Category: Azer News

Leyla Aliyeva, the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, along with Arzu Aliyeva, head of the Baku Media Center, and Alena Aliyeva, have participated in several environmental activities during their visit to Lankaran, Azernews reports.

The first event was a tree-planting campaign organized by the IDEA Public Union in a forest area of Lankaran as part of the “Green Marathon.” During this event, 1,350 Eldar pine saplings were planted with the participation of volunteers. Information was shared during the event about efforts to expand green areas, restore forest funds, and protect the ecosystem.

It should be noted that the main goal of the “Republic-wide Greening Marathon” (Green Marathon), jointly organized by the IDEA Public Union and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, is to increase green areas, promote the tradition of tree planting, protect the environment, enrich the country’s floral biodiversity, and contribute to awareness-raising activities related to the preservation of greenery. The ‘Green Marathon’ aims to plant approximately 2 million trees across the country during the fall of 2025 and the spring of 2026.

Later, an action was held in the Hirkan National Park to enrich biodiversity by releasing animals back into nature. During this action, 2 raccoons, 2 foxes, and 4 wild boars were released into their natural habitat. The raccoons had been rescued after being illegally kept in commercial establishments, discovered through a joint inspection initiative organized by the IDEA Public Union and relevant authorities. After being treated and rehabilitated for 4 months at the Baku Zoological Park, they were fully recovered and returned to nature. The foxes had been found injured by citizens and handed over to the Baku Zoological Park. After undergoing examination and treatment in clinical conditions for one year, they were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

The wild boars released during the event were once listed in the the Red Book of Azerbaijan. Due to successful conservation efforts in the country, the population of this species has increased, and the boars were removed from the Red Book. The wild boars released in the National Park are individuals bred in the Baku Zoological Park, and their natural population has been restored.

These ecological activities are part of the regular work carried out by the IDEA Public Union to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity in Azerbaijan.

A joint working group will be established between Azerbaijan and Peking University Health Science Center in the near future, Azernews reports, citing the Health Ministry.

The Ministry noted that a delegation from the Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors named after A. Aliyev held a series of meetings in Beijing.

The Azerbaijani delegation also familiarized itself with the operations of the clinic at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A meeting was held between the Institute’s rector, Professor Nazim Panahov, and Tang Zhishu, Rector of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, during which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed.

Later, at a meeting hosted at the Peking University Health Science Center, the sides discussed cooperation in continuing medical education, scientific research, and the exchange of residents and trainees. The parties agreed to establish a joint working group and sign a future cooperation memorandum.

OpenAI has officially rolled out the ChatGPT group chat feature globally for all users, including those on the free plan as well as Go, Plus, and Pro subscriptions. The launch follows a week of pilot testing in selected regions, including Japan and New Zealand, Azernews reports.

According to a report from TechCrunch, the new feature allows multiple users to have shared conversations with ChatGPT in a single chat thread.

OpenAI representatives note that this update transforms ChatGPT from a personal assistant into a collaborative tool where friends, colleagues, or family members can plan activities, create content, and make decisions together. At the same time, the AI can assist by searching for information, summarizing data, and comparing different options to help groups reach informed decisions.

Up to 20 participants can join a single group chat after accepting an invitation. Each participant’s personal settings and memory remain private. To start a group chat, users simply click on the people icon and add participants directly or via a link. All invited members must complete a short profile with their name, username, and avatar. When a new participant joins an existing chat, a separate copy of the conversation is created, leaving the original thread unchanged.

ChatGPT is designed to recognize when it should contribute to the conversation and when it is better to stay silent. Users can also tag the AI using the ChatGPT mention to prompt a response. In addition, the AI can react with emojis and even reference participants’ avatars, adding a playful and interactive dimension to group discussions.

The introduction of group chats comes less than two weeks after the release of the GPT-5.1 model, which includes Instant and Thinking modes, offering faster responses and enhanced reasoning capabilities.

Interestingly, this new feature could transform how people collaborate online. Beyond casual chats, it opens opportunities for team brainstorming, study groups, family planning, and even creative projects. Experts suggest that by blending social interaction with AI assistance, group chats may redefine collaborative work and make ChatGPT an integral part of everyday teamwork.

The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism and other serious crimes, continued on 20 November.

the open court session at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he understands (Russian) as well as a state-funded defence lawyer.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors upholding the state accusation, the interpreters and others to the victims and legal successors of victims participating in the hearing for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations under the law.

The testimonies of the victims were then heard.

Victims Anar Jafarov and Rashad Abbasov stated that in the direction of Marzili village in Aghdam district, the vehicle they were travelling in hit a mine planted by the enemy, and they sustained various injuries as a result of the explosion.

