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

Children from Russia under 14 need a passport to enter Kyrgyzstan

Starting from January 20, a new rule will come into effect, according to which all children under 14 years old must have a foreign passport for trips to Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. This requirement also applies to the partially recognized territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as reported by Meduza. The Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia notified about this change back in October 2025. At the same time, children who left with a birth certificate before

20.01.2026, 23:36
Local news

The program of the 76th Berlin Film Festival has been presented

The organizers of the 76th International Film Festival in Berlin have presented an extensive program, including 22 competitive films. This is reported by Deadline. The main competition features films such as "At the Sea" by Kornél Mundruczó, "Dao" by Alain Gomis, "Home Stories" by Eva Trobisch, and "Everyone is Excited About Bill Evans" by Grant Gee. The best film will be determined by a jury headed by renowned German director Wim Wenders.

20.01.2026, 22:30
In Austria, a cow learned to use a stick to chase away flies
Local news

In Austria, a cow learned to use a stick to chase away flies

In the Austrian Alps, in the village of Nech, lives a cow named Veronika, who has turned 13 years old. Her owner does not use her for milk or meat, but keeps her as a pet. Like many other cows, Veronika suffers from flies. However, unlike her peers, she uses a stick to chase them away, reports DW. Scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna claim that this is the first known case of a cow using tools. The results of their study were published in the international scientific

20.01.2026, 22:01
Local news

Kazakhstan has joined the UN Protocol on Water and Health

At the UN Conference on Water Resources in 2023, Kazakhstan officially confirmed its intention to become part of the Protocol of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning water and health issues, and now ranks 30th among participating countries. According to the UN News Service, despite a relatively high level of access to water and sanitation, Kazakhstan faces a number of challenges, including disruptions in water supply and

20.01.2026, 22:00
Local news

Kyrgyzstan Ranked 117th in the Global AI Implementation Ranking

In the ranking of artificial intelligence implementation, Kyrgyzstan ranks 117th out of 147 countries. This data is presented in the report by the Microsoft AI Economics Institute for 2025, which states that the level of neural network usage in the republic is 8.2 percent. The study was based on the share of active users of AI technologies, which was adjusted for various operating systems and types of devices.

20.01.2026, 21:54
Personnel changes occurred in the Bishkek City Hall
Local news

Personnel changes occurred in the Bishkek City Hall

New leaders have been appointed to municipal enterprises in the city hall. Changes have occurred in the personnel composition of the Bishkek city hall. Erkinbek Omurkulov now holds the position of director of the municipal enterprise "Bishkeksvet". His predecessor, Eldiyar Toktogonov, is no longer in this position. Samad Adylkhan uulu has been appointed as the director of the municipal enterprise "Bishkek Baths", having previously served as the acting deputy director of

20.01.2026, 21:43
Local news

The interuniversity competition "Ala-Too Jazy" will take place in Osh in 2026.

The organizers announced that in 2026, the inter-university competition "Ala-Too Jazy" will take place in the city of Osh. This event aims to identify and support talented youth. The competition was resumed last year after a significant break, and the final part was held in Bishkek on the stage of the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic, gathering students from all corners of the country.

20.01.2026, 21:29
Local news

In Bishkek, an investigation is underway of three young men due to a video mocking the Kyrgyz language.

A video has appeared on the internet that mocks the Kyrgyz language, attracting significant attention from the public. This was reported by the Bishkek City Police Department. According to the police, this incident has been registered in the automated information system ZHUI, and a preliminary investigation is currently underway. Employees of the Bishkek City Police Department's anti-extremism and illegal migration service, together with the State Committee for National Security (GKNB),

20.01.2026, 21:12
Personnel changes occurred at the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan
Local news

Personnel changes occurred at the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan

The president has dismissed one deputy chairman and appointed a new one Sadyr Japarov, the president of Kyrgyzstan, issued a decree regarding personnel changes at the country's National Bank. By his own request, Bektur Aliev has left the position of deputy chairman of the National Bank. In his place, Medet Tairov has been appointed as the new deputy chairman, as reported in another decree from the president. Details about these personnel changes are posted on the official website of the

