Antonio José Seguro wins Portugal presidential runoff against far right
Portugal’s moderate Socialist Antonio José Seguro won the presidency on Sunday, defeating far-right challenger André Ventura in a runoff vote that...
Kazakhstan is set to develop a world-class high-altitude resort just outside Almaty, aiming to transform the city into a year-round tourist destination. The ambitious master plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster was recently presented to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, promising to boost tourism.
The project will feature up to 700 kilometers of ski trails and is expected to welcome up to 34 000 visitors daily. It will also generate around 10 000 new jobs, making it a major economic driver for the region.
“We plan to take significant steps over the next few years to build a high-mountain resort that meets international standards,” Bektenov said. “Almaty should compete with the world’s leading ski destinations.”
The central development area covers popular ski spots including Shymbulak, Oi-Karagai, Pioneer, Kimasar, and Butakovka. The number of ski lifts will increase from 16 to 58, linking these areas into the new Almaty Superski project. This will also include Kumbel Peak and the Kok-Zhailau region, adding over 65 kilometers of ski slopes.
Half of the new trails will be designed for beginners, making the resort accessible for everyone and promoting winter sports across the region. The plan emphasizes inclusive facilities and careful preservation of the natural landscape.
The resort won’t be just for winter. The development will include hiking and biking trails, adventure parks, glamping sites, ethnic hotels, and eco-friendly transportation to make it a true year-round destination. Plans also include digital monitoring of the environment and a focus on renewable energy.
International partners from France, the US, and Andorra are involved, praising the project for meeting global standards in sustainable tourism.
The government will build essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, and cable cars, paving the way for private investments in hotels and other tourist facilities. Experts say every dollar the government invests will attract two dollars from private investors.
The Almaty Mountain Cluster is expected to become Central Asia’s largest all-season tourism project by 2029.
Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal on Tuesday, forcing more than 11,000 people from their homes, as a man in Portugal died after his car was swept away by floodwaters and a second body was found in Malaga.
Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
At least 31 people have been killed and scores wounded in a suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, prompting widespread international condemnation.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by March, though the timeline is widely viewed as unrealistic due to deep disagreements over territory, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.
A Japanese city near Mount Fuji has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival, saying growing numbers of badly behaved tourists are disrupting daily life for residents.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the athlete said he felt conflicted about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking a public clash that highlights growing political tensions surrounding the Games.
Portugal’s moderate Socialist Antonio José Seguro won the presidency on Sunday, defeating far-right challenger André Ventura in a runoff vote that confirmed polls pointing to a decisive victory despite weather disruptions and voter fatigue.
India’s trade minister said diversifying energy imports and expanding purchases of advanced technology from the United States would serve New Delhi’s strategic interests, as the two countries move closer to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, though that timeline is likely to slip given a lack of agreement on the key issue of territory, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says the country is accelerating investments to enhance its connectivity and transit functions, with key road links set for completion by 2030.
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