Society news

A video of a "Labo" car driver endangering the life of a minor child has gone viral on social media. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 27, at approximately 18:50, it was determined that the driver of the "Labo" car grossly violated traffic rules on the "Chirchiq-Kibray" intercity road. This vehicle had a minor child in its cargo area, who was trying to hold on inside the car moving at a speed of 60-70 kilometers per hour. Recently, drivers in Uzbekistan have not been paying enough attention to children's safety. Irresponsible parents are putting their children in serious danger by allowing them to sit in the front seats or even in their laps. Many drivers do not pay attention to children who are fully stretched out of the window. It is essential to strictly adhere to traffic rules to ensure children's safety. Every parent and driver is responsible for protecting the lives of children

A unique marketing initiative was implemented at a dining establishment in the capital. This was reported by Upl.uz. In the dining hall, guests are greeted by a dressed live sheep that moves freely among the tables. This step is seen by the restaurant management as a well-thought-out experiment aimed at creating viral content on social media and attracting a new audience. Discussions on the internet segment in Uzbekistan indicate that the initial attention-grabbing task has been accomplished. However, this situation has led to various opinions emerging in society. While some people view it as a convenient opportunity for family leisure, many raise serious questions regarding the ethical and sanitary-hygiene aspects of such practices. Thus, the restaurant has become a discussion platform about the permissible boundaries in the hospitality sector. Veterinary and animal psychology specialists emphasize that using animals as entertainment elements in an environment different from their usual one causes a high level of stress. Artificial lighting, loud music, human noise, various food odors, and frequent camera flashes can negatively affect the physical and mental state of the animal. Sheep are naturally fearful and social animals, and such conditions are a constant source of anxiety for them. Additionally, there are significant questions from legal and sanitary perspectives. The existing sanitary rules and norms in Uzbekistan do not allow the presence of foreign animals in kitchens and dining areas. It remains unclear whether the restaurant management has obtained the necessary permits from the Sanitary-Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health Committee and the State Committee for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Development. Who monitors the health condition of the animal, and how is it guaranteed that customers, including children, are protected from potential risks? Global practices show that such situations often lead to negative reactions from the public and regulatory bodies. In Thailand, initiatives to use wild animals and other exotic creatures in cafes were halted after veterinary services intervened. In the UK, a pub that used a mini pig to attract customers was forced to end the project due to complaints from animal protection organizations and sanitary inspections in 2019. In the USA, federal laws regulating food safety strictly prohibit the presence of animals in general dining areas, allowing only specially certified service dogs. Thus, the marketing initiative of the Tashkent restaurant has raised a deeper issue – the lack of clear rules for such situations and the need for public discourse on the ethical use of animals for commercial purposes. There are many creative and safe methods to attract customers in the hospitality sector – for example, conducting culinary master classes or organizing theatrical performances, which do not harm the well-being of living beings and do not pose a risk to consumer health. The situation with the sheep wearing a diaper prompts a reconsideration of the balance between creativity and responsibility in business. Here, it must be clearly defined where marketing methods cross into animal abuse. The first cat café in the world, "Cat Flower Garden," opened in Taipei in 1998, and its success sparked a global trend. Such establishments operate under strict supervision: animals must undergo regular veterinary check-ups, be vaccinated, and there must be clear separation between areas designated for animals and those for food consumption.

The Fergana region customs department's anti-smuggling unit, in cooperation with representatives from the State Security Service and the National Guard, conducted a special operation. This was reported by Upl.uz. During the operation, a Damas model vehicle that had been under surveillance in the city of Qo‘qon was stopped and inspected. It was found that 900 units of the holiday pyrotechnic product named "7 SHOTS" were being transported, and they were seized. Additionally, 2800 more pyrotechnic items were discovered at the house where these products were brought. All identified pyrotechnic items were confiscated as evidence. The total value of these items amounted to 1 billion 35 million soums. Preliminary investigative actions are being carried out regarding the case. These measures are aimed at preventing smuggling and the distribution of illegal pyrotechnics. Organizations are continuously focusing on ensuring safety and preventing violations of the law through mutual cooperation.

