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

Kamila Talieva: 95% of torture complaints do not reach criminal cases. How does this happen?

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 15, Deputy Kamila Talieva drew attention to the fact that almost 90% of complaints about torture in Kyrgyzstan do not lead to the initiation of criminal cases. During the discussion of amendments to the Criminal Code that could expand the circle of individuals subject to criminal liability for torture, including staff of institutions, Talieva pointed out the alarming dynamics of the statistics.

15.01.2026, 12:35
Local news / Cultural news

Negotiations between the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan and Representatives of Cultural Institutions Took Place in Austria

The Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, made a working trip to Austria, during which he familiarized himself with a number of cultural institutions and met with their leaders. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, among the meetings were negotiations with Ulrike Sih, the rector of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, as well as with Christian Schicklgruber, the deputy director of the World Museum of Austria.

15.01.2026, 12:33
Local news / Exclusive

Our People Abroad: A Former Emergency Situations Ministry Employee Took His Wife to Live in France, Where Their 12-Year-Old Daughter Became a Local Council Member

Turmush continues to introduce readers to Kyrgyzstani people who are outside their homeland, studying and working in other countries. Nestan, a 12-year-old girl living in France with her family, was recently elected as a deputy in the Youth Municipal Council in one of the districts. Her father, Samat, shared her achievements.

15.01.2026, 12:33
Local news

A unique nephrite weighing over 180 tons discovered in the Issyk-Kul region

In the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region, a unique stone weighing over 180 tons was discovered. It is located about three kilometers from the village of Chon-Kyzyl-Suu. The find was made back in 2013-2014 and immediately attracted the attention of both specialists and local residents. However, to prevent theft, the stone was buried. Later geological studies established that it is not jade but a jadeite, which does not diminish its scientific and tourist value.

15.01.2026, 12:33
The conflict over the Kyrgyz language at "Kulikovo" has reached the parliament
Local news

The conflict over the Kyrgyz language at "Kulikovo" has reached the parliament

The conflict that arose between civil activist Aktilek Orozbekov, known as the "language patrol," and the confectionery chain "Kulikovsky" has escalated to a new level and has been brought to the discussion of the Jogorku Kenesh. Recall that this dispute, which has been ongoing for nine months, began with the activist's demand to provide services in the Kyrgyz language at one of the chain's establishments. The company's response to this demand was to contact

15.01.2026, 12:26
AI will take driving license exams in Kyrgyzstan
Local news / Exclusive

AI will take driving license exams in Kyrgyzstan

Currently, all training programs for driving schools have been approved, as reported by Kanaybek Tumanbaev, head of the presidential administration. According to him, starting next week, applications from citizens will be accepted through the mobile application "Tündük". “Starting this year, all driving schools will come under state control. All necessary training programs have already been approved, and the Ministry of Education has established educational standards. The acceptance

15.01.2026, 12:25
Local news / Cultural news

336 million soms allocated from the budget for the VI World Nomad Games

The Director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, Kazybek Moldazhiyev, reported that 336 million soms have been allocated from the state budget for the organization of the World Nomad Games. The opening of the events is scheduled for August 31 at the "Bishkek Arena" stadium and will coincide with the anniversary summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

15.01.2026, 12:22
Local news / Cultural news

How is the reconstruction of the "Manas Ordo" complex in Talas progressing? Photos and videos

In the Talas region, the reconstruction of the Kyrgyz National Complex "Manas Ordo" is ongoing, as reported by the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. Currently, the installation of reinforcement frameworks and the laying of a monolithic reinforced concrete slab are taking place. Additionally, work is being done on the installation of formwork and excavation for the foundation pit.

15.01.2026, 12:16
Due to the expected frosts, energy workers have intensified control over the power grids
Local news / Exclusive

Due to the expected frosts, energy workers have intensified control over the power grids

In connection with the expected low temperatures, energy companies are intensifying control over power grids, as reported in a press release from the Ministry of Energy. According to the information from the department, the announced storm warning and adverse weather conditions across the republic have led to the adoption of additional measures. Energy workers have prepared an emergency repair stock for prompt response to possible emergency situations.

15.01.2026, 12:12
Local news

Energy workers have intensified control over the power grids due to the upcoming cold weather.

