Category: Auto Guid

Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister, Adil Karimli, has addressed the opening ceremony of the Turkic World Week held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, AzerNEWS reports.

In his speech, the minister said that events of the Turkic World Week, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, would also continue in Karabakh, with programs to be held in the cities of Shusha, Khankandi and Aghdam.

The Culture Minister noted that every city being rebuilt in Azerbaijan’s territories liberated from occupation, every restored monument, and every revitalized space reflect the revival of Azerbaijan and the spirit of solidarity of the Turkic world as a whole.

“We believe that this congress will become a landmark event in the shared history of the Turkic world and will create a valuable legacy for future generations,” he said.

The Turkic World Week, running until July 3, is being organized by Azerbaijan’s Culture Ministry, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the Ministry of Science and Education, in cooperation with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), TURKSOY, Baku State University, the Turkic Academy, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

The event has brought together around 80 prominent Turkologists, researchers, and scholars from leading academic institutions in 20 countries, including Turkic states, along with representatives of international Turkic organizations.

On June 29, the first meeting of the Digital Development Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held under the chairmanship of First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech at the meeting.

Speech by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva

– Dear colleagues,

Today we are holding the first meeting of the Digital Development Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In February of this year, under the chairmanship of President Ilham Aliyev, a meeting dedicated to our country’s new digital development strategy was held. In accordance with the instructions given at that meeting, the Action Plan for Digital Development was approved. A concrete Roadmap has been defined to guide the development of digitalization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the innovation ecosystem over the next three years. The Council’s main task is to coordinate the activities of various state institutions, establish a unified approach, and ensure the timely and effective implementation of the adopted decisions. Our goal is not only to introduce new technologies but also to give a strong impetus to the country’s economy, build a modern innovation ecosystem, attract local and foreign investment, support local startups, and create a more efficient public administration system.

Artificial intelligence is no longer the future-it is the main driving force of development today. At the same time, its role in ensuring the security of states is growing and has already come to the forefront. It is no secret that in the world’s leading countries, the development of artificial intelligence is advancing faster than previously forecast. This, in turn, creates both new opportunities and new threats. We must be prepared to address emerging challenges, particularly the risks associated with cybersecurity and information security.

Our work requires the active, coordinated, and effective engagement of all state institutions. Our goal is to transform Azerbaijan into one of the leading countries in the region in the fields of digital development and artificial intelligence. We must study international experience and adopt successful models. At the same time, all decisions must be based on Azerbaijan’s national interests and address the country’s specific needs.

At today’s meeting, Rashad Nabiyev will present a report on the work carried out and the results achieved since the previous meeting.

Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev briefed the First Vice-President on the work carried out and the tasks ahead regarding the implementation of the “Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development for 2026-2028.”

He noted that the Action Plan covers 58 initiatives in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, the innovation ecosystem, and cybersecurity. Touching upon the work carried out in the field of digitalization, the Minister said that roadmaps had been prepared with 40 state institutions, 13 of which had already been approved or were at the approval stage.

Rashad Nabiyev also provided information on the establishment of the National Data Center and emphasized that work continues on migrating state information systems to the government cloud and constructing a new data center. Noting that the number of users of the “mygov” platform had increased from 2.7 million to 3.5 million over the past three months, while its range of services had been expanded, the Minister said that several applications had already been integrated into the platform and that services from seven more state applications would be made available to citizens by the end of the year.

The Minister emphasized that artificial intelligence is one of the Action Plan’s key priorities. He said that the use of AI solutions is being expanded within “mygov” and other state institutions, and that a virtual citizen assistant has already been introduced.

Touching upon the development of the innovation ecosystem, Rashad Nabiyev noted that work had begun on establishing the Azerbaijan Resilience Cluster to bring together companies operating in areas that strengthen technological sovereignty. He also highlighted ongoing efforts in the field of cybersecurity, noting that work continues on establishing the National Security Operations Center, the National Cyber Incident Response Center, and the Digital Forensics Center, as well as creating a unified national cybersecurity platform to ensure operational information exchange between the public and private sectors.

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Economic Issues and Innovative Development Policy of the Presidential Administration Shahmar Movsumov briefed the First Vice-President on legislative reforms in the digital sphere.

Shahmar Movsumov noted that, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, digital transformation is being consistently implemented as one of the main priorities of state policy. Recalling that the Digital Development Council was established and the “Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2028” was approved by a presidential decree signed in February this year, he said that, under the leadership of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, comprehensive reforms are being prepared in line with the Council’s strategic priorities and its instructions to establish a modern legislative framework.

