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The world's largest sapphire found in Sri Lanka - 3,563 carats
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
Bakyt Torobaev familiarized himself with the project of an alternative road to Manas Airport.
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
In Osh, work is underway to widen the main streets
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
Society

In At-Bashy, over 500 local residents have hunting rifles

In the Naryn region, in the At-Bashy district, more than 500 local residents possess hunting rifles, as reported by the local administration. According to the provided data, there are currently 44 officially registered hunters in the district's hunting society. “Since November of this year, 6 wolves have been shot in the area. Hunters are actively engaged in hunting; however, despite the significant number of jackals, their culling is not being carried out actively enough. Jackals are

18.01.2026, 15:54
Society

Schoolchildren from Kyrgyzstan won 11 medals at the international olympiad in Kazakhstan

According to the Ministry of Education, the team from Kyrgyzstan won two gold, three silver, and six bronze medals. More than 600 school students from 16 countries participated in the competition, among which Kyrgyzstan was represented by 33 participants. Gold medals in mathematics were awarded to 8th-grade students of the "Gazprom Kyrgyzstan" school, Ariet Akimov and Arlan Sayat.

18.01.2026, 15:34
Incidents

In Bishkek, a man fell into a frozen river

On the same day, January 18, the capital service "102" received a signal that at the intersection of Maldybaev and Akhunbaev streets, one of the citizens fell into the frozen Ala-Archa River. This information was confirmed by the Main Internal Affairs Department of Bishkek. The incident has been registered in the Unified Record of Incidents of the Oktyabrsky District, and a preliminary investigation has been initiated.

18.01.2026, 15:24
Zheenbek Kulubaev commented on Western sanctions and the U.S. visa policy
Society

Zheenbek Kulubaev commented on Western sanctions and the U.S. visa policy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the protection of citizens' rights Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev spoke about the sanctions imposed by the West, as well as the new immigration rules in the United States. He noted that Kyrgyzstan continues to support trade relations with key partners, acting within the framework of national legislation, and proposed conducting an independent audit to verify compliance with sanctions measures. Kulubaev

18.01.2026, 15:18
Society

In the Kemin District, the mountain slopes are being cleared of advertisements.

This was reported by the district state administration. The cleanup is being carried out in accordance with the instructions of Azamat Osmonov, the authorized representative of the President of Kyrgyzstan in the Chui region. The work is under the control of the akim of the Kemin district, K. Shakirov, and is being carried out by the relevant services. The main goal of these activities is to preserve the ecological purity of the area and the natural landscape of the region.

18.01.2026, 15:14
World

Macron Appeared in Public Wearing Glasses Due to Eye Problems

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, during a meeting at the Élysée Palace, announced the need to wear sunglasses due to "minor issues." This was reported by Le Parisien. Macron noted: "Sorry for the glasses, I will need to wear them for a while, so you'll have to get used to it."

18.01.2026, 15:02
An earthquake with a magnitude of 3 occurred in the Batken region.
Society

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3 occurred in the Batken region.

According to information provided by the Institute of Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3 occurred in the Batken region on the evening of January 17. The tremors were registered at 19:11. The epicenter of this seismic event was located within Kyrgyzstan: 5 km southwest of the village of Sovetskoe, 9 km southeast of the village of Sary-Otek, 18 km southeast of the village of Kyzyl-Korgon, and 42 km northeast of the city of Batken.

18.01.2026, 14:59
Incidents

The police identified the man found on the frozen Ala-Archa River.

The press service of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Oktyabrsky District reports the initiation of a preliminary investigation into the incident that occurred under the bridge on Akhunbaev Street. On January 18, a man was found on the frozen Ala-Archa River. Neighbors in the area helped him get out, provided first aid, and called medical personnel and the police. According to the victim, he was thrown into the river.

18.01.2026, 14:55
Russia and Ukraine Agree Again on Local Ceasefire: Repair of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Politics

Russia and Ukraine Agree Again on Local Ceasefire: Repair of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Russia and Ukraine have once again reached an agreement on a local ceasefire to carry out repairs on the power line feeding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Rafael Grossi, the director of the IAEA, announced the achievement of this agreement, which involves the introduction of a temporary ceasefire regime to restore the last backup power line that ensures the operation of the ZNPP. The repair work to restore the power line is planned to begin in the coming days. Grossi noted that this is

18.01.2026, 14:50
Exclusive

Investments in the manufacturing industry increased by 1.3 times

- According to information provided by the National Statistical Committee, from January to November 2025, there has been a 30% increase in utilized investments in fixed capital in the construction of manufacturing facilities in Kyrgyzstan compared to the same period in 2024. Official data shows that the main sources of financing were funds from enterprises, foreign investments, bank loans, as well as funds from the population and charitable donations. These sources accounted for 91.9% of the

18.01.2026, 14:36
A training seminar was held in Leilek as part of the caravan "AgroZooVet-2026"
Society / Exclusive

A training seminar was held in Leilek as part of the caravan "AgroZooVet-2026"

On January 17, a training seminar was held at the Leilek District State Administration as part of the "AgroZooVet–2026" caravan. This event was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. The main objective of the seminar was to enhance the qualifications of farmers and specialists in the agricultural sector, as well as to implement modern agro-protective technologies and discuss crucial issues related to the development

18.01.2026, 14:26
World

The third magnetic storm of January has begun on Earth.

According to information provided by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the IKI RAS, a new magnetic storm has begun on Earth. In a message published on the laboratory's Telegram channel, it is stated: "The third magnetic storm of January has been initiated." According to experts, the cause of the storms was a plasma ejection from the Sun that occurred last Tuesday and unexpectedly reached our planet.

18.01.2026, 14:24