department of the Ministry of Justice, Khidiral Sodikov, stated in a podcast that for buildings in dangerous conditions, 80 percent consent is not required. For example, even if a person living in a wooden house opposes reconstruction, if a fire occurs tomorrow, it will not only damage their house but also harm the neighbors. If the commission deems the house outdated, dangerous, and uninhabitable, the draft law allows the reconstruction process to begin without the majority's consent. According to the Ministry of Justice, there are currently approximately 42,000 multi-apartment houses in Uzbekistan. Of these, nearly 17,000 are considered low-rise buildings with two to three floors. Officially, 343 houses have reached a dangerous condition by extending their normative service life. The Deputy Minister of Justice describes the current situation as follows: many people are forced to live in old houses that do not meet safety and comfort standards. Engineering networks—electricity, water, and gas supply—are outdated, and some houses lack sewage systems altogether. In some places, there are still toilets in the yard. The reconstruction program encompasses great opportunities. According to calculations, instead of 17,000 low-rise houses, it is possible to build 13,500 modern multi-apartment houses with 7-9 floors. This will not only help update the housing stock but also assist in tripling the population in the area, creating opportunities for more efficient use of urban infrastructure and energy resources. Most of the two- to three-story houses were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and their service life typically lasts 50-60 years. Therefore, many of them have now fully completed their service life, and the issue of their replacement is urgent.

A new initiative was announced at an extended meeting chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, dedicated to ensuring the employment of graduates of higher education institutions. This was reported by Upl.uz. From now on, if an applicant is not admitted to any of the five chosen higher education institutions, but their scores match an available program at another educational institution, the rector will have the opportunity to admit them based on a contract. This measure will promote competition between state and private higher education institutions. Additionally, a number of issues will be entrusted to the independent management of the heads of higher education institutions. They will have the right to independently set "super" contract prices based on the field of study and level of training. This is considered an important step in effectively organizing the educational process and ensuring quality education. The new procedure will contribute to increasing transparency and competitiveness in the higher education system.

According to the press service of the Tashkent region Internal Affairs Department's Traffic Safety Department, officers at the "Chinor" permanent post in the Ahangaron district stopped and inspected a "Cobalt" brand vehicle. This was reported by Upl.uz. During the inspection, a package containing an unknown substance was found in the passenger's bag. According to the expert conclusion, it was confirmed that this package contained 198.11 grams of a narcotic substance known as "hashish". Relevant documents were formalized regarding this incident. Additionally, this person was detained and taken to the internal affairs department of the Ahangaron district. Currently, investigative actions are underway. Considering the amount of narcotics, this person may be charged with illegal distribution of drugs. For such a crime, imprisonment, potentially up to 20 years, is not out of the question.

Since the beginning of 2025, 24 medical institutions in Uzbekistan have been fined for operating without the necessary licenses. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan announced this. For comparison, according to the results of 2024, 38 organizations were held accountable for similar violations. The total amount of fines imposed on them amounted to 300 basic calculation units, which exceeded 100 million soums last year. The Ministry of Health noted the increasing number of illegal activities by fake doctors. They work without education and necessary permits, using inappropriate treatment methods. Fake healers and psychics, who present themselves as doctors, are promoting their services on social networks. They instill confidence in people in difficult life situations, promising quick relief from serious illnesses, the ministry warned. As a result of such activities, patients lose valuable time, abandon qualified doctors and reliable treatment methods, and resort to dubious and even dangerous procedures. The ministry emphasized that citizens have the opportunity to seek help from legally operating traditional medicine specialists. Since 2019, the Ministry of Health has started issuing licenses for such services, and currently, 150 organizations hold this license.

A police officer in the Fergana region managed to rescue a girl who had fallen into the Great Fergana Canal. This was reported by Upl.uz. The regional police department's press service announced this. The incident occurred on August 6, 2025. A citizen named Kodirov, living in the Navbahor neighborhood, called the emergency number 102 to report that a girl was drowning in the canal flowing through the Khujakishlok neighborhood of the Kuştepa district. Following this, Captain Odiljon Ahmadov, a preventive inspector from the district police department, immediately arrived at the scene. Captain Ahmadov and a witness to the incident together pulled the 17-year-old girl out of the water. First aid was provided to the girl, and she was handed over to the emergency medical staff. The girl is currently hospitalized, and her life is not in danger. This case once again proved that the prompt and skilled actions of police officers can save human lives.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, a citizen drowning in the Syrdarya region was rescued. This was reported by Upl.uz. On August 7, at approximately 19:32, a report was received via the “112” system about a man drowning in the “Dustlik” canal. This was reported by a passerby between the “Obod-yurt” and “Buston” neighborhoods in the city of Gulistan. Within three minutes, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, including underwater rescuers, arrived at the scene. Thanks to their prompt actions, the man was saved. No one was injured as a result of the incident. The rescued citizen was handed over to paramedics for a medical examination. This incident once again confirms the effective work of the Emergency Situations Service.

