World

Expenses for the celebration of the Mongolian New Year continue to rise

Tsagaan Sar, one of the most significant holidays in Mongolia, will be celebrated next Wednesday, February 18. Have you completed your preparations for this event? What are your forecasts for the prices of goods? Experts from MiddleAsianNews have assessed the cost of a number of products for this important holiday. 👆Expenses continue to rise Tsagaan Sar is considered the most expensive holiday for the residents of Mongolia. Ten years ago, the average costs for celebrating it for one family

16.02.2026, 04:54

World

Amartuvshin Enkhbat was awarded the Order of the Star of Italy of the officer class by the decree of the President of Italy.

Amartuvshin Enkhbat This news was announced at an official event held at the Genghis Khan Museum on February 12, by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Italy to Mongolia, Her Excellency Giovanna Piccareta. MiddleAsianNews reports on this event. From 2009 to 2016, Amartuvshin Enkhbat performed as a singer at the Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet in Ulaanbaatar, and he is now continuing his career in Italy. Amartuvshin is known as one of the best baritones in the world, who

16.02.2026, 04:52

World

Mongolia welcomed over 60,000 foreign tourists in the first 2 months

According to the Mongolian Tourism Organization, around 60,638 foreign tourists visited the country in the first two months of 2026, which is a 33% increase compared to the same period last year. According to the report, the main sources of tourists for Mongolia during this period were citizens of China, Russia, and South Korea. Mongolia aims to develop year-round tourism to diversify its economy, which significantly relies on the mining sector.

16.02.2026, 03:43

Incidents

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16.02.2026, 02:46

Economy

Infographic: Kyrgyzstan Leads the EAEU in Prices for Carrots, Beets, Potatoes, and Apples

According to information provided by the Eurasian Economic Commission, Kyrgyzstan stands out among the EAEU countries for its high price levels on the following products: Carrots: $570 per ton — 10% more expensive than in Armenia and three times more expensive than in Kazakhstan. Beets: $497 per ton — 2.3 times more expensive than in Russia. Potatoes: $373 per ton — 2.5 times more expensive than in Belarus. Onions: $329 per ton — ranks third, close to the average level. Special attention should

16.02.2026, 02:46

Sports

Kazakhstan won gold in men's figure skating at the 2026 Olympics

At the 2026 Olympic Games, Mikhail Shaidurov from Kazakhstan surprised everyone by winning gold in men's singles figure skating. His competition started off not too well, as he placed fifth after the short program, but in the free skate, he delivered an outstanding performance, significantly complicating the elements of his routine.

16.02.2026, 00:31

Sports

"Newcastle United" knocked "Aston Villa" out of the FA Cup

In a match held in Birmingham, "Newcastle United" achieved a comeback victory over "Aston Villa," advancing to the fifth round of the FA Cup. This encounter was memorable for the audience not only for its dynamic play but also for a number of controversial decisions made by the referees.

16.02.2026, 00:03

Sports

Shevchenko demands to maintain Russia's ban in football

During a meeting with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, held at the UEFA congress in Brussels, Shevchenko expressed the opinion that the ongoing war makes Russia's return to world football extremely undesirable. He emphasized that Ukraine maintains its position, established back in 2022.

15.02.2026, 23:45

Society

In Talas, the President's Representative Named Major Projects for 2026

Representatives of the presidential envoy in the Talas region held meetings with residents of the districts and rural communities of the region, discussing important issues and projects. At the meeting, which took place on February 13 in the Talas district, a report on the work completed in 2025 was presented, as well as plans for the coming years.

15.02.2026, 23:33

Society

Kyrgyzstan Athletes to Compete for Medals at Prestigious Tournament in Sweden

From February 13 to 15, Sweden will host the international women's wrestling tournament Klippen Lady Open, featuring three representatives from Kyrgyzstan. The competition will gather the strongest young athletes from around the world.

