China's Population Decline: 3.4 Million Fewer People in 2025 China's population decreased by 3.39 million in 2025, reaching 1.404 billion, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The figures pertain only to mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Throughout the year, 7.92 million births were recorded, while deaths numbered 11.31 million, resulting in a birth rate of 5.63 per thousand people and a mortality rate of 8.04. This marks the lowest birth rate on record, according to CNN. The decline in China's population has persisted for the fourth consecutive year, with government efforts to increase fertility rates post the "one-child policy" yielding minimal results. This demographic shift poses economic challenges, impacting the workforce and consumer spending negatively. Despite this, China's economy showed resilience in 2025, with a 5% GDP growth amid external pressures like trade tensions with the US.

Uzbekistan Reports Seizure of 3.6 Tons of Drugs in 2025 The Chairman of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, Bahodir Kurbanov, addressed current national and regional security threats at a Security Council meeting. He highlighted the confiscation of 3.6 tons of drugs and over 1 million doses of psychotropic substances in 2025, indicating a significant increase compared to the previous year. The focus of the report was on combating the illegal drug trade, with notable achievements in law enforcement. The number of drug-related detentions rose from 2600 to 4500 individuals, and the dismantling of underground drug laboratories increased from 8 to 15. Kurbanov expressed particular concern about the proliferation of synthetic drugs among youth, revealing the seizure of over 180 kg of synthetic substances and more than 1 million doses of psychotropic drugs in 2025.

Kazakhstan introduces unified waste control and processing system The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan has revealed the draft of the Waste Management Concept and reviewed the accomplishments of 2025. To improve waste management, the ministry plans a comprehensive inventory, updated state cadastre, and mandatory digital registration of waste generators using AI technology. The proposed system includes constructing modern landfills financed by recycling fees, adjusting tariffs, offering tax incentives, and strengthening the extended producer responsibility mechanism. Efforts to reduce unauthorized dumpsites have led to a significant drop in numbers, from 8.8 thousand in 2020 to 3.8 thousand in 2025, with a disposal rate of 94%. Control measures involve satellite monitoring and GPS tracking on garbage trucks.

Prices of Socially Significant Goods Stabilized in Kazakhstan The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported that prices of socially significant food products in the country have remained steady compared to the previous year. The list of socially significant goods was expanded from 19 to 31 items on January 4, which now includes items like cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, tea, sour cream, fish, and various meats. In the first week of 2026, the price index for these products increased by 0.2 percent, reflecting a stabilization in consumer market prices, aligning with the same period in 2025. Additionally, prices have seen a slight decrease for certain items such as apples, cucumbers, hard cheese, and tea. The government continues to enforce a maximum trade markup of 15 percent on socially important goods to ensure price control.

Bill Aims to Regulate Special Titles for Government Employees The bill aims to regulate the use of special titles and insignia previously worn by civil servants in government agencies. It specifically targets the exclusion of assigning such titles to State Tax Service and State Customs Service employees not involved in law enforcement activities. The document highlights the misuse of military-style shoulder boards with five-pointed stars by civilian officials under the current legislation. Despite the proposed changes, the bill maintains ranks for the tax service, administrative customs branch, and introduces special ranks for prosecutors. This initiative addresses the need to differentiate roles within these government bodies accurately. For more details, please refer to the information available on the website provided.

Education Minister Visits Emergency Schools in Kyrgyz Republic The Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, conducted a visit to emergency schools in the Manas district of the Talas region. Starting at Bala-Saruus middle school, built in 1957, with an overcapacity of 397 students, she directed officials to propose a new educational building due to the overcrowding issue. Kendirbaeva continued her inspection at Kara-Archin middle school, which comprises three buildings and is situated 20 km from the district center. Additionally, she visited schools in Semetey and Kenesh villages, highlighting the urgent need for major repairs at the deteriorating Manas middle school, established in 1964. The Minister engaged with teachers, assessed the use of modern textbooks, and observed the integration of "Altyn-Kazyk" laptops and digital educational tools during her visit.

USA Suspends Issuing Immigration Visas for Several Countries Deputy State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott announced the temporary suspension of immigration visa issuance to citizens of various countries by the USA. The measure aims to prevent the entry of foreigners potentially seeking social benefits. The affected countries include Russia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Thailand, Yemen, Nigeria, among others. Notably, the restriction does not apply to non-immigrant visas. Pigott highlighted that the visa issuance halt is a proactive step to review immigration procedures. This reassessment is crucial in preventing the entry of foreign individuals who may intend to access social benefits and privileges.

Kyrgyz Specialist Officiates U-23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia Kyrgyz specialist Ildar Garifulin was selected as a commissioner for the U-23 Asian Cup games in Saudi Arabia. He oversaw matches in groups "C" and "D" at the Al-Shabab Stadium in Riyadh. Group "C" comprised Uzbekistan, South Korea, Iran, and Lebanon, while Group "D" featured Iraq, Australia, Thailand, and China. The U-23 Asian Cup started on January 6 and finished its group stage on January 14, with upcoming quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final scheduled for January 24. Garifulin's involvement highlights his professionalism and Kyrgyz specialists' growing recognition in Asian football circles.

Deputy Minister Announces Shift to Digital Certificates During a Jogorku Kenesh session, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Choro Seyitov revealed the transition of certain certificate processes to electronic formats as part of digitalization. Despite this advancement, many citizens are still clinging to traditional methods. In response to Deputy Elvira Surabaldiyeva's inquiry, Seyitov explained that two years ago, residential office administrators were barred from issuing residence certificates. These certificates are now accessible through the State Registration Service or the 'Tunduk' mobile application. Seyitov urged the public to adapt to the digital era, emphasizing that all certificates have been digitized. He advised citizens to use the online platforms, stating, "Get it through 'Tunduk', don't request it from me," when faced with requests for paper-based certificates from certain institutions like schools and kindergartens.

Snow leopard successfully reintroduced into natural habitat A snow leopard, formerly captured in Boroldoi village, has been reintroduced into its natural habitat in the Chon-Kemin State Natural Park. Managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, the release aimed to return the 3-4-year-old male, weighing 42.7 kg and measuring approximately two meters in length, back to the wild. Prior to the release, the animal underwent comprehensive veterinary and biological examinations overseen by specialists. Housed at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center operated by the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU) branch in the Chui region during this period, the predator was carefully monitored to confirm its good health before being released. Experts highlight that these meticulous procedures helped reduce stress for the snow leopard, ensuring a safe and successful return to its natural environment.