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

Kokulov stated that tobacco brands are being promoted in Kyrgyz cinema. He is ready to sue.

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh Committee on Science, Education, and Culture, held on January 19, Deputy Erulan Kokulov expressed concern about the hidden advertising of tobacco in Kyrgyz films. He noted that in some episodes, cigarettes of a well-known foreign brand are shown and questioned whether this constitutes advertising. Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev confirmed that such scenes do indeed exist. Kokulov expressed bewilderment at the lack of measures to control such films.

19.01.2026, 13:16
Local news

The production of the national series "Kara Kyrgyz" cost 35 million soms.

Today, at a meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Science, Education, and Culture, it was announced that 35 million soms were spent on the production of the national series "Kara Kyrgyz." Representatives of the Ministry of Culture expressed concern regarding previously circulated media information that the costs amounted to 40 million soms, which turned out to be inaccurate.

19.01.2026, 13:13
Local news

Replacement of driver's licenses. Everything that is known as of today.

In Kyrgyzstan, a phased replacement of indefinite driver's licenses of the old model has begun. In this article, we will explain why this is necessary, how to carry out the replacement process, and what awaits those who do not complete it on time, according to information from 24. kg. 1 Is it necessary to change driver's licenses? Yes, the replacement of licenses is mandatory. Although the old licenses are still valid for now, their use will soon become impossible.

19.01.2026, 13:12
Local news

The Ministry of Education has announced a competition for school directors.

Application Submission Open The Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic has announced the start of an open competition for the positions of heads of institutions of initial vocational education. The department specified that the following requirements are set for candidates: 1) availability of higher professional education; 2) work experience in the educational field or in the profile of the institution of at least 5 years; 3) citizenship of the Kyrgyz Republic. To participate in the

19.01.2026, 13:09
Local news

In Kyrgyzstan, about 150,000 citizens received PINs with errors

In Kyrgyzstan, about 150,000 citizens have faced problems due to errors in their personal identification numbers (PIN). This was reported by Ernes Dosaliev, Deputy Director of the state institution "Kyzmat," during a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, which deals with science, education, innovations, information technology, culture, sports, and youth affairs. During the meeting, the deputies reviewed a draft law concerning the personalized accounting of citizens for

19.01.2026, 13:09
A new four-lane road is planned to be built to Manas Airport
Local news / Exclusive

A new four-lane road is planned to be built to Manas Airport

Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev, who also holds the position of Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, familiarized himself with the project of an alternative road to Manas International Airport. During a meeting with the Minister of Transport and Communications Abasattar Syrgabaev and representatives of relevant agencies, the goals, technical parameters, and key stages of the project implementation were discussed.

19.01.2026, 13:09
Local news

In Kyrgyzstan, a man became a woman and the State Institution "Kyzmat" is considering a PIN change

The State Institution "Kyzmat" is considering a request for gender change submitted by a man who claimed to have transformed into a woman. This was reported by Deputy Director Ernes Dosaliev at a meeting of the relevant committee of the parliament. On the agenda of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Science, Education, and Other Issues was a draft law concerning the personalized accounting of citizens of Kyrgyzstan for mandatory state social insurance.

19.01.2026, 13:05
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture plans to optimize the film industry

The Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev announced the Ministry of Culture's intentions to optimize the field of cinematography at a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, which was dedicated to science, education, innovation, information technology, culture, sports, and youth affairs. According to Tagaev, several institutions operate within the ministry, including the Department of Cinematography, the film studio "Kyrgyzfilm," the film center "Kyrgyztasmasy," and the state

19.01.2026, 12:59
Local news / Cultural news

Deputy: The film "Kurak" contains elements related to the promotion of prostitution and LGBT, it represented Kyrgyzstan at an international festival

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 19, Deputy Bolot Sagynayev raised the issue of the film "Kurak," pointing out the presence of elements that could be seen as propaganda for prostitution and LGBT. This film was presented by Kyrgyzstan at the international film festival in Busan. Sagynayev inquired whether the film underwent any censorship before its screening at the festival.

19.01.2026, 12:53
Professor Usupbaev: You Can't Lure Young Doctors to the Regions with Financial Incentives
Local news

Professor Usupbaev: You Can't Lure Young Doctors to the Regions with Financial Incentives

The problem of the shortage of doctors and nurses in the regions of Kyrgyzstan remains relevant and seems to have reached a critical limit. According to official data, the country lacks about 23,000 specialists, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics. In particular, there is a shortage of 6,500 doctors, 8,500 nurses, 3,500 paramedics, and about 2,000 technical specialists. The lack of qualified doctors is especially acute in remote areas.

