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According to First Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov, artificial intelligence (AI) does not absolve journalists of responsibility for their publications. The official spoke about the issue at the Astana Media Week 2026 forum, which marks its 10th anniversary this year with the theme «MEDIA. HUMAN. AI: 10 Years of Transformation. A New Architecture of Trust.»

AI as a tool with risks

As the vice minister noted, AI is a valuable tool for the media that enhances operations but also entails certain risks.

«The more capabilities technologies offer us, the greater our responsibility...

On Oct. 12, Kazakhstan’s National Research Oncology Center (NROC) and Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) signed a memorandum of cooperation, the country’s Ministry of Healthcare reported.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova discussed prospects for joint projects with members of a Belgian delegation in Astana. Representatives of IBA, Spentys, Ugani, Ecosteryl and D-Teach, as well as H.U.B. and Belgian business associations, also took part in the talks.

Kazakhstan looks to expand proton therapy

The parties discussed expanding the use of proton therapy, improving cancer diagnosis and treatment, and training medical specialists.

Central Asia’s first proton therapy...

More than 200 future Kazakhstani military medics are currently undergoing training in the country and abroad, according to the Ministry of Defense. In 2027, about 40 graduates of bachelor’s, internship and residency programs will join military medical units in Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces.

Most of these trainees — 150 cadets, including more than 80 women — are studying at the Military Institute of the Air Defense Forces in Aktobe. The cadets also study medical disciplines at West Kazakhstan Medical University.

More than 50 other future military doctors are studying at medical universities in Turkey, Armenia, China and Russia.

Training of...

Kazakhstani figure skater Mikhail Shaidorov congratulated American Ilia Malinin on receiving the Fair Play Award and shared a photo of the two. Kursiv LifeStyle looks at the gesture that earned the Olympic champion’s competitor the recognition.

Shaidorov shared an Instagram Story featuring a photo of Malinin hugging him after the American’s disappointing Olympic skate in Milan.

«Congratulations to Ilia Malinin on winning the Fair Play Award! So proud of you, my friend. I’m incredibly grateful to share this journey with you, and I’ll always be cheering you on...

Drone strikes on Yandex data centers in Russia in October disrupted taxi and delivery services in Almaty, giving Kazakh regulators additional grounds to demand that computing operations serving Kazakhstan be moved inside the country, according to an analytical report by Teniz Capital.

For Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan’s largest telecommunications operator, the disruption could create a significant business opportunity. Demand for domestic server capacity is rising, potentially expanding the pool of major international customers as the company prepares to develop new data center facilities.

Read also: 500 Kazakhtelecom staff to be replaced...

American creators behind the YouTube channel «Prop Department» have transformed an old Ford Festiva hatchback into a vehicle more than 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The unusual car, equipped with two steering wheels, is not only drivable but has also been approved for use on public roads.

The car was widened to nearly twice its original size

For the project, the creators purchased three compact Ford Festivas to use as donor vehicles. They stripped the main car down to its frame and cut the body in half lengthwise. They then pulled the two halves apart and joined...

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs does not support introducing a separate legal definition of «trash streaming» or creating specific penalties for it. Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov said the term is subjective and that existing provisions of the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses provide legal grounds for prosecuting specific violations.

Why ‘trash streaming’ won’t be defined in law

Sadenov noted that Kazakhstan’s Law on Online Platforms and Online Advertising already defines «content on an online platform.» The definition covers audiovisual information, while the law prohibits the distribution of unlawful content, including material promoting cruelty, violence...

Learning a second language is increasingly recognized as a powerful driver of global mobility, economic resilience and long-term career advancement. A recent ranking by World Population Review highlights how multilingual nations leverage linguistic diversity to build competitive economies and foster international trust. From European financial hubs to rapidly expanding Asian markets, speaking multiple languages transforms how individuals work, live and connect across international borders.

Multilingual models in Europe and Asia

Switzerland demonstrates how seamless multilingualism supports national economic strength. Operating officially in German, French, Italian and Romansh, the country delivers federal documents and public services across...