In response to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, victim Feyruz Musayev said that while carrying out engineering works with a bulldozer near Zar village in Kalbajar district, the machinery came under machine-gun fire from the enemy. Although he himself was not injured, the equipment was rendered unusable.

Victim Israil Babayev stated that he was wounded as a result of an enemy provocation in the Kalbajar-Zod direction.

Another victim, Safar Gasimov, said that several people were killed by fire opened by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. At the same time, Kamal Javadli, Namat Baghirov, Amrah Hajizada and several others sustained various bodily injuries.

In response to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Elgun Talibov stated that in the area of Charaktar village in Aghdara district, he and Rovshan Mustafayev were wounded by fire opened by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Victim Muzamil Orujov said he was injured in Kalbajar district by fire from weapons of various calibres used by the enemy.

Victims Maarif Abbasov, Ramiq Hasanov and Rustam Rustamli stated that they were injured in the area of Daghyurd village in Khojaly district as a result of enemy provocation. M. Abbasov noted that he and Mahammad Karimov were wounded when a mortar shell fired by the enemy exploded nearby. R. Hasanov was injured when an artillery shell exploded nearby. Sergey Heybatov was killed in the same area.

In response to questions from Tughay Rahimli, assistant to the Prosecutor General on special assignments, victim Vusal Abbasov said he was shot in the leg by sniper fire from the enemy in Khankandi city.

Victim Fagan Valiyev stated that while in Aghdam district, despite the medical vehicle he was in bearing distinctive markings, it was hit by a rocket projectile fired by the enemy, and he was wounded.

Ahliyar Muradov said he was injured in a forested area of Aghdam district when a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups exploded nearby.

Victim Elyas Mammadli stated that in the area of Khanabad village in Khojaly district, he, Nazim Agayev and Rashmi Hummatov sustained various bodily injuries when a mortar shell fired by the enemy exploded nearby.

In response to questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, victim Joshgun Nasirov said that in the area of Khanabad village in Khojaly district, he, Ahliyar Muradov and Elgun Ismayilli were wounded by fire opened by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Victim Eldar Huseynov stated that several people, including himself, were wounded and several others were killed when an artillery shell fired by the enemy in the direction of Farrukh height in Khojaly exploded.

In response to questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the department at the Prosecutor General’s Office responsible for upholding the state accusation, victim Rajab Shukurov said that in the area of Khanabad village in Khojaly district, he, Khagani Guliyev and Turan Hasanli were injured when mortar shells fired by the enemy exploded nearby.

The court session continued with the examination of documents and other evidence in the criminal case file.

The next court hearing has been scheduled for 21 November.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

Azerbaijani athletes are set to compete in three sports on the final day of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, Azernews reports.

Emirkhan Guluzade (77 kg) and Maqsudkhan Guluzade (62 kg) will compete in jiu-jitsu.

In para powerlifting, Zahra Dadashova (61 kg) and Jeyhun Mahmudov (59 kg) will take part.

Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers Aghanazar Novruzov (74 kg), Arseniy Djioyev (86 kg), Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kg), and Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kg) will also compete today.

As the Islamic Solidarity Games come to a close today, Azerbaijan stands 10th in the medal rankings with 55 medals (8 gold, 18 silver, 29 bronze).

The 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games are taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This is the sixth edition of the multi-sport event for athletes from countries that are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Around 57 countries are competing for medals in 23 sports.

Indonesia will host the D-8 Forum for the 2026-2027 period.

As reported by Azernews, the announcement was made by Agustaviano Sofjan, Senior Policy Advisor for Multilateral Affairs at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the D-8 Media Forum titled ‘Promoting Dialogue, Cooperation and Regional Solidarity.’

He stressed that ethical and independent journalism is essential for building public trust.

‘It is important to ensure fact-checking, establish an early warning center to combat disinformation, safeguard national and cultural values, promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the media, and support exchange programs. The D-8 Media Forum is a strong platform for joint action, where member states can benefit from shared experience, common strategies, and collective initiatives. Indonesia will host the D-8 Forum in 2026-2027, and we are committed to contributing to our shared goals,’ he added.

It should be noted that the D-8 Media Forum on ‘Promoting Dialogue, Cooperation, and Regional Solidarity’ is currently underway in Baku, bringing together heads of media agencies, leading media organizations from D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization member states, high-ranking officials, and renowned experts in the field.

Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8 Organization during the 11th Summit of the D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization of the eight developing countries, held in Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024.

Subsequently, on March 19, 2025, Azerbaijan officially submitted the ratification documents of the D-8 Charter to the Secretariat of the D-8 Organization in Istanbul, thereby attaining full membership in the organization.

