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President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan has completed his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Turkish President at Gabala International Airport.

President Erdogan was seen off by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev and other officials.

In a constructive step toward strengthening international dialogue, the leadership of the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency (AMADA), headed by Dr. Tahmina Taghi-zada, held fruitful discussions with Dr. Mondher Gabouj, Director General of the Tunisia National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD), Azernews reports.

The discussions focused on possible avenues of collaboration, with education and science identified as potential priority areas.

Among the ideas raised were training and capacity-building programs for athletes and athlete support personnel (ASP), as well as co-hosted educational workshops and seminars.

Both sides noted that further consultations will be needed to develop these ideas into concrete initiatives.

The meeting reflected a shared interest in exploring cooperation that could support clean sport, mutual learning, and scientific development in the years ahead.

OpenAI has launched an exciting new integration that lets users connect external app controls directly within ChatGPT. This means you can now create a Spotify playlist or browse local real estate listings on Zillow – all without leaving the chatbot interface, Azernews reports.

This innovation is reminiscent of the ‘mini-apps’ seen on messaging platforms like Telegram and Discord, allowing users to interact with various services seamlessly. Thanks to this integration, you can continue chatting with ChatGPT while giving it instructions on how to operate connected apps.

Leading services such as Spotify, Canva, and Zillow have already begun piloting these built-in application interfaces within ChatGPT.

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to open the door wider later this year, inviting a broader community of developers to submit their own applications. These will be showcased in a user-accessible app catalog. According to OpenAI’s app development guidelines, submitted apps should be ‘consistent, useful, and trustworthy,’ enhancing ChatGPT’s capabilities by offering genuine value to users. Examples include apps for booking trips, ordering food, checking availability, or tracking deliveries.

Importantly, the guidelines caution developers against using apps to generate lengthy content, build complex workflows, serve ads, or send irrelevant messages-ensuring the chatbot experience remains smooth and focused.

This integration marks a significant step forward in making ChatGPT a versatile hub for managing everyday digital tasks, potentially transforming how we interact with apps through conversational AI.

By the end of 2024, Malta, Taiwan, South Korea, and Spain have emerged as the countries with the lowest fertility rates globally, Azernews reports.

Malta tops the list, with an average of just 1.06 children born per woman over her lifetime. Taiwan follows closely with 1.11, while South Korea and Spain share third place at 1.12 each. Singapore rounds out the top five, registering a fertility rate of 1.17.

Other countries in the bottom ten include Lithuania (1.18), Poland (1.20), Italy (1.21), Ukraine (1.22), and both Macau and Hong Kong at 1.24.

Russia finds itself within the top 30 of this ‘anti-ranking,’ with a fertility rate of 1.4, alongside nations like Japan, Cyprus, and Norway.

In stark contrast, the highest fertility rates continue to be recorded in African countries. Niger leads globally with an average of 6.64 children per woman. The rest of the top five includes Angola (5.7), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.49), Mali (5.35), and Benin (5.34).

Addressing concerns over declining birth rates, Russian State Duma deputy Tatyana Butskaya announced in May that from 2026, birth rate indicators will be incorporated into the key performance metrics (KPIs) for regional governors. She emphasized that every working day for governors will begin with a review of demographic data. Moreover, not only regional authorities but also educational institutions and employers will be involved in monitoring and addressing birth rate trends.

This move reflects growing recognition worldwide of the demographic challenges posed by declining fertility rates-issues that have profound implications for economic growth, social welfare, and long-term national development.

The economic cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to be ratified by the end of 2025, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations, Azernews reports.

This was highlighted by Sanan Nasibli, representative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, during his speech at the seminar ‘Development of the Textile Sector and Promotion of Global Integration.’

Nasibli noted that the UAE has concluded comprehensive economic cooperation agreements with 27 countries, nine of which have already been ratified. ‘Azerbaijan is among them. The agreement with Azerbaijan is expected to be ratified by the end of this year. This also gives impetus to more dynamic and expanded cooperation between our countries,’ he said.

The ratification is anticipated to further boost trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration between Azerbaijan and the UAE, creating new opportunities for businesses in both nations.

The East has long been the cradle of civilization. It is a region of immense potential, steeped in culture, history, and innovation. For centuries, it was the world’s locomotive, a hub of economic growth, scientific discovery, and cultural development. Yet, in the past few centuries, the East has come to symbolize stagnation, a place left behind by modernity, struggling to reclaim the dynamism it once possessed. Among these nations, Iran’s decline is particularly stark.

