Category: Azer News

On November 17, the debut trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 on YouTube reached an astonishing 269 million views. Nearly two years after its release, the video surpassed the trailer for Avengers: Infinity War, which had held the record for almost seven consecutive years, Azernews reports.

With this achievement, the GTA 6 trailer became the most-watched trailer in YouTube history-remarkably, it reached this milestone organically, without any paid promotion. However, the current record for the most-viewed video trailer overall is still held by the Indian film The Gold Mines of Kolar: Chapter 2, which has amassed 278 million views.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. The upcoming criminal action game from Rockstar Games will also feature a Russian-language version, expanding its accessibility to players worldwide.

Rockstar Games is reportedly taking an unprecedented approach to realism in this installment, including fully dynamic weather systems, deeper NPC interactions, and a living, breathing city that evolves over time-a feature that could set new standards for open-world gaming.

Industrial designer Abidur Chowdhury, who spent more than six years at Apple, has left the company to join a startup focused on artificial intelligence development, Azernews reports.

His departure drew considerable attention inside Apple, as he held a prominent role within the product design team.

Chowdhury was one of the key contributors to the iPhone Air project. In September, he appeared in Apple’s official video presentation, showcasing the device’s development process and technical features – a sign of his significant influence on the product.

Following Jony Ive’s exit, Apple’s design team has undergone major restructuring: many long-time members have either retired or moved to other companies. Earlier, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who oversaw design after Ive’s departure, also left the company. Since then, Williams’ former team has been reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook, making design decisions even more centralized.

The iPhone Air, an ultra-thin smartphone intended to replace the Plus models in Apple’s lineup, was initially positioned as a bold step in Apple’s design strategy.

However, after the disappointing sales performance of the first iPhone Air generation, Apple reportedly chose to delay the release of its successor. The new model was originally planned to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in the fall of 2026, but due to low demand and scaled-back production, the company is reconsidering its rollout plans.

Industry analysts note that the iPhone Air might still become a collectible over time – ultra-thin smartphones often gain a cult following among design enthusiasts, especially when they represent a rare experimental chapter in Apple’s product history.

This year, the Azerbaijan Dance Festival, which lasted three eventful days, turned into a true whirlwind of culture, sport, and national spirit. It was hard to believe that all of this was happening in one space: the hall would erupt in applause, then fall silent in anticipation of the next brilliant performance on the parquet.

The organizers of the Azerbaijan Dance Festival – the Azerbaijan Dance Council (AzDC) led by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Tarana Muradova, and the company Smooth and Rhythm Dance Style (SRDS) headed by its founder Olga Krasnyanskaya – once again proved that Baku has firmly secured its place on the world dance map. For the third year in a row, the festival has brought together legends of ballroom dance and hundreds of choreography enthusiasts from around the globe under one roof, becoming a traditional international ‘crossroads’ for masters and admirers of dance.

This year was no exception. The program included 16 title World and European Championships, and the geography of participants expanded noticeably – for the first time, dancers from Hong Kong and the USA came to Baku. Many of them emphasized that they came not only for the competitions – they wanted to see Azerbaijan, experience its hospitality, and get closer to its culture and history.

The organizers define the festival’s mission simply and inspiringly: to support the development of competitive ballroom dancing in Azerbaijan, to show how the artistic and athletic aspects of dance merge and strengthen one another. The festival helps engage young people, prepare new couples who can proudly represent the country on world stages.

Prestigious international competitions unfolded on the parquet: WDC AL World Championships, WDC European Championships, Pro-Am World Cups – in Ballroom, Latin, and Smooth categories. Everyone took to the floor – from children and juniors to seasoned professionals and Pro-Am participants – turning each round into a small spectacle.

The culmination of the festival was the dazzling Night of the Dancing Diamonds – a gala show where the best couples on the planet gathered under the hall’s arches. This evening was dedicated to the jubilee of the legendary dancer, choreographer, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, and Vice-Rector of the Baku Academy of Choreography, Tarana Muradova – a figure who devoted her life to preserving and developing national dance and today inspires a new direction: ballroom choreography.

