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Over 6,500 trees planted in Azerbaijan’s Gadabay

21 April 2026 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Poladova

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At the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, another tree-planting campaign was organized in the Gadabay district as part of the spring 2026 season of the large-scale “Green Marathon” environmental initiative, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, 4600 Beech and 2000 Eastern plane trees were planted in Shahdag village of Gadabay with the participation of volunteers of IDEA Public Union.

It must be noted that the “Green Marathon”, jointly organized by the IDEA Public Union and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, aims to expand green areas, promote tree-planting traditions, contribute to environmental protection, enrich the country’s floral biodiversity, and raise public awareness on the preservation of green spaces.

Within the framework of the campaign, it is planned to plant approximately two million trees across the country during the autumn planting season of the previous year and the spring 2026 season.

LTO revokes female vlogger’s license after viral traffic violation

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of a female vlogger over a viral traffic violation incident and imposed a two-year disqualification of her license renewal.

According to the LTO, the vlogger identified as Ishi Lee failed to attend the hearing and submit a verified explanation to the agency when she was summoned for reckless and distracted driving after she was caught filming herself while driving.

The agency also said that the vlogger continued to drive a vehicle despite being prohibited to do so. With this, it added that it released a Supplemental Order dated April 20, 2026 which showed her violations, such as reckless driving, driving without a valid driver’s license, anti-distracted driving, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

‘Because of this, the LTO imposed violations on the vlogger and revoked her driver’s license. She was also barred from applying for license renewal for two years,’ the LTO said in a statement on Tuesday.

Aside from this, the LTO said that the vlogger’s vehicle will remain impounded until she complies with all penalties and pays the fine. The agency also directed all law enforcement agencies to arrest her once she is caught driving in public.

With this development, LTO chief Markus Lacanilao issued a stern warning to motorists that will be caught violating traffic laws and regulations.

‘We will not tolerate repeated violations of traffic regulations. Whoever will continue to violate will face actions to protect the public’s safety,’ Lacanilao said in the same statement.

NSITF pushes to close informal workers’ social security gap at ISSA forum

As Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 International Social Security Association (ISSA) West Africa Technical seminar, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has highlighted the urgent need to expand social security coverage to millions of workers, particularly those in the informal sector.

Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said the seminar scheduled to hold in Abuja will focus on practical strategies to improve inclusiveness, accessibility and trust in social protection systems across the region.

‘This seminar comes at a time when social protection systems globally, and particularly in West Africa, are under pressure to evolve,’ Faleye said, during a media briefing. ‘Across our region, millions of workers, especially in the informal sector, remain outside formal social security coverage.’ He added

The two-day seminar, themed ‘Improving Inclusiveness and Accessibility of Social Security Services through Effective Communication,’ will bring together policymakers, employers, labour representatives and development partners to address gaps in service delivery and access.

Faleye noted that although Nigeria has recorded progress in strengthening its social security framework, particularly through the Employees’ Compensation Scheme; coverage remains limited, with challenges around awareness, accessibility and institutional trust.

‘The question is no longer whether social security is important, but how effectively we are delivering it,’ he said.

He added that weak communication and complex processes have continued to hinder uptake of existing schemes.

‘Communication is therefore not an add-on, but it is central to expanding coverage and building confidence,’ he stated.

According to him, the objective of the seminar is to move beyond policy discussions to practical outcomes that improve how social security systems function for workers. ‘The objective is simple but critical: to strengthen how social security systems work in practice, not just in policy,’ Faleye said.

He emphasised that addressing the coverage gap requires collective responsibility across government, employers and workers. ‘Governments must provide enabling policies, institutions must deliver efficiently, employers must comply and engage, and workers must be informed and empowered,’ he added.

Participants expected at the seminar include representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UNESCO, and other regional stakeholders.

Faleye said Nigeria’s hosting of the seminar reflects a broader commitment to strengthening social protection systems through regional collaboration and shared learning. ‘What we begin in Abuja is not just a conversation; it is a commitment to strengthening protection for millions of workers across West Africa,’ he said.

The seminar will hold from April 22 to 23 at the Abuja Continental Hotel and is expected to generate practical insights to improve service delivery and deepen institutional cooperation.

‘Ultimately, the goal is to move from coverage in theory to coverage in reality. Social security must not remain a system people hear about; it must become a system people can access, understand, and trust. He added.

Heydar Aliyev Foundation-backed animated film The Mysterious Map: Shamakhi Adventures premieres in Baku [PHOTOS]

The animated film “The Mysterious Map: Shamakhi Adventures” premiered at the Nizami Cinema Center on April 21.

The film, produced with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in collaboration with the Harmony of Chaos animation and visualization studio and the BBQ Marketing and Events agency, takes viewers on an engaging journey through the various regions of Azerbaijan.

