Incidents

In Bishkek, a "dropper" has been detained: 40 packets of psychotropic substances seized

Employees of the Bishkek police detained a person suspected of distributing psychotropic substances using the "stash" method. This was reported by the press service of the city's Main Internal Affairs Directorate. This incident occurred on February 2. Residents of one of the new buildings contacted service 102 after noticing a suspicious object near the fence. A forensic investigative team from the Lenin District Internal Affairs Department was dispatched to the scene. During

24.02.2026, 11:18

Exclusive

Duyshenbiev and Nyshanov Received Mandates as Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh

On February 24, a meeting was held at the Central Election Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic, where a decision was made to transfer vacant deputy mandates. Duyshenbiev Rayimberdi Seydakmatovich from the multi-mandate electoral district No. 14 and Nyshanov Jaiilobai Danibaevich from district No. 15 became the new deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh. It was reported that Duyshenbiev was officially registered as a deputy from electoral district No. 14, while Nyshanov received a mandate from district

24.02.2026, 11:15

Incidents

In Bishkek, a police officer suspected of brutally beating a detainee has been arrested

The State Committee for National Security has initiated an investigation into the case of abuse of power related to the use of physical force by officers of the Lenin District Department of Internal Affairs in Bishkek. During the investigation, it became known that the detainee L.D.T. was taken to the Department of Internal Affairs No. 2 on charges of "petty hooliganism." However, instead of properly processing the materials, law enforcement officers, as investigators found out, beat

24.02.2026, 11:13

Exclusive

The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated changes to the legislation regarding the legal status of farms.

- On February 24, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture presented a draft law for public discussion regarding the legal status of peasant and family farms. The proposed document contains amendments to several legislative acts, including the Civil and Tax Codes. One of the key points is the renaming of the existing law "On Peasant (Farm) Households" to "On Dykankas and Family Farms".

24.02.2026, 11:11

Economy

Exchange rates in commercial banks of Kyrgyzstan as of February 24

Information about the exchange rates was collected from the official websites of commercial banks. If you have any questions regarding the presented data, it is recommended to contact the banks directly. This data is current as of the time of publication. Please note that the exchange rates indicated for cash transactions may change throughout the day.

24.02.2026, 11:11

Economy

Generic "Viagra" banned and removed from sale in Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan has banned the use of a drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and ordered its withdrawal from the market, as reported by TengriHealth.

24.02.2026, 11:07

Exclusive

Media: "RusHydro" Wants to Sell the Upper Naryn Cascade of Hydroelectric Power Plants as a Non-Core Asset

According to information, Kyrgyzstan's debt to "RusHydro" for the Upper Naryn Cascade HPP project has exceeded 51 million dollars, which is almost double the initially planned 37 million dollars due to accrued interest. In September 2012, Kyrgyzstan and Russia signed agreements on the construction and operation of the Upper Naryn Cascade HPP and the Kambar-Ata-1 HPP, as reported by Interfax.

24.02.2026, 11:06

Exclusive

The Central Election Commission transferred the mandates of Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu and Kunduzbek Sulaymanov to the new deputies.

Today, February 24, the Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan handed out deputy badges and mandates to candidates who will replace the outgoing members of the Jogorku Kenesh, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu and Kunduuzbek Sulaymanov. These deputies represented districts No. 14 and No. 15, respectively. Jailobai Nyshanov and Rayimberdi Duyshenbiev were appointed to the vacant positions.

24.02.2026, 11:03

Local news

The Irish authorities have launched an official investigation into Elon Musk's X

An official investigation concerning the social network X, owned by Elon Musk, has been initiated by the authorities in Ireland. The reason for this step was the Grok chatbot embedded in the platform, which created sexualized images of real people, including children. Information about the launch of the first version of the Grok chatbot was announced on November 3, 2023, and it was developed by the company xAI. The creation of the first version of the neural network took four months.

