July 13, 10:47

Gastronomic festival held in Nukus as part of the tourism development project in Karakalpakstan

The 'QR Gastronomic Quality – 2026' gastronomic festival took place at the 'Karakalpak Ethno Village' tourist complex in the city of Nukus, Republic of Karakalpakstan.

Scale and Funding of the Event

This large-scale event brought together chefs, representatives of the restaurant business, tourism specialists, experts, and guests. The festival was funded by the initiative of the Public Foundation under the Supreme Council of Uzbekistan and was the final stage of the 'QR Gastronomic Quality' project, implemented by the public association 'DMO Karakalpakstan' (Destination Management Organization of Karakalpakstan).

During the project implementation, extensive work was carried out, uniting representatives from the state, public, and entrepreneurial sectors. Six seminars-trainings were organized, attended by 213 people from the gastronomic business, tourism companies, artisans, and youth, while another 122 people participated in project presentations.

Additionally, three meetings of the Coordination Council for Tourism Development were held in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. At these meetings, representatives of the state and private sectors, as well as NGOs, familiarized themselves with current issues in the development of the gastronomic services market in Karakalpakstan, existing problems, and ways to solve them. Meetings were also held with representatives of international organizations, which involved 151 young participants.

Furthermore, 47 sector participants attended master classes and practical sessions organized by foreign experts.

Results and Standardization

One of the significant results of the project was the creation of a modern educational base. A practical instruction on establishing quality standards for gastronomic services was developed with the participation of leading local specialists. This instruction was printed in Karakalpak, Uzbek, and Russian languages and distributed among restaurants, cafes, and other catering establishments in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The festival, organized with the support of the Jogorku Kenesh and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, included a chef competition, competitions between restaurants, cafes, and other regional catering establishments, an exhibition of national dishes from various peoples, as well as concerts and other cultural events.

Special attention within the project was paid to the digitalization of the industry. Currently, the electronic platform www.qrgastronomy.uz and the mobile application 'QR Gastronomic' (for Android and iOS) operate in the region. These digital tools open up new opportunities for both businesses and tourists. Guests can instantly open a digital menu via a QR code, view photos, descriptions, ingredients, weight, and prices of dishes in four languages, leave reviews, rate the level of service, and view the rating of establishments. This contributes to increasing transparency in the service sector and forming a culture of quality.

Competitions and Awards

During the festival, visitors watched the chef competition, learned about the national cuisine of various peoples, visited thematic exhibition pavilions, participated in contests and quizzes, and watched a gastronomic parade showcasing national costumes and traditional dishes.

At the end of the festival, the winners of the competitions and active participants were determined and awarded diplomas, trips abroad, and valuable gifts. In particular, in the competition between restaurants and cafes, first place was won by the 'Caravan' restaurant from the Khojaili district, second place by the 'MJ Family' restaurant from Nukus, and third place by the 'Karakalpak Oshkhonasi' restaurant. The winning team was awarded a trip to gain experience in the catering industry of Karakalpakstan to bring the industry to a new quality level, turn gastronomy into one of the region's important tourism brands, and implement modern service standards.

Regarding the chef competition, the first place was won by Madina Davletmuratova, a chef from the 'Las Vegas' restaurant in Nukus; second place by Sarabibi Orozmetova, assistant chef from the Khorezm Culinary Academy; and third place by Gulmira Botirboeva, chef from the 'ANISA' restaurant in the Muynoq district. Andrey Grachev, chef from the 'MJ Family' restaurant, was recognized in a special nomination.

Cultural Achievements

Within the framework of the festival, there was also a national dish competition between national cultural centers operating in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. According to the jury's decision, first place was taken by the Russian National Cultural Center, second place by the Ukrainian National Cultural Center 'Slavutych', and third place by the Korean National Cultural Center. The winners were presented with diplomas, statuettes, and monetary prizes.

