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

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

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

Economy

Small and Medium Enterprises Will Be Provided with Preferential Loans Funded by the Republican Budget

Special conditions offered to tailors

18.01.2026, 14:39

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

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

Exclusive

Schoolchildren of Kyrgyzstan won two gold, three silver, and six bronze medals at the International Olympiad in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science.

From January 10 to 15, 2026, the XXII International Zhautykov Olympiad in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science (IZhO2026) took place in Almaty, with over 600 schoolchildren from 16 countries participating. The Kyrgyzstan team consisted of 33 participants who represented their country with dignity. Among the participants were representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,

18.01.2026, 14:18

World

In Guatemalan prisons, 46 people were taken hostage during riots

Saturday riots in three institutions in Guatemala resulted in 46 people being taken hostage, mostly guards and one psychologist. This was reported by Reuters citing official sources. The country's Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, noted at a press conference that there has been no information about injuries or fatalities among the hostages so far.

18.01.2026, 14:13

World

EU promises a unified response to Trump's threats to impose tariffs over Greenland

As reported by Euronews, the leaders of the European Union are ready to coordinate their actions in response to President Trump's recent threats to impose an additional 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries starting February 1, if Denmark does not agree to sell Greenland. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that the EU intends to act "in a united and coordinated manner" to

18.01.2026, 14:12

Society

Turkmenistan Recognized as the Most Sober Country in the Post-Soviet Space

According to a study conducted by the World Population Review, Turkmenistan ranked first among the CIS countries in terms of sobriety. The portal presented rankings of both the most drinking and the most sober countries in the world. The Islamic culture prevalent in Central Asia influences the local residents' attitude towards alcohol, making them more restrained on this issue.

18.01.2026, 14:10

Ecology

Storm Warning: Avalanches and Icy Conditions Expected in the Mountain Regions of Kyrgyzstan on January 18-19

From January 18 to 19, sharp changes in weather conditions are expected in Kyrgyzstan: snow is anticipated in some areas, while intense precipitation is expected in others. There is also a possibility of wet snow accumulating on trees and power lines, reports Kyrgyzhydromet. In some places, fog will be observed. Snow drifts and icy conditions may occur on the roads, and in mountainous areas, snow drifts are expected. An intensification of the westerly wind is anticipated, with speeds reaching

18.01.2026, 14:06

World

In Indonesia, a missing airplane was found at the top of a mountain

The loss of contact with the aircraft occurred on January 17 in the Maros district. There were 11 people on board, including eight crew members. During the search operation conducted on Sunday morning, the ATR 42-500 aircraft was found. The first signs of its location became known around 07:17 (02:17 Moscow time) — an air patrol spotted white debris in the hilly terrain around Mount Bulusaraung.

18.01.2026, 14:04

Society / Exclusive

Ibraev checks the operation of energy facilities due to worsening weather conditions

The Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Talaybek Ibraev, conducted an inspection of the condition of energy facilities against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in weather conditions. This information was provided by the press service of the ministry. During the inspection, the minister familiarized himself with the operation of the electricity sales service in Bishkek and met with employees of the Bishkek branch of OJSC "NESK" — electric networks. Ibraev instructed energy

18.01.2026, 13:37

Society

In the rural district of Kazybek in the At-Bashinsky region, problematic issues of local residents were discussed

In the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, located in the rural district of Kazybek in the At-Bashi region of Naryn Province, a public meeting was held. Local authorities, representatives of the prosecutor's office, heads of organizations, and residents of the village were present at the meeting.

18.01.2026, 13:36

Society

In Kara-Balta, a musical performance "King and Jester: Shadows on the Wall" was held.

The musical performance "King and Jester: Shadows on the Wall" was successfully presented in Bishkek and Kara-Balta. This event became an important milestone in the cultural life of the region and was organized by students of the theater studio.

18.01.2026, 13:26

Society

Writing at Dawn and Living the Lives of Heroes. Shakhsanam Murray on Her Creativity

Shaksanem Murray, a Kyrgyz-British writer, was born and raised in Bishkek. She studied philology at the Romano-Germanic faculty of the Kyrgyz National University. In September 2001, Shaksanem moved to Scotland and currently resides in Edinburgh. In an interview with 24.kg, she shared her creative experience. Photo from the interviewee's archive. Shaksanem Murray — How did your journey into literature begin? — My interest in literature began in school when teachers inspired us to read

18.01.2026, 13:21

Economy

Annexation of Greenland. Trump imposes tariffs on eight European countries starting February 1.

Starting February 1, 2024, Donald Trump announced the introduction of additional tariffs for the United Kingdom, Denmark, and other European countries due to ongoing disagreements regarding Greenland. He shared this information in his post on the Truth Social platform. According to the U.S. president, the tariffs will remain in effect until a "complete and absolute agreement" is reached regarding the purchase of Greenland by the United States. A 10% tariff will be imposed on all goods

18.01.2026, 13:08

Ecology

Snow in some areas, no precipitation in the rest of the territory — weather forecast for January 19

Weather overview in Kyrgyzstan for January 19. On the night of January 18-19, snow is expected in some areas of the Issyk-Kul region, while most of the country will remain precipitation-free. During the day, snow may occur in isolated places in the Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken, and Naryn regions, while the rest of the regions will be dry. Fog is also possible in some areas. Caution is advised on the roads due to snow cover and icy conditions. The wind will be from the west at a speed of 4-9 m/s, and

18.01.2026, 12:58

World

Khamenei Acknowledges for the First Time the Death of "Several Thousand" People in Protests in Iran

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has for the first time acknowledged that "several thousand" people have died as a result of protests in the country. He placed full responsibility for these events on the protesters and the American administration. This was reported by the Associated Press. During his speech, broadcast on state television, Khamenei described U.S. President Donald Trump as a "criminal" responsible for "victims, damage, and slander

18.01.2026, 12:58

World

Trump threatened eight European countries with tariffs over their stance on Greenland

According to The Guardian, Trump stated that starting February 1, all goods exported to the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland will be subject to a 10% tariff. Furthermore, he noted that starting June 1, the tariff rate will increase to 25%.

18.01.2026, 12:57