Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to visit India in early 2021, which will be his first to the country since taking charge in 2019. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev said, "Kazakhstan is interested in expanding ties with India, given its growing role in world economy and politics.". He also spoke at length on the significance of First December in his country which is celebrated as "Day of the First President" to pay honour to the Nursultan Nazarbayev, who ruled the country for nearly 3 decades. Envoy Alimbayev said, "First President proclaimed the equality of rights of all the people of Kazakhstan, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations, as one of the fundamental principles of state policy."

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India Kazakh relations. Both are members of the SCO. Infact, Kazakhstan takes over as the new Chairman of SCO head of govt from India. What can we expect..

Yerlan Alimbayev: Since Nursultan Nazarbayev is the founder of independent Kazakhstan, it is difficult to overestimate his contribution to the establishment and development of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and India. Relations between Kazakhstan and India have exhibited considerable dynamism and momentum. India was one of the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan as a free, sovereign state. It is particularly noteworthy to mention that India was the very first country Nursultan Nazarbayev visited in February 1992 as the President of independent Kazakhstan. Diplomatic relations were officially established during this historic visit. This decision demonstrated the deep respect and admiration in which President Nazarbayev and the people of Kazakhstan hold India as a country endowed with a glorious past, having a vibrant present and blessed with a bright future. In 2009, by signing the Declaration on Strategic Partnership cooperation between our countries was brought to a higher level. At present we are working on the first State visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as soon as the situation with the pandemic stabilizes in early 2021. Kazakhstan remains a major trading partner of India in Central Asia and the second largest in CIS region. Our bilateral trade turnover has reached 2,2 billion USD over the 9 months of 2020. During the years of independence, Nursultan Nazarbayev was personally involved in the country's most significant investment projects, which to this day are successfully working in Kazakhstan. In particular, several Indian citizens and companies have a significant presence in Kazakhstan. Arcelor-Mittal Temirtau is a major investment project by an Indian non-resident. Several other well-known companies like Infosys, Punj Lloyd Kazakhstan Limited, KEC International Limited, TCS, ONGC Videsh Ltd. etc. have been active in this market in the area of construction of oil and gas, electric transmission lines, IT, etc. In the area of pharmaceuticals, large Indian companies are represented in the market.

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of convergence we see on foreign affairs between the 2 countries...

Yerlan Alimbayev: In the area of foreign relations, Kazakhstan launched the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) through the address by President Nazarbayev to the United Nations General Assembly in October 1992, and India has consistently and actively supported the CICA. Interaction in the UN and other international fora has been close and mutually supportive. Views of both countries coincide on all major domestic, regional and international issues. Nursultan Nazarbayev again showed the entire world his wisdom and leadership as a great politician, committed to democratic values, having voluntarily relinquished duties as President in March 2019. After the elections on June 9, 2019 Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was elected as the new President of Kazakhstan. Thus, a peaceful transition of power in Kazakhstan took place, political succession was announced and all priorities and goals of foreign policy of Kazakhstan remain unchanged. One immutable truth is obvious: Kazakhstan managed to overcome the dramatic rift of epochs only thanks to the wise state strategy, strong leadership, the enormous international authority of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy and his absolute national support. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding ties with India, given its growing role in world economy and politics. We are witnessing radical reforms underway in India that are aimed at the full-scale transformation of the country’s economy in order to improve the standard of living of citizens, as well as strengthening national unity and regional integration both inside the country and on a continental scale. Kazakhstan welcomes these transformations and wishes to consolidate our efforts to achieve bigger trade turnover, strengthen political and cultural bonds.

Sidhant Sibal:December 1 has significance in your country, if you can elaborate on it.

Yerlan Alimbayev: On December 1, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of the First President. This date is of great importance in the history of modern Kazakhstan and is also important in terms of bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan. Elected by the people to the highest post of the country on December 1, 1991, Nursultan Nazarbayev became the First President of the young state. The personality of Nazarbayev is important for us because his whole life is directly connected with creation and development of independent Kazakhstan. Of course, international activities of the First President are essential part of Kazakhstan's foreign policy. Nursultan Nazarbayev played the same large-scale role in the history of Kazakhstan as world-famous reformers such as Mahatma Gandhi in India, Charles de Gaulle in France, Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore, Atatürk in Turkey, Mahathir Mohammad in Malaysia and many others played in the development of their respective countries. As you know, Kazakhstan inherited unbalanced economy after disintegration of the Soviet Union. The First President went on to make decisive market reforms, sometimes unpopular and tough, but only in that way was it possible to ensure the growth of the economy and to create a stable middle class, a pillar of a stable society.

Sidhant Sibal: Nazarbayev, what has been his legacy. He resigned last year but holds the title of Leader of the Nation.

Yerlan Alimbayev: Recognizing the crucial importance of this factor, the First President proclaimed the equality of rights of all the people of Kazakhstan, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations, as one of the fundamental principles of state policy. Ethnic diversity has become the country’s greatest strength. In this context, Kazakhstan, like India, is a state that unites many languages, religions, cultures and nationalities. Step by step, through the efforts of the First President, Kazakhstan has rebuilt on the ruins of the former Soviet state. During the first stage of modernization, as Nazarbayev described this period, the President worked to effect a system overhaul, restore the economy and form a new political system. He presented his own formula for development - "first-economy, politics-after". Today, this experience is known as "the Nazarbayev model" or the Kazakhstan way. A major successful achievement of the Republic in that period was the transfer and construction of the new capital of the state, which today bears the name of the First President – Nur-Sultan. From the very beginning of independence, the First President attached exceptional importance to the sphere of foreign policy. Given the realities of the modern multipolar world, he established a multi-vector foreign policy. Having closed the world’s largest Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and abandon of the nuclear weapon, Nursultan Nazarbayev carried out a truly great act of history, showing an example of his peace-promoting policy with his actions and his decision to denuclearize Kazakhstan. Due to close international cooperation and partnerships built by his efforts, Kazakhstan has achieved remarkable results. Over the years, many of the first President's ideas and initiatives have been implemented and are being consistently developed.&nbsp;

Kazakhstan has pioneered a global nuclear security initiative, has achieved a number of results in peacemaking policy and conflict resolution around Nagorno-Karabakh, Iran, Ukraine and Syria. The Republic has launched and continues to develop a global interreligious dialogue based on regular Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in its capital. Kazakhstan's peace-loving policy contributed to the country's election as the Chairman of the OSCE, SCO, OIC, non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2017-2019, and other international organizations. The Eurasian idea of Nursultan Nazarbayev announced back in 1992 nowadays is being implemented as the Eurasian Economic Union. Kazakhstan has become a member of the WTO, and thanks to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, it has become an operator of growing trade flows between the East and West of Eurasia.

