Category: Azer News

A tornado killed at least five people and injured more than 400 as it destroyed most of a town in southern Brazil, authorities said Saturday, Azernews reports, citing Arab News.

The twister on Friday overturned cars and damaged homes in Rio Bonito do Iguacu, in Parana state, the local weather service reported.

It killed five people and injured 432, the Parana state government said. Two others are missing but this number could rise, it said.

Winds in Rio Bonito do Iguacu, population 14,000, reached between 180 and 250 kilometers per hour (110 and 155 miles per hour), Parana’s environmental technology and monitoring agency said.

Civil Defense officials said 80 percent of the town is now destroyed. Images on social media show homes razed by the violent weather.

‘It is a war scene,’ Fernando Schunig, head of the Parana Civil Defense agency, told the news outlet G1.

He said the likelihood of more fatalities is high because the twister hit right in the center of the town.

‘When these events hit an urban area, the damage is major. It is very lethal,’ Schunig said.

The governor of Parana, Ratinho Junior, said on X that ‘security forces are on alert, mobilized and monitoring the cities affected by the severe storms.’

An alert for dangerous storms was in effect for all of Parana as well as the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, according to weather authorities.

The grand military parade held at Baku’s Azadliq Square to mark the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s glorious Victory in the Patriotic War has drawn widespread attention from leading media outlets around the world and received extensive international coverage.

According to Azernews, reports highlighted the remarks delivered by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Trkiye, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Coverage emphasized that the parade showcased the full military strength of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and also revisited key moments of the Patriotic War.

The event received particularly comprehensive coverage in leading media organizations of Trkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Outlets such as Anadolu Agency, TRT Avaz, TRT Haber, A Haber, Haber Global, NTV, and newspapers including Milliyet, Hrriyet, HaberTrk, Aksam, Sabah, Yeni Safak, Trkiye Gazetesi, and Kibris Gazetesi devoted significant attention to the ceremony.

Across both brotherly countries, major news agencies, television channels, newspapers, and online platforms brought the speeches of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the display of military equipment and weaponry showcased during the parade, to millions of viewers and readers.

Reports highlighted statements by the presidents of Trkiye and Azerbaijan on ensuring lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus, the close solidarity between Baku and Ankara, and the growing prospects for regional cooperation. Anadolu Agency featured quotes in its ‘Top News’ section, including President Ilham Aliyev’s remark that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s declaration during the Patriotic War – ‘Azerbaijan is not alone, Trkiye stands with Azerbaijan!’ – carried a powerful message, as well as his affirmation that ‘the Azerbaijani people will never forget this brotherly support.’ Anadolu also underlined Erdogan’s comment that ‘this Victory is the cornerstone of the path to lasting peace in the Caucasus.’

Particular attention was given to the Turkish President’s assessment that Azerbaijan’s historic Victory in the 44-day war reshaped the geopolitical balance across Asia and Europe. Numerous photographs of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Pakistan were published, and the importance of restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty for the entire Turkic world was strongly emphasized.

Leading Pakistani media outlets, including ARN News Centre, AAJ News (AAJ TV), The Express Tribune, Brecorder, Geo News, 24 News HD, Minute Mirror, Lead Pakistan, and Dawn, highlighted the scale and grandeur of the military parade, the joint participation of Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Pakistani armed forces, and the display of advanced military equipment and aviation. Special focus was placed on President Ilham Aliyev’s address, with extensive coverage of his remarks on Trkiye’s and Pakistan’s unwavering support during the Patriotic War. Reports also noted the President’s gratitude to Pakistan for its firm backing during Azerbaijan’s just struggle and his appreciation of Islamabad’s role in ensuring regional stability in South Asia.

Pakistani media prominently reported Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s attendance at the parade and underscored the close military cooperation among the three brotherly nations. Publications noted that the parade reflected regional partnership and contributed to strengthening peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In this context, The Express Tribune highlighted the Prime Minister’s statement at the parade: ‘This is a vivid demonstration of friendship and regional solidarity.’

