In the world

Protests in Iran appear to be suppressed. Thousands of people have been killed. What is known as of the morning of January 18?

In late December 2025, mass anti-government protests began in Iran, triggered by a deep economic crisis. Initially, discontent was sparked by high prices and a sharp decline in the national currency's exchange rate, but soon the demonstrations escalated into open confrontation with the ruling regime. Within three weeks, protests spread to all 31 provinces of the country, becoming the largest unrest in recent years. By January 18, 2026, authorities claimed to have regained control of the

18.01.2026, 11:17

Exclusive

Game Thinking in Business Processes: Efficiency or Illusion?

The concept of game thinking is increasingly being implemented in the business environment—from loyalty programs to corporate training. Seemingly simple mechanics, such as accumulating points or reaching new levels, are becoming useful tools for attracting and retaining customer interest. But the question arises: how effective is this really, and is it not just manipulation? Let’s explore how game thinking functions in business, what advantages it offers, and where the line is drawn between

18.01.2026, 11:16

In the world

Kadyrov published a video with his son against the backdrop of reports that his son was involved in a car accident.

According to Ramzan Kadyrov, his son Adam met with the commanders of the republic's law enforcement agencies at his request. Kadyrov also noted that Adam was awarded a new honor, as reported. Video recordings of this meeting appeared on Ramzan Kadyrov's Telegram channel. He mentioned that the meeting discussed issues related to preparations for the upcoming elections in Chechnya, as well as ensuring public safety and other important topics.

18.01.2026, 11:07

Exclusive

By the end of November 2025, bank profits reached nearly 30 billion soms

As of November 30, 2025, commercial banks recorded a net profit of 29 billion 973 million soms, according to data provided by the National Bank. If we look at the figures from earlier dates, as of October 31, the profit amounted to 26 billion 398.9 million soms, and as of September 30, it was 23 billion 146.8 million soms. Since the beginning of the year, the assets of the banking sector have shown significant growth of 44.9%, reaching 1 trillion 181.8 billion soms, while at the end of 2024,

18.01.2026, 10:59

Exclusive

Trump imposed tariffs against European countries due to Denmark's support

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced the introduction of 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries that sent their troops to Greenland. These measures will take effect on February 1, and by June, the tariff rate will increase to 25%. The list of countries subject to the tariffs includes Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, which are participating in military exercises organized by Denmark. President Trump

18.01.2026, 10:54

In the world

Netanyahu stated that the composition of the Gaza committee was not coordinated with Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu The statement also notes that this decision contradicts the official policy of Israel. The reason for such a statement was the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in one of the bodies provided for by the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by The Times of Israel. Hakan Fidan had previously expressed criticism of Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. On the previous day, the White House announced the composition of the

18.01.2026, 10:53

Local news

The Kyrgyzstan Futsal Team Defeated Tajikistan

In a friendly match held in Jakarta (Indonesia), the Kyrgyzstan futsal team achieved a convincing victory over the Tajikistan team, finishing the match with a score of 4:2.

18.01.2026, 10:52

Local news

In Bishkek, 14-year-old Arsen Akylbekov is wanted, missing in "Archa-Beshik"

According to information from the police, a resident of S. A. reported his son missing on January 17. He stated that his son, Arsen, left their home located in the residential area "Archa-Beshik" (Kyzyl-Adyr Street) on January 15 at 11:00 and has not returned since. This incident has been registered in the AIS of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Lenin District.

18.01.2026, 10:42

Local news / Cultural news

A symphonic concert featuring ballet and choir will take place in Bishkek

On January 20 and 21, a concert organized by the State Symphony Orchestra named after A. Jumakmatov will take place at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic. The program will feature a unique combination of symphonic music, choral singing, and ballet performance. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, during the concert, the audience will be able to enjoy works by 20th-century composers, in which music, vocals, and choreography are harmoniously combined.

18.01.2026, 10:39

Local news

In the Kemin District, advertising inscriptions are being removed from the slopes of the mountains.