Constructive and reliable relations were established with all neighbouring countries. For the first time in history, Kazakhstan gained internationally recognized borders along its entire perimeter. This was a key and decisive achievement, marking a particularly important milestone in the construction of the state. Today, Kazakhstan is a globally recognized, highly respected and open country with great economic, political, social, innovative and intellectual potential.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to visit India in early 2021, which will be his first to the country since taking charge in 2019. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev said, "Kazakhstan is interested in expanding ties with India, given its growing role in world economy and politics.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to visit India in early 2021, which will be his first to the country since taking charge in 2019. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev said, "Kazakhstan is interested in expanding ties with India, given its growing role in world economy and politics.". He also spoke at length on the significance of First December in his country which is celebrated as "Day of the First President" to pay honour to the Nursultan Nazarbayev, who ruled the country for nearly 3 decades. Envoy Alimbayev said, "First President proclaimed the equality of rights of all the people of Kazakhstan, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations, as one of the fundamental principles of state policy." Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India Kazakh relations. Both are members of the SCO. Infact, Kazakhstan takes over as the new Chairman of SCO head of govt from India. What can we expect.. Yerlan Alimbayev: Since Nursultan Nazarbayev is the founder of independent Kazakhstan, it is difficult to overestimate his contribution to the establishment and development of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and India. Relations between Kazakhstan and India have exhibited considerable dynamism and momentum. India was one of the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan as a free, sovereign state. It is particularly noteworthy to mention that India was the very first country Nursultan Nazarbayev visited in February 1992 as the President of independent Kazakhstan. Diplomatic relations were officially established during this historic visit. This decision demonstrated the deep respect and admiration in which President Nazarbayev and the people of Kazakhstan hold India as a country endowed with a glorious past, having a vibrant present and blessed with a bright future. In 2009, by signing the Declaration on Strategic Partnership cooperation between our countries was brought to a higher level. At present we are working on the first State visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as soon as the situation with the pandemic stabilizes in early 2021. Kazakhstan remains a major trading partner of India in Central Asia and the second largest in CIS region. Our bilateral trade turnover has reached 2,2 billion USD over the 9 months of 2020. During the years of independence, Nursultan Nazarbayev was personally involved in the country's most significant investment projects, which to this day are successfully working in Kazakhstan. In particular, several Indian citizens and companies have a significant presence in Kazakhstan. Arcelor-Mittal Temirtau is a major investment project by an Indian non-resident. Several other well-known companies like Infosys, Punj Lloyd Kazakhstan Limited, KEC International Limited, TCS, ONGC Videsh Ltd. etc. have been active in this market in the area of construction of oil and gas, electric transmission lines, IT, etc. In the area of pharmaceuticals, large Indian companies are represented in the market. Sidhant Sibal: What kind of convergence we see on foreign affairs between the 2 countries... Yerlan Alimbayev: In the area of foreign relations, Kazakhstan launched the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) through the address by President Nazarbayev to the United Nations General Assembly in October 1992, and India has consistently and actively supported the CICA. Interaction in the UN and other international fora has been close and mutually supportive. Views of both countries coincide on all major domestic, regional and international issues. Nursultan Nazarbayev again showed the entire world his wisdom and leadership as a great politician, committed to democratic values, having voluntarily relinquished duties as President in March 2019. After the elections on June 9, 2019 Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was elected as the new President of Kazakhstan. Thus, a peaceful transition of power in Kazakhstan took place, political succession was announced and all priorities and goals of foreign policy of Kazakhstan remain unchanged. One immutable truth is obvious: Kazakhstan managed to overcome the dramatic rift of epochs only thanks to the wise state strategy, strong leadership, the enormous international authority of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy and his absolute national support. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding ties with India, given its growing role in world economy and politics. We are witnessing radical reforms underway in India that are aimed at the full-scale transformation of the country’s economy in order to improve the standard of living of citizens, as well as strengthening national unity and regional integration both inside the country and on a continental scale. Kazakhstan welcomes these transformations and wishes to consolidate our efforts to achieve bigger trade turnover, strengthen political and cultural bonds. Sidhant Sibal:December 1 has significance in your country, if you can elaborate on it. Yerlan Alimbayev: On December 1, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of the First President. This date is of great importance in the history of modern Kazakhstan and is also important in terms of bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan. Elected by the people to the highest post of the country on December 1, 1991, Nursultan Nazarbayev became the First President of the young state. The personality of Nazarbayev is important for us because his whole life is directly connected with creation and development of independent Kazakhstan. Of course, international activities of the First President are essential part of Kazakhstan's foreign policy. Nursultan Nazarbayev played the same large-scale role in the history of Kazakhstan as world-famous reformers such as Mahatma Gandhi in India, Charles de Gaulle in France, Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore, Atatürk in Turkey, Mahathir Mohammad in Malaysia and many others played in the development of their respective countries. As you know, Kazakhstan inherited unbalanced economy after disintegration of the Soviet Union. The First President went on to make decisive market reforms, sometimes unpopular and tough, but only in that way was it possible to ensure the growth of the economy and to create a stable middle class, a pillar of a stable society. Sidhant Sibal: Nazarbayev, what has been his legacy. He resigned last year but holds the title of Leader of the Nation. Yerlan Alimbayev: Recognizing the crucial importance of this factor, the First President proclaimed the equality of rights of all the people of Kazakhstan, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations, as one of the fundamental principles of state policy. Ethnic diversity has become the country’s greatest strength. In this context, Kazakhstan, like India, is a state that unites many languages, religions, cultures and nationalities. Step by step, through the efforts of the First President, Kazakhstan has rebuilt on the ruins of the former Soviet state. During the first stage of modernization, as Nazarbayev described this period, the President worked to effect a system overhaul, restore the economy and form a new political system. He presented his own formula for development - "first-economy, politics-after". Today, this experience is known as "the Nazarbayev model" or the Kazakhstan way. A major successful achievement of the Republic in that period was the transfer and construction of the new capital of the state, which today bears the name of the First President – Nur-Sultan. From the very beginning of independence, the First President attached exceptional importance to the sphere of foreign policy. Given the realities of the modern multipolar world, he established a multi-vector foreign policy. Having closed the world’s largest Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and abandon of the nuclear weapon, Nursultan Nazarbayev carried out a truly great act of history, showing an example of his peace-promoting policy with his actions and his decision to denuclearize Kazakhstan. Due to close international cooperation and partnerships built by his efforts, Kazakhstan has achieved remarkable results. Over the years, many of the first President's ideas and initiatives have been implemented and are being consistently developed. Kazakhstan has pioneered a global nuclear security initiative, has achieved a number of results in peacemaking policy and conflict resolution around Nagorno-Karabakh, Iran, Ukraine and Syria. The Republic has launched and continues to develop a global interreligious dialogue based on regular Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in its capital. Kazakhstan's peace-loving policy contributed to the country's election as the Chairman of the OSCE, SCO, OIC, non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2017-2019, and other international organizations. The Eurasian idea of Nursultan Nazarbayev announced back in 1992 nowadays is being implemented as the Eurasian Economic Union. Kazakhstan has become a member of the WTO, and thanks to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, it has become an operator of growing trade flows between the East and West of Eurasia. Constructive and reliable relations were established with all neighbouring countries. For the first time in history, Kazakhstan gained internationally recognized borders along its entire perimeter. This was a key and decisive achievement, marking a particularly important milestone in the construction of the state. Today, Kazakhstan is a globally recognized, highly respected and open country with great economic, political, social, innovative and intellectual potential.

Kazakh President to visit India in early 2021

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited.&nbsp;

A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-military-agreement-with-us-on-sharing-of-satellite-data-338409">Also read|&nbsp;India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data</a>

India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. &nbsp;Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan.

India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.”

This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister. Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited. A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest." Also read| India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan. India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.” This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

With connectivity in focus, India-central Asian FMs to meet virtually today

Ridiculed once again in a film featuring fictional Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev, the ex-Soviet state of Kazakhstan has embraced the joke this time round and adopted Borat`s catch phrase to try to attract tourists. 
 
"Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," a follow-up to a 2006 film featuring the same sexist and racist character, was released on Amazon Prime last week. 
 
Like the first film, the movie has Borat on the rampage in the United States where he tries to trick U.S. politicians and others into letting their guard down and compromising themselves. 
 
Borat`s first outing caused anger in Kazakhstan where authorities discouraged its screening and threatened legal action over what they saw as an insult to their national character. 
This time round, they have taken a different approach and adopted Borat`s catchphrase "Very Nice!" to try to promote tourism in the vast Central Asian country. 
 
In a slick video released by the tourism board featuring spectacular mountains and lakes, an exotic food market, and futuristic-looking cityscapes, a series of foreign tourists use the catch phrase to signal their appreciation for what they are seeing. 
 
The idea to use Borat`s catch phrase belongs to Dennis Keen, a US citizen living in Kazakhstan, who is married to a Kazakh woman and has a business running walking tours. 
"It was something I`d been thinking about for years as everyone who comes here is aware of the Borat thing being attached to the country`s brand," Keen told Reuters. 
Borat`s "Very Nice!" catch phase could be put to good use instead, he said. 
 
"It`s actually the perfect description of the country in the most sincere way. The people and the food are very nice." 
 
COVID-19 means tourism in Kazakhstan has been hard hit by travel restrictions and border closures like many other countries. 
 
But Kairat Sadvakassov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakh Tourism, said he hoped the campaign would help people see that Borat`s jokes about the country were off target when the situation improved. 
 
"We would like everyone to come experience Kazakhstan for themselves by visiting our country in 2021 and beyond, so that they can see that Borat`s homeland is nicer than they may have heard,” Sadvakassov said in a news release. 
 
Still, Kazakh authorities remain unimpressed with the film. 
 
In a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Saturday, officials said the new movie was racist and xenophobic, but that an official protest was pointless because it would only generate more publicity and profits for the film`s makers.

&nbsp;

Ridiculed once again in a film featuring fictional Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev, the ex-Soviet state of Kazakhstan has embraced the joke this time round and adopted Borat`s catch phrase to try to attract tourists.

Ridiculed once again in a film featuring fictional Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev, the ex-Soviet state of Kazakhstan has embraced the joke this time round and adopted Borat`s catch phrase to try to attract tourists. "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," a follow-up to a 2006 film featuring the same sexist and racist character, was released on Amazon Prime last week. Like the first film, the movie has Borat on the rampage in the United States where he tries to trick U.S. politicians and others into letting their guard down and compromising themselves. Borat`s first outing caused anger in Kazakhstan where authorities discouraged its screening and threatened legal action over what they saw as an insult to their national character. This time round, they have taken a different approach and adopted Borat`s catchphrase "Very Nice!" to try to promote tourism in the vast Central Asian country. In a slick video released by the tourism board featuring spectacular mountains and lakes, an exotic food market, and futuristic-looking cityscapes, a series of foreign tourists use the catch phrase to signal their appreciation for what they are seeing. The idea to use Borat`s catch phrase belongs to Dennis Keen, a US citizen living in Kazakhstan, who is married to a Kazakh woman and has a business running walking tours. "It was something I`d been thinking about for years as everyone who comes here is aware of the Borat thing being attached to the country`s brand," Keen told Reuters. Borat`s "Very Nice!" catch phase could be put to good use instead, he said. "It`s actually the perfect description of the country in the most sincere way. The people and the food are very nice." COVID-19 means tourism in Kazakhstan has been hard hit by travel restrictions and border closures like many other countries. But Kairat Sadvakassov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakh Tourism, said he hoped the campaign would help people see that Borat`s jokes about the country were off target when the situation improved. "We would like everyone to come experience Kazakhstan for themselves by visiting our country in 2021 and beyond, so that they can see that Borat`s homeland is nicer than they may have heard,” Sadvakassov said in a news release. Still, Kazakh authorities remain unimpressed with the film. In a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Saturday, officials said the new movie was racist and xenophobic, but that an official protest was pointless because it would only generate more publicity and profits for the film`s makers.

Now, Kazakhstan taps new Borat movie to woo tourists

After a call for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/borat-sequel-controversy-people-of-kazakhstan-upset-with-film-want-it-to-be-cancelled-338029">cancelling the new Borat film</a> featuring Sacha Baron Cohen in the leading role, Kazakhstan has now adopted a catchphrase from the film for their tourism campaign.&nbsp;

The film features Sacha as Borat Sagdiyev, a brash Kazakhstani who says “Very Nice!” in a strikingly peculiar manner that the country is now using.

In the ‘Borat’ sequel, the fictional journalist depicts his homeland as misogynistic, homophobic and anti-Semitic –as he does in the original, ‘Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan’.&nbsp;

On the tourism campaign, Kairat Sadvakassov, the deputy chairman of Kazakh Tourism, said in a statement to the Huffington Post that adopting Borat’s catchphrase in the campaign “offers the perfect description of Kazakhstan’s vast tourism potential in a short, memorable way.”

“Kazakhstan’s nature is very nice; its food is very nice; and its people, despite Borat’s jokes to the contrary, are some of the nicest in the world. We would like everyone to come experience Kazakhstan for themselves by visiting our country in 2021 and beyond, so that they can see that Borat’s homeland is nicer than they may have heard,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sacha-baron-cohen-responds-to-donald-trump-unfunny-creep-comment-i-dont-find-you-funny-either-337808" hreflang="en">Sacha Baron Cohen responds to Donald Trump 'unfunny creep' comment: I don't find you funny either</a>

The ads show tourists hiking with a selfie stick, (“Very nice!”), drinking fermented horse milk (“Mm, that’s actually very nice!”), marvelling at the architecture (“Wow, very nice!”) and posing for a photograph with Kazakhs in traditional dress (“That’s very nice!”).

