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Digital Bridge 2025 forum to be held in Astana
11.09.2025The Digital Bridge 2025 forum will be held in Astana from 2 to 4 October. The event will take place at the Expo International Exhibition Centre, according to IIC. The forum will showcase digital solutions, start-ups and new technologies. The programme includes a start-up battle with a prize fund of $100,000, an exhibition of IT companies, presentations in the field of artificial intelligence and the Digital Bridge Awards ceremony. Visitors will be able to see interactive zones with robots, drones and other technological projects. Experts, investors, business representatives and the IT community from different countries are expected to attend.
Declaration on confronting challenges adopted at SCO summit in China
02.09.2025The Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) approved the Tianjin Declaration, which defines the organisation's approaches to security, international stability and development. This was reported by the IIC. The summit in China was attended by more than 20 leaders, as well as representatives of international organisations. The document notes the growth of geopolitical tensions and new threats, with the SCO opposing unilateral sanctions and reaffirming its commitment to the principles of non-interference and renunciation of the use of force. Particular attention is paid to preserving the historical memory of World War II as a factor in strengthening trust and stability. Among the decisions are the creation of a Universal Centre to counter challenges and threats to the security of SCO countries and the approval of the SCO development strategy until 2035. It envisages the expansion of economic cooperation, the fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism, as well as the development of cultural and humanitarian ties. The meeting in Tianjin outlined the organisation's positions on key international issues and set long-term guidelines for its development.
China hosts the largest event in SCO history
02.09.2025The 25th SCO summit, the largest in the organisation's history, has opened in Tianjin. Leaders from more than 20 countries and representatives from 10 international organisations are participating in the event. This was reported by the IIC. This is the fifth time China has hosted the anniversary meeting, and Tianjin is the fourth host city after Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao. According to Xi Jinping, the SCO today unites 26 states, covers more than 50 areas of cooperation and has a combined economy of almost $30 trillion. Up to 3,000 journalists from more than 50 countries are participating in the summit, for whom a modern press centre has been set up. The agenda includes a ‘SCO+’ meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other international leaders, underscoring the organisation's growing influence.
Astronomers have discovered an ancient galaxy resembling a bunch of grapes
16.08.2025Scientists have discovered a galaxy that formed just 900 million years after the Big Bang and named it ‘cosmic grapes.’ This was reported by the online publication ‘Afisha Daily’, citing the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The first images from Hubble showed the galaxy as a blurry spot, but new technology has made it possible to see a rotating system with at least 15 large clumps where stars are forming. This discovery contradicts current models of early galaxy evolution. The galaxy was identified using gravitational lensing, and data from the James Webb and ALMA telescopes required more than 100 hours of observation.
Potential threats of the Rogun HPP to the ecology of Central Asia
28.07.2025During his state visit to Tajikistan, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, together with Tajikistan's Deputy Prime Minister Usmonali Usmonzoda, inspected the construction of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. This was reported by the online publication infoportal.news, citing the MONTSAME agency. Despite its importance for Tajikistan's energy sector, the project is causing serious concern among Central Asian countries due to its potential environmental and transboundary impacts. Changes to the Vakhsh River during construction and filling of the reservoir could reduce the flow into the Amu Darya for years, damaging ecosystems, agriculture and water supply in the lower reaches. Experts warn of the risk of land degradation, the disappearance of tugai forests and rare fish species, as well as a lack of coordination with neighbouring countries. An additional threat is posed by the Qosh Tepa canal project in Afghanistan, which, combined with the Rogun hydropower plant, could exacerbate the water crisis. The absence of intergovernmental agreements on water use increases the risk of conflict and instability in the region. Experts insist on the need for an independent environmental and social assessment of the project, taking into account the interests of all countries in the Amu Darya basin.
The Kremlin awarded Oleg Kononenko with the Order ‘For Merit to the Fatherland, First Class’
24.05.2025A solemn ceremony of presenting state awards was held in the Kremlin's Catherine Hall. Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Order ‘For Merit to the Fatherland, First Class’ to Oleg Kononenko, the commander of the cosmonaut squadron of Roscosmos, twice Hero of Russia and Turkmenistan. The news was reported by the press service of the Russian President. The highest state award was recognition of Kononenko's outstanding personal achievements, as well as high appreciation of the work of the entire Russian rocket and space industry. Making a speech of gratitude, the cosmonaut stressed that this award is ‘the merit of thousands of specialists, whose work remains behind the scenes, but is critical to the success of each mission.’ He expressed pride in his contribution to the development of manned cosmonautics. A special moment of the ceremony was Oleg Kononenko's meeting with the portrait painted by a young artist from Turkmenistan Batyr Sultanov. The work was created as part of the 'Crossroads of Arts' cultural project and became a warm symbol of international recognition.
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