24.02.2026, 11:03

Local news

Universities of Kyrgyzstan and Korea Sign Tripartite Agreement

Osh State Pedagogical University and Bishkek Music Pedagogical Institute have signed an agreement on international cooperation with two leading Korean universities — Dong-eui Institute of Technology and Kyungdong University. This information was presented by the Ministry of Education. At the event, Nurzida Kasymova, head of the preschool education department of the ministry, proposed to expand cooperation in the field of preschool and initial vocational education. She emphasized the importance

24.02.2026, 11:03

Education news

The district subject Olympiad for school students has concluded in Jumgal.

The final of the subject olympiad for school students took place in the Jumgal district. Outstanding students from local schools participated in this intellectual competition, testing their knowledge in various fields.

24.02.2026, 11:02

Local news

The Disease You Can't See: How Vision is Saved for Premature Babies in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, the system for early detection and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity is actively being developed — a condition that can manifest in children born before 35 weeks of gestation. In the absence of timely intervention, it can lead to irreversible blindness. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health, citing the opinion of ophthalmologist Alina Sagynbekova from the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. Retinopathy of prematurity is diagnosed within

24.02.2026, 11:00

Economy

Which currency has weakened against the som? Exchange rate in commercial banks on February 24

On February 24, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan presented the following foreign exchange rates: In commercial banks, the prices for the dollar and the ruble remain stable, while the exchange rate of the European currency has decreased against the som.

24.02.2026, 10:58

Exclusive

Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia Discussed the Development of the Halal Industry

In Geneva, during the events of the UN Human Rights Council and the disarmament conference, a meeting took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, and his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono. As reported on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the discussion covered the current state and future of Kyrgyz-Indonesian cooperation. The participants of the meeting emphasized the need to activate political dialogue, organize high-level visits,

24.02.2026, 10:58

Exclusive

Refused involuntarily? Former deputy claims pressure during the 2025 elections

Osmon Turdumambetov, who previously held the position of head of the tax inspection and was a deputy of the VI convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh from the "Onuguu-Progress" party, expressed his concern on social media about pressure from law enforcement agencies during the election campaign in district No. 14, located in Toktogul. According to Turdumambetov, he has already filed an official complaint with the General Prosecutor's Office and addressed to President Sadyr Japarov.

24.02.2026, 10:55

Exclusive

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan: It's Time for Europe to Rethink its Security Architecture

Global security is threatened by distrust between states and a new arms race, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD). On February 23, in Geneva, at a high-level disarmament conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev, delivered a speech. This information was published by the press service of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kulubaev emphasized that the global security system is undergoing negative changes. Distrust between countries is

24.02.2026, 10:55

Economy

Agricultural Census - 2026: Deadlines, Responsible Parties, Features

Photo by the press service of the Cabinet. Photo by the press service of the Cabinet. At a meeting held by Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev, who also serves as Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, organizational aspects of the upcoming agricultural census were discussed. This information was published by the information support department of the Cabinet. According to the information provided by the Chairman of the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz

24.02.2026, 10:55

Exclusive

A new vice-mayor has been appointed in Osh

Ernis Toltoev has become the new deputy mayor of Osh, responsible for municipal services and transportation, as reported by the city's press service. This information was confirmed by the order of Mayor Janarbek Akayev.

24.02.2026, 10:54

Exclusive

In the Talas Region, a pawnshop voluntarily returned illegally seized property to citizens

As a result of this initiative, a residential house was returned to its owner S.U.U. (the borrower), and documents for their real estate were returned to 10 citizens, which had previously been used as collateral. In addition, the pawnshop expressed its intention to return to borrowers the excessively charged interest exceeding 30% per annum, for the period from the summer of 2024 to the present day. Citizens can contact the pawnshop to resolve any issues that have arisen in the established

24.02.2026, 10:53

Economy

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has raised the discount rate and named the reasons.

