Category: Azer News

The American streaming giant Netflix, Inc. has announced its acquisition of the technology company InterPositive, which specializes in developing artificial intelligence tools for film production. The deal marks one of Netflix’s most ambitious investments in AI technologies designed to enhance the creative workflow of filmmakers, AzerNEWS reports.

While Netflix has not officially disclosed the purchase price, sources familiar with the negotiations say the total value could reach up to $600 million, including potential earn-outs tied to future financial and technological milestones. Initial estimates from both sides were reportedly lower, but bonus provisions were added to reflect growth expectations.

InterPositive was founded in 2022 by actor and director Ben Affleck, with backing from investment firm RedBird Capital Partners. The company’s AI solutions are focused on streamlining post-production workflows – from advanced editing assistance and color correction to automated continuity fixes and creative enhancement of already shot footage.

According to industry insiders, InterPositive’s technology has already been used on major film projects. Notably, director David Fincher employed their tools during work on The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a high-profile production starring Brad Pitt, where the AI helped optimize complex sequences without compromising artistic intent.

The acquisition is seen as part of Netflix’s broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge AI into its content creation pipeline, aiming to boost efficiency in editing and visual effects while giving directors more time to focus on storytelling. Netflix executives have emphasized that this technology is intended to augment human creativity, not replace it.

Ben Affleck, a two-time Academy Award winner – honored in 1998 for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting (shared with Matt Damon) and in 2013 as a producer of Argo – is expected to remain involved in the company’s evolution. He will serve in an advisory role to help guide the integration of InterPositive’s tools across Netflix’s original productions.

This move highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, as studios and streaming platforms seek new ways to leverage technology to support creative professionals and redefine how stories are made.

Pakistan’s military carried out overnight airstrikes targeting Taliban-linked sites in Kabul and Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Province, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

Speaking to media, Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Ataullah Tarar said the strikes were aimed at military facilities, ammunition depots, and infrastructure allegedly used to support ‘terrorist groups.’

However, authorities in Afghanistan strongly rejected Pakistan’s account, accusing it of striking a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul instead of military targets.

Afghan officials reported significant casualties, claiming that up to 400 people were killed and around 250 others injured in the attacks.

The incident has further heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries, with sharply differing narratives over the nature and impact of the strikes.

U.S. chipmaker Nvidia unveiled a range of new artificial intelligence (AI) innovations across graphics, computing infrastructure, and software at its annual GTC developer conference, which opened Monday in San Jose, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

One of the highlights was a new AI-powered graphics rendering technology called DLSS 5. Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said the technology can significantly improve image realism while reducing the computational load on hardware.

According to Nvidia, DLSS 5 represents a major leap in visual fidelity for games. It combines traditional 3D rendering techniques with generative AI models that can predict and automatically fill in missing visual details. This allows GPUs to create richer, more lifelike images while maintaining high performance.

‘Twenty-five years after NVIDIA invented the programmable shader, we are reinventing computer graphics once again,’ Huang said. ‘DLSS 5 is the GPT moment for graphics-blending handcrafted rendering with generative AI to deliver a dramatic leap in realism while preserving creative control for artists.’

On the hardware side, Nvidia also announced plans to launch its next-generation AI computing system, Vera Rubin, later this year. The company stated that the system includes roughly 1.3 million components and could deliver up to ten times better performance per watt compared to its predecessor, the Grace Blackwell platform. Such improvements are especially important as data centers face rising energy demands from large-scale AI models.

In software, Nvidia introduced a new stack called NemoClaw, designed to support the development and deployment of AI agents on the OpenClaw platform. This reflects a broader industry trend toward autonomous AI systems capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human input.

Interestingly, experts note that Nvidia’s latest announcements highlight a shift in the industry: AI is no longer just enhancing graphics or computing-it is becoming deeply integrated into how digital worlds are created, simulated, and experienced in real time.

A special calendar has been prepared for 2026 in order to promote the rich architectural heritage of Azerbaijan within the framework of the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture, AzerNEWS reports.

This initiative was carried out at the Jafar Jabbarli Republican Youth Library. The calendar has been posted on the library’s official website.

The electronic calendar features extensive information and rich photographic materials showcasing the architectural gems of the country.

The main goal of preparing the calendar is to introduce Azerbaijan’s architectural heritage, increase the younger generation’s interest in national and cultural values, and promote both ancient and modern architectural examples. Through this initiative, readers are provided with insights into the historical development of Azerbaijan’s architectural traditions, as well as achievements in this field.

The calendar also includes the full text of the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, dated December 22, 2025. It provides detailed information about the Momina Khatun Mausoleum, one of the magnificent monuments created by the prominent architect Ajami Nakhchivani. In addition, it highlights significant architectural landmarks such as the Khudaferin Bridge, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower, the Ateshgah Temple, and the Shaki Khan Palace.

The material prepared by the library staff also features buildings that reflect the modern architectural image of Azerbaijan, including the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Flame Towers, and the White City project.

Furthermore, readers are given comprehensive information about the Shusha Fortress, regarded as an important example of the country’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as the Victory Monument, which symbolizes the historic victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War.

This calendar, reflecting both Azerbaijan’s rich architectural heritage and its modern urban planning achievements, serves not only as a valuable source of information for readers but also as a meaningful contribution to the promotion of national and cultural heritage.

China’s Hua Hong Group Corporation, the country’s second-largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, has developed technologies to produce advanced chips optimized for artificial intelligence applications. This marks a major milestone in Beijing’s effort to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor technology, AzerNEWS reports.

