
Kazakhstan votes to expand presidential powers under Tokayev
Kazakhstan is holding a referendum to approve a new constitution that would widen the powers of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signaling a major shift in the country’s political system.
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Kazakhstan is holding a referendum to approve a new constitution that would widen the powers of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signaling a major shift in the country’s political system.

This week’s science highlights include Curiosity’s discovery of spiderweb-like structures on Mars containing tiny egg‑like features, Kazakhstan’s plan to reintroduce tigers by year’s end with a major habitat restoration around Lake Balkhash, and archaeologists’ finding of 2,000‑year‑old skeletons in northern Vietnam showing permanently blackened teeth, a practice tied to ancient beauty trends.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins Brazil’s first Winter Olympics medal in the men’s giant slalom, while Mikhail Shaidorov captures Kazakhstan’s first gold in men’s figure skating, marking notable historic firsts for both nations at Milan 2026.

A drone struck the Kazakh-chartered tanker Matilda as it headed to load Kazakh oil at the CPC terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast; the blast caused an explosion but no serious damage or injuries, and the vessel remains seaworthy, with no claim of responsibility and Ukraine’s stance not disclosed.

Kazakhstan's Tengiz oil field, one of the world's most prolific, has been producing for over 30 years and recently expanded to produce one million barrels a day, with plans to tap into more oil reserves despite uncertainties, involving a $50 billion investment by Chevron and partners.

Kazakhstan has urged Ukraine to cease attacks on the Black Sea oil terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which was damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, leading to halted exports and concerns over critical infrastructure security.

Kazakhstan's parliament has approved a law banning 'LGBT propaganda' online and in media, with penalties including fines and jail time, reflecting a move to uphold traditional values amid international criticism.

Kazakhstan's parliament has passed a bill to ban the promotion of 'non-traditional sexual orientation' in public and media, mirroring Russia's anti-LGBTQ laws, sparking criticism from rights groups who warn it will increase vulnerability for LGBTQ individuals in the country.

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian nation with no historical Arab enmity towards Israel, has maintained formal ties with Israel since 1992 and is now exploring its unique diplomatic path, akin to the Abraham Accords in the Middle East.

Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords with Israel, a move seen as symbolic and aimed at boosting the peace initiative originally promoted by President Trump, despite already having diplomatic relations with Israel since 1992. The announcement, praised by Trump as a significant step towards global peace and prosperity, highlights potential increased cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, energy, and food technology, and signals Israel's growing international acceptance.

Kazakhstan is set to become the first nation to join the Abraham Accords since the start of the Gaza war, marking a significant development in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

President Trump hosted leaders from five Central Asian countries to discuss securing rare earth metals critical for high-tech industries, amid ongoing US efforts to reduce dependence on China, which dominates global rare earth supply. The summit also aimed to strengthen regional ties and explore economic and security cooperation, including potential moves like Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords.
Kazakhstan is expected to join the Abraham Accords, a move that could expand normalization efforts between Israel and Arab nations, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff set to announce the development, potentially leading to more countries joining the accords.

Kazakhstan is expected to join the Abraham Accords during a meeting with President Trump, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation, promote religious tolerance, and bolster Israel's international standing, as part of broader efforts to expand the accords to include more Muslim-majority countries.

Kazakhstan's energy sector faces potential disruptions after a drone attack on a major Russian gas plant, Orenburg, which has halted gas supplies to Kazakhstan's Karachaganak project, possibly impacting the country's oil output amid ongoing regional tensions.