Meta reportedly near deal for AI data center in Alberta

Meta Platforms, Inc. is reportedly nearing an agreement with Pembina Pipeline Corp. to build a new artificial intelligence data center in Alberta, Canada, according to a report by The Logic on Friday, Azernews reports.

The Logic noted that Pembina is expected to partner with Kineticor, a Canadian power generation company, to supply natural gas-fired electricity for the facility.

While the final terms are still under negotiation, sources say a regulatory framework announcement could come as early as today, pending approval.

Following the report, shares of Pembina Pipeline surged 5.54% as of 2:22 p.m. ET during Friday’s trading session.

If confirmed, the deal would mark a significant expansion of Meta’s AI infrastructure and a noteworthy crossover between tech and traditional energy sectors in Canada.

Ukraine hit by massive missile and drone attack, says President Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Sunday that Russia’s latest overnight assault involved the launch of 50 missiles and 500 drones targeting multiple regions across the country, Azernews reports.

In a Telegram post, Zelensky listed the affected areas as Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporizhia, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, and Kirovohrad. According to preliminary reports, the attacks resulted in five fatalities and left ten others injured.

The president emphasized that rescue operations and restoration efforts are currently underway. ‘We urgently need enhanced protection and faster implementation of all defense agreements,’ Zelensky urged, stressing the crucial role of the United States and Europe in applying pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the aggression.

Azerbaijan in strong second place at ongoing CIS Games

The 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games are in full swing across seven cities in Azerbaijan, showcasing intense competition and strong performances from participating nations.

Azernews reports that Russia currently tops the medal table with an impressive total of 157 medals – 89 gold, 40 silver, and 28 bronze. Host country Azerbaijan is in second place with 139 medals: 23 gold, 44 silver, and 72 bronze. Belarus follows in third with 84 medals, including 20 gold, 23 silver, and 41 bronze.

So far, athletes from 9 of the 13 participating countries have secured medals in the Games, which continue to serve as a key platform for athletic development and regional cooperation among CIS member states.

Azerbaijan Badminton Official praises young athletes’ performance at CIS Games

Advisor to the President of the Azerbaijan Badminton Federation, Ajdar Jafarov, has commended the performance of the national badminton team during the 3rd CIS Games, Azernews reports.

Speaking to journalists in Gabala, where the badminton events were held, Jafarov highlighted the athletes’ strong preparation and promising results.

‘I rate our athletes’ performance positively,’ he said. ‘We didn’t rely on regional players this time. The fact that our junior athletes performed well on the international stage is truly encouraging. I believe these Games will play an important role in their development.’

Jafarov noted that while the team showed technical strength, a lack of experience was a key factor in missing out on gold:

‘In my view, what we lacked was experience, not skill. Our technical preparation was at a high level. Some of our players were competing internationally for the first time. Hosting the Games added pressure and responsibility, but I’m confident these athletes will achieve strong results in the future.’

Azerbaijan’s badminton team concluded the 3rd CIS Games with one silver and six bronze medals.

Azerbaijan secures silver, six bronze medals in CIS badminton events

Azerbaijani badminton player Leyla Jamalzade has claimed a silver medal at the 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games.

Azernews reports that Jamalzade competed in the girls’ singles final, where she faced Russia’s Marina Tarasova. Despite a strong effort, the Azerbaijani athlete was defeated 0-2, securing second place on the podium.

Prior to this, Azerbaijan’s badminton team had already earned six bronze medals in various categories, bringing their total tally in the sport to seven.

The badminton competitions at the 3rd CIS Games are set to conclude today.

Baku and Astana join forces to advance Turkic cinema

As part of the ‘Korkut Ata’ Turkic World Film Festival held in Aktau, the National Center for State Support of National Cinema of Kazakhstan has signed memorandums of cooperation with state film institutions from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Trkiye, and Uzbekistan.

Azernews reports, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information, the agreements are part of a broader effort under the umbrella of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) to strengthen cultural unity among Turkic nations through cinema – a powerful medium that reflects shared values and historical heritage.

The memorandum signed with the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency outlines a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including co-production of feature films, documentaries, and animation projects; organization of masterclasses and workshops; and joint efforts in translation and dubbing.

Among the key priorities is the promotion of mutual cultural understanding and the preservation of friendly relations between the peoples of the Turkic world.

Azerbaijan Basketball League: first round concludes tonight

The opening round of the Azerbaijan Basketball League is set to conclude this evening with the final match between Ordu and Nakhchivan. Azernews reports that the game will be held at the Baku Sports Palace, tipping off at 19:00 local time.

Basketball enthusiasts have already witnessed an exciting start to the season, with several competitive clashes across the country. In earlier fixtures, Sabah overcame Neftchi with a confident 86-75 victory, while Absheron Lions defeated Sheki 91-80 in a hard-fought contest. Ganja edged past NTD 90-85 in a nail-biter that went down to the final minutes, while Lankaran secured a convincing 93-82 win against Sumgayit. Meanwhile, Quba impressed with a dominant performance, routing Sarhadchi 98-76.

The league, which brings together teams from different regions of Azerbaijan, is gaining increasing attention both from fans and sports analysts. Each matchup reflects not only the rising standard of domestic basketball but also the growing passion for the sport nationwide.

Tonight’s clash between Ordu and Nakhchivan will determine the final standings of the first round, setting the tone for the rest of the season. With both teams eager to prove themselves early, fans can expect another spirited encounter to round off an already thrilling start to the league.