He emphasized that this represents the most comprehensive and fundamental reform initiative in the post-Soviet space aimed at developing and regulating the digital ecosystem.

Touching upon the areas covered by the reform, Shahmar Movsumov said they include ensuring legal certainty, creating a competitive tax environment, financing innovation, encouraging scientific research and innovation, attracting talent, expanding market access opportunities, and strengthening cybersecurity regulation.

The Presidential Assistant noted that one of the reforms’ key features is that they are based on international best practices, with successful models from various countries studied during the preparation of the proposed legislative changes.

Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev briefed the First Vice-President on the work carried out to advance the digitalization of education in the country and on future plans.

The Minister touched upon the provision of a unified internet network for educational institutions, the “Digital School” project, the digitalization of data across all levels of education, and the digitization of educational documents, noting that the digitalization of teaching is planned as the next stage.

Emin Amrullayev also highlighted the “Digital Skills” and “STEAM Azerbaijan” projects being implemented in schools to develop students’ digital competencies, emphasizing that strengthening human capital in this field remains one of the main priorities.

The meeting continued with discussions.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Moscow and Baku have resolved all issues linked to the aftermath of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane crash that occurred on December 25, 2024, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking in a special interview with RTVI, Galuzin was asked whether the issue of compensation had been fully settled and whether all payments had been completed.

“We have resolved all issues related to the consequences of the crash of the Azerbaijani airliner. However, these matters concern specific individuals who have endured a terrible tragedy and suffered an irreparable loss. Therefore, I would prefer not to go into further details,” Galuzin said.

The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft, operating Flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau on December 25, 2024. The disaster claimed the lives of 38 people, while 29 others survived.

Only 124 cargo vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over a four-day period, according to data analyzed by maritime intelligence firm Kpler, AzerNEWS reports.

The company said that the number of ships currently passing through the strategic waterway is roughly the same as it was before the Iran conflict.

Kpler tracked the movements of cargo-carrying vessels, including oil tankers, bulk carriers, and ships transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Container ships were not included in the statistics.

Earlier reports had suggested that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could take months to return to pre-conflict levels due to the need for extensive mine-clearing operations.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handles a significant share of global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption to traffic through the waterway a major concern for international energy markets and global trade.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran and Oman have convened the inaugural meeting of their joint committee on the Strait of Hormuz in Muscat, AzerNEWS reports.

During his visit to Muscat, Gharibabadi met with Omani Minister Counselor for Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Hinai. The two sides discussed current issues related to the strategic waterway and exchanged views on its future management.

“We discussed ongoing issues related to the strait and exchanged views on its future governance within the framework of paragraph 5 of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and the sovereign rights of coastal states,” Gharibabadi said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, holding significant strategic importance as approximately 20% of global oil supplies and around 25% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through it. Essentially, it serves as an energy artery for countries in Asia, Europe, and even the United States.

The strait separates Iran from Oman, and in some areas, the width of the shipping channel is only two miles on each side. Given its critical role in global energy supply chains, ensuring the safety and security of this vital waterway is paramount for international trade and economic stability.

Residents of the Philippines are increasingly turning to rooftop solar panels as electricity prices continue to soar, making solar energy one of the fastest-growing alternatives in the country, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, the Philippines’ largest electricity distributor, Meralco, recently raised power tariffs by 10% following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which pushed global energy prices higher. As a result, demand for residential solar systems has surged, with the Philippines emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for rooftop solar installations.

The average Filipino household now spends around 12% of its monthly income on electricity bills. Unlike many other Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines provides limited government subsidies for electricity, leaving consumers to pay some of the highest power prices in the region.

Homeowners say the falling cost of solar panels, combined with steadily rising electricity rates, has made investing in rooftop solar systems more financially attractive than ever. Many families expect to recover their installation costs within just a few years through lower monthly utility bills.

The Philippines receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, averaging 4.5 to 5.5 peak sun hours per day. This makes rooftop solar one of the country’s most effective renewable energy solutions, allowing many households to significantly reduce their dependence on the national power grid while lowering long-term energy costs.

The Senate of Kazakhstan has ratified two loan agreements with international financial institutions worth a combined $965 million, aimed at supporting the country’s budget and economic development, AzerNEWS reports.

The first agreement, signed in Astana on May 20, 2026, was concluded with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Under the deal, Kazakhstan will receive a loan of 92.3 billion Japanese yen (approximately $575.9 million) with a repayment period of 11 years, including a five-year grace period.