Pakistani outlets also covered Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Azerbaijan, his meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, and the trilateral meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Pakistan.

The European Commission is considering pushing back parts of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act after sustained pressure from businesses and the Trump administration, according to media reports, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

The Commission confirmed that ‘a reflection’ was ‘still ongoing’ on possible delays, following a Financial Times report that said Brussels was assessing changes intended to ease requirements for major tech companies.

The act, the world’s first broad legal framework for governing AI, took effect in August 2024, though many of its rules have not yet kicked in.

Most requirements for companies building high-risk AI systems that ‘pose serious risks to health, safety or fundamental rights’ are scheduled to apply starting in August 2026, or even a year later.

The Financial Times reported that the Commission is weighing a one-year ‘grace period’ for companies violating the strictest AI rules.

Under an internal document cited by the Financial Times, generative AI providers with products already on the market before the rules take effect could receive a one-year pause ‘to provide sufficient time . to adapt their practices within a reasonable time without disrupting the market.’

The report said the Commission is also weighing postponing fines for breaches of the new AI transparency rules until August 2027 to ‘provide sufficient time for adaptation of providers and deployers of AI systems.’

The MLex news organisation reported that Brussels is likewise exploring more flexible, less prescriptive monitoring requirements for developers of high-risk AI systems.

The proposals may still change before their expected Nov. 19 release, after which EU states and the European parliament must sign off, the Guardian reported.

Brussels has faced pressure from the Trump administration to soften tech rules, with the US president warning of tariffs on countries whose regulations ‘harm or discriminate against American technology.’

Meta, the parent company of US social media firms like Facebook and Instagram, has already declined to sign the commission’s code of practice for general-purpose AI models. ‘Europe is heading down the wrong path on AI,’ wrote Joel Kaplan, arguing the code creates ‘legal uncertainties’ and goes ‘far beyond the scope of the AI Act.’

Dozens of European firms have also called for a two-year halt to the act, arguing it is needed for ‘reasonable implementation’ and ‘further simplification.’

In an open letter, CEOs from 46 companies, including Airbus, Lufthansa and Mercedes-Benz, said a delay would signal that Europe is committed to ‘simplification and competitiveness.’

A festive event dedicated to November 8 – Victory Day and November 9 – National Flag Day was held in the German city of Gelsenkirchen. The event was organized by the Europe Azerbaijan Center (AAF) and the Azerbaijan-Ukraine International Cultural Bridge, with support from the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany.

According to Azernews, the ceremony opened with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Participants honored the memory of the heroic martyrs with a minute of silence and wished recovery to the veterans.

Zaur Aliyev, Chairman of the Europe Azerbaijan Center and a board member of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, emphasized in his remarks that Victory Day symbolizes the restoration of historical justice and international law, as well as national unity and confidence in the future. Highlighting that the national flag is a symbol of identity and pride, he noted that thanks to the historic Victory in the Patriotic War, Azerbaijan’s tricolour flag now proudly waves across the country, including in Shusha, Lachin, Khojaly, and Khankendi. He stressed the importance of diaspora youth conducting educational work based on historical truths and real facts, and stated that support for such initiatives will continue.

Gunay Huseynova, Chair of the Azerbaijan-Ukraine International Cultural Bridge, underlined the importance of cultural cooperation and solidarity between communities. Diaspora activist Samira Karimova highlighted the crucial role of promoting facts and delivering accurate information in the media space.

A question-and-answer session followed the speeches, during which participants showed strong engagement. Souvenir gifts were presented to those who answered correctly.

The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines climbed Sunday to 224, with 109 others remaining missing, according to state-run media, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

A total of 526 people were injured due to the devastation caused by Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, the Philippines News Agency reported, citing National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) officials.