On February 23, the Board of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan decided to raise the key interest rate by 100 basis points, increasing it to 12%. This change took effect on February 24. Inflation and PricesIn its statement, the National Bank pointed out the need to consider the unstable external economic situation, which is characterized by a high level of uncertainty. The regulator noted that "the prospects for price dynamics depend on the stability of global supply chains and trade flows,

24.02.2026, 10:51

Local news

Ibraev reported on the stage of construction of the Kambar-Ata Hydroelectric Power Station

At the meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on industrial policy, transport, the fuel and energy complex, architecture, and construction, held on February 24, Minister of Energy Talaybek Ibraev reported on the progress of the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 project. According to him, the feasibility study for the project has already been completed, and an environmental protection conclusion has also been prepared.

24.02.2026, 10:50

In the world / Exclusive

In the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, a medical plane crashed

A tragedy occurred in the eastern part of India, in the state of Jharkhand: a medical plane crashed with seven people on board. This was reported by the agency Report, citing information from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India (DGCA). According to a statement from the agency, the Beechcraft C90 aircraft, owned by Redbird Airways, took off from Ranchi and was headed to New Delhi. On board was a 41-year-old man who suffered burns over more than 60% of his body as a result of the

24.02.2026, 10:48

Local news / Exclusive

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic recommends Kyrgyz citizens to refrain from traveling to Mexico.

In light of the recent unrest in various regions of Mexico, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan strongly advises its citizens to refrain from traveling to these areas until the situation normalizes. This is stated in the agency's press release. Those who are already in Mexico are recommended to exercise caution, avoid crowded places, and follow the advice of local authorities.

24.02.2026, 10:45

Incidents

In Talas, a police officer was detained on suspicion of extorting a bribe

A police officer working in the criminal investigation department of the Talas region has been detained on suspicion of extorting a bribe. This information was announced by the State Committee for National Security, which is actively fighting corruption in law enforcement agencies. During the investigation, it was established that the detained officer, senior investigator T.R.Z., had been extorting money from a citizen, T.N.T., for a long time, threatening him with criminal liability.

24.02.2026, 10:44

Sports

Ranking Tournament in Albania: List of Opponents for Bekzat Almaz Uulu

Teams participating in the ranking tournament for wrestling in Albania have announced their entries. In the freestyle wrestling category up to 61 kg, 21 wrestlers are registered, including the world vice-champion from Kyrgyzstan, Bekzat Almaz uulu.

24.02.2026, 10:42

Local news

The Minister of Energy explained how much electricity tariffs will increase

At a meeting of the Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on industrial policy, transport, the fuel and energy complex, architecture, and construction on February 24, Energy Minister Talaybek Ibraev announced upcoming changes to electricity tariffs in Kyrgyzstan. According to the minister, the filling level of the Toktogul Reservoir for the current heating season is 94%, which is equivalent to 9.4 billion cubic meters of water, exceeding last year's figures.

24.02.2026, 10:41

Incidents / Exclusive

In Talas, a police officer was detained for extorting a bribe

The employees of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) have uncovered a case of extortion involving a senior investigator of the criminal investigation department of the Talas district police, known as T.R.Z. According to the agency, this officer, abusing his official position, exerted psychological pressure on a citizen, T.N.T., for a long time, demanding money under the threat of criminal prosecution.

24.02.2026, 10:40

Economy / Exclusive

The NBKR raised the discount rate to 12%

On February 23, 2026, the Board of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic decided to raise the interest rate by 100 basis points, bringing it to 12%. This change took effect immediately, as reported by bank representatives. The NBKR noted that the current external economic situation remains complex and carries a certain degree of uncertainty. There is a slowdown in price growth for key goods in international food markets; however, inflation in the partner countries of the Kyrgyz Republic

24.02.2026, 10:39

Local news / Exclusive

More than 3,000 residents of the village of Muras in the Leilek District will be provided with drinking water.