Agarahim Ibrahimov, head of the Harmony of Chaos studio and the producer and director of the film, provided insights into the project during his opening remarks. He noted that the project is envisioned as a multi-part series, with each installment following the protagonists as they discover the history, culture, and heritage of Azerbaijan. “Our goal is to instill a love for our history in children through colorful adventures and captivating events,” Ibrahimov stated. Following his address, a video highlighting the production process and behind-the-scenes moments was screened.

The debut episode, titled “Shamakhi Adventures,” centers on a family narrative that introduces audiences to the history of ancient Shamakhi. The main characters – a grandmother, grandfather, and their three grandchildren – explore the country, uncovering the cultural secrets of the region. Through magical elements, they are transported into the past, experiencing Azerbaijan’s rich legacy firsthand.

Agarahim Ibrahimov emphasized that such projects foster a deeper connection to the homeland among young audiences. He noted that the 10-minute film required ten months of meticulous production, promising that its striking visual style would captivate children’s attention.

3D animator Rufat Ismayilov described the creation of the film as both a challenging and enjoyable experience. He confirmed that “The Mysterious Map” is an ongoing series, stating, “In this installment, the characters travel to Shamakhi and witness our ancient traditions. Subsequent episodes will be dedicated to other cultural landmarks across Azerbaijan.”

The dynamically paced film utilizes specialized music and sound effects to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes and the vocal performances of the characters.

AboitizPower unit boosts disaster preparedness in Cebu community

Efforts to reinforce disaster preparedness and basic health services in Cebu’s coastal communities are gaining traction, as AboitizPower subsidiary East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC) expands its community investments in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City.

The initiative reinforces a broader push by private-sector energy firms to strengthen local resilience in areas exposed to recurring typhoons and climate-related risks-particularly among coastal households and school communities.

In late March, roughly 200 pupils from Ibo Elementary School were provided with emergency ‘go bags’ equipped with first-aid kits, flashlights, whistles and basic tools.

The program aims not only to supply immediate response materials but also to embed disaster awareness at an early age, particularly among children living in hazard-prone zones.

Leonardo Robel Jr., vice-president for corporate services at AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group-Visayas, said the intervention addresses a persistent gap in household-level preparedness.

Barangay captain Rose Macasaol noted that the assistance-alongside parallel infrastructure upgrades-has had a tangible impact on daily safety and emergency readiness.

Beyond the school-based program, EAUC has installed 24 solar-powered streetlights across key thoroughfares, improving visibility in previously underlit areas and reducing risks for residents and motorists. The barangay health center has also undergone targeted upgrades, including the addition of a dedicated doctor’s room to support consultations and primary care services.

Leonardo Robel Jr., vice-president for corporate services at AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group-Visayas, said the projects reflect a sustained partnership model with host communities, combining infrastructure support with health and safety initiatives.

The rollout was implemented in coordination with local stakeholders, including barangay officials, the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., the group’s social development arm.

EAUC operates a 50-megawatt bunker oil-fired power facility in Lapu-Lapu City, supplying energy to Cebu’s industrial corridor.

Its community programs form part of a wider effort by Philippine power producers to align operational footprints with social investment strategies in vulnerable localities

Kazakhstan and Mongolia strengthen strategic partnership

An official welcome ceremony was held at the Akorda Presidential Palace in Astana for the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khrelskh, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit, AzerNEWS reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

During the ceremony, the heads of state introduced members of their delegations.

After the official reception, the President of Kazakhstan and the President of Mongolia proceeded to the Eastern Hall of Akorda, where they held a private meeting in a narrow format.

The Kazakh president emphasized that bilateral cooperation is currently developing in the spirit of strategic partnership, with strengthening intergovernmental, interparliamentary and intergovernmental ties. He also praised Mongolia’s domestic development agenda, including the Vision-2050 program and major initiatives such as the construction of the new city of Kharkhorum.

For his part, Khurelsukh expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of the current visit.

He also stressed that more than ten bilateral documents were signed during the 2024 visit, and additional agreements are expected to be concluded during the current talks, further expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan Navy tests indigenously developed Taimoor cruise missile in live-fire drill [VIDEO]

Pakistan Navy has conducted successful live weapon firing of Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile – an indigenously developed Anti-Ship Weapon System – in a powerful demonstration of precision strike capability and operational readiness, AzerNEWS reports via DND News Agency.

The Air-Launched Cruise Missile executed its mission with exceptional precision, validating Pakistan Navy’s combat capability to detect, target and decisively neutralize enemy sea-based threats at extended ranges.

This demonstration by Pakistan Navy marks a pivotal elevation of national defence capability, further strengthening Pakistan Armed Forces’ multi-dimensional coordinated strike posture and capabilities in the conventional domain.

Pakistan Navy stands resolute in its commitment to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and sovereign waters.

