Category: Azer News

On January 31, Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis hosted a meeting with members of the professional staff of the majority of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, Samad Seyidov, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Affairs, head of the working group of Azerbaijan-U.S. interparliamentary relations, highlighted the history of the Azerbaijan-U.S. relations, existing avenues of cooperation, and future development prospects.

Touching upon the historic working visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to U.S. last August, the meetings held and the agreements reached during that visit, Samad Seyidov noted that those agreements had elevated the Azerbaijan-U.S. relations to qualitatively new level, also playing a crucial role in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agenda, as well as ensuring stability and enhancing cooperation in the region.

The meeting stressed the significance of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), adding that the implementation of this initiative supported by the U.S. will not only reshape Eurasia’s transport map, but also contribute significantly to deepening cooperation in the broader region.

The discussions emphasized the importance of repealing the Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, with regard to Azerbaijan noting that this would serve the development of bilateral relations, the strengthening of mutual trust, and the expansion of cooperation.

Members of the professional staff of the majority of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, hailed the recent positive dynamics in the U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, which have entered a new stage of development, adding that maintaining this dynamics would serve both countries’ interests.

Beginning January 31 at 09:00 Baku time, the U.S. federal government has partially shut down due to a lack of funding. Such shutdowns-commonly referred to as ‘shutdowns’ in the United States-occur intermittently when Democrats and Republicans in Congress fail to reach an agreement on the federal budget.

Azernews reports that the U.S. Senate on January 30 approved a package of appropriations bills to fund most federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year, which concludes on September 30. The legislation covers key institutions, including the Pentagon, the State Department, as well as the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health, among others.

However, at the request of Democratic lawmakers, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was removed from the package. As a result, the bills passed by the Senate must also be approved by the House of Representatives before being sent to President Donald Trump for signature.

The House is scheduled to resume work on February 2. If lawmakers approve the funding bills that day and the president signs them promptly, the shutdown could be resolved as early as February 2. Nonetheless, the possibility of further delays cannot be ruled out.

Democratic lawmakers have called for a reassessment of DHS funding following the death of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who was fatally shot by a border service officer. Under the current proposal, DHS funding would be extended at existing levels for two weeks, while negotiations continue over reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

It is worth recalling that on November 12, 2025, President Trump signed legislation extending federal government funding through January 30, bringing an end to the longest shutdown in U.S. history on its 43rd day. Government operations had been halted on October 1 due to the absence of funding, following a failure by the ruling Republican Party and opposition Democrats to reach consensus in Congress, including over certain healthcare-related spending provisions. Both sides accused each other of triggering the shutdown and prolonging it for political purposes.

Azerbaijan has established a unified and transparent management system for organ donation and transplantation, the Deputy Minister of Health, Nadir Zeynalov, said during a scientific-practical roundtable in Baku, Azernews reports.

He noted that in 2022, the Ministry of Health created the Coordination Center for Organ Donation and Transplantation. Since its establishment, the center has systematized transplant operations, registration of donors and recipients, formation of waiting lists, and monitoring of procedures across the country.

‘Before the center was established, transplantations were sporadic, and there was no unified statistical record. Today, all processes are carried out based on transparent mechanisms, donors’ consent is verified through special procedures, and ethical issues are strictly monitored,’ Zeynalov said.

He added that efforts to digitalize the transplantation system are being implemented in phased stages.

Azerbaijan has begun construction of the Zangezur high-voltage transmission line, a project aimed at integrating the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic into the country’s unified electricity system and strengthening cross-border energy connectivity toward Trkiye and European markets. The project is being implemented by AzerEnergy and forms part of a broader effort to modernize Azerbaijan’s power infrastructure, eliminate internal grid fragmentation, and expand regional electricity transmission capacity.

Why does integrating Nakhchivan into the national grid matter for Azerbaijan’s energy strategy?

Historically, Nakhchivan has operated separately from Azerbaijan’s main electricity system, relying on external connections for system balancing and frequency regulation. Full integration into the national grid is expected to alter this structure by enabling centralized dispatch, improved load management, and access to reserve capacity from the country’s main power network. From a technical perspective, integration allows for more stable system operation and reduces vulnerabilities associated with isolated grid functioning. Economically, it creates conditions for more efficient use of generation assets and lowers the cost of maintaining standalone balancing mechanisms.