One of the most touching and vivid moments was Tarana Muradova’s original composition, in which modern ballroom choreography delicately intertwined with motifs of folk dance. On stage were six-time world champion Eldar Jafarov and world and European champion, choreographer Denis Tagintsev. Their black-and-white costumes – simple yet expressive – highlighted the fluidity of movement, while the music of People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Emin Agalarov created an atmosphere of harmony.

The festival came to a close, but the feeling of celebration, the brilliance of dance stars, and the atmosphere of passion for dance lingered in the air. The organizers are already looking to the future: thanking the country, state institutions, and everyone who supports this powerful cultural project, and inviting new partners to become part of a story that glorifies Azerbaijan on the world stage.

And we, in turn, eagerly await next year. The dance goes on.

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

In an era when technology defines how societies function, healthcare has become one of the most critical and sensitive areas of digital transformation. Ensuring that millions of people can safely access medical services, insurance programs, and public health platforms has never been more important.

At the forefront of this transformation stands Tamerlan Mammadzada, an Azerbaijani-born cybersecurity and software quality assurance leader whose work is redefining how the US healthcare system safeguards patient data and public trust.

Mammadzada plays a pivotal role in strengthening State-Based Marketplaces (SBMs) and Medicaid eligibility systems-platforms that millions of Americans rely on daily. Within IdeaCrew, a Washington, D.C.-based technology firm serving federal and state health programs, he has built advanced testing frameworks and cybersecurity practices that ensure both functionality and compliance with rigorous standards such as HIPAA, CMS MARS-E, and NIST SP 800-53.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mammadzada is also a published author and framework architect, known for creating the groundbreaking Secure and Compliant Healthcare QA and Penetration Testing Framework. His book, Securing Healthcare Software: A Practical Guide to Functional Testing, Penetration Testing, and Compliance, has gained recognition among industry professionals and solidified his position as a thought leader at the intersection of technology, safety, and public health.

He has also earned international visibility as a judge and expert panelist at major technology competitions such as Code Resurrection: Bringing Digital Ghosts Back to Life 2025 and Cases and Faces, where he evaluates emerging global innovations in cybersecurity and software development.

Over the past decade, Mammadzada has become one of the influential voices shaping how technology, security, and public trust intersect. His journey-from his beginnings in Baku, Azerbaijan, to leadership roles across North America-reflects both personal achievement and the rise of Azerbaijani expertise in global innovation.

In this interview with Azernews, Mammadzada shares how he built his career, why cybersecurity in healthcare is about more than technology, and how his roots continue to influence his mission of making digital systems safer for everyone.

Q: Tamerlan, your professional journey from Baku to leading major healthcare technology projects in the United States is remarkable. How did it all begin?

A: My story started in Azerbaijan, where I developed an early interest in technology and problem-solving. I was fascinated by how digital systems could improve people’s lives – but I also realized that technology without security could easily harm them. That understanding pushed me to specialize in software quality and cybersecurity. Every step of my career since then has been guided by one goal: to make systems not just functional, but trustworthy.

Q: You’re known for playing a key role in protecting healthcare systems used by millions of people. What does your work focus on?

A: My focus is on strengthening the digital infrastructure that people depend on to access healthcare. These systems process medical records, insurance applications, and personal data every day. If something fails or is compromised, it directly affects real lives – families waiting for coverage, patients needing treatment. My responsibility is to ensure that the technology behind these systems remains secure, reliable, and transparent. It’s not just an IT function; it’s a public responsibility.

Q: How do you balance technology and humanity in a field that is so technical by nature?

A: I always remind my teams that behind every system, there is a person. When a platform fails or is attacked, it’s not just data that’s affected – it’s someone’s healthcare, someone’s peace of mind. That’s why cybersecurity must be seen as an act of protection, not just a technical task. Every secure system is a promise kept to the people who depend on it.

Q: You’ve often said that software quality and cybersecurity should not be treated as separate goals. Can you explain why?

A: In many organizations, quality assurance focuses on whether something works, while cybersecurity focuses on whether it can be broken. If those two teams don’t work together, vulnerabilities appear. I built frameworks that merge them into a single unified process – where every test considers both reliability and protection. It saves time, reduces risk, and builds systems that people can truly trust.

Q: You developed a healthcare security framework used by major State Health Insurance Marketplaces and later published it as a book. What inspired that work?

