Category: Azer News

New electric buses are set to be put into operation in Nakhchivan this year, with similar plans underway for the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

As reported by Azernews, the announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rahman Hummatov during a roundtable discussion dedicated to the implementation of the ‘State Program on Improving Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025-2030’ for 2025.

Hummatov stated that new buses will be introduced in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic this year, with a focus on deploying electric buses to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of public transport.

As a result, Azerbaijan’s public transport system will continue its transition toward cleaner and more energy-efficient electric vehicles.

It was also noted that within the framework of the COP29 conference, 160 electric BYD buses were delivered to Azerbaijan as part of a pilot project and have already been put into service. The buses were supplied under an agreement signed with the Chinese company BYD Company Limited.

By decision of the Academic Council of the Folklore Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), the book “Azerbaijani Turkic Proverbs” has been published, Azernews reports.

The volume, compiled by Doctor of Philological Sciences Jalal Baydili, is presented as a substantial scholarly work that systematically organizes the centuries-old legacy of Azerbaijani folk wisdom on firm academic and methodological grounds.

In the foreword titled “Life Lessons Resembling the Words of Saints”, authored by Jalal Baydili, the philosophical and scientific foundations of the book are explored.

The author emphasizes that proverbs represent the highest expression of folk wisdom, noting that they are not merely metaphorical and figurative elements of popular speech, but also concise formulations of moral, philosophical, and life experience, comparable to the revered “words of saints.”

The collection examines the historical roots and developmental trajectory of Azerbaijani Turkic proverbs. Bringing together examples drawn from numerous sources, including classical texts such as “The Book of Dede Korkut”, “Oghuzname”, and “Amsal-i Turkana”, alongside expressions preserved in living folk speech-the book allows readers to trace the semantic, stylistic, and functional transformations of paremias over the centuries.

This approach clearly reveals the close connection of proverbs with national modes of thought, mythological concepts, and early forms of worldview.

Arranged according to the alphabetical principle, the collection primarily focuses on examples that reflect the pure layers of folk creativity, while expressions that bear a strong imprint of written literature are included only sparingly. The preservation of archaic words and dialectal features in a number of proverbs further enhances the scholarly value of the publication for historical linguistics and paremiological research.

It is worth noting that the earliest recorded examples of Azerbaijani Turkic proverbs appear in “The Book of Dede Korkut” and “Oghuzname”.

At the end of the 19th century, the collection of proverbs published in Tbilisi in the SMOMPK journal, along with nearly 750 examples issued by Mohammad Vali Gamarly in 1899, marked major early milestones in this field.

In 1926, more thematically organized publications were released by Hanafi Zeynalli and Abulgasim Huseynzade, and in 2004, “Proverbs” was published in Latin script with a print run of 25,000 copies.

The book “Azerbaijani Turkic Proverbs” draws attention as a reliable scholarly source that synthesizes more than a century of collection and publication efforts in the field of Azerbaijani paremiology.

Beyond its importance for preserving and transmitting folk wisdom to future generations, the work stands as a fundamental academic contribution to folklore studies, linguistics, and cultural history, serving the study of the nation’s moral and spiritual heritage.

Published by Elm v? T?hsil Publishing House, the editor of “Azerbaijani Turkic Proverbs” is Hikmat Guliyev, Director of the ANAS’s Folklore Institute and Doctor of Philological Sciences.

Germany and Denmark have signed an agreement at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg to establish and jointly operate a major energy hub on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, Azernews reports.

The negotiations were attended by German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche and Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard.

Under the agreement, an energy hub will be built on Bornholm to transmit electricity generated by offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea to the national power grids of both Germany and Denmark. The two countries agreed to share the costs of constructing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure, including subsea cables and grid connections.

The project is expected to play a key role in strengthening energy security in Northern Europe and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. Experts note that Bornholm’s strategic location makes it an ideal junction point for cross-border energy distribution, potentially allowing additional countries to connect to the hub in the future.