LG Electronics will start receiving Wi-Fi patent royalties from Amazon in the United States, further expanding its intellectual property business despite having exited the smartphone market in 2021, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

The company announced Thursday that it has signed a patent licensing agreement with the global e-commerce giant for the use of LG’s standard essential Wi-Fi patents. Under the deal, Amazon can incorporate LG’s Wi-Fi technology into devices such as Alexa AI speakers, Fire TV Stick streaming devices, and Fire tablets.

Standard essential patents (SEPs) are core technologies that must be used in any product complying with international standards. Once a technology becomes part of a global standard, companies around the world rely on it in developing their products.

According to LG’s 2025 semiannual report, the company holds approximately 97,880 registered patents worldwide, with roughly half classified as standard patents. These patented technologies are already integrated into products such as OLED TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators, and they extend into future-oriented areas like telecommunications, automotive components, and sixth-generation (6G) communications.

Although LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, it has been actively growing its intellectual property operations by leveraging decades of accumulated mobile and communications technology. In 2022, the company officially added ‘licensing of patents and other intellectual property rights’ to its articles of incorporation, solidifying it as a key business objective.

The company’s standard patent licensing business is managed by the IP Center under Chief Technology Officer Kim Byoung-hoon. The R and D-focused organization’s patents are now generating revenue, and LG is reportedly negotiating Wi-Fi standard essential patent licensing agreements with several other global companies.

This move highlights a broader trend among former hardware giants: even after leaving competitive markets, tech companies can turn their intellectual property into a lucrative business, effectively monetizing decades of innovation without manufacturing a single device.

On November 21, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva visited a special boarding school for children with disabilities in the city of Lankaran.

First, they, along with the students and teachers, visited an exhibition of handicrafts dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the historic Victory.

They also toured the classrooms, training rooms, and recreation rooms to see the effective organization of children’s leisure activities.

As the only regional special boarding school for children with disabilities in the southern region, it offers specialized services. These services include education and rehabilitation for children diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and mental impairment. The school also provides accommodation, a benefit currently utilized by 34 children.

The 7th meeting of the National Library Directors of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states has taken place in Ankara, Turkiye, at the Adnan Otuken Public Library, a key institution in the country’s library history, Azernews reports.

This meeting was seen as a major event, uniting both traditional approaches and the latest trends in digital transformation. Representatives from ECO member states, including Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in observer status, were in attendance.

The representatives shared valuable insights into digital initiatives, national and cultural heritage preservation efforts, and opportunities for cooperation among the countries.

During the event’s core session, three important topics were discussed. First, member states presented their efforts on developing digital infrastructure in national libraries, securing data, and expanding access to information. Later, discussions centered around enhancing digital literacy, improving professional training for librarians, facilitating staff exchanges, and broadening regional training programs.

Professor Karim Tahirov, director of the Azerbaijan National Library, gave a presentation titled “Azerbaijan National Library – Digital Projects”.

In his speech, Professor Tahirov emphasized the role of digitization in safeguarding cultural heritage and ensuring it is passed on to future generations. He noted several key projects, such as the “Electronic Music Library”, “Return of Our National and Spiritual Values to the Homeland”, and “Azerbaijani Manuscripts in World Libraries”, all of which contribute to preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

The library director discussed the library’s full-text electronic databases that cover significant historical events, reinforcing the role of digitization in promoting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural legacy on the global stage.

At the close of the meeting, the participants agreed to establish four specialized subcommittees focusing on Digital Infrastructure, Preservation, Public Engagement, and Funding, in line with Article 12 of the ECO Charter. The final composition of these committees will be decided after further coordination with the member states.

In conclusion, the outcomes of the meeting were summarized, and an agreement was reached on the draft “Ankara Declaration 2025”. This declaration also marked the election of the new Chair and Secretariat for the Council for the period of 2025-2027.

The meeting was seen as an important step in fostering stronger cultural and scientific cooperation among the ECO member states, reinforcing the shared commitment to the preservation and digital transformation of library services.

The building of the social service institution of Osman Mirzayev Orphanage in the city of Lankaran has been overhauled by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The orphanage building was inaugurated after the renovation on November 21.

The event was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva.

The building of the orphanage No. 5, which has been operating in Lankaran since 1941, has become unusable due to structural deterioration. In 2024, major repairs of the building of the orphanage social service institution were launched.

The building consists of 5 buildings with one and two floors. The social service institution accommodates 120 children of younger and older age groups. Classrooms, computer science, sewing and carpet weaving, dance and music rooms, and a workshop have been created in the building. The social service institution has been equipped with necessary furniture and equipment, and subject rooms have been equipped with visual aids.

The facility includes recreation and medical rooms, a wardrobe, a library, a reading room, a dining room, an assembly hall, a gym and an outdoor sports field. A playground equipped with playground equipment has also been built.

Redevelopment and landscaping works have been carried out in the courtyard of the social service institution.