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Foreign digital companies have paid 118.4 billion tenge (approximately $225.5 million) to Kazakhstan’s budget since the value-added tax (VAT) was introduced for international digital companies operating in the country in 2022. According to Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee, this year the amount reached 48.6 billion tenge ($92.5 million).

How much did major companies pay in VAT in 2025

The amount of VAT paid increased by 20 billion tenge ($38 million) year-on-year.

Among the largest taxpayers were IT industry giants:

Valve Corp. — developer of the digital distribution service and storefront Steam...

Japan deployed its Self-Defense Forces to Akita, a mountainous northern prefecture on Honshu Island, after a surge in bear attacks in the region, according to the Associated Press (AP).

As brown and Asiatic black bears search for food before hibernation, encounters with wild animals have surged, frequently reported near homes, schools and public facilities. Since April, over 100 people have been injured and at least 12 killed nationwide, the AP reported, citing Japan’s Environment Ministry.

The Defense Ministry agreed to deploy troops in Akita Prefecture to assist in setting traps, transporting hunters and removing...

Kazakh lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova has criticized German police for their handling of the murder investigation of Kazakh judge Aigul Sailybayeva, who was killed in Germany. Two years into the investigation, the suspects remain at large, and no arrests or searches have been reported.

The murder case

According to Sailybayeva’s mother, she last spoke with her daughter by phone on June 3, 2024. After that, Aigul stopped responding to calls and messages.

Her family contacted her husband, Alexander Dontsov, who denied knowing her whereabouts. A missing person’s report was filed by her brother through the Kazakh Consulate...

Miss Universe contestants walked out at a Thai pre-pageant event after Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for not posting promotional material online, the BBC reported.

In a video streamed live, Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch in front of other participants, telling the Mexican contestant to «stop talking» and threatening to disqualify anyone who supported her. When Bosch left the room, many contestants stood up and followed in protest.

Following the incident, Bosch said the organizer had been disrespectful and had called her «dumb,» a claim that Itsaragrisil denied. He...

Kairat Almaty became the first club to score a goal against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League 2025-26, but still lost 2-1 away at San Siro Stadium.

Champions League 2025-26

Matchday 4, Nov. 5

Inter Milan vs. Kairat Almaty

Goals: Lautaro Martínez 45’ (1-0), Ofri Arad 55’ (1-1), Carlos Augusto 67’ (2-1)

Despite upsetting expectations amid the injury of Kairat’s defensive pillar Aleksandr Martynovich, the Almaty club did not look bad overall. The visitors’ defensive organization prevented the hosts from letting themselves go too much.

For 56 minutes straight, almost...

Lyst released its quarterly ranking of brands and products that captivated the internet.

In Q3 2025, Saint Laurent claimed the top spot for the first time, rising two places. Miu Miu, last quarter’s leader, ranked second. While others rethink designs, YSL’s signature aesthetic stands apart. Le Loafer was especially popular, with searches up 66% over the quarter.

Analysts note that the «quiet luxury» trend remains dominant. Clean, minimalist designs remain in high demand at all price points.

Most popular items of 2025

The Havaianas Top Flip-Flop was the season’s standout. These classic Brazilian sandals went viral...

Novak Djokovic fought back tears in Athens on Tuesday after winning the Hellenic Championship, as the tournament paid tribute to his late coach Nikola Pilic, who passed away in September at age 86, Reuters reported.

Moments after a gripping win over Alejandro Tabilo in the second round, Djokovic’s face twisted with emotion as a moving video tribute to Pilic played inside the stadium.

«It was an emotional moment,» Djokovic told the ATP website. «He meant so much to me and my family, both privately and professionally. He played...

A study in Kazakhstan links the gut microbiome to emotional health and suicide risk.

According to Alibek Kossumov, a senior researcher at the National Laboratory Astana (NLA), diet may influence not only physical health but also brain function — and in some cases, even the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

Inaugural study

The research, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, analyzed gut microbiome samples from people who had died by suicide. It involved 71 individuals aged 30 to 42, including a healthy control group.

Kossumov explained that the team set out to clarify whether and...

Kazakhstani professional Counter-Strike 2 player Danil «molodoy» Golubenko received an exclusive computer mouse designed after Kazakhstan’s flag from Logitech.

The gift marks the esports athlete’s triumphs on the international stage. Golubenko has already shown off the new device to his teammates, who duly appreciated it.

This fall, molodoy, playing for the Brazilian team FURIA, won the...

The Swiss government nominated yodeling for UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This move acknowledges the centuries-old singing tradition as a vital part of Switzerland’s cultural identity, according to Euronews.

Alpine herders originally used yodeling to communicate across the mountains, but it is now widely embraced as a popular singing style rooted in Swiss folk music. The Swiss Yodeling Association reports that about 12,000 people perform in 780 groups across the country. Some people even want to introduce yodeling in primary schools to highlight its role in Swiss heritage and identity.

UNESCO’s list aims...

Saudi Arabia is leveraging its low-cost energy and Aramco’s investment drive to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, positioning itself as a future international hub for AI, CNBC reported, citing Aramco CEO Amin Nasser.

According to Nasser, the Kingdom’s low-cost energy gives it an edge in AI data infrastructure: «If you want renewable energy or gas, you’ll find the lowest cost here. Energy and land are available for development.»

In October, Aramco announced plans to acquire a significant minority stake in Humain, a new Saudi AI company backed by the sovereign wealth fund...

Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman, at 15 years and 308 days, became the youngest footballer ever to play in a Champions League match, the UEFA press service reported.

