News of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Osh — latest events today
Local news / Exclusive

Former head of the UBOB for Chui and Talas regions Talas Begaliyev released from pre-trial detention center

Information about Talas Begaliev's release was received by the editorial office of Kaktus.media from sources in law enforcement agencies. Earlier, in May 2025, he was detained by officers of the State Committee for National Security along with two other men in the Chuy region. Among the detainees were also Torogeldiev Asein Turgunbekovich, who headed the directorate for non-Olympic sports, and Talaybek uulu Chyngyz. They were charged with involvement in organized crime, financing an

21.02.2026, 11:23
There will be no agricultural fair at the Old Square this weekend.
Economy / Exclusive

There will be no agricultural fair at the Old Square this weekend.

This weekend, on February 21 and 22, there will be no agricultural fair at the T. Usubaliev Square in Bishkek, as has been customary on Saturdays and Sundays. The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry has confirmed the cancellation of the event. The reason for this decision is the forum "AgroDialog-2026," which is taking place at the T. Satylganov National Philharmonic Hall.

21.02.2026, 11:22
Myrlan Ryskeldiyev Appointed Head of the Internal Investigations Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Exclusive

Myrlan Ryskeldiyev Appointed Head of the Internal Investigations Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Colonel of Police Myrlan Kanatbekovich Ryskel'diev has been appointed as the head of the Internal Investigations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, according to the order of the Minister of Internal Affairs. Previously, Ryskel'diev held the position of deputy head of this department, which allows him to have experience in managing and organizing the work of the service.

21.02.2026, 11:16
"Tinnitus and Tension": Scientists Warned About a Dangerous Phenomenon on Earth
In the world / Exclusive

"Tinnitus and Tension": Scientists Warned About a Dangerous Phenomenon on Earth

In light of recent changes in the Earth's natural vibration, known as the "Schumann resonance," scientists are expressing concern. According to RIA Novosti, citing the British tabloid Daily Mail, abnormal activity of this vibration has been recorded in recent weeks. The article notes that the "humming" vibration of the planet has undergone several unusual spikes, raising questions about its potential impact on human psycho-emotional state and cognitive functions. Some

21.02.2026, 11:16
Some streets in Bishkek will be without water
Local news / Exclusive

Some streets in Bishkek will be without water

Next week, there will be water outages in certain areas of Bishkek. According to the city hall, on February 24, from 09:00 to 21:00, the supply of drinking water to residential buildings, educational institutions, kindergartens, medical facilities, and other social and industrial facilities on Oktyabrskaya and Puteprovodnaya streets will be suspended.

21.02.2026, 11:10
The President announced the establishment of the Investigative Committee
Exclusive

The President announced the establishment of the Investigative Committee

In an interview with the Kabar agency, President Sadyr Japarov announced plans to create a new Investigative Committee. He explained that the functions of investigative actions will be transferred to this body, while the General and Military Prosecutor's Offices will take on the tasks of overseeing the legality of the work of all structures. “Why are we introducing an Investigative Committee? It is necessary to look ahead and consider long-term prospects. At the moment, operational-search

21.02.2026, 10:47
Felix Kulov proposed to raise funds from the people for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
Local news / Exclusive

Felix Kulov proposed to raise funds from the people for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.

The former Prime Minister reported a record amount of cash among the population Felix Kulov, the former Prime Minister, proposed the idea of financing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway through citizens' funds. He shared his thoughts on social media. He noted that a large-scale infrastructure project is currently being implemented in Kyrgyzstan — the construction of a railway, which costs about 4.7 billion dollars. The planned completion time is 6 years, but there are plans to

21.02.2026, 10:46
Exclusive

Zhapаров: The GKNB will focus solely on intelligence and counterintelligence

During the conversation, the president touched upon the criticism directed at the country's security service. He noted that he is aware of the public's perception that the employees of the GKNB are too active in the public sphere and often display their identification. Sadyr Japarov added: "I have long warned my friend about the need to raise the authority of the GKNB. The prestige of the service should be at the level of the KGB of the USSR, rather than reaching a situation

21.02.2026, 10:42
Exclusive

Drivers of "HOVO" and "SHACMAN" vehicles received punishment for gross violation of traffic rules?

A recent video that became popular on social media captured drivers of "HOVO" and "SHACMAN" vehicles violating traffic rules, creating dangerous situations and interfering with other road users. According to information from the traffic enforcement department of the Jumgal district, inspections were organized regarding the incident. The Deputy Head of the State Traffic Safety Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Colonel of Police Aibek

21.02.2026, 10:36
Exclusive

Kyrgyzstan: Personnel Changes from February 15 to 20

Over the course of the week, several significant personnel changes occurred in Kyrgyzstan. Changes in the Jogorku Kenesh. Deputy Bolo Ibrahimov was elected as the Vice-Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh upon the proposal of the "Mekenchil" parliamentary group. He was supported by 53 deputies, while 16 voted against. He replaced Karim Khandzheza, who resigned for personal reasons.

