live Vessel hit in Hormuz as Iran and U.S. clashes intensify after peace deal
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States a...
Astana turned into a regional cultural hub as Silk Way Star held its grand finale, bringing months of competition to a close and gathering artists from across Asia on one stage. Mongolia’s Michelle Joseph won the first season, marking the end of a project that drew viewers from around the world.
The evening opened with a message from Kazakhstan’s President Kassym Jomart Tokayev, delivered by State Counselor Erlan Karin. The statement highlighted the project’s mission to strengthen cultural dialogue across Asia and celebrate diverse musical traditions.
The finalists arrived from Malaysia, Georgia, China, Armenia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Each performed in their native language, combining vocal skill with original staging, detailed lighting design and costumes crafted by Kazakh artists specifically for the project. Backstage, choreographers, stylists and technical teams worked continuously to keep the production precise.
The finale was broadcast live on Jibek Joly TV, with additional national broadcasts in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. Across the season, the combined audience for all episodes surpassed one billion viewers.
One moment stood out during the jury scoring. Azerbaijani jury member Samira Efendi awarded twelve points to Armenian contestant Saro Gevorgyan, prompting a brief exchange of thanks on stage. It was a simple artistic gesture, met with applause from the audience, and reflected the spirit of the evening rather than overshadowing it.
As the show reached its peak, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Dimash Qudaibergen announced the winner. The award was presented by representatives of the Television and Radio Complex of the President of Kazakhstan and China Media Group, the project’s production partners.
Silk Way Star concluded its debut season as a platform where cultures, vocal styles and personal stories converged, bringing Asia’s musical diversity to a global audience.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes caused widespread destruction around Caracas, collapsing buildings and trapping residents, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned Ukraine not to try to draw his country into the war, saying any such move would change the conflict "instantly".
Protesters gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement in Washington aimed at ending fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
Kazakhstan has not received an official request from Russia for petrol supplies, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said, as fuel shortages and sales restrictions in Russia raise concerns over fuel supplies across Central Asia.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (26 June) condemned as "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative" a statement issued following a joint meeting of foreign ministers from the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Manama, Bahrain.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, marking another milestone in the carrier's long-term fleet modernisation programme aimed at improving efficiency, expanding capacity and enhancing the passenger experience.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment