Category: Azer News

In recent years, India has emerged as one of the leading global destinations for aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the country ranks among the top ten worldwide in terms of the number of foreign patients seeking cosmetic procedures.

India’s growing popularity in this field is largely explained by relatively affordable treatment costs, a high standard of medical care, and the availability of English-speaking specialists with international training. In addition, the country has a rapidly developing infrastructure for medical tourism. Today, India’s beauty and aesthetics industry is valued at over $4 billion, and experts predict that this figure could multiply significantly in the coming years.

Patients travel to India from the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Both surgical procedures and non-invasive treatments-such as Botox injections, laser therapy, and dermal fillers-are in particularly high demand.

According to plastic surgeon Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, social media has played a major role in increasing demand. She notes that constant exposure to idealized images online has intensified people’s desire for physical perfection, contributing to a steady rise in cosmetic consultations.

However, specialists also highlight the psychological risks associated with this trend. Doctors report a growing number of cases of body dysmorphic disorder, a condition in which individuals become excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. As a result, many reputable clinics now assess not only physical suitability but also the psychological readiness of patients before performing procedures.

Despite the boom in aesthetic medicine, many patients emphasize that their goal is not to achieve ‘perfection,’ but rather to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Interestingly, experts say this shift in motivation-from transformation to self-confidence-has become one of the main drivers of the rapidly expanding cosmetic medicine market in India.

Canada has unveiled a new national strategy aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear energy, according to Natural Resources Canada, the federal department responsible for managing the country’s natural resources, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

Under the plan, Canada intends to support the construction of up to 10 new large-scale nuclear reactors nationwide. Two of these reactors are expected to be under construction by 2035, while an additional five are planned or already in development with a target completion horizon of 2040.

The strategy also places strong emphasis on next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs). In particular, Canada plans to demonstrate a domestically developed microreactor by 2035, with potential deployment in remote and northern communities by the late 2030s, where reliable off-grid power is often a major challenge.

In addition, the government aims to strengthen Canada’s position in the global nuclear market by expanding the use of its CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactor technology into at least four new international markets by 2040. It also plans to engage with between six and ten emerging nuclear countries over the next 15 years.

A draft policy outlining federal financial support for new nuclear projects is expected by April 2027. Authorities also project that uranium exports could double by 2035 compared to 2024 levels, reflecting Canada’s role as one of the world’s key suppliers of nuclear fuel.

Currently, nuclear energy accounts for roughly 13% of Canada’s electricity production. The country operates 17 CANDU reactors located in Ontario and New Brunswick, and Canadian nuclear technology is already in use in 26 reactors across six countries.

An interesting aspect of the new strategy is its connection to Canada’s broader climate goals: nuclear energy is being positioned as a stable, low-carbon source of electricity that can complement wind and solar power, especially as demand for clean energy rises due to electrification and the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, particularly its route through the South Caucasus, as a vital alternative for Europe’s trade, energy, and digital connectivity in an increasingly unstable world.

In a video statement shared on her X account, Kos emphasized that geography and reliable infrastructure are now central to European economic security.

‘We can make Europe’s trade routes and energy links more secure in a world which is anything but. For a long time, we relied on two routes to link Europe with Asia: the northern route through Russia and the southern route through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. But conflicts are making these routes unreliable,” she said.

Kos pointed out that traditional northern routes through Russia and southern routes via the Red Sea and Suez Canal have become precarious. Many ships are now forced to take the lengthy detour around the Cape of Good Hope.

She drew particular attention to the growing significance of the Caucasus region: ‘Take a look at the plane map, and after the start of the recent war in Iran, almost all planes started passing through the Caucasus. It’s through here, the Middle Corridor, that we can secure our trade, energy and digital links. It connects Europe and Asia through Trkiye and the South Caucasus.’

Kos noted that trade along the Middle Corridor has already quadrupled since 2022, demonstrating its rising potential. However, current shipping times can reach up to 45 days. The EU’s goal is to reduce this to just 15 days by modernizing roads, railways, ports, and streamlining border procedures.

‘This will help lower costs for our businesses and make goods cheaper for people in the EU. It will help us grow our economy. It will also support the improving relations between countries in the region after decades of conflict, while also strengthening the economies of our neighbors to the east,’ she said.

Kos compared the initiative’s potential impact to the role of coal and steel integration in post-World War II Europe, describing the Middle Corridor as a priority for the European Commission.

‘Securing our trade, energy and digital links via routes we can trust’ remains a key objective, she concluded.

On June 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited the House-Museum of Bulbul in Shusha.

