Gazeta.kg — News of Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek Today
Japan is the first to approve iPS drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and heart failure
World / Exclusive

Japan is the first to approve iPS drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and heart failure

The Japanese Ministry of Health has given the green light for the commercial use of unique regenerative medicine products based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). These drugs are intended for the treatment of severe forms of heart failure and Parkinson's disease, as reported by Kazinform citing SCMP. The approval concerns two drugs: ReHeart, which is used for the therapy of ischemic cardiomyopathy, and Amchepry, designed to correct degenerative changes caused by Parkinson's

20.02.2026, 18:13
Economy

Import of poultry meat in Kyrgyzstan increased by 11.1% in 2025

- In 2025, Kyrgyzstan recorded an 11.1% increase in poultry meat imports compared to the previous year, according to data from the National Statistical Committee. A total of 89.2 thousand tons of products were imported from ten countries, with the largest share coming from China, which accounted for 60% of the total volume.

20.02.2026, 18:09
The Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan Actively Detects Schemes with Fake EFS
Exclusive

The Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan Actively Detects Schemes with Fake EFS

Unfair taxpayers attempt to circumvent tax legislation, distort accounting data, and issue fictitious electronic invoices, creating the appearance of expenses and reducing their tax liabilities. The methods used to detect such violations include the implementation of modern digital technologies, such as electronic analytics and automated control systems. During inspections of fake companies, data from electronic invoices is compared with tax reports, as well as information about banking

20.02.2026, 18:06
Education

The State Committee for National Security strengthens efforts to improve the religious literacy of the population and prevent extremism

In order to prevent citizens from participating in the activities of banned organizations, the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), together with the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations, as well as the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK), systematically conducts preventive measures in educational institutions. As reported by the press service of the GKNB on February 20, the insufficient awareness of the population about the fundamentals

20.02.2026, 17:58
Politics

Head of the State Committee for National Security: I am also not a proponent of "mask shows"

The new head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, stated in an interview with "Evening Bishkek" that he is also not a supporter of so-called "mask shows." "The activities of special services should be based on secrecy and non-publicity," he emphasized. According to Shabdanbekov, the reform of the SCNS structure will focus on traditional and classic methods of operational and analytical work.

20.02.2026, 17:54
On Baikal, a car with tourists fell through the ice, there are fatalities
World

On Baikal, a car with tourists fell through the ice, there are fatalities

A tragedy occurred in the Irkutsk region of Russia: a car with nine passengers fell through the ice of the famous Lake Baikal. According to information provided by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation on February 20, several people likely died as a result of the incident. According to the investigation, the incident happened around noon on February 20 near Cape Khoboy, where a UAZ vehicle fell through the ice. An investigative operational group is already working at the scene.

20.02.2026, 17:49
Society

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

According to a statement from the State Department, the authorities of the United States have imposed new visa restrictions on citizens of Uzbekistan who, in the opinion of American officials, contributed to illegal migration. Details about this have been published on the official website of the department here. The visa restrictions concern "high-ranking officials and executives of two companies from Uzbekistan that assisted in visa processing." According to the State Department,

20.02.2026, 17:47
Development of Togolok. "Kumtor" plans to extract over 16 tons of gold and create 600 jobs
Economy / Exclusive

Development of Togolok. "Kumtor" plans to extract over 16 tons of gold and create 600 jobs

On August 8, 2023, "Kumtor Operating Company" received a license for the development of the Togolok deposit. As a result, CJSC "Kumtor Gold Company" began active geological surveys to confirm the reserves. During these works, drilling was carried out at 40 sites of the deposit with a total length of 9.5 kilometers, resulting in the collection of about 11,000 samples. From the old adit, 608 channel samples weighing a total of 8 tons were extracted and sent for detailed

20.02.2026, 17:46
The State National Security Committee detained a suspect in extortion using "connections in the Ministry of Internal Affairs"
Incidents

The State National Security Committee detained a suspect in extortion using "connections in the Ministry of Internal Affairs"

The detention occurred after a man known as Ch. R. Zh. deceitfully obtained $500 from Zh. A. Zh., claiming that he had connections with the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After that, he threatened his victim with arrest and promised to resolve the issues that had arisen for an additional $2,000. However, as subsequent events showed, Zh. A. Zh.'s trust was undermined. On February 18, during the receipt of part of the bribe amounting to 45,000 soms, Ch. R. Zh. was detained.

