Gazeta.kg — News of Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek Today
Society

More than 420 thousand passengers transported by Kyrgyz Railways in 2025

According to the information from the State Enterprise "National Company 'Kyrgyz Temir Zholu'", over 420 thousand passengers were transported in 2025. The company continues to provide regular passenger transportation both within the country and beyond its borders. Domestic routes include Bishkek – Tokmok, Bishkek – Kaindy, and Bishkek – Balikchy during the summer period, while international flights connect Bishkek with Kazan and Moscow. In 2025, taking into account the needs

15.01.2026, 13:06
Society

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is negotiating to reduce the deposit for obtaining a visa to the USA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic has initiated negotiations aimed at reducing the amount of the deposit required for obtaining a visa to the USA. This was stated by Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev at a press conference while commenting on journalists' questions. He noted that the current deposit amount of $15,000 is excessive, especially in the context of average salaries in the country. "This is a high price, and we continue discussions with the American side, which

15.01.2026, 12:56
Society

336 million soms allocated from the budget for the VI World Nomad Games

The state budget has allocated 336 million soms for the VI World Nomad Games. This was announced by Kazybek Moldazhiyev, the director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 31 at the "Bishkek Arena" stadium and will take place as part of the anniversary summit of the SCO.

15.01.2026, 12:53
AI will take driving license exams in Kyrgyzstan
Society

AI will take driving license exams in Kyrgyzstan

Currently, all educational programs for driving schools have been approved, as reported by Kanaybek Tumanbaev, head of the presidential administration. Starting next week, citizens will be able to submit applications through the mobile application "Tündük." "From this year, driving schools will be under state control. All educational plans have already been approved, and the Ministry of Education has defined educational standards. Applications for obtaining driver's

15.01.2026, 12:53
Society

Kamila Talieva: 95% of complaints about torture do not lead to criminal cases. How does this happen?

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 15, Deputy Kamila Talieva raised the issue that almost 90% of complaints about torture in Kyrgyzstan do not lead to the initiation of criminal cases. During the second reading of amendments to the Criminal Code, which expand the circle of individuals subject to liability for torture, Talieva referred to data from the National Report of Kyrgyzstan.

15.01.2026, 12:52
The Bashkir epic "Ural Batyr" published for the first time in Kyrgyz language
Society

The Bashkir epic "Ural Batyr" published for the first time in Kyrgyz language

For the first time, the Bashkir epic "Ural Batyr" has been published in the Kyrgyz language. This illustrated gift edition was prepared in collaboration with the Bashkir publishing house "Kitap" and the Bashkir State Pedagogical University named after M. Akmulla, as reported by the publishing house itself. Photo "Kitap". The Bashkir epic "Ural Batyr" has been published in the Kyrgyz language for the first time This translation became part of an agreement

15.01.2026, 12:44
Society

Deputy to the Deputy Attorney General: Is the requirement to serve in Kyrgyz language a crime?

At the meeting on January 15, Deputy Baktiyar Kalpaev raised the issue of a recent incident that has been widely discussed on social media and addressed Deputy Attorney General Umutkan Konkubaeva. He expressed doubt about the legality of the situation where a citizen demanded to be served in Kyrgyz at a cake shop and subsequently found himself under house arrest for nine months by court order. "Is the demand to be served in Kyrgyz a crime?" the deputy asked.

15.01.2026, 12:40
Society

BTS Announces World Tour After Long Hiatus.

The famous K-pop group BTS has announced their world tour, starting in April 2026, according to information from The Guardian. Concerts will take place in countries across Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia. A total of more than 70 performances are planned, with the tour concluding in March 2027.

15.01.2026, 12:35
Society

Deputy: The whole family suffers from violence, but a protection order is only issued to the woman

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, held on January 15, Deputy Gulsharkan Kultaeva emphasized that protection orders often have only a symbolic nature and raised a question about the mechanisms for their enforcement. She noted that the number of cases of domestic violence is increasing, and although victims are issued protection orders, in practice they often remain just a formality. "What work is being done for their enforcement? Why doesn't the protection extend to all family

15.01.2026, 12:35
Society

Minister on the War between Ukraine and Russia: Many citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic do not report, but participate and die

At a press conference on January 15 in Bishkek, Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have accurate information on the number of Kyrgyz citizens participating in combat operations on the side of Ukraine against Russia. According to the minister, information about such participants comes from their relatives or close friends.

