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Baku and Astana join forces to advance Turkic cinema

As part of the ‘Korkut Ata’ Turkic World Film Festival held in Aktau, the National Center for State Support of National Cinema of Kazakhstan has signed memorandums of cooperation with state film institutions from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Trkiye, and Uzbekistan.

Azernews reports, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information, the agreements are part of a broader effort under the umbrella of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) to strengthen cultural unity among Turkic nations through cinema – a powerful medium that reflects shared values and historical heritage.

The memorandum signed with the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency outlines a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including co-production of feature films, documentaries, and animation projects; organization of masterclasses and workshops; and joint efforts in translation and dubbing.

Among the key priorities is the promotion of mutual cultural understanding and the preservation of friendly relations between the peoples of the Turkic world.

Heightened security measures in Gabala during 3rd CIS Games

In connection with the ongoing 3rd CIS Games being hosted in Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has implemented around-the-clock security operations in the city of Gabala to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

Azernews reports, according to the Ministry’s press service, additional police forces have been deployed throughout the district, particularly at venues where the competitions are taking place.

Police officers and members of the Internal Troops are working in continuous shifts to maintain public order and swiftly prevent any potential unlawful activities.

The enhanced security measures reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all athletes, officials, and guests attending the Games.

Magnitude 3.5 earthquake recorded in Caspian Sea

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 was recorded in the Caspian Sea early this morning, Azernews reports.

According to the Republican Seismological Service Center, the tremor occurred at 05:36 local time.

It should be noted that the Caspian Sea region lies within a seismically active zone influenced by the ongoing collision between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Although Azerbaijan is not typically associated with large-scale earthquakes, small to moderate tremors are relatively common, especially in offshore and coastal areas.

Earthquakes in the Caspian Sea usually occur at shallow depths and are often not strongly felt on land. However, seismologists monitor these events closely as part of ongoing efforts to understand regional seismic activity and assess potential risks.

Day five of 11th Baku International Book Fair offers vibrant program for visitors

The fifth day of the 11th Baku International Book Fair was marked by a rich and engaging program, leaving a memorable impression on attendees, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), the official media partner of the fair, is actively participating with its own exhibition stand, which has attracted significant interest from visitors.

As part of the event, Chairman of AZERTAC’s Board Vugar Aliyev met with Vasif Qurbanzade, Head of the Book Industry Department at the Ministry of Culture and a writer-publicist. Their discussion focused on the state of book publishing in Azerbaijan, promoting reading habits among youth, and the media’s role in supporting these efforts.

During the fair, Mr. Aliyev also visited the stands of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, ‘Sharq-Qarb’ Publishing House, and the F. Kocharli Republican Children’s Library. In a meeting with Sevil Ismayilova, Director of ‘Sharq-Qarb,’ both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between the publishing house and AZERTAC, and discussed opportunities for expanding their partnership.

In a conversation with Shahla Gambarova, Director of the Republican Children’s Library, an agreement was reached to jointly implement projects with AZERTAC aimed at children with autism and other special needs.

Later, the AZERTAC delegation visited the stand of the State of Qatar, the fair’s Guest of Honor. There, the agency’s leadership was introduced to various elements of Qatari culture, including books, brochures, and cultural artifacts on display. A demonstration of poetry generation using artificial intelligence also captivated visitors.

Fire contained at AAAF Park Residential Complex in Azerbaijan’s Absheron district

A fire broke out at the AAAF Park residential complex in Khirdalan city, Absheron district, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.

Azernews reports, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the incident was reported via the ministry’s 112 emergency hotline. In response, units from the State Fire Protection Service and the Special Risk Rescue Service were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

The fire originated in a technical room located in the basement of an 11-storey residential building, where several electricity meters were installed. Thanks to the rapid and effective intervention of firefighters, the blaze was quickly brought under control before it could spread to residential apartments or other areas of the building.

In total, 68 electricity meters and approximately 3 linear meters of electric cables running through a utility shaft were damaged in the fire. The affected technical room measured approximately 2 square meters.

As a precautionary measure, emergency personnel safely evacuated 15 residents from the building, including 3 children.

Thanks to prompt action by fire crews, all communication lines running through the shaft, parked vehicles in the underground garage, and residential units were successfully protected from fire damage.

Azerbaijan at water crossroads driving sustainability through data-driven solutions

Today, water scarcity and mismanagement are among the most critical challenges confronting the world. Climate change, population growth, and inefficient infrastructure have made water security a top priority for governments globally. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in strategic planning, innovative technologies, and integrated governance.