20.02.2026, 17:40
In Karakol, a fraudster who deceived café owners through food delivery has been detained
Incidents

In Karakol, a fraudster who deceived café owners through food delivery has been detained

A fraudster was detained in Karakol for deceiving café owners using a tried-and-true tactic. This individual posed as a worker from government agencies or an organizer of large-scale events, extorting money from entrepreneurs, reported the Internal Affairs Department of the Issyk-Kul region. Photo from the press service of the Internal Affairs Department of Issyk-Kul region. Suspect According to law enforcement information, the first incident occurred in December 2025. An unknown person called

20.02.2026, 17:38
In one of the residential areas of Bishkek, water will be turned off
Society / Exclusive

In one of the residential areas of Bishkek, water will be turned off

A temporary water supply interruption is expected in the residential area of "Ak-Bosogo". According to information provided by the city administration, from 09:00 to 18:00 on February 24, the supply of drinking water will be halted for residential buildings, educational institutions, kindergartens, medical facilities, and other social and industrial entities. The reason for the interruption is the emergency repair work being conducted at the "Ak-Bosogo-1" water intake.

20.02.2026, 17:34
Head of the GKNB: It's time to move away from the ideology of intimidation and create a modern service
Society

Head of the GKNB: It's time to move away from the ideology of intimidation and create a modern service

Photo of the Jogorku Kenesh Important changes are taking place in the structure of the State National Security Committee (GKNB), as reported by its new head, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, in an interview with one of the publications. The reform aims to create a mobile, professional, and transparent service capable of effectively protecting national interests and maintaining constitutional order in the context of a changing international situation. According to Shabdanbekov, the reforms are being

20.02.2026, 17:33
Society

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

The film "Dream of Reason" is created in the noir genre and was shot on a smartphone in the village of Palana on the Kamchatka Peninsula. This place became the base for Talgar Zamir-Seit, who founded the creative association "KoryakFilm," which has become an important step in the development of auteur cinema in the region. The work will be presented in the international program of the XIII Forum of Young Cinema "Umут," which will take place in Bishkek from March 4

20.02.2026, 17:27
Exclusive

The Eurasian Economic Commission has published recommendations for selecting markets for exporting food to BRICS countries.

On January 17, the Eurasian Economic Commission published recommendations regarding the selection of markets for the export of agricultural products to BRICS countries. This information is available on the official portal. The recommendations include a list of agricultural goods and food products, highlighting BRICS countries where the conditions for sales are more or less favorable.

20.02.2026, 17:26
The State National Security Committee has detained a citizen who posed as an Interior Ministry employee and extorted money.
Incidents / Exclusive

The State National Security Committee has detained a citizen who posed as an Interior Ministry employee and extorted money.

As a result of counterintelligence activities conducted by the State National Security Committee (GKNB), information was obtained about the illegal activities of a citizen of Kyrgyzstan named Ch.R.Z., who posed as an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the agency, this individual, using false connections with the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, deceitfully obtained funds from citizen Zh.A.Z. in the amount of 500 US dollars. A criminal case was opened

20.02.2026, 17:26
Japan is the first to approve iPS cell-based drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and heart failure
World / Exclusive

Japan is the first to approve iPS cell-based drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and heart failure

The Japanese Ministry of Health has become the first in the world to give the green light for the commercial use of innovative regenerative medicine drugs based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). This was reported by Kazinform, citing SCMP. The drugs ReHeart and Amchepry are intended for the treatment of severe heart failure and Parkinson's disease, respectively. Shinya Yamanaka, Nobel Prize laureate and honorary director of the iPS Cell Center at Kyoto University, expressed his joy

20.02.2026, 17:24
On the stage of the Arsen Umuraliyev BGD Theater, the premiere of the solo performance "Medea" will be presented.
Society

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

Photo courtesy of the A. Umuraliev City Drama Theater The Arsen Umuraliev City Drama Theater in Bishkek is preparing for the premiere of the solo performance 'Medea', which will be presented on February 27, 28, and March 1. This information was disseminated by the theater's press service. This solo performance, based on a play by Nina Mazur, represents a deep confession of a woman suffering from love, betrayal, and loneliness. Photo courtesy of the A. Umuraliev City Drama

20.02.2026, 17:20