Uzbekistan

Nisholda is a popular sweet that adorns tables during Ramadan for suhoor and iftar, and its preparation process remains an intriguing secret for many. A newspaper correspondent visited the home of nisholda maker Anvarjon Ismoilov in Margilan and discussed the key secrets of this craft with him. Anvarjon learned this art from his father Muhammadjon, a confectioner, who in turn learned from his grandfather Ahmadjon. Today, this tradition binds the family not only through kinship but also through nisholda, as his brothers, children, and grandchildren continue to practice this trade.

Uzbekistan is set to launch a high-speed Hyundai Rotem train on the Tashkent-Khiva route starting May 1. In an interview with the “Uzbekistan 24” TV channel, Transport Minister Ilhom Mahkamov revealed that the country has purchased six such trains, with the first one named “Sardar Jaloliddin Manguberdi.” The train consists of 7 carriages, can accommodate approximately 390 passengers, and is capable of reaching speeds up to 260 km/h.

The animal welfare organization Mehr va Oqibat, based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has been denied registration for a project by the Ministry of Justice, despite receiving a grant from the Global Environment Facility's Small Grants Programme. The project aimed to address the stray animal problem systematically across the country through a series of comprehensive initiatives.

The Ministry of Transport has announced the organization of additional bus services from Tashkent to various regions in anticipation of the Navruz and Ramadan Eid holidays. These measures are implemented to accommodate the expected surge in passenger traffic during the extra holidays declared for the celebrations, aiming to meet the increased demand for transportation.

According to information from the capital's khokimiyat, a clear schedule has been established for the conclusion of the heating period in Tashkent. Due to the stabilization of positive air temperatures, municipal services will begin a phased shutdown of heating supply starting March 24. This process aims to ensure comfort for city residents and conserve energy resources.

According to the press service of JSC "Tashkent City Water Supply", extensive planned preventive and repair works will be carried out on the capital's major water supply networks from March 30 to May 13, as part of preparations for the 2026 spring season. This initiative is expected to result in interruptions in drinking water supply or reduced water pressure across various districts of the city on different dates, potentially causing temporary disruptions for residents.

The question of fully resuming operations of the Chinese online retail giant Temu in Uzbekistan remains unresolved. During a press conference on March 18, monitored by a Podrobno.uz correspondent, Kamronbek Muhammadiev, Head of the E-Commerce Development and Regulation Department at the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP), proposed to "close this issue once and for all," emphasizing that in its current operational format, the republic's economy has absolutely no interest in such a player. According to the agency representative, the regulator has taken a maximally open position, and now "the ball is in the Chinese company's court."

At the Navoi customs post in the Tashkent region, border service officers inspected a suspicious citizen entering from a neighboring state. Initial checks revealed irregularities in his conduct, prompting a more thorough examination.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan made significant statements regarding the country's economic development strategy. According to him, Uzbekistan plans to implement new initiatives aimed at attracting investments, increasing exports, and creating jobs. The president emphasized the need for reforms in various sectors to stimulate economic growth.

The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has released the schedule for the Eid al-Fitr holiday prayer across the country. This year, the prayer will be held on Friday, March 20, in all mosques, marking a significant religious observance for the Muslim community.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has issued a decree, dated March 16, to widely celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of statesman Qallibek Kamalov in 2026. The resolution, numbered [VMQ 103], establishes an organizational committee tasked with ensuring high-level events and coordinating the implementation of the anniversary program, highlighting the government's focus on honoring historical figures.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan visited Samarkand on March 19 to pay respects at the mausoleum of the country's first president, Islam Karimov, located in the Hazrati Khizr memorial complex. During the visit, Quranic verses were recited and prayers were offered in memory of the late leader, highlighting the traditional values of the Uzbek people.