UEFA Champions League

Matchday 4, Nov. 4

Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal: 0-3

Goals: Bukayo Saka 32’ (P), Mikel Merino 46’, 68’

Dowman replaced Leandro Trossard in the 72nd minute of the match, thus becoming the youngest footballer to play in the Champions League. Moreover, he is also the first player under the age of 16 to appear in the competition.

The headline Freedom Holding Corp. PMI Business Activity Index posted below the neutral mark of 50.0 that separates expansion from contraction for the first time this year in October. A reading of 49.3, down from 50.8 in September, highlighted a modest reduction in service sector activity, which was the most pronounced in a year.

The headline index has now edged down in each month since June, when activity was rising at a marked pace.

According to Erlan Abdikarimov, director of the Financial Analysis Department at Freedom Finance Global PLC, Kazakhstan’s services sector entered a transitional phase in October, following a...

Sikhs around the world are preparing to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, which is observed this year on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

The festival, also known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. The date varies annually as it is based on the lunar Nanakshahi calendar, falling on the full moon day of the month of Kartik.

Festivities begin two days prior with an Akhand Path, a 48-hour...

On Nov. 4, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham played his 50th match in the Champions League. He became the youngest footballer in the tournament’s history to reach this benchmark, Opta reported. The English player has outperformed legendary Iker Casillas.

UEFA Champions League

Matchday 4, Nov. 4

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: 1-0

Goal: Alexis Mac Allister 61’

Bellingham was in the starting line-up against Liverpool at the age of 22 years and 128 days, thus surpassing the previous record held by Real Madrid’s former goalkeeper Casillas. The 2010 FIFA World Cup title...

King Charles III officially knighted former England football captain David Beckham during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, CNN reported. The retired athlete described it as his «proudest» moment.

Recognized for his contributions to sport and charity, Beckham was made a Knight Bachelor. Among the other honorees were Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro and stage performer Elaine Paige.

«I’ve been very obviously lucky in my career to have won what I’ve won and done what I’ve done,» Beckham said after the ceremony. «But to receive an honor like this, of...

Influencer Barbara Borges died in Rio de Janeiro after being caught in the crossfire of a shootout between rival gangs while riding in a taxi on one of the city’s main streets, Marca.com reported. A stray bullet struck her in the head, killing her instantly.

Borges was rushed to Bonsucesso General Hospital, where doctors were unable to save her, according to local reports.

The taxi driver told authorities he heard what sounded like an explosion and urged Borges to duck for safety. However, it was too late — she had already been hit.

The incident has shocked Brazil...

The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, one of Tesla’s largest investors, said it will vote against Elon Musk’s new compensation package, which could be worth up to $1 trillion over a decade, according to the Associated Press.

The fund, which manages Norway’s Government Pension Fund and holds about 1.16% of Tesla’s shares, cited concerns about the size of the package and the company’s heavy reliance on a single individual.

Tesla shareholders are set to vote on the proposal during the company’s annual meeting on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Baron Capital Management, which owns about 0.4% of Tesla stock, said it plans...

“Voice Beyond Horizon” music show, organized by Kazakh superstar Dimash Qudaibergen in cooperation with China’s Hunan Broadcasting System, will take place in 2026. This international event will bring together eight performers from six countries. Qudaibergen will serve as the producer.

Kazakhstan will be represented by singer and musical theater actor Nurzhas Sadyrbai.

Sadyrbai was born in 2000 in Uchkuduk, Uzbekistan. He graduated from the State College of Culture and Arts in Navoi with a major in Academic Vocal Performance, and later from the Kazakh National University of Arts, where he trained under Askhat Mayemirov.

In his...

Elected as New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani is not only the youngest leader in more than a century but also the first Muslim mayor and the first to be born in Africa, according to the BBC.

Starting his campaign with limited funds and few allies, Mamdani still managed to defeat well-known opponents like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Blending left-leaning economic ideas with a focus on working-class issues, his message especially appealed to younger, more progressive voters.

For example, he supports free childcare, improved public transit and greater government...

British actor Jonathan Bailey, known for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s «Bridgerton» and the upcoming film «Wicked: For Good,» has been named People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive.

For the magazine’s cover shoot, Bailey posed off the coast of southern England — first taking a dip in the chilly ocean and later wrapping up in a cozy sweater and requesting a glass of Bordeaux.

Bailey said he was deeply honored and incredibly flattered by the recognition. He revealed that the only one he shared the secret with ahead of the announcement was his dog, Benson.

The UPS Flight 2976, operated by a three-engine McDonnell Douglas MD-11, crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, near the Louisville International Airport, shortly after takeoff at around 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2025, while en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to CBS News. At least seven deaths have been reported so far.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a post on X that the number is expected to rise, and that work is underway to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation.

A total of 112 dead seals were discovered along the Caspian Sea coast in the Tupkaragan district of the Mangystau region, local officials said. Residents of Bautino reported the carcasses, prompting environmental teams to respond immediately.

On Nov. 3, 2025, specialists from the regional Department of Ecology collected seawater samples near Fort Shevchenko and Cape Bautino. Together with the fisheries inspectorate and the wildlife protection service, they inspected the...

A law banning smoking for anyone born after January 2007 has taken effect in the Maldives, making the island nation the first in the world to implement a «generational ban» on tobacco.

The measure aims to protect public health and create a tobacco-free generation. Under the new rules, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007, is prohibited from purchasing, using or possessing tobacco products. The restriction also applies to tourists visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago of 1,191 coral islands, known for its luxury resorts.

Notably, local retailers are now required to verify customers’ ages. Selling cigarettes to...