According to the press service of the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office, a case of embezzlement of financial funds has been identified. This was reported by Upl.uz. Initial investigative checks were conducted by the regional department of the Department for Fergana region. During the investigation, it was revealed that the sales manager of "B.F." LLC illegally appropriated funds allocated for the delivery of medicines to pharmacies in Buvayda and Uchko‘prik districts. As a result, this individual illegally appropriated funds amounting to 443.5 million soums. It was reported that the embezzled funds were spent on personal needs. A criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident under the article of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan on "Embezzlement or misappropriation." The perpetrator may face a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment. Currently, investigative actions are ongoing.

The press service of the Protection Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported that drug use has been detected. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 26 of this year, at approximately 20:10, an alarming signal was received from a computer club in Andijan city. The rapid response team of the Protection Department, upon receiving this signal, promptly arrived at the scene and began to assess the situation. Upon arriving at the computer club, it was found that five participants were consuming drugs using devices they had prepared in the gaming room. For this reason, the alarming signal was confirmed. In connection with this incident, officers from the internal affairs bodies were called to the scene, and the five offenders were handed over to these authorities along with material evidence. Currently, preliminary investigative actions are being carried out regarding the situation. Based on the investigation results, the actions of the detained individuals will be legally assessed. This incident once again highlights the importance of measures being taken to maintain public order and combat drug use.

According to the press service of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Tashkent Region's Road Traffic Safety Department, on July 28, a "Lacetti" brand car was stopped by traffic patrol officers in the city of Nurafshon. This was reported by Upl.uz. The driver of the vehicle is a citizen born in 1998, and there was a passenger born in 2008. While checking the driver's documents, the passenger's behavior raised suspicion among the internal affairs officers. Therefore, it was decided to conduct a personal inspection of him. During the inspection carried out in the presence of witnesses, marijuana was found hidden inside a 2000 som banknote. Relevant documents were formalized regarding this incident, and the minor was detained. Currently, investigative actions are being conducted at the internal affairs department of Nurafshon city.

According to the press service of the Internal Affairs Department of Samarkand region, a person engaged in illegal foreign currency exchange has been detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. In cooperation with the staff of the internal affairs bodies and other law enforcement agencies, a special operational event was held in Samarkand city. During the event, a man born in 1985 was identified and detained while illegally exchanging currency in one of the city’s stores. At the time of his detention, he was selling 2,700 US dollars for 32,020,000 soums, as well as 50,000 Russian rubles for 8,000,000 soums. A criminal case has been initiated under part 2 of the article “Illegal acquisition or sale of currency values” of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The accused may face a sentence of imprisonment for a term of 1 to 3 years.

The press service of "Uzbekistan Airports" provided information about the role of predatory birds in ensuring flight safety at the capital airport. This was reported by Upl.uz. Using cranes as one of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods to ensure air traffic safety is widely practiced. These specially trained predatory birds are an important part of the ornithological monitoring system, serving to reduce the risk of collisions between aircraft and birds. Airport staff continuously monitor the movements of birds in the aerodrome area and their gathering places. When a potential threat is identified, specially trained cranes are quickly dispatched to the hazardous area. The appearance of cranes triggers a self-defense instinct in other birds, forcing them to leave the dangerous area. As natural predators, cranes have a strong deterrent effect. Different species of birds require different management strategies during various seasons of the year. In summer, small birds are more common, while in winter, the number of cranes increases. Cranes are considered particularly intelligent and quickly adapt to auditory and visual deterrents. However, they still fear cranes, as their natural instinct drives them to be cautious of predators. For this reason, this biological method is considered one of the most effective and humane ways to reduce the risk of ornithological incidents in the airport area.