The Zangezur project includes the construction of a two-circuit, 330 kV transmission line with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, extending 105 km from Jabrayil to Aghbend and 74 km from Nakhchivan to the Ordubad border. The route follows the Araz River and crosses mountainous and rocky terrain, requiring complex engineering solutions.

A subsequent phase provides for construction of an additional 44 km line across the Zangezur corridor, which will connect the Aghbend and Ordubad sections into a continuous transmission route. In parallel, a new 330 kV substation is planned in Nakhchivan city, with preparatory works already underway.

The restoration of a direct electricity connection between Nakhchivan and mainland Azerbaijan has implications beyond domestic energy management. By eliminating breaks in internal transmission, the project enables more coherent and predictable power flows toward Trkiye and onward to Europe.

This integration improves the efficiency of transmission corridors passing through Trkiye by reducing system bottlenecks and enhancing operational stability. As a result, it supports the development of a continuous Azerbaijan-Trkiye-Europe electricity corridor and contributes to broader regional energy security.

How does the Zangezur power line support Azerbaijan’s expansion toward European electricity markets?

As a continuation of the project, plans are in place to construct a 230 km, 400 kV transmission line from Nakhchivan to Trkiye, along with the installation of a 400 kV converter substation, a voltage class not previously used in Azerbaijan’s power system. The introduction of 400 kV infrastructure would align Azerbaijan’s grid more closely with European transmission standards, facilitating future cross-border electricity trade and increasing export capacity via interconnected regional networks.

The integration of Nakhchivan into Azerbaijan’s unified electricity system and the construction of the Zangezur power line also complement Azerbaijan’s participation in the Black Sea Energy Corridor, which brings together Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary.

While the Zangezur and Nakhchivan routes strengthen internal grid connectivity and create southern export options through Trkiye, the Black Sea Energy Corridor is designed to transmit electricity – primarily from renewable sources – from Azerbaijan through Georgia, across the Black Sea, and onward to Romania and Hungary, where it can be integrated into the European electricity network.

By eliminating internal transmission constraints and enabling more stable, centralized dispatch, Azerbaijan’s domestic grid projects increase the reliability of electricity flows feeding into westbound export corridors. In this context, internal grid integration becomes a prerequisite for sustained cross-border electricity exports, ensuring that power supplied to the Black Sea route can be delivered in predictable volumes and in line with European technical and regulatory requirements.

At the generation level, several renewable energy projects are expected to contribute to the expanded transmission system. These include four small hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 13 MW in Kalbajar and Lachin, as well as a 240 MW wind power project in Kalbajar. Together, these facilities are expected to increase the availability of electricity for both domestic consumption and export.

Taken together, the Zangezur power line and associated infrastructure projects point to a shift toward deeper internal grid integration and expanded regional interconnection. By linking Nakhchivan to the national power system and supporting multiple export directions toward European markets, Azerbaijan is addressing long-standing structural constraints in its energy system.

However, the project’s long-term impact will depend on several unresolved factors. These include adherence to construction timelines in technically challenging terrain, the synchronization of transmission systems across multiple jurisdictions, and the pace at which new renewable generation can be integrated into the grid without creating imbalances. In addition, differences in regulatory frameworks, market access rules, and grid codes between Azerbaijan and European partners may limit near-term export volumes unless further harmonization efforts are undertaken.

Furthermore, financing structures, cost recovery mechanisms, and the commercial viability of large-scale electricity exports will also play a role in determining whether the infrastructure is utilized at full capacity. As a result, while the Zangezur project strengthens the physical foundations of regional energy connectivity, its effectiveness will ultimately depend on parallel progress in technical coordination, market integration, and regulatory alignment.

Today in Tbilisi, ‘BTKI Railways’ LLC-a joint venture of subsidiaries of ‘Azerbaijan Railways’ CJSC (ADY) and ‘Marabda-Kartsakhi Railway’ LLC, alongside ‘Georgian Railways’ JSC, signed key agreements to fully operationalize the joint venture along the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line, Azernews reports.

