Society news

It has been revealed that electricity was illegally used in the Sirdarya region, as reported by the press service of Uzenergoinspeksiya. This was reported by Upl.uz. Employees of the Sirdarya regional Uzenergoinspeksiya, in cooperation with the National Security Service and law enforcement agencies, conducted monitoring activities. During the events, it was found that the head of the "U. F. F." farm located in the Sirdarya district illegally connected an electric water pump to the power supply. As a result of the identified violations, it was reported that a total damage of 1 billion 585 million soums was caused to the energy supply organization. Relevant documents were formalized regarding this case and submitted to law enforcement agencies. The person who committed the illegal actions may face criminal liability under Article 169, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which pertains to "Theft." This could result in a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment. Currently, preliminary investigative actions are being carried out.

According to the press service of the Road Traffic Safety Department of the Tashkent region, a person who was storing drugs at home has been identified. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 26 of this year, traffic safety inspectors conducted an operation within the framework of the "Safe and Healthy Country" campaign based on the information received. During the operation, the home of a person born in 1958, residing in the "Sutchilar" neighborhood of the Chinoz district of Tashkent region, was inspected. During the inspection, various containers and packages containing plant-based drugs were found. All of these substances were confiscated and sent for examination. Currently, preliminary investigative actions are being carried out regarding this case. At the end of the investigation, a legal assessment will be given to the actions of this person. Additionally, the investigative authorities need to determine the purpose of storing drugs, which will be important in establishing the severity of this crime

According to the press service of the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a drug dealer of psychotropic substances has been detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. Employees of the Prosecutor's Office Department for Surkhandarya region, in cooperation with the SGB and the internal affairs department, conducted a special operational event in the territory of the Denaus district. During the event, a person attempting to sell 100 units of a powerful drug named "Zardeks" was apprehended. The detention process took place during the acceptance of cash, totaling 10 million soums. A criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident under the article of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan concerning the illegal production, distribution, advertising, or storage of substances that are not classified as narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. Relevant investigative actions have begun regarding this case

The press service of the Supreme Court has published statistical data on certain indicators for the first six months of this year. This was reported by Upl.uz. It was noted that during this period, it was found that the courts of Uzbekistan had identified numerous cases where preliminary investigation bodies had unjustly involved citizens as accused persons in criminal cases. In total, 7,757 such individuals were identified, and the accusations brought against them were confirmed to be unfounded in court proceedings. When the documents submitted by the preliminary investigation bodies were reviewed by the courts, the unfounded nature of the accusations became clearly evident. Additionally, in the first half of this year, 204 individuals were fully acquitted in Uzbekistan, and they were granted the right to rehabilitation. The innocence of these individuals was proven during the court proceedings. These cases demonstrate the effective functioning of the judicial system and the efforts being made to protect the rights of citizens. The information provided by the press service of the Supreme Court reveals important aspects of activities aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness within the judicial system.

The State Security Service reports that a state tax service employee has been detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. The Bukhara city tax inspection had imposed a fine on the responsible person for failing to submit reports on time from November 2024 to February 2025. Subsequently, the debt collection process was handed over to the city enforcement bureau. However, the responsible person appealed to the Bukhara city court, and the court decision annulled the fine. Nevertheless, an employee of the Bukhara city tax inspection demanded 400 US dollars from the manager to lift the ban imposed on the company's property and bank accounts, disregarding this decision. As a result, the tax officer was caught while receiving the 400 dollars. Currently, a criminal case has been initiated against him, and investigative actions are underway. This case is considered an important part of the fight against corruption in the tax system. Open and fair court proceedings are ongoing.

On hot days, many people prefer to cool off with air conditioning, but some resort to dangerous methods. This was reported by Upl.uz. Residents of Namangan witnessed such an incident and recorded a video: a young man was taking a girl not inside a Gentra car, but on its roof. This incident quickly spread on social media and raised serious concerns about road safety and irresponsible behavior. Such actions not only endanger the lives and health of the participants but also pose a threat to the safety of other road users. It should be noted that according to traffic rules, passengers can only be transported inside the vehicle. Violating these rules can lead to serious consequences. Every driver and road user is responsible for ensuring traffic safety. Therefore, it is essential to strictly adhere to the rules.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Major General Aziz Tashpulatov's personal reception continues deep into the night. This was reported by Upl.uz. Despite it being 1:40 AM, the communication with citizens had not yet concluded. The Minister of Internal Affairs is attentively listening to each visitor with dedication. Without signs of fatigue, he is quickly reviewing all requests and striving to resolve urgent issues promptly. This activity of the Minister aims to increase public trust and address their problems in a timely manner. During the personal reception process, all requests are taken into account, and effective solutions are being sought. This serves to further improve the quality of service provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to citizens.

