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Kazakhstanis Will Be Able to Vote in 61 Countries in the Nuclear Power Referendum

Speaking at a briefing, Secretary of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Erman said that 76 polling stations in 61 countries abroad will be opened for citizens to participate in the referendum on constructing nuclear power plants. However, the polling station in Lebanon will not open due to the current situation there. “Just today, we held consultations with the Foreign Ministry, and we received information from our colleagues that one polling station in Lebanon will not be opened because, you know, there are full-scale hostilities in that country. The situation there is tough; we cannot risk our voters' and fellow citizens' lives and health. That is why there are currently 76 polling stations and 61 countries,” Erman said, noting that all procedures relating to voting abroad — opening of polling stations, counting of votes, and transfer of information — will be carried out in strict accordance with Kazakhstan's current legislation. Earlier, The Times of Central Asia reported that 177 international observers from 30 countries and four international organizations will monitor the referendum on NPP in Kazakhstan. In addition, on the day of the referendum, 200 foreign journalists from 37 countries will be on the ground to ensure the transparency and objectivity of the referendum. The idea of holding the referendum, which will be held on October 6, 2024, emerged against the backdrop of regular problems with energy supply and the need to modernize infrastructure. An active debate has accompanied the move.

Central Asia Kazakhstan Local Politics Local Politics Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Police Step Up Patrols Near Synagogues and Israeli Diplomatic Facilities

In Kazakhstan, police have intensified patrolling near synagogues and Israeli diplomatic facilities. This was reported on October 2 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to Shyngys Alekeshev, head of the ministry's department of information policy, the embassy facilities are, as before, under constant police protection, ensuring their safety in the current situation. “All religious sites have also long been under the control of the IAB; patrol routes are closer to these sites. Additionally, video monitoring of the adjacent territory is carried out through the DSC cameras,” he said. On the night of October 1 to 2, Iran fired rockets at the territory of Israel in response to the Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon and the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. According to the Iranian side, this was only the first wave of the attack, targeting key Israeli military and strategic sites. Earlier, it was reported that Iran was planning to use ballistic missiles in the attack, drawing a sharp reaction from the US. The White House has warned Iran of possible severe consequences if the aggression continues. The Israeli operation in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah facilities, resulted in significant casualties, with 95 people killed and another 172 wounded. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry has already condemned the airstrike on the residence of the head of the UAE's diplomatic mission in Sudan and called for restraint by urging the parties to resolve conflicts through diplomatic methods.

Central Asia Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Local Politics Local Politics Turkmenistan Business & Economy Business & Economy

Scientists in Turkmenistan Develop Lactose Gel for Skin Rejuvenation

Turkmen biotechnologists from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed an innovative lactose gel designed to rejuvenate and correct age-related skin changes. The State Service for Intellectual Property has officially recognized this technology and issued the relevant patent. The gel, based on milk whey, is used in dermatology and cosmetology. Its key task is to improve skin condition by restoring water and protein balance. Low-frequency ultra phonophoresis allows deep penetration of amino acid molecules, which contributes to cell recovery, improves cell nutrition and moisturizing, and stimulates the regeneration process. The basis of development is milk whey, which contains about 50% of the components important for maintaining skin health, such as proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals. These components are actively used in various industries, including cosmetics, due to their high biological value and unique physical and chemical properties. The head of the Academy's biotechnology department, Altyn Rakhmanova, emphasized that using whey in bionanotechnology is not only an effective way to create useful products but also an environmentally friendly approach. It is based on waste-free production, which minimizes the negative impact on the environment while increasing the value of the resulting products. Thus, this development demonstrates an innovative approach in the cosmetics industry, maximizing the benefits of natural resources and creating compelling products for the skin, providing comprehensive rejuvenation and restoration. Other developments in Turkmen science have been reported in recent weeks. Scientists have also developed a therapeutic ointment made of a widespread tree species in the country - maklura. The drug reduces inflammatory processes and helps to tighten wounds. In addition, scientists in Turkmenistan have developed a cream based on oil from silkworm cocoons, which is used in cosmetology. Before that, Turkmen scientists presented crackers made of camel thorn extract.

Central Asia Uzbekistan International Affairs Local Politics Business & Economy Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan International Affairs

South Korea to Help Build Dry Ports in Uzbekistan’s Syrdarya and Jizzakh Regions

The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan announced on October 2 that it had signed a Framework Agreement with the Port Investment Department of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of South Korea to jointly develop a feasibility study for the construction of dry ports and terminals in Uzbekistan’s Syrdarya and Jizzakh regions. According to the Uzbek ministry, the project will help improve the country's transport and logistics infrastructure. Creating inland terminals will be an important step towards increasing Uzbekistan's logistics independence and strengthening its role as the main logistics hub in Central Asia. The project is expected to significantly improve the country’s transport infrastructure and attract new investments to the Syrdarya and Jizzakh regions, supporting the goals of the "Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026." The project is scheduled for completion in September 2025. As one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world (the other being Liechtenstein), Uzbekistan has to ship its exports over long distances through other landlocked countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. In recent years, the government of Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in improving existing international transport corridors running through the country and in developing new corridors that will allow Uzbekistan to access the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union and European countries, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and China.

Central Asia Tajikistan Justice Justice Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Features

Tajikistan Mobilizes Civil Servants for Door-to-Door Anti-Radicalism Explanatory

As reported, officials and civil servants in Tajikistan have been tasked with going door-to-door and holding explanatory talks with the population on radicalism and extremism. In the southern Khatlon region, 1,800 civil servants, including teachers, healthcare workers, and local council members, have been assigned to carry out these talks. Officials claim the primary goal of these conversations is to prevent young people from becoming radicalized. During the meetings, they discuss topics like promoting traditional women’s clothing instead of hijabs, which authorities associate with radicalism. They also ask about relatives living abroad who might be at risk of becoming extremists and encourage young people to join the army. In the first seven months of this year, campaign groups visited over 620,000 houses. At the same time, campaign groups film their interactions with people and publish reports on social networks. Critics of the government in this regard claim that officials' door-to-door visits are nothing more than intrusions into people’s homes and interferences in their personal affairs. However, officials deny this; they say that the chosen method only allows for identifying the “most vulnerable” families and is necessary to combat radicalism among young people. “The issue of radicalization in the region is alarming, especially the joining of young people to various extremist movements. There are many cases,” said Davlatali Said, the governor of Khatlon region.

Central Asia Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture International Affairs Local Politics Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan International Affairs Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

Children’s Delphic Games Open in Kyrgyzstan

The First Open Children's Delphic Games for CIS countries has begun in Bishkek. The opening ceremony was held at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic. The event strives to revive the ancient Greek traditions of the Delphic Games, which took place in the city of Delphi and were dedicated to art and culture. The competition program this year includes competitions for piano, violin, classical guitar, pop and solo singing, folk dance, and DJing. The festival features folk instruments, arts and crafts, and sign language songs. Asel Chynbaeva, Commissioner for Children's Rights, opened the Games by speaking about the importance of the Delphic Games as a platform for cultural exchange and showcasing talent among young people from Eurasian countries. This year special attention is being paid to the Paradelphi nomination, which includes the performance of works in sign language. This emphasizes the importance of inclusiveness and demonstrates how art can overcome barriers and unite people. The Games will run until October 5.