15.01.2026, 12:30
Society

Zheenbek Kulubaev: 10 apartments have been purchased in the USA for embassy staff

According to Kulubaev, in 2024, five apartments were purchased in New York and an equivalent number in Washington for the staff of the diplomatic mission in the USA. The minister also noted that future plans include the purchase of a building for the embassy in South Korea, as well as discussions regarding a deal with Austria, which is expected to be completed in March or April. The anticipated cost of the Austrian property is between 6 and 7 million dollars, and it is located in a prestigious

15.01.2026, 12:22
The conflict over the Kyrgyz language in "Kulikovsky" has reached the parliament
Society

The conflict over the Kyrgyz language in "Kulikovsky" has reached the parliament

Disagreements between civil activist Aktilek Orozbekov, known as the "language patrol," and the confectionery chain "Kulikovsky" have escalated to a new level, attracting the attention of the Jogorku Kenesh. This conflict, which has been ongoing for nine months, began with the activist's demand for services in the Kyrgyz language at one of the chain's establishments. In response, the company contacted law enforcement, leading to Orozbekov's detention and

15.01.2026, 12:19
Society

Negotiations between the Head of the Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan and Representatives of Cultural Institutions Took Place in Austria

The Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, Mirbek Mambetaliev, during a working visit to Austria, held a series of meetings with the heads of cultural institutions in the country. According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, among the key meetings were negotiations with the rector of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Ulrike Sych, and the deputy director of the World Museum of Austria, Christian Schicklgruber.

15.01.2026, 12:17
In Parliament, a proposal was made to tighten regulations for electric scooters.
Society

In Parliament, a proposal was made to tighten regulations for electric scooters.

At today's parliamentary meeting, member of the Jogorku Kenesh Burun Amanova raised the issue of the growing number of incidents involving electric scooters colliding with pedestrians on sidewalks. She noted that in some countries, the use of scooters is either completely banned or regulated by strict rules. Burun Amanova requested information on plans to introduce stricter regulations in Kyrgyzstan.

15.01.2026, 12:12
Society

A unique nephrite weighing over 180 tons discovered in the Issyk-Kul region

In the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region, an unusual stone weighing over 180 tons was found. It is located approximately three kilometers from the village of Chon-Kyzyl-Suu. This discovery was made between 2013 and 2014 and immediately attracted the attention of both specialists and local residents. However, to avoid the risk of theft, the stone was buried. Later geological studies established that it is not jade but a type of jadeite, which nonetheless retains its value from both

15.01.2026, 12:10
Society

The Foreign Minister commented on the suspension of the U.S. issuance of immigration visas to citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.

At a press conference on January 15, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev commented on the U.S. decision to tighten immigration policy. He noted that this is an internal matter for the American side and that Kyrgyzstan is also implementing its own immigration policy. In 2025, 2,088 foreign citizens were deported from Kyrgyzstan, while 9,000 foreign citizens received legal status. According to Kulubaev, deportation only affects those foreigners who have been in the U.S.

15.01.2026, 12:04
Taiwanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for the CEO of OnePlus.
Society

Taiwanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for the CEO of OnePlus.

The CEO and co-founder of OnePlus, Pete Lau, has been arrested by the authorities in Taiwan. He faces charges of illegally employing more than 70 engineers from Taiwan and failing to pay taxes amounting to approximately 2.3 billion New Taiwan Dollars, according to Bloomberg. Photo Bloomberg According to the prosecution, in 2014, Lau established a covert group of software developers for OnePlus in Taiwan. These specialists were involved in the development, testing, and verification of

15.01.2026, 11:56
China - A Partner of a New Level. Results of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Work for 2025
Society

China - A Partner of a New Level. Results of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Work for 2025

Photo 24.kg. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubaev At a press conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev, summarized the results of the ministry's work over the past year. According to him, in 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to implement a multi-vector foreign policy aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial relations with various countries.

15.01.2026, 11:43
Society

How is the reconstruction of the "Manas Ordo" complex in Talas progressing? Photos and videos

In Talas, the process of updating the Kyrgyz National Complex "Manas Ordo" continues, according to information from the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. Currently, as part of the reconstruction, the installation of reinforcement frames is underway, as well as the laying of a monolithic reinforced concrete slab. Work is also actively being carried out on the installation of formwork and the preparation of the foundation pit.

15.01.2026, 11:36