Economy

How has the ruble exchange rate changed since the beginning of 2026? (chart)

Since the beginning of 2026, there has been a moderate increase in the official exchange rate of the Russian ruble against the Kyrgyz som. In the first days of January, the ruble was maintained at a level of 1.1016 soms. However, in the second half of the month, a gradual strengthening began. The lowest exchange rate was recorded on January 13, when the ruble was worth 1.0885 soms. From that point, an upward trend began, and by January 16-17, the rate reached a new maximum of 1.1182 soms.

18.01.2026, 20:09

Incidents

Two Buses Collide at a Bus Stop in Bishkek

As a result of a traffic accident that occurred on January 17, two buses collided at a public transport stop at the intersection of Baytik Baatyr and Mederov streets. This was reported by witnesses of the incident to the editorial office of Kaktus.media. According to eyewitnesses, bus No. 103 was unable to stop in time and crashed into the rear of bus No. 226. After the collision, both buses were sent to the depot for further investigation.

18.01.2026, 19:21

World / Exclusive

Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against the creators of ChatGPT for over $100 billion

Elon Musk has initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, demanding compensation amounting to $109.4 billion. In his lawsuit, Musk, who is one of the co-founders of OpenAI, claims that he was unlawfully deprived of his stake in the company despite significant investments and contributions to its creation. OpenAI categorically denies these allegations, according to reports from Bloomberg and other news outlets. According to an expert hired by Musk's lawyers, he invested

18.01.2026, 19:15

World

Mass Protests in Denmark in Support of Greenland's Sovereignty

Protesters, holding flags of Denmark and Greenland, gathered outside the Copenhagen City Hall, creating a "sea" of red and white colors and chanting "Kalaallit Nunaat!" — the name of Greenland in the Inuit language. This event took place shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about the possible imposition of tariffs on goods from countries that oppose his plans to control Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark rich in natural resources. The

18.01.2026, 19:05

Society

In Kyrgyzstan, the rules for maintaining employment records have changed

The Government of Kyrgyzstan has abolished the old rules for maintaining employment records that were previously in effect. The Government Resolution of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 462, dated July 24, 2003, has lost its force based on the new resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated December 8, 2025, No. 789. Instead, a new order from the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 345, dated December 24, 2025, has been adopted, which defines new forms of

18.01.2026, 18:44

Society

Bishkek Events for the Week: Performances, Exhibitions, and Film Screenings

Permanent Exhibitions of the Museum: January 20-23 At the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, you can explore permanent exhibitions of painting, graphics, sculpture, and decorative applied arts. The exhibitions are open for visits from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Mondays. Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Ilgiz Edilson's Exhibition "Anatomy of Human Emotions": January 16 - February 1 This exhibition

18.01.2026, 18:44

Politics

An alternative road may be built to Manas Airport

In Kyrgyzstan, a plan is being discussed to create an alternative road to Manas International Airport. This information was provided by the press service of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. On January 17, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev reviewed the project at the site of its proposed construction.

18.01.2026, 18:43

Economy

Kyrgyzstan Increased Imports of Wheelchairs from China by 7.3 Times in the First 10 Months of 2025

- The import of wheelchairs from China to Kyrgyzstan increased by 7.3 times in the first 10 months of 2025. This data was provided by the National Statistical Committee. From January to October 2025, Kyrgyzstan imported 1,500 wheelchairs from China for a total of $297,000. This is a significant increase compared to the same period in 2024, when only 208 units were imported for a total of $21,000.

18.01.2026, 18:41

Society

Snow, fog, icy conditions. Meteorologists issued a storm warning.

Meteorologists predict a sharp deterioration in weather conditions in Kyrgyzstan on January 18-19. Snowfall is expected, with heavy snow in some areas, as well as fog and the accumulation of wet snow on trees and power lines. Snow drifts and icy conditions will develop on the roads, and snowdrifts may occur in mountainous regions, reports the Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. According to specialists, winds in the west may strengthen to 15-20 meters per second

18.01.2026, 18:35

Society

"Wikipedia" Turns 25: Billions of Views Monthly

On January 15, 2001, Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger founded "Wikipedia," which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. Over the course of a quarter of a century, the project has transformed from a small resource with 100 articles into a powerful online encyclopedia with over 65 million articles, attracting nearly 15 billion views each month. Currently, the management of "Wikipedia" is carried out by the Wikimedia Foundation, established in 2003. In honor of the

18.01.2026, 18:31

Politics

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and TSARKA will protect Kyrgyz citizens from financial fraud.

A joint project aimed at protecting citizens from financial fraud has been initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan in partnership with the organization TSARKA. This was announced in a press release from the ministry. The signed memorandum of cooperation is based on successful international experience demonstrated in countries such as Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

18.01.2026, 18:16

Incidents

In Karakol, the investigation into the sexual assault allegation by a 22-year-old woman against an acquaintance has been resumed.

In the Issyk-Kul region, in the city of Karakol, the investigation into the case of sexual violence has resumed, as reported by the local police. According to law enforcement agencies, on January 30, 2025, a citizen identified as D.A., born in 2003, approached the Karakol City Department of Internal Affairs. She stated that she had become a victim of sexual violence by someone she knew.