The second agreement was signed with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as part of the Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Program. It provides Kazakhstan with an additional 62.4 billion Japanese yen (around $389.3 million) on the same terms-an 11-year maturity with a five-year grace period.

According to the Senate, the funds will be used to help finance the 2026 republican budget deficit, ensuring that the government can fully meet its fiscal commitments and continue implementing key social and economic programs.

An interesting fact is that both the IBRD and the AIIB are major international development institutions that regularly finance infrastructure, public sector reforms, and sustainable economic growth projects, helping countries maintain financial stability while investing in long-term development.

Allegations of financial misconduct at India’s Ram Temple in Ayodhya have triggered public anger, police investigations, and political controversy, casting a shadow over one of the country’s most prominent religious sites ahead of crucial state elections, AzerNEWS reports via Al Jazeera.

The controversy centers on claims that officials responsible for managing the temple embezzled donations worth potentially millions of dollars contributed by devotees.

The Ram Temple, inaugurated in January 2024 in a ceremony led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands on the site where the 16th-century Babri Mosque once stood. The mosque was demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992, an event that sparked nationwide communal riots in which nearly 2,000 people-mostly Muslims-were killed.

For many Hindu devotees, the temple symbolizes a deeply significant religious and cultural milestone. However, the recent allegations have shaken public confidence.

“We have been betrayed [by the management], who have looted our faith, nothing less,” Ayodhya resident Brajesh Kumar told Al Jazeera. “Left to them, they will sell us all one day in the name of religion and stuff their own pockets.”

The allegations have prompted police investigations and arrests, while also fueling political debate in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, where elections are expected in the coming months.

The scandal has placed renewed scrutiny on the governance and financial oversight of one of India’s most significant religious institutions, with observers suggesting the controversy could influence both public opinion and the state’s political landscape.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has added 20 Japanese companies and organizations to its export control list for dual-use goods, tightening restrictions on technology and materials that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, AzerNEWS reports.

Under the new measures, Chinese companies will be prohibited from supplying dual-use products to the listed entities without prior approval from Chinese authorities.

Beijing said the decision was taken in response to what it described as Japan’s policy of “remilitarization”, citing growing defense cooperation and increased military spending in recent years.

The list includes several prominent organizations, such as the National Institute for Defense Studies of Japan, as well as subsidiaries of major Japanese corporations including Mitsubishi, Komatsu, and Fujitsu.

Dual-use goods cover a wide range of products-from advanced semiconductors and precision machine tools to specialized materials and software. These technologies are increasingly becoming a focal point of global geopolitical competition, as governments seek to protect strategic industries and limit the transfer of sensitive technologies with potential military applications.

A solo concert by Honoured Artist, soloist of the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Ilham Nazarov, has been successfully held at the Hall of Chamber and Organ Music, AzerNEWS reports.

The concert, titled “Countertenor,” was organised as part of the 2nd Opera Days project.

The holder of one of the rarest male voices in academic music, the countertenor voice Ilham Nazarov, demonstrated the uniqueness of his timbre from the very first pieces. This voice, distinguished by a combination of lightness, airiness, and high expressiveness, is considered one of the most unusual and rarely encountered in world operatic practice. It is precisely thanks to this that the artist confidently performs a highly complex repertoire spanning different eras and styles.

The concert was opened by Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, Professor, Honoured Art Worker Zumrud Dadashehade. She spoke about the singer’s artistic journey, his professional achievements, and the significance of the rare countertenor voice in contemporary musical art, congratulating the artist on his successful performance.

From classical works of world and Azerbaijani music to vivid pages of vocal art from various styles, the evening’s program demonstrated the artist’s extraordinary talent and high level of vocal mastery, turning each piece into an emotionally rich story.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev under the baton of Honoured Artist, maestro Ayyub Guliyev. The precise and sensitive interaction between the orchestra and the soloist gave the program special cohesion and dramatic expressiveness.

A special highlight of the evening was the performance of Honoured Artist Farida Mammadova. The duets of the soloists became the climax of the concert and received an especially warm response from the audience thanks to the harmonious combination of voices and expressive musical palette.

The performers’ appearances were consistently met with prolonged applause.

The concert became one of the most vivid events of the 2nd Opera Days, once again confirming that classical music in live performance continues to resonate with modern audiences and retains its emotional power.

The 2nd Opera Days project will conclude on June 30 with the premiere of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Otello,” which will serve as the final chord of the musical forum.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.