Significance of the Project

Currently, the 'QR Gastronomic Quality' project is more than just a festival or competition; it is a comprehensive initiative combining education, digital technologies, international cooperation, and business support. Its implementation contributes to improving the quality of services, preserving the rich culinary traditions of the region, and forming a modern tourism image of Karakalpakstan. This festival once again demonstrated that gastronomy is not only part of the cultural heritage but also a powerful tool for developing tourism, the economy, and the international image of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

sputniknews.uzJuly 12, 14:12

Eight Controversial Moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup That Sparked Criticism

The 2026 FIFA World Cup left behind not only unexpected results but also disputes related to refereeing, political interference, racism, ticket prices, and the excessive commercialization of the tournament.

Key Issues of the Tournament

Among the most discussed events of the 2026 World Cup were controversial referee decisions, political influence, instances of racism, high ticket prices, and the transformation of breaks into advertising pauses.

Details of Controversial Incidents

Eight key incidents that generated the most discussion during the 2026 World Cup were compiled.

Political Pressure and Disqualifications

American forward Folarin Balogun received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His automatic one-year suspension was later postponed to a probationary period, allowing the player to play against Belgium. US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of this decision. This situation intensified discussions about the influence of politics on football decisions, to which UEFA reacted sharply by criticizing FIFA's decision.

Racist Incidents and Complaints

After France defeated Paraguay, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla insulted Kylian Mbappé using racist remarks, calling him a 'Cameroonian' due to his skin color and African origin. Mbappé called the senator unworthy of his position, and the French Football Federation announced its intention to take legal action.

Furthermore, the Egyptian national team filed an official complaint with FIFA after the match against Argentina. Despite Egypt leading 2-0 in the semi-final, they ultimately lost 2-3. Mostafa Zico's goal was disallowed via VAR, and the penalty that the Egyptians demanded late in the game was not awarded.

Technology and Controversial Goals

In the Croatia vs. Portugal match, Josko Gvardiol equalized in extra time. However, a sensor installed in the ball registered a slight touch from Igor Matanovic, leading to the goal being disallowed for offside. A minor touch, almost imperceptible to the human eye, caused dissatisfaction from the Croatian side. Luka Modric commented on the use of technology, and the Croatian Football Federation requested clarification from FIFA.

Questions for Referees and Stars

In the first match between Argentina and Jagoira, Lionel Messi made a dangerous tackle from behind against defender Ayse Mandi. The referee awarded a free kick, but Messi did not even receive a yellow card. Following this incident, when Balogun received a red card in a similar situation, fans and experts began discussing preferential treatment for star footballers.

There were also disputes surrounding the penalty in the England vs. Ghana match. In the 0-0 game, an infringement was called during an aerial duel between Ezri Konsa and Kwabena Prince, but the referee did not award a penalty, and VAR did not review the incident.

Commercialization and Breaks

Ghana captain Charles Keirush called on FIFA to review the use of the VAR system. Antoine Semenyo emphasized the need for players to more actively demand reviews of referee decisions.

High ticket prices also caused discontent among fans: group stage tickets started from $140, and finals tickets from $4,000. After criticism, FIFA introduced a limited batch of special tickets at a price of $60. Fan organizations, however, consider the prices unreasonably high.

Another point was the three-minute water breaks in the 22nd and 67th minutes of matches. FIFA explained this as concern for player health. Nevertheless, when television channels began showing advertisements during these breaks, suspicions arose that the decision was made for commercial purposes, although FIFA denied these claims.

uza.uzJuly 9, 15:19

Career Fair 'TalabaExpo – 2026' Held in Navoi as Part of the 'Step into the Future' Program

The career fair 'TalabaExpo – 2026' took place in the city of Navoi at the Alisher Navoi recreation park. The event was organized with the participation of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC 'Uzmilliibank', the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Navoi Region Administration, and the Youth Affairs Agency as part of the 'Step into the Future' program.

State Policy for Youth Support

Ensuring decent employment for young people in the country, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and increasing the economic activity of young individuals are among the key directions of state policy. An important legal basis is the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 14, 2025, on 'Additional Measures to Facilitate Employment of Higher Education Graduates.'

Goals and Scale of the Event

In accordance with this decree, special attention is paid to ensuring graduate employment, supporting their business ideas, and expanding opportunities for using preferential financial resources. Systematic work is also being carried out in the Navoi region under this resolution. The event, organized to ensure graduate employment, their placement, direction to internships and traineeships, and support for startup ideas, gathered over 100 companies and organizations.

