Buddhism has existed in Kazakhstan since the 17^th century, which is evidenced by the ancient pagodas and temples discovered by scientists during excavations. Buddhist rock carvings on river Ili and in Tarbagatai, as well as the remnants of Buddhist pagodas: Kyzyl Kent palace in Karaganda oblast and fortress-monastery Ablainkit in East Kazakhstan oblast date back to that period. (more…)

Kazakhstan sees annual increase in the number of those opposing children’s vaccination. In 2010 health workers registered as little as 300 cases of refusals, in 2018 this number increased almost up to 15 thousand. The majority of refusals have been registered in the city of Almaty, Aktobe, Karaganda and West Kazakhstan oblasts.
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The trans-Caspian transport route is an opportunity for Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to reduce the oil dependence of their economies using freight transportation from China to Europe. These countries feel optimistic about it, however, there’s an opinion that this route cannot compete with other routes, even longer ones.
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The potential of Central Asian states to provide electricity grows each year, but hydropower issues have to be solved together, taking into account the interests of all Central Asian countries, experts say.
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Even theological disputes and dissemination of songs can be the grounds for initiation of criminal cases. In the absence of victims, almost all guilty verdicts are based on expert opinions.
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According to experts, the authorities in the region should revise the rigid policy of imprisonment for unintentional actions in social media.
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The conflict between parents of Muslim girls and school administrations has intensified in Kazakstan. (more…)

Kazakstan has 2,763 media outlets, the majority of which are print media, according to information of the Kazak ministry of information and communications. According to marketing researches, television is still the most popular kind of media. Domestic KTK channel is the most popular, with 13.8 per cent of rating. According to expert assessments, Russian TV channels are the most popular with the audience. According to some experts, the authorities have cleared the competitive media field from opposition players and lost control over public opinion.
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New law aims to increase state oversight on some religious minorities.
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The disputes at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the main new project of the republic, will now be adjudicated by a special court based on the English law.
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