Who Really Takes Childcare Leave in Kazakhstan? Law and Practice
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s social protection system formally promotes equal parental responsibility, including access to childcare leave and state benefits for both mothers and fathers. Despite laws allowing both parents to take childcare leave, women made up more than 99.8% of benefit recipients in 2024 and 2025, while men represented fewer than 0.2%, according to…
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ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s social protection system formally promotes equal parental responsibility, including access to childcare leave and state benefits for both mothers and fathers. Despite laws allowing both parents to take childcare leave, women made up more than 99.8% of benefit recipients in 2024 and 2025, while men represented fewer than 0.2%, according to…
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President Tokayev Urges Unified Digital System for Kazakhstan’s Law Enforcement
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies through digitalization amid large-scale political reforms underway in Kazakhstan, during a Jan. 26 meeting at the Prosecutor General’s Office.
President Tokayev criticized the lack of coordination in the digitalization of law enforcement…
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ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies through digitalization amid large-scale political reforms underway in Kazakhstan, during a Jan. 26 meeting at the Prosecutor General’s Office.
President Tokayev criticized the lack of coordination in the digitalization of law enforcement…
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Kazakhstan Reports Progress in Restoring Oil Production in Atyrau Region
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has reported significant progress in restoring production operations at oilfields in the Atyrau region, following disruptions earlier this month.
Photo credit: tengizchevroil.com Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times.
According to the ministry, the key milestone was the successful…
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ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has reported significant progress in restoring production operations at oilfields in the Atyrau region, following disruptions earlier this month.
Photo credit: tengizchevroil.com Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times.
According to the ministry, the key milestone was the successful…
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Kyrgyz Republic’s GDP Nears $23 Billion as Economy Grows Over 11% in 2025
ALMATY – The Kyrgyz Republic’s gross domestic product (GDP) nearly reached 2 trillion soms (approximately US$22.8 billion) in 2025, as the country recorded real economic growth of more than 11%, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev said at a Jan. 26 government meeting.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
According to preliminary figures, GDP totaled 1.976 trillion soms (US$22.8…
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ALMATY – The Kyrgyz Republic’s gross domestic product (GDP) nearly reached 2 trillion soms (approximately US$22.8 billion) in 2025, as the country recorded real economic growth of more than 11%, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev said at a Jan. 26 government meeting.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
According to preliminary figures, GDP totaled 1.976 trillion soms (US$22.8…
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Why Everyone is Nostalgic for 2016 Again
Nostalgia is a deceptively sweet feeling, one that can get a person into hours and days of reminiscing about what it was like in a particular moment. That feeling swept across social media in early 2026, with millions of people posting photos and videos dated to 2016. These photos are not of the best…
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Nostalgia is a deceptively sweet feeling, one that can get a person into hours and days of reminiscing about what it was like in a particular moment. That feeling swept across social media in early 2026, with millions of people posting photos and videos dated to 2016. These photos are not of the best…
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Kazakhstan’s Citizens to Receive Free Short-Term Visas to India
ALMATY – India will begin offering free visas to Kazakh citizens, Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sailas Tangal announced at an official reception in Astana commemorating India’s 77th Republic Day.
Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sailas Tangal highlighted that visas can be obtained both online and through personal application at the Embassy of India. Photo credit:…
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ALMATY – India will begin offering free visas to Kazakh citizens, Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sailas Tangal announced at an official reception in Astana commemorating India’s 77th Republic Day.
Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sailas Tangal highlighted that visas can be obtained both online and through personal application at the Embassy of India. Photo credit:…
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Kazakhstan’s Tourism Investments Surge 32% to Over $2 Billion
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with investments rising by 32% in 2025 to exceed 1.2 trillion tenge (approximately US$2.39 billion), the Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov said at a Jan. 27 government meeting.
Plans have been approved to develop the Almaty mountain cluster, Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort zone, and…
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ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with investments rising by 32% in 2025 to exceed 1.2 trillion tenge (approximately US$2.39 billion), the Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov said at a Jan. 27 government meeting.
Plans have been approved to develop the Almaty mountain cluster, Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort zone, and…
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Kazakhstan, Israel Reaffirm Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Ties
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Jan. 27, underscoring both countries’ commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation.
From L to R: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda.
President Tokayev noted that the minister’s visit reflects Israel’s firm intention to deepen bilateral…
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ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Jan. 27, underscoring both countries’ commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation.
From L to R: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda.
President Tokayev noted that the minister’s visit reflects Israel’s firm intention to deepen bilateral…
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Tokayev Receives Update on Constitutional Reform Process
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was briefed on the progress of Kazakhstan’s constitutional reform on Jan. 27, including the development of proposed new wording for parts of the Constitution, following six months of public consultations.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Chair of the Constitutional Commission and Chair of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova, Deputy…
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ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was briefed on the progress of Kazakhstan’s constitutional reform on Jan. 27, including the development of proposed new wording for parts of the Constitution, following six months of public consultations.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Chair of the Constitutional Commission and Chair of the Constitutional Court Elvira Azimova, Deputy…
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Kazakhstan and Israel Sign Cooperation Memoranda, Pledge to Deepen Bilateral Ties
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Israel signed a series of cooperation documents and agreed to expand bilateral engagement as Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who paid an official visit to Astana on Jan. 27.
From L to R: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Kazakh Foreign Minister…
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ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Israel signed a series of cooperation documents and agreed to expand bilateral engagement as Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who paid an official visit to Astana on Jan. 27.
From L to R: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Kazakh Foreign Minister…
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Energy Giants at Karachaganak Could Owe Kazakhstan Billions After Arbitration Ruling
ASTANA — An international consortium developing Kazakhstan’s Karachaganak oil and gas field may be required to pay up to $4 billion after losing an arbitration case brought by the Kazakh government, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 26, citing sources familiar with the matter. Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has not yet confirmed the information.