According to the press service of the Samarkand region police, cases of growing narcotic plants have been identified. This was reported by Upl.uz. In the Urgut district, a special operational event was conducted in cooperation with police officers and the National Security Service. During the event, it was discovered that several individuals living in the district were growing plants containing narcotic substances in their yards and fields. In particular, it was found that a 48-year-old citizen had 12 plants on his land, a 41-year-old citizen had 66 plants, a 53-year-old woman had 78 plants, a 43-year-old woman had 229 plants, and a 45-year-old woman had 700 narcotic plants on her land. These cases were confirmed by expert examination. Criminal cases have been initiated based on all identified cases under the article "Cultivation of prohibited plants" of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The relevant authorities have taken control of the situation, and investigative actions are ongoing. To prevent such violations, it is necessary to inform the public and strengthen preventive measures

According to the information from the Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the number of complaints regarding cosmetology services with insufficient qualifications is steadily increasing. This was reported by Upl.uz. Systematic research conducted based on numerous complaints received by the committee showed that there are several shortcomings in the legislation in the field of cosmetology. Additionally, the need to implement new control mechanisms and to warn consumers about risks has been identified. In particular, information has been sent to relevant authorities regarding consumers facing burns and other health problems due to poor-quality services. In recent years, the number of complaints about cosmetology services has been increasing as follows: 62 in 2021, 115 in 2022, 142 in 2023, 381 in 2024, and approximately 200 complaints recorded in the first half of 2025. These figures clearly indicate the need to strengthen the activities of regulatory bodies in the field of cosmetology. Therefore, it is important to implement measures to ensure quality service in the sector and to protect consumers.

Uzbekistan customs officials prevented the illegal importation of a large quantity of jewelry into the country. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the "Tashkent-Aero" customs complex reported this. On August 7, 2025, a passenger arriving from Bishkek was subjected to a personal inspection at Tashkent International Islam Karimov Airport. During the inspection, it was discovered that the woman attempted to hide jewelry in her underwear, and these items were seized. Jewelry made of yellow and white gold, adorned with diamonds, weighing a total of 412 grams was found. According to preliminary information, the market value of these valuable items is approximately 550 million soums. Relevant documents have been formalized regarding this case, and investigative actions are underway. Customs officials continue to actively work in the fight against illegal activities.

The press service of Uzenergoinspektsiya reported that control measures were carried out in the city of Denov in cooperation with the staff of the Surkhandarya region's Uzenergoinspektsiya and specialists from the gas supply company. This was reported by Upl.uz. During these activities, it was revealed that the kitchen of a private enterprise named "I. I." was illegally connected to the natural gas network. This situation was confirmed to have caused a total damage of 477.9 million soums to the gas supply company. All documents regarding the identified case have been submitted to law enforcement agencies, and measures are being taken to hold the guilty parties legally accountable. According to part 4 of article 166 of the Criminal Code, this is assessed as a theft crime, and the offenders may face a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment.

The press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations provided information about the earthquake that occurred. This was reported by Upl.uz. On August 8 of this year, around 09:00, an earthquake occurred in the Marhamat district of Andijan region. The strength of the underground tremors at the epicenter of the earthquake was 4 points, and the magnitude was 4.2. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 15 kilometers from the earth's surface. The effects of the earthquake were felt in the following regions: 3 points in Andijan region, from 2 to 3 points in Fergana region, and 2 points in Namangan region. It was also noted that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 268 kilometers away from Tashkent city. This information is important for ensuring the safety of the population and taking precautionary measures. It is necessary to be prepared for emergencies and to act quickly in emergency situations

The Migration Agency's press service has issued an official statement. This was reported by Upl.uz. On social media, advertisements for employment services by Adworld Group LLC have spread in various foreign countries, including Montenegro, Serbia, England, Lithuania, Norway, Oman, and Japan. These advertisements were promoted by bloggers with large followings. However, the disseminated information is not accurate, as this company does not have a license for this type of activity. Agency representatives are urging bloggers and media outlets to be responsible in front of the public and not to violate the law on "Advertising." It was also emphasized that it is necessary to apply only to organizations that have the appropriate license for carrying out labor migration. A list of these organizations can be found on the official website of the Migration Agency. Additionally, it is important to carefully review each clause when signing a contract with personal employment agencies, as this will help prevent falling victim to fraud or human trafficking. Citizens should protect their rights and only use legal services.