20.01.2026, 20:45
Sellers of the Orto-Sai Market Request Price Regulation for Meat from Wholesalers
Local news

Sellers of the Orto-Sai Market Request Price Regulation for Meat from Wholesalers

In the October district of the capital, a price check on meat products was conducted. This was reported by the Bishkek city hall. According to the information, sellers at the "Orto-Sai" market were explained how state regulation of prices for socially significant products is carried out. They were reminded that the retail price of beef on the bone should not exceed 680 soms per kilogram.

20.01.2026, 20:19
Local news

At the Orto-Sai Market, meat prices were checked. Markups and absence of price tags were identified.

On January 20, another raid to monitor meat prices took place in the Oktobrskiy district of Bishkek, as reported by the city hall. Representatives from the Oktobrskiy district administration, the municipal inspection, as well as employees from the Oktobrskiy Internal Affairs Department and MTU No. 403 participated in this event. The main focus was on the Orto-Sai market.

20.01.2026, 20:16
Local news

The Bishkek City Hall reported on the operations of the Eastern Bus Station

The Eastern Bus Station of Bishkek continues to operate as usual, despite the upcoming relocation to a new facility. This was reported by the city administration. According to the press service, Mayor Aibek Junushaliev has instructed to organize taxi operations in the adjacent area. This includes clearing unauthorized parking and establishing cooperation with carriers in accordance with established rules.

20.01.2026, 19:53
Local news

The Ministry of Construction fined another construction company in Bishkek

Nurdana Oruntaev, the Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services of Kyrgyzstan, together with inspectors from the Department of State Architectural and Construction Control, is conducting inspections at construction sites in Bishkek. This information was announced by the Ministry of Construction. It has been reported that serious violations of construction standards were identified at the construction sites of the five-story educational center located at: T.

20.01.2026, 19:42
The Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh Approved the Bills on Gender Equality and the Judicial System
Local news

The Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh Approved the Bills on Gender Equality and the Judicial System

The aim of the new documents is to ensure equal rights for men and women and to improve the situation in the judicial bodies. On January 20, the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, responsible for constitutional legislation, local self-government, and regulations, held the second reading of two bills concerning gender equality and the judicial system. The first document is a draft constitutional law amending the legislation on the Council for Justice Affairs, the Supreme Court, and local courts.

20.01.2026, 19:41
In 2026, Bishkek will purchase more than 600 "short buses"
Local news / Exclusive

In 2026, Bishkek will purchase more than 600 "short buses"

In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, the implementation of the public transport renewal and expansion program continues. The city’s head, Aibek Junushaliev, shared information about the current state and future purchases in a podcast by the agency "Kabar". According to data obtained in 2021, Bishkek needs approximately 2500 buses to ensure quality passenger service. Currently, about 1436 vehicles are operating on the routes.

20.01.2026, 19:00
Local news

Ministry of Justice: Amendments to the Codes Will Be Considered as a Package

Justice Minister Ayaz Bayetov commented on the draft law that proposes amendments to the codes no more than once a year. He noted that all proposed amendments will be considered as part of a single package, taking into account all discussions. The presented draft law was discussed in the first reading by the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, which deals with judicial and legal issues, combating crime, and corruption. Deputy Bolot Ibragimov pointed out that the government is initiating changes to

20.01.2026, 18:30
The building of the "Chatyr-Kul" cinema will be transferred to the municipal ownership of Bishkek.
Local news

The building of the "Chatyr-Kul" cinema will be transferred to the municipal ownership of Bishkek.

