China plans to limit car acceleration to 100 km/h

China’s Ministry of Public Security has introduced new national safety standards for motor vehicles, Azernews reports.

One notable measure limits the acceleration of cars from 0 to 100 km/h to at least 5 seconds, with the goal of improving road safety. The proposal is currently open for public consultation.

According to reports, this is not a complete ban on fast acceleration, but rather a special setting that prevents a vehicle from accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds without additional actions to override it.

The new standards also introduce other safety requirements for vehicles. For instance, electric and plug-in hybrid cars must be equipped with systems to prevent accidental acceleration caused by pedal errors, automatically limiting the vehicle’s power output.

In response to recent high-profile accidents where passengers were trapped in damaged vehicles, the regulations also include stricter requirements for door design. Every door must have mechanical handles both inside and outside, and doors should unlock automatically if airbags deploy or if the battery overheats.

Interestingly, some experts believe that these measures could influence global car design trends, as Chinese safety standards are increasingly being referenced by automakers and regulators worldwide. If implemented, this could lead to safer cars not only in China but across international markets.

Estonia funds Starlink communications for Ukraine

Estonia has allocated pound 3.5 million for Ukraine to purchase Starlink communication systems as part of the Estonia-led IT Coalition, Azernews reports.

According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the decision follows Ukraine’s request for support to ensure stable Starlink connectivity.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that Ukraine had indicated a particular need for assistance in maintaining Starlink communications.

‘Given Ukraine’s intention to significantly increase the number of drones that require high-speed internet connectivity, Starlink’s capabilities are especially important,’ he said.

The minister stressed that, alongside weapons, information and technology support also play a critical role.

‘That is why I am glad that we can help strengthen Ukraine’s IT capabilities, thereby increasing its chances of success in a war where hundreds of people are dying every day,’ Pevkur added.

New “viral” chocolate create in UAE

Abu Dhabi (UAE) has launched an exclusive chocolate, following in the footsteps of Dubai, where a similar confection went viral last year, Azernews reports.

The new Abu Dhabi Chocolate was crafted by Filipino chef Nuel Katis.

Its standout feature is a luxurious filling of dates and tahini infused with saffron and cardamom, while the chocolate itself is elegantly wrapped in edible gold foil.

Last year, Dubai’s chocolate, made with pistachio paste and kataifi dough, became an online sensation. According to Duty Free outlets, 2.5 million bars worth $45 million were sold in Dubai during the first half of 2025.

Culinary experts note that the rising popularity of these gold-covered chocolates is part of a broader trend of luxury sweets turning into collectible experiences-with travelers not just buying them for taste, but also for the Instagram-worthy presentation and the prestige of owning an ultra-exclusive treat.

Trump considers major F-35 jet deal with Saudi Arabia despite security concerns

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is considering agreeing to a deal to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 stealth fighter jets, which are made by Lockheed Martin, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

“They wanna buy a lot of jets,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

“I’m looking at that. They’ve asked me to look at it. They want to buy a lot of ’35’ – but they want to buy actually more than that, fighter jets.”

The potential sale comes as Trump plans to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House next week, when they are expected to sign economic and defense agreements.

Asked about the talks, Trump told reporters it was “more than meeting, we’re honoring” Saudi Arabia.

He repeated that he hoped Saudi would soon join the Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations. Riyadh has resisted such a step absent agreement on a roadmap to Palestinian statehood.

A Pentagon intelligence report has raised concerns over the potential F-35 deal, warning that China could acquire the aircraft’s technology if the sale proceeds, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the assessment.

Azerbaijan women’s handball team falls to Uzbekistan in opening match at Islamic Solidarity Games

The Azerbaijani women’s handball team played its opening match at the VI Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Azernews reports that the team, placed in Group B, faced Uzbekistan in their first game.

The match, held at the Green Hall Olympic Complex, ended in a 28-26 victory for Uzbekistan.

Azerbaijan’s national team is scheduled to play its next match against Kazakhstan on November 17.

President Ilham Aliyev holds one-on-one meeting with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev [PHOTOS]

On November 15, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a one-on-one meeting with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the sides hailed the successful development of relationship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which is based on alliance and strategic partnership.

The role of President Ilham Aliyev’s regular visits to Uzbekistan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visits to Azerbaijan in the development of relations between the two countries was highlighted.