According to ADY, the agreements cover the use of the Marabda-Akhalkalaki railway infrastructure and the provision of terminal services at Akhalkalaki station. Officials noted that the agreements will streamline operations on the BTK line, a vital segment of the Middle Corridor, and are expected to increase cargo transportation volumes.

ADY has completed extensive repair, restoration, and modernization of the 184-kilometer section of the BTK passing through Georgia’s challenging terrain. As a result, the annual cargo capacity of this section has risen from 1 million tons to 5 million tons. The modernization aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and establish the BTK line as a primary cargo artery connecting Europe and Asia.

‘BTKI Railways’ LLC was established on August 13, 2024, with a mandate to manage BTK operations efficiently, attract new cargo, strengthen strategic regional transport links, and expand the overall potential of the Middle Corridor.

The American company Tesla does not typically disclose detailed information about accidents involving its autonomous vehicles, but it is required to report incidents at the request of U.S. regulators, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to statistics, Tesla’s robotaxis in Texas are involved in accidents nine times more frequently than conventional vehicles with human drivers across the United States, Azernews reports.

Between July and November last year, nine accidents were recorded in Austin, where autonomous Tesla Model Y vehicles have been operating since June.

Three incidents occurred in July. In two cases, Tesla’s prototype robotaxis collided with other crossovers, while in the third, a stationary obstacle was struck at a speed of 13 km/h.

In September, four more accidents were reported. These included collisions with obstacles and other cars while maneuvering in parking lots, as well as incidents involving a cyclist and even an animal, with one collision occurring at more than 43 km/h. October saw a single unexplained incident at 29 km/h, and in November, one prototype repeated the July scenario while making a right turn, according to sources.

By November, Tesla’s entire fleet of several dozen robotaxis in Austin had traveled approximately 800,000 km. This equates to one accident every 88,000 km, compared to the average for U.S. drivers, which is about one accident per 800,000 km based on police records. Some analysts suggest that including unreported accidents, the typical American driver’s accident-free mileage drops to 320,000 km – still multiple times better than Tesla’s autonomous fleet.

Until recently, an observer was seated to the right of the driver’s seat in Tesla robotaxis in Austin, with the ability to intervene in vehicle control as allowed by the ergonomics of the production Model Y and the autonomous software. Tesla has now reportedly removed observers from some prototype vehicles entirely. Reports from independent bloggers suggest that these robotaxis are now ‘insured’ or supervised indirectly by a following vehicle.

For comparison, Waymo operates a much larger fleet of fully autonomous taxis without any in-cabin safety drivers, and its vehicles demonstrate better accident-free performance than even conventional human drivers. Unlike Tesla, Waymo provides NHTSA with detailed statistics on all incidents, including those involving injuries, highlighting a stark contrast in transparency and safety outcomes.

This raises important questions about Tesla’s rapid rollout strategy: while the company pushes forward with autonomous technology, the high frequency of accidents and limited reporting make it difficult for regulators and the public to fully assess the safety of its self-driving vehicles. Observers note that the Tesla approach relies heavily on rapid real-world testing with minimal oversight, a strategy that may be cost-effective but comes with significant safety risks.

Interestingly, some experts speculate that the removal of human observers could accelerate Tesla’s data collection, allowing the AI to ‘learn’ from more unfiltered driving scenarios – but at what cost to safety and public trust remains an open question.

Famous rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that she received Donald Trump’s $1 million Gold Card, which grants her permanent U.S. residency, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. On Wednesday, she declared herself Trump’s ‘number one fan’ while displaying the visa at an event in the nation’s capital.

The star was invited on stage by President Trump during a gathering promoting the so-called ‘Trump Accounts’, a program designed to provide trust funds for children. Minaj expressed her support for the initiative, which aims to help families save for their children’s futures.

Previously a critic of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, Minaj, who immigrated to the U.S. with her parents as a child, has in recent years praised the president’s leadership. Her endorsement marks a notable shift in her public political stance.

The appearance comes amid ongoing protests following several controversial actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including incidents that have resulted in fatalities, underscoring the ongoing tensions around U.S. immigration policy.

US President Donald Trump has warned that it would be ‘very dangerous’ for the UK to deepen business ties with China, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer continues his visit to Beijing aimed at resetting bilateral relations, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Trump’s comments followed the announcement of new UK-China agreements to boost trade and investment after Sir Keir met Chinese President Xi Jinping during his three-day trip. Downing Street said the US had been informed in advance about the visit and noted that Trump himself is expected to travel to China in April.

Trump also issued a similar warning to Canada, describing closer economic engagement with China as ‘even more dangerous,’ and reiterated his threat to impose tariffs if Ottawa proceeds with China-related deals.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir said UK-China relations were in a ‘good, strong place,’ describing his meetings with Xi as productive and saying they delivered the level of engagement the UK had hoped for.

Key outcomes of the visit include visa-free travel arrangements, reduced whisky tariffs, and a £10.9bn AstraZeneca investment in manufacturing facilities in China, alongside agreements on cooperation in areas such as organised crime and illegal immigration.

The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Republic “Memory Book” Editorial Board, in collaboration with the Yasamal District Executive Authority and the YAP Yasamal District Organization, held a presentation ceremony for the 4th volume of the multi-volume work titled “44 Days – The Historic Victory”, Azernews reports.

The publication gathers encyclopedic information about those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland. It immortalizes their names and memories, honoring their ultimate sacrifice.

The Republic “Memory Book” project has been focused on gathering and publishing materials about Azerbaijani citizens who perished, went missing, were taken as prisoners, or became hostages during various historical periods of tragedy and war. It also includes those who demonstrated heroism in defense of the country’s territorial integrity.

To date, nearly twenty volumes of the Republic “Memory Book” have been published. In 2017, the editorial board collaborated with the Working Group of the State Commission on Captive, Missing, and Hostage Citizens, which operates under the State Security Service, to conduct research and prepare a four-volume (in two languages) publication.

Additionally, in memory of those who fell as martyrs during the 44-day Patriotic War, four volumes of books have been printed. The “Victory – 75 and Victory 80: The Struggle and Resolve of the Azerbaijani People” books were also published. These works commemorate the significance of the victory over fascism, highlighting the heroism and courage of Azerbaijani citizens who fought against Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1945. The books offer unique insights into Azerbaijani women who showed exceptional bravery during the war, as well as those who were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

In collaboration with “Baki X?b?r” newspaper, the editorial board has published 10 books as part of the “Martyrs are Immortal, the Homeland is Indivisible!” series, dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the Karabakh War.

Moreover, 8 documentary films have been produced under the “The Stone of the Homeland… or the Epic of 44 Days” project and presented to the public.

The editorial board also emphasized that the “Heydar Aliyev Memory Book” was published in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The book highlights the life and work of the legendary leader, reflecting his immense contributions to Azerbaijan’s development and his legacy.

Two cases of Nipah virus infection have been confirmed this month in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Both patients, a 25-year-old male and female nurse at the same private hospital in Barasat, developed symptoms in late December 2025. The male patient is recovering, while the female remains in critical condition, Azernews reports.

The infections were first suspected on 11 January and confirmed on 13 January by the National Institute for Virology in Pune.

Public health response: Authorities traced 196 contacts, all of whom have tested negative and remain asymptomatic. A national outbreak response team is coordinating with state authorities on surveillance, laboratory testing, and infection prevention. Public awareness campaigns emphasize avoiding raw date palm sap and other preventive behaviors.

Risk assessment: WHO classifies the risk at the sub-national level as moderate due to fruit bat reservoirs near the India-Bangladesh border, but the national, regional, and global risk remains low. Historical Nipah outbreaks in India and Bangladesh have been small and localized, with rare human-to-human transmission. No travel or trade restrictions are recommended.

Background: Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted mainly from bats to humans, occasionally via contaminated food or animals like pigs. Human infection can range from mild illness to fatal encephalitis, with a global case fatality rate of 40-75%. There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.

This marks the third Nipah outbreak in West Bengal (after Siliguri in 2001 and Nadia in 2007) and the seventh in India overall, highlighting the ongoing risk of sporadic spillovers in the region.

Currently, there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, although several candidates are under development. Early supportive care, including intensive care for severe respiratory or neurological complications, remains critical for improving survival.