China began its most extensive coronavirus lockdown in two years Monday to conduct mass testing and control a growing outbreak in Shanghai.
Shanghai Starts China’s Biggest COVID-19 Lockdown in 2 Years
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PetFest 2026 took place in Almaty - the city’s largest festival for pets and their owners
On April 18, the площадка of Forum Almaty shopping mall hosted PetFest 2026, once again proving that Almaty is becoming a truly pet-friendly city for both people and animals.
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 lively, warm, and emotional city celebration - full of smiles, new connections, общения, and 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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Chinese New Year Celebrations at Almaty Airport
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Key Areas of Cooperation Between Kazakhstan and Germany
Ahead of the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan to the Federal Republic of Germany and participation in the Central Asia + Germany (C5+1) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we present infographics highlighting key areas of cooperation, including political dialogue, trade and economic ties, multilateral engagement, as well as cultural, humanitarian and climate-related cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
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2026 Winter Olympic Games Open in Italy
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games took place in Italy on the night of February 7. The main venue was Milan’s San Siro Stadium, while events were also held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo. The ceremony, themed "Armonia," highlighted the unity of city and mountains, tradition and modernity.
Hundreds of performers and world-renowned artists took part in the show. In the official segment, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and IOC President Kirsty Coventry delivered speeches before declaring the Games open. The ceremony culminated with the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina.
Kazakhstan will be represented by 36 athletes competing in ten sports. Denis Nikisha and Ayaulym Amrenova served as the nation’s flag bearers. The first events featuring Kazakh athletes are scheduled for February 7.
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