Kazakh students showcase robotics innovations for archaeology
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The Daryn FIRST Qualifier 2026 robotics festival has concluded, with around 200 teams and more than 1,500 students from Almaty, the Almaty and Zhetysu regions, as well as specialized educational institutions, taking part in the event, Qazinform News Agency cites the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Education.
Over the course of two days, participants aged 4 to 18 demonstrated the results of their training in engineering, programming, and robotics, showcasing both practical skills and applied solutions.
Competitions were held across four categories of the international FIRST program, including FIRST LEGO League Discover, FIRST LEGO League Explore, FIRST LEGO League Challenge, and FIRST Tech Challenge.
The theme for the 2025-2026 academic season was archaeology. In preparation for and during the festival, teams developed projects aimed at studying human history, preserving cultural heritage, and exploring the past with the help of modern technologies. Participants tackled challenges related to archaeological research, completed engineering tasks using robotic solutions, and presented approaches for digitizing and safeguarding historical data.
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Snow, rain and ice to sweep across Kazakhstan in coming days
The National Weather Service Kazhydromet has issued a three-day weather forecast for Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to meteorologists, a northwestern cyclone moving across the country will bring unstable weather. Snowfall, drifting snow and icy conditions are expected at night, while daytime precipitation will include rain and snow, accompanied by drifting snow and ice. These conditions will begin on January 10 in western regions, spread to the northwest, north and central parts of the country on January 11, and reach eastern Kazakhstan on January 12.
Heavy snowfall is forecast for January 11 in the Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions. Rain is expected in southern areas from January 10 till 12, as well as in the southeast on January 12. Fog and gusty winds are also forecast across the country.
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Kazakhstan’s FlyArystan to resume Almaty-Samarkand-Almaty direct flights
Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan is resuming Almaty-Samarkand-Almaty flights starting in March 2026, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The flights will be operated twice a wekk - on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Spring season will run from March 21 to May 30, and autumn season will last from September 1 to October 24.
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Kazakhstan adopts Concept for development of science cities until 2035
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The Kazakh Government has approved the Concept for the creation and development of knowledge-intensive territories for 2026-2035. The corresponding resolution was signed by the Prime Minister, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Concept was developed in line with instructions issued by the President of Kazakhstan at the IV meeting of the Ulttyq Qurultay (National Congress) on March 14, 2025, as well as with the Prime Minister’s protocol instructions.
The document outlines a long-term approach to forming science-driven territories and is aimed at transitioning to a knowledge-based economy built on technology and scientific innovation.
The resolution requires central and local executive bodies to take the necessary measures to implement the Concept and carry out the action plan.
Each year, by April 1, the bodies will submit progress reports to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The ministry will then forward consolidated information to the authorized state planning body by May 1 and publish it on its official website.
Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the document has been assigned to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
The Concept emphasizes that the development of knowledge-intensive territories is a key prerequisite for implementing the "Rebooting the National Science Model" priority set out in Kazakhstan’s National Development Plan through 2029.
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Head of State congratulates Kazakhstanis on Christmas
In his letter of congratulation, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Orthodox Christianity makes an important contribution to strengthening interfaith harmony in Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
Christmas greetings from Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Dear compatriots!
I congratulate all Orthodox citizens of Kazakhstan on the occasion of Christmas!
This bright holiday fills hearts with faith, hope and love for one another. Christianity, along with other traditional world religions, is imbued with the eternal spiritual and moral ideals of justice, mercy, sincerity, responsibility, kindness and harmony.
Orthodoxy makes an important contribution to strengthening interfaith harmony in our country and educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, hard work and family values.
The principles of unity, solidarity and mutual assistance are an integral part of our state policy and the unshakeable foundation of all our achievements. By showing mutual respect, trust and compassion, our society will confidently continue to move forward on the path of Justice and Progress.
I sincerely wish Orthodox citizens and all residents of our country good health and great success!
May every home be filled with prosperity!
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Kazakhstan weather forecast for Jan 7
On January 7, a cyclone and atmospheric fronts will continue affecting most regions of Kazakhstan, bringing snow and blizzards to northern, eastern and central areas, Qazinform News Agency reports citing Kazhydromet.
Heavy snowfall is expected in eastern regions.
Other areas will see no precipitation.
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Winter weather in Astana leads to flight delays
Air Astana announced Sunday rotational flight delays and changes in schedule due to worsening weather conditions in Astana, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Earlier, the airline informed of flight delays from Almaty, operated by Airbus A320neo aircraft, on the night of January 3 due to weather-related restrictions: freezing fog and visibility less than 150 meters.
The air company is taking all necessary measures to restore the schedule, including deploying FlyArystan reserve aircraft, the company said in a statement.
The airline also asked passengers to check the flight status on its website before leaving for the airport.
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The scientist warned about a set of magnetic storms in 2026
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Despite the decrease in the number of solar flares, a large number of magnetic storms are expected on Earth in 2026 due to the activity of coronal holes in the Sun. This was announced by the head of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Institute of Space Research (IKI). RAN Sergey Bogachev, iz.ru reports.
There are more magnetic storms amid the decline in solar activity. The main contribution to this was made by numerous coronal holes, the number of which increased dramatically (...) This factor is still present in the Sun, and in 2026 it will continue to act: there will be a lot of storms," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Bogachev clarified that in 2025, three magnetic storms of the penultimate G4 strength level were recorded. For comparison, in 2024, there were four such storms and one storm of the maximum G5 level. He described the decrease in activity in 2025 as insignificant.
At the same time, the scientist noted that the number of days with magnetic storms in 2025 almost doubled compared to 2024 - from 40 to 73. He noted that the occurrence of strong storms is largely accidental: a powerful solar flare may not affect the Earth, while weaker events directed towards the planet can cause serious disturbances.
As an example, Bogachev recalled that the strongest outbreak of the 21st century on November 4, 2003 did not even lead to weak geomagnetic effects, whereas weaker outbreaks in May 2024 caused a G5 maximum level storm. According to him, strong and very strong magnetic storms are possible in 2026.
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New Year’s tie: Equal number of boys and girls born in Kazakhstan
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254 children were born in Kazakhstan's maternity hospitals during the New Year celebrations, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Ministry of Healthcare.
The births were split exactly down the middle: 127 boys and 127 girls. Twins were born in the Aktobe region.
The highest number of newborns, 29, was recorded in the Turkistan region. Shymkent had 24 births, followed by Astana with 22 and Almaty with 21.
It is noteworthy that 11 girls and 11 boys were born in Astana.
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