In the Batken region, in the village of Muras in the Leilek district, work is nearing completion on the creation of a new water supply system as part of a project aimed at "Improving water management services resilient to climate change." This information was announced by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. Currently, construction work is in the final stages, and soon more than 3,000 local residents will be able to access

24.02.2026, 10:39

Exclusive

The Parliament of Venezuela has adopted an amnesty law

The National Assembly of Venezuela has unanimously approved a law concerning amnesty. This decision could lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners and halt the persecution of individuals linked to the prolonged political crisis that has persisted in the country since 1999. However, human rights advocates and government opponents have met this news with skepticism due to a number of serious restrictions contained in the law.

24.02.2026, 10:36

Exclusive

In Kyrgyzstan, the agricultural census will be conducted in digital format

During the meeting, Baktybek Kudaybergenov also noted that the preliminary preparation for the census has already been conducted at a high level: 1. All census forms and key indicators have been agreed upon with the relevant agencies and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

24.02.2026, 10:35

Incidents

In Talas, a law enforcement officer is suspected of systematic extortion

T. R. Z., a senior investigator of the criminal investigation department of the Talas region, was detained on charges of extorting a bribe. According to the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), he regularly demanded money from citizens, threatening them with criminal liability.

24.02.2026, 10:31

Local news / Exclusive

Modern Methods - High Productivity: Practical Training for Farmers

From February 17 to 19, the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures, in collaboration with KOPIA, organized a series of training seminars in the Kara-Suu, Nookat, and Kara-Kulja districts of the Osh region. According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture, the aim of these seminars was to enhance the qualifications of farmers and specialists working in the field of livestock management, rational feeding, and artificial insemination.

24.02.2026, 10:26

Economy

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has raised the discount rate to 12 percent

Today, the Board of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic announced an increase in the discount rate by 1 percentage point, bringing it to 12%. This decision took effect upon its publication, the press service of the NB KR reported. On the reasons for the rate increase and current prices The National Bank noted that "the external economic situation remains diverse and is characterized by a high degree of uncertainty." It is noteworthy that "in global food markets, the pace of

24.02.2026, 10:21

Local news / Exclusive

The mayor issued a reprimand to the head of the Sverdlovsk district and instructed to improve the markets.

On February 23, in Bishkek, Mayor Aibek Junushaliev, along with representatives of city services, conducted an inspection regarding the improvement of markets in the Sverdlovsk district. Relevant information was published in municipal sources. The first stop of the inspection was the "Dordoy" market, where work is currently underway to improve conditions. The mayor inspected the area near the lake and the road sections where the construction of a new road with expansion is planned.

24.02.2026, 10:19

Exclusive

Dmitry Belov: How the Conflict in the Middle East Will Impact KR Logistics

Since the beginning of 2026, the world has found itself on the brink of a global war, and the question of whether it can be avoided is becoming increasingly urgent. How might this affect Kyrgyzstan if everything goes according to the worst-case scenario? Dmitry Belov, a logistics specialist, shared his opinion with VB.KG, emphasizing that the main confrontation will unfold in the Middle East. He believes it is important to analyze the logistical consequences of military actions in the Strait

24.02.2026, 10:19

Local news

"Chaos in the Center!" - Inspection Demanded to Tear Down Fences and Clean the Sidewalks

A conflict has erupted in Bishkek related to violations at a construction site owned by a foreign company. The head of the city inspection, Mirlan Taalaibekov, expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of one of the key streets, where developers have installed barriers directly on the sidewalks, significantly hindering pedestrian movement and obstructing the visibility of traffic lights. During an on-site inspection, numerous violations were identified: illegally installed fences, blocked

24.02.2026, 10:15

Exclusive

Starting March 20, an agricultural census will begin in Kyrgyzstan.

- At the meeting of the Republican Commission on Organizational Issues for Conducting the Agricultural Census, chaired by Bakyt Torobaev, numerous key aspects were discussed. Baktybek Kudaybergenov, the chairman of the National Statistical Committee, reported that this census will be conducted in electronic format, which implies a complete abandonment of paper documents.