A: My work has always centered on bridging software quality and cybersecurity – two areas that are often treated separately but are deeply interconnected. Through years of experience in healthcare technology, I saw the need for a unified approach that ensures both functionality and security at every stage. That became the foundation for my book, Securing Healthcare Software: A Practical Guide to Functional Testing, Penetration Testing, and Compliance. Seeing professionals adopt it as a reference has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Q: Beyond the technical results, what do you see as the broader social impact of your work?

A: The true impact is stability and confidence. When systems run securely, people receive their health benefits on time, hospitals share data safely, and governments maintain public trust. Cybersecurity is often invisible, but its outcomes are deeply social – it protects families, ensures fairness, and keeps essential services functioning reliably.

Q: You hold senior memberships in global organizations such as Hackathon Raptors, ISACA, HIMSS, and the Soft Computing Research Society. What do these roles mean to you?

A: They allow me to contribute beyond my daily work – by reviewing research, mentoring engineers, and supporting the development of international standards. It’s also a way to represent Azerbaijan on the global stage. I take pride in showing that our country produces experts who are shaping global technology in meaningful ways.

Q: Looking ahead, what do you think will define the next era of healthcare technology?

A: The next era will be driven by intelligence and adaptability. Systems will not only detect problems but also predict and resolve them automatically. Artificial intelligence will make security more proactive, and continuous validation will replace manual reviews. The goal is to build technology that becomes self-aware enough to protect people in real time – and that’s the future I’m working toward.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to young Azerbaijani professionals who aspire to work internationally?

A: Never underestimate the power of curiosity and discipline. Growing up in Azerbaijan, I learned the value of hard work and resilience – qualities more important than geography. The world needs ethical, skilled, and visionary engineers. If you lead with integrity and think globally, your work will always find its place on the world stage.

Tamerlan Mammadzada’s journey reflects how one Azerbaijani-born technologist transformed expertise into social impact, building bridges between technology and trust. His career demonstrates that true innovation is not only about systems or code, but about protecting the lives and confidence of the people who depend on them. As healthcare undergoes rapid digital transformation, his story stands as a powerful reminder that global progress often begins with local roots.

The Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, hosted by Uzbekistan, took place in Tashkent. The summit in Tashkent, hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was attended by Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Japarov, Republic of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

One of the summit’s most significant developments was Azerbaijan’s admission as a full member to the Central Asia Heads of State Consultative Meeting format. Concerning this decision, Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev stated that ‘brotherly Azerbaijan will give the consultative mechanism a strong impetus, expanding cooperation in trade-economics, investment, culture, and humanitarian spheres.’ He also emphasized that Azerbaijan forms a powerful bridge between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, saying that with this participation, the region’s strategic ties and stability would be further strengthened. All the heads of state present at the summit expressed their satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s accession.

Azerbaijan’s full membership is also seen as a critical step for new trade corridors between Central Asia and Europe. By joining, the Central Asian states strengthen their potential for concrete progress in cooperation areas, thanks to the faster decision-making capability provided by the consultative mechanism.

In his speech, Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev pointed to the rising international interest in the region, noting, ‘the era of closed borders and isolation is over.’ He argued that the regional solidarity achieved through joint efforts opens a broad horizon for development and international cooperation in Central Asia. He said intra-regional trade is growing, joint initiatives are increasing, and major projects in industry, energy, mechanical engineering, and agriculture are being implemented. Tokayev added that trade barriers are being gradually removed, land and rail connections are expanding, and Central Asia has the opportunity to become a key transit center of Eurasia – but realizing that potential will require coordinated steps. He also warned that reducing bureaucracy at border crossings, introducing an electronic cargo tracking system, and establishing a common transport strategy are crucial.

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev stated that territorial issues among the Central Asian states had been resolved, border crossings were reopened, and mutually beneficial cooperation in water and energy had been established. He noted that transport links had been restored, creating a favorable environment for trade, investment, and humanitarian contacts, and emphasized that this positive atmosphere in the region needed to be institutionalized. In this context, he proposed developing a Charter of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, establishing a Secretariat to operate on a rotating basis, and raising the status of national coordinators to the level of Special Representatives of the Presidents.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, in his speech, drew attention to the road and railways developed in Central Asia in recent years; he proposed the development of a joint electronic platform called the ‘Digital Transit Corridor,’ which would enable the sharing of customs data and the regulation of permit documents through a ‘single-window’ system to facilitate transportation.

Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who will assume the rotating chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in 2026, summarized the roadmap to be developed under Turkmenistan’s presidency by saying, ‘As Turkmenistan, we will make every effort, by strengthening our unity, solidarity, and economic partnership in Central Asia, to increase our region’s appeal to large foreign investments and to implement large-scale international projects in the fields of energy, transport, communication, and other sectors.’

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, in his speech, recalled the signing of the ‘Agreement on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation’ for Central Asia’s development and stressed that this document is based on the principles of equal partnership, mutual respect, and trust. Rahmon also stated that there are great opportunities to strengthen good-neighbour relations and to expand cooperation in tourism and sports, and emphasized the necessity of broadly using the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage in order to raise the region’s prestige and influence.

In summary, in their speeches, all the heads of state made joint statements that political unity, security cooperation, and economic integration must be strengthened in order to shape the future of the region. They underlined that, for the future of Central Asia, development-oriented common steps should be taken, such as expanding transport-logistics networks, liberalizing trade, and cooperating on digitization and artificial intelligence. In addition, the Central Asian leaders expressed that they are united in the goal of building a stable, interconnected, and prosperous Central Asia on the basis of peaceful diplomacy, cultural closeness, and shared heritage.

As a result, when the summit and its outcomes are evaluated, it is seen that many issues inherited by the Central Asian states after the dissolution of the USSR have now been resolved within various consultative mechanisms established or joined by the Central Asian states.

During the Soviet era, due to Russia’s position as the diplomatic center, a relationship mechanism was formed in which the Central Asian states prioritized their relations with Russia rather than with each other. As a consequence of this situation, it is observed that relations among the Central Asian states, which gained their independence after the dissolution of the USSR, remained weak. Therefore, after the dissolution of the USSR, Russia’s mediating role in the resolution of regional problems continued, and Central Asia was regarded as Russia’s backyard. As a result of this, relations among the states of the region took shape according to Russia’s interests in the region; friendships, hostilities, and economic and cultural relations in the region were shaped from Russia’s point of view.

For example, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed this framework drawn by Russia in Central Asia and the South Caucasus in a speech as follows: ‘The deep-rooted hostility between Armenians, Turks, and Azerbaijanis was shaped by Soviet-era propaganda and the influence of the KGB. When we say, ‘How can we trust Azerbaijan?’, they say the same thing about Armenians. This is a worldview shaped by KGB agents, and we must get rid of this worldview as soon as possible,” he said, drawing attention to the roots of the region’s problems.

In summary, including the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia held on 16 November 2025, the Central Asian states have either hosted or participated in numerous international meetings within this year alone. This stands as the most concrete indicator of the increasing interest shown toward the Central Asian states. These meetings are also seen to pave the way for new economic and cultural developments in the region. However, the growing interest of China, the United States, and the European Union in the Central Asian states also brings risks. For example, major powers showing interest in the region’s underground and above-ground economic resources, especially rare earth elements, may also bring about a power struggle within the region. As a result of this situation, the Central Asian states may be pulled into becoming the center of conflicting interests among different power balances in Central Asia. The inclusion of Russia in these struggles may also bring hot conflicts to the region. Along with all this, it could also lead to the economic and cultural exploitation of the region. In this context, it is essential for the Central Asian states to keep the balance of power in the region aligned with their national and moral interests. In this regard, the proposal by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Elements in Astana is significant, and in this context, it is important that the region’s rare earth elements be institutionally protected in a manner that will provide technology transfer to the Central Asian states and add economic value to the region in line with the interests of the Central Asian states.

A signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of Silk Way Group to formalize a memorandum of cooperation between Silk Way West Airlines, one of the region’s leading cargo carriers, and Azerbaijan’s national postal operator, Azerpost LLC.

As reported by Azernews, the agreement aims to enhance collaboration in postal logistics, air cargo, and e-commerce deliveries.

The memorandum establishes a framework for strategic cooperation in international and domestic cargo transportation, mail sorting, warehousing services, and logistics optimization. By combining their expertise and infrastructure, both parties aim to improve the efficiency of postal and cargo flows domestically and internationally.