Azerbaijan, like many countries, is not immune to these pressures. With increasing demand, regional disparities in water access, and aging irrigation systems, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. The recent Baku Climate Action Week 2025 offered a rare window into Azerbaijan’s evolving water strategy-and the urgency behind it.

Aliagha Azizov, Head of the Science and Innovation Sector at the State Water Resources Agency, laid out Azerbaijan’s ambitious digital roadmap for water management. The development of a National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources aims to modernize how the country controls, protects, and allocates its vital water resources.

‘The accuracy of data is key,’ Azizov emphasized, underlining that a comprehensive digital platform will serve as the backbone of this strategy. The platform will integrate data collection, processing, and analysis of all water bodies in Azerbaijan-from rivers and reservoirs to canals and pipelines.

This is a significant shift from the fragmented, analog systems that dominate water governance in many countries. Moreover, plans for a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Water Atlas will provide transparent, real-time access to water-related data for researchers, the public, and decision-makers.

Azizov’s remarks also signaled a shift toward basin-level water management, a globally recognized best practice. The strategy calls for integrated oversight of both internal and transboundary water sources. This approach is especially relevant for Azerbaijan, where agriculture remains the largest water consumer.

By aligning water allocation with hydrological realities, and by improving real-time monitoring through sensor technologies, Azerbaijan is poised to enhance both water efficiency and agricultural productivity. The target? Minimizing water losses and leakages in drinking and irrigation systems by 2040, and ensuring 100% metering in drinking water networks. This aligns with international best practices that treat every drop as a data point-something essential for countries grappling with water stress.

ADB Support: A regional vision with global partners

Water challenges are rarely local in scope. Transboundary rivers, shared aquifers, and cross-border climate impacts require multilateral cooperation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s water reform journey. Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB’s Country Director for Azerbaijan, noted that Azerbaijan could count on the bank’s support for modernizing irrigation infrastructure, integrating artificial intelligence into water data systems, and implementing its national strategy.

‘Water problems are not just climate-related-they are also political,’ noted Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan. Citing examples from South Asia, she emphasized how subsidy policies and governance models can directly undermine water sustainability. Importantly, Durrani-Jamal highlighted the role of satellite monitoring and risk mapping to identify ‘hot spots’ of flood, drought, and scarcity. Such advanced tools enable a shift from reactive crisis management to predictive, long-term water governance.

Building on this, Ilhama Gadimova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, stressed that water reform cannot succeed without transforming agricultural water use. She underscored that sustainable irrigation and smart water management are no longer optional but essential.

‘Sustainable water management is impossible without innovation and cooperation,’ Gadimova said, calling for increased regional dialogue and cross-sector collaboration to achieve these goals.

Together, these perspectives illustrate the multifaceted nature of water challenges in Azerbaijan-where political will, technological innovation, and cooperative governance must intersect to ensure water security for the future.

The Ministry of Agriculture is investing in digital education and AI applications within farming. These innovations are already yielding real changes, demonstrating that the future of agriculture in Azerbaijan is data-driven. Gadimova suggested that the country could soon be viewed as a model for others seeking to digitize their agricultural water systems. Her comments point to an important reality: water reform is not a sectoral issue-it is a national challenge. Solutions must encompass education, technology, governance, and infrastructure. These insights from Deputy Minister Gadimova align closely with Aliagha Azizov’s emphasis on the strategic development of key regions like Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, highlighting how coordinated efforts across sectors and regions are essential to advancing Azerbaijan’s water management goals.

Azizov noted that Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur represent significant untapped potential in water resources. With ongoing reconstruction and resettlement, these regions are being positioned as models for integrated, secure, and efficient water systems. Developing these regions’ water infrastructure is not just a logistical task-it is a strategic imperative for ensuring water security and regional stability.

The vision presented during Baku Climate Action Week 2025 is comprehensive and forward-thinking. Yet, turning strategy into impact will require institutional coordination, sustained financing, and public engagement. With a mix of international support, domestic innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to build a resilient water system that supports its economic, environmental, and social goals.

In a world where water scarcity is becoming the new normal, Azerbaijan’s steps toward digital transformation and integrated water management could serve as a valuable blueprint for others.

Azerbaijan hosts day 10 of 3rd CIS Games with competitions

The 10th day of the 3rd CIS Games, being hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, will feature competitions across 10 different sports, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan’s national volleyball team will face Belarus in the semifinals in Ganja, while the 3×3 basketball team will go up against Uzbekistan in Group A.