Considering the forecasted adverse weather conditions and the announced storm warning in Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Energy has decided to increase control over the functioning of the energy infrastructure. According to the information from the department, an emergency reserve has been formed and response schemes have been developed to prevent possible emergency situations. Repair crews, as well as specialized transport and equipment, have been put on heightened alert. Continuous monitoring of

15.01.2026, 11:52
Local news

Scandal Over Language: "Kulikov" Filed a Lawsuit

The confectionery company "Kulikov" has approached the court with a request to change the preventive measure for activist Aktilek Orozbekov, insisting on his arrest. This information was published by Orozbekov himself on social media. According to the activist, the conflict began about nine months ago after an incident in one of the "Kulikov" cafes when he demanded service in the Kyrgyz language. As a result, representatives of the establishment filed a complaint with law

15.01.2026, 11:46
China - A Partner of a New Level. Results of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Work for 2025
Local news

China - A Partner of a New Level. Results of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Work for 2025

Photo 24.kg. Jeenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic At a press conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev, summarized the work of the foreign policy agency for 2025. He noted that the implementation of the principle of multi-vector diplomacy continued in the past year, and mutually beneficial ties with various countries were strengthened.

15.01.2026, 11:38
Local news

Energy workers are preparing for the cold. Where to call for electricity supply inquiries

Due to the announced storm warning, energy companies are taking measures to enhance control over the operation of their facilities, according to information from the press service of the Ministry of Energy. To respond promptly to possible emergencies, an emergency stockpile has been prepared, and schemes for rapid troubleshooting have been developed. Repair crews, special equipment, and transport have been put on high alert. Continuous monitoring of the current situation is being conducted, and

15.01.2026, 11:23
Local news

"Reading bills as if we are cracking sunflower seeds." Talieva responded to Orunbekov.

Deputy Kamila Talieva raised an important issue regarding transportation accessibility for the residents of the village of Arashan, where about five thousand people live. According to her, local residents face daily challenges related to traffic jams. "In the morning, it is difficult for people to get to work in the city, and in the evening — to return home. On April 7th Street, where there is a flow of cars from Koi-Tash and other villages, there is no traffic light, which leads to

15.01.2026, 11:14
Local news

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating to reduce the deposit for obtaining a visa to the USA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Kyrgyz Republic is actively negotiating to reduce the amount of the visa bond for citizens wishing to obtain a visa to the United States. This was reported by Jeenbek Kulubaev, who heads the ministry, at a recent press conference. According to him, the amount of $15,000 is excessive, especially considering the level of wages in the country. "This is quite a high price for us. We have already communicated our proposals to the American side, and

15.01.2026, 11:12
Kyrgyzstan and the USA will strengthen cooperation in the field of virtual assets and digital finance
Local news

Kyrgyzstan and the USA will strengthen cooperation in the field of virtual assets and digital finance

The meeting, organized at the initiative of the American side, took place between Farhat Iminov, head of the secretariat of the National Council for the Development of Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies under the President, and Leslie Viguerie, the U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan. This was reported by the press service of the secretariat. Farhat Iminov presented the goals and objectives of the national council, as well as the activities of the secretariat as its executive body. He

15.01.2026, 11:12
The Bashkir Epic "Ural Batyr" Published for the First Time in Kyrgyz Language
Local news

The Bashkir Epic "Ural Batyr" Published for the First Time in Kyrgyz Language

For the first time in the Kyrgyz language, the Bashkir epic "Ural Batyr" has been published. This illustrated gift edition was prepared jointly by the "Kitap" publishing house and the Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after M. Akmulla, as reported by the publishing house itself. Photo "Kitap". The Bashkir epic "Ural Batyr" is presented in the Kyrgyz language for the first time

15.01.2026, 11:09
Local news

Kyrgyzstan has increased the number of countries with which it is establishing diplomatic relations

In the past 12 months, Kyrgyzstan's activity on the international stage has significantly increased. This was stated by Jeenbek Kulubaev, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, summarizing the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the year 2025. He noted that the country's positions in traditional regions have strengthened, and new avenues for cooperation have been opened.

15.01.2026, 11:05
Local news

Hundreds of people are trying to exchange their driver's licenses at the GU "Unaa"

Today, January 15, at the state institution "Unaa," located on Valikhanov Street in Bishkek, about 400 citizens came for vouchers to exchange their indefinite driver's licenses. According to reports from visitors, only 195 of them were able to receive vouchers, as the institution can serve no more than 150 people per day. Services for issuing new vehicle license plates and initial driver's licenses are also available here.

15.01.2026, 10:56
Kazakhstan Completely Revised the Rules for Military Draft
Local news

Kazakhstan Completely Revised the Rules for Military Draft

According to the new rules, the procedure for conscription into the army has undergone significant changes, including aspects of compulsory military service, mobilization, military gatherings, and the service of reserve officers. The information is provided by Lada.kz with reference to Zakon.kz.

15.01.2026, 10:52
Local news

The Border Service Denied the Lack of Information for Citizens of Kazakhstan About the New Stay Rules

The Border Service of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of Kyrgyzstan has refuted recent statements by a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh regarding the lack of notification to citizens of Kazakhstan about the introduction of new rules for staying in the country. The agency reported that efforts to inform were carried out prior to the new rules coming into effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Border Service of the GKNB, and the Ministry of Digital Development actively

15.01.2026, 10:34
Local news

Inspectors, Medics, Educators. Who Can Be Held Accountable for Torture Under the New Bill?

On January 15, the Jogorku Kenesh reviewed a bill that could significantly expand the list of individuals subject to criminal liability for torture. This document aims to align the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic with the UN Convention Against Torture. The bill proposes to introduce liability not only for officials but also for other employees who have authority over vulnerable groups. This may include staff from educational, medical, and social institutions who misuse their powers to

15.01.2026, 10:32
Local news

The City Hall's Construction Department of Bishkek announced a tender for the development of design and estimate documentation for a number of facilities.

The Capital Construction Management under the Bishkek City Council has once again initiated a tender for the creation of project and estimate documentation for several facilities. According to information posted on the state procurement website, the facilities include: a promenade along the Alamedin River from Mederov Street to Gorky Street, the connection of water supply systems in the residential area of Dordoy 2, as well as in Lower Ala-Archa, on Kulikovskaya Street, as well as sewage for

15.01.2026, 10:29
Local news

The Ombudsman's Subordinates Struggled to Get into the Foreigners' Detention Center. Here's What They Saw

Jamila Dzhamanbaeva, the ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan, drew attention to the situation regarding the conditions of detention and the rights of detainees at the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons, located at the former military base Gansi in the Chui region. The press service of the ombudsman’s institute noted that this situation requires immediate attention from government authorities. The ombudsman emphasized that her institute's staff had been denied access

15.01.2026, 10:18
Local news

Kamila Talieva: We read the laws 10 times, and there's no need to teach us how to work

Deputy Kamila Talieva responded to the criticism expressed by the head of the information policy department of the presidential administration, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, on social media on January 14. He urged deputies to abandon populism and demagoguery in the process of discussing bills, specifically mentioning initiatives related to the improvement of Bishkek and the draft law on state awards. At a recent parliamentary meeting, Talieva noted that deputies should not be told how to do their job and

15.01.2026, 10:07
Avalanches and Ice Slicks Expected on the Mountain Roads of Kyrgyzstan
Local news / Exclusive

Avalanches and Ice Slicks Expected on the Mountain Roads of Kyrgyzstan

A storm warning has been issued in the mountainous areas of Kyrgyzstan and on certain highways due to expected precipitation. According to information provided by Kyrgyzhydromet, from January 15 to 18, avalanches are expected in the mountainous regions of the country and on such roads as Bishkek-Osh (sections 121-138 km and 198-255 km - passes Too-Ashuu and Ala-Bel, Chychkan gorge), Ala-Buka-Kanysh-Kyya (68-74 and 86-101 km - Chapchyma pass), Krasnaya Gorka-Ak-Tash (0-3 km),

15.01.2026, 10:04
Local news

Escalation or Threat? How Central Asian Countries Reacted to Solovyov's Words

In one of his broadcasts, propagandist Vladimir Solovyov expressed the opinion that it is necessary to "begin a special military operation" in Armenia and Central Asian countries. According to his claims, Russia should, like the USA in Venezuela, disregard international law and consider the use of force to prevent these countries from leaving Russia's "sphere of influence."

