Category: Azer News

OpenAI has announced the automation of its latest GPT-5.1 models – GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Reasoning – designed to deliver faster, smarter, and more adaptive AI interactions, Azernews reports.

According to the company, users can now interact with the system in real time and receive responses that automatically adjust throughout the day based on their communication style and preferences.

GPT-5.1 Instant prioritizes speed and responsiveness. It is optimized for quick conversations, short-form writing, code editing, and distribution tasks. Unlike previous versions, the model can now automatically switch into a short reasoning mode when deeper analysis is required. The response structure and clarity have also been improved for smoother communication.

Meanwhile, GPT-5.1 Reasoning (previously codenamed OPS-5.1) is designed for tasks requiring high precision and analytical depth, such as multi-step problem-solving, complex programming, planning, and data analytics. The model dynamically allocates computing resources, processing simple queries instantly and extending reasoning time for more challenging requests.

Among its key upgrades are stronger logical consistency, improved context retention, and minimal jargon, allowing it to handle technical discussions with more natural flow and precision.

OpenAI has also enhanced its chat personalization system, offering distinct conversation tones – Standard, Friendly, Efficient, Professional, Outspoken, and Unorthodox. The selected tone now applies across all chats, while an experimental mode lets users fine-tune tone intensity for different situations.

For developers, full backward compatibility with previous OPS-5 family APIs remains intact. The company also confirmed that the new GPT-5.1 models have passed comprehensive safety evaluations and include enhanced filters for emotionally sensitive or high-impact scenarios.

To ensure a smooth transition, the previous OPS-5 models will remain available for three more months, allowing users to compare generations and choose the most suitable configuration for their specific workflows.

Industry experts view GPT-5.1 as a major step toward fully adaptive AI systems – capable not just of generating text, but of deciding how to think based on the complexity and emotional tone of each interaction. This could redefine how humans and AI collaborate across creative, analytical, and technical domains.

A package of multilateral documents is expected to be signed following the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

The 7th Consultative Meeting will be held on November 15-16 in Tashkent under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

According to the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, the summit will be attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kaha Imnadze, will also take part in the event.

The agenda includes strengthening regional cooperation, advancing joint projects and initiatives in priority areas, as well as exchanging views on pressing issues of regional and international politics.

Regular consultative meetings among Central Asian leaders were initiated by President Mirziyoyev during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in September 2017. During Uzbekistan’s chairmanship in this format, more than 20 major events covering various areas of cooperation have been held.

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Surface at Microsoft, outlined the future direction of Windows on the social network X (formerly Twitter), stating that the platform is evolving into an ‘agent-based operating system’ with a strong focus on deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Azernews reports.

The announcement came shortly after the completion of an internal reorganization within the Windows division, aimed at accelerating AI integration into the operating system. While Microsoft has previously hinted at a shift toward an AI-driven OS, Davuluri’s statement represented one of the clearest confirmations of this strategy.

The response from users, however, was mixed. Many expressed concerns in the comments about Windows becoming a platform where AI agents play a central role. Common criticisms included fears of forced AI integration and skepticism about Microsoft’s overall product direction. Similar sentiments have appeared in other official Microsoft communications regarding Windows development.

Users also highlighted that the backlash isn’t just about the AI-focused concept itself but also reflects long-standing frustrations with the Windows ecosystem. Frequently discussed issues include: increased dependence on Microsoft services such as OneDrive and Copilot, system slowdowns, reduced update stability sometimes leading to failures, and growing distrust of the company’s product priorities.

Despite the criticism, experts note that an AI-driven Windows OS could unlock new productivity and automation features for businesses and developers, potentially transforming the way users interact with their computers-if Microsoft manages to balance innovation with reliability and user control.

The ‘Khojaly’ dry cargo vessel, operated by ASCO – part of AZCON Holding – has departed Port Kembla in Australia en route to the Port of Los Angeles in the United States, Azernews reports, citing the company.

According to information, the ship set sail carrying 24,251 tons of steel and is expected to arrive at its destination late next week.

At present, the ‘Khojaly’ is navigating the Pacific Ocean under full safety protocols, with the voyage being carried out in full compliance with international operational standards.

The vessel was commissioned on May 27, 2024, in the People’s Republic of China. Designed for unrestricted sailing, the Handysize-class dry cargo ship has a deadweight capacity of 38,593 tons, a length of 180 meters, a width of 30 meters, a draft of 10.47 meters, and a maximum speed of 15.7 knots.

The International Mugham Center (IMC), a prominent cultural landmark in Baku, has become a symbol of the city’s identity, distinguished by its unique architectural design and prime location, Azernews reports.

Local residents and the guests of Baku city flock to this cultural pearl, where they can enjoy Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage.

A permanent exhibition of traditional musical instruments, showcased in the center’s foyer, further enhances the experience. Visitors can explore ancient instruments like the tar, kamancha, balaban, and qaval.

According to the IMC’s leadership, there are plans to transform this collection into a full-fledged museum exhibit, a move that promises to further boost tourism and offer international guests an even deeper connection with Azerbaijan’s musical traditions.

The International Mugham Center has seen a noticeable rise in interest this year, particularly from tourists attending mugham and ethnoconcerts.

Notably, during the 9th “Mugham” TV Contest, the center hosted numerous concerts, attracting a diverse range of visitors.

Monthly events cater to both music specialists and casual attendees, with advertising banners placed outside to draw in more tourists. During the day, as tourists pass by in anticipation of the evening performances, many stop to admire the center’s striking architecture and inviting atmosphere.

This growing international interest was particularly evident during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when many race fans and visitors to Baku also attended IMC’s musical events.

