Ceremonial reception for Russian President Vladimir Putin was held in Astana
An official welcoming ceremony for President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit, took place at the Palace of Independence.
The Russian leader was personally greeted by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In honor of the distinguished guest, a formation of fighter jets from the Air Defense Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan carried out a demonstration flyover above the Palace of Independence, leaving behind white, blue and red smoke trails that colored the sky in the hues of the Russian flag.
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Kazakhstan’s Mountains From Above: Almaty Photographer Shares Aerial Photography Experience
Almaty-based photographer Dmitry Dotsenko said that during his frequent flights across Kazakhstan, he tries to use every trip as an opportunity to capture aerial images of mountains and natural landscapes.
My profession as a photographer involves constant travel across the country, and I often have to fly by plane. To avoid wasting time, I try to shoot even during flights," he said.
According to Dotsenko, choosing the right seat in advance is essential for getting a good shot. "If the plane is flying east from Almaty, it is better to sit on the right side; if it is flying west, choose the left side so the mountains are visible in the frame," the photographer explained.
He also recommends selecting seats in the front section of the cabin or at the rear, where turbulence has less impact and the wing does not obstruct the view. Before takeoff, Dotsenko always cleans the airplane window using optical wipes.
For aerial photography, he uses a camera with zoom lenses and a rubber lens hood to reduce glare from the glass. "The window inevitably affects image quality, so it is important to shoot at a 90-degree angle to the glass," he noted.
The photographer admitted that aerial shooting makes it possible to capture unique views of Khan Tengri, Jengish Chokusu and Ismoil Somoni Peak.
Sometimes these views simply take your breath away," Dotsenko said.
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"Batyrlarğa tağzym - mäñgi zhadyymyzda" Campaign Held in Almaty
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People Gather at the Eternal Flame to Honor WWII Heroes
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PetFest 2026, the largest city festival for pets and their owners, took place in Almaty
On April 18, PetFest 2026 - the largest urban festival for pets and their owners - was held at the Forum Almaty shopping mall. The event once again confirmed that Almaty is becoming a truly pet-friendly city.
More than 3,000 guests attended the festival вместе with their pets. For one day, the space in front of the mall turned into a vibrant, warm, and highly emotional city celebration - filled with smiles, new connections, общения, and a genuine love for animals.
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Three kangaroo joeys born at Almaty zoo
Almaty Zoo has welcomed a joyful addition - three kangaroo joeys have been born.
Two joeys were born to grey kangaroo pairs, and one to red kangaroos. According to the zoo, newborn kangaroos are extremely tiny and continue developing in their mother’s pouch, so they are only noticed after some time.
The sex of one joey has already been identified - it is a male, while the others remain unknown.
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Tulips, warmth, and greenery: spring arrives in southern Kazakhstan
Almaty-based photographer Dmitry Dotsenko shared a series of images capturing the atmosphere of spring in southern regions of Kazakhstan.
According to him, the country’s natural contrasts are especially noticeable at this time of year: "Kazakhstan is so vast that seasons live their own lives here - in the north you can still find snow, in central regions it has already melted, while in the south spring is in full swing, sometimes almost turning into summer."
The photographer noted that temperatures in Shymkent have already reached +30°C, city flowerbeds are filled with tulips, and trees are covered in fresh greenery.
Bees are busy with their important work from morning till evening - everything around is literally coming to life," he said.
Dotsenko also managed to capture the growing moon, which, in his view, symbolically echoes the arrival of spring.
The moon is gaining strength now, preparing for the April full moon… and there’s something special about it - as if spring itself is growing along with it," he added.
The photographer wished everyone warmth and a truly spring-like mood.
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How the Referendum Is Taking Place in Kazakhstan: The Atmosphere of Voting Day
A nationwide referendum on the draft of the new Constitution is being held in Kazakhstan. Thousands of polling stations have opened across the country, where citizens have been arriving since early morning to cast their votes.
In many regions, the voting process is taking place in a calm and festive atmosphere. At polling stations, one can see families with children, young people, and elderly voters, as well as unusual costumes and creative initiatives.
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First MISS BRICS 2026 International Beauty Pageant Held in Kazan
The final of the first international beauty pageant MISS BRICS 2026 took place in Kazan. More than 50 contestants from 17 countries participated in the competition, with winners selected in three categories: "Miss," "Mrs.," and "Mini Miss."
The main title of Miss BRICS was awarded to Russia’s Valentina Alekseeva. Bolivia’s Immaculate Wahera took second place, while Belarusian contestant Aliya Korotkaya finished third and also received the Audience Choice Award.
In the Mrs. BRICS category, the winner was South Africa’s Millicent Mpholodi Tlou. Kazakhstan’s Olga Migunova placed second and also won the Audience Choice Award, while Russia’s Alexandra Khvatova took third place.
Among the youngest participants, the Mini Miss BRICS title went to China’s Dumalaog Saffira Kara Gille. Belarusian contestant Izabella Novikova finished second, and the UAE’s Lia Beglaryan placed third.
The judging panel included stylist Vlad Lisovets, model Victoria Lopyreva, singer Olga Seryabkina, and artist Mark Tishman.
Organizers noted that due to the competition coinciding with the month of Ramadan, the traditional swimsuit segment was removed. Instead, contestants appeared on stage in sportswear and national costumes. The jury evaluated not only the participants’ appearance but also their conduct outside the stage.
The competition began on March 2, with most stages held behind closed doors. Only the final was open to the public.
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