19.01.2026, 12:51
Local news / Cultural news

The Ministry of Culture intends to reduce the number of documentary films

The Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev announced the Ministry of Culture's intention to reduce the production of documentary films at a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, which deals with science, education, innovation, information technologies, culture, sports, and youth affairs. He noted that such films are often created in honor of anniversaries, such as the 90th or 100th birthdays of famous individuals, and require significant financial investments.

19.01.2026, 12:42
In Karakol, compliance with the law on the state language was checked
Local news

In Karakol, compliance with the law on the state language was checked

In Karakol, the city administration, together with the regional branch of the antimonopoly service, conducted a raid aimed at ensuring compliance with the legislation on the state language. Various public places were inspected, including shops, cafes, retail outlets, and pharmacies. As a result of the inspection, an assessment was made of the compliance of signs, outdoor advertising, price lists, and informational materials with the requirements of the law on the state language and the Law

19.01.2026, 12:29
Local news / Cultural news

The Department of Cinematography is ready to lease 10 cinemas under its management.

During the meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh dedicated to science, education, and culture, Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev reported that the Department of Cinematography is ready to lease 10 cinemas. These facilities are under the ministry's balance. According to Tagaev, there were a total of 37 cinemas previously, and since 2024, 20 of them have already been leased.

19.01.2026, 12:27
Local news / Cultural news

In 2025, the budget for national cinema tripled and amounted to 970 million soms.

In 2025, Kyrgyzstan significantly increased funding for its national cinematography, raising the budget to 970 million soms, which is three times more compared to the previous year. This information was announced at a meeting of the Committee on Science, Education, Innovative Development, Information Technologies, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs. For comparison, in 2024, the budget was only 345 million soms.

19.01.2026, 12:27
Local news

In the Kyrgyz Republic, they intend to make a feature film "Syngan Kylch" ("Broken Sword")

At a recent meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh Committee on Science, Education, and Culture, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy Marat Tagaev announced plans to produce a feature film titled "Sıngan Kılıç" ("Broken Sword"). This initiative arose in response to the call from deputies for the need to create major national films that reflect the cultural identity of the country. According to Tagaev, the issue of producing such films remains relevant,

19.01.2026, 12:25
The Minister identified serious violations: the construction company was fined 200 thousand.
Local news

The Minister identified serious violations: the construction company was fined 200 thousand.

Nurdan Oruntaev, the Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services, conducted an inspection of construction sites in Bishkek together with representatives of the State Department of Architectural and Construction Control. During the visit, the minister instructed to carry out similar inspections throughout the country. As part of the raid, the construction of a four-story medical center on Tabaldieva Street, 29 was inspected. During the inspection, serious

19.01.2026, 12:21
Replacement of Old Driver's Licenses: What Drivers in Kyrgyzstan Need to Know
Local news / Exclusive

Replacement of Old Driver's Licenses: What Drivers in Kyrgyzstan Need to Know

The Kyrgyz Republic has launched a phased program for replacing indefinite driver's licenses of the old format. According to information from "Unaa," a transitional period has been established for the convenience of citizens, during which old licenses remain valid within the country. However, after this period, the licenses will become invalid and must be replaced with new ones.

19.01.2026, 12:18
Local news

Who Can Be Denied Housing by the GIK? Clarifications on the Most Important Questions

In early January, 1,080 families received keys to new apartments built at 91 Malikova Street, on the site of the old colony No. 47. It is expected that by the end of the year, about 2,700 more families will be able to obtain housing. People on the waiting list for housing from the State Investment Company (GIK) contacted the Kaktus.media Call Center with questions about the reasons they might be denied. The editorial team requested comments from the GIK press service. - What reasons can lead to

19.01.2026, 12:11
In Bishkek, a construction company was fined for building a medical center with violations
Local news / Exclusive

In Bishkek, a construction company was fined for building a medical center with violations

A construction organization in Bishkek was fined 200,000 soms, as reported by the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services of the Kyrgyz Republic. On January 18, Minister of Construction Nurdana Oruntaev, in collaboration with inspectors from the State Architectural and Construction Control Department, conducted inspections at several construction sites in the capital, after which he instructed to carry out raids at all construction sites across the country.

19.01.2026, 12:02
The Ombudsman helped orphans from Naryn receive inheritance after their mother's death
Local news

The Ombudsman helped orphans from Naryn receive inheritance after their mother's death

After the intervention of the Ombudsman Institute, the minors were able to formalize the land plot Two minor orphans living in Naryn were able to restore their rights to inheritance, thanks to the assistance of Ombudsman Jamilya Jamambaeva. After their mother's death, they were left without formalized inheritance, despite the fact that a land plot was registered in her name.

19.01.2026, 12:02
Local news

Kyrgyzstan ranks in the top 5 countries for domestic film production per capita

At a meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Science, Education, and Culture, it was announced that Kyrgyzstan is among the top five countries with a high level of domestic film production per capita. This information comes from a global ranking. Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy Marat Tagaev reported that the republic produces between 80 to 100 films annually, created by both state institutions and private studios.

19.01.2026, 12:02
Local news

China's population decreased by more than 3.3 million people in 2025

In 2025, China's population continued to decline. According to information provided by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, 7.92 million newborns were registered in the country over the year, while the number of deaths amounted to 11.31 million. As a result, the natural decrease in population was 3.39 million people. By the end of the year, the total number of residents in the republic reached approximately 1.4 billion. Of these, about 716 million are men, and 688 million are women.

19.01.2026, 12:01
Local news

14-year-old chess player from Kyrgyzstan debuted in the strongest league in the world in Germany

Bayastan Sydykov, who is only 14 years old, has become a pioneer among Kyrgyzstani chess players by participating in the German Chess Bundesliga. This information was confirmed by the legal entity association "Kyrgyz Chess Union," as reported by Kaktus.media. The chess player represents the club SC Viernheim, which is one of the league leaders and boasts a star-studded lineup. In the team with Bayastan are well-known chess players such as Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Jan-Krzysztof Duda,

19.01.2026, 11:59
Local news

Deputy: What will happen to citizens' pension contributions if they were issued a PIN with errors?

At the meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Science, Education, and Cultural Issues, held on January 19, Deputy Gulsharkan Kultaeva raised an important question about the fate of citizens' pension contributions if their PIN was issued with errors. She noted that if an error in the PIN was discovered and the number was changed, could this affect the "life history" of the citizen. "What will happen to the social contributions if the old PIN is blocked?" she

19.01.2026, 11:55
Local news / Cultural news

In Kyrgyzstan, they plan to make a film based on the historical novel "Syngan Kylch"

The filming of the movie based on the historical novel "Сынган Кылыч" ("Broken Sword") by Tologon Kasymbekov is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027. This was announced by Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, during a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh held on January 19. According to Tagaev, the Ministry of Culture aims to create historical films that play an important role in shaping the ideology of society. The last significant project in this area,

19.01.2026, 11:53
Balıkchy received 10 units of special equipment worth 60 million soms
Local news / Exclusive

Balıkchy received 10 units of special equipment worth 60 million soms

The Development Fund of the Issyk-Kul Region reported the transfer of 10 units of new specialized equipment to Balikchy. The total cost of this equipment amounted to 60 million soms. As part of the renewal of the vehicle fleet of municipal enterprises, various types of equipment arrived in the city, including a motor grader, two large excavators, a mini-excavator, a concrete mixer, a manipulator, a truck crane, two loaders, and a tractor (trailer).

19.01.2026, 11:51
Local news / Exclusive

In Myrza-Ake, new electric poles are being replaced and installed.

In the Uzgen district, in the rural area of Myrza-Ake, electric poles are actively being installed in the recently created settlements. According to Ruslan Talantbek uulu, the head of the Myrza-Ake rural administration, local authorities, responding to residents' requests, allocated funds from the budget for the purchase of 70 electric poles. 1 million 71 thousand soms were spent on these purposes, and the installation work has already begun.

19.01.2026, 11:49
Local news

In Kyrgyzstan, requirements for the production of domestic films will be increased

Today, at a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on science, education, and culture, it was announced that the requirements for the production of local films in Kyrgyzstan are being raised. The Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, Marat Tagaev, emphasized that the domestic film industry continues to develop. However, according to him, each studio currently determines independently which films to produce, and scripts are approved solely by the artistic

19.01.2026, 11:47
Local news / Exclusive

There is no threat of flooding from the "Ala-Archa" channel in Bishkek.

In Bishkek, the water level in the "Ala-Archa" canal remains within normal limits, and at the moment there is no threat of overflow. This was reported by the October District Administration. According to a representative of the agency, relevant services, including MTU No. 402 of the October District Municipal Administration, as well as specialists from water management and emergency services, are conducting regular monitoring of the situation and carrying out preventive measures.

19.01.2026, 11:42
Digitalization in the Veterinary Industry: the "Sanarip VET" System
Local news / Exclusive

Digitalization in the Veterinary Industry: the "Sanarip VET" System

In the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry is implementing a week-long information campaign dedicated to automated information systems. According to the ministry, there are 35 different information systems operating in the country, of which 22 have already been fully activated, and 10 are in the process of development. As part of this campaign, the automated system "Sanarip VET" has been presented, which is used by the Veterinary

19.01.2026, 11:35
Local news

"Man Changed Gender". The GKU "Kyzmat" Explained Why It Is Necessary to Amend the Law on Assigning a PIN

The Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on Science, Education, and Information Technologies reviewed a bill on January 19 that amends the law on the assignment and change of PIN. The current legislation lists the grounds for changing the PIN, including: change of date of birth, according to civil status legislation; the presence of identical PINs among several citizens; errors in indicating gender and date of birth; application of legislation on the protection of the rights of participants in

19.01.2026, 11:32
Local news / Cultural news

In Batken, the performance event of Bala Barpy "Yntymak" will take place

On January 26, a concert titled "Yntymak" will be held at the Batken Regional Drama Theater named after Apaz Zhainakov, featuring the renowned akyn Bala Barpy. This information was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Culture. The aim of the event is to promote the creative work of akyn Barpy Alykulov. The project was created and directed by Kurmanbek Niyazbekov.

19.01.2026, 11:31
Local news / Exclusive

In the Ak-Talinsky District, residents of villages recently included in high-altitude zones are asking to address the issue of pension benefits.

In the Ak-Talinsky district of the Naryn region, residents of several villages recently classified as high-altitude areas expressed dissatisfaction that they are not receiving the legal benefits provided for retirement. According to available information, last year the villages of Cholok-Kayin and Konorchok of the Ala-Bugin rural district, as well as the village of Zhany-Tilek of the Kara-Burgon rural district, were included in the list of high-altitude settlements. However, despite this, the

19.01.2026, 11:28
Local news

The Ministry of Labor named the number of available job vacancies in the Kyrgyz Republic and in-demand professions.

According to information as of January 1, 2026, there are 5,547 job vacancies registered in Kyrgyzstan. The highest demand is observed in skilled trades. The press service of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration provided this data. Currently, the unemployment rate in the country is 1.3%. About 56,500 people are officially registered as unemployed, of which 38,100 are registered with employment services. In 2025, with the support of these services, 17,454 people were employed.

19.01.2026, 11:19
Local news

Amendments are being made to the law on assigning a PIN. How is this related to transgender transition?

At the meeting of the Committee on Science, Education, and Information Technologies of the Jogorku Kenesh, held on January 19, amendments to the law concerning the assignment and modification of personal identification numbers (PIN) for citizens were discussed. The current legislation provides grounds under which a PIN can be changed, namely: correction of the date of birth in accordance with civil status regulations; the presence of identical PINs among several citizens; errors in specifying

19.01.2026, 11:17
In which sectors do people earn the most in Kyrgyzstan – Ministry of Labor data
Local news / Exclusive

In which sectors do people earn the most in Kyrgyzstan – Ministry of Labor data

The Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan has presented information on the average salary across various sectors of the economy. According to the National Statistical Committee, the highest average salaries are observed in the financial sector, where they amount to 67,121 soms. The figures in the industry are close to this level — the average salary here is 66,990 soms.

19.01.2026, 11:14
Local news

Ombudsman Helps Two Minor Orphans Obtain Inheritance

Ombudsman Jamiliya Dzhamanbaeva emphasized the need to protect the inheritance rights of children. The press service of the chief human rights defender reported on how she assisted two orphans. A pensioner, K. G., approached the representative of the akiykatchi in the Naryn region for help in protecting the inheritance rights of her grandchildren, who are 14 and 15 years old.

19.01.2026, 10:55