Category: Azer News

Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious redesign of the Windows operating system, aiming to transform it into a platform driven primarily by voice commands and artificial intelligence (AI), Azernews reports.

Yusuf Mehdi, the company’s executive vice president, told The Verge about plans to deeply integrate AI capabilities throughout every layer of the system, moving far beyond simply adding a chatbot.

According to Microsoft’s leadership, a new era of computing is approaching, where AI will no longer be a standalone tool but will become an essential part of hundreds of millions of daily use cases. The ultimate vision is to create what Mehdi calls a true ‘AI computer’ by rebuilding the core of the operating system around these advanced technologies.

‘Our goal is to rewrite the entire OS around AI, creating what can be called a true AI computer,’ Mehdi said.

The current version of Windows 11 already incorporates some AI-powered features. For instance, users can now activate the Copilot assistant using the voice command ‘Hey, Copilot!’ This hands-free feature allows quick access to the assistant for answers, productivity help, or general inquiries. The interaction is signaled by a beep, and users can end the session simply by saying ‘goodbye,’ after which the assistant shuts down automatically.

Another recent innovation is the Copilot Vision feature, which is available in all regions where Copilot operates. This functionality enables AI to analyze the contents displayed on the screen, assisting users with applications, troubleshooting, or even providing step-by-step guidance for tasks such as completing games. Unlike the earlier Recall function, which faced privacy concerns, Copilot Vision requires explicit user consent before scanning the screen, operating similarly to how Microsoft Teams handles broadcasting.

Microsoft is testing a feature called Copilot Actions. This functionality will empower the AI assistant to perform tasks directly on the PC-such as editing photo batches-automatically. Currently, Copilot Actions is in closed beta with a limited number of scenarios as Microsoft continues to optimize the underlying AI model.

This ambitious integration of AI into Windows highlights Microsoft’s commitment to redefining personal computing, where intelligence is embedded seamlessly to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. As AI becomes more deeply woven into the operating system, the way people interact with their devices could be fundamentally transformed, moving us closer to a future where computers understand and anticipate our needs intuitively.

At the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense has inspected the logistical support and combat readiness level of Azerbaijani Army units, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Defense, senior officials visited commando military units and other formations to assess the quality of improvements made to the social and living conditions of servicemen and to review the organization of military service.

Following the inspection, Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, gave additional instructions to responsible officers regarding winter preparedness, further improvement of service and living conditions in military units, enhancement of combat capability, seasonal maintenance of weapons and equipment, and the continuity of logistical support.

Highly praising the combat and moral-psychological readiness of the personnel, the minister met with servicemen to discuss issues of their interest.

During the meeting, Minister Hasanov spoke about the successful reforms implemented in the field of army building under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He noted that the President’s resolute defense of Azerbaijan’s national interests at high-level international events has further strengthened the country’s reputation and influence on the global stage. The minister also conveyed to the personnel the key directives set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief for the Azerbaijani Army.

Later, Minister Hasanov instructed officers to ensure strict adherence to discipline and safety regulations, promote healthy interpersonal relations within the ranks, and pay special attention to the health and well-being of the personnel.

Colonel General Hasanov emphasized the importance of maintaining constant oversight of troop organization, keeping all types of logistical support under close attention, and strengthening control over the observance of safety rules. He issued concrete directives to the command staff to that effect.

The Azerbaijani Wrestling Federation has announced the team that will compete in the U-23 World Wrestling Championship to be held in Novi Sad, Serbia, on October 20-27, Azernews reports.

The World Championship will kick off with the Greco-Roman wrestling events.

Under the leadership of head coach Aleksandr Tarakanov, senior coach Rovshan Bayramov, and coaches Hasan Aliyev and Kamran Mammadov, Azerbaijan will be represented by a talented team of athletes across various weight categories: Elmir Aliyev (55 kg), Ilkin Gurbanov (60 kg), Ziya Babashov (63 kg), Faraim Mustafayev (67 kg), Ruslan Nurullayev (72 kg), Davud Mammadov (77 kg), Elmin Aliyev (82 kg), Lachin Valiyev (87 kg), Ali Guliyev (97 kg), and Aykhan Mardanov (130 kg).

Following that, women wrestlers will enter the competition under the leadership of acting head coach Togrul Asgarov, senior coach Aghahuseyn Mustafayev, and coach Solmaz Adilova.

The female athletes representing Azerbaijan are Asmar Jankurtaran (50 kg), Elnura Mammadova (53 kg), Gultakin Shirinova (55 kg), Nargiz Samadova (57 kg), Gunay Gurbanova (59 kg), Birgul Soltanova (62 kg), and Ruzanna Mammadova (65 kg).

In the final days of the tournament, freestyle wrestlers will compete. Under the leadership of head coach Khetag Gazyumov, senior coach Jabrayil Hasanov, and coaches Taymuraz Kokoyev and Sharif Sharifov, the freestyle athletes representing Azerbaijan are Muhammadali Alizad? (57 kg), Jeykhun Allahverdiyev (61 kg), Aykhan Abdullazad? (65 kg), Kanan Heybatov (70 kg), Magomed-Bashir Khaniyev (74 kg), Farid Jabbarov (79 kg), Ali Tsokayev (86 kg), Sadig Mustafazade (92 kg), Zafar Aliyev (97 kg), and Khetag Karsanov (125 kg).

Matches will begin every day at 12:00 (Baku time). The medal matches will start at 20:00.

The World Championship will be officiated by Category I referee Asif Shiraliyev, as well as Category I referees Kamran Aliyev and Habib Nurulu.

On October 17, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her pleasure at meeting Cardinal Pietro Parolin again and congratulated the Catholic world on the occasion of the ‘Jubilee Year.’

She thanked the Secretary of State for his participation in the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan in November last year and hailed the dynamic expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See in recent years.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan embodies the values of religious tolerance and multiculturalism as both state policy and a societal norm, Mehriban Aliyeva spoke about the work carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation within the framework of cooperation with the Holy See. She noted the great potential for further developing bilateral relations. Speaking about the relations with the Catholic community in Azerbaijan, the First Vice-President said: ‘The issue raised during the Secretary of State’s visit to Azerbaijan in November last year-the construction of a second Catholic Church in our country-has found a positive resolution. A positive decision on this matter has already been made by President Ilham Aliyev, and construction of the second Catholic Church in the capital will begin in the near future.’ Mehriban Aliyeva underlined that Cardinal Pietro Parolin is regarded in Azerbaijan as a close friend of the country and its people and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the successful and steady development of bilateral cooperation.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed his honor at seeing First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva again and conveyed his deep appreciation to the Azerbaijani state and personally to President Ilham Aliyev for efforts in strengthening relations with the Holy See. He described his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan at COP29 as a gesture of respect toward the Vatican. Highlighting the projects implemented with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Cardinal praised the cooperation and the exemplary relations between the state and the Catholic community in Azerbaijan. ‘The construction of a second Catholic Church in Baku is a highly commendable development, and for that, we are grateful to Azerbaijan. This is yet another manifestation of the care and respect shown to all religions in your country. Azerbaijan serves as an example for many countries in this regard,’ he said.

The Cardinal also noted that the awarding of Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, with the ‘Friendship’ Order by President Ilham Aliyev is another sign of respect toward the Holy See.

Pietro Parolin congratulated Azerbaijan on the signing of the Joint Declaration by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States on August 8 in Washington and on the initialing of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed the Vatican’s unequivocal support for peace in the region.

Expressing her gratitude to Cardinal Pietro Parolin for his congratulations, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva highly valued the outcomes of the Washington Summit, emphasizing that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia remain committed to the peace agenda and expressing hope for the establishment of lasting peace in the region.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, Azernews reports.

“Dear event participants,

I cordially greet you at the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), dedicated to the theme ‘From National Diversity to Global Solidarity: The Role of Culture in the New World Order.’

The Asian continent, with its rich cultural heritage, historical diversity, and dynamic development potential, possesses broad opportunities to advance global transformation processes. The political parties representing the peoples of this region play a significant role not only in preserving national cultural values but also in promoting international cooperation, mutual respect, and inter-civilizational understanding.

The ICAPP Asian Cultural Council serves as an important platform for highlighting the continent’s potential for intercultural dialogue. The central theme of this meeting aligns with humanity’s most pressing priorities, contributing to the establishment of a new global order based on humanist and inclusive principles.

Azerbaijan has historically been a unique space where various civilizations have converged, and cultures, religions, and traditions have formed through mutual influence. In our multi-ethnic and multi-confessional country, the peaceful coexistence of representatives of all religions and ethnic groups, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and harmony, has played an important role in socio-political development. The preservation of multiculturalism and traditions of tolerance is an integral part of the social-cultural foundations of Azerbaijani society and constitutes one of the main directions of state policy.