The Rolling Stones are reportedly working on new material, just three months after releasing their latest album, «Foreign Tongues.» Jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine, who recently recorded with the band, revealed the news, suggesting that the rock veterans have no plans to slow down.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 3 program «Private Passions,» Pine said he had worked with the Rolling Stones a couple of weeks earlier. He had previously collaborated with frontman Mick Jagger, recording saxophone parts for Jagger’s 1993 solo album, «Wandering Spirit.»

Mick Jagger keeps writing songs

The Rolling Stones have yet to announce a...

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, a decline in oil production, a stronger national currency and slower growth in consumer lending are the three main factors constraining Kazakhstan’s economic growth. Despite these constraints, the country’s GDP growth accelerated to 4.2% between January and September, up from 4.1% in the January-August period.

«This year, the economy is developing amid a number of constraining factors. The first is the reduction in oil production and the oil sector’s negative contribution to GDP growth. Over the first nine months of the year, oil output...

U.S. Chevron, U.K. Shell and Chinese companies Sinopec and CNOOC have expressed interest in establishing a new consortium for geological exploration in Kazakhstan. The projected investment is around $500 million, KazMunayGas First Deputy CEO Kurmangazy Iskaziyev told LS.

The companies are considering not only seismic surveys but also drilling exploratory wells to depths of 5.5 to 10 kilometers. For comparison, Iskaziyev said the deepest wells at major oil fields currently reach depths of 5.5 kilometers.

«Western companies Chevron and Shell, as well as the two Chinese companies Sinopec and CNOOC, have expressed...

Kazakhstan welcomed the Philippines’ intention to open an embassy in Astana. The issue was discussed by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Leo Herrera-Lim.

Tileuberdi said that establishing a permanent diplomatic presence would help deepen bilateral ties and expand practical cooperation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda and prospects for further developing Kazakhstan-Philippines relations. The discussions focused on expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as strengthening engagement within the UN and ASEAN.

Tileuberdi noted positive momentum in political dialogue, including a meeting with Philippine Secretary of...

Kyrgyzstan has refused to cooperate with an unidentified European country on a workforce deal, saying it won’t accept migrants from Afghanistan and Africa, 24.kg reported, citing Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev. The minister made the statement during a meeting of the parliamentary committee on international affairs, defense, security and migration.

At the meeting, MPs asked what the cabinet is doing to help Kyrgyz citizens find jobs abroad. According to Kulubaev, the government doesn’t mind people working anywhere they want but won’t negotiate with European nations, as the conditions they’re proposing are unacceptable.

«Our fellow citizens...

Professional scissors, hair clippers and razors may release nickel and cobalt, metals that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, according to a study published in the journal Contact Dermatitis.

How the study was conducted

From March to June 2026, researchers examined hairdressing tools at 58 salons across Denmark, covering different areas and price ranges. They tested 266 tools: 167 pairs of scissors, 95 hair clippers and four razors.

The researchers conducted on-site chemical spot tests. They applied test solutions to cotton swabs and rubbed them against designated areas of each tool. A color change in the...

Kazakhstan and Belgium have signed a roadmap for cooperation for 2027-2029, outlining plans to step up political dialogue, hold regular consultations, strengthen interagency contacts and promote joint initiatives, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The document was signed in Astana at a meeting between Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev and Theodora Gentzis, chair of the management committee of Belgium’s Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

The meeting took place as part of the state visit of King Philippe of the Belgians to Kazakhstan. The parties discussed the current state and...

Kazakhstan is developing a dedicated artificial intelligence system for military personnel that is designed to keep all data entered by users within the system.

A total of 75 service members will take part in a training course, including conscripts from the Air Defense Forces and the Ground Forces.

Read also: Global hunt for AI talent: Kazakhstan’s military enters the fray.

Participants will learn «vibe coding» — using text prompts to create software and digital tools with AI. They will also learn to analyze large volumes of data, develop applications and automate routine tasks.

