Employees of Almalik Con-Metallurgy Combine achieved all planned production indicators for the first half of 2026.
As of January-June 2026, commodity products worth 30.9 trillion sums were produced, which corresponds to 133.3 percent of the forecast fulfillment. Production of the combine's main product—copper cathode—was completed at 100 percent.
During the first half of the year, exports amounted to $493.4 million, exceeding the forecast by 148.6 percent. Within the Investment Plan for 2026, AJ 'Almalik KMC' is scheduled to attract funds for 7 major projects totaling $294.6 million. In the first six months, $142.8 million was attracted, ensuring the fulfillment of the forecast at a level of 101.9 percent.
The localization program at the combine is being effectively implemented. For 2026, it is planned to implement 40 projects under this program worth 1,511.1 billion sums. Over the past six months, the volume of products localized according to the program amounted to 649.8 billion sums, corresponding to 102.1 percent of the forecast.
A set of organizational and technical measures has been developed to reduce production costs for 2026, which provides for a reduction of these costs by 2,301.5 billion sums, or 13.2 percent. It is expected that the implementation of the complex of measures to reduce production costs in the first half of the year will lead to savings of 1,148.2 billion sums, which is 14.2 percent.
In addition, during the first half of the year, the combine transferred 16 trillion sums to the budget.
The testing procedure for admission to bachelor's programs at higher education institutions for the 2026–2027 academic year has started in the Syrdarya region. Exams began today, July 14, and are organized in accordance with the established procedure.
All preparatory work for conducting the testing at a high level was completed in advance by the Syrdarya region division of the Agency for Knowledge and Qualification Assessment under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The examination venues are equipped according to modern requirements, and all necessary conditions have been created for applicants. Furthermore, security services, medical care, maintenance of public order, and technical support have been provided.
Approximately 100 experienced observers have been involved to ensure the fairness and transparency of the testing process. The exams are conducted in strict compliance with the current regulations. In the first shift of testing, 1200 applicants participated, who passed the verification of their knowledge and readiness. Young people began this important stage on the path to obtaining higher education with great responsibility.
According to a representative of the Agency for Knowledge and Qualification Assessment under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Syrdarya region, all preparations for conducting the testing were completed within the established deadlines. Necessary and safe conditions were created for applicants at the examination venues. Experienced observers, technical specialists, and other responsible services have been involved to ensure the openness and transparency of the process. The main goal is to ensure a fair, just, and transparent assessment of each applicant's knowledge.
It is worth noting that this year, 677,907 applicants attended the republic-wide testing, of whom 21,101 chose the Syrdarya region to take the test. Testing in Syrdarya will take place over 9 days and will conclude on July 22, announced Alisher Bahromov, head of the Syrdarya region division of the Agency for Knowledge and Qualification Assessment under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
It is emphasized that reforms aimed at ensuring the openness and transparency of admission campaigns, reducing human error, and creating equal opportunities for applicants continue in the coming years. This is of great importance when selecting educated and worthy young people. For thousands of Syrdarians, today is not just an exam, but an important step that will go down in history as the beginning of their future profession, higher education, and aspirations.
Entrance exams for higher and vocational educational institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year were held in the Bukhara region, with all conditions organized at a high level.
To guarantee openness, transparency, and fairness in conducting the exams, all buildings where the tests were held were fully equipped with modern video surveillance cameras. Furthermore, an online monitoring mechanism was created via the website test2026.uz, which contributes to strengthening public control and ensuring process transparency.
The work on organizing and managing the testing procedures was carried out by qualified specialists from the Agency for Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies. Additionally, 114 members of the group supervision, selected through a competition and signing contracts with the agency, as well as 4 translators ensured the exams were conducted in the established manner. The involvement of translators helps create equal opportunities for applicants with disabilities.
Coordination work is being conducted by the working group of the Bukhara Region Hokimiyat to ensure the exams are held in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements. Also, internal affairs bodies, the National Guard, the Emergency Situations Service, and ambulance crews are constantly working to maintain public order and ensure the safety of participants.
The fair, transparent, and honest conduct of entrance exams to higher and vocational educational institutions is of great importance for determining the future educational trajectory of every young person based on their knowledge.
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.
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.
Eight key incidents that generated the most discussion during the 2026 World Cup were compiled.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