Cebu, the hardest-hit province in the Central Visayas region, has reported 158 fatalities. The death toll includes 27 in Negros Occidental, 20 in Negros Oriental, eight in Caraga, three in Capiz, two in Southern Leyte, two in Leyte, and one each in Antique, Bohol, Guimaras, and Iloilo.

The typhoon has impacted 946,660 families, or around 3.3 million people, across the country. According to the NDRRMC, 74,781 homes have been damaged across seven regions, and authorities are still assessing the full extent of Typhoon Tino’s devastation.

Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national calamity on Thursday due to the effects of Kalmaegi and in anticipation of another typhoon.

On Friday, the Philippines was also hit by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, bringing heavy rain to regions that forced authorities to cancel work in government offices, flights, close schools, and suspend sea travel in certain areas.

Fung-wong is expected to make landfall in central Aurora late Sunday or early Monday at its peak intensity, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The agency warned of life-threatening winds and storm surges hitting parts of Bicol, with potential devastation along the eastern coast of Central Luzon. Tropical cyclone wind signals are in effect in several areas.

The national police have mobilized nearly 10,000 personnel and resources as Super Typhoon Fung-wong impacted the country.

Meanwhile, Kalmaegi moved to Vietnam on Friday, where it has killed five people, with three missing and 17 others injured. Authorities said 244 houses were destroyed and 17,562 other unroofed, while about 2.3 million people were affected by the typhoon, with around 398,000 sheltering in evacuation centers.

Heavy rain and wind also disrupted power supply in several areas, with over 1.6 million people experiencing power outages.

The typhoon also sank 21 vessels, and 44 others were damaged by the waves that also caused damage to crops and livestock.

The Victory Tour round of the Misli Premier League will come to an end today, Azernews reports.

The first match of the day will feature Kapaz and Sabah. The game will kick off at 15:44 at the Gabala City Stadium.

With only 3 points so far, the Ganja side sits at the bottom of the table in 12th place, while the Baku club holds 6th position with 18 points.

The day’s second clash will take place at Az?rsun Arena, where Qarabag and Neftçi will face each other in the latest edition of the Azerbaijan derby. The match is scheduled to begin at 18:44.

Qurban Qurbanov’s team currently occupies 2nd place with 20 points, while Neftçi, known as the White-and-Blacks, stands 7th with 15 points.

Earlier results saw Shamaxi defeat Imishli 1-0, Sumqayit beat Gabala 2-0, and Araz-Nahchivan overcome Karvan-Yevlax 2-1. The match between Zira and Turan Tovuz ended in a goalless draw.

Azerbaijan’s women’s table tennis team played their latest match at the VI Islamic Solidarity Games, held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

The team faced Pakistan in their final Group C match and secured an 8-3 victory.

With this win, the Azerbaijani team topped their group and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Renowned journalist and media manager Mikhail Gusman was presented with an international media award in Trkiye, Azernews reports, citing Azertag.

The award ceremony took place on November 8 in Alanya, Trkiye. Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States Ömer Kocaman presented the media award to Mikhail Gusman.

The event highlighted Gusman’s long-standing effective work in the international media space. It was also noted that the journalist is the author of a documentary dedicated to the leadership and political activities of President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Turkish Journalists Association evaluated his activities as a significant contribution to strengthening international information relations and promoting professional journalism principles.

Two Azerbaijani judokas have advanced to the finals of the VI Islamic Solidarity Games, held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

Zelim Kotsoyev (100 kg) and Sudaba Agayeva (70 kg) have secured their places in the decisive bouts.

Aytac Gardashkhanli (70 kg), Gunel Hasanli (78 kg), Elcan Hajiyev (90 kg), and Ushangi Kokauri (+100 kg) will compete for bronze medals.

It should be noted that Azerbaijani judokas won one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals yesterday.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has shared a post on his official social network accounts on the occasion of November 9 – National Flag Day.

Azernews presents the post: