Global South

Air Pollution in Bishkek Exceeds Safe Levels

Air Pollution in Bishkek Exceeds Safe Levels Kyrgyzhydromet reported that air pollution levels in Bishkek have exceeded the norm over the past week. According to the Environmental Pollution Monitoring Department, the average daily concentration of key pollutants in the city's air surpassed permissible levels by up to 2.33 times from October 10 to 16, 2025. These heightened levels present a significant potential threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Additionally, the Ministry of Ecology of the Kyrgyz Republic conducted an expanded meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Improving Air Quality on October 15, chaired by Minister M. Mashiyev. During the meeting, the mayor outlined current initiatives aimed at improving green spaces and enhancing the overall ecological situation in Bishkek.


Kazakhstan's Participation in Eurasian Patent Organization's Council Meeting in Ashgabat

Kazakhstan's Participation in Eurasian Patent Organization's Council Meeting in Ashgabat The Republic of Kazakhstan's delegation attended the forty-seventh meeting of the Administrative Council of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) on October 14–15 in Ashgabat. Member states reviewed and approved the organization's 2024 annual report, the 2026 budget draft, and endorsed amendments related to fee payments and legal actions concerning patent applications and inventions. Agenda items focused on EAPO's accession to international agreements, amendments to regulations, and support for applicants from member states. Kazakhstan highlighted the need to enhance cooperation between national patent offices and EAPO, improve patent procedures, and expand regional participation in international agreements, with a particular emphasis on information technology collaboration.


Hegset's threats dismissed as futile by State Duma deputy

Hegset's threats dismissed as futile by State Duma deputy The head of the Pentagon, Pat Hegset, issued a warning in Brussels, stating that the USA and its allies are ready to apply further pressure on Russia if the situation in Ukraine remains unresolved. State Duma deputy Dmitry Belik, representing Sevastopol, criticized these threats as ineffective and questioned the true intentions behind Washington's stance. Belik emphasized that the Pentagon chief's statements reveal a lack of understanding of the Ukrainian conflict. Belik firmly stated that Russia will not be swayed by such warnings and will continue its military operations as planned, refusing to alter its objectives despite external pressures.


Importance of World Economic Forum for Global Economy

Importance of World Economic Forum for Global Economy Economist-financier Kuban Choroev explains the significance of the World Economic Forum as a crucial "entry point" into the global economy. He highlights the potential consequences if Davos were to lose its influence, stressing the importance of exploring alternative platforms for Kyrgyzstan to maintain connections with global investment and technology networks. For the full interview with Kuban Choroev, visit the Caravan-Info website.


USA on the Brink: Senate Fails Again to Prevent Shutdown

USA on the Brink: Senate Fails Again to Prevent Shutdown The American Senate has once again rejected a bill to continue funding the government, making a shutdown unavoidable. The Republican initiative fell short of the required 60 votes, marking the ninth unsuccessful attempt to reopen federal operations. Republican leader John Tewn stated they are five Democratic votes short of ending the government shutdown. "We are still negotiating, but without Democratic support, the bill won't pass," he noted. If the shutdown continues, key government services like security agencies, healthcare, and social welfare will suffer from a lack of funding. Experts warn of possible delays in federal workers' salaries, halting of loans issuance, and slowing down of government programs. This situation echoes the 2018–2019 USA shutdown when hundreds of thousands of federal employees were affected, leading to significant slowdowns in many governmental structures.


Foreign National Behaving Inappropriately on Public Transport in Bishkek

Foreign National Behaving Inappropriately on Public Transport in Bishkek An incident involving a foreign national behaving inappropriately towards a woman on public transport has been reported in Bishkek. The City Police Department confirmed that a video of the incident circulated on social media, leading to the identification and apprehension of the man, identified as V.I., born in 1988, who was taken to the investigative department of Sverdlovsk district. An administrative protocol under Article 126 ("Petty Hooliganism") of the Kyrgyz Republic's Code of Administrative Offenses has been filed against the perpetrator. The case has been forwarded to court for review, and the foreign national will face deportation for breaching residency regulations in Kyrgyzstan. The Bishkek City Police Department emphasizes the importance for all foreign citizens to comply with laws, uphold the country's culture and traditions, and warns of legal consequences for any violations.


Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs Drone Team Wins 3rd Place in International Competition

Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs Drone Team Wins 3rd Place in International Competition The SBNON team from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic participated in an international drone pilot competition organized by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow from October 6 to 10. The event featured 10 teams from various countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Abkhazia, and units from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Securing the 3rd place in the "Piloting and target search using drones" category, the Kyrgyz team also received special awards for "Guardians of the Sky" and "Will to Win." The SBNON team is known for actively integrating drone technologies into their operational procedures, utilizing drones for tasks such as covert surveillance, locating criminals, inspecting incident sites, ensuring security at mass events, and more.


Village Farmer Boosts Income Through Intensive Strawberry Farming

Village Farmer Boosts Income Through Intensive Strawberry Farming A farmer from Zhan-Zher village in Batken region has significantly increased their income by leasing land from the state fund and implementing intensive methods to grow strawberries. Participating in the "3+2" program, the farmer received expert analysis of soil conditions and fertilization recommendations, resulting in a doubling of income from 17 million soms to 34 million soms. The farmer also exported over 100 tons of strawberries last year, a number that increased to over 200 tons in 2025, with exports to Russia and Kazakhstan. The success story has not only benefited the individual farmer but has also influenced neighboring farmers to adopt similar soil analysis and fertilization techniques, leading to improved yields. This farming model is now seen as a crucial example for advancing agricultural practices in the region and enhancing the country's export capabilities.


Food Fair "Altynkuz" Celebrates Day of Agricultural Workers

Food Fair "Altynkuz" Celebrates Day of Agricultural Workers From October 17th to 19th, 2025, the "Altynkuz" food fair will take place at Turdakun Usubaliev Square in Bishkek, honoring the Day of Agricultural Workers of the Kyrgyz Republic. At the fair, attendees can buy natural, high-quality products directly from local farmers across the country, eliminating middlemen. Processing enterprises from various regions, including Osh, Naryn, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Talas, Batken, and Chui, will also exhibit their goods. This event offers city residents a chance to discover and support the finest locally made products.


Kyrgyzstan's GDP Reaches 1 Trillion 240 Billion Soms in Nine Months

Kyrgyzstan's GDP Reaches 1 Trillion 240 Billion Soms in Nine Months Kyrgyzstan's GDP for January-September this year, as per initial estimates, reached 1 trillion 240 billion soms. Deputy Chairperson of the National Statistical Committee Nazira Kerimalieva revealed this during a press conference. She noted that the 10% GDP growth compared to the previous year is mainly due to advancements in manufacturing and the service sector. Industrial production contributes 17%, agriculture 9%, and construction 8% to this growth. Kerimalieva emphasized that industrial production surpassed 511 billion soms in the first 9 months of the year, showing a 10.2% rise from the previous year. The surge in industrial output is linked to increased production in pharmaceuticals, food items, rubber, plastics, construction materials, paper and wool goods, and clothing. However, there has been a decline in metal production volumes.