The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan provided official information regarding a gas emission at a field in the Muynak district of Karakalpakstan. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the ministry's report, on July 26, 2025, a natural gas emission was recorded at a depth of 4707 meters in the first well of the “Muynak” field located in the “Uchsuy” neighborhood. This well is designed for a depth of 5000 meters, and controlled operations have been initiated in this area. Due to the pressure exceeding the expected level, work to eliminate the well and reduce the pressure began immediately while adhering to safety regulations. Specialists from “Uzbekneftegaz,” including a special group for preventing and eliminating oil and gas leaks, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, “Uzbekgeofizika” joint-stock company, and representatives of local authorities are actively working at the site. Most importantly, the well is located far from populated areas and the gas composition does not pose a threat. The gas is pure methane and contains no sulfur compounds. No sulfur compounds are observed in all extracted gases in the Ustyurt region. A decision was made to burn the gas under control to ensure environmental safety and reduce its impact. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Authorities are asking the public to maintain calm, and the situation is fully under control. Additional information will be provided if necessary

An innovative pedestrian crossing has been installed in the city of Nurafshon, Tashkent region. This was reported by Upl.uz. This facility is equipped with modern technologies. The pedestrian crossing has the following features: illumination of the road area, a laser projection of the "pedestrian crossing" road sign directly onto the asphalt, a yellow light that blinks, and the sign itself is brightly illuminated. This solution ensures that pedestrians are more visible in dark and difficult visibility conditions. Currently, this facility has been built as a trial, and it is unclear whether similar pedestrian crossings will appear in other areas in the future. This project is considered an important step aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety

In recent months, there has been a significant increase in cases of serious violations of construction norms and legislation by certain builders in Tashkent city. This was reported by Upl.uz. The city administration announced strict measures to prevent these illegal actions and protect the interests of citizens. Some construction companies have started building facilities without the necessary permits, mandatory expertise, and technical conclusions. Additionally, attempts to illegally sell housing to the population have also been identified. Such actions pose a risk of harming the savings of honest citizens and depriving them of the opportunity to obtain promised housing. In response to the identified violations, the city administration and authorized agencies have jointly taken strict measures. Work has been halted at 59 construction sites in several districts of Tashkent where the permit documents were incomplete. These facilities have been disconnected from the electricity supply and the construction sites are under constant supervision. Measures will be taken within the legal framework for each case of violation. The city administration recommends that citizens: demand original copies of all documents for the real estate being purchased, including cadastre, expertise conclusions, and technical inspection acts; do not transfer funds without official contracts and carefully check the terms of the contract; contact the official bot of Tashkent administration in case of doubts to obtain information about legality. The administration also warned builders and entrepreneurs about the necessity of formalizing all documents before starting construction or trading activities. Strict measures will be taken against violations and there will be no compromises. The rights and safety of citizens are a top priority.

After a video showing foam on the surface of the Fergana canal spread on social media, specialists from the Ecology Department conducted an unscheduled inspection in the Shirmonbuloq district of Andijan region. This was reported by Upl.uz. During the inspection, it was found that the physical and chemical composition of the water had changed, and the source of pollution was identified as the wastewater from a nearby sewing-knitting factory. The water used in processing textile products was directly discharged into the canal. It was determined that the water contained nitrites, nitrates, alkaline compounds, and dyes, which caused the formation of foam and the change in the color of the water. According to the responsible organizations, the identified violations have been eliminated, and the situation has been brought under control. Thus, necessary measures are being taken to protect the environment

In the Tashkent region, officers of the State Security Service arrested a lawyer suspected of fraud. This was reported by Upl.uz. He was caught while receiving part of the money he demanded in exchange for helping to release a convicted person. According to the press service of the State Security Service, the suspected lawyer demanded 30 thousand dollars from the wife of the convicted citizen. Using his influential connections, he promised to ensure the release of her husband. The law enforcement officers arrested the lawyer while he was receiving the previously paid 20 thousand dollars. During the investigation, it was revealed that this individual had previously been convicted in a crime related to the illegal drug trade. A criminal case has been initiated under part 4, clause "a" of Article 168 (fraud) and part 3 of Article 28 and Article 211 (attempted bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The suspect has been detained, and investigations are underway to clarify all the details of the crime and to identify possible accomplices.

