The Uzbek national team participated in the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026), held in Colombia from July 4 to July 12 of this year, and for the first time in history won two gold and two bronze medals.
The Uzbek national team participated in the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026), held in Colombia from July 4 to July 12 of this year, and for the first time in history won two gold and two bronze medals.
Young physicists representing their country at this prestigious international event demonstrated the following achievements. Asilbek Zhumanazarov, a student at the specialized school affiliated with the Tashkent National Research University 'Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization', received a gold medal. Muhammad Abdumalikov, a student of the Mirzo Ulugbek Specialized School, also won a gold medal.
Additionally, Elbek Uroqov, who studies at the specialized school affiliated with the Tashkent National Research University 'Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization', received a bronze medal. Hasan Kamolov, a student of the 1st Specialized School of the city of Qo'qon, also won a bronze medal. Javhohir Aknazarov received an encouragement award as a student of the Mirzo Ulugbek Specialized School.
The members of the national team set a new record in their participation history by winning their first gold title at this Olympiad. The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) provides an opportunity not only to solve complex theoretical and experimental problems but also to exchange knowledge and experience at the international level.
In the vicinity of Zomin Mountains in the Jizzakh region, the traditional 'Zomin Seminar' for young creative workers of the Republic continues. This prestigious literary forum, launched at the initiative of the head of state Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 1997, has served for 29 years to discover talented youth and enhance their creative potential.
The seminar, organized by the Uzbekistan Writers' Association, gathers young authors, writing masters, poets, and literary scholars from all regions of the country. Authors from foreign countries also participate, invited under the 'Young Citizen-Writer' program and creating works in the Uzbek language.
The traditional opening ceremony of the seminar took place in the amphitheater of a medical institution adjacent to the Novoiy Metallurgical Plant in the Zomin district. At the beginning of the event, Dilmurod Khudoyshukurov, Deputy Head of the Jizzakh region, read a welcoming speech from the regional head.
'Zomin Seminar,' which holds a special place in the country's literary life, long served as a school of mastery for young authors. Here, the traditions of teacher and student are strengthened, and hundreds of capable authors have found their way into great literature. The seminar, held since 1997, not only identified new talents but also became a school of life experience and lifelong creative lessons.
Previously, young authors such as Iqbol Mirzo, Farida Afrouz, Salim Ashur, and Zebo Mirzo had the honor of listening to lectures by prominent writers like Abdulla Oripov, Erkin Vohidov, Usmon Azim, Azim Suyun, and Muhammad Yusuf. Moreover, representatives of the middle generation, including Gairat Majid, Nodir Jonuzoq, Shodmonkul Salom, Guljamol Askarova, Muhiddin Abdusamad, Ozoda Bekmurodova, Hayat Shodmon, Shuhrat Orif, Nargiza Asadova, Nasir Jo'raev, Dilrabo Mingboeva, and Behzod Fazliddin, Adiba Umarova, have also achieved success as worthy examples.
The Chairman of the Uzbekistan Writers' Association, People's Poet of Uzbekistan Sirojiddin Sayyid, emphasized that supporting young authors, developing their talents, promoting book-loving culture, and enriching the spirituality of youth is an integral part of state policy. Representatives, including the Chairman of the Karakalpakstan Writers' Association Kenesboy Karimov, the head of the regional branch of the Uzbekistan Writers' Association in Tashkent region Mahmud Toir, and the chairman of the board of the public foundation 'Vatanodosh' Odiljon Sattorov, delivered speeches. In their addresses, they noted that the state policy to support talented youth and create broad opportunities for them has reached a high level, which is clearly reflected in the development of national literature.
A young creative worker from the Jizzakh region, Khursida Suyunova, expressed joy at participating in the seminar in the Zomin mountains, noting that presenting her creative works to teachers and receiving their advice is extremely important. She is confident that the knowledge gained here will become a solid foundation for her future creations. 'Zomin Seminar' continues to serve noble goals: supporting the younger generation, revealing their talents, evaluating the work of mentors, and inspiring new creative flights. Thanks to this educational initiative, many authors have found their place in literature and won the love of readers.