A new online service has been launched in Uzbekistan that allows individuals and legal entities to check for existing debts. This was reported by Upl.uz. Information about individuals and companies listed as debtors can be obtained through an open registry established by the Mandatory Enforcement Bureau. To obtain information, it is sufficient to enter the personal identification number (PINFL) of individuals or the taxpayer identification number (STIR) of legal entities. This service can be useful when signing lease agreements, making payments in installments, obtaining loans, and other financial operations. Removal from the debtor list is only carried out after the debt has been fully paid. For this, it is necessary to contact the regional bureau department that is executing the enforcement document. If an error is detected in the system, you can call 1107 or +998 71 231-11-07. Additionally, removal from the debtor list is also possible based on a petition from the debtor. This includes the death of the debtor, cancellation of the enforcement document, the absence of information about the debtor's property for 10 years, or being officially declared bankrupt.

The centralized heating supply corporation of South Korea, KDHC, has expressed interest in implementing the K-Heating project in the new Tashkent. This was reported by Upl.uz. The corporation's head, Jon Yon Ki, emphasized that they are ready to share advanced and environmentally friendly technologies in the heating supply sector. During a meeting with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Abdusalomov, KDHC President Jon Yon Ki stated that they are ready to assist in developing the heating supply system in the new Tashkent. He proposed to introduce the eco-friendly K-Heating technology and expressed readiness to share Korean experience. KDHC formed a project group aimed at Uzbekistan and conducted consultations on modernizing the existing heating supply infrastructure. The corporation's near plans include launching a training program aimed at Uzbek specialists. Jon Yon Ki also requested the embassy's assistance for Korean companies entering the country's energy market. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan visited the KDHC management center and the heating power station located in Pangyo, getting acquainted with their operations.

In Uzbekistan, it is possible to receive a pension even without sufficient work experience. This was reported by Upl.uz. The Pension Fund of the Republic of Uzbekistan announced this. If the work experience is less than the established minimum period, the pension is calculated only for the period worked. Currently, the minimum work experience is set at 25 years for men and 20 years for women. Nevertheless, if the experience is more than 7 years but does not meet the minimum requirement, a pension will still be assigned. In this case, the amount of the pension is calculated based on the years actually worked. Thus, the time accumulated during work activity creates the opportunity to receive a pension, even if it does not fully meet the requirements. This system is aimed at ensuring social protection for every citizen who has worked. Additionally, the length of work experience and the years worked are taken into account when assigning pensions. This allows for a fair and equitable distribution for pension recipients. According to the information provided by the Pension Fund of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the minimum requirements for receiving a pension are clearly defined and are constantly monitored. Thus, even with limited work experience, citizens will have the opportunity to receive social benefits based on the years they have worked.

The traditional "Grape Festival" will be held on August 22 and 23, 2025, in the village of Zarkent, Parkent district of Tashkent region. This was reported by Upl.uz. This annual event is organized to promote viticulture, showcase achievements in agriculture, and support national traditions. Representatives of agriculture, masters of folk crafts, cultural figures, and many guests from various regions of our country are expected to attend the festival. The festival program is very rich and interesting, featuring a fair of grapes and other agricultural products, scientific and practical conferences presenting new agricultural technologies, concerts and cultural events, as well as demonstrations of national customs, crafts, and gastronomy. The Parkent valley has been famous for viticulture for many years, and this festival provides participants with the opportunity to exchange experiences, develop regional tourism, and support farms. Entry to the event is free, and free buses will be organized for guests coming from Tashkent.

On August 6, 2024, a major road traffic accident involving four cars occurred on Nukus Street in the Mirabad district of Tashkent city. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Road Traffic Safety Department of the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Directorate announced this. The vehicles involved included Cobalt, Malibu, Labo, and BYD brands. Fortunately, no one was injured in this accident. Currently, the staff of the capital's Internal Affairs Directorate is investigating all the causes and circumstances of the incident. A complete analysis of this event and measures to prevent similar situations in the future are planned. Efforts to further improve the activities of relevant organizations to ensure road traffic safety and protect citizens' lives are ongoing.