Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the new equestrian complex of the city of Arkadag, the Turkmen Alabai became the champion of Russia in the “Central Asian Shepherd Dog” category, Oleg Kononenko shared a photo of Ashgabat at night from space and other news

Turkmenistan

1. National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the new Equestrian complex of the city of Arkadag. Here, the chairman of the Halk Maslahaty got acquainted with the designs of buildings that are planned to be erected within the framework of the second phase of the city's development, the decorative work of some objects, as well as plans for the places where the structures will be located.

2. During the visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to the Equestrian Complex of the city of Arkadag, the vice-president of the “Turkmen Alabai” Association and the International Ahal-Teke Horse Breeding Association addressed Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with a request. On behalf of the people, he asked to hand over an Alabai puppy named Shatlyk to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

3. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the relevance of work on exploration and identification of new deposits of fresh groundwater in the country during the next Government meeting. As Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Amanov reported, specialists from the state corporation “Turkmengeologiya” are currently conducting regional hydrogeological surveys using modern technologies.

4. The delegation of Turkmenistan led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov went on a working visit to Japan. The main purpose of the trip is to strengthen interstate relations. During the visit, meetings are planned with the leadership of the Government, Parliament and relevant ministries and departments of Japan. Negotiations are also planned with the heads of financial and export credit agencies and major Japanese companies.

5. A native of Turkmenistan, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko shared a photo of Ashgabat at night from aboard the International Space Station. The photo was published by the “Roscosmos” State Corporation. “White, yellow, red and green - a whole palette of shades of light permeates the darkness. The bright lights of the city merge together with the arteries of the roads and resemble a large constellation”, - the photograph was published with such a comment.

6. A Turkmen Alabai named Ak dost, owned by the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, became the champion of Russia in the “Central Asian Shepherd Dog” category according to the Russian Canine Federation. Ak dost, while still a puppy, was presented to the head of Tatarstan by the President of the international associations of Ahal-Teke horses and the “Turkmen Alabai” association Serdar Berdimuhamedov in 2021.

World

7. Icelandic yogurt manufacturer Siggi's has announced the start of an unusual promotion. The brand is willing to pay 10 000 dollars to someone who won’t use their phone for a month. According to the company, they were prompted to launch a “digital detoxification” program by reports of the dangerous consequences of social networks and long-term use of smartphones. To take part in the promotion, you must submit an application on the Siggi's website before January 31. Ten winners of the promotion will each receive 10 000 dollars, as well as a goodie bag that includes a smartphone safe, a new flip phone with a SIM card and Siggi's yogurt.

8. Fifteen unmanned patrol cars were tested in the Chinese capital. The tests were carried out in an autonomous driving demonstration area. The drones have been tested for their ability to perform a variety of missions, including patrolling, emergency response, security at major events and issuing warnings. The vehicles are equipped with 360-degree recognition systems with a detection range of up to 120 meters and powerful on-board platforms that provide a high level of traffic safety.

Sport

9. During a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, it was announced that special attention in the coming year will be paid to the preparation of national teams for the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. As Deputy Prime Minister Nurmuhammet Amannepesov said in his report, in the work plans of specialized institutions for 2024, priority is given to the development of sports and the Olympic movement, raising a healthy younger generation, and preparing highly qualified athletes for the main start of the four-year period. Let us remind that the Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be held from July 26 to August 11. 206 National Olympic Committees will take part in the competition. Athletes will compete for 329 sets of awards in 32 sports.

10. The International Football Federation has announced the expansion of media rights to cover two of the largest upcoming football tournaments in the Central Asian region - the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Futsal World Cup. FIFA invites local media companies from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to apply for broadcast rights for these tournaments by January 30.