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. 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. The author invites readers to explore how Kazakhstanis celebrate this day.

2. President extends condolences to writer Mukhtar Magauin’s family

Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a telegram of condolences to the family and relatives of outstanding Kazakh writer, laureate of the State Prize Mukhtar Magauin upon his death. The writer died in the U.S, according to his son Edige Magauin, who confirmed it on his Facebook. In 1997, Mukhtar Magauin was recognized the Best Writer of the Turkic World.

3. Second NPP may be built in east of Kazakhstan, expert

The second NPP may be built in east of Kazakhstan. Timur Zhantikin said the potential nuclear power plant should be built in areas with minimal seismic activity, safe from natural disasters and far from densely populated districts.

4. Inflation in Kazakhstan: slowdown in average annual growth and price increases

The Bureau of National Statistics' latest data report showed annual inflation in 2024 amounted to 8.6%, slowing down from 9.8% in 2023. However, significant price increases were recorded in a number of segments of the economy. Read more for a detailed breakdown of inflation trends and affected segments.

5. The face of Astana: dynamics of change and progress

A recent evaluation of Astana by the World Council on City Data (WCCD), covering 19 key areas, has awarded Kazakhstan’s capital an international “Silver” level certification. Considering this, a Kazinform News Agency correspondent set out to examine the city’s current development trends and understand what caught the attention of this prestigious organization.

6. Kazakhstan modernizes 9 checkpoints to reduce border-crossing time

Kazakhstan plans to modernize nine checkpoints on the borders with China, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The modernization aims to boost the border checkpoints' daily throughput capacity by 6 times, on average from 170 to 960 vehicles, as well as to reduce border crossing time to 30 minutes.

7. Partner birth in Kazakhstan: a growing trend of emotional support and bonding

In a special report by Kazinform News Agency, our correspondent delves into the nuances and significance of partner birth in Kazakhstan. The article also gains insights from obstetrician-gynecologist Elmira Sarysheva as well as shares the personal story of Yerzhan Zhanibekov, a father who has experienced the emotional journey of childbirth alongside the mother of his children.

8. Kazakhstan ranks 66th in Global IQ Index, East Asia leads

Kazakhstan took 66th place in the 2024 Global IQ Index, with an average IQ of 97.27, showing a small increase of 0.01 points compared to last year. The updated rank places China as number one with an average IQ of 107.43. According to the data, the global average IQ is 100.

9. Kazakhstan, Hungary boost cooperation in filmmaking

Kazakhstan and Hungary are deepening ties in the film industry. Hungary has become Europe's second filmmaking center after Great Britain, with 124 years of expertise. There are five major studio complexes in the country, with expansion projects now underway.

10.Kazakhstan claims three medals at FIS Freestyle Moguls World Junior Championships in Almaty

Kazakhstan's Anastassiya Gorodko won gold in the Dual Moguls and silver in singles events. Kazakhstan's Yuliya Feklistova and Denis Rastruba claimed silver in the Dual Moguls Team event.

Earlier Kazinform News Agency presented a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.