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Politics

In Kyrgyzstan, the requirements for the arrangement of SEZs are being eased

The draft of a new regulation concerning the requirements for the establishment of free economic zones (FEZ) has been presented for public discussion by the Cabinet of Ministers. The amendments pertain to government resolution No. 332, dated June 16, 2014. According to the proposal, the list of materials permitted for use in the construction and fencing of FEZ zones will be significantly expanded. Now, in addition to traditional metal structures, concrete, and barbed wire, investors will be

17.01.2026, 13:43
In the Alai District, residents voluntarily surrendered traumatic weapons to the police
Incidents

In the Alai District, residents voluntarily surrendered traumatic weapons to the police

According to information provided by the Osh Regional Department of Internal Affairs, in the Alay District, three local residents voluntarily handed over three traumatic pistols to the police for further disposal. As noted by the Department of Internal Affairs, this decision was a result of the spread of videos on social media that documented instances of threats and violence involving firearms. In addition, the weapons of three owners of registered traumatic pistols were temporarily seized

17.01.2026, 13:41
The authorities hear their people
Politics

The authorities hear their people

The criticism directed at the leadership of Kyrgyzstan for authoritarian methods is not entirely justified. The main focus of their domestic policy is to prevent the destabilization of the situation in the country. To this end, they actively listen to the voice of the people and try to respond to their grievances.

17.01.2026, 13:40
Exclusive

The sewing industry is requesting preferential loans and certification

- On January 16, the parliamentary group "Ala-Too" held a meeting dedicated to pressing issues in the garment industry, employment, and the economic situation in the country. At the meeting, representatives of the garment industry shared the problems they face, including difficulties in interacting with the Wildberries marketplace, restricted access to the Russian market, the need to diversify export directions, as well as the lack of laboratories for product certification, which

17.01.2026, 13:36
The USA announced the establishment of the National Committee for Gaza Management. Composition
World

The USA announced the establishment of the National Committee for Gaza Management. Composition

Illustrative photo On January 16, the White House announced the establishment of the National Committee for Gaza Management (NCAG) and presented the composition of the international Council for Peace, which will work on implementing the U.S. peace initiative for the Gaza Strip. This information was posted in an official statement. Ali Shaas, who previously held high positions in the Palestinian National Authority, will head the new NCAG. His tasks will include restoring key public services,

17.01.2026, 13:26
World

The White House announced the establishment of a committee to manage Gaza as part of Trump's plan

The statement says that Ali Shaat, who previously held the position of Deputy Minister in the Palestinian government, will head the new committee. His responsibilities will include restoring essential public services, reconstructing civil institutions, and improving daily life in Gaza. Also, the White House noted that the formation of the NCAG "fully aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025)," which supports the U.S. President's initiative and welcomes the

17.01.2026, 13:14
Emomali Rahmon made personnel changes in the security forces of Tajikistan
World

Emomali Rahmon made personnel changes in the security forces of Tajikistan

On January 16, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon made a series of personnel changes in the structures of the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, the Border Troops, the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption, as well as the Main Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sentences of the Ministry of Justice. This was reported by the press service of the President of Tajikistan. Among the new appointments are the first deputy head of the State Institution

17.01.2026, 13:09
Russian air defense shot down 99 drones overnight
World

Russian air defense shot down 99 drones overnight

Illustrative photo According to information provided by the Ministry of Defense, the drones were neutralized in the following regions: 47 – in the Black Sea area; 29 – in Belgorod region; 12 – in Kursk region; 4 – in Rostov region; 4 – in Astrakhan region; 2 – in the Republic of Crimea; 1 – in the Sea of Azov area.

17.01.2026, 12:56
Politics

In Europe, it is believed that Kyiv will not agree to territorial concessions without EU membership.