24.02.2026, 10:15

Incidents

In St. Petersburg, a janitor from Uzbekistan saved a six-year-old child

On Petrozavodskaya Street in St. Petersburg, an incident occurred that nearly led to tragic consequences. A six-year-old boy fell from the window of an apartment located on the seventh floor. According to information from RIA Novosti, his life was saved by a janitor who witnessed the event.

24.02.2026, 10:12

Local news

EU tightens migration rules: citizens will be deported to third countries

The Council of the European Union has approved a new decision regarding the tightening of migration rules. According to this decision, individuals applying for asylum will be prohibited from remaining in EU countries if they do not have connections to third countries to which they will be deported. A list of "safe" countries has also been approved. Illustrative photo

24.02.2026, 10:09

Exclusive

Kulubaev participated in the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council

At the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, taking place at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, spoke at the High-Level Segment. According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among the participants were UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.

24.02.2026, 10:09

Local news

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Kyrgyz citizens not to travel to Mexico for now.

Unrest has begun in the country following the elimination of one of the drug cartel leaders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan strongly advises its citizens to refrain from traveling to certain regions of Mexico due to the deteriorating situation in the country. This information was published in an official statement from the ministry. The precautionary measures are related to the recent killing of one of the leaders of the drug cartels. For those who are already in Mexican

24.02.2026, 10:07

Sports

Sadyr Japarov approved the National Football Development Program in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2026-2034

On February 17, 2026, President Sadyr Japarov approved Decree No. 61, which pertains to the National Football Development Program in the Kyrgyz Republic, scheduled for 2026-2034. As part of this decree, an action plan and a matrix of indicators for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the program were also adopted. The aim of this decision is to create favorable conditions for active public participation in football, to improve the skill level of athletes, and to promote a healthy

24.02.2026, 10:04

Exclusive

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has raised the discount rate to 12%

The decision to raise the discount rate is related to the unstable external economic environment. On global food markets, there is a slowdown in price growth for key commodities; however, inflation in the countries that are Kyrgyzstan's main trading partners remains high. Given the significant dependence on imports, domestic prices remain under pressure from changes in external conditions. The dynamics of prices in the country are formed in accordance with forecasts, but there is a lack

24.02.2026, 10:03

Incidents

In Talas, borrowers received their homes and documents back after the intervention of the GKNB

An important incident occurred in the Talas region: the pawnshop "Orozaly" decided to return citizens their real estate that had been seized earlier. This became possible due to the recognition of the validity of the claims made and the identified violations of the law.

24.02.2026, 09:58

Economy

The reconstruction of the Lebedinovskaya Hydroelectric Power Station will be handled by a Chinese corporation.

Photo of OJSC "Chakan HPP". Lebedinovskaya HPP According to information from the press service of OJSC "Chakan HPP", a contract has been signed with China National Heavy Machinery Corporation for the reconstruction of the Lebedinovskaya HPP. Currently, specialists are beginning to prepare the design and estimate documentation for the upcoming work.

24.02.2026, 09:55

News / Education news

Events dedicated to the birthday of the former head of the KGB of the Kyrgyz SSR, Jumabek Asankulov, were held at the GKNB Academy.

On February 20, events dedicated to the birthday of the former chairman of the KGB of the Kyrgyz SSR, Lieutenant General Jumabek Asankulovich Asankulov, were held at the Academy of the State National Security Committee (GKNB), as reported by the GKNB press service. As part of the event, a book titled "A Word on the Military Valor of the Red Commander" was presented by retired Colonel Kabayev Mazalbek Ezengeldievich.

24.02.2026, 09:55

Local news / Exclusive

A Food Fair Took Place in the Moscow District

In the Chui region, in the Moscow district, a meat product fair was held. The relevant information was provided by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. The purpose of this event was to provide the population with affordable food products. The fair was organized under the direction of Bakyt Torobaev, who holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of this department.

24.02.2026, 09:53