15.02.2026, 23:32

World

Barack Obama stated the existence of aliens

In an interview with American blogger Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama shared his thoughts on life on other planets. He stated: "Aliens exist, but I have never seen them. And, by the way, there are no secret bases, as they say in 'Area 51.' If there is some global conspiracy, it is hidden even from the President of the United States." Obama served as president from 2009 to 2017 and represented the Democratic Party.

15.02.2026, 23:03

Incidents

Near "Teplie Klyuchi," a car fell into a ravine

In the Alamidin district of the Chui region, near the recreation area "Warm Springs," a passenger car fell into the river. According to preliminary data, the driver lost control, which led to the car falling into the ravine.

15.02.2026, 22:35

World

In Japan, a baby macaque became an internet star after a story involving a stuffed toy

According to information published by foreign sources, Panch was born in the summer of 2025, but shortly after his birth, his mother abandoned him. Zoo workers took on the responsibility of raising the baby and continue to care for his health. To help Panch cope with the lack of maternal care, the caregivers provided him with soft toys and blankets. As a result, the infant has become very attached to a plush orangutan, which he does not leave even while sleeping and always carries with him

15.02.2026, 22:34

Society

Weather forecast in Kyrgyzstan for February 16: it will be warm during the day

In Kyrgyzstan, no precipitation is expected. In the capital, Bishkek, the temperature will be +2 at night and will rise to +20 degrees during the day.

15.02.2026, 22:09

World

Reuters: The U.S. Prepares for Possible Military Operation Against Iran

Preparations for a possible military operation against Iran, which could last several weeks, are actively underway in the U.S. as they await a decision from President Donald Trump. Reuters reports that this is related to a potential escalation of the situation, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. On February 17, negotiations are scheduled to take place in Geneva between representatives of the U.S. and Iran. The American delegation will be led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner,

15.02.2026, 21:58

Sports

In Bishkek, the best in auto and motorcycle sports of Kyrgyzstan have been determined

A ceremonial event took place in Bishkek, where the best athletes in the field of auto and motorsport were awarded based on the results of 2025. Before the ceremony began, representatives of the Federation of Auto and Motorcycle Sports and Road Safety of Kyrgyzstan conducted a brief presentation, explaining how the journey of young athletes in this sport begins.

15.02.2026, 21:56

Society

Prices cannot be lowered? In China, there are demands for rational competition from AI companies

The Chinese government has reached out to technology and trading platforms with a recommendation to refrain from aggressive price wars and excessive subsidies. This is reported by foreign sources. Major players such as Alibaba, the owner of AliExpress and developer of the AI model Qwen, as well as Baidu and companies engaged in instant commerce like Taobao Flash Sale, are in the spotlight.

15.02.2026, 21:42

Society

Complex with thermal springs in the Jeti-Oguz region has started welcoming visitors

In the Jeti-Oguz district, hot springs have opened in the Juuqu gorge. This was reported by Zholdoshbek Kozhobekov, the manager of the facility. The springs are located in a picturesque setting of red cliffs, about 25 kilometers from the administrative center of the district, the village of Kyzyl-Suu, as noted by Kozhobekov.

15.02.2026, 21:22

Politics

Kyrgyz Thaw

Nikita Khrushchev once remarked: "By deciding to embrace the 'thaw' and consciously moving towards it, the leadership of the country, including myself, was simultaneously apprehensive: what if it leads to a flood that would overwhelm us and make it difficult for us?" The events of those years, when Khrushchev's thaw swept across the Soviet Union from the death of Stalin to the arrival of Brezhnev (1954-64), remain an important chapter in history. What will the

15.02.2026, 21:08

Ecology

Good. The air quality in Bishkek at 5:00 PM is 33 AQI (Bishkek smog map)

According to IQAir, at 5:00 PM on February 15, 2026, the air quality level in Bishkek is 33 AQI. This index is classified as good.

15.02.2026, 20:45

Exclusive

The share of electric power in mutual investments between Asian and Eurasian countries has increased tenfold over the past 10 years.