A division of Hua Hong, Huali Microelectronics Corporation, is preparing to launch a 7-nanometer (7nm) process technology at its factory in Shanghai. Until now, SMIC Corporation was the only Chinese manufacturer capable of producing microchips at this level of miniaturization, making Huali the country’s second player in the ultra-advanced semiconductor market.

Official details about the project remain scarce: production efficiency, yield rates, and the full list of equipment suppliers have not been disclosed. However, sources indicate that Huawei Technologies, which collaborates closely with Huali, played a pivotal role in the development of this 7nm technology.

The project is supported by a domestic ecosystem: local hardware companies, including the Huawei-backed startup SiCarrier, provide research and development support. Early customers have already begun testing the new production line. For example, Chinese GPU developer Biren is using Huali’s 7nm facility to create physical chip prototypes before scaling up for mass production.

The new 7nm production will be based at Hua Hong Fab 6 in Shanghai, a factory that previously manufactured logic chips using more mature 22nm and 28nm processes. Huali aims to reach an initial output of several thousand silicon wafers per month by the end of this year, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

The key challenge remains the profitability of 7nm production. Analysts note that SMIC currently produces 7nm chips using previous-generation immersion lithography machines from Dutch company ASML, and the yield of usable chips is extremely low, making production expensive. Huali will need to overcome similar technical and economic hurdles to make the new facility commercially viable.

If successful, this development could reshape China’s domestic semiconductor industry, strengthening its self-sufficiency in AI and high-performance computing chips – a critical technology area amid ongoing global supply chain tensions.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

According to AzerNEWS, the information was shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan on its official account on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.

During the call, the ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.

During excavations at the ancient site of Nessana in the Israeli Negev Desert, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a 1,400-year-old church, AzerNEWS reports.

Research led by scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Nitzan National Park indicates that this site was once a significant hub for Christian pilgrims. Among the church’s most remarkable features is a mosaic floor, still preserved today, adorned with intricate and colorful patterns. The excavations also revealed a hospice for travelers and a bathing complex, suggesting the site was well-equipped to welcome pilgrims.

Experts noted that during the Byzantine period, Nessana was a key stop along the pilgrimage route to Mount Sinai. Some of the mosaics even feature inscriptions and symbolic motifs that provide rare insights into the religious life and artistic traditions of the time.

Interestingly, the discovery offers a glimpse into how early Christian communities in the Negev blended spirituality, hospitality, and art, making Nessana not just a religious site but also a cultural crossroads in the desert.

Russia may be laying the groundwork for a potential incursion into eastern Estonia by promoting a coordinated propaganda campaign centered on the border city of Narva, according to intelligence assessments cited by Bild, AzerNEWS reports.

The report references statements by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, who warned that the situation bears similarities to the early stages of the Russia’s annexation of Crimea and broader aggression against Ukraine in 2014.

According to the report, Russian-linked social media channels have for several weeks promoted narratives calling for the creation of a so-called ‘Narva People’s Republic.’ Narva, a city of about 50,000 residents located on Estonia’s eastern border, has a predominantly Russian-speaking population.

Estonian intelligence services reportedly view this information campaign as a potential precursor to destabilization efforts, echoing tactics used ahead of Russia’s actions in Ukraine more than a decade ago.

Since early March, posts circulating on social media have called for the distribution of leaflets, acts of sabotage, and even armed mobilization in support of the proposed entity. Propaganda messages have included slogans such as ‘Russians, we are not alone!’ and references to extending ‘Russian land’ across northeastern Estonia.

Maps and flags depicting the alleged ‘republic’ have also been shared, further fueling concerns over coordinated influence operations aimed at inciting unrest in the region.

A delegation from the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA) has paid an official visit to Chad, aiming to strengthen cooperation in digital development and promote Azerbaijan’s technology exports, AzerNEWS reports.

The delegation included senior representatives from state-owned companies and technopark residents. The visit took place at the invitation of Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization of Administration, Michel Boukar.

During the visit, IRIA officials held an official meeting with Chad’s Prime Minister, Allamaye Halina. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in innovation, education, and digital transformation. Both sides explored opportunities for exporting Azerbaijani digital products, launching joint projects, and exchanging expertise.

In a separate meeting with Minister Boukar, the parties reviewed Chad’s ongoing and planned digital initiatives, as well as strategic priorities in innovation and digitalization. Talks also covered collaboration opportunities under existing memorandums between Azerbaijan and Chad, particularly in developing innovation ecosystems, building digital infrastructure, digitizing public services, and broader government engagement.

The IRIA delegation also met with senior officials from several Chadian ministries and government agencies. These discussions highlighted potential cooperation in areas such as digital government infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation.

Azerbaijan’s technopark representatives participating in the visit presented their solutions and explored export opportunities for digital products in the Chadian market.

The primary goal of the visit was to promote Azerbaijani digital solutions in Chad, support their export, and assess opportunities for implementing large-scale projects. The initiative also aims to establish long-term digital cooperation between the two countries.

Explosions have been heard in Dubai amid ongoing escalation in the Middle East, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media outlets.

Reports indicate that ballistic missiles launched from Iran caused at least three explosions in different parts of the city. Prior to the attack, local authorities reportedly sent emergency alerts to residents’ mobile phones, warning of a potential ballistic missile threat and urging them to immediately seek shelter in safe areas.

The incident comes against the backdrop of rising tensions after negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program failed to yield a concrete agreement. Since February 28, the United States and Israel have conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. military facilities across the region.

On the first day of the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military officials, was reported killed. On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected his son, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country’s third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

Between March 1 and 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting multiple countries across the Middle East.

U.S. casualties are reported at 13 killed and more than 140 injured.

The conflict has also put regional energy infrastructure and maritime transport routes at serious risk. Heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have driven a sharp increase in global oil prices, while several countries have urged their citizens to leave the region.