This year, the most talented among the young authors were selected, and it is expected that their creative searches, works, and plans will be comprehensively discussed by mentors. Mehribon Abdurahmonova, head of the Jizzakh regional branch of the Uzbekistan Writers' Association, stated that thanks to the high attention paid to literature and youth, the 'Zomin Seminar' has turned into a major literary forum that all young authors in the country wish to attend. The participation of authors from foreign countries under the 'Young Citizen-Writer' program has for the first time raised the status of the seminar to an international level.
The three-day seminar includes sectional sessions on literature, poetry, prose, translation, and artistic journalism, master classes with experienced authors, poetry evenings, creative meetings, and presentations of books published under the 'My First Book' project.
The first quarter of 2026 demonstrated positive trends in the country's labor market. The growth in available vacancies, expansion of private sector employment, wage increases, and a relatively low unemployment rate confirm economic activity and stable domestic demand.
According to Central Bank data, in March, the number of vacant jobs increased by 9.8% compared to the same period last year. This indicates a growing demand for labor in the real sector of the economy. Particularly high demand for personnel remains in the service, retail, catering, and manufacturing sectors, which once again highlights their significance in economic growth.
Simultaneously, population activity in the labor market has noticeably increased. In the first quarter, the number of active resumes grew by 31.5%, reaching 636 thousand people. This growth shows the activation of citizens seeking employment and broader use of modern job placement platforms. This process contributes to increasing the openness and competitiveness of the labor market.
Analytical data indicates that the private sector remains the main source of employment growth. By the end of 2025, employment in this sector increased by 5.2%. Achievements in reforms aimed at supporting private entrepreneurship, improving the investment climate, and creating new business entities confirm the practical effectiveness of these measures in the labor market.
The formation of an unemployment rate at 4.8% indicates a relatively stable balance in the labor market. It also demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of state programs aimed at creating new jobs, professional training, and developing entrepreneurship.
A positive trend in household income growth was also observed. In the first quarter, nominal wages increased by 17.4%, and real wages by 9.5%. The growth in real wages means an strengthening of the population's purchasing power after accounting for inflation, which is an important factor supporting the domestic consumer market and ensuring economic growth.
Furthermore, remittances related to external labor migration reached $3.8 billion, which is 13% more than in the same period last year. These funds serve as an important source of income support for the population, directed towards domestic consumption, housing improvement, education, and small business financing.
Overall, the indicators for the first quarter of 2026 confirm the sustainable development of positive changes in the labor market. The growth in labor demand, the strengthening role of the private sector in the economy, the increase in household income, and the maintenance of a relatively low unemployment rate indicate stable economic development of the country and the successful implementation of structural reforms in the labor market.
The first stage of testing for admission of students to the 5th grade in 'Jasorat' schools in Syrdarya region was organized at a high level, based on the principles of openness, transparency, and fairness.
During simultaneous exams across the entire republic, candidates took tests in their native languages and mathematics. In Syrdarya region, the testing process took place at the regional branch of the Agency for Assessment of Knowledge and Abilities in accordance with all organizational and legal requirements.
In the current admission period, 1118 fifth-graders from 11 cities and districts of the region participated. Special attention was paid to ensuring safety measures, strict adherence to established procedures, and guaranteeing the openness of the assessment process. All classrooms were equipped with the necessary technical means, which created equal and fair conditions for participants.
To ensure the openness of the admission process, facilities were provided for parents, who were given the opportunity to observe their children's exam-taking process online. This strengthened confidence that the assessment process is fair and honest.
Nazira Melieva from Gulistan shared her opinion, noting the high level of organization of the entrance exam at 'Jasorat' school for her son Boburjon. She emphasized that the possibility of online observation for parents gave her great peace of mind and increased her confidence in the honest assessment of her child's knowledge. She wished everyone success and expressed hope that educated and brave young people dedicated to the Motherland would grow up among the students.
According to the leaders, the established requirements were strictly observed during the organization of the exams. Creating equal opportunities for all participants contributes to the fair selection of educated, talented, and capable students.
It should be noted that each of the 11 cities and districts of Syrdarya region where 'Jasorat' schools operate accepts 26 students. The selection process is carried out in several stages, where the level of knowledge, intellectual potential, ability for logical thinking, and general readiness of the candidates are comprehensively assessed. The final results determine which candidates will be accepted into the ranks of 'Jasorat' schools.