Khanna Aliyeva wins silver in shooting at CIS Games

The shooting competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, continue to showcase intense rivalries and strong performances, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani athlete Khanna Aliyeva secured a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event. The competition took place at the Ganja Sports Palace, which is hosting several disciplines as part of the Games. Aliyeva’s precision and consistency carried her through the final round, earning her a place on the podium and adding another medal to Azerbaijan’s tally.

The achievement was met with enthusiastic support from local fans, who filled the arena to cheer for the national team. Aliyeva’s medal reflects not only her individual skill but also the progress Azerbaijan has made in developing shooting sports in recent years.

The 3rd CIS Games have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across multiple disciplines. The multi-sport event, which serves to strengthen sporting and cultural ties among member states, will conclude on October 8.

Azerbaijan awards presidential scholarship to following university entrants – decree

The following students admitted to higher education institutions will be awarded Presidential scholarships, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed an order granting Presidential scholarships to students entering higher education institutions in Azerbaijan for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The order stipulates that students who achieved the highest results in the entrance exams within their respective fields of study and gained admission to Azerbaijani higher education institutions will receive Presidential scholarships:

Abdiyeva Ayla

Abduleeva Ayan

Abduleeva Maryam

Abdulsamadli Orkhan

Abdurahmanova Guhat

Aghamammadova Zeynab

Aghayev Aliakbar

Alizade Ziya

Allahyarli Farid

Babarabov Nijat

Babashli Aysel

Babayev Anar

Babayeva Jamila

Baghirov Raul

Bakhshaliyeva Aytaj

Bayramzade Gunay

Bakhtiyarova Royale

Jafarova Sehrin

Jannatov Fuad

Efendi Zahra

Ahmed Aisha

Ahmedzade Laman

Akberov Eljan

Akberova Nigar

Alili Mushfig

Aliyeva Fidan

Aliyeva Nazrin

Aliyeva Tamella

Alizade Sevinj

Alizade Sureyya

Ansarli Gler

Asgar Ilham

Azizli Sema

Fareczade Rahim

Hajiyeva Narmin

Hajizade Nihad

Hagverdi Ilham

Habibullazade Gulay

Halim Aydan

Hasanli Osman

Hasanov Fizuli

Hashimov Chingiz

Hummetli Chichek

Huseynli Arif

Huseynli Enes

Huseynova Aysu

Khalilova Aylin

Ibrahimli Gulay

Ibrahimov Emin

Ibrahimov Ali

Ismayilov Ali

Ismayilov Altay

Ismayilova Sema

Ismayilzade Khadija

Karimov Rajab

Garayev Rafael

Garibov Shukran

Goshgarov Muzaffar

Guluzade Nazrin

Gurbanli Kamaladdin

Gurbanov Mursel

Mahmudova Samra

Mansurov Eldar

Mammadli Mehri

Mammadov Abulhasan

Mammadov Ismayil

Mammadov Shahin

Mammadova Fidan

Mammadova Maryam

Mammadova Nazrin

Mirzazade Gunduz

Muradli Adil

Muradli Nuray

Musayev Shahin

Musazade Samad

Mustafayev Ibrahim

Mustafayeva Emiliya

Murshudlu Aykhan

Murvetova Gulay

Nadirli Tunar

Nasirov Kamran

Nazarzade Zaur

Nurmammedli Sona

Omar Jabir

Ramizli Zahra

Rahimli Oruj

Rahimova Khadija

Rustamov Nijat

Sadikhov Nijat

Sariyev Murad

Safarov Yusif

Safarova Aysel

Samadov Metin

Shabanova Rayyan

Shamilova Vusala

Sharifli Fidan

Shirinov Royal

Tahirli Zaman

Velizade Aygun

Velizade Babek

Yusifova Nazrin

Zeynalli Nilufer

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with addressing the implementation of matters arising from this decree.

Baku Slavic University holds VI International Forum on New Challenges in Education

Baku Slavic University hosted the VI International Forum on ‘New Challenges in Education,’ attracting education officials, Ministry of Science and Education representatives, and international experts, Azernews reprots. The forum, dedicated to the ‘Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,’ was held under the motto ‘Towards a More Educated Future.’

Distinguished participants included Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); prominent Turkish psychologists Acar and Zuhal Baltas of the Baltas Group; Carolyn Wright, CEO of the British Educational Suppliers Association; and Roman Aliyev, Director of Riga Classical State Gymnasium, who shared their expertise and experiences.

The forum focused on balancing emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence in education, emphasizing the development of students and educators into their best possible versions.

In his address, Baku Slavic University Rector Anar Nagiyev highlighted that education in Azerbaijan has also ‘returned to Garabagh,’ noting the university’s efforts to prepare students for the modern labor market and promote inclusive education.

Deputy Minister of Science and Education Idris Isayev stressed that literacy in Azerbaijan is nearly 100% and underscored the central role of education in social development, human capital growth, and the preservation of national values. He emphasized that digital skills and the use of AI as an educational tool are increasingly essential for youth.

Andreas Schleicher added that collaborative teaching strengthens professional confidence and effectiveness, and that AI integration should enhance, not diminish, teachers’ creativity.

The forum continued with in-depth discussions and exchanges on the future of education in Azerbaijan and beyond.