Society news

Extensive capital repair works are starting in the city of Tashkent. This was reported by Upl.uz. These works will be carried out in accordance with new standards developed by a special company from Great Britain. The main goal of the changes is to create priority conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as to improve the urban environment in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way. Recently, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reviewed the presentation of the "Atlas of Decisions" related to the cities of Tashkent and New Tashkent. This document sets general requirements for the external appearance of urban objects and the public environment. According to Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, the capital repair of the city's road network will be carried out based on new landscaping standards and a unified design code. The repair of 200 kilometers of roads, carried out by China's China Construction company, will cover the entire area. Each element must comply with the approved design code. For this purpose, the Atlas company, which developed the design code for Moscow, has been involved. Based on the new design code, streets, building facades, pedestrian paths, and green spaces will be organized. Mayor Umurzakov noted that the lack of existing standards previously led to a lack of compliance in the activities of construction organizations. With the introduction of a unified system, all works will be regulated, and the appearance of the city will change dramatically. Existing shortcomings will be gradually eliminated. Davronjon Odilov, director of the "New Tashkent" city construction directorate and deputy minister of construction and communal services, emphasized that the new landscaping standards will be applied equally in Tashkent and New Tashkent. The standards are based on AASHTO international norms widely used in the USA and Europe, adapted to local climate conditions. The main priority is given to pedestrians and cyclists. The project pays special attention to the width, length, and shading requirements of pedestrian paths. Each detail has been thoroughly analyzed and taken into account. The President has instructed to implement these standards in the streets of Tashkent and in the New Tashkent projects, as well as to ensure a reduction in future operating costs.

In the first half of this year, nearly 850 unreasonable calls were received by the emergency medical service in Uzbekistan. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported this. In the same period last year, such cases exceeded 1200, indicating a positive change in this statistic. Overall, the decrease in unreasonable calls is considered a positive trend; however, in some regions, this issue remains relevant. The highest number of unreasonable calls was recorded in the Surkhandarya region, reaching 177. At the same time, no such cases were observed in the Namangan region, which indicates that effective measures are being taken in the area. The Ministry of Health and the emergency medical service continue to implement measures to reduce unreasonable calls. This situation is important for the effective and proper use of medical services by the population. Unreasonable calls can slow down the speed of medical assistance and negatively affect patients who genuinely need help. Therefore, it is necessary for the population to be responsible and to call only in real situations. Such efforts will continue to enhance the efficiency of the emergency medical service and ensure the medical safety of the population.

Veolia Energy Tashkent announced that it has temporarily suspended the hydraulic tests of the heating networks scheduled from May 30 to July 17, 2025. This was reported by Upl.uz. This decision was made to review the methods of conducting tests and to develop new, more effective methods for safely identifying pipes. The main task of Veolia Energy Tashkent is to ensure the reliability and safety of heat supply and to reduce risks for the residents of Tashkent. These measures are being implemented as part of the preparation process for the 2025–2026 heating season. The company stated that it will provide additional information about future work and their specific timelines. Thus, the quality and safety of heat supply will remain a priority.

In the capital of Uzbekistan, the complete renovation of two important electrical substations will be carried out. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 7, an agreement was signed between the joint-stock company "Uzbekistan National Electric Networks" and China's Shandong Electrical Engineering & Equipment Group Corporation. Within the framework of the agreement, the technical equipment of the "Zafar" and "Fayziobod" substations is planned, each operating at 220 kV voltage. These substations play a crucial role in the stable electricity supply of the capital region. According to the terms of the contract, the Chinese side will fully carry out the project design, supply of necessary equipment, installation, and commissioning works. During the renovation process, it is planned to transition from outdated systems to modern complete distribution devices (KRUÉ) with gas insulation. This technology helps to increase the reliability of substations and reduce the impact of weather conditions. Additionally, closed KRUÉ systems ensure safety for service personnel and reduce errors caused by human factors. The project also aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment. This initiative is being implemented in response to the concerns of entrepreneurs regarding the state of energy infrastructure in the capital. According to the Central Bank's 2024 report, interruptions in electricity and natural gas supply are considered one of the main barriers to business development in Tashkent. According to analysts, due to energy supply issues, 55 percent of entrepreneurs are unable to fully utilize their production capacity. In recent weeks, this issue has been widely covered in the media. In conversations with business representatives, many complained about regular interruptions and emphasized the lack of transparency in the operations of energy supply organizations. In response, the state company "Regional Electric Networks" stated that modernization is being carried out as part of planned repair works and preparations for the autumn-winter season. It was also noted that some interruptions are related to emergency situations. The company's management promised to improve the system of informing the public and legal entities about planned works in the future. In KRUÉ devices, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is used as an insulator, which is one of the powerful heat-trapping gases. Its global warming potential is 23,500 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. However, in the sealed systems of KRUÉ, the leakage of SF6 is almost impossible, ensuring the environmental safety of the technology when used and disposed of correctly