Check out the ad here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eRGXq4t9wY4" width="620"></iframe>

After a call for cancelling the new Borat film featuring Sacha Baron Cohen in the leading role, Kazakhstan has now adopted a catchphrase from the film for their tourism campaign.

After a call for cancelling the new Borat film featuring Sacha Baron Cohen in the leading role, Kazakhstan has now adopted a catchphrase from the film for their tourism campaign. The film features Sacha as Borat Sagdiyev, a brash Kazakhstani who says “Very Nice!” in a strikingly peculiar manner that the country is now using. In the ‘Borat’ sequel, the fictional journalist depicts his homeland as misogynistic, homophobic and anti-Semitic –as he does in the original, ‘Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan’. On the tourism campaign, Kairat Sadvakassov, the deputy chairman of Kazakh Tourism, said in a statement to the Huffington Post that adopting Borat’s catchphrase in the campaign “offers the perfect description of Kazakhstan’s vast tourism potential in a short, memorable way.” “Kazakhstan’s nature is very nice; its food is very nice; and its people, despite Borat’s jokes to the contrary, are some of the nicest in the world. We would like everyone to come experience Kazakhstan for themselves by visiting our country in 2021 and beyond, so that they can see that Borat’s homeland is nicer than they may have heard,” he said. Sacha Baron Cohen responds to Donald Trump 'unfunny creep' comment: I don't find you funny either The ads show tourists hiking with a selfie stick, (“Very nice!”), drinking fermented horse milk (“Mm, that’s actually very nice!”), marvelling at the architecture (“Wow, very nice!”) and posing for a photograph with Kazakhs in traditional dress (“That’s very nice!”). Check out the ad here:

After call for #CancelBorat, Kazakhstan now adopts film's catchphrase for ad campaign

The Bukhtarma Reservoir is the biggest artificial body of water in Kazakhstan. There's no bridge across it, so in warmer months, local residents must often wait for hours for a ferry crossing. In colder months, many risk their lives crossing the ice by car. Watch report.

Bukhtarma Reservoir: Many risk their lives crossing the ice by car

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on Friday he was ready to resign once a new cabinet was appointed to end the power vacuum in the Central Asian nation gripped by unrest since opposition supporters seized government buildings on Tuesday.

While his offer, made in a statement, could facilitate the transfer of power later, it may do little to resolve the political impasse, which prompted regional power Russia to describe Kyrgyzstan's situation as chaos.

After forcing the cabinet to resign and the election commission to annul the results of Sunday's parliamentary election that triggered the protests, opposition groups have so far failed to agree on who would lead a provisional government.

The former Soviet republic's outgoing parliament has also not convened or appointed one of at least three interim premier candidates, with some MPs saying they feared for their safety.

Two political parties close to Jeenbekov swept Sunday's parliamentary vote, but at least 11 other parties refused to accept the results and Western observers said the election was marred by credible evidence of vote-buying.

The nation of 6.5 million which borders China and hosts a Russian military air base and a large Canadian-owned mining operation. Despite the state of uncertainty, with no legitimate leadership, veteran officials appeared to be in control of its security forces.

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on Friday he was ready to resign once a new cabinet was appointed to end the power vacuum in the Central Asian nation gripped by unrest since opposition supporters seized government buildings on Tuesday.

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on Friday he was ready to resign once a new cabinet was appointed to end the power vacuum in the Central Asian nation gripped by unrest since opposition supporters seized government buildings on Tuesday. While his offer, made in a statement, could facilitate the transfer of power later, it may do little to resolve the political impasse, which prompted regional power Russia to describe Kyrgyzstan's situation as chaos. After forcing the cabinet to resign and the election commission to annul the results of Sunday's parliamentary election that triggered the protests, opposition groups have so far failed to agree on who would lead a provisional government. The former Soviet republic's outgoing parliament has also not convened or appointed one of at least three interim premier candidates, with some MPs saying they feared for their safety. Two political parties close to Jeenbekov swept Sunday's parliamentary vote, but at least 11 other parties refused to accept the results and Western observers said the election was marred by credible evidence of vote-buying. The nation of 6.5 million which borders China and hosts a Russian military air base and a large Canadian-owned mining operation. Despite the state of uncertainty, with no legitimate leadership, veteran officials appeared to be in control of its security forces.

Kyrgyzstan president says ready to resign once new cabinet appointed

Let's look at some of the facts first. The Wuhan virus that has first been reported in China seven months ago has killed over 700,000 people and infected more than 18 million people.&nbsp;

Despite strict measures, the numbers continue to rise.&nbsp;

And now reports suggest a brand new infectious disease has been reported on the Chinese mainland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

As of August 6, the virus has killed seven people and infected 67 others.

This virus spreads through tick bites, a type of external parasites that are typically five mm long and live by feeding on the blood of other mammals.&nbsp;

The Chinese state media is calling the virus SFTS and says there is a big possibility that the virus could soon see the human-to-human transmission.

With this, we have started to lose count of the number of pathogens that are being reported in China almost every month, from African horse sickness to a new kind of swine flu.&nbsp;

The global media describes China as the virus factory of the world.&nbsp;

And apart from covering up these viruses, Beijing is spreading fake news about non-existent viruses in other countries.&nbsp;

A few weeks back, the Chinese embassy in Nur-Sultan, capital of Kazakhstan, warned of what it called as an "unknown phenomena which was apparently sweeping Kazakhstan".

In a statement, the Chinese embassy also warned that the unknown phenomena were deadlier than the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The news turned out to be fake and Kazaks health officials went on record to dismiss China's claims.&nbsp;

The government may have ignored the issue, but the anger among the residents of Kazakhstan against China has only risen, with calls growing to punish Zhang Xiao, China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

People of the country says that the Chinese envoy regularly posts negative diplomatic information about Kazakhstan on Facebook and trying to intimidate the nation.

Kazakh government responded to these concerns by jailing the protesters.&nbsp;

Two days ago, a Kazakh activist was arrested for protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Almaty.

He was detained for holding a placard that said "Ambassadors bring reconciliation, enemies bring discord. Get out of the country".

Look at the developments: a new Chinese virus, an abrasive Chinese ambassador, a government silence on Chinese belligerence and growing anger among the citizens.

The same story is playing out again and again.&nbsp;

Let's look at some of the facts first. The Wuhan virus that has first been reported in China seven months ago has killed over 700,000 people and infected more than 18 million people.

Let's look at some of the facts first. The Wuhan virus that has first been reported in China seven months ago has killed over 700,000 people and infected more than 18 million people. Despite strict measures, the numbers continue to rise. And now reports suggest a brand new infectious disease has been reported on the Chinese mainland. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION As of August 6, the virus has killed seven people and infected 67 others. This virus spreads through tick bites, a type of external parasites that are typically five mm long and live by feeding on the blood of other mammals. The Chinese state media is calling the virus SFTS and says there is a big possibility that the virus could soon see the human-to-human transmission. With this, we have started to lose count of the number of pathogens that are being reported in China almost every month, from African horse sickness to a new kind of swine flu. The global media describes China as the virus factory of the world. And apart from covering up these viruses, Beijing is spreading fake news about non-existent viruses in other countries. A few weeks back, the Chinese embassy in Nur-Sultan, capital of Kazakhstan, warned of what it called as an "unknown phenomena which was apparently sweeping Kazakhstan". In a statement, the Chinese embassy also warned that the unknown phenomena were deadlier than the coronavirus. The news turned out to be fake and Kazaks health officials went on record to dismiss China's claims. The government may have ignored the issue, but the anger among the residents of Kazakhstan against China has only risen, with calls growing to punish Zhang Xiao, China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan. People of the country says that the Chinese envoy regularly posts negative diplomatic information about Kazakhstan on Facebook and trying to intimidate the nation. Kazakh government responded to these concerns by jailing the protesters. Two days ago, a Kazakh activist was arrested for protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Almaty. He was detained for holding a placard that said "Ambassadors bring reconciliation, enemies bring discord. Get out of the country". Look at the developments: a new Chinese virus, an abrasive Chinese ambassador, a government silence on Chinese belligerence and growing anger among the citizens. The same story is playing out again and again.

How China denies real viruses and plants fake ones on various countries

In other news, it has been seven months since the first case of the coronavirus was officially reported in China.

Seven months on, the virus is now a pandemic and it's still spreading.

The death toll has breached the 700,000 mark. The global cases are well beyond 18 million.

Even with the strictest social distancing measures, the numbers continue to increase with each passing day.

The entire world is struggling to live with the new normal and if this wasn't enough. Another virus has been discovered in China.

A brand new infectious disease has been reported on the Chinese mainland. As of August 6, it has killed seven people and infected 67 others. This is a tick-borne virus.

It is spread through tick bites, external parasites, that are typically 5 millimetres long and live by feeding on the blood of other mammals.

The Chinese state media is calling the virus they are spreading. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. A complicated name -- vintage China!

Now, this virus had been spreading for a while. More than 37 people are said to have been infected in east China's Jiangsu province in the last six months.

Now the virus is spreading further. 23 new cases have been reported in east China's Anhui province.

And according to the Chinese state media --- there's a big possibility that the virus could soon enter human-to-human transmission.

But, we have started to lose count of the number of viruses that are being reported in China almost every month.

What is Beijing doing besides brazenly covering up?

Spreading fake news about non-existent viruses in other countries.

Take Kazakhstan for example.

A few weeks back, the Chinese embassy in Nursultan, the Kazakh capital warned of an 'unknown pneumonia' which was apparently ---- "sweeeeeping kazakshtan".

The statement from the Chinese embassy warned that this unknown pneumonia was deadlier than the coronavirus.

That its death rate was much higher. The news turned out to be fake. Kazakhstan's health officials went on record to dismiss china's claims.