18.01.2026, 18:13

Incidents

In 2025, over 700 kg of synthetic drugs were seized in the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

According to the report from the Drug Control Service (DCS) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, 17 underground drug laboratories were dismantled in 2025, of which five were involved in the production of synthetic drugs. During operations conducted by the DCS, more than 700 kg of synthetic drugs were seized.

18.01.2026, 18:12

Sports

Dmitry An from Uzbekistan became the head coach of the "Neftchi" team (Kochkor-Ata)

The club 'Neftchi' (Kochkor-Ata) has announced the appointment of Dmitry An, a coach from Uzbekistan, as the head coach. This information was announced by representatives of the football club. Photo from the archive. Dmitry An has become the head coach of the 'Neftchi' team (Kochkor-Ata) A one-year contract has been signed with the coach, with the possibility of extension. Joining Dmitry An as an assistant will be another Uzbek specialist — Timur Babakhanov.

18.01.2026, 17:56

Exclusive

The Cabinet will develop a concept for the development of hydrogen energy in Kyrgyzstan until 2035

The government of Kyrgyzstan plans to create a concept for the development of hydrogen energy, which will be in effect until 2035. This initiative has already been included in the Cabinet's action plan. It is expected that the strategy will be adopted between the first quarter of 2027 and the fourth quarter of 2028.

18.01.2026, 17:49

Economy

Recapitalization of state enterprises in Kyrgyzstan is expected to reach 11% of GDP by the end of 2025

- In the Kyrgyz Republic, budgetary incentives are actively used to achieve ambitious economic goals. This is stated in the report of the EFRS, published in December 2025. According to forecasts, by the end of 2025, the volume of budget expenditures for the recapitalization of state enterprises may increase to 11% of GDP, which represents an increase of almost eight times over the past four years.

18.01.2026, 17:44

World

The Syrian Army has taken control of a number of territories in the north of the country, displacing Kurdish forces.

According to the Syrian agency Sana, government forces fully control the city of Al-Tabqa and the surrounding dam. It is also reported that the Syrian army has destroyed the Al-Rashid bridge over the Euphrates River, which was opened in June 2024. According to Reuters, the Syrian army has seized strategically important oil and gas fields, including Al-Omar and Konoko. This confirms that military actions are ongoing and encompass vital resources in the region.

18.01.2026, 17:41

Society

The world's largest sapphire found in Sri Lanka - 3,563 carats

The largest purple star sapphire in the world has been unveiled in Sri Lanka, weighing an impressive 3,563 carats. Its value reaches at least $300 million, according to the Associated Press. This gemstone, named "Star of Pure Land," becomes the largest registered natural purple star sapphire in history. According to Ashan Amarasinghe, a gemology consultant, the sapphire exhibits a pronounced asterism with a six-ray pattern, making it unique among other stones.

18.01.2026, 17:08

World

In Beslan, two children and an adult were injured when drone debris fell on a residential building.

Illustrative photo According to Menyailo, among the injured are two children and one adult, but their lives are not in danger. All of them received the necessary medical assistance in a timely manner. In addition, 70 people were evacuated from the house onto which the debris fell. Relevant services are working at the scene of the incident.

18.01.2026, 17:08

Society / Exclusive

Bakyt Torobaev familiarized himself with the project of an alternative road to Manas Airport.

The Vice Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, got acquainted with the project of a new alternative road leading to Manas International Airport. According to information provided by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Minister Absattar Syrgaibaev and other representatives of the ministry discussed the planned works, project goals, technical specifications, and implementation stages. The length of the new

18.01.2026, 16:54

Society / Exclusive

In Osh, work is underway to widen the main streets

In the city of Osh, work continues on the expansion of Saint Petersburg and Abduvaliev streets, during which construction waste is being cleared. According to information provided by the city administration, 4 excavators and 6 units of Shacman equipment are currently involved. It was also emphasized that the mentioned streets will undergo complete renovation.

18.01.2026, 16:45

Economy

Kyrgyzstan Increased Bicycle Imports from China by 2.7 Times in the First 10 Months of 2025

- The import of bicycles to Kyrgyzstan from China increased by 2.7 times in the first 10 months of 2025, according to data from the National Statistical Committee. From January to October 2025, the republic imported 169,000 bicycles worth 4.2 million dollars. Compared to the same period in 2024, when 60,000 units worth 1.6 million dollars were imported, there is a significant increase in supplies.

18.01.2026, 16:41

World

Donald Trump is Creating His Version of the UN - "Council of Peace." Entry Costs $1 Billion

According to information from the Financial Times, U.S. officials plan to expand the powers of the "Council of Peace," created to address the conflict in the Gaza Strip, to other crisis regions such as Ukraine and Venezuela. This topic may be discussed during the World Economic Forum, which starts on January 20 in Davos. Currently, as reported by FT, the "Council of Peace," led by Donald Trump, is focused on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. However, Western and Arab

18.01.2026, 16:32

Incidents

In Bishkek, the State Committee for National Security detained two leaders of the Pervomaisky District Department of Internal Affairs.

In Bishkek, employees of the State Committee for National Security detained two heads of the Pervomaysky District Department of Internal Affairs. According to information received by the editorial team of Kaktus.media, the arrested individuals are the head of the criminal investigation department, A. I., and his deputy for investigations, A. N. The reasons for the detention remain unknown at this time. It is known that on January 17, they were summoned for questioning at the State Committee for

18.01.2026, 16:16