Tazakand wins Victory Day football tournament in Marneuli

An inter-village friendly football tournament dedicated to November 8, Azerbaijan’s Victory Day, has been held in Marneuli, Georgia, bringing together teams from four local villages.

The tournament was organised by young people from the village of Beylar in Marneuli Municipality, promoting friendship, community spirit and sporting cooperation among local residents.

Teams representing Sadakhli, Beylar, Tazakand and Gasimli villages took part in the competition, competing in a friendly sporting atmosphere that highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity.

Following the matches, the team from Tazakand village emerged as the tournament’s winner, securing first place in the competition.

The event provided an opportunity for young people from different villages to come together through sport while commemorating Azerbaijan’s Victory Day. It also highlighted the role of football in strengthening community ties and encouraging cooperation footamong young people in the region.

Such grassroots sporting initiatives contribute to promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering friendship and preserving a sense of shared identity among local communities.

Air Tanzania warns of eight-day flight disruptions

Arusha. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has warned passengers of possible flight delays, schedule changes and aircraft substitutions over eight days following the early removal of engines from some of its Airbus A220 aircraft.

In a public notice issued on November 7, 2026, the national carrier said some flights scheduled between November 7 and 14 could be disrupted as it adjusts its operations and schedules to accommodate the affected aircraft.

The airline said the changes could include delays, revised departure times and the use of alternative aircraft, potentially affecting passengers who had booked their journeys in advance.

‘Some flights scheduled between 7th and 14th November 2026 may experience delays, disruptions, changes in departure times and aircraft substitutions,’ ATCL said in the notice.

The disruptions follow the early removal of engines from some of the airline’s Airbus A220 aircraft.

However, the company did not specify the number of aircraft affected or explain why the engines had to be removed ahead of schedule.

ATCL said passengers whose journeys were affected would be assisted with alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

It also advised travellers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport, warning that operational adjustments could affect previously communicated departure times.

The airline apologised for the inconvenience, saying it was working to minimise the impact of the disruptions on its operations.

The development has drawn attention to the operational reliability of the carrier’s Airbus A220 fleet, which serves domestic and international routes.

Air Tanzania operates four Airbus A220-300 aircraft, each configured to carry 132 passengers, comprising 12 business-class and 120 economy-class seats.

The airline became the first African operator of the Airbus A220 when it received its first A220-300 in December 2018, followed by a second aircraft in January 2019.

Survey finds Thais keen on AI use

Thai consumers are significantly more optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI) than their global peers, with 74% seeing more benefits than drawbacks, compared with 55% worldwide. Meanwhile, 80% of employed Thais say AI tools have helped them save time at work, according to France-based research firm Ipsos.

However, growing enthusiasm for AI is accompanied by concerns over privacy, transparency and excessive automation, creating challenges for businesses seeking to capitalise on the technology.

Thai consumers are increasingly seeking greater control over their time, health and wellbeing, technology and purchasing decisions amid uncertainty, according to the Ipsos Global Trends 2026: The Search for Silver Linings – Thailand Edition report.

The research was conducted online between May 22 and June 5 across 38 markets, involving 29,542 respondents worldwide, including 500 Thais aged 20-74.

“We found that 77% of Thais are excited about AI, although 61% also feel nervous about the technology,” said Pimtai Suwannasuk, senior client manager at Ipsos Ltd.

Despite strong enthusiasm, only 35% consider AI chatbots trustworthy, while 47% trust companies using AI to protect their personal information.

Moreover, 85% believe businesses should be required to disclose when AI is used in products and services, while 79% feel customer service is becoming too automated and impersonal.

Digital dependence is also spreading across generations, with 81% of Thais saying they cannot imagine life without the internet, up seven percentage points over two years.

The figure reaches 85% among both Baby Boomers and Gen Z, compared with 78% among Gen X and 80% among millennials.

Beyond technology, 89% of Thai respondents also express greater concern about health and wellbeing than the global average of 81%.

Meanwhile, 85% want greater control over healthcare decisions, compared with the global average of 78%, while mental health and stress rank as the country’s leading health concerns.

An overwhelming 96% believe they need to do more to look after their physical health, an increase of four percentage points year-on-year.

More than half of respondents, or 52%, expect to live to 100, while 73% consider physical and mental health equally important.

The broader findings reveal growing anxiety about economic and social uncertainty, with 85% of Thais believing the world is changing too quickly, up six percentage points over two years.