In the Kemin district, a campaign has begun to remove advertising inscriptions that spoil the natural landscape. This was reported by the local administration. Photo from the archive

18.01.2026, 10:27

Local news

The Ministry of Construction fined one of the construction companies 3 million soms. The firm's license may be revoked.

On January 17, the Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services of Kyrgyzstan, Nurdana Oruntaev, inspected several construction sites in Bishkek, as reported in an official press release. During the inspection of the residential complex located at: Ankara Street, 3a, owned by LLC "Aalam Stroy," violations related to construction norms and safety regulations were discovered. Problems were identified in more than ten blocks of the building.

18.01.2026, 10:13

Exclusive

Folk Legends: Kumböz in Bakai-Ata, Built a Century Ago

In the Talas region, in the Baykay-Ata area, there is a mausoleum called Kumböz, which was built a hundred years ago. This monument is located on the Böltök hill, on the eastern bank of the Kümüştak River, south of the village of Baykay-Ata.

18.01.2026, 10:12

Local news

What to Expect for Bishkek Residents at the Beginning of the Week. Weather Forecast for January 19-21

Meteorologists do not expect precipitation in Bishkek at the beginning of the week. January 19 will see variable cloudiness. At night, the temperature will drop to −12 degrees, while during the day the air will warm up only to 0 degrees.

18.01.2026, 10:11

Economy

Thousands of sewing workshops have closed in Kyrgyzstan

At a recent meeting of the "Ala-Too" parliamentary group, representatives from the light industry sector presented alarming statistics regarding the current state of the industry. They reported that to date, more than 3,000 sewing workshops have closed their doors, resulting in a significant loss of jobs. In this regard, entrepreneurs appealed to the deputies for urgent support, pointing out a number of problems that are paralyzing their activities. The main difficulties are related

18.01.2026, 10:11

Exclusive

Orunbekov refuted Zhapikeev's words about the "inner circle" that keeps people away from the president

In response to the words of the former chairman of the State Service for Combating Economic Crimes, Syimyk Zhapikeev, expressed in Ernist Kiyazov's podcast, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the president's information policy service, stated that Zhapikeev allegedly claimed there is some "circle" consisting of him, Kanibek Tumanbaev, and a few others who supposedly do not allow others to meet with the president. Orunbekov reminded Zhapikeev that the time for "kitchen

18.01.2026, 10:07

Incidents

An earthquake of magnitude 3 occurred in southern Kyrgyzstan

On January 17 at 19:11, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3 occurred in the south of Kyrgyzstan. This information was received from the Institute of Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences of the country. The epicenter of the tremors was located 5 kilometers southwest of the village of Sovetskoe, 9 kilometers southeast of the village of Sary-Otek, 18 kilometers southeast of the village of Kyzyl-Korgon, and 42 kilometers northeast of Batken.

18.01.2026, 10:05

Incidents

In Bishkek, a suspect in the attempted murder of a girl has been detained

A person suspected of attempting to murder a girl has been detained in Bishkek, according to information provided by the press service of the Sverdlovsk District Department of Internal Affairs. Photo by the Sverdlovsk District Department of Internal Affairs of Bishkek

18.01.2026, 10:03

Local news / Exclusive

In Kyrgyzstan, they will choose the "great player of kok-boru" and the "great horse of kok-boru"

Soon, the World Nomad Games will kick off in Kyrgyzstan, promising to be a true celebration of sports and culture. This year, 49 million soms are allocated for prizes for winners and runners-up. An important innovation will be that for the first time at the Games, the "great player of kok-boru" and the "great horse of kok-boru" will be determined. This innovation aims not only to increase the motivation of athletes but also to enhance public interest in the main sports.

18.01.2026, 10:00

Economy

The pilot launch of the digital som is scheduled for the end of 2026 - beginning of 2027.

The action plan developed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan envisions a pilot launch of the digital som at the end of 2026 - beginning of 2027. According to the information, the implementation of this project will start in the fourth quarter of this year or at the beginning of the next.

