Kazakh rescuers search for survivors in quake-hit settlements in Afghanistan
Images | MES RK
The Kazakh rescuers keep on searching for survivors after a devastating earthquake that struck Afghanistan, press service of the Ministry for Emergency Situations reports.
In Naib Rafi, the Kazakh responders scoured the ruins of 211 houses. They toiled through the day and night in the ruins cleaning up the rubbles at 487 sections at large. The rescuers have sought 700 wrecked houses in the village so far.
The Kazakh rescuers pulled the body of a little boy, aged 5 or 6 years old, under the rubbles of one of the ruined houses. They rendered medical aid to 80 locals, including 11 children at large.
According to the Kazakh President's task, 45 Kazakh rescuers left for Afghanistan on October 10 to join search and rescue operations in the quake-stricken province of Afghanistan.
They also sought survivors in Siyakhan, 10 km from Naib Rafi, and Cholk rural settlement.
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Kazakhstan’s population stands at 20,286,084 on January 1
Images | Depositphotos
Kazakhstan’s population stood at 20,286,084 as of January 1, 2025, according to figures released by the National Statistics Bureau on Monday, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
The National Statistics Bureau estimated that Kazakhstan added 252,242 people in 2024, bringing the total to 20,286,084 on January 1, 2025.
As of 2025, Almaty city is the most populous city in Kazakhstan, with over 2,292,333 inhabitants. The capital Astana and Shymkent city are the country’s 2nd and 3rd largest cities with a population of 1,528,887 and 1,256,263 people, respectively.
Kazakhstan’s most densely populated regions include Turkestan region with 2,154,334 inhabitants, Almaty region - 1,560,377 people, Zhambyl region - 1,133,984 and Karaganda region 1,135,351.
12,774,743 Kazakhstanis reside in urban areas, whereas 7,511,341 people in rural areas.
Earlier it was reported that Kazakhstan’s population stood at 20, 243,000 as of November last year.
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Kazakhstan, Russia launch joint investigation into AZAL plane crash - Azerbaijani prosecutor general
Images | Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Joint investigations are underway into the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) jet en route Baku-Grozny on December 25, 2024, near the city of Aktau, in coordination with the relevant authorities of Kazakhstan and Russia, including the Prosecutor's Office and law enforcement agencies, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev told reporters, Trend reports.
By the order and instruction of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, all relevant state structures have been mobilized in connection with the investigation of the AZAL plane crash near Aktau, and they are carrying out their tasks according to their responsibilities. Criminal cases have been initiated in three countries - Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan - concerning the aviation accident.
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia's relevant authorities have gathered evidence, which they will later jointly analyze to identify the responsible parties. Currently, the Russian Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office are conducting the necessary investigative actions in this direction," he added.
The Azerbaijan Airlines plane which was flying from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Mangistau region, on December 25. The plane was carrying 67 people including 5 crew members. 38 people died and 29 survived as a result of the tragedy. Among the victims were six nationals of Kazakhstan.
Earlier it was reported that the two black boxes belonging to the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed near Aktau had been delivered to Kazakhstan from Brazil.
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Kazakhstan surpasses Japan in global internet speed ranking
Images | Depositphotos
The Speedtest Global Index service summarized the results of December 2024 by publishing a ranking of countries and cities with the fastest internet, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
In this study, experts analyzed the average speeds of mobile internet and broadband access in nearly 200 cities across 154 countries. The primary evaluation criteria of the Speedtest Global Index are downloading and upload speeds for both mobile and broadband networks.
According to the global service data, Kazakhstan rose by one position in the country rankings for mobile internet speed. The country is now ranked 57th, with an average download speed of 53.76 Mbps. Japan follows in 58th place with an average speed of 53.54 Mbps.
However, Kazakhstan ranks lower in terms of fixed broadband internet speed, placing 88th globally with an average download speed of 73.67 Mbps.
The top three countries for mobile internet speed remain:
- United Arab Emirates - 453.87 Mbps
- Qatar - 383.5 Mbps
- Kuwait - 257.3 Mbps
The lowest speed was recorded in Afghanistan, where the download speed was just 8.2 Mbps.
Earlier, it was reported that the percentage of Internet users has reached 93% in Kazakhstan.
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Police officer posthumously awarded for bravery in Almaty region
Images | Almaty region's police department
Late patrol inspector senior lieutenant Shalkar Baizhomartov has been awarded the 3rd degree Aibyn Order posthumously, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Receiving the award was the father of later Shalkar Baizhomartov.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Interior Minister Aidar Saitbekov, who presented the award, offered his condolences and highlighted the bravery senior lieutenant Baizhomartov showed as well as his contribution and dedication to ensure the safety of citizens.
The interior bodies’ personnel are always at the frontline in the fight against crime and maintaining order. Late Shalkar Baizhomartov proved his devotion to his duty and the homeland at the cost of his life, said Saitbekov.
To note, Shalkar Baizhomartov attending to an accident scene was crushed to death by a Toyota Camry vehicle, that lost control and rammed onto a police vehicle, on Almaty-Oskemen highway in Almaty region on December 20, 2024.
Earlier it was reported that a police officer of the Medeu District Police Department had been stabbed to death during an altercation in one of Almaty's medical facilities.
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Several flights delayed at Almaty airport
Several flights have been delayed due to snowfall at the Almaty International Airport, Kazinform News Agency reports.
According to the airport online flight board, departures from Almaty to Shymkent, Astana, Aktau, Atyrau, and Novosibirsk, as well as arrivals from Astana, Shymkent, Aktau, and Kyzylorda are delayed for several hours.
According to the press service of the airport, a number of outbound flights experienced delays due to inclement weather on January 8, including snowfall and fog.
As earlier reported, Kazhydromet has issued a weather warning for 14 regions of Kazakhstan as well as the cities of Astana and Almaty for Wednesday, January 8.
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Read-out data from flight recorders of crashed AZAL plane to be examined soon in Astana
Images | Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Members of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash investigation commission with the decrypted data from the flight recorders (black boxes) are to arrive in Astana, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Upon arrival, the experts will immediately begin examining the decrypted data from the flight recorders, said the press service of the Kazakh Transport Ministry.
As earlier said, the Aviation Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) of Brazil completed decoding the flight recorders (black boxes) of the crashed Azerbaijan Airlines plane (AZAL).
Earlier, Kazinform reported that the specialists from the Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa) of the Brazilian Air Force began analyzing data from the black boxes of Azerbaijan Airlines’s Embraer 190 plane.
On December 30, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 on 25 December 2024.
The Azerbaijan Airlines plane which was flying from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Mangistau region, on December 25. The plane was carrying 67 people including 5 crew members. 38 people died and 29 survived as a result of the tragedy. Among the victims are six nationals of Kazakhstan.
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How Kazakhstanis celebrate Orthodox Christmas Day
On January 7, Orthodox Christians in Kazakhstan celebrate Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The author invites readers to explore how Kazakhstanis celebrate this day.
Orthodox Christianity is the second-largest religious group in Kazakhstan, following Islam. It came to Kazakhstan during the Russian Empire’s expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Orthodox Christians make up a significant portion of the population.
Despite being a secular state with Islam as the dominant religion, Kazakhstan respects and celebrates its religious diversity, with Orthodox Christmas recognized as a public holiday since 2005.
Celebration
The journey to Christmas begins with the Nativity Fast, a 40-day period of spiritual and physical preparation that concludes on January 6. During the fast, believers abstain from meat, dairy, and indulgent foods while focusing on prayer, repentance, good deeds, and reconciliation with loved ones.
On Christmas Eve, January 6, families prepare sochivo, a dish of boiled grains like wheat or other cereals mixed with poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and dried fruits. This is a very nutritious dish that gives strength to those who have faithfully observed the fast to endure the long Christmas service.
The Christmas service begins on the night of January 6 and continues into the early hours of January 7. Worshippers gather in churches to celebrate the birth of Christ, a time for deep spiritual renewal and a closer connection to God.
A central symbol of the holiday is the Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments, garlands, and a star. Traditional decorations include angels, lanterns and bells. Candles are also lit on this day in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ and to point to the Light of the world.
The Christmas table is a feast of abundance, with meat and fish dishes, pies, salads, and an assortment of sweets. Roasted chicken, duck, and other poultry stuffed with apples are served, along with aspic (a cold meat jelly), a popular dish during the holiday. A roasted pig’s head also makes an appearance, completing the festive spread.
After the festive dinner, as midnight approaches, young people gather in groups and visit homes to keep alive one of the most joyful and ancient customs - the celebration of Koliada. Boys and girls sing festive carols, praising the birth of Christ and wishing prosperity to the household. In return, hosts express their gratitude by offering sweets, treats, or even money.
Earlier Kazinform News Agency shared how people around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve.
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