World
The World Meteorological Organization warns of sharply different risks across the South-West Indian Ocean: southern areas may face rainfall deficits, while the north sees higher odds of heavy rain, floods and landslides. The outlook runs to March 2027 and calls for local, multi-hazard planning.
Technology
The 2026 Nobel Prize laureates will begin to be announced on 5 October. Over eight days, the prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics will be revealed. Here is the official Stockholm timetable, where to watch and why pre-announcement candidate lists remain speculation.
Economy
The FAO Food Price Index reached 136 points in September, up 1.5% from August and 5.8% year on year. Grain and sugar drove the increase, while meat and dairy edged lower. We explain the pressures behind the move and why a global commodity index is not a local supermarket bill.
Culture
Shymkent brought together 40 food locations at Street Food Fest and attempted a national record with a giant hot dog. Street food, an ethnic village and a Ziruza concert shared the programme. The bigger question is how a one-day spectacle can support local businesses and repeat tourism.
IT
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 in Astana produced more than 60 agreements spanning AI, data centres, fintech, education and startups. Plans include a new data centre and a MultiBank regional office. We separate projects with stated commitments from memoranda that still need deadlines and delivery.
Society
Toman village in Atyrau Region is preparing to open its first kindergarten, with 80 places. The 2,209-square-metre building cost KZT 797 million and is expected to open in November. The project could change daily life for families, provided staffing and admissions match the new facility.
Society
Kazakhstan has provided cochlear implants to 169 children in 225 operations. The state allocated KZT 1.81 billion, and 124 recipients were under five. The operation creates access to sound, but programming, rehabilitation and daily family practice determine how that access becomes speech.
Society
About 173,000 people joined Astana's citywide environmental campaign. Municipal crews removed 470 tonnes of waste from 3,400 courtyards and 180 public spaces. The large figures matter, but lasting success will depend on daily habits, waste systems and care for the new trees.
Sport
Kazakhstan finished the 2026 Asian Games with 84 medals: 12 gold, 24 silver and 48 bronze. Equestrian athletes were the country's final competitors. We examine the final tally and the closing event, while separating the headline number from the deeper performance review still to come.
Politics
The European Commission has presented a plan for sudden mass irregular arrivals. It combines early warning, a stronger Frontex, action against smugglers, digital monitoring and faster returns.
Society
Global life expectancy is close to its pre-pandemic level, but healthy life expectancy is recovering more slowly. Noncommunicable diseases now account for 74% of deaths, and dementia has risen to fifth place.
Economy
Travellers spent 258.8 million nights in EU accommodation booked through Airbnb, Booking and Expedia in the second quarter. That was 5.3% more than in 2025 and nearly 24% more than in 2024.
World
Eurostat’s flash estimate shows inflation accelerating from 3.2% in August to 3.8% in September. Energy prices rose 18.8% year on year, putting renewed pressure on household budgets.
Technology
NASA has selected Modulate Space to develop major elements of a lunar 5G network with built-in Wi‑Fi 6. A laboratory system is due in 2028, followed by a surface demonstration.
Society
Kazakhstan and the Holy See are holding a colloquium on the rights and dignity of vulnerable children. Family support, incurable illness and the ethical limits of artificial intelligence are central to the agenda.
Sport
Kazakhstan’s men face Japan in the Asian Games final on 3 October. After losing 19–11 in the group stage, they have one match to rewrite the tournament.
Economy
A new non-alcoholic drinks plant has opened in Boraldai with planned capacity of up to one billion litres a year. It promises more than 230 jobs and exports, although full output depends on commissioning.
Technology
Kazakhstan ranks 73rd among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index. Digital public services and utility models stand out, but a higher score does not automatically mean more products reach the market.
IT
At the third AI Development Council meeting, Kazakhstan’s president called for full production-chain transformation rather than isolated digital pilots. The decisive issue is usable industrial data.
IT
On September 29, 2026, Donald Trump gathered the heads of the world's largest artificial intelligence companies at the White House.
Politics
The UN General Assembly closed its High-Level Week with a meeting on the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Against wars and strikes on nuclear infrastructure, states returned to safeguards, arms control and the principle that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.
