News

The North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC), operator of the Kashagan oil field, has lost its appeal of a 2.3 trillion tenge environmental fine in Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court.

Oil and gas industry expert Nurlan Zhumagulov said on his Energy Monitor channel that the company is delaying payment pending a decision by an international arbitration tribunal.

Collection efforts may face delays

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology can now move to enforce the fine and begin collection. However, NCOC may still challenge the fine itself, as earlier proceedings focused only on the procedures used to verify the violations.

Experts say...

A stampede at Citadelle Laferrière, one of Haiti’s most iconic landmarks, has left at least 30 people dead, Le Nouvelliste reported.

The tragedy occurred in northern Haiti during national celebrations, when large crowds gathered at the historic fortress.

Jean Henri Petit, head of civil defense for the Nord department, said the site had become overcrowded with visitors, leading to panic and a deadly crush.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to determine the exact circumstances.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise as more information becomes available.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has concluded a working visit to Uzbekistan, where he held talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the visit, the two leaders met and toured several historical and industrial sites in Bukhara.

Mirziyoyev said the visit reflects the centuries-old friendship and close ties between the two nations, as well as the continued strengthening of their strategic partnership.

The presidents reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation. They agreed to enhance coordination between their governments to boost trade and industrial output, support businesses and encourage economic activity.

They also discussed joint projects...

On April 8, a two-year-old wolf named Neukgu broke free after digging a hole from its enclosure at the Daejeon O-World theme park in Daejeon, South Korea, and has been on the run for three days, prompting concern in the area and drawing attention on social media, Reuters reported.

The incident prompted an elementary school to close and mobilized over 100 firefighters, police officers and military personnel, as well as drones, to search for the animal on the run. Even South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wrote on X, expressing hope for...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned of prolonged damage to the global economy from the Iran war. The institution plans to downgrade its global growth forecasts due to the conflict, Euronews reported.

Georgieva said that even in the best-case scenario, higher energy costs, infrastructure damage, supply disruptions and weaker market confidence will weigh on global growth. IMF research shows that output in war-affected countries initially fell by about 3% and continues to decline for years.

The IMF is prepared to provide between $20 billion and $50 billion in emergency balance-of-payments support to affected countries, depending...

In 2027, Kazakhstan plans to place three new Earth observation satellites into orbit using a SpaceX launch vehicle, Chairman of Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary Kaiyrzhan Kozhayev said, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported.

Current stage

He said the satellites have already been assembled and tested in Astana. All required systems have been procured, and final equipment checks and firmware updates are underway. The trials are scheduled to begin in the middle of this year.

«Looking ahead to 2029 to 2030, we plan to launch three spacecraft to establish a constellation of six satellites,» Kozhayev added.

SpaceX rockets

The new...

Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen described music as a powerful diplomatic tool during an interview at the Freedom Inside 2026 forum in Astana.

«Music is an indispensable diplomatic tool. I will continue my work in this direction. Our arms are always open to anyone who wants to be friends with our people and Kazakhstan,» he said.

«Music is a magical phenomenon. I don’t have enough words to describe its power,» he added.

AI’s growing role in music

Dimash also addressed the increasing use of artificial intelligence in...

According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, elections to Kazakhstan’s new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, will be held in August.

«As head of state, I consider it extremely important to provide advance notice of events of great significance to our country. Therefore, immediately after the new constitution takes effect, I will sign a decree to hold elections for the unicameral Kurultai. The elections will take place this August,» the president said in a statement.

Authorities believe that five months before the elections is sufficient time for political parties to present their programs to voters.

The Senate of Kazakhstan has approved an agreement with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to create a shared corridor for green energy. The project aims to link Central Asia’s energy systems with Europe.

Under the plan, electricity will initially be transmitted via a cable across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, then routed through Georgia and across the Black Sea to Romania, and onward to European Union countries.

Questions about capacity and competition

On the sidelines of Parliament, journalists asked whether Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan might compete for the cable’s capacity.

Vice Minister of Energy Sanzhar Zharkeshov said he does...

Freedom Telecom International and e&, a telecommunications company from the United Arab Emirates, have reached an agreement on strategic cooperation. Under the document signed on April 2, the parties will create a joint platform to explore commercial opportunities worldwide and attract a wide range of telecommunications operators. Both organizations will maintain full operational independence.

Synergy of technology and experience

The Emirati company e& has extensive experience in international markets, offering customers cutting-edge solutions in commercial optimization, digital transformation and large-scale operational management. In turn, Freedom Telecom International provides clients with its parent company’s expertise in building a diversified digital...

Japan-based vehicle maker Honda announced plans to launch its compact electric vehicle (EV), marketed as delivering an engine-powered car-like driving experience, the Honda Super-ONE, in late May 2026 in Japan, the company said in a release.

The carmaker also announced that pre-orders will start on April 16 at dealerships across the country. The Honda Super-ONE is described as the lightest in its class in the Japanese market, weighing 1,090 kilograms, achieved through a dedicated chassis with a widened tread and a thin floor-mounted battery that concentrates heavy components and lowers the center of gravity. The declared...

Joseph Baena, the youngest son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, took first place at the Iron Gladiator bodybuilding competition hosted by the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA). By earning his professional card, he also qualified to compete for a spot at the Natural Olympia championship, the Los Angeles Times reported.

He debuted as an amateur at the National Physique Committee Natural Colorado State Championships last month, winning first place in three divisions: Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavyweight, Men’s Classic Physique True Novice and Men’s Classic Physique Novice.

By winning in Classic Physique at the INBA-organized Iron Gladiator competition, Baena earned...

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...