21.02.2026, 10:31
Peacekeeping contingent and 17 billion dollars will be sent to Gaza
Exclusive

Peacekeeping contingent and 17 billion dollars will be sent to Gaza

In Gaza, an unprecedented reconstruction program will begin, with a total amount that could reach 70 billion dollars. At the first meeting of the international "Council of Peace," it was reported that at the initial stage, 7 billion dollars had already been raised for the reconstruction fund from a group of donor countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Qatar, and the UAE. The United States also plans to contribute 10 billion dollars to this fund, according to Reuters.

21.02.2026, 10:09
Exclusive

A Investigative Committee Will Be Established in Kyrgyzstan

In an interview with the "Kabar" agency, President Sadyr Japarov shared his intentions to establish a new Investigative Committee in Kyrgyzstan, which will take on the main functions of the investigative process. He noted that as part of the reform of law enforcement agencies, the General Prosecutor's Office and the Military Prosecutor's Office will oversee the legality of the actions of all state bodies.

21.02.2026, 09:52
Reform of the Security Block. The President explained what will change in the work of the GKNB
Exclusive

Reform of the Security Block. The President explained what will change in the work of the GKNB

Many who previously held leadership positions in law enforcement agencies, as well as ordinary citizens, remember that KGB officers were rarely seen during Soviet times. In recent years, the GKNB has faced criticism: it is claimed that its employees too actively display their identification, which undermines the reputation of this service. What is your opinion on such public sentiment?

21.02.2026, 09:40
"Kyrgyzstan Has Not Led the IFSA for 30 Years." Expert Calls for Change
Exclusive

"Kyrgyzstan Has Not Led the IFSA for 30 Years." Expert Calls for Change

Ismail Dairova, director of the "Regional Mountain Center of Central Asia" and former advisor to the Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, addressed President Sadyr Japarov with a proposal to enhance the country's participation in regional environmental cooperation. In his address, he also urged consideration of the possibility of leading the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), emphasizing that this could strengthen interaction within the region, attract

21.02.2026, 09:37
Sadyr Japarov: An Investigative Committee Will Be Established, and the GKNB Awaits Major Reform
Exclusive

Sadyr Japarov: An Investigative Committee Will Be Established, and the GKNB Awaits Major Reform

The President noted that work on reforms has been ongoing for a long time. In an interview with the news agency "Kabar," President Sadyr Japarov spoke about plans for large-scale changes in the security forces. — Hello, Sadyr Nurgozhoevich. Today, I would like to discuss the role of the GKNB as a state institution. Previously, both former leaders and ordinary citizens pointed out that during the Soviet era, no one knew who worked in the KGB. But now, the GKNB faces a lot of

21.02.2026, 08:54
Exclusive

"Best District" and "Best Entrepreneur": Talas Region Summarizes the Year

In the Talas region, the results for the year 2025 have been summarized, and the best representatives of the region were awarded prizes. This was reported by a correspondent from Turmush. On February 20, at a meeting of the regional council, districts, institutions, leaders, and entrepreneurs who made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the region were honored. Special awards were presented by the office of the authorized representative of the President of the Kyrgyz

21.02.2026, 08:33
Donald Trump Ordered the Pentagon to Declassify UFO Archives
Exclusive

Donald Trump Ordered the Pentagon to Declassify UFO Archives

The head of state officially instructed the Ministry of Defense to prepare for the comprehensive release of all existing government materials on this sensitive topic. He announced this on his platform Truth Social, stating that the decision to declassify was prompted by "significant public interest" in extraterrestrials.

21.02.2026, 08:21
Exclusive

Cybercriminals deceived citizens out of 4.5 million soms: Searches and arrests conducted

An investigation has been initiated by the Internal Affairs Department of the city of Osh into several criminal cases related to large-scale fraud schemes. According to information from law enforcement agencies, a group of criminals has been identified, using hundreds of phone numbers to deceive citizens by posing as employees of banks and government institutions. The fraudsters operated according to a pre-prepared scheme, employing social engineering techniques and psychological pressure, as

20.02.2026, 22:17
Economy / Exclusive

Taxes reduced by almost 10 times: jewelers in Osh were explained the benefits of legalization

On February 20, a meeting was held in Osh to discuss issues related to the legalization of jewelry. Abylbek Abdyrai uulu, head of the information support service of the State Tax Service, emphasized that legalization will help reduce the tax burden and improve conditions for business. “Currently, more than a hundred entrepreneurs engaged in gold sales are undergoing training on legalization and entering information into the system through their personal accounts. We have already conducted

20.02.2026, 19:53
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Kazakhstan is ready to provide humanitarian aid to ensure food security in Gaza
Exclusive

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Kazakhstan is ready to provide humanitarian aid to ensure food security in Gaza

The country also intends to provide over 500 educational grants for Palestinian students Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed the country's readiness to provide humanitarian aid aimed at ensuring food security both in Gaza and beyond during the inaugural meeting of the Council of Peace in Washington. He emphasized that the Council of Peace must meet modern challenges and strengthen multilateral efforts. Tokayev also expressed Kazakhstan's desire to participate

20.02.2026, 19:09
Exclusive

Who owns the land under the fountains near TsUM? The versions vary. Let's figure it out.