In addition, according to DPA, energy ministers from Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom signed a separate agreement at the summit focused on the large-scale development of offshore wind energy in the region. Investments in this sector are expected to reach approximately pound 9.5 billion by 2030.

Analysts believe these initiatives could turn the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions into Europe’s ‘green power plants’, supplying renewable electricity to millions of households. Some observers also suggest that such energy hubs may eventually support green hydrogen production, further expanding their role in Europe’s long-term climate strategy.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026, based on insights from more than 11,000 experts across 116 economies, paints a stark picture of an international system entering a period of heightened fragmentation. For the next two years, respondents identify geoeconomic confrontation as the most severe global risk, followed closely by misinformation and disinformation, and the deepening polarisation of societies. Together, these trends reflect a world in which economic policy, information flows, and domestic politics are increasingly weaponised.

Rather than operating in isolation, these risks are mutually reinforcing. Trade restrictions, sanctions and economic decoupling exacerbate domestic economic stress; misinformation amplifies social divisions; and polarisation, in turn, weakens institutional resilience. For regions already shaped by geopolitical tension, such as the South Caucasus, this convergence of risks has particularly profound implications.

In the 2026 report, Azerbaijan’s risk profile is dominated by cybersecurity, environmental degradation and inflationary pressures. The emphasis on cybersecurity reflects the growing exposure of state institutions, financial systems and critical infrastructure to digital threats. As public services, energy systems and transport networks become more technologically integrated, the potential impact of cyber incidents increases exponentially.

Environmental risks also feature prominently. Air, water and soil pollution are identified not merely as ecological concerns but as long-term socio-economic stressors. Environmental degradation can undermine public health, constrain agricultural productivity and generate rising fiscal costs. In a region where climate adaptation is uneven, these pressures may accumulate gradually but prove structurally significant over time.

Inflation remains another key concern. Global volatility in energy, food and transport markets continues to affect price stability, with direct consequences for household purchasing power and social cohesion. While Azerbaijan has demonstrated a degree of macroeconomic resilience, persistent inflationary pressure risks eroding real incomes and amplifying social vulnerability.

Notably, the report also highlights non-weather-related natural disasters, drawing attention to industrial and technological risks. This points to the importance of regulatory oversight, infrastructure safety and emergency preparedness in a rapidly modernising economy.

Take Armenia, the country’s risk landscape, assessed in partnership with the CIVITTA Institution Research Centre, is marked by political fragility and socio-economic vulnerability. One of the most acute risks identified is the insufficiency of public services and social protection mechanisms, including education, infrastructure and pension provision. Weak service delivery directly affects public trust and intensifies social dissatisfaction.

The risk of state-based armed conflict is also ranked highly. This includes not only interstate conflict, but also proxy wars, internal unrest and politically motivated violence. Such risks are closely linked to Armenia’s internal political dynamics, where narratives of military defeat continue to shape public discourse.

The report underscores a deep legitimacy crisis between government and opposition forces. Periodic street protests, at times escalating into radical confrontation, reflect unresolved tensions within the political system. Misinformation and disinformation further compound these divisions, blurring accountability and distorting public debate.

Economic risks are equally pronounced. Limited employment opportunities, persistent unemployment and the threat of economic stagnation or recession constrain long-term development prospects. Of particular concern is the ongoing brain drain, as young and skilled citizens leave the country in search of stability and opportunity abroad. This trend not only weakens Armenia’s labour market but also undermines its future growth potential.

As regards Georgia’s risk profile, it highlights a different but equally complex set of challenges. Cybersecurity weaknesses and the risk of cyber warfare feature prominently, reflecting the country’s exposure to regional and global information security threats. As Georgia continues its digital transformation, the gap between technological adoption and cyber resilience remains a critical concern.

Economic opportunity and employment also rank among the top risks. Limited job creation and structural constraints in the economy increase vulnerability to external shocks and contribute to social dissatisfaction. These economic pressures intersect with environmental risks, particularly the loss of biodiversity and the potential collapse of ecosystems.