Regional Education Statistics

Currently, more than 8 thousand students are completing their studies in four higher education institutions in the Navoi region during the 2025-2026 academic year. Additionally, 4676 graduates from other regions are under constant monitoring. According to available information, Navoi State University graduates 4876 students in the 2025/2026 academic year. Of these, 1942 people found permanent employment, 83 became individual entrepreneurs, 663 self-employed, 737 are in childcare, 24 have disabilities, and 1427 are awaiting employment.

Success Stories and Partnership

Bahora Abdukodirova, a native of the Narpay district of Samarkand region, shared her experience: 'I graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Navoi State University. At this fair, I met vacancies presented by organizations and companies. Company representatives provided me with detailed information about open positions. I got a job at one of the state organizations. I am very happy about this.' The 'Step into the Future' program provides students with the opportunity to choose a suitable place of work, and the program itself is one of the initiatives that helps youth find jobs, direct them according to labor market needs, and create a direct link with employers.

Financial Support for Projects

Mirjon Qahhorov, Director of the 'Step into the Future' Center at the Navoi Regional Hospital of JSC 'Uzmilliibank', reported that JSC 'Uzmilliibank' has concluded cooperation agreements with four higher education institutions in the Navoi region through the Navoi Regional Administration. Regional branches of the 'Step into the Future' centers have also been established at Navoi State University and Navoi State University of Finishing and Technology. Through these centers, students' business ideas are refined into full-fledged projects, promising initiatives are financed, and graduate employment is ensured in cooperation with employers. In the 2024-2025 academic year, preferential loans totaling 8 billion 809 million soms were allocated to 168 projects presented by graduates. As a result, 185 young people found employment. Of these, 154 self-employed projects received a loan of 1 billion 540 million soms, and 14 legal entities received 7 billion 269 million soms, which provided permanent employment for another 41 young people.

Prospects for 2026

Similar events continue in 2026. Since the beginning of the year, credit funds totaling 25 billion 717 million soms have been directed to support graduates and young entrepreneurs for 150 projects. Consequently, employment was secured for 171 young people. 133 projects were financed with preferential loans under the 'Step into the Future' and 'Future Entrepreneur' programs amounting to 13 billion 97 million soms. The remaining 17 projects received commercial loans totaling 12 billion 620 million soms.

uza.uzJuly 3, 10:27

Work on employment and family support studied in Uzbekistan

A working group established to ensure the fulfillment of tasks set out in the Ministry of Mahakomato of the Republic of Uzbekistan's plan for the first half of 2026 inspected measures related to employment and family support.

Work in Ellikqala

Initially, the activities of the Center for Employment Provision and Women's Health Promotion in the settlement of Sarabiy were examined, which operates under the execution of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated December 3, 2025, 'On Additional Measures to Support Women.' Detailed information was heard at the center regarding ongoing work on ensuring women's employment, their professional training, and health promotion.

In addition, the working group familiarized itself with the employment of women and working conditions at LLC 'Daf Export Group,' as well as production processes.

Improving Family Policy

The Resolution of the Ministry of Mahakomato of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated May 19, 2026, 'On Measures for Further Improving the System of Youth Preparation for Family Life and Creating Family Counseling Services,' is of great importance for improving the moral and ethical environment in families, forming responsible parenting skills through educational programs for maternity preparation and improving the system of youth preparation for family life, as well as providing legal and psychological services.

As part of the implementation of this resolution, the Family and Women's Center located in the settlement of Ellikqala was visited. Events aimed at supporting families and providing consulting services were discussed there.

Visit to 'Bo'ston Silk' Enterprise

Afterward, the working group visited LLC 'Bo'ston Silk.' The work conducted at the enterprise on developing animal husbandry, livestock breeding, and increasing network efficiency was studied, and the conditions provided to employees were reviewed.

During the visit, comprehensive information was provided about the work being carried out in the region in these areas, the results achieved, and priority tasks for the future.

Expansion of Inspection Area

The working group also visited the cities of Nukus and the Tahiatosh district, where issues of women's employment and family support are being studied.