There are many reasons for this regression, but one of the most significant, in my view, is the persistent refusal to take responsibility. The Mullah regime has repeatedly failed to acknowledge its own mistakes, preferring instead to shift the blame outward. Every social, economic, and political problem becomes the fault of external actors-whether the United States, Israel, or now, even Azerbaijan. This culture of scapegoating is both self-destructive and dangerous.

Iran was once the most dynamic country in its region. Its annual GDP growth reached 30 to 40 percent, and its economy outperformed its neighbors before the Islamic revolution. Yet following the Islamic Revolution, the country’s fortunes reversed dramatically. Today, Iran’s economic performance is comparable to African nations, and in per capita GDP. For examples, in the 1990s, as the Soviet Union disintegrated, Iran’s per capita GDP far exceeded that of these emerging nations; today, it falls short by more than twofold.

Where does the blame lie? According to Tehran’s ruling clerics, the answer is never Iran itself. Low per-capita income? The United States and Israel. High child mortality? Again, foreign interference. A faltering education system? External enemies. Even internal security failures-such as the assassination of a high-ranking Iranian general in their bedroom in the heart of Tehran-are attributed to other nations. However, the most ironic is Iranian parliamentarian Kamran Ghazanfari’s recent accusation against Azerbaijan. Indirectly he claimed that Azerbaijan bears responsibility for the death of the Iranian late president. This is both absurd and revealing: a regime that cannot protect its own leadership assigns blame to its neighbor, as if Azerbaijan were tasked with guarding Tehran.

The consequences of this mentality extend far beyond rhetoric. Iran’s failure to take responsibility endangers both its own citizens and its neighbors. A sudden and tectonic collapse, whether economic, political, or social, would likely trigger massive migration. For Azerbaijan, a nation of just ten million, even a fraction of the displaced population from Iran would be catastrophic. There are more than thirty million ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran alone, not to mention other ethnic groups such as the Talysh, Kurds, and various Turkic peoples. Conservative estimates suggest that even five million refugees would overwhelm Azerbaijan’s infrastructure and economy. The reality is that no country can absorb a refugee wave equal to or exceeding its own population without facing devastating consequences.

Yet Iran’s clerical leadership seems indifferent to such risks. The regime refuses accountability and shields itself from criticism, even as tectonic shifts-both literal and metaphorical-shape its society. Problems that could be addressed through reform are ignored. Social crises, economic stagnation, and political unrest persist because admitting failure is seen as unacceptable. Instead, the blame is projected outward, creating a culture in which no internal problem is ever resolved.

This avoidance of responsibility has tangible consequences. Iran is not merely stagnating in comparison with Europe or developed nations; it is increasingly competing with countries such as North Korea or Afghanistan in terms of development and social outcomes. Its failure to modernize and reform leaves it vulnerable to both internal crises and external manipulation. Meanwhile, the scapegoating of Azerbaijan illustrates the regime’s willingness to exploit neighboring countries as convenient distractions from its own failures.

The question is whether Iran can change. History suggests that regimes unwilling to accept responsibility either reform or fade into irrelevance. The clerical establishment faces a choice: either confront the country’s systemic failures or follow the path of Syria’s Ba’athist regime, consigned to the margins of history. Yet, for Iran’s neighbors, particularly Azerbaijan, the stakes are immediate. Stability in Iran is in Azerbaijan’s interest because any significant upheaval would have profound humanitarian and economic repercussions.

The lesson is clear. Societies that refuse to take responsibility for their own mistakes-those that externalize blame for every failure-cannot hope to develop sustainably. They risk stagnation, decline, and in the most extreme cases, collapse. Iran’s leadership must recognize that scapegoating external actors will not reverse its decline. Without accountability, the country is trapped in a cycle of self-inflicted crises, while the broader region braces for the consequences.

Iran’s potential is immense, but it cannot be realized under a regime that refuses to admit mistakes. History rewards those willing to confront their failures and learn from them; it punishes those who externalize blame. For Iran, the time to take responsibility is now, before the tectonic shocks-both literal and political-become unmanageable. For its neighbors and for the millions of people who depend on its stability, the consequences of continued denial could be catastrophic.

On October 7, an official luncheon was hosted in Gabala on behalf of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in honor of the heads of state and government participating in the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

A new permanent exhibition titled “Azerbaijani Fine Arts: From Classicism to Postmodernism” has opened at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, Azernews reports.

Director of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Honored Cultural Worker Shirin Malikova, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists’ Union, People’s Artist Farhad Khalilov, People’s Artist and Academician Omar Eldarov, and the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Architects’ Union, Honored Architect Elbay Gasimzade participated in the event.