Such ecological degradation carries economic implications, especially for sectors such as agriculture and tourism, which are central to Georgia’s development model. The report also flags the negative consequences of artificial intelligence technologies, suggesting that unregulated or uneven technological adoption could exacerbate inequality and social disruption.

Taken together, the Global Risks Report 2026 underscores that the principal threats facing the South Caucasus are no longer confined to traditional security concerns. Instead, the region confronts a dense web of interconnected risks, where cyber threats, misinformation, environmental stress and socio-economic pressures reinforce one another.

Geoeconomic confrontation at the global level amplifies these regional vulnerabilities. Sanctions regimes, disrupted trade flows, and strategic competition among major powers constrain policy space for smaller states, while information warfare erodes trust both domestically and internationally.

The decision to circulate the report at the Davos Economic Forum signals that these risks are not peripheral to the global agenda. On the contrary, they illustrate how regional instability, digital insecurity and social fragmentation can spill over into broader international challenges.

For the South Caucasus, the message is clear: managing risk in the coming decade will require more than reactive crisis management. It will demand institutional resilience, credible governance, regional dialogue and long-term investment in human capital and environmental sustainability. In an increasingly fragmented world, the ability of states to navigate these intersecting pressures may prove as decisive as their traditional measures of power.

Last year, the ‘Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company’ (ASCO) carried out repairs on 26 vessels of various types at its Zig Ship Repair and Construction Plant (ZGTTZ), Azernews reports.

According to ASCO, eight of these vessels underwent major repairs, 16 received shipyard-level maintenance, and two underwent routine repairs. Twenty of the repaired vessels belonged to ASCO, while the rest were owned by external organizations.

The repair work was carried out in accordance with international conventions, with the participation of ASCO’s highly qualified specialists.

ZGTTZ offers large-scale professional ship repair and marine engineering services. Additionally, since 2017, the plant has been certified to construct small-capacity vessels, expanding its capabilities in shipbuilding.

Restoration work on tram infrastructure has been carried out, and preparations are underway to reintroduce tram services in Baku, according to Anar Rzayev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AYNA.

As reported by Azernews, speaking at a roundtable dedicated to the implementation of the ‘State Program for Improving Transport Infrastructure in Baku and Surrounding Areas for 2025-2030′ for 2025, Rzayev said that a preliminary feasibility study for launching a tram line from Mehdiabad settlement to the ’28 May’ metro station has already been completed, while design work is currently in progress.

He also noted that, taking the future tram line into account, the cross-section design of the road along the Sea Breeze route has been coordinated.

Rzayev highlighted the importance of the Absheron circular railway route, which plays a key role in passenger mobility between Baku and Sumgayit and across the Absheron Peninsula. The route consists of two lines-Baku-Khirdalan-Sumgayit and Baku-Pirshaghi-Sumgayit-and has undergone significant modernization in recent years, including service improvements and increased train frequency.

To further enhance railway transport infrastructure around Baku, plans are in place to restore the Yeni Surakhani-Hovsan, Bakikhanov-Bina-Gala, and Zabrat-Mashtaga-Baghlar railway lines. The project also includes the rehabilitation of existing stations and the construction of new stations along these routes.

Rzayev said that in 2025, analyses of road and railway infrastructure along these lines were conducted and design work was launched, with some design stages already completed. Optimization work has also been carried out on stations and stops along the routes to be restored, and their locations have been determined.

Work is also underway to improve the Baku-Khirdalan-Sumgayit line by increasing train departures and passenger capacity, as well as commissioning new stops. Construction of the Darnagul stop is currently progressing rapidly, with approximately 60 percent of the work already completed. Plans are also in place to open a stop at Bash Keshla station and establish a Binagadi stop.

In addition, the Baku-Pirshaghi-Sumgayit line is set to be upgraded, with increased train frequency and passenger capacity, as well as the introduction of new stops. Railway stops are planned in the Kurdakhani, Fatmayi, and Saray settlements along this line. A stop at Narimanov station is also planned.