Incorrect information has spread on social networks and messengers about the expenditure of 198 million dollars for the renovation of Shota Rustaveli Street. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Tashkent city administration commented on this situation. It was noted that the indicated amount is the total budget for a comprehensive program to modernize approximately 200 kilometers of road infrastructure in the capital. The work will be carried out in stages on several major highways of the city. The first phase of the renovation includes the following roads: Shota Rustaveli Street, Amir Temur Avenue, Shahrisabz and Yangi Sergeli Streets, as well as the construction of a major road facility in the Olmazar district. The total cost of the first phase is 50 million dollars. The project is being implemented with the participation of "TIC Engineering" company, "Tashkent Invest Company" joint-stock company, and the Chinese contractor "China State Construction Engineering Corporation". The Tashkent administration advises citizens to obtain information only from official sources and not to trust fake news

The State Security Service has introduced a set of modern drones in the border troops. This was reported by Upl.uz. Additionally, plans are underway to establish mass production of drones in the country. In the context of global changes and increasing threats, the use of drones is being recognized as an important part of the security system. Under the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, large-scale reforms aimed at strengthening defense capabilities are being implemented. In this process, reinforcing the border troops with drone units is one of the key directions, significantly enhancing the reliability of protecting the state border. Special simulators are being used to train drone operators, fully simulating real combat conditions. Various scenarios, including border control, aerial reconnaissance, convoy monitoring, and detecting and tracking violations, are practiced. Currently, work is ongoing to establish a centralized center for drone management in the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan. The main tasks of this center will be to plan combat training and control the flights of drones, ensuring centralized and effective management. According to Albert Hamzin, the director of IT-park innovations, mass production of drones will be established in the country, and software and technologies will be fully localized. This will contribute to the further development of the national defense industry.

Starting from July 10, 2024, applications for mortgage subsidies will be accepted in Uzbekistan. This was reported by Upl.uz. Applications can be submitted online through the my.gov.uz portal or directly at state service centers. Individuals with an income equal to or less than the minimum wage ranging from 2.7 to 9.2 in Tashkent city, as well as citizens in the regions and the Republic of Karakalpakstan with an income equal to the minimum wage ranging from 2.7 to 8 can apply. The amount of one minimum wage (MHR) is 1,155,000 soums. The subsidy amount is aimed at covering 15 percent of the initial payment of the mortgage loan and part of the amount exceeding the annual interest rate of 12 percent for the first five years. This subsidy will help reduce the financial burden on citizens when obtaining a mortgage loan. You can find detailed information about the application process and requirements on the official portal my.gov.uz.

The Taganrog administration reported about the delivery of light motor SP-30 aircraft from Russia to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. This was reported by Upl.uz. These aircraft are assembled at a factory in Taganrog, Russia. Igor Burakov, the director general of the Rostov region Investment Development Agency, noted that the Taganrog factory has produced 13 SP-30 aircraft in the last 12 months, and over 20 aircraft in total in the last two years. These aircraft are currently being exported to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Plans to establish SP-30 aircraft production in the "Navoi" free economic zone in Uzbekistan were announced this spring. It is expected that the first aircraft produced in Uzbekistan will come off the assembly line in the fall. The SP-30 is a light, two-seat aircraft that has been in production since 2003. Its main feature is the ability to take off and land on short distances, which allows it to be used on short and unprepared airfields. The aircraft is equipped with a 100 horsepower engine. The SP-30 is widely used in agriculture, training flights, aerial photography, and tourism.