Photo from the archive. The 'Chatyr-Kul' cinema after the fire The State Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the State Agency for State Property Management and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy to transfer the building of the 'Chatyr-Kul' cinema in Bishkek, including a land plot of 40 acres, to the municipal ownership of the capital. According to the decree, a social institution intended for children and the elderly is planned to be built on the

20.01.2026, 18:16
Traffic Jams in Bishkek: The City Hall Plans to Implement Restrictions
Local news / Exclusive

Traffic Jams in Bishkek: The City Hall Plans to Implement Restrictions

The situation with traffic jams in Bishkek continues to be a relevant topic for discussion. In a podcast by the "Kabar" agency, the mayor of the capital, Aibek Junushaliev, shared his thoughts on how to solve this problem. According to the mayor, there are over 460 thousand registered vehicles in Bishkek, which creates a significant burden on the infrastructure. Since 2024, active work has begun to improve the road situation; however, as the mayor noted, this is not

20.01.2026, 18:15
Nearly 300 illegal structures dismantled on Leo Tolstoy Street in Bishkek
Local news

Nearly 300 illegal structures dismantled on Leo Tolstoy Street in Bishkek

Photo by the press service of the mayor's office In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, city hall employees conducted a raid on Leo Tolstoy Street aimed at restoring order and freeing municipal territory. This was reported by the city administration's press service. As a result of the operation, illegally installed objects were removed: 96 used tires serving as barriers, 172 advertising structures, and 18 metal fences.

20.01.2026, 18:15
The Ministry of Internal Affairs proposes to reintroduce the concept of recidivism for crimes and to tighten penalties for repeat offenders.
Local news

The Ministry of Internal Affairs proposes to reintroduce the concept of recidivism for crimes and to tighten penalties for repeat offenders.

The bill aims to strengthen measures against organized crime and protect society A draft law has been presented in Kyrgyzstan, proposing changes to several codes: the Criminal, Criminal Procedure, and Criminal Enforcement Codes. The main goal of this document is to reinstate the concept of recidivism in the legal system and increase accountability measures for individuals committing crimes repeatedly. The authors of the initiative emphasize that the abolition of recidivism in 2019 negatively

20.01.2026, 17:59
Local news

The City Hall plans to relocate the "Jasmine" café from Alamedin-1, a multi-level parking lot will be built nearby.

In Bishkek, work continues on the demolition of illegally constructed structures along the technical channel of the CHPP, the city administration's press service reported. Due to identified violations, Mayor Aibek Junushaliev made the decision to terminate the contract with the café "Jasmin," while the entrepreneur will be offered another plot of land as an alternative. During an inspection raid, Vice Mayor Ramiz Aliyev noted that according to the existing contract, the land was

20.01.2026, 17:58
Shorelines Without Cafés: Buildings in Water Protection Zones Being Demolished in Bishkek
Local news

Shorelines Without Cafés: Buildings in Water Protection Zones Being Demolished in Bishkek

In Bishkek, active work continues on the demolition of structures located in water protection zones, where violations of land and water legislation have been identified. This information was announced by the press service of the city administration. Currently, the process of demolishing the "Kekeev" cafe, which was located directly in the riverbed of the Alamedin River, is underway. As a result, a plot of municipal land measuring 2,380 square meters has been freed. The Land Use

20.01.2026, 17:40
Local news / Exclusive

The Best of 2025 Determined at the Internal Affairs Department of Batken Region

In the Batken region, the results of the work of the Internal Affairs Department for the year 2025 have been summarized. The press service of the regional police reported that this year, employees who demonstrated high professional skills in ensuring security, combating crime, and fulfilling their official duties were selected. In addition, outstanding representatives of the veterans' council who actively participated in public activities were also awarded.

20.01.2026, 17:32
Local news

Free replacement of indefinite driver's licenses extended indefinitely

In Kyrgyzstan, old-style driver's licenses continue to be valid. For those who wish to exchange them for new documents, a special transitional period with preferential conditions has been implemented. The State Center for Registration of Vehicles and Drivers, which is subordinate to the Presidential Administration, reported that initially this preferential period was set from January 15 to February 15. However, considering the appeals from citizens, the government decided to extend it.

