Tengrinews.kz has prepared a digest of the main and interesting news for Friday, January 10.
1. A new savings system for children will be launched in Kazakhstan
The head of state has signed a law concerning a new savings system for children called "Keleshek".
This new system includes the introduction of an initial educational capital from the state, an annual government award payment, and investment income.
A one-time initial educational capital will be credited to children who turn 5 years old in 2025 and in subsequent years, in amounts specified by the rules for the accrual, use, and return of the initial educational capital, approved by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The accumulated funds can be used for technical and vocational education, post-secondary, higher education, and postgraduate education, as well as for improving housing conditions.
9Image generated using the Midjourney neural network
Additionally, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law regarding diplomatic service, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, and made changes and additions to several legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning public service.
Today, the head of state met with the chairman of the board of JSC "National Company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy", Nurlan Sauranbaev. They discussed the implementation of infrastructure transport projects, the expansion of the terminal network to attract cargo flows into Kazakhstan’s corridors, and several new projects.
0Photo from the press service of Akorda
The president met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of fully implementing previously reached high-level agreements that are strategic in nature and aimed at significantly strengthening the intergovernmental ties between the two countries.
1Photo from the press service of Akorda
The president met with the renowned global entrepreneur and expert in artificial intelligence, Li Kai-Fu. They exchanged views on the integration of artificial intelligence into various spheres of societal life, including education, healthcare, energy, and others.
2Photo from the press service of Akorda
2. New prosecutor for Aktobe region
By the order of the Attorney General, senior advisor of justice Marat Abishev has been appointed as the prosecutor of Aktobe region. Previously, he held the position of head of the public interest protection service of the Attorney General's Office.
3Photo from the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office
3. High-ranking police official detained in Aktau
The chief of the western regional military investigative department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was detained by the National Security Committee officers in conjunction with the police. He is suspected of receiving a large bribe for a favorable decision on a criminal case.
4. Banks warn Kazakhstani citizens about transition to a new standard
Kazakhstani banks will transition to the international standard ISO 20022 for data exchange between financial organizations starting January 13. In connection with this, several banks warned clients about technical work starting from January 10. In some cases, clients may find banking applications, payment of fines and taxes, certain types of payments and transfers, and other services temporarily unavailable.
4Image generated using the Midjourney neural network
ISO 20022 is an international standard for data exchange between banks and financial institutions. It defines unified rules and message formats used in conducting transactions.
5. "Sale" of forgotten luggage at Almaty airport
Social media reports indicated that Almaty International Airport is selling lost and forgotten passenger suitcases for just 1099 tenge each. The sale is allegedly being conducted for charitable purposes. However, the airport's press service stated that no sale of unclaimed luggage is taking place, and the information circulating on social media is fraudulent.
5Screenshot of a fake post from Facebook
6. Sanctions against Kazakhstani companies
Japan has approved additional sanctions against Russia in connection with the war in Ukraine. Kazakhstani companies are also affected by these restrictions. The export has been banned to 31 organizations from six countries suspected of assisting Russia in circumventing sanctions. These groups are located in Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, China, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, and Turkey. The exact names of the companies were not specified in the report.
The export ban will come into effect on January 23.
7. Police uncover "oil mafia"
In Kyzylorda, police detained a criminal group involved in the theft of petroleum products from a local enterprise. The criminal scheme included the workers and security personnel of the industrial facility.
During the search, over 25 tons of stolen petroleum products were confiscated. The preliminary damage inflicted on the enterprise by the actions of the suspects amounted to over 200 million tenge. Twelve individuals have been taken into custody, nine of whom have been placed in a temporary detention facility.
8. Kazakhstani citizens may receive tax refunds
Starting January 1, 2025, new tax regulations for large families have been implemented in Kazakhstan. They can receive a tax deduction applicable to both parents, not exceeding 282 MRP (1,108,824 tenge in 2025).
6Image generated using the Midjourney neural network
The tax deduction covers educational expenses: preschool education and training; technical and vocational education; post-secondary and higher education.
From 2025, deductions for rewards on mortgage housing loans from any banks will also be provided. Previously, these were only available for loans from "Otbasy Bank".
9. The Financial Monitoring Agency warns Kazakhstani citizens
The Financial Monitoring Agency has warned Kazakhstani citizens about the risks associated with counterfeit and souvenir banknotes. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cautious when conducting currency transactions.
View this post on InstagramPost by QR QMA / AFM RK (@afm_rk)
10. Writer Mukhtar Magauin passes away
Kazakh writer Mukhtar Magauin passed away at the age of 84 at his home in Maryland, USA. He is the author of works such as "Children of One Father," "Time of Troubles," "Genghis Khan," and the historical book "Kazakh Horde." Magauin was awarded the title of People's Writer of Kazakhstan; he was a laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR named after Abai and the international award "For Merits in the Turkic World."
7Photo: magauin.com
The head of state, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressed condolences to the family and friends of the outstanding writer.
"The artistic works, historical writings, essays, and memoirs that emerged from his talented pen hold a special place in the hearts of readers. The vivid image of Mukhtar Mukhanuly, who lived a dignified life and left a rich creative legacy, will forever remain in our memory," the President stated in a telegram.
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