Photo credit: kmg.kz…
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ASTANA — An international consortium developing Kazakhstan’s Karachaganak oil and gas field may be required to pay up to $4 billion after losing an arbitration case brought by the Kazakh government, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 26, citing sources familiar with the matter. Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has not yet confirmed the information.
Photo credit: kmg.kz…
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Energy We Spend and Energy We Forget to Refill
Every morning in any major city, the same rhythm unfolds: glowing screens before sunrise, notifications competing for attention, crowded commutes, and an endless stream of decisions that pull at our mental reserves. We budget our finances and schedule our time — yet we rarely consider the resource we spend first and replenish last: our…
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Every morning in any major city, the same rhythm unfolds: glowing screens before sunrise, notifications competing for attention, crowded commutes, and an endless stream of decisions that pull at our mental reserves. We budget our finances and schedule our time — yet we rarely consider the resource we spend first and replenish last: our…
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Kazakhstan to Open 15 International Air Routes This Year
ASTANA — Kazakhstan will resume and open 15 international air routes this year, including flights to Vienna, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Riyadh, as part of a broader plan to improve transport connectivity and support tourism, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev said at a Jan. 27 government meeting.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Currently, 42 domestic routes are…
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ASTANA — Kazakhstan will resume and open 15 international air routes this year, including flights to Vienna, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Riyadh, as part of a broader plan to improve transport connectivity and support tourism, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev said at a Jan. 27 government meeting.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Currently, 42 domestic routes are…
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Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina Advances to Australian Open Semifinals
ASTANA — World No. 5 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland 7-5, 6-1 in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Jan. 28.
In the semifinals on Jan. 29, Rybakina will face world No. 6 Jessica Pegula of the United States. Photo credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation.
The match lasted one…
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ASTANA — World No. 5 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland 7-5, 6-1 in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Jan. 28.
In the semifinals on Jan. 29, Rybakina will face world No. 6 Jessica Pegula of the United States. Photo credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation.
The match lasted one…
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Almaty Chemistry Teacher Makes Global Top 50 List
ASTANA – Tatyana Beloussova, a chemistry teacher at school-lyceum No. 95 in Almaty, has been named among the world’s top 50 teachers in the 2025-2026 Global Teacher Prize international competition.
Tatyana Beloussova is a master teacher and recipient of the 2024 honorary title of Teacher of Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Almaty Akimat.
According to the…
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ASTANA – Tatyana Beloussova, a chemistry teacher at school-lyceum No. 95 in Almaty, has been named among the world’s top 50 teachers in the 2025-2026 Global Teacher Prize international competition.
Tatyana Beloussova is a master teacher and recipient of the 2024 honorary title of Teacher of Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Almaty Akimat.
According to the…
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EDB Moves Deeper Into Gulf Markets With UAE Dirham Bond on ADX
ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has appointed BHM Capital as lead manager for its upcoming UAE Dirham-denominated bond issuance, which will be listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Photo credit: EDB
The bond aims to expand local-currency funding options, offer investors exposure to the multilateral development bank, and finance high-impact…
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ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has appointed BHM Capital as lead manager for its upcoming UAE Dirham-denominated bond issuance, which will be listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Photo credit: EDB
The bond aims to expand local-currency funding options, offer investors exposure to the multilateral development bank, and finance high-impact…
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Dimash’s Project Voice Beyond Horizon to Premiere Worldwide in February
ASTANA — Dimash Qudaibergen’s project, Voice Beyond Horizon, will premiere worldwide on Feb. 5 on Hunan TV and Mango TV, and in Kazakhstan on QazaqstanTV.
Top vocalists from China, Italy, Malaysia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Serbia, will not only showcase their musical talents, but also become heartfelt guides to some of the most…
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ASTANA — Dimash Qudaibergen’s project, Voice Beyond Horizon, will premiere worldwide on Feb. 5 on Hunan TV and Mango TV, and in Kazakhstan on QazaqstanTV.
Top vocalists from China, Italy, Malaysia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Serbia, will not only showcase their musical talents, but also become heartfelt guides to some of the most…
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Kazakhstan’s Zangar Nurlanuly Reaches Australian Open Junior Quarterfinals
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Zangar Nurlanuly advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open Junior Tennis Championships on Jan. 28.
In the quarterfinals, Zangar Nurlanuly will meet Hong Kong’s Kai Thompson on Jan. 30. Photo credit: KTF
The world No. 12 junior faced Russia’s top under-18 player, Savva Rybkin (ranked 13 in ITF Juniors), in…
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ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Zangar Nurlanuly advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open Junior Tennis Championships on Jan. 28.
In the quarterfinals, Zangar Nurlanuly will meet Hong Kong’s Kai Thompson on Jan. 30. Photo credit: KTF
The world No. 12 junior faced Russia’s top under-18 player, Savva Rybkin (ranked 13 in ITF Juniors), in…
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Tokayev Calls for AI-Driven Financial Oversight to Combat Fraud
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has urged the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) to rapidly adopt artificial intelligence and digital tools to counter financial crime, warning that technological lag could pose serious risks to Kazakhstan’s economic and national security during a Jan. 28 meeting.
Photo credit: Akorda
Tokayev noted that the agency, established five years…
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ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has urged the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) to rapidly adopt artificial intelligence and digital tools to counter financial crime, warning that technological lag could pose serious risks to Kazakhstan’s economic and national security during a Jan. 28 meeting.
Photo credit: Akorda
Tokayev noted that the agency, established five years…
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