Member of the Milli Majlis Polad Bulbuloghlu briefed the President of Turkmenistan on the museum. He noted that the house, where his father was born and spent his childhood, was converted into the House-Museum of Bulbul by decision of the Executive Committee of the Shusha City People’s Deputies Soviet in 1982, on the instruction of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The building was renovated in 1982-1983, a museum exhibition was established, and an administrative building was constructed in front of it.

The house-museum, which ceased operations during the Armenian occupation of Shusha, was restored – like other historical and cultural monuments of Azerbaijan – after the city’s liberation. A new bust of Bulbul has been erected in the courtyard.

At the same time, the original bust damaged during the occupation is preserved on the premises as tangible evidence of the damage inflicted on Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

Azerbaijan’s Export and Investment Promotion Agency, AZPROMO, has held talks with a delegation from the United States Congress to explore opportunities for expanding economic and investment cooperation, AzerNEWS reports.

The meeting was attended by a delegation led by Abraham Hamadeh, a Republican member of the US House of Representatives.

During the meeting, AZPROMO Executive Director Yusif Abdullayev presented an overview of Azerbaijan’s business and investment climate, mechanisms for attracting foreign direct investment, and the agency’s activities aimed at supporting investors and exporters.

Abdullayev also highlighted the upcoming 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in September, and outlined potential areas for cooperation with international partners.

The discussions focused on Azerbaijan’s growing transit and logistics potential, opportunities for the participation of US companies in investment projects, technology and know-how transfer, and the use of various financial support instruments to facilitate business activity.

On June 23, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov concluded his state visit to Azerbaijan.

A guard of honor was lined up at Fuzuli International Airport in honor of the President of Turkmenistan.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev saw off President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has filed a lawsuit against the country’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC), seeking to overturn its decision to revoke his parliamentary immunity amid an ongoing criminal investigation, AzerNEWS reports.

The lawsuit was submitted on June 19, two days after the CEC approved a request from prosecutors to initiate criminal proceedings against Kocharyan, who leads the Armenia Alliance. The case is scheduled to be heard by the Administrative Court on June 24.

Kocharyan’s legal team argues that the statute of limitations for the alleged offenses has expired and maintains that the former president has committed no wrongdoing.

The court has also ruled that Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia should participate in the proceedings as a third party, citing legal provisions requiring the involvement of institutions directly affected by a court ruling.

Prosecutors are expected to charge Kocharyan with abuse of official authority and money laundering in connection with a 2004 transaction. The case gained public attention after authorities reportedly prevented him from leaving Armenia earlier this month.

In an interview broadcast on June 19, Kocharyan dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

“They rushed to fabricate a case in just two days, because three days earlier, in response to media inquiries, there were no criminal cases against me. Then, a day later, it turned out that such a case already existed,” he said.

The legal dispute comes amid heightened political tensions in Armenia following the June parliamentary elections, with opposition groups increasingly challenging government actions and electoral outcomes through both political and judicial channels.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party and prime minister following days of intense pressure from senior party figures, including several cabinet ministers, AzerNEWS reports, citing The Guardian.

The decision comes less than two years after Labour’s landmark general election victory.

Starmer had publicly insisted he would contest any leadership challenge, but discussions with ministers and advisers over the weekend reportedly convinced him that his position had become untenable.

The prime minister’s departure follows the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster after his victory in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham’s success strengthened calls within Labour for a leadership change, with many MPs viewing him as the party’s strongest option to counter the growing popularity of Nigel Farage and Reform UK ahead of the next general election.

Burnham is widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer, although a formal leadership contest could still take place. Potential challengers include Health Secretary Wes Streeting, though some party insiders believe a deal could be reached that would allow Burnham to assume the leadership without a prolonged contest. Under Labour Party rules, candidates require significant parliamentary support to enter the race.

Starmer’s downfall follows months of growing dissatisfaction among Labour MPs. His leadership came under sustained pressure after disappointing election results, policy reversals, and controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington.

Despite receiving praise from some allies for his handling of foreign policy challenges, including tensions in the Middle East, Starmer struggled to improve his domestic popularity. Concerns over the economy, public services, and Labour’s declining poll numbers fueled calls for change, with dozens of MPs publicly demanding his resignation in recent months.

Starmer is expected to remain in Downing Street until a successor is chosen, ensuring continuity of government during the transition.

On June 22, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived on a state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During his state visit to Azerbaijan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, visited the Alley of Honors in Baku to pay tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, AzerNEWS reports.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov laid a wreath and flowers at the National Leader’s grave.

The Turkmen President also laid flowers at the grave of prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva.