Author Zhanna Nurmaganbetova | Qazinform.com

Maslikhat elections

editor-translator

Zhanna Nurmaganbetova

Zhanna has been working at Kazinform News Agency since 2005.

News

Weather warning issued for most Kazakhstan on Friday

Weather warning issued for most Kazakhstan on Friday

07:11, 12 December 2025

Kazakhstan and Iran set to sign deals worth 1 bln US dollars

Kazakhstan and Iran set to sign deals worth 1 bln US dollars

14:35, 11 December 2025

Presidents of Kazakhstan and Iran make Joint Statement

Presidents of Kazakhstan and Iran make Joint Statement

14:26, 11 December 2025

Oldest evidence of deliberate fire use found in England Humans may have made fire 350,000 years earlier than previously thought, scientists say. Excavation site of 400,000 year old pond sediments at Barnham, Suffofk, England. (Credit Jordan Mansfield/Pathways to Ancient Britain Project via AP) Researchers examine the excavation site of 400,000-year-old pond sediments at Barnham, Suffolk, England [File: Jordan Mansfield/Pathways to Ancient Britain Project via AP] By Caolán Magee Published On 10 Dec 2025 10 Dec 2025 Click here to share on social media Share Save Scientists have uncovered the oldest-known evidence of deliberate fire-making by prehistoric humans in Suffolk, Britain – revealing it happened some 350,000 years earlier than experts previously believed. The site, a former clay pit near the village of Barnham, contains a hearth made by Neanderthals about 415,000 years ago. Recommended Stories list of 4 items list 1 of 4Masked neo-Nazis march through Arkansas community list 2 of 4WATCH: Palestine prepare for historic FIFA Arab Cup clash with Saudi Arabia list 3 of 4US federal judge halts Trump’s National Guard operations in California list 4 of 4UN rights office in ‘survival mode’ amid deep funding cuts end of list Until now, the earliest known evidence of humans making fire dated to around 50,000 years ago at a site in northern France, also linked to Neanderthals. Researchers identified the remains of a repeatedly used campfire, including heated clay, flint tools shattered by intense heat and two pieces of iron pyrite – a mineral that sparks when struck against flint to ignite tinder. “We think humans brought pyrite to the site with the intention of making fire. And this has huge implications, pushing back the earliest fire-making,” said archaeologist Nick Ashton, curator of Palaeolithic Collections at the British Museum in London. While there are even older signs of humans using naturally occurring wildfires in Africa, this is the earliest proof that people knew how to start their own fires. Play Video 28:37 Now Playing 28:37 Could others follow Australia banning social media for under-16s? Could others follow Australia banning social media for under-16s? Next 02:01 US House approves bill to lift all sanctions on Syria imposed under Caesar Act US House approves bill to lift all sanctions on Syria imposed under Caesar Act 01:45 Calm returns to Benin after failed coup attempt Calm returns to Benin after failed coup attempt 01:31 US interest rate cut: The White House has pressured Powell as the economy slows US interest rate cut: The White House has pressured Powell as the economy slows 06:23 US soldiers must refuse illegal orders: Analysis US soldiers must refuse illegal orders: Analysis Fire was a crucial turning point in human evolution. Controlled flames allowed ancient hunter-gatherers to live in colder environments, cook food, and protect themselves from predators. Cooking also helped our ancestors get more energy from meat, roots and tubers, fuelling the growth of larger brains and enabling communities to support more people. Scientists say fire likely transformed social life as well. It brought people together at night to share warmth, food and conversation, possibly encouraging storytelling, language and cultural beliefs. Advertisement “The campfire becomes a social hub,” British Museum archaeologist and study co-author Rob Davis said. “We’re a species who have used fire to really shape the world around us – and now we know this is something Neanderthals were doing far earlier than we thought, just like us.” The evidence at Barnham suggests repeated fire use at temperatures above 700 degrees Celsius (1,292 degrees Fahrenheit), pointing to deliberate fire-starting rather than reliance on natural flames. The team spent four years testing the materials to confirm the hearth’s age and human origin. The finding supports the view that Neanderthals, and possibly their close relatives such as the Denisovans, were far more innovative than once assumed, sharing key survival skills long before the emergence of modern-day humans.

Oldest evidence of deliberate fire use found in England

13:41, 11 December 2025

Iran to produce cheese and infant formula in Kazakhstan

Iran to produce cheese and infant formula in Kazakhstan

13:00, 11 December 2025

Iran

Iran interested in expanding trade and economic ties with Kazakhstan, Masoud Pezeshkian

12:53, 11 December 2025

Kazakhstan and Iran have great prospects for cooperation, President

Kazakhstan and Iran have great prospects for cooperation, President

12:40, 11 December 2025

Kazakhstan is exploring new avenues of cooperation with China in the energy sector,

Kazakhstan explores new avenues of cooperation with China in energy sector

12:12, 11 December 2025

President of Iran to pay official visit to Kazakhstan

LIVE: President of Iran on official visit to Kazakhstan

11:00, 11 December 2025

Autism Center opens its doors in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region

Autism Center opens its doors in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region

10:13, 11 December 2025

Journalists from Central Asia Begin Familiarization Visit to India

Central Asia and India to expand ties through media, culture

09:37, 11 December 2025

Over 40,000 Work-Related Cancer Cases Reported Across EU in Past Decade BRUSSELS — December 10, 2025 More than 40,000 cases of occupational cancers were recorded across the European Union between 2013 and 2023, according to new data released by Eurostat. The figures show that 3,500 cases were acknowledged in 2023, an increase of 191 compared to 2022. Occupational cancers are typically linked to long-term exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace, with many cases appearing decades after initial exposure. 📊 Trends and Impact: Annual cases in 2020 (3,094), 2021 (3,258), and 2022 (3,309) were below the 2013–2019 average of 3,909 per year. Analysts suggest the decline may reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on working environments and healthcare services. 🔎 Breakdown by Cancer Type (2013–2023): Lung cancer: 16,499 cases. Mesothelioma: 16,469 cases (linked to asbestos exposure). Bladder cancer: 2,696 cases. Together, lung cancer and mesothelioma accounted for more than 80% of all occupational cancers reported. 💬 Expert Warnings: Health experts stress that the data underscores the long-term risks of hazardous working conditions and highlight the urgent need for strict occupational safety measures to protect workers from carcinogenic exposures.