According to opinions within the European Commission, Vladimir Zelensky will not be ready to consider the possibility of territorial concessions until Ukraine receives membership in the European Union. For Kyiv, this accession is a key aspect of its future after the current conflict ends, as reported by the Financial Times. A new two-tier EU system is currently being developed in Brussels, which is intended to accelerate Ukraine's integration into the bloc. However, this potential

17.01.2026, 12:45
Politics

The Cabinet of Ministers redistributed the staff of the Ministry of Health and updated the rules for wage payment

The Cabinet of Ministers has made adjustments to its decisions regarding the digitalization of the healthcare system, the staffing levels of the Ministry of Health, and the rules for remuneration for employees who are not civil servants. In accordance with the new document, the staffing units of both the central office of the Ministry of Health and its regional divisions have been changed and clarified, including the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance, the Center for Health

17.01.2026, 12:44
Politics

The Chief of the Lenin District Internal Affairs Department of Bishkek Has Changed

Ulan Berdibaev has been appointed the new head of the Internal Affairs Department of the Lenin District of Bishkek by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This information was announced by the press service of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the capital. Previously, Berdibaev held the position of head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of Bishkek and holds the rank of police colonel.

17.01.2026, 12:33
In Osh, a two-year-old child underwent emergency surgery to remove 17 swallowed magnets
Incidents

In Osh, a two-year-old child underwent emergency surgery to remove 17 swallowed magnets

A two-year-old child was urgently hospitalized in the children's clinical hospital of the Osh region after swallowing 17 magnetic elements that were part of a toy. This was reported by the medical staff of the institution. Doctors stated that for three days the child suffered from constant vomiting. Upon visiting the district hospital, an X-ray examination confirmed the presence of several foreign bodies located in the intestines in a chain formation, which led to his transfer to the

17.01.2026, 12:32
Incidents

In Kyzyl-Kiya, a driver who fatally hit a pedestrian and fled the scene of the accident was detained.

According to information provided by the Internal Affairs Department of the Batken region, the incident occurred on January 15, 2026, at around 01:20 on Kulatov Street, near the "Altyn-Ordo" restaurant. The driver of a Volkswagen Passat hit a pedestrian, after which he left the vehicle and fled the scene. Police officers, after conducting operational search activities, were able to identify the owner of the vehicle. The suspect, a resident of the Üch-Korgon rural district in the

17.01.2026, 12:17
Incidents

A truck with mandarins overturned on the bypass road

On the bypass road Bishkek—Naryn—Torugart, near the village of Milianfan in the Issyk-Ata district, an incident occurred involving the overturning of a truck that was transporting mandarins. This information was provided by eyewitnesses to a correspondent from Turmush.

17.01.2026, 12:17
Incidents

A Wanted Person Detained in Osh Region

According to information provided by the press service of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Osh region, on January 14, 2026, during operational search activities, officers of the Aravan District Internal Affairs Department detained a wanted citizen named A. Zh., born in 2004. After the detention, he was placed in a temporary detention facility. The Internal Affairs Directorate also noted that work on identifying and detaining wanted individuals continues and will be intensified.

17.01.2026, 12:15
EU aviation regulator urges to avoid flights over Iran
World

EU aviation regulator urges to avoid flights over Iran

EASA stated in its announcement that this recommendation is due to the "high risk for civil flights" operating over Iran. The agency noted that against the backdrop of current events and potential military actions by the United States, Iranian air defense forces are on heightened alert. EASA emphasized that there is a significant likelihood of misidentification of aerial targets in Iranian airspace. Furthermore, the presence of various weapons and air defense systems, along with

17.01.2026, 12:11
Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant for its repairs
World

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant for its repairs

In the coming days, Ukrainian specialists will begin work on restoring the 330 kV power transmission line that was shut down due to damage caused by military actions on January 2. Representatives of the IAEA have also departed from Vienna to monitor the repair work near the front line. Grossi emphasized that this is already the fourth local ceasefire since the conflict began.

17.01.2026, 12:04
Lithuania accused six foreigners of terrorism
World

Lithuania accused six foreigners of terrorism

The investigation has revealed that citizens of Spain, Colombia, and Cuba, as well as a person with dual citizenship of Spain and Colombia, are also involved in this case. In 2024, they attempted to set fire to the production workshop of UAB TVC Solutions in the city of Šiauliai, with the total value of the property they targeted exceeding 4 million euros. The first attempt at arson occurred on the night of September 17, 2024, when, according to the investigation, a citizen of Spain and the

17.01.2026, 12:03
In April 2026, a Regional Environmental Summit will be held in Astana with the support of the UN.
World

In April 2026, a Regional Environmental Summit will be held in Astana with the support of the UN.