Uzbekistan Airports management company announced the results of its activities for the first half of 2025. This was reported by Upl.uz. During the reporting period, growth was recorded in all key indicators compared to the same period last year. In one and a half years, the republic's international airports served a total of 7,059,084 passengers. Of these, 1,252,724 used domestic flights, while 5,806,359 used international flights. This figure has increased by 10 percent compared to the first half of 2024, indicating the development of air transport activities in the country. The number of flights carried out at the airports also significantly increased, reaching 59,960. Of these, 17,553 were domestic flights, and 42,407 were international flights. According to the press service of Uzbekistan Airports, this growth is the result of attracting new airlines, opening new routes, continuously improving service quality, and expanding the network of routes. There is a stable interest in the country as a tourist and transit destination. The largest airport in Uzbekistan, Tashkent airport, received 4,587,253 passengers in the first half of the year. Of these, 3,966,590 were international, and 620,663 were domestic flights. At Tashkent airport, a total of 37,526 airline flights were carried out in 6 months, which is an 18 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, in the first half of the year, 38,863 tons of cargo and mail shipments were processed at the airports in the republic, which remained almost the same as last year. The number of airlines serving the country has reached 60. Of these, 7 are permanent resident airlines, and 12 are companies operating seasonal charter flights.

A new order has been introduced in Uzbekistan to strengthen order in areas with high crime rates by utilizing the experience of retirees from the internal affairs agencies. This was reported by Upl.uz. This order came into effect on July 25, 2025, and was approved based on the order No. 3651 of the Minister of Internal Affairs dated July 23, 2025. The project mainly targets certain neighborhoods in Tashkent and Fergana regions, where there is a need for effective measures to prevent offenses. Retirees from the internal affairs agencies will be engaged on a voluntary basis through an open competition. To participate in the competition, they must have at least five years of service, a good reputation, stable health, and no criminal record. As a salary, they will receive an additional payment equal to 100 percent of their pension, which will be provided from the fund for preventing offenses. The aim of this initiative is to effectively utilize the experience of retirees who know the system well, can communicate with people, and can resolve complex situations. This is not only about maintaining order but also ensuring cooperation with active participation of the community at the neighborhood level. The Ministry of Internal Affairs compiles a list of problematic neighborhoods and conducts competitions every year. Official cooperation will be established with the winners.

Starting from August 1, 2025, significant changes will occur in the food product regulation system in Uzbekistan. This was reported by Upl.uz. From now on, the cancellation of the mandatory nature of technical regulations and standards, including GOSTs, will take place. Instead, sanitary rules and hygiene standards developed by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee and agreed upon with the relevant authorities will apply directly. The new regulation does not mean a reduction in the safety requirements for food products. Products must be safe for consumption as before. However, the focus of control is changing: instead of strict compliance with technical regulations, attention will be paid to sanitary and hygiene requirements. For manufacturers, these changes will allow for the simplification of administrative processes and the flexibility of production processes. At the same time, risk factors may increase for consumers. The absence of strict quality standards set by GOSTs and technical regulations may lead to significant differences in product quality among various manufacturers. If regulatory bodies do not operate effectively, low-quality products may appear in the market, which could negatively impact consumers' health. Therefore, it is recommended that consumers exercise particular caution when selecting food products. It is necessary to carefully examine the product composition, check storage conditions, and verify the expiration date. These measures are crucial for ensuring health and safety.

The Tashkent metro announces a temporary suspension of train operations on the above-ground sections of the metro circular line starting from August 2, 2025. This was reported by Upl.uz. The restrictions will cover the stations from "Technopark" to "Yangiobod". This decision is related to the necessity of carrying out planned preventive work at the stations and viaducts that have been in use for several years. The main goal is to enhance traffic safety and improve the quality of service provided to passengers. To reduce inconvenience for passengers, large-capacity free buses will be deployed between the "Technopark" and "Qipchoq" stations. The buses will operate daily from 05:00 to 23:00. The metro administration apologizes for the temporary inconvenience and thanks passengers for their understanding. Additional information will be provided when train operations are restored.