At the same time, Azerbaijan promotes harmonious relations among different cultures on the international stage and consistently advances a number of initiatives within the framework of inter-civilizational dialogue. The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, traditionally hosted by Azerbaijan, has evolved into a key platform supporting international initiatives aimed at promoting peace through culture.

In the modern era, humanity is undergoing a profound transformation, with the existing global order being tested by multifaceted challenges such as armed conflicts, ecological crises, and socio-economic inequalities. In this context, culture serves as an invaluable factor that unites people and societies around universal human values and promotes social integration. Alongside the preservation of national traditions, openness to dialogue and mutual understanding shapes the collective formation of a shared future in contemporary international relations. Thus, culture emerges as a vital tool contributing to global stability.

Last November, Azerbaijan’s hosting of the prestigious COP29 international conference reaffirmed our country’s role as a hub for global dialogue, cooperation, and consensus. Just as combating climate change demands collective human effort, preserving international peace, cultural mutual understanding, and global solidarity requires an equally significant collective commitment. Both challenges compel nations to take action based on the principles of global responsibility and collective obligation.

I am confident that the 4th meeting of the Council, held in our country, will further strengthen the traditions of dialogue among peoples in Asia and beyond, while providing a fresh impetus to global cultural integration.

I believe that the discussions held and decisions adopted at this meeting will enrich global dialogue, convey a message of solidarity and unity to the international community, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among our peoples and countries.

During her official visit to the Holy See on October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Recalling that this was her sixth visit to the Vatican over the past 14 years, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva noted that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See have developed on a strong foundation of mutual respect and friendship. She highlighted the support provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in restoring several important heritage sites over the years and emphasized that this cooperation would continue in the future.

Referring to the joint participation in the opening ceremony of the Catacombs of Saint Commodilla earlier in the day, Mehriban Aliyeva said: ‘Rome is a city where both the underground and above ground can be described as an open-air museum under the sky. Our activities are structured in such a way that as soon as some projects are completed, we launch new ones. This is a very sustainable partnership, and I highly value it.’

Cardinal James Harvey expressed gratitude on behalf of the Holy See to the Azerbaijani state and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for implementing such significant restoration projects.

He noted that St. Paul played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of Catholic and Christian communities, adding: ‘The noble work you are doing is a great opportunity to get to know your country better.’ The Cardinal emphasized that a series of events will be held at St. Paul’s Basilica both now and in the future.

Highlighting the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s involvement in the restoration of the façades of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Cardinal Harvey underlined the substantial efforts made to complete this work. Considering the large number of visitors coming to Rome, he stressed that the restoration carried out with Azerbaijan’s support holds exceptional importance for ensuring safety at the site.

Following the meeting, a keepsake was presented to the Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Turkmenistan Culture Days have come to an end in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The closing ceremony took place in Ganja. The event was jointly organized by the Culture Ministries of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

The final concert celebrated the long-standing cultural and friendly relations between the two nations, with the goal of further enhancing the bonds between their peoples.

The program included performances by artists from both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. People’s Artists of Turkmenistan, along with folklore and ethnographic groups, expressed the spirit of unity and camaraderie through their performances.

Azerbaijan was represented by People’s Artists Gulyanag and Gulyaz Mammadova, Honored Workers of Culture Mehpara Jafarova, Rustam Jafarov, Sahri Aliyeva, and the Goygol State Song and Dance Ensemble.

Turkmenistan’s contributions came from Jemal Saparova, Bahar Annayeva, Maya Orazberdiyeva, Kerven Yovbasarov, Rustam Hallyyev, and the “Dokmachylar” folklore and ethnographic ensemble, who delivered a memorable stage performance.

Through their collaborative performances, the artists from both nations symbolized the friendship and cultural connection between them.

The Turkmenistan Culture Days took place in Baku and Ganja. A large delegation of cultural figures and artists from the brotherly country visited Azerbaijan for the occasion.

The event featured a rich program including a broad presentation of Turkmen music, decorative and applied arts, museum exhibitions, culinary masterpieces, and literary presentations.

The opening of the exhibition titled “Arkhadag: The Pillar of Turkmen National Heritage” took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural and scientific figures from both countries, and other guests.