15.01.2026, 09:53
Local news

In 2026, the global unemployment rate will remain at 4.9 percent.

According to forecasts, the global unemployment rate will remain at 4.9% in 2026, which is equivalent to 186 million people. However, despite this, a significant number of people continue to face a lack of access to quality employment. This data is presented in a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) titled "World Employment and Social Outlook." The UN News Service reports that around 300 million workers continue to live in extreme poverty, earning less than three

15.01.2026, 09:40
Local news

Wholesale meat trade at the Osh market has been moved to the "Chuygun" pavilion in Maevka

Since January 14 of this year, wholesale meat trading at the Osh market has suspended its activities. In the future, such trading will take place in the new meat pavilion "Chüygün," which is located on the territory of the "Altyn-Taka" livestock market complex in Maevka, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Water Management and Agriculture. According to available information, this decision was made in accordance with a special resolution of the Cabinet of

15.01.2026, 09:28
Local news

Universities in Kyrgyzstan Recommended Not to Impose Fines on Students

In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations has proposed that educational institutions, both higher and secondary vocational, abandon the practice of imposing fines on students for missing classes and practical training, regardless of their organizational and legal form. According to the ministry, this recommendation is aimed at protecting students' rights and creating fair approaches to discipline in the educational process, as well as preventing unjustified

15.01.2026, 09:10
The "Nomad-TV" studio at Ala-Too Square will be dismantled
Local news

The "Nomad-TV" studio at Ala-Too Square will be dismantled

On Ala-Too Square in Bishkek, the pixel studio of the television channel "Nomad-TV" will be dismantled. According to representatives of the channel, the main reason for this decision is the expiration of the land lease. The fate of the studio has been actively discussed on social media and messaging apps, leading to mixed reactions among the capital's residents. However, the channel's administration assured that the dismantling is planned and complies with the conditions

15.01.2026, 09:07
Local news

The Year of Health Protection will take place in the Commonwealth countries

In 2026, the CIS countries plan to hold extensive events, declaring this year as the Year of Health Protection. This information was announced at the CIS Executive Committee. The main goal of the initiative is to unite efforts to protect the health of the population, share best practices, and develop international cooperation, including interaction with the World Health Organization.

15.01.2026, 09:05
Local news

The year 2025 has become one of the three hottest years in the entire history of meteorological observations.

According to the European Climate Change Monitoring Service Copernicus (C3S), the year 2025 was among the three hottest years recorded since the beginning of meteorological observations. Deputy Director of C3S Samantha Burgess presented a report titled "Global Climate Indicators," in which she noted that the temperature in 2024 remained at a level that made it the warmest year on record, while 2025 was only slightly cooler than 2023.

15.01.2026, 09:01
Local news

Wholesale meat trade moved from Osh market to another district

Since January 14, wholesale meat trading at the Osh market has been closed, according to information from the press service of the Ministry of Water Management and Agriculture. Now, wholesale meat sales will take place in the new meat pavilion "Chüyğun," located on the territory of the "Altyn-Taka" market in Maevka, in the First May district of Bishkek.

15.01.2026, 08:57
Local news

The USA has suspended visa processing for 75 countries. Kyrgyzstan is on this list.

Due to the fight against potentially problematic immigrants, the U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended the processing of immigration visas for citizens of 75 countries. This became known from an internal memorandum published by Fox News. Consular staff have been instructed to deny visa issuance until the verification procedures are reviewed and updated. This measure will remain in effect indefinitely.

15.01.2026, 08:50
Local news

Storm Warning. Avalanche Risk Expected in Mountain Areas

From January 15 to 18, heavy precipitation is forecasted in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan, which may lead to avalanches and the formation of snow drifts. Icy conditions are also expected on the roads. This information is provided by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Avalanches may occur on the following sections of the roads:

15.01.2026, 08:48
Local news

In 2025, the cost of housing in Bishkek increased by 26.8 percent

According to the press service of the State Agency for Land Resources, Cadastre, Geodesy, and Cartography, in 2025, the cost of housing in Bishkek increased by 26.8 percent. During the reporting period, there was a rise in average prices for both apartments and residential houses in Bishkek and Osh.

15.01.2026, 08:20