- According to information from the report of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), the electricity sector stands out among other sectors, demonstrating a noticeable positive trend in the structure of mutual investments in the countries of Eurasia and Asia (2026). Over the past ten years, the share of this sector has increased almost tenfold. A significant jump occurred in 2019 when its share reached 12% of the total volume of foreign direct investment (FDI), up from 2.6% in 2016. It is

15.02.2026, 20:44

Education

In the Ak-Talinsky District, the winners of the district olympiad have been determined

In the Naryn region, in the Ak-Tal district, the second stage of the republican subject olympiad has concluded. 25 students who took prize-winning places received the opportunity to participate in the regional olympiad. The head of the methodological office of the district education department, Chinara Satyndieva, reported that 338 students from 18 schools participated in this stage of the olympiad. Awards were presented not only to the distinguished students but also to their teachers. 25

15.02.2026, 20:43

Society

The premiere of the play "Come and Visit Osh" took place in Osh.

The premiere of the play "Бир келип кетчи Ош жакка" ("Come at least once to Osh") took place on February 14 at the Osh National Drama Theater named after Sultan Ibraimov. This event generated significant interest as it marked an important milestone in discussing themes of fate, memory, and love for the native city, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic. Photo by the Ministry of Culture of the KR. The unveiling of the bust of

15.02.2026, 20:35

Incidents

In Bishkek, on Valentine's Day, twice as many drunk drivers were detained

On February 14, in Bishkek, patrol service employees recorded a sharp increase in the number of drivers under the influence of alcohol. This was reported by the patrol service of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the capital. According to law enforcement, on regular days, they detain from 25 to 30 drivers in an intoxicated state; however, during the 24 hours of Valentine's Day celebrations, this number doubled.

15.02.2026, 20:34

Incidents

Cockfighting with Bets: Mass Arrests in Osh

In the city of Osh, more than 300 participants of cockfights were detained as part of an operational event called "Bandit." This was reported by the Internal Affairs Department of the Osh region. According to law enforcement agencies, a 38-year-old man organized gambling right in the yard of his house, where he invited many people. Participants placed bets on the outcomes of the fights.

15.02.2026, 20:33

World

Mass Protests Against Labor Reform Took Place in Argentina

In the city of Buenos Aires this week, large-scale protest actions took place against the labor law reform initiated by Argentina's President Javier Milei. During the protests, which were held outside the Congress building, clashes occurred with law enforcement representatives. According to Reuters, the Argentine Senate, after more than 13 hours of discussions, passed a key package of changes to labor legislation (42 votes in favor, 30 against). The reform includes the liberalization of

15.02.2026, 20:27

Exclusive

Model Law "On Creative Industries" of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS is submitted for consideration to the member states.

- A meeting took place in the capital of Russia, attended by Inna Svyatenko, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS, and Svetlana Chupsheva, General Director of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. The main topic of discussion was the creative economy within the Commonwealth, including areas such as: cinema, design, light industry, folk arts and crafts, education, tourism, and

15.02.2026, 20:15

Society

Sunny, up to +22 °C. Weather forecast for Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan

Weather in Bishkek February 16, MondayAt night, the temperature will be +2…+4 °C with variable cloudiness. During the day, +15…+17 °C is expected, sunny with slight cloudiness.

15.02.2026, 19:53

Politics

In the European Parliament, they recalled the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov while discussing Kyrgyzstan

At the meeting preceding the delegation's visit to Kyrgyzstan, Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Member of the European Parliament and a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, discussed important issues related to human rights and the country's fulfillment of international obligations. He reminded those present that Kyrgyzstan voluntarily applied to participate in the GSP+ program and is in the process of signing an enhanced partnership agreement with the European Union (EPCA). This

15.02.2026, 19:46

Exclusive

"Chakan HPP": The Main Problem in Installing Charging Stations is Obtaining Land Plots

- The acquisition of land plots remains the main obstacle to the development of the electric charging station network. This information was presented by Kanat Askeev, Deputy General Director of JSC "Chakan HPP," on the radio. According to Askeev, the process of installing a charging station takes a relatively short time.