20.01.2026, 17:14
In Bishkek, a record 92 km of roads were built last year – Mayor
Local news / Exclusive

In Bishkek, a record 92 km of roads were built last year – Mayor

Last year, Bishkek achieved significant success in road construction, laying down 92 km of new roads. This was reported by the city's mayor, Aibek Junushaliev, in a podcast by the "Kabar" agency. According to the mayor, this figure is a record for the capital. In comparison, in previous years, the volume of road construction varied from 18 to 25 km annually.

20.01.2026, 17:02
Local news

Minister of Justice on Frequent Amendments: Even the Ministries Themselves Can't Keep Up with the Changes

At the meeting of the committee on judicial and legal issues of the Jogorku Kenesh, Minister of Justice Ayaz Bayetov expressed the opinion that the frequency of changes in the codes is so high that the ministries cannot keep up with these amendments. On January 20, the committee reviewed a draft law proposing to limit amendments to the codes to once a year - which elicited mixed reactions.

20.01.2026, 16:59
Local news / Exclusive

Life in the Regions: Akylbubu Shaikova, who raised seven sons and a daughter, sells Kyrgyz products to foreign tourists

Akyldbubu Shaikova, a resident of the village of Saruu in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region and holder of the title "Baatyr Ene" [Heroic Mother], is actively engaged in handicrafts. She creates unique items featuring Kyrgyz ornaments and embroidery, which are popular among foreign tourists. A correspondent from Turmush spoke with the master.

20.01.2026, 16:46
In Bishkek, nearly 300 people have been injured due to icy conditions since the beginning of the year
Local news / Exclusive

In Bishkek, nearly 300 people have been injured due to icy conditions since the beginning of the year

In Bishkek, from January 1 to January 19, 2026, 295 cases of seeking medical assistance related to injuries due to snowfall and icy conditions have been registered, according to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the emergency department of the Sports Rehabilitation Center. Among these cases, 227 patients were diagnosed with fractures, while 68 individuals sought help for bruises and sprains. All those injured with fractures were provided with plaster casts. According to medical

20.01.2026, 16:37
In Bishkek, 295 people sought help after injuries from icy conditions
Local news

In Bishkek, 295 people sought help after injuries from icy conditions

From January 1 to 19, 2026, 295 people sought help at the trauma center of the Sports Rehabilitation Center due to injuries caused by ice and snowfall. In 227 cases, doctors diagnosed fractures, while 68 patients were found to have bruises and sprains. All patients with fractures received plaster casts.

20.01.2026, 16:35
Local news

Icy Conditions. Since the beginning of January, around 300 people have sought help at the capital's trauma center.

According to information provided by the press center of the Ministry of Health, from January 1 to January 19, 2026, 295 people sought help at the emergency room of the Sports Rehabilitation Center in Bishkek due to injuries caused by icy conditions and snowfall. Out of all the cases, 227 patients were diagnosed with fractures, while 68 cases were related to bruises and sprains. All those who suffered fractures received assistance in the form of plaster casts.

20.01.2026, 16:33
The Mayor of Bishkek Named the Most Successful Implemented Project of the City in 2025
Local news / Exclusive

The Mayor of Bishkek Named the Most Successful Implemented Project of the City in 2025

In 2025, Bishkek achieved an important success in solving the waste disposal problem. This was reported by the city mayor, Aibek Junushaliev, in a podcast by the agency "Kabar." According to him, the construction of a waste recycling plant had long remained an unresolved issue, despite the adoption of numerous resolutions. Previous attempts to address this problem were accompanied by criminal cases and the detention of officials.

20.01.2026, 16:22
Local news

In Kyrgyzstan, licenses of 35 pawnshops were suspended over the year

In 2025, the licenses of 35 pawnshops in Kyrgyzstan were suspended, as reported to the Kabar agency by Suyorkul Ashimzhan uulu, head of the Financial Market Regulation and Supervision Service. He noted that in the event of violations identified under the Code of Offenses, penalties are applied to the pawnshops. If illegal activities continue, stricter measures may be taken, including the revocation of licenses.

20.01.2026, 16:12
The Ministry of Justice proposes to amend the codes less frequently.
Local news

The Ministry of Justice proposes to amend the codes less frequently.