The search and rescue operations for the teenager who went missing in the waters of the Northern Fergana Canal have been ongoing for the fifth day in the Namangan region. This was reported by Upl.uz. The tragic incident that occurred on July 23, Wednesday, has affected the lives of two minors. According to official information, a signal regarding the incident was received at 13:48 by the duty section of the Namangan district. Two middle-aged children went underwater while swimming in a technological water reservoir near the village council without adult supervision. This area is officially prohibited for swimming and is not adapted for safe recreation, as local authorities and agencies continuously warn. A special group was quickly formed to carry out the search operations. The group includes professional divers and rescuers from the Namangan, Chust, and Pap districts, as well as specialists from the regional fire and rescue unit. The operation is continuously ongoing, checking the canal bed with surface and underwater equipment. Factors complicating the search operations include strong currents and low visibility. The efforts of the rescuers yielded partial results on July 25, Friday. Two days after the search began, the body of one teenager was found and retrieved from the water. The fate of the second child, born in 2009, remains unknown. Search operations are fully continuing on the morning of July 28, Monday. This incident is the latest in a series of tragedies that have recently occurred in Uzbekistan's water bodies. Earlier, the drowning of a woman and her two children due to a private boat capsizing in Karakalpakstan drew significant public attention. The man who was operating the boat organized a family outing, but the incident ended tragically due to non-compliance with safety regulations in the water. Many water channels in Central Asia, including the Northern Fergana Canal, were built during the Soviet era primarily for irrigation and agricultural needs. Their design is not intended for recreation or swimming. Concrete slabs, sharp changes in depth, and strong currents make such places very dangerous for swimming. For this reason, the population is advised to exercise caution in water bodies and not to swim in officially prohibited areas.

A bailiff from the Enforcement Bureau was arrested in Kashkadarya region. This was reported by Upl.uz. The State Security Service's press service announced this. The bureau employee, operating in the city of Karshi, was caught while unlawfully receiving 1000 US dollars. In exchange for this money, he promised to assist the debtor in lifting the seizure restrictions placed on the vehicle. The debtor's debt amounted to approximately 70 million soums. According to the State Security Service, the arrested individual received the money through an intermediary. The head of one of the farms in the Karshi district acted as the intermediary. A criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident, and investigative actions are ongoing. Relevant authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. This incident once again highlights the need to combat corruption within enforcement agencies.

According to the press service of the State Security Service, several individuals suspected of corruption-related crimes have been arrested. This was reported by Upl.uz. During a special operational event, an employee of the inspection for construction and communal services in Namangan was caught receiving an advance of 10,000 US dollars in collaboration with employees of the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office. In exchange for a total of 30,000 dollars, this individual promised to facilitate a lighter sentence instead of 8 years of imprisonment for a citizen. It has been revealed that the arrested individual has been convicted multiple times for fraud in the past. Additionally, a responsible person in Namangan was caught while receiving 4,400 dollars. He promised to help another company leader reduce a tax debt of 783 million soums to 141 million soums. This plan was intended to be carried out through acquaintances in the tax department. In this case, the tax service employee was also arrested while receiving this amount. In all cases, criminal cases have been initiated, and investigative actions are underway. These incidents demonstrate that state authorities are taking decisive measures in the fight against corruption.

