Category: Azer News

Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have purchased a mansion on the exclusive artificial island of Indian Creek million,’ real estate representatives told the agency, AzerNEWS reports.

Indian Creek, located in Miami-Dade County are Jeff Bezos Amazon, financier Carl Icahn, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Observers note that the purchase underscores the growing appeal of private, highly secured enclaves for the world’s ultra-rich, offering both privacy and proximity to Miami’s cultural and economic hubs. Some analysts also see Indian Creek as a microcosm of the trend of billionaires consolidating wealth and influence in ultra-exclusive communities.

Interestingly, this acquisition positions Zuckerberg and Chan among a rarefied group of tech moguls who combine luxury living with strategic privacy, signaling that the island remains one of the most coveted addresses for the global elite.

A brand-new judo hall has opened its doors in the settlement of Vandam in the city of Gabala, marking another step in the development of martial arts infrastructure across the country, AzerNEWS reports.

The opening ceremony brought together prominent figures from the sports and education communities, including Arifa Bayramova, head of the Gabala district education sector under the Sheki-Zagatala Regional Education Department; Rashad Rasulov, Executive Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation; world champion and Executive Committee member Elkhan Mammadov; Fariz Najafov, president of Gabala Sports Club; as well as local residents.

Equipped with modern tatami mats that meet international standards, the 150-square-meter facility has been fully outfitted by the Azerbaijan Judo Federation. In addition to the main training area, the hall includes dedicated coaching and locker rooms. The venue is expected to accommodate up to 150 young athletes, creating new opportunities for children and teenagers in the region to take up judo.

The opening in Vandam is part of a broader nationwide initiative to expand access to the sport. Between 2022 and 2026, new judo halls have been commissioned in cities and districts including Ganja, Sumgayit, Gusar, Agstafa, Zagatala, Goranboy, Sabirabad, Zira (Baku), Agdash, Kurdamir, Astara, Jalilabad, Tartar, Gakh, Imishli, Shabran, and the village of Mosul in Zagatala.

In addition, a total of 14,000 tatami mats have been distributed to 195 sports halls in Baku and other regions, underscoring a sustained commitment to strengthening grassroots judo and nurturing the next generation of champions.

Facing thousands of cheering supporters, 35-year-old Balendra Shah lifted his signature black rectangular sunglasses, met the crowd’s gaze, and said simply: ‘I love you’, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

It is a sentiment that millions of young Nepalis seem eager to return.

Balen – as he is popularly known – was virtually unknown until 2013, when he skyrocketed to fame as a rap sensation almost overnight. Nearly a decade later, in May 2022, he stunned Nepal’s deeply entrenched political establishment by winning the mayoralty of Kathmandu as an independent candidate.

When the Himalayan nation of 30 million erupted in mass protests against then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in September 2025, Balen emerged as a prominent supporter of the movement. Many Gen Z activists saw him as their first choice for interim leadership after Oli’s resignation. Instead, he backed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki – a strategic move that is now seen as highly tactical.

As Nepal approaches its first election since the protests, and with Karki’s brief tenure ending, Balen is positioning himself as the country’s next potential prime minister. True to his unconventional style, he is making a bold statement: he is contesting the parliamentary elections from Jhapa-5, roughly 300 km (186 miles) southeast of Kathmandu, against Oli, the man protesters ousted just five months ago.

On paper, the odds seem stacked against him. The region is a stronghold of Oli and the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). Balen is running as a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a centrist party founded less than four years ago, which won 10% of the national vote in the 2022 elections.

Balen’s brash public style – criticizing mainstream parties, India, China, and the United States, and threatening to burn down symbols of power in Nepal – has drawn both praise and skepticism about his readiness for high office.

Yet he defied the critics when he captured the Kathmandu mayoralty. Analysts say that for many young Nepalis, Balen represents a breath of fresh air in a country where over 40% of the population is under 35, but the leadership of major parties is entrenched in their 70s.

