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Kazakh lawmaker Magerram Magerramov has proposed introducing a tax on dog owners, arguing that similar systems are already in place across parts of Europe.

He said such measures typically require owners to register with tax authorities and obtain a unique identification number.

Proposal raised during parliamentary debate

The idea was discussed April 8, 2026, during a session of the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament reviewing a draft law on responsible animal ownership.

Magerramov asked officials from the economy and finance ministries to consider the feasibility of a dog tax, saying it could encourage more responsible pet ownership.

According to Freedom Holding Corp. (FRHC) partner Vladimir Pochekuev, who also serves as chairman of the board of directors of Freedom Broker Global Markets (UAE) and Freedom Yatirim (Turkey), FRHC is considering acquiring a bank in Armenia. The key obstacle to this move is the relatively high cost of financial institutions in the country.

«Let me be clear. We’re not trying to solve this problem at any cost. The Armenian regulator currently does not see a path to issuing new banking licenses. As a result, the cost of these licenses on the secondary market is quite...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that Ukraine agrees to the Orthodox Easter ceasefire after his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin announced one.

Zelenskyy wrote that Kyiv had repeatedly stated its readiness for «symmetrical steps.» He noted that Ukraine had also proposed a ceasefire for the Easter holidays and «will act accordingly.»

«People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well,» Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, Putin announced an Easter ceasefire effective...

Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen addressed questions about his personal life during an interview at the Freedom Insight 2026 forum in Astana.

During the discussion, a fan asked when he plans to get married.

Singer emphasizes responsibility

Dimash said he has been receiving such questions more frequently in recent years but stressed that he takes the idea of starting a family seriously.

«Everything has its time. I believe you need to approach your choice very carefully and responsibly,» he said.

He added that he is cautious about making such a...

A modern AI-powered video surveillance system is being introduced at Military Unit 5573 of Kazakhstan’s National Guard in the capital, Astana.

Read also: Kazakhstan’s National Guard turns to AI for mental wellness.

The system analyzes footage from existing cameras around the clock, tracking soldiers’ behavior, actions and apparent emotional states.

System monitors behavior and flags risks

In addition to recording video, the system is designed to detect changes in service members’ condition and identify potentially suspicious behavioral patterns.

«If signs of aggression are detected in a service...

Women aged 40 to 65 are increasingly attending raves for mental health benefits rather than for partying, researchers at the University of Leeds found.

The study included 136 women. Many said that dancing helps them relieve stress, recharge and feel a connection with themselves again.

For many participants, the events turned out to be more than just music. Almost 66% called raves a «spiritual» experience, nearly 63% described them as a way to escape routine, and 90% admitted they feel «at home.»

At the same time, music is not the only key. Many of those surveyed...

Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen said he has not ruled out performing with Celine Dion in the future.

He made the remarks during an interview at the Freedom Inside 2026 forum in Astana today.

Past collaboration discussed

Responding to an audience question about a potential duet, Qudaibergen praised Dion as «an incomparable singer.»

He also noted his connection with Walter Afanasieff, who produced Dion’s hit “My Heart Will Go On” from the film “Titanic.”

According to Qudaibergen, Afanasieff had previously suggested recording a song together with Dion, but the idea did not materialize...

Ben Roberts-Smith, the most decorated living soldier in Australia, has been charged with five counts of murder related to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, according to the BBC.

The former Special Air Service (SAS) corporal and Victoria Cross recipient was taken into custody upon arrival at Sydney Airport. The charges follow a lengthy investigation into allegations that he unlawfully killed unarmed Afghan detainees.

Roberts-Smith, who left the Australian Defence Force in 2013, denies all allegations, describing them as false and motivated by personal grievances.

The case follows a high-profile defamation trial in 2023, in which a Federal Court...

Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen is participating in the Freedom Inside 2026 forum in Astana today.

The program includes a live interview scheduled from 3:15 to 3:40 p.m. local time.

The interview will be streamed online.

Read also: Why Dimash fans are rushing to order these new bank cards.

Freedom Inside is a new discussion platform dedicated to the future of digital ecosystems.

The event brings together shareholders of Freedom Holding Corp., along with business leaders, government officials, investors, creators and technology experts.

Organizers describe the forum as...

Kazakhstan’s Dina Islambekova won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Boxing Championships, defeating India’s Alfiya Pathan in the final.

The tournament is being held in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

Small field in heavyweight division

Only three athletes competed in the over-80 kg weight class. Islambekova advanced to the final after defeating Oltinoy Sotimboeva of Uzbekistan in the semifinals.

With just three competitors in the division, Pathan reached the final after a single bout, ultimately securing the silver medal.

Dominant final performance

In the final, Islambekova delivered a dominant performance, scoring two knockdowns en route...

Belarus is set to establish its embassy in North Korea by August 1, according to the Belarusian government press service.

The resolution was signed on April 8 by Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin. According to the statement, the development comes as a fulfillment of President Alexander Lukashenko’s official visit to Pyongyang in late March.

On March 25 and 26, Lukashenko made an official visit to North Korea, where he held talks with its leader Kim Jong‑un and signed the bilateral «friendship and cooperation» treaty.

Separately, North Korea and China resumed passenger train...

Jasveen Sangha, known as the «Ketamine Queen,» has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for supplying drugs linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry, the BBC reported.

The 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty in September to multiple charges, including distributing ketamine resulting in death or serious injury. Authorities said she sold drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine and Xanax to a network of wealthy clients from her North Hollywood home in Los Angeles.

Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on «Friends,» was found dead in a hot tub at his LA residence in October...

Shymbulak Mountain Resort is set to say a vivid goodbye to the winter season. On April 12, the facility will hold a traditional end-of-season party.