Tashkent residents are advised to prepare for possible geomagnetic disturbances that may occur soon. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the data from the Meteorological Service Meteoronova, a four-point magnetic storm is expected in the capital on Sunday, July 27. The peak of this magnetic storm will be observed around 17:00, and then the geomagnetic activity is expected to slow down around 20:00. Magnetic storms occur as a result of complex processes on the Sun. They arise from strong explosions on the Sun's surface and the ejection of solar mass. As a result of these events, charged particles and energy flows reach all directions, including the Earth. These flows interact with the Earth's magnetosphere, causing geomagnetic disturbances. A four-point magnetic storm is considered to be of moderate intensity, but such disturbances can also affect the health of individuals sensitive to meteorological conditions. Individuals sensitive to changes in the magnetic field may experience headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, general malaise, and anxiety. Particularly, patients with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems should pay special attention to their health. During this period, take care of your health with caution.

Fruit juice production in Uzbekistan's large enterprises shows steady growth. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 45,500 tons of fruit juice were produced from January to June 2025. This figure reflects positive changes in the industry, as the volume of fruit juice production has increased by 957.1 tons compared to the same period last year. To better understand the growth rates, let’s look at the production figures for the same period in previous years. In January-June 2023, 38,365.9 tons of juice were produced, while in the same period of 2024, this figure reached 44,563.1 tons. In the first half of 2025, the production volume amounted to 45,520.2 tons. This data indicates that there is a continuous and stable growth in the fruit juice production sector. It also confirms the development of this industry and the increasing domestic demand. The efforts made by the government of Uzbekistan and enterprises are aimed at further expanding fruit juice production and improving its quality. This creates opportunities for providing quality products to local consumers

In Tashkent, smart robots may be installed at pedestrian crossings, which will record violations of traffic rules using cameras, including violations committed by drivers and pedestrians. This was reported by Upl.uz. As seen in the video below, special robots may enter service this year. It is reported that the robots will automatically detect the following violations: crossing on a red light, a driver not stopping for a pedestrian, and crossing the road outside the designated area. These measures are aimed at improving traffic discipline and ensuring pedestrian safety. If the project is implemented, every violator, regardless of being a driver or a pedestrian, will be under the control of the smart monitoring system. This will contribute to improving traffic culture and reducing road traffic accidents

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan has officially announced the admission quotas for state higher education institutions for the 2025/2026 academic year. This was reported by Upl.uz. The approved quotas determine the distribution of places taking into account the forms of education and languages of instruction for bachelor's and master's programs, and reflect the priority directions of state educational policy. Within the framework of bachelor's programs, the largest number of places is allocated for full-time education, with 148,400 students to be admitted in the new academic year. For students receiving education in Uzbek language in full-time education, 124,339 places have been allocated. There are 19,125 places for groups taught in Russian, as well as 4,121 in Karakalpak, 375 in Kazakh, 305 in Tajik, 75 in Kyrgyz, and 65 in Turkmen. Specific quotas have also been set for applicants choosing alternative forms of education. In the evening education format, 28,732 students will be admitted nationwide, of which 25,563 will study in Uzbek, 2,477 in Russian, and 437 in Karakalpak. The distance education format offers 18,195 places, with the majority, namely 16,000 places, intended for education in Uzbek, 1,780 places in Russian, and 415 places in Karakalpak. In master's programs, 20,210 people will be admitted in full-time education. Of these, 17,263 will study in Uzbek, and 2,947 in Russian. The evening and distance master's formats are smaller, with 1,319 and 420 places allocated respectively, also distributed by language. Particular attention has been paid to financial support from the state. A total of 45,422 state grants will be allocated for the 2025/2026 academic year. Of these, 35,500 are intended for bachelor's students, and 9,922 for master's students. In addition to the main quotas, the government has also established targeted grants: 4,000 grants for women, 1,320 grants for studying at non-state and foreign higher education institutions, and 30 grants for young compatriots living abroad. The National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulughbek, one of the oldest and largest universities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, was established in 1918 in the city of Tashkent. This university is considered one of the important centers of the higher education system in the country.