The question of construction in the center of the capital, near TSUM and GUM, has been discussed for almost a year. Closed roads, traffic jams, difficulties for pedestrians, and mysterious buildings – all of this is the result of the so-called renovation of Bishkek. On February 19, the mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, conducted an inspection of this construction site, after which several strict instructions were given.

20.02.2026, 18:50
Exclusive

Import of cheeses and cottage cheese from Belarus increased fivefold in 2025

- In 2025, the volume of cheese and cottage cheese imports from Belarus reached 8,000 tons, corresponding to a value of $7.4 million. This is five times more than in 2024, when 1,600 tons were imported for $6 million, reports the National Statistical Committee. According to the agency's information, from January to December 2025, Kyrgyzstan significantly increased its imports of these goods from Belarus. In addition to Belarus, other countries also supply cheese and cottage cheese to

20.02.2026, 18:31
The Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan Actively Identifies Schemes with Fake Electronic Invoices
Exclusive

The Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan Actively Identifies Schemes with Fake Electronic Invoices

In Kyrgyzstan, the State Tax Service (STS) is actively engaged in identifying cases of issuing electronic invoices (E-invoices) without real economic transactions. During 2025, about 270 individual entrepreneurs and organizations were discovered to be involved in such schemes. As a result of inspections, over 3 billion 744 million soms were additionally charged to the state budget, including fines and penalties, as reported by the STS.

20.02.2026, 18:27
Japan is the first to approve iPS drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and heart failure
In the world / Exclusive

Japan is the first to approve iPS drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and heart failure

The Japanese Ministry of Health has given the green light for the commercial use of the world's first medications based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) for the treatment of severe forms of heart failure and Parkinson's disease, reports Kazinform citing SCMP. The approved drugs include ReHeart, intended for the therapy of ischemic cardiomyopathy, and Amchepry, which is used for treating degenerative changes in Parkinson's disease.

20.02.2026, 18:24
The President Expanded Women's Participation in the Public Administration System
Exclusive

The President Expanded Women's Participation in the Public Administration System

Sadyr Japarov signed a new decree In order to achieve gender balance in the public administration system, President Sadyr Japarov approved a decree titled "On Amendments to Certain Decrees." The document outlines measures related to the formation of a personnel reserve for political, state, and municipal positions: – implementation of quotas, according to which the share of representatives of one gender should not exceed 70 percent; – gender balance, ensuring that candidates from the

20.02.2026, 18:04
Exclusive

In 2025, there were 1,831 greenhouses operating in the republic, covering a total area of 298.1 hectares.

- According to information from the Ministry of Economy, in 2025, farmers in the republic were provided with equipment for drip and sprinkler irrigation totaling 342 million soms. Of this amount, 139.6 million soms were spent on the purchase of 3,110.1 tons of tubing, while 202.4 million soms were directed towards the acquisition of 32 sprinkler systems and equipment for drip irrigation intended for processing 324 hectares. On average, new drip irrigation systems are installed annually in the

20.02.2026, 18:01
A conference dedicated to the International Day of Children with Cancer was held in Bishkek
Health / Exclusive

A conference dedicated to the International Day of Children with Cancer was held in Bishkek

The "Help the Children – SKD" Foundation was one of the participants in the national conference held on February 18, dedicated to the development of oncological care for children in Kyrgyzstan. Among the participants were the Deputy Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic Bakytbek Kadyraliev, World Health Organization representative Alina Altymysheva, Director of the National Center for Oncology and Hematology Shaiyrbek Suimanov, the country's chief pediatric oncologist Sultan

20.02.2026, 17:59
Economy / Exclusive

In 2026, over 8,700 outdated insulators on the high-voltage line will be replaced in Batken.

In 2026, the replacement of 8,772 outdated insulators is planned in the Batken region. As part of the Ministry of Energy's plans for the renewal and modernization of the energy sector, the branch of OJSC "NESC" — Batken Electric Networks Enterprise, through the high-voltage overhead lines service of 220/110/35 kV, plans to replace the following outdated insulators with new glass ones:

20.02.2026, 17:53
Exclusive

Our People Abroad: Nursel Koigeldieva Initially Cared for the Elderly and Worked as a Housekeeper, but Now She Has a Business in Silicon Valley

In our section "Our People Abroad," today we will tell you about Nursel Koigeldieva, a representative of Kyrgyzstan who currently lives in the USA. She was born in 1989 in Cholpon-Ata, located in the Issyk-Kul region. She received her education at the S.M. Kirov school and then in 2007 enrolled in the law institute of the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn. Today, Nursel is a successful entrepreneur working in the restaurant industry.

20.02.2026, 17:47
Human rights activist appealed to the president regarding the rise in domestic violence.
Exclusive

Human rights activist appealed to the president regarding the rise in domestic violence.

A comprehensive support system needs to be created, she believes Nazgul Turdubekova, director of the Public Fund "League of Child Rights Defenders," has appealed to the president, the chairman of the cabinet of ministers, and the vice-speaker of parliament with a concerning message that the level of domestic violence continues to rise. She shared this information through her social media. According to the human rights activist, the fight against domestic violence must become an

20.02.2026, 17:45