On July 23, Wednesday, three people, including two minors, died in a tragedy that occurred while spending time with family at Lake Akchakul in Karakalpakstan. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan provided information on this matter. The incident occurred around three o'clock in a water area located on the border of Ellikkalinsk and Beruniy districts. A 38-year-old local citizen decided to take his family on a boat ride. He took his 36-year-old wife, their daughters aged 10 and 13, and several nephews on his personal boat. When the boat reached approximately the middle of the lake, according to preliminary investigation data, due to careless actions, it lost balance, capsized, and quickly sank. As a result of the tragedy, the father and his nephews managed to escape from the water. Unfortunately, his wife and two daughters drowned. Their bodies were retrieved by rescuers. The Beruniy district prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal case regarding the incident. The person operating the boat has been charged under Article 102 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which pertains to causing death due to negligence. Currently, investigative authorities are conducting a comprehensive inquiry to clarify the details of the incident. Survivors are being questioned, and necessary medical examinations have been appointed. If the charges are confirmed in court, a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment may be imposed. This case once again highlights the urgency of ensuring safety in the country's water bodies. Especially during the summer season, many people go to places that are not adapted for safe recreation, which leads to unfortunate incidents. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen safety measures by the water.

In the area of the International Business Center in Tashkent, tactical-special training exercises planned by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan will be held. This was reported by Upl.uz. Today, the ministry's press service informed the public about this. The exercises will take place from 07:00 to 08:30 in the morning. The location for the exercises has been chosen as a tall hotel building located at 5-7 Batir Zokirov Street in the Shaykhontohur district. This site was selected due to its complexity and importance for the city's infrastructure, requiring a high level of preparedness and coordination from emergency services. During the exercises, scenarios close to real conditions, including evacuation and cooperation with other emergency services, will be tested. The ministry paid special attention to information management. Representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations strongly recommended that the capital's residents and guests maintain calm when they see the special equipment and personnel participating in the exercises. “The Ministry of Emergency Situations asks citizens, bloggers, and social media administrators not to cause panic and misunderstandings among the population, not to misinterpret information related to the exercises, and to use existing information and data wisely and effectively,” the press service quoted in an official statement. This appeal aims to prevent the spread of unverified information and to avoid unnecessary concerns among the population. Such exercises are a standard measure widely used in global practice to ensure the readiness of city services for any emergencies.

Payme service is being developed to make daily payments not only convenient but also beneficial. This was reported by Upl.uz. The company listens carefully to users' opinions and takes their needs into account. For this reason, instead of collecting points within the payme people loyalty program, a 1% cashback has been introduced for payments for goods and services. This cashback is available in the app through the payme plus subscription. The points accumulated in the payme people program will remain and can be used without restrictions in the payme people section. However, the collection of new points will be suspended starting from August 12. If you have any questions, the payme customer support service is ready to assist you via the short number 1350 or through the chat within the app. The changes in the program are an important step aimed at making the service simpler, clearer, and more beneficial. You can find detailed information about all the news and products on the payme.uz website.

According to the press service of the Tashkent city Internal Affairs Department, individuals distributing packages hidden in secret places of narcotic substances have been arrested. This was reported by Upl.uz. A special operational event was conducted in cooperation with the employees of the internal affairs bodies and the National Security Service. During this event, two citizens acting suspiciously in the Sergeli district were checked. During their personal search, packages containing narcotic substances were found. From the first individual, 35 packages were identified, one of which was hidden in a secret place, and from the second individual, 25 packages were found, two of which were buried in the ground. Initial investigative actions are being carried out regarding this case. Under part 5 of article 273 of the Criminal Code, individuals accused of crimes related to the illegal production, purchase, storage, and distribution of narcotic substances may face up to 20 years of imprisonment. The investigation process regarding this case is ongoing

According to the press service of the Interior Ministry of Bukhara region, a citizen suspected of fraud has been detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. Employees of the internal affairs bodies and the Prosecutor General's Office conducted a special operational event in cooperation. During the event, a resident of the Gijduvan district, currently living in Bukhara city and serving as the deputy head of a cluster, was detained while receiving an advance payment of 9,000 US dollars. This money had been previously processed with a special chemical substance. It was revealed that this individual had previously gained the trust of another citizen and promised to officially re-register a land plot located in the Qagan district, with a total area of 25 hectares, through a notary's office for 29,000 US dollars. This land plot had previously been leased for gardening for a period of 49 years. A criminal case has been initiated under the article "Fraud" of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding this incident. Currently, investigative actions are underway.