The bill is aimed at increasing citizens' confidence in the legal system and the stability of legislation. The government intends to reduce the number of changes to the codes to make legislation more stable and understandable for both citizens and businesses. Reporter Ayaz Bayetov emphasized that the codes are fundamental laws regulating everyday life, the activities of companies, and the work of government bodies. Frequent changes in legislation lead to confusion and complicate planning

20.01.2026, 16:08
The area along the technical channel of the Bishkek CHPP will be comprehensively improved.
Local news

The area along the technical channel of the Bishkek CHPP will be comprehensively improved.

Photo from the press service of the Bishkek mayor's office During an on-site meeting held by the mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, current works on key infrastructure projects in the capital were discussed, as reported by the press service of the mayor's office. During the inspection of the landscaping on Auezov Street, the mayor instructed to check for the presence of all necessary permits for the facilities in the area and, if necessary, to take measures in accordance with

20.01.2026, 15:53
The water outage notification system has been implemented in the "My City" app.
Local news

The water outage notification system has been implemented in the "My City" app.

The mobile application "My City" has received an update that includes a new feature for users. This information was announced by the press service of the Bishkek city administration, referring to the municipal enterprise "Center for Digital Technologies". Now residents can receive timely notifications about planned and emergency water supply outages. Notifications are sent to users in digital format directly.

20.01.2026, 15:52
Local news

Residents complain about the blocked sidewalk at the intersection of Bakayev Street and Masaliev Avenue

In the Call center Kaktus.media, several complaints have been received from local residents. They reported that the sidewalk on Bakayev Street at the intersection with Masaliev Avenue is blocked, creating difficulties for pedestrians. “Unknown individuals have blocked the sidewalk that starts on the eastern side of Bakayev Street from Masaliev Avenue and continues south. For the first 20 meters, everything is fine, but as you approach houses No. 140 and No. 142, the sidewalk ends. There is

20.01.2026, 15:51
Construction of the bridge on Jibek-Jolu. The Mayor of Bishkek ordered a change of contractor.
Local news / Exclusive

Construction of the bridge on Jibek-Jolu. The Mayor of Bishkek ordered a change of contractor.

During the off-site meeting of Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliev, which took place today, the need to change the contractor for the construction of the bridge on Jibek-Jolu Avenue was announced. The mayor reviewed the work on several key infrastructure projects in the capital. According to the municipality, deficiencies in the fencing at the construction site were discovered during the inspection, which became the basis for the decision to terminate the contract with the current contracting

20.01.2026, 15:45
Doctors of Kyrgyzstan will gain access to social stores
Local news

Doctors of Kyrgyzstan will gain access to social stores

A memorandum has been signed between the Ministry of Health and the Public Foundation "Social Stores - Eurasia KJ" The Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Public Foundation "Social Stores – Eurasia KJ" have entered into an agreement aimed at enhancing social support for healthcare workers. The memorandum was signed by Aibek Turatalievich Matkerimov, Deputy Minister of Health, and Anton Arskiy, representing the foundation. According to the document, medical

20.01.2026, 15:43
Local news / Exclusive

In Uzgen, a car and a truck collided: one person died, three were injured

A tragic road traffic accident occurred in the Uzgen district, resulting in the loss of one life. According to information provided by the press service of the Department of Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Osh region, the incident happened on January 19 in the village of Progress, located in the rural district of Tort-Kul. The time of the accident was recorded at approximately 14:10 on the 609.4 kilometer mark of the Bishkek–Osh highway.

20.01.2026, 15:39
In the "My City" app, a system of operational notifications about water outages has been launched.
Local news / Exclusive

In the "My City" app, a system of operational notifications about water outages has been launched.

In the updated version of the mobile application "My City," developed by the municipal enterprise "Center for Digital Technologies," a new feature has been implemented to promptly notify users about planned and emergency water supply outages. According to the city administration, residents can now receive notifications in a convenient format directly on their devices.

20.01.2026, 15:39