Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered his annual address to the Oliy Majlis today, outlining key statements on the country's economic growth, reforms, and future plans. The speech highlighted economic and social changes implemented in recent years, including achievements in industry and agriculture, as well as successes in attracting foreign investment. The President stated, "Our reforms are aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and the well-being of the people."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino saw his annual bonus rise by 33% last year, contributing to a total pay package of $6 million. His basic annual salary remained unchanged at 2.6 million Swiss francs ($3.3 million), while his bonus increased by 550,000 Swiss francs ($695,000) to 2.2 million Swiss francs ($2.78 million). In each of the two prior years, Infantino's annual bonus had been 1.65 million Swiss francs ($2 million).

▪️ The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has instructed its lawyers to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the national team was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday reversed Senegal’s win, awarding the title to Morocco two months after the final. FSF President Abdoulaye Fall told a news conference: "Senegal will remain standing and will legitimately defend this victory on the field, which we acquired on the field with the talent of our players." He added: "We have given our lawyers a mandate to pursue this procedure at the level of the Court of Arbitration for Sport."

The international human rights organization Freedom House has released its annual global report, "Freedom in the World 2026." According to the study's findings, Uzbekistan has once again been categorized as a "not free" country. Experts assessed the level of development of democratic institutions in the republic at just 12 out of 100 possible points, matching last year's result.

A new construction project has officially been announced in the center of Tashkent, aimed at integrating the historical and modern parts of the city. The project focuses on improving infrastructure and optimizing traffic flow, with authorities claiming it will enhance urban development and residents' quality of life.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan extended congratulations to citizens on the occasion of Ramadan, emphasizing the holiday as a time of kindness, mercy, and generosity. The head of state highlighted that these days focus on strengthening peace and tranquility in the country, as well as providing assistance to those in need, reflecting ongoing social policy efforts amid regional uncertainties.

The animal welfare organization "Mehr va Oqibat" (Compassion and Consequence), based in Tashkent, announced that the Ministry of Justice has refused to register a comprehensive project aimed at regulating the population of domestic and stray animals across Uzbekistan. According to the organization, the initiative, despite being supported by an international grant from the Global Environment Facility's Small Grants Programme, was denied official registration approval.

Two men have been arrested in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for organizing illegal cryptocurrency operations on a particularly large scale. According to the Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs, the total amount of transactions from the illegal crypto exchange amounted to 793,000 US dollars.

Hoji Muin Shukrulla was born on March 19, 1883, in Samarkand. He began his education in an old school and madrasa, later engaging in teaching. In 1903, he opened a "usuli jadid" (new method) school in his neighborhood, and in 1914, he established a private educational institution named "Tarbiyat" in his home, showcasing his consistent efforts in the field of education.

Uzbekistan is planning to create a separate platform that will allow citizens to legally purchase shares of foreign companies. This was announced by representatives of the National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP) at a press conference on March 18. Kamronbek Muhammadiyev, head of the Department for Development and Regulation of E-commerce, emphasized that currently, citizens have almost no opportunity for direct investment in foreign stocks, as existing platforms only offer trading in contracts for price changes, without granting voting rights, dividends, or other privileges after buying shares.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan announced new initiatives aimed at developing the country's economy and attracting investment. He stated that the government is implementing a series of reforms focused on creating favorable conditions for foreign investors, including tax incentives and reducing bureaucratic barriers.

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.