Finals in various disciplines will also take place across multiple cities:

Yevlakh will host boxing matches

Gabala will see the badminton finals

Khankendi will feature archery events

Ganja will also host fencing and shooting competitions

Mingachevir will hold the canoeing and rowing finals

Goygol will be the venue for the mixed team judo competition

The 3rd CIS Games are set to conclude on October 8.

Election Commission senator probe ‘enters its third stage’

The alleged collusion in the vote to appoint new Senators is under review by an Election Commission subcommittee before the EC’s main panel pass final judgment.

The EC recently addressed growing criticism over delays in investigating the case, stressing that all actions by itself and its secretary-general, Sawaeng Boonmee, are in line with the law.

The investigation is now in its third stage, it said, with the 36th subcommittee reviewing the case files and preparing recommendations. Once complete, the findings will be submitted to the EC for a final ruling.

The commission also outlined the process for dealing with the case: first, the EC’s provincial offices investigate and forward opinions to its central office; second, the central office reviews and analyses the case; third, the EC’s subcommittees examine the evidence and prepare conclusions; and fourth, the EC makes the final decision.

The clarification followed a complaint filed on Friday by reserve senator Akarawat Phongthanachalitkul, who lodged a criminal complaint against the EC and Mr Sawaeng, accusing them of dereliction of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code and Section 172 of the Organic Act on Counter Corruption.

Mr Akarawat argued the move was not political but an effort to defend democratic principles, stressing that as a stakeholder in the Senate election, he has the right to demand transparency.

He also expressed concern about recent appointments within the Ministry of Justice, warning they could undermine judicial independence.

“We have repeatedly asked the EC for answers but have never received a clear one. The public has yet to receive justice. There are several cases that have been left to drag on, even though many facts are already evident. This should not happen in a democratic system.”

Suvit calls for third way to end political divide

Thailand needs a “third way” party that blends tradition with reform to end two decades of cyclical social and political conflict, says Suvit Maesincee, former minister of higher education, science, research and innovation.

He called for a new political alternative that transcends Thailand’s entrenched ideological divide.

Writing on his Facebook page, he proposed the creation of a party that harmonises traditional values with reformist ideals, arguing that such a synthesis could become a “game changer” for the future.

“For over two decades,” he wrote, “Thai politics has been trapped in a vortex of conflict between conservatives who cling to tradition and progressives who demand reform. The result has been polarisation, economic stagnation, and a divided society stripped of its creative energy.”

He identified Thailand’s so-called “deep state” as a key driver of this gridlock — a network of entrenched power, he said, that uses traditional values as a shield for vested interests rather than as a guiding principle for the common good.

At the same time, many reformist movements, he said, have pushed change too aggressively, failing to appreciate the depth of Thai cultural roots — and thereby provoking fierce backlash.

He proposed what he called a “third path” for Thai politics — not merely a centrist compromise, but a new political synthesis that draws on the strengths of both sides.

Tradition, he said, must serve as the foundation of national stability and identity, while reform must act as the creative force driving the country’s transformation in the modern world.

He argued that a party capable of walking this delicate line would not just be a “mediator” between extremes, but a genuine “game changer” that transforms the entire political order.

Such a party, the former minister said, would move Thailand from ideological politics to principle-based politics, from power struggles to collaborative nation-building, and from the protection of narrow interests to inclusive prosperity for all.

“The future of Thai politics will not change as long as we remain trapped in choosing between two extremes,” he said.

Armed robbers steal B24m gold, injure soldier at far-south shopping centre

A group of armed men robbed a gold shop, stole gold ornaments worth about 24 million baht and shot a soldier at a Big C shopping centre in Sungai Kolok district Sunday night.

The robbery happened at the Big C Sungai Kolok branch on Pracha Wiwat Road at 6.30pm Sunday. Officials said a group of about eight armed men arrived at the shopping centre in two Toyota and Isuzu pickup trucks which they had earlier stolen from two villagers in Sungai Padi district.

The robbers opened fire in the shopping centre and a soldier was shot while he was buying supplies. The injured man was identified as Sgt Burit Radachai. He was sent to Sungai Kolok Hospital.

Road spikes and a suspicious object were placed at a U-turn in front of the Big C store while the robbers escaped from the scene.

Officials estimated the stolen gold ornaments were worth about 24 million baht.