The Kazakh govt may have chosen to ignore the issue. But the anger against China has only risen among the citizens. There are calls to punish China's ambassador to Kazakhstan, Zhang Xiao.

The people of Kazakhstan say that he has insulted their country by calling a non-existent virus --- Kazakhstani.

They say his behaviour in recent months has been anything but diplomatic.

How is the Kazakh govt responding to these concerns?

By jailing protesters! 
On August 4, a Kazakh activist was arrested for protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Almaty. He was detained for holding a placard that read.

'Ambassadors bring reconciliation, enemies bring discord.... Get out of the country'

Government silent on Chinese belligerence and growing anger among the citizens.&nbsp;

In other news, it has been seven months since the first case of the coronavirus was officially reported in China. Seven months on, the virus is now a pandemic and it's still spreading.

In other news, it has been seven months since the first case of the coronavirus was officially reported in China. Seven months on, the virus is now a pandemic and it's still spreading. The death toll has breached the 700,000 mark. The global cases are well beyond 18 million. Even with the strictest social distancing measures, the numbers continue to increase with each passing day. The entire world is struggling to live with the new normal and if this wasn't enough. Another virus has been discovered in China. A brand new infectious disease has been reported on the Chinese mainland. As of August 6, it has killed seven people and infected 67 others. This is a tick-borne virus. It is spread through tick bites, external parasites, that are typically 5 millimetres long and live by feeding on the blood of other mammals. The Chinese state media is calling the virus they are spreading. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. A complicated name -- vintage China! Now, this virus had been spreading for a while. More than 37 people are said to have been infected in east China's Jiangsu province in the last six months. Now the virus is spreading further. 23 new cases have been reported in east China's Anhui province. And according to the Chinese state media --- there's a big possibility that the virus could soon enter human-to-human transmission. But, we have started to lose count of the number of viruses that are being reported in China almost every month. What is Beijing doing besides brazenly covering up? Spreading fake news about non-existent viruses in other countries. Take Kazakhstan for example. A few weeks back, the Chinese embassy in Nursultan, the Kazakh capital warned of an 'unknown pneumonia' which was apparently ---- "sweeeeeping kazakshtan". The statement from the Chinese embassy warned that this unknown pneumonia was deadlier than the coronavirus. That its death rate was much higher. The news turned out to be fake. Kazakhstan's health officials went on record to dismiss china's claims. The Kazakh govt may have chosen to ignore the issue. But the anger against China has only risen among the citizens. There are calls to punish China's ambassador to Kazakhstan, Zhang Xiao. The people of Kazakhstan say that he has insulted their country by calling a non-existent virus --- Kazakhstani. They say his behaviour in recent months has been anything but diplomatic. How is the Kazakh govt responding to these concerns? By jailing protesters! On August 4, a Kazakh activist was arrested for protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Almaty. He was detained for holding a placard that read. 'Ambassadors bring reconciliation, enemies bring discord.... Get out of the country' Government silent on Chinese belligerence and growing anger among the citizens.

China tries to cover up tracks for new virus by spreading rumours in Kazakhstan

The Chinese embassy at Kazakhstan has issued a warning for its citizens. China claims there is an outbreak of 'unknown pneumonia' that has killed several Chinese citizens in Kazakhstan. Beijing claims that the pneumonia is deadlier than Covid-19. Kazakhstan says China's claims are fake news WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: China warns of an 'unknown virus'

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the "unknown pneumonia" reported in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19.

According to CGTN News, Michael Ryan, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme of the WHO, on Friday said at a regular briefing that the pneumonia outbreak in the Central Asian nation was certainly on their radar, and that they were working with local health authorities amid a rise in reported cases.

He also pointed out that there's been a big surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, with over 10,000 in last seven days.

The WHO is studying the quality of local testing conditions in case some pneumonia cases are in fact undiagnosed cases of COVID-19, Ryan said, adding that the WHO "keeps an open mind" to other possibilities.

"We are looking at the actual testing and the quality of the testing to make sure that there have not been false negative tests for some of those other pneumonia that are provisionally tested negative," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-denies-chinese-reports-of-pneumonia-deadlier-than-covid-19-312174">Also read |&nbsp;Kazakhstan denies Chinese reports of pneumonia deadlier than COVID-19</a>

"That is likely to be a major cause of this. In many ways, many of these pneumonia cases will also be COVID-19. They just have not been diagnosed correctly," Ryan added.

On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan issued a warning to citizens living in the Central Asian country that the pneumonia had killed more than 1,700 people.&nbsp;

"Kazakhstani Health Department and other agencies are conducting comparative research and have not defined the nature of the pneumonia virus," said the statement cited by CNN.

New cases of the unidentified pneumonia have been increasing significantly since mid-June across the country, said the embassy, adding that in some places, authorities are reporting hundreds of new cases a day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unknown-pneumonia-deadlier-than-coronavirus-sweeping-across-kazakhstan-warns-chinese-embassy-312099">Also read |&nbsp;'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy</a>

In a statement on Friday, the Kazakhstan health ministry acknowledged the presence of "viral pneumonias of unspecified etiology," but denied that the outbreak was new or unknown. It added the "unspecified" pneumonia classification followed WHO guidelines "for the registration of pneumonia when the coronavirus infection is diagnosed clinically or epidemiologically but is not confirmed by laboratory testing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the "unknown pneumonia" reported in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19. According to CGTN News, Michael Ryan, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme of the WHO, on Friday said at a regular briefing that the pneumonia outbreak in the Central Asian nation was certainly on their radar, and that they were working with local health authorities amid a rise in reported cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the "unknown pneumonia" reported in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19. According to CGTN News, Michael Ryan, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme of the WHO, on Friday said at a regular briefing that the pneumonia outbreak in the Central Asian nation was certainly on their radar, and that they were working with local health authorities amid a rise in reported cases. He also pointed out that there's been a big surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, with over 10,000 in last seven days. The WHO is studying the quality of local testing conditions in case some pneumonia cases are in fact undiagnosed cases of COVID-19, Ryan said, adding that the WHO "keeps an open mind" to other possibilities. "We are looking at the actual testing and the quality of the testing to make sure that there have not been false negative tests for some of those other pneumonia that are provisionally tested negative," he said. Also read | Kazakhstan denies Chinese reports of pneumonia deadlier than COVID-19 "That is likely to be a major cause of this. In many ways, many of these pneumonia cases will also be COVID-19. They just have not been diagnosed correctly," Ryan added. On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan issued a warning to citizens living in the Central Asian country that the pneumonia had killed more than 1,700 people. "Kazakhstani Health Department and other agencies are conducting comparative research and have not defined the nature of the pneumonia virus," said the statement cited by CNN. New cases of the unidentified pneumonia have been increasing significantly since mid-June across the country, said the embassy, adding that in some places, authorities are reporting hundreds of new cases a day. Also read | 'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy In a statement on Friday, the Kazakhstan health ministry acknowledged the presence of "viral pneumonias of unspecified etiology," but denied that the outbreak was new or unknown. It added the "unspecified" pneumonia classification followed WHO guidelines "for the registration of pneumonia when the coronavirus infection is diagnosed clinically or epidemiologically but is not confirmed by laboratory testing.

WHO believes 'unknown pneumonia' in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19

Several extremely rare snow leopards have been spotted on the outskirts of Kazakhstan's biggest city during the lockdown imposed due to the novel coronavirus, wildlife activists say, calling for more measures to protect the endangered species.

Rare snow leopards spotted in Kazakh city amid lockdown

India has begun repatriation of its citizens from Kazakhstan, with first flight leaving on Tuesday. With 3400 Indians registered for repatriation, a thousand are expected back in the first phase which will see flights daily from the central Asian country to India.&nbsp;

India's ambassador to Kazakhstan Prabhat Kumar, speaking to WION from Kazakhstan said, "We are starting evacuation from Kazakhstan. Today is the first flight from Karaganda. We have 7 flights from Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan. From 26th May till 1st, every day one flight which will be taking a thousand people to India. We have registered around 3400 people for evacuation, the rest of the people will be covered in the next phase." 
&nbsp; 
Overall, 3 Flights from Karaganda, 2 flights from Nur Sultan, 2 from Almaty will be coming in next week.

Prabhat Kumar thanked "ministry of external affairs, ministry of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, airport authorities of Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan for supporting the evacuation" and expressed his appreciation for "Indian home &amp; health &amp; civil aviation ministry and Air India specially for making this possible."

Most of the passengers are students with New Delhi requesting for chartered flights to take care of the workers. Several Indian workers are working to build the mega Abu Dhabi plaza in Capital Nur Sultan.&nbsp;

The plaza consists of offices, residential places and once completed will be the tallest building in the whole of Central Asia.

India has begun repatriation of its citizens from Kazakhstan, with first flight leaving on Tuesday. With 3400 Indians registered for repatriation, a thousand are expected back in the first phase which will see flights daily from the central Asian country to India.

India has begun repatriation of its citizens from Kazakhstan, with first flight leaving on Tuesday. With 3400 Indians registered for repatriation, a thousand are expected back in the first phase which will see flights daily from the central Asian country to India. India's ambassador to Kazakhstan Prabhat Kumar, speaking to WION from Kazakhstan said, "We are starting evacuation from Kazakhstan. Today is the first flight from Karaganda. We have 7 flights from Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan. From 26th May till 1st, every day one flight which will be taking a thousand people to India. We have registered around 3400 people for evacuation, the rest of the people will be covered in the next phase." Overall, 3 Flights from Karaganda, 2 flights from Nur Sultan, 2 from Almaty will be coming in next week. Prabhat Kumar thanked "ministry of external affairs, ministry of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, airport authorities of Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan for supporting the evacuation" and expressed his appreciation for "Indian home & health & civil aviation ministry and Air India specially for making this possible." Most of the passengers are students with New Delhi requesting for chartered flights to take care of the workers. Several Indian workers are working to build the mega Abu Dhabi plaza in Capital Nur Sultan. The plaza consists of offices, residential places and once completed will be the tallest building in the whole of Central Asia.