In their remarks, they emphasized the significance of the exhibition, which brings together various periods of our national art from the 1950s to the 2000s, and presents the creative journeys of painters and sculptors through their outstanding works of art.

Following the speeches, the participants familiarized themselves with the exhibition. The display features nearly 80 works, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic art.

The exhibition, showcasing the works of artists from different generations, creates a comprehensive panorama of Azerbaijani fine arts. It presents both the artistic world of painters working in the realism style in the early 20th century and the modernists who introduced new approaches in form and expression in the subsequent periods, as well as works by contemporary artists addressing global themes. This allows viewers to explore the wide horizons of Azerbaijani painting.

In themed sections, visitors can find paintings depicting the stunning landscapes of Baku, the psychologically deep portraits of prominent figures, genre paintings reflecting everyday life, and abstract works expressing the philosophical harmony of color and form. These diverse pieces organically combine the classical roots and contemporary explorations of the Azerbaijani painting school, demonstrating the richness and dynamic development of national art.

Works by renowned and emerging artists, such as Taghi Taghiyev, Gafar Seyfullayev, Vajiha Samadova, Badura Afganli, Asaf Jafarov, Bayim Hajiyeva, Nadir Gasimov, Mirnadir Zeynalov, Farhad Khalilov, Chingiz Farzaliyev, Salhab Mammadov, Sirus Mirzazade, Aydan Salahova, and others, from different periods and styles, are presented in a unified space, creating a complete picture of 20th-century visual arts.

The painting section of the exhibition is enriched by the works of Azerbaijani sculptors such as Jalal Garyagdi, Elmira Huseynova, Natig Aliyev, Sahib Guliyev, and Teymur Rustamov, who represent various generations and excel in classical and abstract styles.

These contributions add significant depth to the exhibition. Here, traditional realism and contemporary plastic languages are presented side by side, allowing viewers to trace the development of the national sculptural school.

The sculptures on display capture both the psychological richness of human figures and the new interpretations of form and space, drawing the audience’s attention.

Founded in 1937, Azerbaijan National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe.

Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush.

The museum has successfully organized and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists.

These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries.

The South Korean government is contemplating reducing subsidies for Tesla following persistent battery defects that have left some three-year-old models unable to charge. This issue has intensified scrutiny over Tesla’s commitment to consumer protection in one of its key markets, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Tesla owners in Korea have expressed growing frustration-not only over the battery malfunctions but also due to what they describe as the company’s ‘irresponsible’ handling of the problem.

Online communities have mobilized, demanding recalls or free battery replacements, and have even submitted a petition to the National Assembly. The petition, which has already gathered over 14,000 signatures, has prompted the country’s transport and environment ministries to closely monitor the situation.

‘We cannot continue to provide subsidies for vehicles that disadvantage consumers. Depending on Tesla’s response, we may consider withdrawing subsidies altogether,’ said an official leading the EV subsidy program at the Ministry of Environment.

‘We requested a detailed explanation from Tesla Korea but have yet to receive any meaningful response,’ the official added.

Tesla remains a dominant player in the Korean EV market. Last year, the company sold 29,750 vehicles, making it the third-largest imported car brand behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Notably, the Model Y was the top-selling electric vehicle in Korea during the first half of this year, with 15,432 units sold-surpassing popular domestic models like Kia’s EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5.

As Tesla faces mounting pressure from both consumers and regulators, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the company can restore trust in the Korean market and maintain its subsidy eligibility.

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC (JLR) announced on Tuesday that it will begin a phased restart of its manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom starting Wednesday, more than a month after a cyberattack forced production to a complete halt. Production lines at the Solihull factory in the UK, along with the facility in Nitra, Slovakia, are expected to resume operations later this week, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

In response to the disruption, JLR is also fast-tracking a new support program designed to assist qualifying suppliers by providing cash-up-front financing during the restart phase. ‘Under this new scheme, eligible JLR suppliers will receive payments much faster than the usual terms, helping to ease cash flow pressures in the short term,’ the company said.

The cyberattack, which hit JLR in early September, was one of the most significant disruptions to the automaker’s production in recent years, highlighting the increasing vulnerabilities of global manufacturing to digital threats.

This phased restart marks a critical step in JLR’s recovery, as the company aims to minimize delays and meet rising demand for its luxury vehicles. Industry experts note that the move to support suppliers with accelerated payments reflects a growing trend among manufacturers to strengthen supply chain resilience amid ongoing global uncertainties.