‘Young Nepalis see him as a decisive actor, not beholden to traditional political or business interests,’ said Pranaya Rana, a journalist with the Kalam Weekly newsletter. ‘Many admire his macho persona and willingness to challenge entrenched political networks.’

Observers note that Balen’s mix of charisma, outsider appeal, and confrontational style has turned him into a symbol of generational change, potentially reshaping Nepalese politics for years to come.

As part of her trip to the Kyrgyz Republic, Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, has visited Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, AzerNEWS reports. She also presented the books published by the Foundation to the university library.

During the visit, Foundation President, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova held a meeting with the University’s Rector Professor Alpaslan Ceylan and Vice-Rector Professor Almaz Ibraev.

During the meeting, the importance of cooperation with higher education institutions in preserving and promoting the common cultural and scientific heritage of the Turkish world was emphasized.

It was noted that these publications will serve as important academic resources for students and researchers and will contribute to the expansion of studies related to the Turkish world.

Finally, the parties expressed that joint efforts to develop mutually beneficial cooperation will continue.

Established in 2012, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation focuses on the preservation of the Turkic heritage in member countries as well as conducting projects in collaboration with partners in third nations.

The foundation provides assistance in the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through supporting and funding various activities, projects, and programs.

The organization carries out its activities in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy.

The second-leg matches of the quarterfinal stage of the Azerbaijan Football Cup kick off on March 3, AzerNEWS reports. They set the stage for decisive battles in the race for a place in the semifinals.

Only one fixture is scheduled for the opening day. In the sole match of the evening, Zira FK will host Sumgayit FK on home turf.

The encounter will take place at the stadium of the Zira Olympic Sport Complex Stadium, with kickoff set for 19:00. The match will be officiated by FIFA referee ElchinMesiyev.

The first leg, played in Sumgait, ended in a goalless draw (0-0), leaving everything to be decided in tonight’s return match. With no advantage on either side, anticipation is high as both teams look to secure their place in the next round.

The remaining second-leg quarterfinal clashes are scheduled for March 4-5.

The Azerbaijan Cup is one of the country’s main domestic football tournaments. It was first established in 1936, during the period when Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union. At that time, however, Azerbaijani clubs competing within the Soviet league system did not take part in the competition in its current national format.

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan has introduced various format changes over the years in an effort to increase interest and enhance the tournament’s prestige.

Under the current structure, clubs from the Azerbaijan First League (second tier) enter the competition in the opening round. The winners progress to the second round, where teams from the Azerbaijan Premier League (top division) join the tournament. The quarterfinals and semifinals are played over two legs, with home-and-away fixtures, while the final is decided in a single, head-to-head match.

Newly released video footage shows Hillary Clinton nearly storming out of her closed-door testimony to US lawmakers about Jeffrey Epstein after a photo of her from the deposition was leaked, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

‘I’m done with this. If you guys are doing that, I am done,’ Clinton said when informed about the leak. ‘You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home.’

The footage, released Monday by the House Oversight Committee, captures hours of testimony from both Clinton and her husband, Bill Clinton, who sat for separate depositions last week. Both denied any prior knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.

While neither Hillary nor Bill Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims, Bill Clinton appears in investigative files related to the late sex offender, including photos. His connection prompted calls for depositions from both members of the former presidential couple.

The more than nine hours of video testimony reveal tense exchanges, pointed questioning, and moments of visible frustration, shedding new light on congressional scrutiny of individuals linked to Epstein.

Observers note that the footage also illustrates the high stakes and sensitivity surrounding Epstein’s network, highlighting how political figures and investigators navigate complex questions about association, accountability, and public perception.

Cristiano Ronaldo departed Riyadh for Madrid on Monday night after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) suspended several matches in the Gulf region following escalating tensions linked to the Iran war, AzerNEWS reports.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the Portuguese football star’s Bombardier Global Express jet leaving Riyadh at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. CET). The aircraft flew over Egypt and the Mediterranean before landing in Spain early Tuesday.

Ronaldo’s departure came after Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League quarter-final against Al-Wasl, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Wednesday, was among eight matches postponed by the AFC due to security concerns.