15.02.2026, 19:40

Health

Why is children's immunity decreasing and how can it be strengthened? Tips from a pediatrician from At-Bashy

Pediatrician Shaiyrbubu Mambetkadyrova, who works at the At-Bashinsky District Hospital, shared key aspects regarding the causes of decreased immunity in children, as well as recommendations for strengthening it through natural methods. According to her, a healthy and varied diet, as well as adherence to a daily routine, contribute to the formation of a strong immune system in children. However, in some cases, the body may weaken, leading to frequent illnesses. It is important for parents to

15.02.2026, 19:26

Economy

Freedom Bank has abandoned plans to open a subsidiary bank in Kyrgyzstan

The decision to create a subsidiary bank in Kyrgyzstan has been canceled, as reported by representatives of Freedom Bank Kazakhstan. The reason for this step was a reassessment of the company's international strategy, as stated in a message from the bank's press service, according to Forbes Kazakhstan. The company noted that at this time, plans to open a bank in Kyrgyzstan are not relevant; however, they continue to analyze the market situation for long-term regional development.

15.02.2026, 19:22

Society

The "Sogum" Festival Took Place in the Kochkor District

In the Kochkor district, an international press tour called "Winter Wonder" (Кыш керемети) took place, dedicated to promoting winter tourism. The event was attended by tourism companies, journalists, and bloggers from various countries. According to the Kochkor District State Administration, about 60 people participated in the press tour, including media representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, as well as ethnic Kyrgyz from China and guests from other countries.

15.02.2026, 19:21

Society

Bishkek's Weekly Agenda: Film Screenings, Exhibitions, and Performances

February 16. Basta Concert (Russia) We invite you to the performance of an artist who has been shaping the Russian-speaking hip-hop scene for 25 years. Hits such as "Samsara," "Graduation," "Mama," and "It's Worth More Than Money" will definitely be in his program. Nomad Arena, starts at 20:00.

15.02.2026, 19:17

World

In Munich, a rally against the Iranian authorities took place. About 200,000 people participated.

The demonstration took place on February 14 at the Theresienwiese, where participants, despite the rainy weather, came with posters and images of Reza Pahlavi, the Iranian opposition leader and son of the overthrown shah. When Pahlavi appeared at the rally, some of the protesters began to chant: "Long live the shah!" The event was organized by the opposition group The Munich Circle, which called for a peaceful and democratic transition of power in Iran and demanded accountability from

15.02.2026, 19:11

World

The creator of the Sega Mega Drive console, Hideki Sato, has passed away.

According to information from the publication Kotaku, Hideki Sato, who was the chief architect of Sega consoles, passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 78. He was the lead developer of iconic gaming consoles such as the Mega Drive, Sega Saturn, and Dreamcast, which became emblematic for the company in the 20th century.

15.02.2026, 19:11

Society

In Russia, more than 35 percent of migrants did not pass the Russian language test on their first attempt

According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, in the fourth quarter of 2025, over 35% of migrants were unable to pass the Russian language exam on their first attempt. Monitoring data shows that from October to December, 201,675 people took the exams in Russian as a foreign language, the history of Russia, and the basics of legislation. Of these, 87.9% successfully passed the exam, while 35.5% did not pass on their

15.02.2026, 19:10

Incidents

Uzbek Special Services Intercepted a Large Shipment of Drugs at the Border with Kyrgyzstan

Uzbekistan has halted the activities of an international criminal group involved in drug trafficking from Kyrgyzstan. This was reported by Podrobno.uz, citing local law enforcement data. The operation was carried out by the Operational Search Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the State Security Service and the Customs Committee. The investigation revealed that the smuggling network operated in the Buston district of the Andijan region.

15.02.2026, 19:09

Economy

Rosselkhoznadzor monitored the export of timber to several countries, including Kyrgyzstan.

- From January 1 to January 31, more than 19.2 thousand cubic meters of timber were exported from the Tomsk region, the majority of which was sent abroad. Inspectors of the agency issued 355 phytosanitary certificates for the shipment of wood outside the country. In the first month of 2026, the largest share of Tomsk timber products was sent to Uzbekistan — 55%. The list of importing countries also included China (19%), Kyrgyzstan (9%), Kazakhstan (7%), Tajikistan (6%), while 4% of the products

15.02.2026, 19:06

Exclusive

"Chakan HPP" announced the charging tariff for electric vehicles: 13.5 soms

- Kanat Askeev, Deputy General Director of OJSC "Chakan HPP," shared information on the current tariff for electric vehicle charging during a radio broadcast. “The charging tariff is set at 13.5 soms. You can find information about electricity prices at various charging stations in the apps — this is open information,” he noted.

15.02.2026, 19:04

Society

"Importing Virgins" for Birth Rates: A Scandal Erupts in South Korea

Photo from the internet. Scandal in South Korea over “importing virgins” to boost birth rates A serious political scandal has erupted in South Korea following remarks by Kim Hi Soo, the head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province. He proposed a solution to the demographic crisis involving the “importation of virgins” from Vietnam and Sri Lanka. At a public meeting addressing the issues of declining population in rural areas, the official stated that an influx of young unmarried women from

15.02.2026, 19:01

Exclusive

"Chakan HPP" plans to install 120 kW charging stations in 2026

- OJSC "Chakan HPP" intends to expand its capabilities in 2026 by installing high-power charging stations. As Aalayidar Slem uulu, head of the project implementation department, stated on the radio, this will be a new step for the company. According to him, in 2025 the organization already installed 10 charging stations, each with a capacity of 80 kW. These stations are classified as fast-charging devices.

15.02.2026, 18:53

Economy

The Ministry of Finance forecasts that in 2026, the republican budget will receive 67 billion soms in the form of dividends and profits.

- The Ministry of Finance forecasts that in 2026, the republican budget will be replenished by 67.0 billion soms from dividends and profits. This information was published in the ministry's report, which highlights the main financial indicators of the approved budget for the year. These revenues are expected to account for more than half (55.5%) of the total non-tax revenues of the budget.

15.02.2026, 18:52

Society

The art school from At-Bashy received invitations to festivals in Italy and Azerbaijan

The Sheralieva Children's Art School in the At-Bashinsky District has achieved significant success on the international stage in recent years. Aida Aitmambetova, a choreography teacher at this school, shared with a Turmush correspondent the achievements of her students and plans for preparation for upcoming international competitions.

15.02.2026, 18:36

World

Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko detained while attempting to leave the country

Herman Halushchenko According to information provided by "Ukrainska Pravda," Halushchenko was removed from a train. According to the source, border guards acted at the request of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), which were seeking information about his intentions to leave the country. NABU representatives confirmed the fact of Halushchenko's detention. "Today, during an attempt to cross

15.02.2026, 18:32

World

The USA intercepted another tanker in the Indian Ocean

In its statement, the agency also showed a video of the detention, emphasizing that the operation was carried out without any incidents. The ministry noted that the vessel was attempting to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, hoping to avoid detention. It was tracked from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, after which it was stopped.

15.02.2026, 18:24

Society

One of the creators of Sega game consoles, Hideki Sato, has passed away.

Photo from the internet. Hideki Sato Hideki Sato, one of the leading developers of Sega game consoles, passed away in Japan at the age of 77. Information about his death appeared in the publication Kotaku, but the cause of this tragic event has not been specified. Sato began his career at Sega in 1971 and spent more than five decades with the company. His contribution to the development of the brand's hardware was significant, including participation in the creation of home gaming systems.

15.02.2026, 18:17

Economy

In At-Bashy, they will start processing leather and wool — a factory is being built there for 150 million soms

In the At-Bashinsky ayil okmotu, located in the At-Bashinsky district, a meeting was held between local authorities and residents. During the discussion, one of the local residents, Temirbek Abdildaev, addressed the new akim with a request to pay attention to the development of sports and to organize the processing of wool and leather. Temirbek Abdildaev emphasized: “Dear leaders and akim, we are glad to see you. In our district, the issue of processing wool and leather, as well as preparing

15.02.2026, 18:16