18.01.2026, 09:55

Economy

In Kyrgyzstan, investors are set to be issued visas for up to 30 years

This initiative is aimed at attracting foreign investments In the Kyrgyz Republic, the authorities are considering the possibility of introducing long-term visas for foreign investors, valid for up to 30 years. This became known from the Deputy Head of the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zhalyn Zheenaliev.

18.01.2026, 09:54

Exclusive

Syimyq Zhapikeev commented on the rumor that he received $5 million when he left his position.

In the podcast of journalist Ernis Kyazov, Syimyk Japykeev reported that after the events of October, he received $10,000 from Sadyr Japarov as support. When asked by Kyazov whether it was true that he allegedly received $500,000 during his public service and then became a general, Japykeev noted that the rumors about $5 million have no basis.

18.01.2026, 09:39

Economy

The GNS reduced the tax to 0.1% for entrepreneurs working abroad

The State Tax Service of the Kyrgyz Republic has made an official statement regarding a significant reduction in the unified tax rate for entrepreneurs conducting their activities outside the country. The new rate has been decreased tenfold—from 1% to 0.1%.

18.01.2026, 09:32

Local news

Kokpar Included in the Program of the World Nomad Games - 2026

The organizers emphasize the neutrality of the competitions and the preservation of traditional culture At the VI World Nomad Games, which will take place in 2026 in Kyrgyzstan, two traditional equestrian sports will be featured: Kyrgyz kok-boru and Kazakh kokpar. This was announced by Kazybek Moldazhiyev, head of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. According to him, the decision to include both sports was made to prevent possible misunderstandings and disagreements among the

18.01.2026, 09:25

In the world

The court set a bail of 33 million hryvnias for Yulia Tymoshenko and prohibited her from leaving the Kyiv region.

Yulia Tymoshenko During the court session, the prosecutor of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) proposed setting bail at 50 million hryvnias, arguing this was necessary due to the risks associated with softer measures. He emphasized Tymoshenko's financial capabilities and the likelihood of her leaving the country under the pretext of participating in parliamentary events. The defense of the former prime minister, in turn, requested the court not to impose

18.01.2026, 09:24

Incidents

An earthquake of magnitude three occurred in southern Kyrgyzstan.

On January 17 at 19:11 local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3 occurred in southern Kyrgyzstan. This information was provided by the Institute of Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences. The epicenter of the tremors was located within Kyrgyzstan, 5 kilometers southwest of the village of Sovetskoye, as well as 9 kilometers southeast of the village of Sary-Otek and 18 kilometers southeast of the village of Kyzyl-Korgon. The distance to Batken was 42 kilometers to the northeast.

18.01.2026, 09:15

Local news

Week-24. When will the fasting begin and how tax officials were punished for corruption

In Kyrgyzstan, as well as in other Muslim countries, the holy month of Ramadan (Orozo ayi) will begin on February 18. It is expected that Kadir tün (Laylat al-Qadr) will take place on the night of March 16-17, coinciding with the 27th night of Ramadan. The end of fasting, known as Orozo ait, is scheduled for March 20, when Muslims will celebrate the holiday of Ait-namaz, and this day will be a public holiday in the country. Photo from the internet. Altynbek Abduvayev and his deputy Islambek

18.01.2026, 09:14

Local news

Historic Agreement on Ocean Protection Takes Effect Today

Today, an important international document comes into effect — the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. This is reported by the UN News Service. The Agreement was adopted in June 2023 and has already been signed by 145 countries, of which 81 have completed the ratification process.

18.01.2026, 08:58

Economy

In Kadamzhai, farmers are being trained in future technologies

Kadamjai district became the venue for a large interregional seminar "AgroZooVet-2026," organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. The aim of this event was to introduce modern technologies into the activities of farmers, veterinarians, and agronomists. Special attention was given to increasing productivity in animal husbandry and developing the processing industry focused on exports.

