Category: Azer News

The new Audi A5 represents the pinnacle of the automaker’s technological vision, now featuring high-efficiency Mild Hybrid Plus technology in its diesel models for the first time. Built on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion, which underpins both internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrid models, the A5 seamlessly combines cutting-edge digital systems with dynamic driving performance, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

All trims come standard with Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission. Engine options include the A5 40 TFSI quattro with 204 horsepower and 34.67 kilogram-meters (251 lb-ft) of torque, the A5 45 TFSI quattro producing 272 horsepower and 40.79 kilogram-meters of torque, and the high-performance S5 TFSI delivering 367 horsepower and 56.08 kilogram-meters of torque. The A5 40 TDI quattro diesel variant offers 204 horsepower with 40.79 kilogram-meters of torque, now enhanced with hybrid technology in the Advanced and S trims for improved fuel efficiency and reduced vibrations for a smoother ride.

The latest generation A5 is larger and more spacious, measuring 65 mm longer, 15 mm wider, and 25 mm taller than its predecessor. Its sleek coupe-style roofline and a tailgate that extends fully to the rear glass maintain a sporty silhouette while improving cargo accessibility. Across all trims, premium features include a switchable panoramic roof, high-beam assist, welcome lighting, and side mirror projection lights.

Lighting technology has been upgraded across the range: the A5 40 TDI quattro and A5 40 TFSI quattro Advanced feature standard LED headlights and taillights with dynamic turn signals. The S line adds Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn signals, while the Black Edition and S5 TFSI offer Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED taillights. Drivers can further personalize the lighting with eight customization options.

The interior combines sustainable premium materials with an ergonomically designed softwrap, offering a class-leading level of comfort and technology. Standard across trims are ventilated sport seats, dual-layer laminated windshields, heated seats for all occupants, ambient lighting, and a trunk partition net.

The S trim adds the Dynamic Interaction Light feature, while the S Black Edition amplifies the sporty feel with the S interior package, including S-logo embossed sports seats, stainless steel pedals, illuminated S-logo aluminum door sills, and black aluminum accents via the Vanadium package. The S5 TFSI goes further with Nappa leather Sports Seat Plus, red seat accents, Dinamica Package, Vanadium Package, and Carbon Micro Twill inlays.

Audi’s Digital Stage infotainment system offers either an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus or a 14.5-inch MMI touch center display, with the S and S Black Edition featuring an additional 10.9-inch front passenger display. The Audi Application Store provides AI-based Audi Assistant and popular apps including YouTube, Spotify, and Naver Maps, keeping drivers both connected and entertained.

The A5 lineup includes seven trims: A5 40 TFSI quattro Advanced, A5 40 TFSI quattro S Line, A5 40 TFSI quattro S Line Black Edition, A5 45 TFSI quattro S Line, A5 40 TDI quattro Advanced, A5 40 TDI quattro S Line, and the S5 TFSI. Optional packages include the Tech Package with a head-up display and Bang and Olufsen sound system, standard on the S trim; the Brown Seat Package with nutmeg brown seats and a black headliner; and the Front Seat Headrest Speaker Package for the S trim, allowing for extensive personalization.

In short, the new Audi A5 blends luxury, efficiency, and technology, offering drivers a fully modern sedan experience that balances sporty performance with comfort, style, and cutting-edge digital innovations. It’s a car designed not just to drive, but to interact with and enhance the driver’s lifestyle.

The “Wind of Culture” project continues in the Garabagh region, organized by the Culture Ministry’s Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) under the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports.

As part of the project, which is supported by the Garabagh Regional Department of Culture, a masterclass was held on October 27 at the Barda City Children’s Art School No. 1, featuring Zahra Guliyeva, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, professor at the Baku Music Academy, and a renowned violinist.

At the beginning of the event, Farid Hajiyev, an employee of the sector for cultural institutions at the Garabagh Regional Department of Culture, expressed gratitude for the organization of the masterclass, stressing that such projects contribute to the development of talented children and youth in the respective fields.

Lala Karimova, head of the MEMIM Department and Honored Worker of Culture, in her speech, highlighted that the purpose of the masterclass was to enhance the musical taste of students and instil professional skills in them.

Subsequently, students from the Barda City Children’s Art School No. 1 and the Children’s Music School No. 2 of Barda city performed at the event.

People’s Artist Zahra Guliyeva drew the participants’ attention to interesting aspects of violin playing technique and offered her recommendations.

The professor also answered questions from teachers and students in detail.

At the end of the event, Zahra Guliyeva gifted the art school with her books.

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

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has congratulated Trkiye on the occasion of 29 October – the Republic Day, Azernews reports.

YouTube has announced a set of new moderation rules that will take effect on November 17, 2025, aimed at protecting underage users. The platform will restrict teenagers’ access to certain gaming content, including violent scenes and videos related to ‘social casino’ games, Azernews reports.