Over 40,000 work-related cancer cases reported across EU in past decade

09:15, 11 December 2025

2025 Nobel Prizes awarded at Stockholm Ceremony

2025 Nobel Prizes awarded at Stockholm ceremony

08:17, 11 December 2025

Dimash Qudaibergen to Perform at Latvia’s Largest Concert Venue

Dimash Qudaibergen to perform at Latvia’s largest concert venue

07:46, 11 December 2025

US Plans to Require Visitors’ Social Media History for Entry

U.S. plans to require visitors’ social media history for entry

07:37, 11 December 2025

Snow storms and ice-slick to grip Kazakhstan

Snow storms and ice-slick to grip Kazakhstan

07:16, 11 December 2025

The New Year’s Fairy Tale Returns Home The countdown to the New Year traditionally belongs to The Nutcracker on the Astana Opera stage. This season is particularly special. After two years of successful tours in Dubai, where the Kazakh ballet company captivated international audiences, the magical fairy tale set to Tchaikovsky’s music is finally returning to its cherished home audience. From December 17 to 31, spectators are invited to meet the timeless masterpiece staged by one of the greatest contemporary choreographers, Yuri Grigorovich. The billboards for this performance are dotted with the names of ballet stars of first magnitude. Special attention is drawn to two evenings, December 19 and 20, when the leading roles will be performed by a guest soloist from the Bolshoi Theatre, principal dancer Margarita Shrainer, and the Astana Opera’s principal dancer Bakhtiyar Adamzhan. For Ms. Shrainer, who trained under famous teachers, this is one of her most significant roles. “Yuri Grigorovich’s choreography is an entire philosophy. It is brilliant in its complex simplicity. From the outside, the movements may seem fluid, even restrained. However, within this restraint lies all the difficulty. Not a single superfluous gesture; every line must be precise, like a diamond edge. The adagio with the Prince in Confiturenburg is especially mesmerizing... Balance, trust in your partner, absolute concentration. It is incredibly difficult to execute this so the audience does not see the labour, but only the flight of the soul,” shares Margarita Shrainer. “My heroine isn’t playing with dolls; she genuinely believes in this world. The transformation begins the moment the Nutcracker comes to life. And here, the dance changes. More fluidity and spirituality appear; the gaze seeks not a toy, but a personality. In Confiturenburg, Marie is already a young woman discovering her first, most tender love. It is wonder, delight, and a bright sadness from the realization that the world is vast and beautiful. The hardest part is to convey this subtle line so that the audience believes that the character before them is the same heroine who lived one night equal to an entire life,” concludes Margarita Shrainer. However, dancers who will be debuting will also capture the public’s attention. They were prepared for the stage by the artistic director of the ballet company and world ballet star, Altynai Asylmuratova. This year, the morning performances will provide an opportunity for young talents to shine: Alina Zyryanova and Akbar Iminov will perform the main roles for the first time. Throughout all the December days, the roles of the Prince and Marie will also be brilliantly performed by audience favourites: Madina Unerbayeva, Aigerim Beketayeva, Yerkin Rakhmatullayev, Shugyla Adepkhan, Dias Kurmangazy, Sofiya Adilkhanova, Erkin Bazarbaev, and many others.Conductors Arman Urazgaliyev and Yerbolat Akhmedyarov will lead the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra on different days. An integral part of this ballet’s success is the design by People’s Artist of the USSR Simon Virsaladze. They say he ‘dressed the dance’. Indeed, his costume and set designs are a work of art in itself. Nearly 200 vibrant costumes with a rich colour palette, as well as fairy-tale props – ships, cannons, lambs – give the audience a feeling of a genuine miracle. This very version of The Nutcracker has been running at the Astana Opera with unwavering success as part of the company’s repertoire for 11 years. For the residents and guests of the capital, attending The Nutcracker at the Astana Opera has already become a wonderful tradition preceding the holiday. As many of them note: “It is a beautiful start to the most magical time of the year.” Furthermore, the opera house has prepared a surprise for its young spectators. In addition to the ballet, an interactive holiday event, New Year’s Symphony of Wonders, will take place in the Astana Opera foyer from December 18 to 29. Children will enjoy a fascinating adventure in the New Year’s Art Library, where they will meet Lady Lumière, the Clockmaker, and the mysterious Impresario. The young theatre-goers will get to become the main characters, save the magic from the Darkness, light up the Christmas tree, and restore harmony.

Arts & Entertainment

Astana Opera: New Year’s Fairy Tale returns home

13:58, 10 December 2025

Kazakhstan forms portfolio of major industrial projects worth about 10.2 trillion tenge

Kazakhstan's portfolio of major industrial projects hits 10.2 trillion tenge

12:12, 10 December 2025

Uzbekistan, China to Introduce Advanced Technologies in Chemical Industry

Uzbekistan, China to introduce advanced technologies in chemical industry

11:17, 10 December 2025

UN Meeting Highlights Rangeland Management Ahead of Mongolia’s COP17 ULAANBAATAR — December 10, 2025 A high-level meeting on the sustainable management of rangelands, which cover nearly half of the Earth’s land area, was held on December 9 during the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). According to Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the meeting aimed to shape international strategies and policies that will be endorsed at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17), scheduled for August 17–28, 2026 in Ulaanbaatar. The gathering brought together representatives from Mongolia, Kenya, Germany, as well as officials from the Rio Conventions and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who shared perspectives on advancing sustainable rangeland management. Mongolia’s Environment Minister Batbaatar Bat stressed the importance of rangelands, noting: “About 70 percent of Mongolia’s territory consists of vast steppe and grasslands. These ecosystems absorb carbon, regulate water systems, support biodiversity, and sustain traditional livestock herding.” He outlined how Mongolia’s initiatives align with proposals to be advanced at COP17. Delegates welcomed Mongolia’s upcoming role as host of COP17 and praised the country’s leadership in promoting global cooperation on rangeland sustainability.

Around the World

UN meeting highlights rangeland management ahead of Mongolia’s COP17

10:35, 10 December 2025