Discussions are ongoing on social media regarding the temporary closure of some stations of the above-ground metro in Tashkent. This was reported by Upl.uz. Additionally, various rumors are circulating about the disruption and reconstruction of certain routes. In particular, videos showing the removal of new rails on a recently launched route are causing concern among users. However, the Tashkent metro officially denied these rumors with a statement. According to Tuychi Mirzaev, head of the press service of the Tashkent metro, the ongoing work is not related to dismantling or reconstruction. These activities are related to scheduled technical inspections and the elimination of deficiencies, as well as preventive maintenance, and are being carried out in accordance with international standards. It was reported that 14 stations on the above-ground ring route between the "Technopark" and "Kipchak" stations have been operational for several years. According to international experience, it is necessary to conduct preventive work after a certain period to ensure safety and assess service quality on new metro routes. This is a simple and mandatory process aimed at maintaining the reliability and safety of the system. Additionally, it was previously reported that 7 metro stations would be closed due to planned work in Tashkent. During these inspections, the transport prosecutor's office identified serious violations of the law. These situations indicate that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe and stable operation of the metro.

A video has circulated on social media showing citizens of Uzbekistan sitting on the ground and eating with their hands in South Korea. This was reported by Upl.uz. This situation attracted widespread public attention and sparked various opinions. It is clear from the video that passersby were astonished to see this behavior. While this method is considered traditional and normal in Uzbekistan, it was perceived as unusual and even surprising in South Korea. This event clearly highlights the differences between cultures. It was also emphasized that each nation has its own unique eating habits. While this method is customary and respectable for Uzbeks, such situations may be viewed differently in other countries. It is important to respect and pay attention to cultural differences.

A single transport system is being implemented in Tashkent city and the surrounding region. This was reported by Upl.uz. This system aims to significantly improve public transport. Approximately one million people come to the capital every day, of which 275 thousand are residents of Tashkent region. For this reason, the new agglomeration model will be launched on September 1. Within the framework of this model, the main measures include the following. Currently, 20 bus routes ending along Tashkent's Ring Road will be extended by 15-20 kilometers, creating more convenient transport options for the regional population. Additionally, 6 new routes will be opened, which will expand the public transport network and provide passengers with more convenient travel opportunities. Despite the extension of the routes, to prevent an increase in waiting times, another 200 new buses will be brought to the capital by September, and an additional 1000 transport vehicles will be provided next year. The new arrangement will be implemented in Tashkent city and region from September 1, and in other major cities from January 1. These changes will serve to enhance the efficiency of public transport.

The implementation of the "Safe Road" national program has been announced by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This was reported by Upl.uz. This program aims to reduce road traffic accidents by modernizing road infrastructure. Within the framework of the "Safe Road" program, a large-scale reorganization of the Republican "Safe Road and Safe Pedestrian" fund is planned. As one of the main reforms, the fund's branches will be established in the form of separate branches in each region. During the current year, a total of 400 billion soums is expected to be allocated to the fund from all funding sources. Additionally, 25% of the fines collected through photo and video recording cameras for violating traffic rules will also be directed to the fund and its regional branches. The installation of road signs, traffic lights, and road markings under the jurisdiction of road safety departments will be delegated to the regional level. The fund's activities will be open and transparent, including the heads of regional road safety departments and road management, as well as representatives of the public. In the future, the fund's resources will primarily be spent on improving hazardous areas on roads. In these areas, measures such as installing separating barriers, setting up road signs, improving lighting, organizing pedestrian crossings, and digitizing intersections will be implemented. This is intended to reduce the number of road traffic accidents and enhance road safety.

A video conference meeting chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, discussed measures to enhance road safety, improve road infrastructure, and reduce traffic congestion. This was reported by Upl.uz. The importance of developing intercity and regional public transport was particularly emphasized at the meeting. It was announced that new measures aimed at supporting the transport sector would be introduced to achieve this goal. The main support measures include: buses and minibuses operating on city and intercity routes will receive subsidies for each passenger transported; the existing utilization fee exemptions for buses will be extended for another three years and will now also apply to minibuses; customs exemptions previously granted only to tourist buses and minibuses will also be applied to public transport for three years. To benefit from these exemptions, entrepreneurs must comply with two conditions: strictly adhere to the approved traffic schedule and transition to an electronic payment system to ensure revenue transparency. These measures aim to improve the quality of transport services and enhance the availability and convenience of public transport.