As part of the State Program, the restoration of the Guzdek-Garadagh railway line is also envisaged. Once restored, this line will allow freight trains to operate on that route, thereby increasing passenger train capacity on the Baku-Khirdalan-Sumgayit line.

Rzayev added that Azerbaijan plans to purchase 20 new passenger trains by 2030. Work in this direction is ongoing, with analyses underway and negotiations being held with foreign companies.

Tonight, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) will announce its first interest rate decision of 2026. The decision will be released at 11:00 p.m. Baku time, followed by a press conference at 11:30 p.m., where Chairman Jerome Powell will answer questions from journalists. Economists and market participants widely expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged in the 3.5%-3.75% range. While this may sound routine, the implications are anything but: the Fed’s rate policy sends powerful signals to the U.S. economy, global financial markets, and the dollar itself. Interest rates shape investment flows, currency valuations, and bond markets worldwide.

The current rate level reflects years of delicate balancing since the pandemic recovery began in 2020. Inflation has stabilized somewhat in recent months, but the Fed remains cautious, monitoring growth and market volatility closely. Analysts argue that holding rates steady could provide a mild stimulus, signaling stability to investors. Yet such decisions also invite speculation: traders immediately begin recalibrating expectations for the dollar and U.S. bonds, often triggering short-term volatility.

President Donald Trump, however, has repeatedly demanded that the Fed cut rates more aggressively. In his view, the central bank has been too slow to ease policy, thereby delaying the stimulative effects lower rates could bring. Trump’s public criticism has already rattled markets. His pressure on Powell has raised concerns about the Fed’s independence, a cornerstone of its credibility. Investors, wary of political interference, have responded with caution: U.S. bonds and the dollar have seen bouts of selling as traders anticipate greater uncertainty ahead.

Powell’s term as chairman expires in May, and Trump has signaled his intention to nominate a successor aligned with his economic agenda. Analysts believe such an appointment could tilt the Fed toward a more dovish stance, lowering rates to spur growth. While this might please markets in the short run, it raises troubling questions about the central bank’s autonomy and the predictability of its policies. Investors and financial institutions are watching closely, aware that any abrupt shift in leadership could reverberate across global markets.

The dollar’s value is directly tied to the Fed’s decisions and political pressures. Lower rates typically weaken the dollar against other currencies, reshaping import and export prices and altering global trade balances. Bond markets are equally sensitive: higher rates make U.S. Treasuries attractive, while lower rates can trigger sell-offs. This is why investors worldwide scrutinize every Fed announcement-not just for its domestic impact, but for its global consequences.

Trump’s interventions highlight a deeper issue: the independence of the Federal Reserve. A central bank must remain insulated from political pressure to ensure long-term stability. Yet Trump’s active role, combined with the likelihood of a new chairman sympathetic to his strategy, suggests that Fed policy may increasingly reflect political considerations. This prospect unsettles analysts, who warn investors to prepare for heightened volatility.

The stakes are enormous. Tonight’s decision, even if rates remain unchanged, carries symbolic weight. It signals continuity at a time when markets crave reassurance. But the months ahead may prove more turbulent. Trump’s looming appointment and his insistence on faster rate cuts could reshape expectations, fueling swings in currencies, bonds, and equities. Investors must weigh not only economic indicators like inflation and employment but also the political dynamics surrounding the Fed.

The intertwining of economic policy and political influence is now impossible to ignore. A rate cut could indeed stimulate growth, but it would also weaken the dollar and destabilize bond markets, creating risks for global investors. Conversely, holding rates steady may preserve stability but frustrate political demands for faster growth. This tension underscores the fragile balance between economic prudence and political ambition.

The Fed’s rate decision tonight is more than a technical adjustment. It is a test of institutional independence in the face of political pressure. The current policy offers stability, but the future hinges on Trump’s next move. If he appoints a chairman committed to aggressive easing, markets may enjoy short-term growth but at the cost of credibility and predictability. If independence prevails, the Fed may continue its cautious path, frustrating political leaders but reassuring global investors.