Under the updated policy, YouTube will apply an 18+ age restriction to videos that depict torture or mass violence against non-hostile characters in video games. Moderators will evaluate content based on factors such as the length of violent scenes, level of detail, and realism of the imagery. Short clips may not be restricted, but content where violence is central or shown in close-up will be age-restricted. The platform has not provided detailed numerical criteria.

It remains unclear whether popular game franchises like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty, known for their realistic depictions of violence, will be affected. Historically, YouTube did not impose such restrictions on video game content.

The new rules also impose strict age restrictions on videos featuring ‘social casino’ games, even when no real gambling is involved. In March 2025, YouTube had already banned creators from showing online casinos without Google certification. The updated rules now extend to digital items with monetary value, including game skins, cosmetic items, and NFTs.

YouTube warns that videos uploaded before November 17, 2025 that do not comply with the new rules may be deleted or switched to 18+ mode. Creators are encouraged to set age limits themselves, and blur or remove problematic content where necessary.

User age will be verified through Google account data, with additional document checks required for residents of the UK, Australia, and EEA countries. In the United States, an AI-based system for identifying underage accounts has been in use since August 2025 and will gradually roll out to other regions.

These measures reflect YouTube’s effort to balance creative freedom with safety, particularly as gaming content becomes increasingly realistic and immersive, raising concerns about its impact on younger audiences.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed the Law on joining Azerbaijan to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, Azernews reports.

Under the law, ‘The Republic of Azerbaijan shall accede to the Rotterdam Convention, signed in the city of Rotterdam on September 10, 1998, concerning the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.’

Azerbaijan is expanding opportunities for ‘green financing’ to support renewable energy projects, officials said at the 13th Caspian Energy Forum in Baku, Azernews reports.

Rza Naghiyev, Director of the Finance Department of SOCAR Green LLC, highlighted that the country has introduced new mechanisms to attract investment in sustainable energy.

‘In 2020, the Central Bank adopted several decisions providing a legislative foundation, including the ‘Green Taxonomy,’ which was an encouraging step. However, this is not enough,’ Naghiyev said. ‘Regulatory authorities and the Central Bank should consider these aspects in future stages. Financing requires sufficient capitalization, and conditions should be simplified so that each project can be implemented according to its unique characteristics. Banks and financial institutions should regulate this process and increase interest in green financing.’

He also noted that at the end of 2024, the government included responsibility for procurement in the support mechanism and provided 30-year tax incentives, a significant move to encourage investment not only in green projects but also in broader investment initiatives.

These measures aim to strengthen Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector, increase investor confidence, and support the country’s transition to sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions.

Polish Air Force fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on October 28, 2025, the Polish Army announced, Azernews reports via Anadolu Agency.

According to the statement, the Russian plane was flying in international airspace without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off. ‘A pair of on-duty MiG-29 Air Force fighters successfully intercepted, visually identified, and escorted a Russian Federation aircraft out of the area of responsibility,’ the army said, emphasizing that the aircraft did not violate Polish airspace.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as several European countries have recently accused Russia of drone incursions into their airspace, allegations Moscow denies.

Earlier, on September 9, about 20 drones reportedly crossed into Polish airspace during a mass strike on Ukraine, prompting NATO jets to conduct joint patrols with Polish forces. Similar airspace violations have also been reported by Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, further straining regional security and heightening NATO’s vigilance along its eastern flank.

The price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil at Italy’s Augusta port fell by $1.82, or 2.71 percent, compared to the previous level, settling at $65.21 per barrel on a CIF basis, Azernews reports.

At Turkiye’s Ceyhan terminal, the price of Azeri Light crude traded on an FOB basis declined by $1.85, or 2.84 percent, to $63.17 per barrel.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Urals crude dropped by $1.84, or 3.43 percent, to $51.87 per barrel, while North Sea ‘Dated Brent’ oil decreased by $1.8, or 2.73 percent, reaching $64.20 per barrel.

The decline comes amid broader market pressures, including signs of slowing global demand and concerns over high inventories. Despite recent fluctuations, Azerbaijan’s 2025 state budget projects an average oil price of $70 per barrel, suggesting a cautious but stable outlook for the country’s energy revenues.

A grand presentation of the “Time of Classical Music” project has taken place at Baku Music Academy (BMA), Azernews reports.

The project presentation was timed to the 140th anniversaries of the birth of prominent Azerbaijani composers Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev.

The event began with the performance of the Azerbaijani National Anthem. Then the project was presented.

The event began with a stirring performance of the Azerbaijani National Anthem. Then, the project was introduced with a detailed presentation.

The “Time of Classical Music” project is aimed at promoting both national and international classical music among contemporary Azerbaijani youth.

It serves to preserve and widely promote the rich musical legacy left by prominent Azerbaijani composers Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev for future generations.

Laureates of international competitions, as well as teachers and students of the Baku Music Academy, performed a fascinating concert program in honor of the outstanding composers’ jubilees.

The artistic director of the project is Alyona Inyakin, PhD in Art Studies and Senior Lecturer at the Baku Music Academy.

Chairpersons and deputy chairpersons have been appointed to a number of courts in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.