The parties noted with satisfaction that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia has recently expanded considerably, and in this regard, stressed the significance of the participation of President Ilham Aliyev in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

During the conversation, the heads of state exchanged views on the prospects of relations between the two countries.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrives in Uzbekistan

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Tashkent on November 15 to participate in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, Azernews reports.

A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at Tashkent International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdualla Aripov, and other officials.

Cambodian and US leaders discuss Thailand border tensions in phone call

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has acknowledged conducting diplomatic discussions with US President Donald Trump regarding escalating border tensions with Thailand. During Friday’s telephone conversation, both leaders addressed recent military clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand frontier and strategies for maintaining the peace agreement previously established with American mediation support, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak.

The Cambodian leader expressed appreciation for Trump’s ceasefire initiative and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration while reaffirming Phnom Penh’s firm commitment to upholding the agreement’s principles. Hun Manet emphasized Cambodia’s preference for resolving border disputes through established bilateral mechanisms and previously agreed principles, hoping both nations would continue cooperative engagement. President Trump reportedly emphasized his desire for lasting peace between the Southeast Asian neighbors while committing to ongoing monitoring of border developments.

The diplomatic exchange follows Wednesday’s cross-border confrontation that resulted in one civilian fatality and three additional injuries, with both Thailand and Cambodia exchanging accusations regarding responsibility. The violent incident occurred shortly after Thailand suspended a peace pact both nations signed last month in Kuala Lumpur with President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim serving as witnesses to the agreement.

Cambodia and Thailand had previously established an unconditional ceasefire during July trilateral discussions hosted by Prime Minister Anwar, following several weeks of sustained hostilities. The White House confirmed Friday that President Trump had engaged in separate communications with both Cambodian and Thai officials aimed at de-escalating border tensions, though specific conversation participants beyond Hun Manet remained unspecified in official statements.

Northern Cyprus marks 42nd Republic Day with ceremonies and celebrations [PHOTOS]

On November 15, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is holding grand ceremonies in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and other cities to mark the 42nd anniversary of Republic Day, Azernews reports.

An official reception took place at the Presidential Complex in Nicosia, where TRNC’s sixth President, Tufan Erhrman, received numerous congratulations.

From Turkiye, a delegation led by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz attended the events. He reaffirmed Ankara’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Turkish Cypriot community. Various Turkish state institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, also extended their congratulations to the TRNC leadership and citizens.

As part of the celebrations, wreaths were laid at the monuments of the TRNC’s first President Rauf Denktas and his deputy Fazil Kçk, as well as memorials dedicated to Turkish Cypriot martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom. A festive parade was held on Fazil Kçk Boulevard in Nicosia.

In addition, vessels belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces anchored along the northern coast of Cyprus in honor of the Republic Day celebrations.

Azerbaijan highlights growing ties with Central Asia at cultural congress

From November 13 to 15, the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, is hosting an international congress on ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia.’ The event brings together representatives from five Central Asian nations: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.

According to the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani delegation, led by Culture Minister Adil K?rimli, is participating in the congress. On November 14, a Ministers’ Conference was held as part of the event.

Opening the conference, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, highlighted the importance of this international gathering in fostering collaboration among friendly nations and expressed confidence that the congress and the Ministers’ Conference would make a meaningful contribution to the development of cultural cooperation.

In his speech, Minister Adil K?rimli thanked his Uzbek counterpart for inviting Azerbaijan to participate in the prestigious international event. He emphasized President Ilham Aliyev’s special focus on strengthening ties with Central Asian states, noting that relations with the five participating countries have rapidly deepened in recent years.

‘Culturally, our nations are connected by a reliable bridge that grows stronger every year. Last year and this year have been particularly significant for the cultural life of our brotherly countries. Mutual cultural days, participation in international festivals, artistic tours, and expanding cooperation between educational and creative institutions-all of these reflect the high level of our relations. I am confident that through the implementation of the tasks set by our national leaders, we will continue to write new, bright pages in this area,’ K?rimli said.

Following his remarks, speeches were delivered by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva; Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Matlubaxon Sattoriyen; Turkmenistan’s Minister of Culture, Atageldi Shamiradov; and Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambataliyev.

The ministers collectively highlighted the importance of cultural integration among their nations and discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in the years ahead.