News

The mountains around Almaty in Kazakhstan have seen the installation of the country’s first ascent counter.

The automated ascent counter was installed on the summit of Big Almaty Peak at an altitude of 3,680 meters. Its purpose is to collect data on tourism activity by tracking how many people climb the popular peaks.

According to city authorities, the weather-resistant device operates automatically and does not require human involvement, recording every ascent. The data collected by the counter will be used to analyze the load on routes and to improve navigation and safety.

«The tourism department...

The U.S. State Department has dismissed an American diplomat for a romantic relationship with a Chinese woman suspected of ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

This is reportedly the first dismissal under a new regulation, which took effect in late 2024 during the final months of President Joe Biden’s administration, and prohibits such relationships.

According to an earlier report by the Associated Press, the policy — implemented in late 2024 — bans all U.S. government employees stationed in China, along with their family members and contractors with security clearances, from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with...

Physicians at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in China reported a groundbreaking procedure. They transplanted a genetically engineered pig liver into a 71-year-old male patient. According to CNN, the man survived for 171 days after the operation. For 38 of those days, the pig organ functioned inside his body.

In May 2024, doctors removed a liver tumor and then attached a modified liver from an 11-month-old cloned pig to the remaining part of the patient’s own liver. The patient, who had been suffering from cirrhosis and cancer, received the donor pig liver, which had undergone...

The historic spaceflight of Kazakhstani entrepreneur Danna Karagussova, who participated as a space tourist aboard the New Shepard suborbital launch vehicle operated by Blue Origin, the company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, was successfully completed. Her son, Aituar Alibekov, reported Karagussova’s safe return to Earth on Threads.

«She’s back. The first space tourist from Kazakhstan and the CIS. Love you, Mom, and so proud,» he wrote.

Ahead of the flight, Alibekov shared that the crew, inspired by the presentation of Kazakhstan, decided to nickname themselves the Space Nomads.

According to SciNews, the...

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi for the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), noting that they have developed a new form of molecular architecture.

The unique materials discovered by the scientists are capable of addressing challenges important to all humankind. Thanks to the porous structure of MOFs, they can be used to extract water from desert air, capture carbon dioxide, store toxic gases and catalyze chemical reactions or conduct electricity.

Robson began the pioneering research in 1989, designing molecular frameworks with numerous cavities...

To understand queer life in the Middle East, American journalist and writer Gaar Adams argues that the deeper truths aren’t found in obvious headlines, but in subtle patterns of censorship, silence and omission in local media.

In his new book, «Guest Privileges: Queer Lives and Finding Home in the Middle East,» Adams recalls his surprise upon learning that Scissor Sisters, the flamboyant New York glam-pop band known for its unapologetically queer identity, was scheduled to perform in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The idea seemed nearly impossible. A concert by an openly queer band in a country...

Domino’s Pizza is launching its first major brand refresh in over a decade, introducing a new logo, packaging, uniforms and an official jingle, according to CNN.

The update introduces brighter red and blue tones, redesigns store signage and modernizes pizza boxes tailored for social media «unboxing» moments. The company is also updating employee uniforms and menu boards to reflect the bolder design. Domino’s will roll out the first refreshed packaging this week and expects full implementation by the end of November.

For the first time in its 65-year history, Domino’s is adding a musical identity. The new jingle...

Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to Bloomberg. The latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index estimates his net worth at $1.4 billion, which includes sponsorship deals, club wages and commercial income.

The bulk of his wealth comes from club earnings. His transfer to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in 2023 brought him around $200 million in tax-free salary and bonuses, along with additional benefits such as a $30 million signing bonus, according to the agency’s calculations. In the summer of 2025, Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr worth more than...

Mexico City is preparing for grand concerts by Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen, scheduled for Oct. 8 and Oct. 10. According to posts on social media, tickets sold out just 10 minutes after sales opened. Fans compared the frenzy to that seen during Jennifer Lopez’s concerts in Kazakhstan.

On Oct. 8, the singer will make his debut at the Auditorio Nacional with a solo concert as part of his Stranger tour, and on Oct. 10, Qudaibergen will perform at the Palacio de los Deportes. The first venue accommodates 10,000 visitors, while the second holds 25,000.

Fans note that Latin America is...

Tesla has rolled out long-anticipated, lower-priced versions of its two flagship vehicles — the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard — following the recent expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit for most of its U.S. buyers, according to CNN.

The Model 3 Standard now starts at $38,630, and the Model Y Standard starts at $41,630, including fees. The company already announced that orders will be delivered from November to January, expecting a spike in interest from consumers.

Design-wise, new models are almost identical to their larger counterparts, although consumers should be prepared to see cloth interiors, a...

The Air Astana board of directors announced on Oct. 8 that the company’s CEO, Peter Foster, will step down from his role and leave the board at the end of March 2026. Chief Financial Officer Ibrahim Canliel will assume the position of CEO.

Foster, who has led the airline for 20 years, will continue his cooperation with Air Astana as a senior advisor to the board of directors.

Board Chairman Nurlan Zhakupov expressed the board’s gratitude for Foster’s two decades of leadership and his contribution to the airline’s development — from its formative years to its emergence as a...

On Oct. 1, pioneering primatologist Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91. Her discoveries forever changed how we understand both chimpanzees and our own place in the natural world.

As literary critic Alexander Gavrilov wrote to Novaya Gazeta, Goodall broke down barriers — between species, between humans and chimpanzees, and between the observer and the observed.

Before Goodall, most scientists studied animals from a distance — often in zoos, removed from their natural habitats. Goodall did the opposite: she went into the forests of Tanzania to live among the chimpanzees themselves.