Today, on July 9, earthquakes occurred in the Kashkadarya region. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Republic Seismological Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan announced this information. According to the data, the magnitude of the earthquake was 3.5, and its intensity at the epicenter was assessed at 4. The underground tremors were recorded in the Nishon district at 15:32 local time. Tremors were also felt in other areas of the region. In particular, the strength of the underground vibrations in the Guzar district and the city of Karshi was equal to 2. There have been no reports of serious damage or injuries among the population. Experts recommend taking necessary measures for earthquake safety. Observations in the area are ongoing, and it is emphasized that the population should remain cautious.

Significant changes are being introduced in the procedure for taking the international English language proficiency exam IELTS in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to an official statement from the press service of the Edu-Action Centre, starting from July 11, 2025, the traditional paper-based test will be completely abolished. Centre representatives emphasized that this decision is explained by operational reasons, but details will not be disclosed. From now on, candidates wishing to obtain an IELTS certificate in the country will only have the option to take the computer-based test. This change marks the final stage of the complete digitization process of this widely recognized language exam in Uzbekistan. For dates after July 11, candidates who have registered for the paper-based exam and made the payment have been offered two alternative options. They have the right to re-register for the computer format without additional costs or to receive a full refund of the amount paid in advance. This news comes against the backdrop of Uzbekistan's decline in the international ranking of English proficiency. According to statistical data, the lowest indicators have been recorded in the Namangan region, raising concerns among representatives of the education system and experts. The transition to a fully digital format is expected to positively impact candidates' preparation and exam results. Additionally, while the Listening, Reading, and Writing modules of the test will be taken on the computer, the Speaking section will be conducted in a live interview format with a certified examiner. This is done to ensure an accurate and fair assessment of the candidate's communicative skills.

The process of restoring citizenship status for 62-year-old Ahmadjon Umarov in the city of Kokand, Fergana region, has been successfully completed, and he was issued a passport of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This was reported by Upl.uz. This event was of significant importance for a man who had lived without the main identity documents for nearly thirty years. According to Umarov, he lost his Soviet-era passport and birth certificate in a traffic accident in 1994. At that time, he was about 31 years old. Living without documents for the following decades created significant limitations in fully exercising his civil rights, including finding official employment, accessing banking services, healthcare, and receiving social benefits. This long-standing issue was resolved within the framework of the republican campaign titled "No One Should Be Left Without Documents." Specialists involved in the project assisted in gathering archive information and verifying identity, which allowed for the initiation and completion of the process to obtain a new passport. After receiving the passport, Ahmadjon Umarov's civil rights were fully restored. Umarov's case is not a unique example within the scope of state initiatives. In 2024, 94-year-old Anora Musurmonova, living in the Nurata district, was able to obtain her birth certificate for the first time after being without documents for many years. Similarly, 15-year-old Ocha Umirzakova, born in 2009 in the Syrdarya region, received her first document due to her parents' negligence during the registration of her birth. However, despite positive examples, there are still existing problems within the system. For instance, in January of this year, Elena Koltsova, a resident of the Qizilqishloq settlement in Tashkent region, appealed to the media about her inability to restore her passport since 2001. She stated that her passport was taken by a local law enforcement officer for replacement, but a new document was never issued. This officer later passed away, and all of Elena Koltsova's efforts to obtain an identity document have encountered bureaucratic obstacles and demands for new information. This situation indicates that some issues still require detailed study and special approaches. Uzbekistan fully transitioned to a biometric passport system starting January 1, 2021. The process of replacing old passports, which began in 2011, has continued until now. The availability of biometric data complicates the forgery of documents and facilitates accurate identification of individuals. This makes the legal protection of citizens and access to state services more effective.

