Category: Azer News

Starting from the beginning of the new academic year, Georgia will introduce new rules in secondary schools. Amendments to legislation concerning these innovations have already been submitted to Parliament, Azernews reports.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia has released official information on the upcoming changes. It is reported that Parliament will soon review the draft amendments to the Law on General Education prepared by the Ministry.

According to the draft, general education in Georgia will now last between 11 and 12 years, with the minimum age for starting primary education set at 6 years. Schools will accept children who turn 6 by September 15. Additionally, school uniforms will be mandatory for primary-level students.

The draft also stipulates that if a teacher, or any other staff member at a general education institution, is found guilty of violence against a student, their employment contract will be terminated. Furthermore, these employees will be banned from working in the education sector for a period of 3 years.

In addition, the amendments introduce new norms regarding the duration of basic and secondary levels of education, setting clearer guidelines for how long students will spend in each stage of their academic journey.

These changes reflect an ongoing push by the Georgian government to modernize the education system, not only by extending the length of education but also by ensuring a safer environment for students. With mandatory school uniforms and stronger penalties for misconduct, these reforms aim to improve both the quality of education and the overall student experience in Georgia’s schools.

Samsung Electronics will adopt English as the standard language for written communication with its overseas subsidiaries to reduce delays and duplication caused by translation and to accelerate global collaboration, business sources said on Monday, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

‘We will unify written communication between Korea and our overseas subsidiaries under a global standard so that colleagues around the world can work together as one global team and collaborate more seamlessly,’ Samsung Electronics President Roh Tae-moon said in an internal message.

The new global communication guidelines will begin a pilot program this month, with full implementation planned for March. Initially, the guidelines will apply to Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, and Samsung Biologics, before expanding to other affiliates.

Under the new rules, all work-related emails and attached documents exchanged between Korea and overseas subsidiaries must be written in English from the initial drafting stage. Overseas subsidiaries are also required to prepare internal reports in English.

The policy covers reports and official documents, including files created in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, but excludes verbal conversations, messaging apps, personal notes, draft materials for review, and simple working-level coordination documents. Subsidiaries in non-English-speaking countries may continue to use local languages for internal official documents.

Roh also encouraged employees to make greater use of AI tools such as Copilot and Knox Meeting. His remarks came after feedback at a recent executive seminar at Samsung’s Human Resources Development Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi, where participants noted that the company had underutilized AI tools despite having access to them.

As of the end of last year, Samsung Electronics employed about 137,000 staff overseas, exceeding its domestic workforce of approximately 125,000. Some units have already begun routine use of English. For example, the foundry business within Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions Division and certain teams at Samsung Bioepis have prepared reports, materials, and conducted meetings in English since last year.

Interestingly, analysts note that this move could not only improve efficiency but also strengthen Samsung’s position as a truly global tech leader, making it easier for teams across continents to innovate and respond rapidly in an increasingly competitive market.

A second patient diagnosed with mpox (monkeypox) has been admitted to Domodedovo Hospital in Moscow, Russian media report.

As reported by Azernews, citing foreign media, the announcement was made by Andrey Osipov, the hospital’s chief physician.

Osipov said that Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (Rospotrebnadzor) has launched an investigation to identify the possible source of infection and trace all contacts of the infected individual.

Preliminary information indicates that the newly diagnosed patient had contact with the first mpox patient who was previously hospitalized at the same medical facility.

Mpox is a rare viral disease characterized by fever, general intoxication, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that initially appears as spots and later develops into fluid-filled lesions.

The preamble of the Constitution of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is set to be amended, following approval of a relevant draft law by the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan at its plenary session today.

As reported by Azernews, the issue was addressed during discussions on the draft law titled ‘On Approval of Amendments to the Constitution of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic,’ which was put to a second vote and adopted. The first vote on the bill was held on July 8, 2025.

Under the proposed amendments, several historical references currently contained in the preamble will be removed. These include provisions stating that the foundations of Nakhchivan’s autonomy were established by the March 16, 1921 Moscow Treaty and the October 13, 1921 Kars Treaty, as well as detailed references to the region’s historical administrative status changes and previous constitutions adopted in 1926, 1937, and 1978.

Instead, the revised preamble will state that the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is an integral part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It will also emphasize that the constitutional basis of Nakhchivan is formed by the principles enshrined in the Declaration on the Restoration of State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated August 30, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated October 18, 1991, and the Constitution of Azerbaijan adopted by nationwide referendum on November 12, 1995.

The draft law was submitted for discussion and adopted during the second reading at today’s plenary session.

The Corporate Partnership Board Week of the International Transport Forum (ITF) has been held in France, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.

ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim, speaking at the opening event, highlighted the decisive role of partnerships in building sustainable transport systems. He praised Azerbaijan’s intention to contribute to a more interconnected world during its presidency of the Forum.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, emphasized that the country has put forward important initiatives within the framework of its ITF presidency. She noted that a policy recommendation on digital connectivity and the development of urban transport has been prepared, active participation in global platforms has been ensured, and Azerbaijan’s contribution to ITF research platforms has been expanded.

Alis Ismayilov, a representative of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport on a business trip to Paris, stated that in the modern era, sustainable transport is based not only on infrastructure, but also on governance, coordination, data, and trust. He also spoke about the coordinated operation of different modes of transport in Azerbaijan, stressing that the establishment of the Transport Coordination Council, the Transit Cargo Transportation Coordination Council, and AZCON Holding represents an important mechanism in this regard.

Azerbaijan was also represented on the panel titled ‘Governance of Sustainable Transport.’

It was noted that active participation in the Corporate Partnership Board Week once again demonstrates Azerbaijan’s strong interest in strengthening dialogue and cooperation for the future of transport.

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with Birol Akgn, Turkiye’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, Adil Karimli noted that cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye has been expanding year by year, gaining new depth and substance.

He emphasized that mutual participation in various cultural projects, regular exchanges of creative groups, and the establishment of productive cooperation between relevant institutions reflect the broad and dynamic nature of bilateral relations in the cultural sphere.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception, Ambassador Birol Akgn highlighted the significant potential for further strengthening Turkish-Azerbaijani cultural ties.

It was also noted that filming in Turkiye for the joint TURKSOY member countries’ production “Molla Nasreddin: My Friend in Difficult Days” has been completed.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

On the same day, Minister Adil Karimli also met with Dmitry Pinevich, Belarusian Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the minister spoke about existing cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus.

Discussions focused on the development of bilateral cultural cooperation, including the organization of cultural days in the future and the joint implementation of cultural programs in the regions.

An exchange of ideas was held on expanding collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

The death toll from severe snowstorms across the United States has risen to 100, according to U.S. media reports, Azernews reports, citing a statement by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.

Extreme weather conditions have triggered thousands of traffic accidents across the state.

‘Due to hazardous weather, thousands of road accidents have occurred in the state. Two people were killed as a result of these crashes, bringing the total number of deaths linked to adverse weather conditions in the southeastern and northeastern United States to more than 100 since last week,’ the governor said.

According to the National Weather Service, snowfall in some parts of North Carolina has exceeded 30 centimeters, significantly disrupting transportation and daily life.

China’s RatingDog Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came in at 50.3 in January, signaling expansion and rising slightly from 50.1 in December, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The data showed that production grew at its fastest pace in the past three months, indicating a stronger start to 2026 for the manufacturing sector.

‘Overall, the manufacturing sector maintained growth in January, supported by a modest recovery in demand and slight improvements in employment,’ said Yao Yu, founder of RatingDog. ‘However, business confidence has dipped, and the overall growth momentum remains fragile. Looking ahead, if cost pressures continue while demand recovery remains limited, profit margins are likely to stay under pressure. Policy support for strategic initiatives could play a key role in consolidating recovery momentum throughout 2026.’

Analysts note that the marginal growth in January may also reflect manufacturers’ cautious optimism amid global supply chain uncertainties and rising commodity prices, suggesting that while expansion is underway, companies are still navigating a complex economic environment.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said the United States should understand that any war in the region would have widespread consequences. His remarks came during a meeting in Tehran with a group of Iranian citizens, marking the start of the 47th anniversary celebrations of the Islamic Revolution, Azernews reports.

Khamenei noted that the U.S. frequently speaks of war and of deploying aircraft and other means, which he described as a recurring issue. He added that Washington has repeatedly emphasized that ‘all options are on the table,’ referring to the possibility of military action.

The Supreme Leader stressed that Iran is not afraid of such threats. ‘Iran is not the party that initiates war, and we do not seek to oppress anyone or attack any country. However, we will confront and respond to any aggressor,’ he said.

The remarks follow last June’s incidents, when the United States reportedly carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, causing damage to the sites. In retaliation, Iran claimed it targeted a U.S. military base in Qatar.

Iran’s parliament has passed a law declaring the militaries of European Union member states as terrorist organizations in response to the EU’s designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH) as a terrorist group.

As reported by Azernews, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the announcement during a plenary session, warning that the EU would bear responsibility for the negative consequences of the move.

He stated, ‘The EU’s efforts to strike SEPAH – which is the biggest barrier to the spread of terrorism – are in fact self-damaging.’

During the session, parliament member Alireza Salimi suggested that, considering the new classification, military attachés from EU countries’ embassies should be considered for expulsion from Iran. Ghalibaf instructed the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee to coordinate with the Iranian Foreign Ministry to monitor the matter closely.

The move comes after the EU, on January 29, officially designated SEPAH as a terrorist organization, citing its role in suppressing recent protests in Iran.