News of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Osh — latest events today
More than 27,000 women received maternity benefits
Local news

More than 27,000 women received maternity benefits

The average amount of the benefit is approximately 23 thousand soms. As of January 1, 2026, maternity benefits were provided to 27.7 thousand women. This information was presented by the press service of the Ministry of Labor. The total amount of allocated funds was 634.4 million soms, with the average benefit amount being approximately 22.9 thousand soms. All payments are financed from the republican budget, and they are provided in full and on time to all eligible women.

21.02.2026, 12:08
Local news

A Bishkek resident reported the destruction of part of her house and sought help

Kyyal Yza kyzy stated that the problems with the destruction of her house continue, and this is not the first time. In her address, she reported: "Despite the winter conditions, my house is being destroyed again. Two years ago, they already broke this wall and left. Now everything is repeating. I am at a loss as to what to do. They talk about some common area, and we are back to this issue again." The woman noted that the conflict with her neighbors has been ongoing for a long time.

21.02.2026, 11:53
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
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
A solar power plant is being built at Issyk-Kul for 1.4 billion dollars
Local news

A solar power plant is being built at Issyk-Kul for 1.4 billion dollars

The project is being implemented by the Vietnamese company Rox Energy Global During his working visit to the Issyk-Kul region, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev familiarized himself with the progress of the solar power plant construction in the village of Kyzyl-Oruk. The information was provided by the government's press service. The construction of the solar power plant "Issyk-Kul-1" began in September 2025. The project aims to achieve a total installed capacity of 1,900 MW and

21.02.2026, 11:00
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
Local news

In 2025, 72,000 foreigners were expelled from Russia for violations

In 2025, Russian authorities deported 72,000 foreign citizens due to violations of the country's legislation. This was reported by Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev. The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that if there were sufficient funding, even more violators subject to deportation could be identified.

21.02.2026, 10:20
Local news

Teenagers Share Their Geolocation on Social Media. Why It's Dangerous and How to Reduce the Risks

In the modern world, teenagers are forming new habits, one of which is sharing their geolocation on social media. To understand the risks this may entail, the editorial team of Kaktus.media reached out to specialists from the IT center ATLABYTE, which deals with cybersecurity issues. Experts emphasize that sharing geolocation poses a serious risk, especially for young people who often lack the necessary digital security skills. This openness can lead to various troubles.

21.02.2026, 10:10
Local news

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that part of the large tariffs imposed by Trump is illegal.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that some of the large tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump are illegal, reports BBC News. According to the court's ruling, Trump exceeded his authority by applying a law that was created for use in emergency situations. The court noted that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act "does not grant the president the right to impose tariffs."

21.02.2026, 09:34
Local news

Temperature Records. The coldest February 21 in Bishkek was in 1984.

February 21, 1984, entered the history of Bishkek as the coldest day of the month, when the temperature dropped to -22.5 degrees. This data is provided by the resource "Weather and Climate". In contrast to the cold records, the warmest February 21 was in 1999, when thermometers recorded +20.2 degrees.

21.02.2026, 08:58
Local news

In St. Petersburg, there are plans to prohibit migrants from working in the trade sector.

In St. Petersburg, an initiative to ban migrants from working in the retail and wholesale trade is currently being considered. This topic became relevant after a tragic incident at the end of January, when two security guards from Uzbekistan killed a 24-year-old customer of the "Perekrestok" store, suspecting him of theft, reports "Kommersant." This idea was put forward by Roman Plugin, head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for St. Petersburg and

20.02.2026, 23:18
Local news

Saudi Arabia Sets Deadlines for Performing Umrah in 2026

The official authorities of Saudi Arabia have announced the deadlines for the completion of the Umrah season, which will end in 2026. According to the new rules, the issuance of visas for pilgrims will cease on March 19. This decision is related to the kingdom's preparations for the mandatory pilgrimage — Hajj.

20.02.2026, 23:15
Local news

"Project Became Popular". On the Decade of "Ramadan Tent" and Iftars for Thousands of People During Orozо

"The Ramadan Tent" is an unusual social and charitable project organized by the "Al-Umma" fund for ten consecutive years. During the month of Orozo, this project offers iftars for people in need. Traditionally, well-known personalities from Kyrgyzstan and other countries are invited to the opening ceremony of the tent. This year, "The Ramadan Tent" will provide food for more than 6,000 people who are facing difficulties in life. The first iftar of 2026 took place

20.02.2026, 22:45
Local news

The Army of Kazakhstan will ensure peace in the Gaza Strip

At the first meeting of the World Council in Washington, chaired by Donald Trump, an agreement was reached that the army of Kazakhstan would support peace in the Gaza Strip, as reported by DW. During the meeting, Trump announced that five countries, including Kazakhstan, agreed to send troops to the region: Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Indonesia.

20.02.2026, 22:12
Lifelong prisoners celebrated International Mother Language Day
Local news

Lifelong prisoners celebrated International Mother Language Day

A cultural evening titled “If I Am a Nation, I Am My Language” was held at Correctional Institution No. 19, dedicated to International Mother Language Day. This event, organized by the press service of the State Penitentiary Service, was attended by prisoners serving life sentences. Participants representing various nationalities, such as Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Dungan, Russian, and Pakistani, performed songs and recited monologues in their native languages. They also shared

20.02.2026, 21:53
First Deputy Head of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan Resigns
Local news

First Deputy Head of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan Resigns

Photo from the internet. Aibek Matkerimov Aibek Matkerimov, who holds the position of First Deputy Minister of Health, has decided to resign. This information has appeared in several media outlets citing their sources. It is reported that this morning Matkerimov said goodbye to his colleagues and announced his intention to resign voluntarily.

20.02.2026, 21:51
Local news

Deputy Head of the Ministry of Health Ryspek Sydygaliev Detained

According to information received by the editorial office of Kaktus.media, Deputy Minister of Health Ryspek Sydygaliev has been detained. This occurred on February 20, when the investigative service of the GKNB arrested him on suspicion of corrupt activities. He is currently in the temporary detention facility of the GKNB.

20.02.2026, 21:51
Mederbek Satiev: Being Closer to People is the Main Principle of Court Work
Local news

Mederbek Satiev: Being Closer to People is the Main Principle of Court Work

The results of the work of the courts in the Issyk-Kul region for 2025 were summarized at a recent meeting, as reported by the press service of the Supreme Court. The Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mederbek Satyiev, participated in the event. In his address, Satyiev emphasized that the quality of justice is inextricably linked to the professionalism of judges, the uniformity of judicial practice, adherence to discipline, and a high level of ethical standards.

20.02.2026, 21:28
Local news

The Mayor of Manas Has Changed

Ernisbek Ormokov, who held the position of mayor of Manas, has been relieved of his duties. This information was confirmed by sources from the publication Kaktus.media. He has been replaced by Abdupata Matkalikov in the vacant position.

20.02.2026, 21:27
Local news

Aibek Matkerimov has left the position of Deputy Minister of Health.

Today, February 20, Aibek Matkerimov, who holds the position of Deputy Minister of Health, informed his subordinates that he has decided to leave his post. Sources familiar with the situation told the editorial team of Kaktus.media that he said goodbye to the team and submitted a resignation letter of his own accord. Currently, there is no official order regarding his dismissal.

20.02.2026, 21:25
Local news

Human Rights Defender Rita Karasartova Filed a Lawsuit Against the Leadership of the GSIN and SIZO-1

Human rights activist Rita Karasartova has filed a lawsuit against the leadership of the State Penitentiary Service and the pre-trial detention center (SIZO-1) in the Administrative Court of Bishkek. She announced this on her Facebook page. Karasartova noted that a law was passed in 2006 ensuring the right of detainees in SIZO to make a 15-minute phone call to relatives once a week.

20.02.2026, 21:00
Local news

Trump instructed the Department of Defense to release documents on UFOs

According to U.S. President Donald Trump, he has instructed the Department of Defense to release documents related to issues of extraterrestrial life and unidentified flying objects. He announced this in his post on the social network Truth Social. Trump justified his decision by the "significant interest" of the public in this topic.

20.02.2026, 20:28
Local news

Osmonov Street in the city of Osh will be made eight lanes wide.

The city street Osmonova in Osh will be expanded to eight lanes. This information was announced by the press service of the mayor's office in the southern region. According to their data, Janar Akayev, the mayor of the city, conducted an inspection of the condition of this road.

20.02.2026, 20:26
Local news

A Man Dictated a Code via WhatsApp and Lost Almost 2 Million Som with His Bank Card

In the Chui region, police officers arrested a man suspected of fraudulent activities involving bank cards, sources in the regional Department of Internal Affairs reported. According to law enforcement information, on February 5 at 13:21, a 42-year-old man, K.A., contacted the police department of the Issyk-Ata district, stating that he received a call via WhatsApp from unknown individuals who asked him to dictate a four-digit code. Shortly after this, 1,999,006 soms were stolen from his

20.02.2026, 20:22
Local news

The Ministry of Construction proposes to transfer the approval of the PDP for Bishkek and Osh to the Cabinet instead of the city councils.

The Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services has announced its intention to transfer the approval of detailed planning projects and land use regulations for Bishkek and Osh to the Cabinet of Ministers. The corresponding draft law has been published for public discussion. In the ministry, it was emphasized that urban planning documentation consists of a set of documents regulating the development and construction of territories at all levels, from national to

20.02.2026, 19:41
"Toy Story 5" and the continuation of "House of the Dragon": new trailers of the week
Local news

"Toy Story 5" and the continuation of "House of the Dragon": new trailers of the week

Frame from the movie ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ This week, several highly anticipated project trailers appeared online, including the feature film version of ‘Peaky Blinders’, as well as the third season of ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Toy Story 5’. Third season of ‘House of the Dragon’ The premiere of the first teaser for the third season of ‘House of the Dragon’ has already taken place. The series is set in Westeros, 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’, when the Targaryen

20.02.2026, 19:11
Local news

In Bishkek, utility bill deliverers explained their delay

An organization responsible for delivering utility bills in Bishkek has commented on the dissatisfaction of residents related to delays or the absence of bills. It should be noted that in certain areas of the city, there have been instances where bills arrived later than the established deadline.

20.02.2026, 18:49
Local news

Rita Karasartova filed a lawsuit against the leadership of the GSIN and SIZO-1

Rita Karasartova, a human rights activist, has filed a lawsuit against the leadership of the State Penitentiary Service (GSIN) and the pre-trial detention center (SIZO-1) in the Administrative Court of Bishkek. She shared this on her Facebook page. According to her, a law was passed in 2006 that guarantees inmates the right to a 15-minute phone call with relatives once a week. However, she claims that this right is not being upheld. Karasartova emphasized that during her time in SIZO, she

20.02.2026, 18:28
On the stage of the Arsen Umuraliyev BGD Theater, the premiere of the solo performance "Medea" will be presented.
Local news

On the stage of the Arsen Umuraliyev BGD Theater, the premiere of the solo performance "Medea" will be presented.

Photo by the press service of the BGDT named after A. Umuraliev The Bishkek City Dramatic Theater named after Arsen Umuraliev has announced the premiere of the solo performance 'Medea', which will take place on February 27, 28, and March 1. This information was received from the theater's press service. The plot of the solo performance 'Medea', written by Nina Mazur, centers around the confession of a woman suffering from love, betrayal, and loneliness.

20.02.2026, 18:27
Registration for the OGE has begun
Local news

Registration for the OGE has begun

Online registration is required by April 2 Online registration for the national testing started on February 17 and will last until April 2, as reported by the Ministry of Education. Registration is carried out on the platform of the Assessment and Training Center testing.kg. Current graduates can register through the mobile application "E-Kundoluk," while former students should use the unified identification system "Tunduk" on the website testing.kg. When registering, it is

20.02.2026, 18:08
Local news

The USA has banned entry for citizens of Uzbekistan: contributed to illegal migration

The U.S. authorities announced the introduction of visa restrictions for citizens of Uzbekistan suspected of facilitating illegal migration. This information was published in a statement by the State Department. According to this statement, the restrictions concern "high-profile executives of two companies located in Uzbekistan that are involved in visa processing." American officials claim that these firms "deliberately offered tourist services aimed at foreigners intending to

20.02.2026, 17:58
Local news

In Kyrgyzstan, fitr-sadaqah can be paid via QR code

In Kyrgyzstan, for the convenience of believers, the opportunity to pay fitr-sadaqah using modern mobile technologies has become available. Those wishing to make a donation can do so through the "Finik" app or on the website finik.kg. To do this, the user needs to find the corresponding mosque card and make the transfer using a QR code. The electronic payment system was implemented by the muftiate back in 2025. Representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims reported that

20.02.2026, 17:53
Local news

A film shot on a phone by a Kyrgyz director has entered an international competition

The film "Dream of Reason" will participate in the XIII Forum of Young Cinema "Umут," which will take place in Bishkek from March 4 to 7, 2026. This event will bring together works from several countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Japan, and Russia, as well as films from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kalmykia, Tatarstan, Azerbaijan, and Singapore. Talgar Zamir-Seit, a renowned Kyrgyz director and film critic, created this film in the noir genre using an ordinary mobile phone.

20.02.2026, 17:49