Week in Brief: 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week

This week in Astana and beyond, Kazinform News Agency presents a roundup of the top headlines that shaped the past seven days in Kazakhstan.

1. Kazakhstan establishes Committee for Regulation, Protection and Utilization of Water Resources

Kazakhstan has formed a new committee dedicated to the regulation, protection, and utilization of the country's water resources. This initiative aims to enhance the efforts to combat the illicit trade in water resources.

2. Why Kazakhstan needs nuclear power plant - Interview with Timur Zhantikin

In an interview, General Director of “Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants” company Timur Zhantikin discusses the necessity of building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. He highlights the benefits, such as energy security, environmental advantages, and the country's potential to develop nuclear technology safely and efficiently.

3. How Kazakhstan uses nuclear reactor and peaceful atom - a photo report

This photo report explores Kazakhstan's use of nuclear reactors and its commitment to the peaceful use of atomic energy. Reporters from the Kazinform News Agency visited the Institute of Nuclear Physics to learn about the projects being implemented and the technologies used there.

4. Head of National Security Committee on terrorist attacks and radical religious ideology

The head of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee addresses concerns about terrorist attacks and the spread of radical religious ideology. The discussion includes measures being taken to combat these threats and ensure national security.

5. Kazakh President approves 2024/29 Civil Service Development Concept

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved a new development concept for the civil service, set to be implemented from 2024 to 2029. The plan focuses on enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and professionalism of the civil service.

6. Every second university to teach AI in Kazakhstan by 2029

By 2029, half of the universities in Kazakhstan are expected to offer courses in artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to prepare the workforce for the demands of the digital economy and foster innovation and technological advancement in the country.

7. Kazakhstan to launch its version of ChatGPT this December

Kazakhstan is set to launch its version of ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot, in December. The big Kazakh language model KazLLM aimed to revolutionize AI potential in Kazakhstan and Central Asia is under development with the financial support of Astana Hub, endowment funds of Nazarbayev University and Nazarbayev Intellectual School, and ISSAI Social Development Fund.

8. Kazakhstani female climber to take on Mount Elbrus after Everest

First Kazakhstani woman to climb the highest point on Earth – Mount Everest - Anar Burasheva spoke about her plans to take on Mount Elbrus - the highest mountain in Russia and Europe.

9. Kazakhstani tennis players up in world junior rankings

Young tennis players from Kazakhstan have improved their standings in the world junior rankings. Amir Omarkhanov is the only Kazakhstani to make it to the top 50 of the latest ITF U18 boys’ world ranking – 15th spot. Kazakhstan’s Danial Rakhmatullayev and Zangar Nurlanuly are ranked 58th and 163rd, respectively.

10.Teacher from Kazakhstan to collaborate with Spanish singer Rosalia

Biology teacher from Kazakhstan’s Abai region Yerkanat Sadukhanov is looking for a collaboration with Spanish popular singer Rosalia in his pursuit of musical career as a beatmaker. The Kazakhstani, who goes under the alias of Eraholic, is known for his collaboration with another star Dua Lipa.