A new additional fee for non-immigrant visas has been announced in the United States. This was reported by Upl.uz. This fee amounts to 250 dollars and is called the "visa integrity fee," meaning a fee for reliability. This measure is part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which was signed by US President Donald Trump at the beginning of this month. The new financial obligation will affect almost all foreign citizens. This group includes tourists, business travelers, and students coming to study at American educational institutions. According to statistics from the State Department, nearly 11 million non-immigrant visas were issued in the 2024 fiscal year, indicating the potential scope of the new fee. The fee amount may be adjusted periodically based on the inflation rate. The new fee will be charged in addition to existing consular fees. This fee will only be required from applicants whose visas have been approved. If the visa is denied, the fee will not be collected. For example, according to attorney Steven Braun from the law firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC, a specialist currently paying 205 dollars for an H-1B visa will have to pay a total of 455 dollars once the new rules come into effect. Although the law has been passed, the start date for collecting the fee and the payment mechanism are not yet clear. The law assigns the task of implementing this to the Department of Homeland Security. However, as analysts have pointed out, this department typically does not handle visa applications and approvals, which may lead to legal and organizational issues. A State Department representative stated in a comment to CNN that the purpose of the fee is to fund measures to strengthen immigration control, prevent violations of visa rules, and ensure border security. The bill also provides for the possibility of refunding the paid amounts. If the traveler can prove that they fully complied with the conditions of stay in the country, they will have the right to get their money back. The main requirements are the absence of illegal employment and leaving the USA within no more than five days after the specified period. However, the money can only be refunded after the visa period expires. Due to the long-term issuance of many non-immigrant visas, the US Congressional Budget Office believes that few people will take advantage of this opportunity. There are more than 20 main types of non-immigrant visas in the USA, which are divided into many smaller groups. This creates a complex and multi-layered system for entering the country.

Researchers in Japan have announced a significant breakthrough in the field of gene therapy. This was reported by Upl.uz. This achievement could fundamentally change the methods of treating Down syndrome. According to information published by the scientific portal Vietnam.vn and the journal PNAS Nexus, scientists have successfully removed an extra copy of chromosome 21 for the first time. Chromosome 21 is considered the main cause of this genetic disorder. In laboratory conditions, the capabilities of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system were demonstrated on human cells. This technology works like a molecular "scalpel," identifying the extra chromosome copy and removing it without damaging the remaining 46 chromosomes. The research team led by Professor Ryotaro Hasidzume from Mie University developed special guiding molecules that specifically target the third copy of chromosome 21. The results of laboratory tests showed that after genetic intervention, significant biological indicators were restored in 37.5 percent of cases. In these cells, the growth and division rates, gene activity, and antioxidant defense returned to normal. It was also found that the activity of genes responsible for the development of the nervous system increased, indicating the positive effects of this therapy. Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, occurs in approximately 1 in 700 newborns. This condition leads to developmental issues and health risks, including congenital heart defects and susceptibility to other diseases. Until now, medicine has focused only on measures to alleviate symptoms, and there was no possibility of addressing the genetic cause. Despite the results achieved, the authors of the study emphasize that this technology is not yet ready for clinical application. The main problem is the risk of accidentally damaging healthy genes during the gene editing process. Without thoroughly studying such safety issues and long-term effects, testing on humans cannot be conducted. At the same time, this achievement opens new possibilities in the field of gene therapy and regenerative medicine. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology is inspired by the natural defense mechanism of bacteria. Bacteria use this system to identify and cut the DNA of viruses. Scientists have adapted this natural process for editing the genes of humans and other organisms. This has ushered in a new era in gene therapy.

The press service of the Emergency Situations Department of Samarkand region provided official information. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 25, 2024, at approximately 16:40, the Emergency Situations Department of Samarkand region received a report that a fire broke out in a citizen's "Tracker" brand car while it was in motion. The fire and rescue team arrived at the scene within three minutes. Due to the intensity of the fire, it took ten minutes to extinguish the car. No one was injured as a result of the fire, but the car was almost completely burned. The causes of the fire are currently being investigated. The Emergency Situations Department advises drivers to carefully monitor the technical condition of their vehicles. Regular inspections and maintenance of vehicles are important to prevent such incidents.

The press service of Uzenergoinspektsiya reported that an illegal use of natural gas was detected. This was reported by Upl.uz. Employees of the Surkhandarya regional department of Uzenergoinspektsiya, in cooperation with representatives of the regional prosecutor's office and the gas supply organization, conducted an inspection at the warehouse of "X. Q. M." limited liability company located in the city of Termez. During the inspection, it was found that this warehouse was illegally connected to the natural gas network without a meter being installed. According to preliminary calculations, the damage caused to the gas supply organization amounted to 3 billion 954 million soums. All documents regarding this case have been submitted to law enforcement agencies. The responsible individuals of the organization may face up to 15 years of imprisonment under Article 169, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.