India begins repatriation from Kazakhstan; 7 flights to bring back thousands of students 

The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure welfare and safety of around 300 Indian students stranded at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan for the past 2-3 days without food and medical aid due to coronavirus pandemic. 
 
A bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh, which conducted the hearing through video conferencing, asked the authorities to expeditiously provide the students basic amenities and assistance with regard to food, medical care, lodging and transportation. 
 
The hearing was conducted through video conferencing. The two judges joined from their homes while advocate Fozia Rahman, who appeared for the petitioner, and central government standing counsel Jasmeet Singh, who represented the MEA, were at their offices.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/17-covid-19-cases-confirmed-in-haryana-288469" hreflang="en">17 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Haryana</a> 
 
Rahman informed the court that 300 Indian students, who are enrolled for higher studies, including MBBS, at Semey Medical University in Kazakhstan are stranded at the Almaty Airport without food, water, transportation and medical aid. 
 
The petition was filed by Sehla Saira, mother of one of the stranded students. 
 
The court issued notice to the Centre through MEA and granted time to file response to the petition. 
 
"Let this bench be apprised of the brief response/reply on March 28," the court said in its three-page order," it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahabharata-battle-won-in-18-days-war-against-covid-19-will-take-21-days-pm-modi-288468" hreflang="en">Mahabharata battle won in 18 days, war against COVID-19 will take 21 days: PM Modi</a> 
 
"In the meantime...In view of the unsettled and difficult situation -- emerging from the global COVID-19 pandemic -- in which Indian students find themselves stranded at the Almaty Airport, Kazakhstan, we find it incumbent upon us to direct the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to promptly appoint a nodal officer from the Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan to ensure, inter alia, the welfare, well-being and safety of all such Indian students," the bench said. 
 
It also directed the nodal officer to expeditiously facilitate, secure and provide these students will all basic amenities and humanitarian assistance. 
 
The court said the details of the nodal officer, including his name and telephone number, be communicated to the Indian students stranded at the Almaty Airport and be also uploaded on website of Indian Embassy at Kazakhstan and on the website of MEA immediately. 
 
The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 28.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure welfare and safety of around 300 Indian students stranded at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan for the past 2-3 days without food and medical aid due to coronavirus pandemic.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure welfare and safety of around 300 Indian students stranded at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan for the past 2-3 days without food and medical aid due to coronavirus pandemic. A bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh, which conducted the hearing through video conferencing, asked the authorities to expeditiously provide the students basic amenities and assistance with regard to food, medical care, lodging and transportation. The hearing was conducted through video conferencing. The two judges joined from their homes while advocate Fozia Rahman, who appeared for the petitioner, and central government standing counsel Jasmeet Singh, who represented the MEA, were at their offices. Also read: 17 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Haryana Rahman informed the court that 300 Indian students, who are enrolled for higher studies, including MBBS, at Semey Medical University in Kazakhstan are stranded at the Almaty Airport without food, water, transportation and medical aid. The petition was filed by Sehla Saira, mother of one of the stranded students. The court issued notice to the Centre through MEA and granted time to file response to the petition. "Let this bench be apprised of the brief response/reply on March 28," the court said in its three-page order," it said. Also read: Mahabharata battle won in 18 days, war against COVID-19 will take 21 days: PM Modi "In the meantime...In view of the unsettled and difficult situation -- emerging from the global COVID-19 pandemic -- in which Indian students find themselves stranded at the Almaty Airport, Kazakhstan, we find it incumbent upon us to direct the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to promptly appoint a nodal officer from the Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan to ensure, inter alia, the welfare, well-being and safety of all such Indian students," the bench said. It also directed the nodal officer to expeditiously facilitate, secure and provide these students will all basic amenities and humanitarian assistance. The court said the details of the nodal officer, including his name and telephone number, be communicated to the Indian students stranded at the Almaty Airport and be also uploaded on website of Indian Embassy at Kazakhstan and on the website of MEA immediately. The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 28.

Delhi HC directs MEA to ensure safety of 300 Indian students stranded in Kazakhstan

Police in authoritarian Kazakhstan detained dozens of people in the Central Asian country's largest city Sunday after an activist's death in jail triggered diplomatic condemnation and calls for anti-government rallies.

AFP correspondents in Almaty saw around 40 people detained by police close to the city hall, where two opposition groups had called for anti-government rallies.

Elsewhere in the city, 26 members of Oyan Qazaqstan, one of the groups that called for a rally, were detained in the morning before they had a chance to reach the protest site, a member of the group told AFP.

"According to our information, they have not been released yet," Dimash Alzhanov, one of Oyan Qazaqstan's founding members, told AFP by telephone.

One man who AFP correspondents saw bundled into a van full of detainees by black-clad police appealed to "the lawmakers in the European parliament", which sent a delegation to Kazakhstan last month.

"My constitutional rights are being violated. This is the 21st century!" the man cried out as he was shoved into the van.

Also Read:-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-government-protesters-held-in-kazakhstan-after-president-resigns-204885">Anti-government protesters held in Kazakhstan, after president resigns</a>

Two journalists were also amongst those detained on Sunday.

The protests were called after Dulat Agadil, a prominent activist, died in detention hours after he was detained by plainclothes police on Monday night. &nbsp;

Both the United States and the United Kingdom raised concern over his death this week and called for a "thorough" investigation.

Activists have cited video footage of Agadil's corpse with bruises as evidence that he was beaten in detention, rather than dying of heart failure, as police said on Tuesday.

The state prosecutor's office on Friday called on citizens not to make "hasty conclusions" about the bruises, which the official said was common on corpses.

Kazakhstan regularly cracks down on citizens who attempt to hold rallies, citing laws that make public assemblies subject to permits from the authorities.

The country is in the process of changing its legislation on public assemblies, and a draft of the new law has been released for public discussion.

But civil society groups in the Central Asian state have expressed dissatisfaction with a new draft law, which they argue would introduce additional restrictions 
&nbsp;

Police in authoritarian Kazakhstan detained dozens of people in the Central Asian country's largest city Sunday after an activist's death in jail triggered diplomatic condemnation and calls for anti-government rallies.

Police in authoritarian Kazakhstan detained dozens of people in the Central Asian country's largest city Sunday after an activist's death in jail triggered diplomatic condemnation and calls for anti-government rallies. AFP correspondents in Almaty saw around 40 people detained by police close to the city hall, where two opposition groups had called for anti-government rallies. Elsewhere in the city, 26 members of Oyan Qazaqstan, one of the groups that called for a rally, were detained in the morning before they had a chance to reach the protest site, a member of the group told AFP. "According to our information, they have not been released yet," Dimash Alzhanov, one of Oyan Qazaqstan's founding members, told AFP by telephone. One man who AFP correspondents saw bundled into a van full of detainees by black-clad police appealed to "the lawmakers in the European parliament", which sent a delegation to Kazakhstan last month. "My constitutional rights are being violated. This is the 21st century!" the man cried out as he was shoved into the van. Also Read:-Anti-government protesters held in Kazakhstan, after president resigns Two journalists were also amongst those detained on Sunday. The protests were called after Dulat Agadil, a prominent activist, died in detention hours after he was detained by plainclothes police on Monday night. Both the United States and the United Kingdom raised concern over his death this week and called for a "thorough" investigation. Activists have cited video footage of Agadil's corpse with bruises as evidence that he was beaten in detention, rather than dying of heart failure, as police said on Tuesday. The state prosecutor's office on Friday called on citizens not to make "hasty conclusions" about the bruises, which the official said was common on corpses. Kazakhstan regularly cracks down on citizens who attempt to hold rallies, citing laws that make public assemblies subject to permits from the authorities. The country is in the process of changing its legislation on public assemblies, and a draft of the new law has been released for public discussion. But civil society groups in the Central Asian state have expressed dissatisfaction with a new draft law, which they argue would introduce additional restrictions

Police in Kazakhstan detain dozens after activist's death

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/kazakhstan-comes-to-the-rescue-of-its-nationals-caught-in-a-crackdown-on-turkic-muslims-in-china-201688">Kazakhstan</a> will require medical certificates from Chinese citizens seeking visas and has stopped issuing electronic visas to them on arrival as a protective measure against the spread of a new coronavirus, deputy foreign minister Shukhrat Nuryshev said on Tuesday.

Nuryshev told reporters the government has asked Beijing to allow 98 Kazakh students to leave the city of Wuhan, which has been locked down and is considered to be the epicenter of the outbreak.

There are no plans to completely close the border with neighbouring China, he said, as that would stop Kazakh citizens from returning home. Overall, 1,300 Kazakhs remain in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/morning-news-brief-106-dead-in-china-us-court-supports-trumps-immigration-rule-and-more-276960">China</a>, Nuryshev said, half of them tourists visiting resorts in Hainan.

Out of those who have already returned from China, four people have been hospitalised with suspected respiratory infections and are being tested, healthcare minister Yelzhan Birtanov told the same briefing.

Kazakhstan will require medical certificates from Chinese citizens seeking visas and has stopped issuing electronic visas to them on arrival as a protective measure against the spread of a new coronavirus, deputy foreign minister Shukhrat Nuryshev said on Tuesday.

Kazakhstan will require medical certificates from Chinese citizens seeking visas and has stopped issuing electronic visas to them on arrival as a protective measure against the spread of a new coronavirus, deputy foreign minister Shukhrat Nuryshev said on Tuesday. Nuryshev told reporters the government has asked Beijing to allow 98 Kazakh students to leave the city of Wuhan, which has been locked down and is considered to be the epicenter of the outbreak. There are no plans to completely close the border with neighbouring China, he said, as that would stop Kazakh citizens from returning home. Overall, 1,300 Kazakhs remain in China, Nuryshev said, half of them tourists visiting resorts in Hainan. Out of those who have already returned from China, four people have been hospitalised with suspected respiratory infections and are being tested, healthcare minister Yelzhan Birtanov told the same briefing.

Kazakhstan restricts visa regime for Chinese over virus

Kazakhstan observed a national day of mourning on Saturday a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-airplane-crash-death-toll-climbs-to-15-several-injured-270628">12 people died</a> when an airliner crashed shortly after takeoff and slammed into a house.