The removal of air conditioners from the facades of residential buildings is actively being discussed on social media in Tashkent. This was reported by Upl.uz. Citizens are informing that this work is being carried out on the instruction of the city mayor, especially on Shota Rustaveli Street. The Tashkent city administration provided an explanation regarding the situation, clarifying the purpose and procedure of the work. According to the press service of the city administration, the removal of air conditioners is being conducted as part of the capital renovation of Shota Rustaveli Street. The main goal is to bring the facades of the buildings to a unified architectural appearance. As part of this process, the external units of the air conditioners are being relocated to a uniform height in accordance with the specified project requirements. The administration emphasized that all work will be carried out in strict compliance with technical standards. The contractor organizations selected by the local administration will not only install the equipment but also perform maintenance during the installation. Previously, this work was temporarily halted due to anomalous heat with temperatures exceeding +40 degrees. Now that the temperature has decreased, the work is continuing as planned. Additionally, the residents will not bear any costs for the removal, installation, maintenance, and setup. All expenses will be covered by the city administration.

Syerjio Gor, a senior official in Donald Trump's administration, has found himself at the center of a controversy related to concealing his true origins. This was reported by Upl.uz. Although he has claimed for many years that he was born in Malta, an investigation by the Times of Malta revealed that he was born in Tashkent on November 30, 1986. According to journalistic sources, Gor's mother, Liya Gorokhovskaya, emigrated in 1994 and registered her business in Malta, presenting herself as Israeli. Interestingly, Syerjio Gor indicated Uzbekistan as his place of birth in real estate purchase documents in 2021, which contradicts his public statements. The Maltese government officially confirmed that there is no record of Gor being born on the island in their registers. In response to questions, Syerjio Gor stated that he was not born in Russia, but did not provide a direct answer regarding his exact place of birth. This situation has raised questions in the White House, especially in light of his failure to submit the SF-86 form necessary for continued access to classified information.

The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan has officially registered a new regulation on the state registry and participants of gambling games through the National Prospective Projects Agency (NAP). This was reported by Upl.uz. This document has been published on the Lex.uz portal and aims to create a centralized accounting and monitoring system in the field of risk-based gambling, betting, and lotteries. The main objectives of creating the state registry include: accounting for and monitoring financial operations, meaning that the registry will track all cash flows related to the organization of gambling games and participation in them; as well as protecting the rights and interests of players and investors, ensuring the transparency and safety of the platform by preventing fraud and other illegal activities. The registry will contain comprehensive information about players, game organizers, payments for winnings, and bets. Uzinfokom has been designated as the sole operator of the registry, which will also provide technical support for the system. In the future, it is planned to integrate this platform with the databases of other state bodies, which will make information exchange more efficient. Uzinfokom not only manages the registry but also receives and reviews applications from players and game organizers. Data will be stored in the registry for five years. NAP has the right to set monthly limits for bets in accordance with its authority. At the same time, citizens of Uzbekistan can apply to increase the established limit, but the increased limit must not exceed 10 percent of the applicant's income. If a player wishes to withdraw from the registry, Uzinfokom must restrict their ability to deposit money and notify the betting organizers about this. Additionally, all funds received for winnings will be transferred to the player's bank account, ensuring their financial security

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. This information was provided by the State Statistics Committee. The distribution of the population by regions is as follows: In Samarkand region, 4,335.7 thousand people reside. In Fergana region, the population is 4,181 thousand people. In Kashkadarya region, there are 3,673.7 thousand people living. In Andijan region, 3,487.9 thousand people reside. In Namangan region, the population is 3,158.4 thousand people. In Tashkent city, 3,145.2 thousand people reside, while in Tashkent region, there are 3,134.1 thousand people living. In Surkhandarya region, 2,974.4 thousand people live permanently. In Bukhara region, the population is 2,089.4 thousand people. In Khorezm region, 2,045.7 thousand people reside. In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, there are 2,040.7 thousand people living. In Jizzakh region, the population is 1,551.7 thousand people. In Navoi region, 1,103.3 thousand people reside. In Syrdarya region, the population amounted to 938.5 thousand people. Thus, the population of our country is not evenly distributed by regions, with some regions having a higher population compared to others. This information is of significant importance in shaping state policy and planning regional development.