Under the agreement, Azerspost will utilize Silk Way West Airlines’ global flight network for the transportation of international mail and e-commerce parcels to Baku and other destinations. This arrangement will allow Silk Way West Airlines to expand its cargo volumes, while Azerpost will manage domestic sorting, processing, and last-mile delivery services.

The partnership will also create new opportunities at the Alat Free Economic Zone, where both parties plan to implement joint logistics solutions and modern distribution models. In the initial phase, a fully automated e-commerce terminal spanning 12,000 square meters will be established to process all mail and e-commerce parcels, forming the foundation for regional logistics operations.

Vice President of Silk Way West Airlines, Vuqar Mammadov, emphasized that the collaboration marks a major step in developing Azerbaijan’s postal and logistics infrastructure. He noted that combining efforts with Azerpost will expand capabilities in e-commerce logistics and contribute to transforming the Alat Free Economic Zone into a key regional and global cargo hub.

Isi Mustafayev, Acting Chairman of Azerpost LLC, highlighted that the partnership will significantly increase the efficiency and speed of international postal operations, enabling more flexible and reliable delivery services both within Azerbaijan and abroad. He added that future cooperation between Silk Way West Airlines and Azerpost will further deepen through digital, operational, and infrastructure projects, supporting Azerbaijan’s ambition to become a central logistics hub connecting East and West.

The main venue for the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) will be the Baku Olympic Stadium.

As reported by Azernews, this was announced today by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and the national coordinator for WUF13, during a briefing dedicated to the diplomatic corps.

In line with the organizational standards established during COP29, WUF13 is set to provide all participants with easy accessibility, efficient logistics, and exceptional hospitality, Guliyev emphasized.

He also highlighted the unprecedented pace of global urbanization, noting that this rapid transformation creates opportunities for prosperity, innovation, and development, while simultaneously posing significant challenges related to housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and social inclusivity. In recent years, numerous international platforms have increasingly focused on the intersection of urbanization and climate change, he added.

WUF13 is scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026. The forum is being organized through the collaboration of the Azerbaijani government and the UN-HABITAT Program of the United Nations. The event will bring together representatives from governments, municipalities, the private sector, civil society, youth and academic circles, as well as international organizations from various countries.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has shared a post on his official social network accounts on the occasion of 17 November- National Revival Day.

A delegation led by Doszhan Musaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, has arrived in Azerbaijan for an official visit, Azernews reports, citing the Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

According to information, the guests first toured the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center, where they were briefed on the center’s operations and training programs.

As part of the visit, the delegation also held discussions at the Electronic Security Service, exchanging views on opportunities for cooperation in cybersecurity.

The Kazakh representatives later visited the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. During a meeting with Deputy Minister Samir Mammadov, they were informed about the establishment and operating principles of Azerbaijan’s cyber centers.

The Kazakh side expressed a strong interest in learning from Azerbaijan’s experience in cybersecurity and exploring avenues for further collaboration.

For the first time in Azerbaijan, the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) will feature a leaders’ summit, bringing together heads of state and government to discuss the future of cities, says Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and national coordinator of WUF13, during a briefing dedicated to the diplomatic corps, Azernews reports.

According to him, Azerbaijan is introducing a series of new initiatives to enhance the forum’s significance and impact. The leaders’ summit will mark an innovative first for WUF, providing a platform for political leaders to engage directly on urban development and sustainability, highlighting Azerbaijan’s intent to play a key role in shaping global priorities.

He noted that the country aims to usher in a new era of political commitment to sustainable and resilient urban futures. Drawing on lessons from COP29, the ministerial-level sessions at WUF13 will be redesigned to be more interactive, practical, and results-oriented, fostering direct exchanges among ministers, mayors, experts, and practitioners.

This updated format is expected to strengthen political dialogue, accelerate decision-making, and support countries in achieving concrete outcomes for urban and housing priorities. In addition, WUF13 will place special emphasis on extensive and meaningful participation from cities and local governments.

WUF13 is scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026. The forum is organized in collaboration between the Azerbaijani government and the UN-HABITAT Program of the United Nations and will bring together representatives from governments, municipalities, the private sector, civil society, youth and academic circles, as well as international organizations from around the world.