The jet carrying nearly 100 passengers operated by budget carrier Bek Air was torn apart and its nose crushed on impact with a building in the country's biggest city Almaty, but many on board managed to walk away without serious injury.

In the capital Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan's largest flag was at half-mast while officials made urgent appeals for blood donations to help injured survivors.

Neighbouring Russia and China were among the countries to join the Vatican and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-votes-for-president-set-to-lead-european-union-269511">European Union</a> in expressing condolences to the former Soviet Central Asian republic.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Kazakhstan plane crash-&nbsp;Survivor describes moment of horror

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Officials say the Fokker 100 plane's tail hit the tarmac twice on Friday during take-off before it came down and crashed into the concrete building, splitting into two.

According to Kazakh emergency authorities, the 12 dead included the pilot. Another 47 passengers out of the 98 people on board&nbsp;were still in hospital on Saturday. Nine of them were children, officials said.

An investigation has been opened into "violation of security regulations and air transport operating rules". But the interior ministry is still examining possible causes for the accident.

According to the authorities, an inquiry should announce its first conclusions next month. But a dozen other Bek Air aircraft will be grounded in the meantime.&nbsp;

According to the industry ministry, the low-cost airline operates nine Fokker-100 type aircraft, a medium-haul model built by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.&nbsp;

In March 2016, a Bek Air Fokker 100 with 116 passengers on board had to make an emergency landing at Nur-Sultan International Airport due to a landing gear problem, without causing injuries.

Kazakhstan observed a national day of mourning on Saturday a day after 12 people died when an airliner crashed shortly after takeoff and slammed into a house. The jet carrying nearly 100 passengers operated by budget carrier Bek Air was torn apart and its nose crushed on impact with a building in the country's biggest city Almaty, but many on board managed to walk away without serious injury.

Kazakhstan observed a national day of mourning on Saturday a day after 12 people died when an airliner crashed shortly after takeoff and slammed into a house. The jet carrying nearly 100 passengers operated by budget carrier Bek Air was torn apart and its nose crushed on impact with a building in the country's biggest city Almaty, but many on board managed to walk away without serious injury. In the capital Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan's largest flag was at half-mast while officials made urgent appeals for blood donations to help injured survivors. Neighbouring Russia and China were among the countries to join the Vatican and the European Union in expressing condolences to the former Soviet Central Asian republic. Also Watch: Kazakhstan plane crash- Survivor describes moment of horror × Officials say the Fokker 100 plane's tail hit the tarmac twice on Friday during take-off before it came down and crashed into the concrete building, splitting into two. According to Kazakh emergency authorities, the 12 dead included the pilot. Another 47 passengers out of the 98 people on board were still in hospital on Saturday. Nine of them were children, officials said. An investigation has been opened into "violation of security regulations and air transport operating rules". But the interior ministry is still examining possible causes for the accident. According to the authorities, an inquiry should announce its first conclusions next month. But a dozen other Bek Air aircraft will be grounded in the meantime. According to the industry ministry, the low-cost airline operates nine Fokker-100 type aircraft, a medium-haul model built by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker. In March 2016, a Bek Air Fokker 100 with 116 passengers on board had to make an emergency landing at Nur-Sultan International Airport due to a landing gear problem, without causing injuries.

Kazakhstan observes day of mourning after fatal jet crash

A survivor recounted the "nightmare" Kazakh plane crash where a jetliner hit a concrete wall and a two-story building soon after departing from Almaty on December 27. #WION #Kazakhstan #PlaneCrash

Kazakhstan plane crash: Survivor describes moment of horror

A plane carrying 100 people has crashed near Almaty airport, in Kazakhstan, killing at least 14 people. The Bek Air aircraft went down shortly after taking off at Almaty airport early this morning. #WION #Kazakhstan #KazakhstanPlaneCrash

Kazakhstan plane crash: Death toll rises to 14

A plane with 100 people on board has crashed in Kazakhstan, killing at least seven people. The Bek Air aircraft went down shortly after taking off at Almaty airport early this morning. #WION #Kazakhstanplanecrash #Kazakhstan

At Least 7 Killed in Plane Crash in Kazakhstan with 100 passengers on-board

According to reports, the death toll in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-crashes-in-kazakhstan-with-hundred-on-board-270463">Kazakhstan airplane crash</a> climbed to 15 with another person succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Friday.&nbsp;

Over 60 people were rushed to the hospital after an airplane crashed in Kazakhstan, near Almaty airport, today with around a hundred people on board.&nbsp;

As per reports, fifty people have been hospitalised out of whom around 12 are in grave condition, health authorities said.

The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports.

The Fokker 100 aircraft, heading for the capital, Nur-Sultan, "lost altitude during takeoff and broke through a concrete fence" before hitting a two-story building, Kazakhstan's civil aviation committee said.

The aviation committee added that it was suspending all flights of Fokker 100 aircraft pending an investigation. The authorities said at least 66 people were taken to hospital, including some in grave condition.

"Those responsible will face tough punishment in accordance with the law," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tweeted while expressing condolences.

Almaty airport officials said emergency services were working at the site to get survivors out. The plane was carrying 95 passengers and five crew members.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to reports, the death toll in Kazakhstan airplane crash climbed to 15 with another person succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Friday. Over 60 people were rushed to the hospital after an airplane crashed in Kazakhstan, near Almaty airport, today with around a hundred people on board.

According to reports, the death toll in Kazakhstan airplane crash climbed to 15 with another person succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Friday. Over 60 people were rushed to the hospital after an airplane crashed in Kazakhstan, near Almaty airport, today with around a hundred people on board. As per reports, fifty people have been hospitalised out of whom around 12 are in grave condition, health authorities said. The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports. The Fokker 100 aircraft, heading for the capital, Nur-Sultan, "lost altitude during takeoff and broke through a concrete fence" before hitting a two-story building, Kazakhstan's civil aviation committee said. The aviation committee added that it was suspending all flights of Fokker 100 aircraft pending an investigation. The authorities said at least 66 people were taken to hospital, including some in grave condition. "Those responsible will face tough punishment in accordance with the law," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tweeted while expressing condolences. Almaty airport officials said emergency services were working at the site to get survivors out. The plane was carrying 95 passengers and five crew members. (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan airplane crash: Death toll climbs to 15, several injured 

A plane crashed in&nbsp;Kazakhstan on Friday with at least a hundred people on board.

The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports.

"There are 14 dead at the (crash) site," Almaty city government said in a statement.

<img alt="​​Emergency and security personnel are seen at the site of a plane crash near Almaty, Kazakhstan, December 27, 2019." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62413a70-1ce8-4862-8533-e54ed2dcb97e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_2.jpg" />

The Fokker 100 aircraft, heading for the capital, Nur-Sultan, "lost altitude during takeoff and broke through a concrete fence" before hitting a two-story building, Kazakhstan's civil aviation committee said.

The aviation committee added that it was suspending all flights of Fokker 100 aircraft pending an investigation. The authorities said at least 66 people were taken to hospital, including some in grave condition.

"Those responsible will face tough punishment in accordance with the law," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tweeted while expressing condolences.

<img alt="​​" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b76e47cb-0d5f-4665-a18a-52e694a41f7c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2827%29_3.jpg" />

Almaty airport officials said emergency services were working at the site to get survivors out.

The plane was carrying 95 passengers and five crew members.

A plane crashed in Kazakhstan on Friday with at least a hundred people on board. The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports.

A plane crashed in Kazakhstan on Friday with at least a hundred people on board. The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports. "There are 14 dead at the (crash) site," Almaty city government said in a statement. The Fokker 100 aircraft, heading for the capital, Nur-Sultan, "lost altitude during takeoff and broke through a concrete fence" before hitting a two-story building, Kazakhstan's civil aviation committee said. The aviation committee added that it was suspending all flights of Fokker 100 aircraft pending an investigation. The authorities said at least 66 people were taken to hospital, including some in grave condition. "Those responsible will face tough punishment in accordance with the law," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tweeted while expressing condolences. Almaty airport officials said emergency services were working at the site to get survivors out. The plane was carrying 95 passengers and five crew members.

At least 14 dead as plane crashes in Kazakhstan with hundred on board

A Bek Air plane with 93 passengers and five crew members on board crashed near the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan on Friday (December 27) shortly after taking off, killing at least 14 people, authorities in the Central Asian country said.

Plane with 100 on board crashes in Kazakhstan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/kazakhstan-comes-to-the-rescue-of-its-nationals-caught-in-a-crackdown-on-turkic-muslims-in-china-201688">Kazakhstan</a> plans to provide more than $1 billion in aid to at least four local banks after an asset quality review revealed holes in their balance sheets that require capital injections, two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters.

The move follows previous bailouts that have cost the oil-producing Central Asian nation more than $13 billion but have still not resuscitated a banking system riddled with bad loans after a property price crash and a currency devaluation.

New bailouts could necessitate extra borrowing by the government or if they are once again financed by the central bank, put pressure on the tenge currency.

The asset quality review, begun this year, is due to be completed by the end of December. But three bankers familiar with the process said it has already shown that four medium-sized lenders need extra capital to write off bad loans.

The three sources also said the authorities were determined to provide financial aid to all four, but the terms of such assistance were yet to be agreed.

Kazakhstan's central bank has not replied to a request for comment on the matter.

Central bank governor Yerbolat Dosayev said in October the bank planned to launch an aid programme next year that would be open to all banks. The asset quality review covered the 14 largest banks out of Kazakhstan's 27.

One of the sources said the fresh aid package could be worth up to 1 trillion tenge ($2.6 billion), while another source said it would cost more than the previous aid programme which totaled 410 billion tenge and could involve more than four banks.

Kazakhstan's total central government spending next year has been set at 12.9 trillion tenge.

Kazakhstan plans to provide more than $1 billion in aid to at least four local banks after an asset quality review revealed holes in their balance sheets that require capital injections, two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters.

