One of the world's most prestigious intellectual competitions is being held in the capital—the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO-2026). This major forum, hosted by Uzbekistan for the first time in Central Asia's history, once again demonstrated the country's growing international authority in science and education. A correspondent from UzA spoke with several foreign participants about the significance of the event, its features, organizational aspects, and their impressions.
Suzanne Mossin, a coach from the Danish team, noted that the main feature of this Olympiad is the ability to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical experience simultaneously. Participants must not only solve complex problems but also work effectively in the laboratory.
According to her, deep knowledge alone is insufficient to achieve victory; the decisive factor is the ability to think quickly, accurately, and scientifically, as well as comprehensive preparation.
Zhi Zheng, a coach from the Chinese team, expressed satisfaction with the organizational process, noting that Uzbekistan is a very beautiful city. Despite the hot weather, the sincerity and hospitality of the local residents made a very positive impression on him. He also emphasized that the organizers prepared the questions very interestingly and with a high degree of responsibility.
Zhi Zheng added that although everyone strives for victory, the most important thing is the opportunity for young people from different countries to communicate, make friends, and exchange experiences. From this perspective, the Olympiad in Tashkent left him with very warm impressions.
Ayur Manohar, a participant from the South African team, admitted that she had never been to Uzbekistan before, and this was her first time participating in an international chemistry Olympiad. She confirmed that she had heard a lot about the hospitality of Uzbeks and was now witnessing it herself.
Francisco Paz from Uruguay called Uzbekistan a wonderful country and expressed joy at visiting Tashkent, noting that every country is unique, and he plans to travel to various regions.
Zhi Zheng answered the question about the most serious challenge for a participant, indicating that the hardest moment is the ability to find solutions independently when facing a complex problem or experiment. This process demonstrates true abilities. He also noted that completing a specific task in five hours can be difficult.
Ayur Manohar agreed that the practical stage was challenging for her because she could not allocate time correctly, and the theoretical questions were also not simple. Nevertheless, she gained valuable experience.
Zhi Zheng stressed that the goal of participating in an international Olympiad is not just to win a medal. The Olympiad promotes problem-solving among youth, mutual learning, and the formation of an environment for international cooperation. He advised all participants to maintain an interest in science, approach it with love, and strive for collaboration.
Francisco Paz reported that he began preparing for this event several months before it started. He believes that while victory is important, accumulating knowledge and experience is even more valuable.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recently, Sholichilik has been experiencing one of the most critical periods in agricultural technology. At this stage, timely and high-quality agro-technical measures are a key factor for healthy crop development, increased yield, and obtaining abundant, quality harvests.
In this regard, a practical session was organized at the Bekobod district farm with the participation of farmers, under the guidance of scientists from the Sholichilik Research Institute. Specialists provided detailed explanations on effective methods for combating weeds in crops, as well as on early detection of diseases and pests, and on organizing countermeasures based on scientific principles.
Furthermore, farmers received practical recommendations regarding the timely and quality execution of agrotechnical work during the growing season, as well as on the correct application of mineral fertilizers and the organization of irrigation systems. Specialists answered farmers' questions in detail after analyzing the current situation in the field conditions.
Officers at the 'Oibek' border post discovered another case of a violation related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and seeds of narcotic plants. During the inspection of a vehicle belonging to a citizen arriving from a neighboring country, one head of coca weighing 5.01 grams and coca seeds weighing a total of 153.16 grams were found, which were not indicated in the shipping documents or customs declaration.
Relevant investigative measures are currently being conducted regarding this incident.
The strength and durability of construction objects directly depend on the quality of the building materials used. Therefore, the regional inspection body for construction and housing and communal services oversight in the Tashkent region conducted another round of laboratory tests on samples of reinforcement bars used in construction objects at the testing laboratory.
During the process, the mechanical properties of all samples were checked using modern testing equipment. Technical indicators such as metal tensile strength, breaking point, deformation resistance, and others were assessed according to the requirements of current state standards and regulatory documents.
The main goal of these activities is to confirm the quality of the reinforcement used in construction, determine its compliance with design requirements, and prevent the use of substandard building materials. Since reinforcement is the main load-bearing element of reinforced concrete structures, its quality is crucial for ensuring the seismic stability, strength, and reliability of buildings and structures during operation.