Breaking the human–animal divide

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province, China, is the world’s highest bridge, with its deck rising 625 meters. In addition to its impressive height, the bridge spans nearly 3 kilometers, with a main span of 1,420 meters, according to the Guardian.

The bridge links the Liuzhi Special District and Anlong County via the Guizhou S57 highway, shortening travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes. Since its public opening on Sept. 28, it has quickly become an engineering marvel and a popular tourist spot.

«The view is...

On the evening of Oct. 7, a bear entered a supermarket in Gunma Prefecture, north of Japan’s capital, Tokyo, slightly injuring two men in their 60s and 70s, France 24 reported. According to NHK World, one person was allegedly attacked in the parking lot, and police said their lives were not in danger.

Reports state that the animal was an adult bear about 1.4 meters long. When it entered, around 30 to 40 people were inside the store, and the bear appeared distressed as it struggled to find its way out.

Officials also reported a suspected fatal...

In a small Kazakh village, an English teacher captures his students’ attention through rap.

Omirbek Zhankuatov, better known on social media as «Mr. Omirbek,» combines beats and rhymes to help young Kazakhstani learners improve their English skills. His blend of language lessons and hip-hop flair has recently gained popularity online, earning him viral fame after one of his TikTok videos resonated with viewers.

@english_turkish_baiserke #ағылшынтілі #учитель #рек #жылмұғалімі2024

The first resort hospital has opened in Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub, aiming to make it a major healthcare tourism destination, the BBC reported.

The facility, located in Macau’s Studio City, a Hollywood-themed casino and entertainment resort, opened its doors on Oct. 6 and offers luxury medical services, including health screenings, advanced scans and cosmetic procedures. The entertainment complex is owned by Melco Resorts and Entertainment, a Hong Kong–based company.

According to the resort chain’s chief executive, Lawrence Ho, the project aims to create jobs and combine healthcare and leisure, supporting local efforts to diversify Macau’s economy...

More people are trying cold-water swimming and ice baths to improve their health and mood naturally. Many enthusiasts report feeling mental and physical benefits, but experts caution that these activities pose real risks if not done safely, according to the Associated Press.

Dr. Mark Harper, an anesthesiologist who researches cold-water immersion, explains that brief periods in cold water may help improve mental health by triggering a brief stress response in the body. This process, known as hormesis, can release endorphins and reduce inflammation. Many swimmers also report feeling happier and more confident after regular cold dips.

Forbes Kazakhstan ranked billionaire and owner of ForteBank, Bulat Utemuratov, as the most influential businessman in Kazakhstan in 2025. According to the ranking, he climbed from third place last year.

The top five includes:

The leader of the 2024 ranking, Vladimir Kim, a shareholder of KAZ Minerals...

Telegram founder Pavel Durov shared a video on his Stories of himself taking an icy swim in Lake Kolsai, southeastern Kazakhstan, calmly immersing in frigid water with snow-capped mountains behind him.

His visit to the scenic lake followed his attendance at the Digital Bridge forum in Astana, where he spoke as a special guest last week.

Continuing his emphasis on health, Durov — known for his dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle — has often said he practices cold-water immersion as a way to strengthen both body and mind.

Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Julia Vavilova, posted photos on...

BYD reports its U.K. sales surged 880% in September, as local consumers demonstrate steady interest in electric vehicles. Backed by rapidly growing supportive infrastructure, the country became the largest market for manufacturing outside China, according to the BBC.

In September, BYD sold 11,271 cars in the U.K., led by the Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV. The U.K. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports that sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country reached record highs during this period.

One of several key factors driving this strong market performance is the open market in the U.K. In...

In the first six months of 2025, Kazakhstan experienced a significant outflow of money, with 321.2 billion tenge (about $590 million) transferred abroad through international money transfer systems, according to a report from the National Bank.

In contrast, only about $190 million was sent into Kazakhstan from overseas, highlighting a substantial net outflow of remittances. Much of the money leaving the country, economist Ruslan Sultanov explained, is sent by migrant workers earning wages in Kazakhstan.

Transfers from Kazakhstan

From January to June 2025, the number of money transfer transactions made abroad decreased to 805,000, representing a...

The UEFA Executive Committee «reluctantly» greenlighted requests from the Spanish and Italian football federations to hold two national championship matches abroad «on an exceptional basis amid regulatory gaps at the global level.» Yet, UEFA remains strongly opposed to staging national league matches overseas, according to the organization’s press release.

UEFA’s statement did not specify the clubs involved; however, earlier reports said that the Italian federation requested to hold a February game between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, while the Spanish federation asked to stage a December match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona in Miami, U.S.

After...

The Dubai chocolate bar, first introduced by Fix Chocolatier in the UAE in 2021, gained popularity after trending on TikTok in 2023. Featuring rich milk chocolate with creamy pistachio or tahini filling and crunchy kadayif pastry, it continues to fascinate dessert lovers worldwide.

Thanks to unique taste and texture, Dubai-inspired treats have moved from viral fame to being found in bakeries, cafés and large retailers nearly everywhere, according to the Associated Press.

Today, versions of this treat appear in croissants, milkshakes, parfaits and pancakes. Fillings vary from pistachio to s’mores and matcha. Following the trend, major U.S...

American rapper and producer Sean Combs, known as Diddy (also referred to as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy), seems to have decided to waste no time and immediately reached for the top in seeking a presidential pardon.

According to TMZ, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the artist had asked him for the pardon in person. During his talks with reporters, the president noted:

«I call him Puff Daddy; he has asked me for a pardon,» TMZ cited Trump as saying.

Combs’ team contacted the White House almost immediately after the court delivered the...