Kazakhstan plans to provide more than $1 billion in aid to at least four local banks after an asset quality review revealed holes in their balance sheets that require capital injections, two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters. The move follows previous bailouts that have cost the oil-producing Central Asian nation more than $13 billion but have still not resuscitated a banking system riddled with bad loans after a property price crash and a currency devaluation. New bailouts could necessitate extra borrowing by the government or if they are once again financed by the central bank, put pressure on the tenge currency. The asset quality review, begun this year, is due to be completed by the end of December. But three bankers familiar with the process said it has already shown that four medium-sized lenders need extra capital to write off bad loans. The three sources also said the authorities were determined to provide financial aid to all four, but the terms of such assistance were yet to be agreed. Kazakhstan's central bank has not replied to a request for comment on the matter. Central bank governor Yerbolat Dosayev said in October the bank planned to launch an aid programme next year that would be open to all banks. The asset quality review covered the 14 largest banks out of Kazakhstan's 27. One of the sources said the fresh aid package could be worth up to 1 trillion tenge ($2.6 billion), while another source said it would cost more than the previous aid programme which totaled 410 billion tenge and could involve more than four banks. Kazakhstan's total central government spending next year has been set at 12.9 trillion tenge.

Kazakhstan plans more than $1 billion in fresh aid to banks: Sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-shifted-to-neutral-venue-259986">India and Pakistan's Davis Cup</a> tie originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad will now be played in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday.

The Asia/Oceania Group I match had initially been planned for September, but was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-postponed-to-november-244872">pushed back to November</a> 29-30 after safety fears were raised by India amid tensions between the neighbouring nations over Kashmir.

The move comes after the ITF's Davis Cup Committee rejected on Tuesday the Pakistan Tennis Federation's appeal against the decision to move the match from Islamabad.

"The Davis Cup Committee has voted in favour of the tie being hosted by the ITF on neutral ground at the National Tennis Centre in Nur-Sultan (previously Astana) on 29-30 November," The ITF said in a statement.

The match was moved from Islamabad on November 4 following a review the ITF's independent security advisors.

An Indian tennis team last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India and Pakistan's Davis Cup tie originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad will now be played in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday.

India and Pakistan's Davis Cup tie originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad will now be played in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday. The Asia/Oceania Group I match had initially been planned for September, but was pushed back to November 29-30 after safety fears were raised by India amid tensions between the neighbouring nations over Kashmir. The move comes after the ITF's Davis Cup Committee rejected on Tuesday the Pakistan Tennis Federation's appeal against the decision to move the match from Islamabad. "The Davis Cup Committee has voted in favour of the tie being hosted by the ITF on neutral ground at the National Tennis Centre in Nur-Sultan (previously Astana) on 29-30 November," The ITF said in a statement. The match was moved from Islamabad on November 4 following a review the ITF's independent security advisors. An Indian tennis team last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India and Pakistan's Davis Cup clash to be held in Kazakhstan

Police detained dozens of protesters in Kazakhstan Saturday for rallying against Chinese economic expansion and former strongman President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is still a powerful force in the former Soviet nation.

An AFP correspondent saw around three dozen people apprehended by police and bundled into vans in the centre&nbsp;of Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city.

Kazakhstan's interior ministry said that 57 people had been detained in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, the national capital, for participating in unsanctioned protests.

"Despite repeated warnings from the prosecutor's office, some citizens succumbed to the provocative calls of a banned extremist organization," the interior ministry said, referring to the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan organization.

One man in Almaty criticized the government for favouring Chinese investment and trade over local production.

"They have turned us into a raw goods country!" he said.

After he finished speaking, police detained him.

In Nur-Sultan, a journalist for Radio Free Europe's Kazakh Service, Saniya Toiken, was detained while attempting to cover the protests, Toiken told AFP after police released her.

Kazakh courts sentenced around 50 people to detention for up to 15 days ahead of the protest, according to civic groups monitoring the detentions.

DCK, which is led by long-time regime opponent Mukhtar Ablyazov, was ruled extremist by a Kazakh court last year.

Kazakhstan's state prosecutor said this week that Ablyazov a former energy minister and bank chief who fled the country in 2009 "misleads ordinary people" with calls to protest against the regime.

Kazakhstan's new President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had earlier this month pledged to ease restrictive legislation on demonstrations.

Currently, all protests are illegal in Kazakhstan unless permitted by authorities, although some small protests and one-person pickets have been ignored by police in recent weeks.

Tokayev, 66, became president after the shock resignation in March of long-ruling leader Nazarbayev, who proposed the loyalist's candidacy at a meeting of the ruling party that Nazarbayev still chairs. &nbsp;

Police detained dozens of protesters in Kazakhstan Saturday for rallying against Chinese economic expansion and former strongman President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is still a powerful force in the former Soviet nation.

Police detained dozens of protesters in Kazakhstan Saturday for rallying against Chinese economic expansion and former strongman President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is still a powerful force in the former Soviet nation. An AFP correspondent saw around three dozen people apprehended by police and bundled into vans in the centre of Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. Kazakhstan's interior ministry said that 57 people had been detained in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, the national capital, for participating in unsanctioned protests. "Despite repeated warnings from the prosecutor's office, some citizens succumbed to the provocative calls of a banned extremist organization," the interior ministry said, referring to the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan organization. One man in Almaty criticized the government for favouring Chinese investment and trade over local production. "They have turned us into a raw goods country!" he said. After he finished speaking, police detained him. In Nur-Sultan, a journalist for Radio Free Europe's Kazakh Service, Saniya Toiken, was detained while attempting to cover the protests, Toiken told AFP after police released her. Kazakh courts sentenced around 50 people to detention for up to 15 days ahead of the protest, according to civic groups monitoring the detentions. DCK, which is led by long-time regime opponent Mukhtar Ablyazov, was ruled extremist by a Kazakh court last year. Kazakhstan's state prosecutor said this week that Ablyazov a former energy minister and bank chief who fled the country in 2009 "misleads ordinary people" with calls to protest against the regime. Kazakhstan's new President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had earlier this month pledged to ease restrictive legislation on demonstrations. Currently, all protests are illegal in Kazakhstan unless permitted by authorities, although some small protests and one-person pickets have been ignored by police in recent weeks. Tokayev, 66, became president after the shock resignation in March of long-ruling leader Nazarbayev, who proposed the loyalist's candidacy at a meeting of the ruling party that Nazarbayev still chairs.

Dozens detained as Kazakhs protest against former president, China

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday dressed down space officials on a visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-soyuz-spacecraft-carrying-humanoid-robot-fails-to-dock-with-space-station-245272">Russia's long-delayed</a> and corruption-tainted cosmodrome in the Far East.

The Vostochny cosmodrome was originally supposed to be running manned launches from last year but the grand project has been consistently behind schedule.

At a meeting with the head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-france-to-assist-india-in-its-manned-space-mission-gaganyaan-244913">country's space agency </a>Dmitry Rogozin and others, Putin asked for details on how close the spaceport is to completion. &nbsp;

"I expect a more responsible attitude from you and a dynamic pace when organising work," Putin said in televised comments.

The cosmodrome in the Amur region is one of Russia's most important space projects, designed to reduce its reliance on the Baikonur launch site it rents from Kazakhstan to ferry astronauts.

Russia hopes the facility will restore its Soviet-era supremacy.

While five unmanned launches have already taken place from the cosmodrome, "Vostochny's capacities can &nbsp;- and I want to stress, should - be used more seriously," Putin warned.

Ahead of the visit, Putin said he was going because "there are a lot of questions there needing a solution and needing my intervention in this process."

The budget for Vostochny's construction was estimated at $4.5 billion to $6 billion.

Last year, Russia jailed four construction contractors for embezzling state funding worth some $23 million.

Putin visited accompanied by deputy prime minister Yury Borisov who last week sharply criticised the project and suggested bringing in the army to finish the job.

Often outspoken space agency chief Rogozin responded on Twitter: "That's always the way: some are building, others are criticising."

The space port was set to open in December 2015, with the first manned launch in 2018.

Putin publicly scolded officials when the first unmanned launch took place in 2016. The second unmanned launch in 2017 ended in losing contact with a string of satellites.

The national space programme has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years including a manned launch failure &nbsp;- the first of its kind in the history of Russian space travel, although the astronauts ejected safely. 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday dressed down space officials on a visit to Russia's long-delayed and corruption-tainted cosmodrome in the Far East. The Vostochny cosmodrome was originally supposed to be running manned launches from last year but the grand project has been consistently behind schedule.

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday dressed down space officials on a visit to Russia's long-delayed and corruption-tainted cosmodrome in the Far East. The Vostochny cosmodrome was originally supposed to be running manned launches from last year but the grand project has been consistently behind schedule. At a meeting with the head of the country's space agency Dmitry Rogozin and others, Putin asked for details on how close the spaceport is to completion. "I expect a more responsible attitude from you and a dynamic pace when organising work," Putin said in televised comments. The cosmodrome in the Amur region is one of Russia's most important space projects, designed to reduce its reliance on the Baikonur launch site it rents from Kazakhstan to ferry astronauts. Russia hopes the facility will restore its Soviet-era supremacy. While five unmanned launches have already taken place from the cosmodrome, "Vostochny's capacities can - and I want to stress, should - be used more seriously," Putin warned. Ahead of the visit, Putin said he was going because "there are a lot of questions there needing a solution and needing my intervention in this process." The budget for Vostochny's construction was estimated at $4.5 billion to $6 billion. Last year, Russia jailed four construction contractors for embezzling state funding worth some $23 million. Putin visited accompanied by deputy prime minister Yury Borisov who last week sharply criticised the project and suggested bringing in the army to finish the job. Often outspoken space agency chief Rogozin responded on Twitter: "That's always the way: some are building, others are criticising." The space port was set to open in December 2015, with the first manned launch in 2018. Putin publicly scolded officials when the first unmanned launch took place in 2016. The second unmanned launch in 2017 ended in losing contact with a string of satellites. The national space programme has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years including a manned launch failure - the first of its kind in the history of Russian space travel, although the astronauts ejected safely.

I expect more responsible attitude: Putin to Russian space officials

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role.