The suspension follows heightened regional instability. Early Tuesday morning, two drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, according to Saudi authorities. The Saudi Defense Ministry said the incident caused a limited fire and minor material damage, with no reported injuries.

On Sunday, the AFC announced it was rescheduling all Champions League Elite Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region originally planned for March 2-3. The federation cited security considerations amid ongoing hostilities in the Gulf. Matches involving clubs from the East Region will proceed as scheduled.

The escalation follows missile and drone attacks launched by Tehran across the region in retaliation for joint U.S.-Israeli strikes over the weekend.

Ronaldo, 39, lives in Riyadh with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children. The forward has scored 22 goals in 26 appearances for Al-Nassr this season. His contract with the Saudi club runs until 2027.

Azerbaijan’s national judo team claimed seven medals at Tashkent Grand Slam 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

Gold medals were secured by Murad Fatiyev (90 kg) and Kenan Nasibov (+100 kg), while Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) and Jamal Gamzatkhanov (+100 kg) added bronze to the tally. Earlier in the tournament, Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg) and Omar Rajabli (81 kg) had also won gold, and Balabay Aghayev (60 kg) took silver.

With this medal haul, Azerbaijan finished second in the overall team standings, and notably claimed first place in the men’s competition, highlighting the squad’s strength and consistency.

OTS Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 brought together 370 judokas from 39 countries.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art worldwide.

The President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation is Rashad Nabiyev, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Development and Transportation.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

The platform of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council plays a crucial role in sharing expertise, shaping strategies, and strengthening mutual trust, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, said during a ministerial session held within the framework of the council, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking at the event, Kvrivishvili emphasized that the Southern Gas Corridor clearly demonstrates what can be achieved through joint efforts, contributing to enhanced energy security and diversification.

According to the minister, Georgia proudly contributes as a transit country and has been an active supporter of the Southern Gas Corridor initiative.

‘When it comes to international energy projects, we are open to any proposals and cooperation opportunities. This will help create a healthier and more stable environment where energy demand is met both within the region and beyond,’ she stated.

Energy security remains one of Georgia’s top priorities. The minister noted that the country has developed a long-term strategy and a 10-year action plan aimed at further developing its energy sector. By 2036, Georgia plans to achieve full energy self-sufficiency and increase its installed capacity by an additional 11.5 GW, which would also expand export potential.

Kvrivishvili highlighted one of the key regional initiatives – the Black Sea energy cable project, which will pass through Georgia to Romania, enabling the transmission of clean energy to Europe. In parallel, Georgia is working with Azerbaijan, Romania and Hungary on the development of the Green Energy Corridor, including the installation of electricity interconnectors.

‘This infrastructure is not only an initiative but a shared commitment,’ she said, stressing that renewable energy holds a central place in Georgia’s strategy.

The country plans to implement more than 6,000 MW of electricity projects, including wind and solar power plants. If realized, these projects will establish a stable framework for renewable energy supply. The government is also reviewing delayed projects and seeking to attract new investments to accelerate their implementation.

Georgia remains firmly committed to continued regional cooperation and to contributing to energy security and the delivery of clean energy. ‘Through such partnerships, we believe we can ensure a more reliable, sustainable, and interconnected energy future,’ the minister concluded.

Anticipation is growing in Baku as preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix are in full swing, AzerNEWS reports citing the Baku City Circuit (BCC) Operations Company.

The paddock is undergoing reconstruction, signaling that the city is gearing up to host yet another spectacular racing event.

The paddock will be set up in its usual location along Neftchilar Avenue, directly in front of the Government House. Organizers have urged both pedestrians and drivers to exercise caution around the area during the construction period.

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 24 to 26. Once again, the world’s premier motorsport event will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Baku.

Recall that Dutch driver Max Verstappen produced a commanding performance in 2025, leading all 51 laps, claiming victory by a margin of over 14 seconds.

Second place went to George Russell for Mercedes, and the podium was completed by Carlos Sainz in a strong showing for Williams, securing the team’s first full-race podium since 2021.