The Turkmen national costumes for both men and women, as well as samples of weaving and decorative-applied arts such as carpets and palaz (traditional rugs), were showcased as part of the exhibition.

The exhibition also featured photographs depicting historical figures of the brotherly nation, as well as ancient cultural landmarks and images reflecting modern developments.

Moreover, the Turkmenistan Literature Corner opened at the Azerbaijan National Library.

During the event, the significance of literary ties between the two countries was emphasized. Topics such as translation and publication of literary works in Azerbaijani and Turkmen, as well as prospects for further cooperation in the humanitarian field, were discussed.

Furthermore, Turkmen national cuisine was presented at Seaside Boulevard, followed by a spectacular gala concert that featured breathtaking performances by both Turkmen and Azerbaijani artists.

bp is honoured to join the people of Azerbaijan in celebrating the 140th anniversary of the birth of Uzeyir bey Hajibeyli – a towering figure in the history of Azerbaijani culture, the founder of the nation’s classical music and professional school of composition, author of the first Azerbaijani opera, and a distinguished educator, playwright and publicist, Azernews reports.

To mark this remarkable occasion, bp has published a special set of books showcasing the great composer’s invaluable legacy.

The project reflects bp’s continual commitment to supporting efforts that promote Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and celebrate the rich history and artistic achievements of the nation.

bp hosted an event yesterday to unveil the publications and present a concert programme featuring Hajibeyli’s masterpieces The new publications include:

A collection of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s unpublished works, compiled in two separate books;

A photo album capturing moments from his life and creative journey;

A comprehensive guidebook to the Uzeyir Hajibeyli House Museum in Baku.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s vice president for the Caspian region: ‘It is a great honour for us to present these books in tribute to Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s extraordinary legacy and his invaluable contribution to Azerbaijan’s national music. His compositions, infused with national rhythms and coloured with international tones, created with deep artistic mastery and emotional depth, continue to inspire audiences both in Azerbaijan and around the world.

‘We hope these publications serve as a lasting recognition of his contributions and his timeless influence – not only as a composer, but also as a scholar and publicist whose legacy will continue to shape generations.’

The project was implemented by Azernashr with a total cost of 127,560 AZN ($75,035). This covered both the development and printing of the new publications, as well as the organization of the concert event.

Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 625,000 vehicles in the United States due to issues related to seatbelt functionality and rear-view camera displays, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

According to the NHTSA notice, approximately 332,778 Ford Mustang models are being recalled because of a potential seatbelt malfunction that could compromise passenger safety. Meanwhile, the rear-view camera display defect affects around 291,901 vehicles, including popular models such as the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks.

The seatbelt issue reportedly involves a fault that may prevent the belt from properly securing occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. The camera display problem causes the rear-view image to intermittently fail, potentially reducing driver visibility when reversing.

Ford has stated it will notify affected owners and provide free repairs to address these safety concerns. This recall underscores ongoing challenges automakers face in ensuring vehicle safety while integrating increasingly complex electronic systems.

Experts note that as vehicles become more technologically advanced, the potential for software and hardware glitches grows, making timely recalls and robust quality control essential to maintaining consumer trust.

Baku and Tabriz are exploring the establishment of a sister city partnership aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two cities, Azernews reports.

Mayor of Tabriz Yaghoub Houshyar made the remarks while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 3rd National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan (NUFA3).

He noted that Baku has already been declared a sister city with many capitals and major urban centers around the world, adding that a similar partnership with Tabriz is also possible.

‘The idea of establishing a sister city relationship between Baku and Tabriz has been discussed before,’ Houshyar said. ‘We hope that concrete steps will be taken in this direction in the near future. Based on the agreement between our heads of state, cultural weeks will be organized in three cities – one in Tabriz and another in Baku.’

The mayor emphasized that organizing such cultural events will contribute to the expansion of social and cultural ties between the two cities. The first of these events is planned to be held next year.

Speaking further, Houshyar noted that entrepreneurs from Tabriz are showing strong interest in participating in the reconstruction and development efforts in Azerbaijan’s Garabagh region.

‘There is already coordination in this area, and broader participation is possible in the future,’ he said. ‘It is natural for Tabriz-based businesses to be involved in Garabagh’s rehabilitation, education, and infrastructure projects, and this initiative is supported at the state level.’

The mayor concluded that such cooperation would not only foster city-level partnerships but also deepen the friendship and understanding between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran.