Category: Azer News

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.

Iran and Turkiye share the view that recent developments in the region are the result of illegitimate interference by extra-regional powers.

Azernews reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Istanbul, said that both countries are aligned in opposing external meddling in regional and domestic affairs.

Araghchi, who is visiting Turkiye, thanked Foreign Minister Fidan for expressing condolences to the Iranian people over the recent loss of life.

‘Iran and Turkiye are neighboring and friendly countries that have stood by each other in both difficult and easy times,’ Araghchi said. ‘Our relations have remained friendly throughout history.’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara supports the resolution of Iran’s internal issues without outside interference, stressing respect for national sovereignty.

‘We are closely following the developments in Iran,’ Fidan said. ‘We deeply regret the loss of life during the protests and offer our condolences to the Iranian people. We are pleased that the situation has largely stabilized and hope that calm will be maintained.’

Fidan emphasized that Turkiye hopes Iran’s internal challenges will be resolved peacefully, without foreign interference, and by the Iranian people themselves.

Astronomers have discovered a new Earth-sized planet located 146 light-years from our solar system. The planet, named HD 137010 b, orbits a Sun-like star and could potentially be studied in detail by future space telescopes, Azernews reports.

The discovery was made using data collected in 2017 as part of NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope K2 mission and was analyzed by an international team of researchers led by Alexander Wenner of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

HD 137010 b is estimated to be about 6% larger than Earth and completes an orbit around its star in approximately 355 days. While its surface temperature may be closer to Mars, potentially dropping below -70°C, there is an estimated 50% chance that it lies within the habitable zone of its star, where liquid water could exist.

‘What’s particularly exciting about this Earth-sized planet is how close its star is-only 150 light-years away from our solar system,’ said study co-author Chelsea Huang. She noted that its proximity makes it a promising target for future telescopes designed to study exoplanets in detail. ‘The next closest Earth-like planet around a Sun-like star is about four times farther away and 20 times dimmer than Kepler-186f, which is also in the habitable zone,’ she added.

The initial faint signal suggesting the presence of the planet was detected by a team of scientists, including Wenner. ‘When I was in high school, I participated in a science project called Planet Hunters, and that experience shaped my path into research,’ he said.

Looking ahead, Wenner emphasized that future NASA missions capable of directly imaging Earth-like planets may be able to capture detailed images of HD 137010 b, potentially revealing its atmosphere, surface conditions, and even signs of habitability.

The European Union is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Nipah virus outbreak reported in India, following the confirmation of two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, Azernews reports.

According to the European Commission, health authorities across EU member states are tracking developments after Indian officials confirmed infections among healthcare workers late last December. So far, no Nipah cases have been detected within the EU, and there is no evidence of exposure in national health databases.

Nipah virus is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, between people. While some infections remain asymptomatic, severe cases can cause high fever, respiratory distress, brain swelling, and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the fatality rate at 40-75 percent and classifies Nipah as a priority public health threat, given the absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment.

The European Commission stated that no travel restrictions or additional recommendations have been issued for EU citizens traveling to or from India at this stage. The situation is being monitored in coordination with EU delegations in New Delhi, with assurances that appropriate measures will be taken if the risk level changes.

Indian authorities report that around 200 contacts of the infected individuals have been identified, all of whom tested negative and remain symptom-free. Surveillance and containment measures are ongoing, and no new cases have been recorded so far.

Despite the limited scope of the outbreak, several Asian countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia, have introduced additional airport health screenings, such as temperature checks, amid concerns about potential spread.

Experts note that the Nipah virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, either directly or through contaminated food, though human-to-human transmission is possible, particularly in healthcare settings. Symptoms typically appear within 4-14 days, but incubation periods of up to 45 days have been documented.

While no vaccine is currently available, preventive measures include avoiding fruit contaminated by bats, using protective equipment when handling animals, and maintaining strict hygiene when caring for patients. WHO data indicate that around 20 percent of survivors suffer long-term neurological complications.

It is also noted that in October last year, public consultations began in several EU countries on potential clinical trials of a genetically modified Nipah vaccine, though no trial start date has yet been announced.

The United Nations and the organizers of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have called for a seven-week pause in ongoing conflicts worldwide, one week ahead of the opening of the prestigious sporting event.

As reported by Azernews, citing foreign media, supporters of the initiative say the appeal – rooted in ancient Greek tradition – carries a strong moral imperative at a time when armed conflicts are increasing globally.

The proposed truce, backed by a UN General Assembly resolution, would cover the period of the Winter Olympic Games, scheduled for February 6-22, as well as the Paralympic Games, set to take place from March 6-15.

‘From an ethical perspective, we want to send a message that the Olympic Truce, the Sacred Olympic Truce, must be respected,’ said Konstantinos Filis, Director of the International Olympic Truce Centre based in Athens. ‘This may not always be possible in practice, but the message reaches every corner of the world: wherever possible, we should try to create space for peace, even if only a small one.’

The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896, while the concept of an Olympic truce gained renewed attention nearly a century later, in the early 1990s, amid the outbreak of wars in the former Yugoslavia.

“The Action Plan on declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan” has been approved, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan must coordinate and monitor the implementation of the measures provided for in the Action Plan approved by Part 1 of this decree.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan must resolve the issues arising from this decree.

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a new street is set to make headlines by being literally paved with gold, Azernews reports.

According to reports, the street will be part of Dubai’s new Golden District and is described as being ‘built using gold.’ However, the developers have not provided detailed information on exactly how the precious metal will be incorporated into the street’s construction, and the official opening date has not yet been announced.

The Golden District is part of Dubai’s effort to rebrand and expand its famous Gold Market, also known as the Golden Quarter. Currently, the area hosts around 1,000 retailers specializing in gold and jewelry, making it one of the world’s most prominent destinations for luxury shopping.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the UAE is the second-largest physical gold trading hub in the world. In 2024-2025, the country exported gold worth approximately $53.41 billion, highlighting its central role in the global gold market.

A street literally paved with gold is more than just a luxury attraction-it reflects Dubai’s ambition to combine extravagance, tourism, and commerce in a single experience. Imagine walking down a street where every step glimmers in sunlight, while the surrounding area showcases the latest in high-end jewelry and luxury retail. This project could become a new iconic symbol of Dubai, rivaling landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev recieved Berlian Helmy, the incoming Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Azerbaijan, on January 30, Azernews reports.

The Ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev conversed with the Ambassador. The head of state recalled his contacts with the President of Indonesia in Davos and Sharm El-Sheikh, and informed him that he had invited him to make an official visit to Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that it is a great honor for Azerbaijan to be the first country admitted to the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation since its founding, and he expressed his gratitude to all member states, including Indonesia, for their support in this matter. The head of state characterized this milestone as an embodiment of the respect and brotherhood shown toward Azerbaijan.

Hailing the development of relations between the two countries, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of further strengthening political, economic, mutual investment and business cooperation.

The Azerbaijani President wished the ambassador success in his future activities.

Expressing gratitude to the head of state for the reception, Berlian Helmy said that during his tenure, he would work diligently to strengthen friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between our states and peoples.

During the conversation, they had an exchange of views on the prospects of Azerbaijan-Indonesia bilateral relations.