Week in Brief: 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week

1. Kazakhstan, Russia launch joint investigation into AZAL plane crash – Azerbaijani Prosecutor General

Kazakhstan and Russia are collaborating on a comprehensive investigation into the AZAL plane crash. 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

2. Kazakhstan surpasses Japan in global internet speed ranking

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.

3. How Przewalski’s horses overwinter in Turgay steppes in Kostanay region

The article explores how Przewalski's horses, reintroduced into Kazakhstan's Turgay steppes, survive the harsh winter conditions.

4. Russia to transfer Amur tigers to Kazakhstan in H1 2025

Russia will transfer Amur tigers to Kazakhstan as part of a conservation initiative aimed at reintroducing these majestic predators to their historical habitats. The first half of 2025 will mark a key milestone in this ecological partnership.

5. Stories on Stone: The petroglyphs of Kazakhstan

The “Hunters of Petroglyphs" organization's founder, Olga Gumirova, shared the discoveries made during archaeological expeditions and the profound meanings hidden within unique historical drawings on stone in Kazakhstan.

6. Four countries shortlisted as technology suppliers for NPP construction in Kazakhstan

Four companies including CNNC, ICHNP, Rosatom and EDF representing four countries, namely, China, South Korea, Russia and France were shortlisted as technology suppliers for the NPP construction in Kazakhstan.

7. Drawing supporting national team presented in Kazakhstan ahead of 2025 Asian Winter Games

Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee in collaboration with artist Aigerim Karibayeva presented a unique drawing supporting the national team at the upcoming 2025 Asian Winter Games in China’s Harbin.

8. 2 Kazakhstanis grab women’s freestyle gold at wrestling event in France

Kazakhstan’s Elmira Syzdykova and Guldana Bekesh won gold at the 51st edition of the Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane wrestling event in Nice.

9. Kazakhstan’s Kurmangaliyev hauls bronze at WTT Youth Contender Tunis

Young Kazakh table tennis player Alan Kurmangaliyev secured a bronze medal at the WTT Youth Contender in Tunis. During the tournament, he defeated Danilo Faso of Italy (3:0), Rafal Formela of Poland (3:1), Jan Mrugala of Poland (3:0), Stepan Brhel of Czech Republic (3:1), and Tom Closset of Belgium (3:1).

10. Kazakhstan bags gold in Fencing World Cup in Bahrain

The Kazakh team won a gold medal at the Epee Men's & Women's Junior Individual & Team FIE World Cup in Manama, Bahrain. Nurzhan Abzhanov, Alexey Kassatkin, Gabidin Mustafin and Kirill Prokhodov defended the country’s colors in the Men’s Team event.

You can read last week’s digest of 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan here.