Tokayev took over the oil-rich former Soviet republic this year when his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after nearly three decades in power, and some groups have urged him to dismantle the highly centralised political system.

"I am convinced that Kazakhstan must remain a presidential republic, but the parliament will assume a worthy role in the political system," Tokayev said at a meeting with opposition activists and public figures picked by his government to join a newly-established National Council of Public Confidence.

Tokayev said he wanted to boost political competition by amending electoral laws and give the parliament a bigger say in major decisions.

The Nur Otan party led by Nazarbayev holds more than 80 seats in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, which mostly rubberstamps legislation drafted by the government. The next parliamentary election is due next year.

Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva is the speaker of parliament's upper house.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday rejected calls for a switch to a parliamentary republic made by opposition activists at recent public protests but promised to give the Central Asian nation's parliament a greater role. Tokayev took over the oil-rich former Soviet republic this year when his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after nearly three decades in power, and some groups have urged him to dismantle the highly centralised political system. "I am convinced that Kazakhstan must remain a presidential republic, but the parliament will assume a worthy role in the political system," Tokayev said at a meeting with opposition activists and public figures picked by his government to join a newly-established National Council of Public Confidence. Tokayev said he wanted to boost political competition by amending electoral laws and give the parliament a bigger say in major decisions. The Nur Otan party led by Nazarbayev holds more than 80 seats in the 107-seat lower house of parliament, which mostly rubberstamps legislation drafted by the government. The next parliamentary election is due next year. Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva is the speaker of parliament's upper house.

Kazakh President rejects calls for parliamentary republic

Three crew members safely returned to Earth on Tuesday after spending more than six months aboard the International Space Station. The Soyuz capsule with astronauts from Canada, United States, and a cosmonaut from Russia landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 8:47 a.m. (0247GMT), less than a minute ahead of the scheduled time, on Tuesday after a 3 ½ hour flight from the orbiting lab.

Three ISS crew members return safely to Earth

India's wait for Nuclear Supplier Group berth extended. 48 member NSG controls Global Nuclear Commerce. China said that India's NSG membership is not on meeting agenda. NSG is which controls Global Nuclear Commerce. NSG meeting will be in Nursultan, Kazakhstan. Watch this video to know more.

India applied for NSG membership in 2016, China blocked way once again

Real Madrid can build a new team around latest signing Eden Hazard, his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Scotland on Monday.

Real ended their long pursuit of the winger on Friday when they agreed to sign him from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.15 million).

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/eden-hazard-joins-real-madrid-on-five-year-contract-for-zidanes-re-build-225379&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9vrf13uDiAhUo7XMBHfVVAhEQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AnMsdiYTe3F1MwgSSYPNL">Hazard</a>, who scored 110 goals in 352 games for Chelsea after joining from Lille in 2012, will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Thursday.

“He is an unbelievable personality. His focus in a match lies in the winning of the game," Martinez told reporters.

“He is now playing the best football of his career and he is a player around which a new project can be built,” added the Spaniard, whose side top Group I and looking for a fourth win out of four when they host the Scots in Brussels on Tuesday.

“Eden is a phenomenal footballer and I think for him several new chapters can be written about his career. The move to Real is his dream, the perfect next step. The whole transfer happened with a lot of respect. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-its-a-goodbye-says-eden-hazard-after-winning-europa-league-for-chelsea-222654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9vrf13uDiAhUo7XMBHfVVAhEQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Odpc5LqMU-PD6EUSB6xnX">Eden </a>is an example to all of a player who can go back to all his old clubs with his head held high,'' Martinez said.

Hazard, 28, is moving to Spain after helping Chelsea win the Europa League and finish third in the Premier League.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him at work at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-agree-fee-for-chelseas-eden-hazard-reports-225078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9vrf13uDiAhUo7XMBHfVVAhEQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bJ2n8402HFBozo0WfI0VE">Real</a>,” added Martinez who will be relying on his captain to help beat third-placed Scotland, who are three points behind the leaders.

“I’m not planning to change much,” he said of his team selection after Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Kazakhstan.

“We don’t underestimate any visitors. Scotland have got some real talent and coach Steve Clarke is one of the gentlemen of the game,” Martinez&nbsp;said.

Martinez was subjected at Monday’s news conference to a gentle ribbing about divided family loyalty since his wife, Beth is Scottish.

“Well, we put a ban up at home so we aren't speaking about football since the Kazakhstan game, but I hope that everyone is very upset when I get home.

“She's no problem, it's more, my father-in-law," joked Martinez.

Real Madrid can build a new team around latest signing Eden Hazard, his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Scotland on Monday.

Real Madrid can build a new team around latest signing Eden Hazard, his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Scotland on Monday. Real ended their long pursuit of the winger on Friday when they agreed to sign him from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.15 million). Hazard, who scored 110 goals in 352 games for Chelsea after joining from Lille in 2012, will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Thursday. “He is an unbelievable personality. His focus in a match lies in the winning of the game," Martinez told reporters. “He is now playing the best football of his career and he is a player around which a new project can be built,” added the Spaniard, whose side top Group I and looking for a fourth win out of four when they host the Scots in Brussels on Tuesday. “Eden is a phenomenal footballer and I think for him several new chapters can be written about his career. The move to Real is his dream, the perfect next step. The whole transfer happened with a lot of respect. Eden is an example to all of a player who can go back to all his old clubs with his head held high,'' Martinez said. Hazard, 28, is moving to Spain after helping Chelsea win the Europa League and finish third in the Premier League. “I’m looking forward to seeing him at work at Real,” added Martinez who will be relying on his captain to help beat third-placed Scotland, who are three points behind the leaders. “I’m not planning to change much,” he said of his team selection after Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Kazakhstan. “We don’t underestimate any visitors. Scotland have got some real talent and coach Steve Clarke is one of the gentlemen of the game,” Martinez said. Martinez was subjected at Monday’s news conference to a gentle ribbing about divided family loyalty since his wife, Beth is Scottish. “Well, we put a ban up at home so we aren't speaking about football since the Kazakhstan game, but I hope that everyone is very upset when I get home. “She's no problem, it's more, my father-in-law," joked Martinez.

Eden Hazard could be catalyst for new Real Madrid era, says Belgium coach Roberto Martinez

Anti-government activists called on Monday for more protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-vote-showed-scant-respect-for-democracy-observers-225968">Kazakhstan</a> against what they said was a rigged presidential election result, as police warned they would crack down on any dissent.

Opposition groups circulated messages on social media calling for people to take to the streets on Wednesday when Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will be inaugurated into the top job previously held by his patron, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The statements came a day after police detained scores of demonstrators in Almaty, the biggest city in the former Soviet republic when Tokayev's victory was confirmed.

A series of rallies since Sunday's vote amounts to the biggest display of public discontent since 2016 when protests forced the authorities to shelve planned land reforms.

The interior ministry said police arrested 200 people on Monday in addition to 500 held a day earlier over protests which are illegal unless explicitly allowed by the government

Officers were out again in Almaty on Tuesday, with several National Guard personnel carrier trucks parked near the focal spot of past demonstrations.

Authorities have said the election results were legitimate and blamed the protests on Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK), a movement led by fugitive former banker and minister Mukhtar Ablyazov.

Poet Detained

Ablyazov, who is wanted in Kazakhstan on multiple felony charges which he has dismissed as politically motivated, lives in France and regularly attacks Nazarbayev on social media.

Monday night's protests were triggered by the detention earlier that day of Rinat Zaitov, a poet and musician who has said he wants to start his own political movement.

About 200 of Zaitov's supporters, some of whom broadcast the event online, gathered outside police headquarters and demanded his release until he appeared in front of the crowd saying he was free and heading home.

The crowd began an impromptu victory march through the city, some on foot and others driving slowly and honking their horns until police blocked their way.

Police in black uniforms and balaclavas could be seen slamming people to the ground. A news website said police beat up one of its reporters at the site.

The Almaty police department said a car driven by protesters had hit a policeman and a police car had been damaged by stones hurled at it.

"Police... will not allow disturbances of public order, any illegal actions and threats to the lives and safety of citizens will be stopped in strict accordance with the law," it said in a statement.

Anti-government activists called on Monday for more protests in Kazakhstan against what they said was a rigged presidential election result, as police warned they would crack down on any dissent.

Anti-government activists called on Monday for more protests in Kazakhstan against what they said was a rigged presidential election result, as police warned they would crack down on any dissent. Opposition groups circulated messages on social media calling for people to take to the streets on Wednesday when Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will be inaugurated into the top job previously held by his patron, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The statements came a day after police detained scores of demonstrators in Almaty, the biggest city in the former Soviet republic when Tokayev's victory was confirmed. A series of rallies since Sunday's vote amounts to the biggest display of public discontent since 2016 when protests forced the authorities to shelve planned land reforms. The interior ministry said police arrested 200 people on Monday in addition to 500 held a day earlier over protests which are illegal unless explicitly allowed by the government Officers were out again in Almaty on Tuesday, with several National Guard personnel carrier trucks parked near the focal spot of past demonstrations. Authorities have said the election results were legitimate and blamed the protests on Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK), a movement led by fugitive former banker and minister Mukhtar Ablyazov. Poet Detained Ablyazov, who is wanted in Kazakhstan on multiple felony charges which he has dismissed as politically motivated, lives in France and regularly attacks Nazarbayev on social media. Monday night's protests were triggered by the detention earlier that day of Rinat Zaitov, a poet and musician who has said he wants to start his own political movement. About 200 of Zaitov's supporters, some of whom broadcast the event online, gathered outside police headquarters and demanded his release until he appeared in front of the crowd saying he was free and heading home. The crowd began an impromptu victory march through the city, some on foot and others driving slowly and honking their horns until police blocked their way. Police in black uniforms and balaclavas could be seen slamming people to the ground. A news website said police beat up one of its reporters at the site. The Almaty police department said a car driven by protesters had hit a policeman and a police car had been damaged by stones hurled at it. "Police... will not allow disturbances of public order, any illegal actions and threats to the lives and safety of citizens will be stopped in strict accordance with the law," it said in a statement.

Kazakh activists call for more protests over presidential vote

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