The President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief of Defence Forces and Services Chiefs have congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving this significant milestone.

DSI summons eight shipping firms

Eight shipping companies have been summoned to give information this week as witnesses in a probe into missing oil shipments at sea, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, director of the Consumer Protection Case Division and DSI spokesman, said investigators have called in representatives from the companies involved in transporting oil to a Surat Thani depot to provide statements and supporting documents.

He said the companies are being questioned as witnesses, with investigators focusing on their business operations, shipping documentation, roles in the transport process and details of the shipments where irregularities were found.

Authorities have found discrepancies in 20 shipments of oil transported by sea from refineries in eastern Thailand to Surat Thani. An estimated 57 to 60 million litres of oil were reported missing during transit, while the volume recorded at the destination appeared higher than at the origin.

Preliminary findings show the companies have cooperated with authorities while investigators gather evidence to determine whether the case should be formally accepted as a special one, Pol Maj Woranan said.

The DSI has already accepted a separate case involving suspected oil stockpiling at a Surat Thani depot as a special case.

Pol Maj Woranan said he was scheduled to meet provincial police in Surat Thani on to discuss a prior complaint filed by the provincial commerce office against PC Siam Petroleum Co in preparation to take over the case file from local police.

Authorities have found alleged irregularities in fuel distribution, noting the depot sold 2.1 million litres of oil in February but only 400,000 litres in March, despite a nationwide fuel shortage during that period.

PC Siam Petroleum Co has publicly denied allegations of fuel hoarding, saying the company strictly complied with all legal and regulatory requirements and consistently submitted complete transaction records.

Gemini to roll out Personal Intelligence feature globally

Google is set to expand the reach of its “Personal Intelligence” feature for Gemini worldwide, following an initial trial phase restricted to users in the United States, in a move designed to make the AI assistant more intuitive and attuned to individual user needs.

The expansion marks a significant step in Google’s strategy to integrate its generative artificial intelligence more deeply into the daily digital lives of its global user base.

Personal Intelligence allows Gemini to forge direct connections with a suite of Google services, including Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Drive, Search, and Maps. By accessing this foundational data, the chatbot can provide highly personalised responses tailored to a user’s specific context and history.

Privacy remains a central pillar of the rollout, with Google confirming that users will maintain full control over which applications are linked to the AI.

Subscribers will have the autonomy to toggle access on or off for individual apps within the Google ecosystem, ensuring that the AI only “knows” what the user permits it to see.

The feature is currently being prioritised for premium tier subscribers. Users on the Google AI Plus, AI Pro, and AI Ultra plans will be the first to experience the enhanced customisation.

Those using the free version of Gemini will not have to wait long, as the company has indicated that a general rollout for all users is expected in the near future.

Venice may be relocated due to flood risks

Existing flood defenses in Venice will only be able to protect the city from rising sea levels for a limited time. In the long run, authorities may need to consider more drastic measures – including the partial relocation of parts of the city inland, AzerNEWS reports.

This conclusion comes from a study led by Piero Lionello of the University of Salento, whose team analyzed how resilient the Venetian lagoon barrier system is to long-term sea level rise.

At present, Venice’s primary line of defense is the MOSE system – a network of mobile barriers installed at the three inlets of the lagoon. Researchers estimate that even with upgrades, these defenses may remain effective only until sea levels rise by around 1.2 meters. Beyond that threshold, the city will likely need to adopt a completely new adaptation strategy.

The study outlines four possible scenarios: further enhancement of the existing barrier system, construction of ring-shaped dams around the historic center, transformation of the lagoon into a fully enclosed basin, or the gradual abandonment of certain areas combined with the relocation of key cultural assets.

If sea levels rise by about 0.5 meters, building circular dams around central Venice could become necessary. While this would help protect the historic core and nearby islands, it would also require large-scale pumping systems and significantly alter the city’s transport and tourism infrastructure. Estimated costs range from $540 million to $4.9 billion.

A more radical option involves creating a fully enclosed lagoon with permanent barriers and external protective structures. This approach could safeguard the city from much higher water levels, but it would likely devastate the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. The projected cost of such a project could exceed $32 billion.

In an extreme scenario – with sea levels rising by more than 4.5 meters – scientists are even considering the partial relocation of Venice inland. This would involve moving cultural monuments and abandoning parts of the historic urban landscape, with estimated costs reaching up to $108 billion.

According to Robert Nicholls of the University of East Anglia, there is no perfect solution for Venice. Efforts to protect cultural heritage, housing, jobs, and the natural environment inevitably come into conflict.

Researchers stress that Venice is not an isolated case. Many low-lying coastal cities around the world face similar long-term risks. What makes Venice unique, however, is its extraordinary cultural value – which turns the fight against rising seas into not just an engineering challenge, but a global effort to preserve one of humanity’s most iconic urban landscapes.