18.01.2026, 08:48

In the world / Exclusive

OpenAI Launches Ads in the Free Version of ChatGPT

OpenAI has announced the start of testing advertising in ChatGPT, which will be available to users of the free version and those who have subscribed to the Go plan. Users of paid plans, such as Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will not see advertisements, as reported by Kazinform, citing information from OpenAI. According to the company's statement, the introduction of advertising will be a monetization method that will allow for the reduction of certain limitations for users who do

18.01.2026, 08:47

Local news

Temperature Records. The Coldest January 18 in Bishkek was in 1943

On January 18, 1943, it became the coldest day in Bishkek, when the temperature dropped to −25.9 degrees. This data was provided by the resource "Weather and Climate" for analysis. In contrast, the year 2021 was remembered for the warmest January 18, when the temperature reached +16.1 degrees.

18.01.2026, 08:47

Local news / Exclusive

Oruntaev conducted an inspection of construction sites in Bishkek

The Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services of the Kyrgyz Republic, Nurdana Oruntaev, conducted an inspection of several construction sites in Bishkek on January 17. During the inspection of a residential complex located on Ankara Street and owned by the company OsOO "Aalam Stroy," serious violations of construction legislation and technical safety requirements were discovered. The violations affected more than ten blocks of this facility. It was

18.01.2026, 08:36

In the world

Snowfalls and Blizzards Expected in the Rivers Ulz and Khalk Basins

Weather forecast for January 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Snowfalls and blizzards are predicted in the basins of the Ulz and Khalkh rivers, while overall, the weather will be cloudy. The wind in most regions will blow from the northwest at a speed of 4-9 meters per second, but in the Gobi, it may strengthen to 14-16 meters per second.

18.01.2026, 07:19

Incidents

In Bishkek, 14-year-old Arsen Akylbekov has been found

On January 18, the press service of the Lenin District Internal Affairs Department reported that Akylbekov Arsen Urmatovich, born in 2011, had been found. Currently, an investigation is underway to clarify all the details of the incident.

18.01.2026, 07:17

Incidents

In 2025, nearly 704 kg of synthetic drugs were seized, - Ministry of Internal Affairs Drug Control Service

Employees of the Drug Enforcement Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with foreign partners, continue active work to combat drug crime. This was reported by the press service of the Drug Enforcement Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In 2025, nearly 704 kilograms of synthetic drugs were seized, which is 21 times higher than the volumes recorded in 2024. According to specialists, this corresponds to more than 4 million 222 thousand doses for a single use.

18.01.2026, 03:07

Incidents

In Bishkek, 14-year-old Arsen Akylbekov has gone missing

In Bishkek, they are searching for 14-year-old Arsen Urmatovich Akylbekov, born in 2011, as reported by the press service of the Leninsky District Department of Internal Affairs. The young man went missing on January 15. The approximate time of his disappearance is around 11 a.m., when he left his home in the Archa-Beshik residential area and did not return. Only on January 17 did his father contact law enforcement authorities.

18.01.2026, 03:00

Incidents / Exclusive

In Bishkek, a brothel providing intimate services was discovered on Tugolbay-Ata Street. Video

In Bishkek, on Tugolbay-Ata Street, during a preventive raid conducted by the police and the administration of the Pervomaisky district, a brothel providing intimate services was discovered. This became known on January 16 from representatives of the district administration. During the raid, administrative protocols were drawn up against three women who were providing these services. They were also given explanations regarding the provisions of the current legislation.

18.01.2026, 02:38

Incidents

Suspect in Fraud Detained in Bishkek

On January 17, the press service of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Lenin District reported the detention of a suspect in fraudulent activities. According to the victim, she posted an advertisement for the sale of sewing machines on the internet. On December 8, 2025, a man contacted her, took the equipment worth 130,000 soms, promising to pay later, but then disappeared.

18.01.2026, 02:36

Exclusive

Chairman of the CEC of the Kyrgyz Republic Tynchtyk Shainazarov commented on the accusations of Zhyldyzkan Zholdosheva

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission and Referendum Conduct Tynchtyk Shainazarov reacted to the recent statements made by former candidate for the Jogorku Kenesh, Zhyldyzkan Zholdosheva. Zholdosheva participated in the early elections for deputies of the KR Jogorku Kenesh, which took place on November 30, 2025. She ran in district No. 8 and became the leader among women, receiving 2,590 votes.