Luxury tuning company Mansory has revealed a special edition of the Koenigsegg Jesko Attack, one of the most exclusive hypercars in the world. With only 125 units produced and a price tag of around $3 million, this particular model has been customized for a client from the Middle East, Azernews reports.

The Mansory Koenigsegg Jesko Attack features a striking sand-colored exterior and nearly 20 new carbon fiber components. These include a redesigned front splitter, aerodynamic canards, door linings, and a carbon hood insert with ventilation grilles, along with new side skirts and other aerodynamic elements.

At the rear, Mansory has added updated wing end plates, a full-width carbon lining, and a new diffuser with a central brake light inspired by Formula 1 cars. While the company has not disclosed exactly how these modifications will impact the Jesko Attack’s aerodynamics, the hypercar is already capable of potentially reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h.

The car also boasts blacked-out wheels, color-matched brake calipers, and an interior trimmed in turquoise leather, giving it a unique and luxurious finish.

The Koenigsegg Jesko Attack is named after Jesko von Koenigsegg, the founder’s father, and is engineered for extreme speed and track performance, making Mansory’s customization one of the most exclusive hypercar projects in recent years.

This bespoke model shows how luxury tuning firms are pushing the boundaries of automotive design, blending extreme performance with personal style and unmatched exclusivity.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed a set of measures aimed at improving Google’s search services and ensuring that users, businesses, and publishers can benefit more fairly from the platform, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the CMA said the proposals include enhanced publisher controls, allowing media outlets and content creators greater authority over how their material is used in Google’s AI-generated Overviews. The plan also seeks to ensure fair and transparent ranking of search results and make it easier for consumers to access and transfer their search-related data.

According to the regulator, Google Search accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries in the UK, giving the company significant market power and influence over how information is discovered online.

‘These targeted and proportionate actions would give UK businesses and consumers more choice and control over how they interact with Google’s search services, while also unlocking greater opportunities for innovation across the UK tech sector and the wider economy,’ said CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell.

Regulators around the world are increasingly focusing on how AI-powered search features summarize and present news content, as concerns grow that automated answers could reduce traffic to original publishers and reshape the economics of online media.

The CMA’s proposal reflects a broader global effort to balance innovation in search technology with competition, transparency, and consumer choice.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for an official visit, where he is set to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azernews reports via Syria’s state news agency SANA.

This marks Sharaa’s second visit to Russia in four months, following a similar trip in October 2025.

According to SANA, the talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments. Russia separately confirmed Sharaa’s arrival, which was broadcast live on the state television channel Rossiya-24.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions would include issues related to the presence of Russian armed forces in Syria.

‘I have no doubt that all issues related to the presence of our military in Syria will also be raised during today’s negotiations,’ Peskov stated.

He added that cooperation between Moscow and Damascus has been actively developing following the change of leadership in Syria, noting a renewed momentum in bilateral engagement.

Commenting on media reports suggesting that Syrian authorities were negotiating with Moscow over the extradition of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Peskov declined to comment, saying: ‘We are not commenting on the Assad issue.’

Addressing reports that Syria had requested the withdrawal of Russian forces from an airfield in Qamishli, Peskov said such matters fall under the authority of Russia’s Defense Ministry.

‘As for the deployment of our armed forces on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, this is the prerogative of the Ministry of Defense. We recommend contacting them,’ he said.

Earlier, the Kremlin said that talks between Putin and Sharaa would focus on Syria’s transitional period, the future of bilateral cooperation, and developments in the Middle East.

‘The plan is to discuss the state and prospects for developing bilateral ties in various areas, as well as the current situation in the Middle East,’ the Kremlin said in a statement.

Wednesday’s visit underscores the continued strategic dialogue between Moscow and Damascus amid ongoing regional shifts.