China is tightening requirements for companies seeking export licenses for cars and motorcycles in 2027, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Applicants must provide evidence of overseas after-sales service networks and commit to fair competition in foreign markets. Companies that submit false information could face warnings, suspension or revocation of their export privileges.

Simply selling cars abroad is no longer enough

China began accepting online applications for 2027 vehicle export licenses on Sept. 30. Local commerce authorities will review applications before submitting them to the Ministry of Commerce.

Manufacturers must provide evidence of overseas after-sales service facilities...

The original Darth Vader lightsaber used in the «Star Wars» films «The Empire Strikes Back» and «Return of the Jedi» is going up for auction again. The sale is scheduled for Nov. 12, 2026, through Heritage Auctions.

The prop was used during the lightsaber duels between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. Although David Prowse portrayed Darth Vader on screen, stuntman Bob Anderson performed the character’s fight scenes.

The same prop sold for $3.654 million at a Propstore auction in September 2025. It has now returned to the market, but the identity of the previous buyer has not been...

Temirlan Balfanbayev, goalkeeper for Kazakhstan’s national water polo team, has shared photos from a photo shoot held ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.

The team went on to win silver at the competition, and the 24-year-old athlete has attracted attention on social media for his athletic physique and charisma.

His social media page has surprisingly few admiring comments, despite there being much more to appreciate about the...

Havaş, a subsidiary of TAV Airports — the Turkish airport operator and majority owner of Almaty International Airport — continues to service flights at Antalya Airport for Ural Airlines, a Russian aiine sanctioned by the European Union, the Financial Times reported.

The EU added the airline to its sanctions list in June 2024. Subsequently, Brussels introduced a requirement for companies in the sector to ensure that their non-EU entities do not undermine sanctions imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Citing European Commission guidelines, the bloc said it could take legal action against non-compliant companies.

TAV Airports is partly...

French automaker Citroën has reimagined one of its most iconic models, unveiling the 2 CV Concept, a compact electric car inspired by the original, at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, according to a company press release.

Citroën said the concept was primarily designed as a small, futuristic car that combines minimalism with practicality. It draws inspiration from the original 2 CV, unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show. Designed to be practical and affordable, the original 2 CV became an icon thanks to its versatility, earning a reputation as a reliable workhorse.

The new concept is...

A new island was recently discovered in the Caspian Sea off Kazakhstan’s coast. It wasn’t created by a volcano or an earthquake but by a dangerous trend: the sea is getting shallower. Scientists have little doubt that the body of water will continue to recede, putting the local ecosystem, shipping and coastal infrastructure at risk.

The new landmass was spotted near Kulaly Island during an aerial survey of the Caspian Sea. According to Daniyar Akimzhanov, an environmentalist who took part in the expedition, it’s not an isolated incident. Over the past five years, scientists have reported the emergence of...

A telemedicine center has been launched at the Mangystau Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital with the cooperation of South Korea, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare reported.

The project will enable online consultations with doctors in Kazakhstan and abroad, as well as AI-assisted diagnosis of diseases.

The center was opened as part of the international symposium AI-Powered Smart Telemedicine: Republic of Korea-Kazakhstan, held in Aktau. South Korean partners also provided equipment for the telemedicine office.

What technologies will be used?

The new center is expected to be equipped with AI-powered systems for the early detection of various diseases.

The...

On Oct. 11, the number of taxi and delivery orders placed through inDrive in Kazakhstan nearly tripled amid a major outage affecting Yandex Go. To handle the surge in demand and curb rising fares, inDrive lowered its commission and stepped up efforts to recruit new drivers, according to Arsen Tomsky, inDrive’s founder and CEO.

Writing on Threads, Tomsky said demand surged on Sunday morning. Within just a few hours, users placed nearly three times as many orders as usual. Due to a shortage of available vehicles, fares rose noticeably in some areas.

In response, inDrive lowered its driver...