18.01.2026, 01:21

Local news / Exclusive

In Kemin, advertising is being dismantled on the slopes of the mountains.

In the Kemin district, located in the Chui region, work has begun on the dismantling of advertising materials placed on the mountain slopes along the road leading to Lake Issyk-Kul. As reported by a Turmush correspondent, this decision was made at the direction of the district state administration.

18.01.2026, 00:55

Events / Sports

The deputy requests to expedite the reconstruction of the stadium in the Aitmatov district

During the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, Deputy Dastan Jumabekov drew attention to the need for repairs to the stadium in the Aitmatov district. He noted that in the village of Kyzyl-Adyr, which is the center of the district, there is a significant football stadium. Repair work on this facility began in 2023, but the project was subsequently halted.

18.01.2026, 00:54

Local news

Near Bishkek, the construction of an alternative road to the airport is being considered.

The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev visited the site on January 17, where the construction of an alternative road leading to Manas International Airport is planned. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Transport on the same day. At the meeting, Minister of Transport Abstatttar Syrgabaev and his colleagues presented information about the goals of this

18.01.2026, 00:50

Exclusive

Turat Akimov: Syimyq Zhapikeev Apologizes for His Words About Aitmatov

Syimyk Zhapikeev, the former head of the Financial Police, addressed the public with an apology for his comments about the great writer Chinghiz Aitmatov. This was reported by journalist and activist Turat Akimov on his social media page.

17.01.2026, 23:22

Economy / Exclusive

How much does a ton of coal cost in At-Bashy?

According to information provided by the akimat, a ton of coal in the At-Bashinsky district of the Naryn region costs 6400 soms. Coal is regularly delivered to the district from Kara-Keche. “According to the price set by the antimonopoly agency, a ton of coal is sold in the center of the At-Bashinsky district for 6400 soms. When delivered to remote villages, an additional 3 soms 75 tyiyns is added for each kilometer. However, in some villages, coal can be purchased for about 6000 soms,” the

17.01.2026, 23:18

Exclusive

Dzholdoshova: Shainazarov is still boasting that he beat Zhapаров. Head of the CEC: This is slander.

Zhyldyzkan Joldoshova, a public figure and politician, has sharply criticized Tynchtyk Shainazarov, the chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of the Kyrgyz Republic. In her social media post, she claims that Shainazarov boasts about how he beat Sadyr Japarov during a fight in parliament in 2011. According to Joldoshova, the incident occurred on April 1, 2011, when the then Attorney General K. Baibolov was speaking. She alleges that Shainazarov supposedly told his

17.01.2026, 23:09

Local news

What will the weather be like in Bishkek on January 18?

Bishkek January 18, Sunday At night, the temperature is expected to be -11..-13 °C with snowfall.

17.01.2026, 22:59

Incidents

Blogger from Osh reported an attack by an unknown man

Khalima Moldosheva, a blogger from Osh, reported that she was attacked by an unknown man. According to her, the incident occurred on the evening of January 16, when her acquaintance was checking his apartment that he rents out. The tenant, as Moldosheva claims, had gone to Bishkek, leaving his younger brother with friends in the apartment. The blogger reported that this group was drinking alcohol and created a mess, after which they refused to clean up and left the premises.

17.01.2026, 22:44

Local news

The Pishpek District is left without gas and heating

In the Pishpek district, located in Bishkek, there has been a mass gas outage, which has raised serious concerns among local residents. For many homes, gas is the primary source of heating, and such a situation threatens the comfort and safety of the residents, as reported by sources from VB.KG.

17.01.2026, 22:40

Exclusive

An earthquake has been registered in the Batken region.

On January 17, at 19:11, an earthquake was recorded in the territory of Kyrgyzstan, as reported by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to data from the Institute of Seismology, the magnitude of this event at the epicenter was 3 points. The earthquake was felt in the village of Soviet, located in the Kadamjay district of the Batken region, where the intensity of the tremors reached 2.5 points. The epicenter was located 5 kilometers southwest of this village, as

17.01.2026, 21:33