The initiative was announced by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in 2023 From April 22 to 24, 2026, a Regional Ecological Summit will take place in Astana, expecting around 1,500 participants. Delegates will include representatives from government structures of the region's countries, international organizations, the business community, and civil society. According to The Astana Times, citing the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the main goal

17.01.2026, 12:03
Society

Simplified Rules for Passport Issuance and Citizen Registration

As part of the ongoing digital transformation of public services, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to several of its resolutions concerning population registration and document issuance. This is aimed at improving the accessibility and convenience of services for citizens. In particular, the changes pertain to Resolution No. 167, adopted on April 12, 2024, which regulates the process of obtaining ID cards and general civil passports. One of the significant innovations is the

17.01.2026, 12:00
Exclusive

Kyrgyzstan and the United Kingdom Discussed Prospects for Cooperation

- On January 16, 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister Meder Abakirov held a meeting with the British Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Nicholas Bowler. During the negotiations, the parties discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, paying special attention to joint projects in areas such as economy, trade and investment, mining industry, and transportation. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the British export credit agency UKEF in these initiatives.

17.01.2026, 11:59
Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Tultemirov presented credentials to the President of Ethiopia
Politics

Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Tultemirov presented credentials to the President of Ethiopia

The ceremony of presenting credentials took place in Addis Ababa, where the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Ethiopia, Adylbek Tultemirov, officially presented his credentials to the President of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Photo by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

17.01.2026, 11:58
Society

"41 Degrees of Frost": Inspectors Assisted Drivers at the Töö-Ashuu Pass Last Night

On the Bishkek—Osh highway, in the Suusamyr Valley of the Jayil District in Chui Region, traffic inspectors are assisting drivers whose vehicles cannot move due to the severe cold and damaged tires. This information was provided by the press service of the Road Safety Management (UOBDD) of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate (GUVD) of Chui Region, as reported to the Turmush correspondent.

17.01.2026, 11:57
World

Zelensky announced a trip to the USA for negotiations with the Trump administration

As reported by DW, this statement was made by Zelensky at a press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel on January 16. The President of Ukraine expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to greater clarity regarding both the documents prepared with the American side and Russia's reaction to efforts for a diplomatic resolution.

17.01.2026, 11:56
Chinese airline Spring Airlines plans direct flights Shanghai–Ulaanbaatar
World

Chinese airline Spring Airlines plans direct flights Shanghai–Ulaanbaatar

Starting in 2026, the Chinese airline Spring Airlines, one of the largest in the country and based in Shanghai, will begin operating direct flights on the Shanghai–Ulaanbaatar–Shanghai route. Spring Airlines (春秋航空) is a budget airline that operates regular passenger flights both domestically and internationally, with its hub in Shanghai (China). The main hub of the airline is Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, with a secondary hub at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

17.01.2026, 11:52
World

The European Union urged airlines to avoid flights over Iran.

According to information from the DW agency, EASA has issued a recommendation stating that airlines should avoid flights in Iranian airspace. This is due to rising tensions and potential military escalation from the United States. In its statement, EASA emphasized that the risk of misidentification in the region has significantly increased, as Iranian air defense forces are on heightened alert.

17.01.2026, 11:51
Economy

Illegal Fishing Gear Seized at Issyk-Kul

- As part of a raid conducted on January 16, 2026, by employees of the Issyk-Kul Regional Department of the Environmental and Technical Supervision Service under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, illegal fishing gear was seized at Lake Issyk-Kul. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture. During the inspection, an old Chinese synthetic net measuring 400 meters was found, which was used in violation of the legislation. This net

17.01.2026, 11:34
The Kremlin commented on proposals to resume negotiations between Europe and the Russian Federation.
Politics

The Kremlin commented on proposals to resume negotiations between Europe and the Russian Federation.

Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov characterized the signals from France, Germany, and Italy regarding their readiness to begin direct dialogue with Moscow as a significant step forward. He noted that the statements of several European leaders about the necessity of communication with Russia to ensure stability in the region represent a positive change in European policy. Peskov also added that this is an important evolution of Europe's current position. Photo from

17.01.2026, 11:31
Society

The Cabinet approved the organizing committee for the preparation of the 100th anniversary of Chinghiz Aitmatov

The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to create an organizational committee to prepare events dedicated to the centenary of Chinghiz Aitmatov's birth. According to the official document, all anniversary events will be held at the state level. The committee is required to develop and approve a plan for the main events by March 31, 2026, in order to honor the contribution of the outstanding writer, philosopher, humanist, and statesman Chinghiz Aitmatov, who is a people's writer and Hero

17.01.2026, 11:30
Ecology

Snow is expected overnight in most of the country — weather forecast for January 18

Weather conditions in Kyrgyzstan on January 18. During the night, snowfall is expected across most of the country. During the day, snow is also possible in some areas of Chui, Jalal-Abad, Issyk-Kul, and Naryn regions, while no precipitation is forecasted for Talas, Osh, and Batken regions. Due to the snowfall, snow drifts and ice patches will form on the roads. The wind will blow from the west at a speed of 4-9 m/s, while in the western part of Issyk-Kul Lake, its speed will reach 15-20 m/s,

17.01.2026, 11:24
Incidents

A Day in the Life of the Investigative and Operational Group of GOM-8

Every day, the investigative and operational group of the GOM-8 of the Internal Affairs Department of the Pervomaisky District responds to incidents, documenting circumstances and gathering evidence. On January 16, the editorial team of "AKIpress Summary" spent the day with law enforcement officers to see how their work unfolds from the inside. The day began with a briefing conducted by the head of GOM-8, Alisher Abylov.

17.01.2026, 11:23
The authorities of Kyrgyzstan propose to introduce strict restrictions on weddings and memorial services.
Exclusive

The authorities of Kyrgyzstan propose to introduce strict restrictions on weddings and memorial services.

In the new draft resolution presented for public discussion, attention is drawn to the need for organizing family celebrations and memorial events, which will help reduce financial costs and preserve moral values in society. It is also important to create a unified mechanism for the rational conduct of national traditions in modern conditions, reports the government. According to the government statement, the purpose of this document is not to restrict traditions but to organize them, as many

17.01.2026, 11:18
In Brazil, a bodybuilder with the largest biceps in the world has died
World / Exclusive

In Brazil, a bodybuilder with the largest biceps in the world has died

Arlindo de Souza, known by the name "Popeye," passed away on January 13 after being hospitalized on Catholic Christmas due to kidney failure. According to his niece, his health deteriorated: "His lungs began to fill with fluid. He didn't make it to dialysis because his heart stopped. Although the death certificate has not yet been issued, it is likely that the cause was multiple organ failure," she said.

17.01.2026, 11:04
The USA imposed sanctions against the leadership of Iran's security forces
Politics

The USA imposed sanctions against the leadership of Iran's security forces

Washington has updated its sanctions list, adding the name of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, along with a number of high-profile officials. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced these measures in response to the brutal suppression of mass protests that began in Iran in late December 2025.

17.01.2026, 11:04
Ecology

Storm Warning: Avalanches and Ice Slicks Expected in the Mountainous Regions of Kyrgyzstan on January 17-18

According to information from Kyrgyzhydromet, a sharp deterioration in weather conditions is predicted in Kyrgyzstan on January 17: snow is expected, with intense precipitation in some areas. Wet snow will accumulate on wires and trees. In some regions, fog may occur. Snow drifts and icy conditions will form on the roads, and snow drifts are expected in mountainous areas. The strengthening of the western wind may reach 15-20 m/s.

17.01.2026, 11:02
Society

Architects have developed a design for the improvement of the roadway in the city of Kara-Balta. Sketches

Architects from the Jayil District Administration, which operates under the Department of Urban Development and Architecture of the Ministry of Construction, have developed a new project for the improvement of the roadway in the northern part of Kara-Balta. According to information provided by the Ministry of Construction, the plan covers a section of Kozhomberdieva Street, located between Jayil Baatyr and Krylov Streets. As part of the implementation of this project, the creation of public

17.01.2026, 10:58
Trump Suspends Democracy in Venezuela
Exclusive

Trump Suspends Democracy in Venezuela

When Nicolás Maduro was detained in the U.S. on January 3, opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado stated on television: “The hour of freedom has come.” However, joy soon turned to anxiety when Trump announced that his administration would “govern the country” until a safe and sensible transition of power could occur. This caused fear and confusion both in Venezuela and among expatriates, and Machado's meeting with Trump on Thursday did not bring about

17.01.2026, 10:55