Moreover, foreign television channels, invited by the State Tourism Agency, have regularly featured extensive reports on the IMC, further amplifying the global appeal of Azerbaijani mugham.

For anyone visiting Baku, the IMC is an essential destination, a place to immerse oneself in the nation’s cultural essence and experience the enchanting power of Azerbaijani music firsthand.

The Mugham Center was established on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008.

The Mugham Center regularly organises large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

The Center also takes important steps towards bolstering cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art.

In 2025, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by legislation.

This new status contributes to improving the financial well-being of the people working at the center, which has been one of the leading concert institutions in Baku for many years.

An event titled ‘Path of Liberty’ was held in Bern, Switzerland, dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Victory Day on 8 November and the 140th anniversary of renowned composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov attended the ceremony, Azernews reports.

In his remarks, Muradov noted that under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan’s diaspora policy has entered a new stage of development. He also highlighted the significant contributions of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva to promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage internationally.

Muradov emphasized that Azerbaijani communities worldwide are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Victory with great enthusiasm and continue implementing successful initiatives aimed at showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage abroad. He stressed that cultural diplomacy plays an essential role in strengthening trust between nations, deepening mutual understanding, and building lasting friendships – a priority for Azerbaijani diaspora organizations.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Fuad Isgandarov, underlined the important role of the diaspora in strengthening the country’s international image and promoting humanitarian values, noting that cultural events significantly contribute to Azerbaijan’s global outreach.

Maryam Gulamova, head of the Caspian-Alpine Society, stated that the organization’s projects help build cultural bridges between the two countries and emphasized the importance of promoting Azerbaijani culture in Europe not only through artistic programs and festivals but also at an academic level.

The event also featured the presentation of the monograph ‘Modernity and Archaics: 20th Century Azerbaijani Musical Culture in the Context of Three Empires’ by Germany-based composer and musicologist Elmir Mirzayev. The author provided detailed insights into the work, which covers 200 years of Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural development. The book has been translated into German and published by Transcript-Verlag (Bielefeld), and distributed to major libraries in Azerbaijan and Germany.

Moderated by Sara Abbasova, First Secretary of Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the event continued with a cultural program.

The artistic segment featured performances of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s ‘Ashigsayagi,’ ‘Arazbari,’ ‘Sansiz,’ and ‘Sevgili Canan,’ as well as Mirzayev’s composition ‘Dedication,’ honoring the victims of the Khojaly genocide. Soprano Mara Huseynova, members of the ‘Berner Klaviertrio’ – violinist Roman Filipov, cellist Pierre Deppe, pianist Igor Andreev – along with works by Turker Gasimzade, composer and dean at Garabagh University, captivated the audience, earning prolonged applause.

The event was organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with support from the Caspian-Alpine Society.

Today, our countries play a leading role in the development of the East-West and North-South corridors. Azerbaijan is making significant investments in the infrastructure of modern railways and highways, as well as airports and seaports, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the participants of the international conference on “The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes,” Azernews reports.

‘We view these transport and communication lines not only as a source of economic prosperity, but also as an important foundation for closer integration of Turkic states in political, cultural, security, and defense spheres,’ the Azerbaijani President emphasized.

As part of the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, an International Congress on “Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia and Azerbaijan” is being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Azernews reports.

The Congress, a key platform underscoring the Central Asian countries’ commitment to spiritual values, plays a significant role in advancing intercultural dialogue and strengthening humanitarian cooperation.

The event is organized by the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Society for the Study, Protection, and Promotion of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage (WOSCU), the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, and the Central Asia International Institute.

The Congress opened on November 13 at the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, followed by a tour of the museum exhibitions, the International Platform, and the Calligraphy School.

The event began with a message from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and proceeded with plenary sessions involving culture ministers, muftis, presidents of national academies of sciences, museum directors, youth affairs departments, “Culture” TV channels, art academies, national libraries, and leaders of writers’ and composers’ unions from Central Asia.

During the plenary session, the Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, addressed the participants on behalf of Azerbaijani libraries, wishing the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center continued success in its efforts.

During her visit to Mingachevir, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, took part in a series of environmental initiatives, Azernews reports.

The visit began with the release of 25,000 carp into the Mingachevir reservoir, attended by Leyla Aliyeva. The initiative aims to restore aquatic bioresources, increase fish stocks, and contribute to the ecological balance of water bodies.

Later, Aliyeva participated in a reintroduction program at the Korchay State Nature Reserve. Ten gazelles were brought from the Shirvan National Park and released into the reserve. The relocation is intended to enhance genetic diversity among the existing gazelle population, prevent various diseases, and promote the formation of a healthier gazelle population in the area. Currently, the Korchay State Nature Reserve is home to 810 gazelles.

As part of the visit, a tree-planting campaign was also held in Mingachevir. With Aliyeva’s participation, 100 volunteers planted 200 trees, including Eldar pines and cypresses. These species are drought-resistant and well-suited to the region’s soil and climate conditions, making them important for environmental protection and expanding green spaces.

It should be noted that these environmental initiatives are part of the ongoing work of the IDEA Public Union to protect the environment and biodiversity in Azerbaijan.

The effectiveness of cooperation in the field of security of transport and communication lines is a guarantee for the economic development and long-term stability of fraternal states, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the participants of the international conference on “The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes,” Azernews reports.

‘I am confident that today’s event and, most importantly, the continuous joint work of the secret services will help resolve key issues related to the security, stability and well-being of our countries, and also contribute to the peaceful and prosperous development of our peoples,’ the head of state added.