Guests are invited to change their ski masks for sunglasses and warm coats for swimsuits and shorts. The program includes a mass downhill in bright costumes, pool jumps right on the slope, DJ sets and gifts from partners.

Kazakhstan’s oil and gas companies are gradually increasing their use of locally sourced materials and suppliers, though progress remains uneven.

A former manager at Tengizchevroil (TCO) says internal concerns — including fear of lobbying accusations and inflated pricing by domestic producers — continue to slow broader adoption.

Former TCO manager outlines concerns

A LinkedIn post by former TCO employee Timur Tashmukhambetov, first highlighted by the PACE Telegram channel, detailed the challenges.

According to his profile, Tashmukhambetov spent 10 years as a project manager at TCO.

He said major oil and gas operators in Kazakhstan often rely...

The British car market — long considered conservative and loyal to European brands — has delivered a surprise. In March 2026, a Chinese car topped U.K. sales rankings for the first time. The Jaecoo 7 crossover outsold major market players such as Ford and Nissan, setting a new record for Chinese brands, according to Carscoops.

How the «Mini Range» beat its competitors

March is traditionally the most important month for car dealers in the U.K. due to the registration plate change, and the Jaecoo 7 achieved its remarkable success during this period, with over 10,000 units registered. It...

Cases of animal cruelty have increased in Kazakhstan, with several disturbing incidents reported in recent weeks.

Last week, a video circulated on social media showing a woman brutally beating a chained dog with a shovel. In another case in March, residents in Almaty’s Alatau district discovered eight skinned dog carcasses in a courtyard. Earlier in 2026, a schoolgirl was filmed attempting to throw a cat out of an open window.

Psychologist points to root causes

Practicing psychologist Olga Tretyakova said the reasons for such behavior vary but share a common thread: perpetrators are often...

The educational program AI Leaders 2026 launched in Kazakhstan, bringing together over 150 organizations across the country and the region to send their top executives for AI training.

The project is implemented by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development jointly with the Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Institute, OpenAI Academy, and Silkroad Innovation Hub.

The ministry’s press service said the course unites Stanford’s academic expertise and OpenAI Academy’s technologies and aims to enable executives to apply their knowledge in business and public administration, developing their own AI strategies for companies.

Who takes part

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture has signaled it may review Enrique Iglesias’ upcoming performances for compliance with national traditions and legislation, focusing in part on the singer’s onstage interactions with fans.

Read also: Too hot for Kazakhstan? J. Lo’s revealing outfits spark backlash.

Vice Minister of Culture Kanat Iskakov told reporters on the sidelines of Parliament that the ministry will monitor adherence to ethical standards during the concerts.

«We will discuss this with our colleagues to ensure there are no actions that violate our laws or conflict with our traditions...

A growing “religious illiteracy” in the West is distorting geopolitical strategy and undermining internal social cohesion, Christiaan Alting von Geusau argues in a recent analysis.

Following the 2026 military escalation between Israel, the U.S., and Iran, von Geusau claims Western leaders largely fail to grasp the apocalyptic theology driving Tehran’s regime, which views global conflict as a precursor to the return of the “12th Imam”.

A strategic blind spot

The report highlights that Western elites, operating within a “secular bubble,” have become incapable of addressing religious questions in a rational manner. This ignorance poses a major handicap for...

Doors are portals. What once seemed ordinary can become unexpectedly captivating — especially when viewed through the lens of Almaty photographer Alen Shayakhmetov.

From unique craftsmanship to modern uniformity

Today, most doors appear standardized and indistinguishable. In the past, however, no two were alike.

Shayakhmetov’s collection highlights that lost individuality, capturing doors that once reflected the character of the buildings — and the people — behind them.

A diverse collection of entrances

The series features doors from a wide range of locations, including residential buildings, concert halls — including an opera house — a museum, a...

Kazakh Greco-Roman wrestler Almatbek Amanbek won a gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek.

Competing in the 72-kilogram weight class, Amanbek secured a decisive victory over Iran’s Mohammad Javad Rezaei in the final.

Mixed results in bronze medal bouts

Three other Kazakh wrestlers competed for bronze medals.

In the 60-kg category, Yerbol Kamaliyev fell to Iran’s Ali Ahmadi Vafa. At 82 kg, Ibragim Magomadov lost to China’s Rui Liu. In the 97-kg division, Islam Yevloyev is set to face South Korea’s Minho Lee.

Earlier medal for Kazakhstan

A day earlier, Nursultan Tursynov earned Kazakhstan’s...

The South Korean cabinet on Monday approved a motion to amend the national Constitution, initiating a process to reform martial law protocols and honor democratic history, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

The proposal, backed by 192 lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party and minor groups, seeks to integrate the spirit of the 1979 Busan-Masan and 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprisings into the preamble. President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that the changes are necessary to reflect significant societal shifts since the document was last amended in 1987.

Crucially, the bill tightens requirements for declaring...

Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the president of the Republic of Korea, who is traveling to Kazakhstan, Oman and Saudi Arabia to secure additional crude oil supplies for the South Korean economy, was received by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

During the meeting, Tokayev emphasized that South Korea is one of Kazakhstan’s key strategic partners.

«Your visit is of great importance for the further strengthening of Kazakh-Korean cooperation. I am confident that, through joint efforts, cooperation between our countries will continue to develop steadily,» Tokayev noted.

Key topics of the talks

According...

A service that warns viewers of jump scares in real time has launched. The Binge app alerts users to sudden movements and frightening scenes.

The system tracks the timing of a selected movie and displays on-screen notifications just before a jump scare.

Binge also includes features common to streaming services, such as information about movies and series, cast, runtime, and availability. The app also offers a separate section for parents, providing warnings about violence, offensive language and other potentially sensitive content.

The app itself is free, but the jump-scare feature is available by subscription: $1.99 a...