Despite these concerns, 75% believe enjoying life today is important, while 83% wish they could slow down the pace of their lives, up from 78% in 2025.

Changing attitudes are also reshaping purchasing behaviour. Some 71% prefer brands that reflect their personal values, down eight percentage points over two years, while 61% are willing to pay extra for appealing brand images, down nine percentage points.

Trust in institutions is another concern, with 84% worried that government and public services will provide insufficient support in the future.

Meanwhile, 87% believe businesses have a responsibility to contribute to society beyond generating profits.

The survey found that 72% remain optimistic about their own and their families’ future, compared with 48% who are optimistic about Thailand and 41% about the world.

BIAF 2025 concludes in Baku with spectacular symphony concert

The second season of the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF) has concluded with a spectacular concert at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall named after Muslim Magomayev, bringing together world classical music, the Russian performing tradition and Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage.

One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by internationally acclaimed violinist Maxim Vengerov, who appeared alongside Russian pianist Evgenia Startseva. In the second half of the concert, they were joined by the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Honoured Artist Fuad Ibrahimov.

The programme offered a musical journey across different eras, styles and cultural traditions.

The first half featured César Franck’s Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano, followed by ten preludes from Dmitri Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes, Op. 34, arranged for violin and piano by Dmitri Tsyganov. Vengerov and Startseva delivered performances that highlighted the emotional depth and expressive qualities of the chamber repertoire.

The second half brought a symphonic dimension to the evening with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s celebrated suite Scheherazade, Op. 35. Vengerov performed the solo violin part, accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra under Ibrahimov’s direction. The programme concluded with Fikret Amirov’s Azerbaijani Capriccio, adding a distinctive national character to the festival finale.

The choice of Scheherazade carried particular symbolic significance. The festival concluded at the same Philharmonic Hall and with the same composition that had marked its musical beginning. In Baku, a city historically connecting East and West, Rimsky-Korsakov’s musical interpretation of the Orient acquired an additional cultural dimension.

Before the concert, internationally renowned violinist and conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky, who was born in Baku, shared his impressions of Maxim Vengerov, whom he has known since the violinist’s childhood.

Sitkovetsky recalled first recognising Vengerov’s exceptional talent when he was just 13 years old. He later worked with him when Vengerov was 16, and their professional paths crossed repeatedly through international musical projects.

Commenting on the festival’s closing concert, Sitkovetsky said the programme had been carefully selected to reflect both the performers’ outstanding artistic abilities and the overall concept of BIAF. He also emphasised the importance of working with Fuad Ibrahimov and bringing Vengerov together with Azerbaijan’s State Symphony Orchestra.

He noted that BIAF stands out among traditional music festivals because of its multidisciplinary approach, combining theatre, ballet, cinema, symphonic and chamber music, as well as international artistic collaborations.

Sitkovetsky also stressed the importance of continued support for classical music, orchestras and professional musicians, noting that the development of academic arts requires attention from both public institutions and private sponsors.

Anthony Burr, BIAF’s international public relations specialist, also shared his impressions of the festival, describing his experience in Baku as particularly rewarding.

He praised the professionalism of the organising team, the quality of the invited performers and the warm reception from local audiences.

Describing Baku as a city rich in music, culture and history, where East meets West and Europe meets Asia, Burr highlighted the festival’s growing international ambitions.

He explained that expanding BIAF’s international presence and attracting more foreign participants had been among the organisers’ key objectives this season. The festival has already received positive media coverage in the United States, the United Kingdom and several European countries.

Burr expressed confidence that BIAF could significantly expand its programme and international audience in the coming years, identifying the potential to develop into a major international arts festival comparable in ambition to established events such as Switzerland’s Verbier Festival.

For chief conductor Fuad Ibrahimov, the closing concert carried additional emotional significance as it took place on November 8, Azerbaijan’s Victory Day.

He welcomed the coincidence of the festival finale with this important national date, describing the concert programme as particularly engaging. He also highlighted the inclusion of Fikret Amirov’s Azerbaijani Capriccio, which brought a strong national dimension to the evening.

Ibrahimov described the second season of BIAF as diverse, engaging and artistically rich. He noted that festivals of this kind introduce audiences to new works and performers while bringing people closer together, strengthening cultural relations between countries and creating opportunities for international artistic cooperation.

The second season of the Baku International Arts Festival was organised with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture.

The programme featured more than 20 events across different artistic disciplines, including concerts, theatre and ballet productions, film screenings, creative discussions and masterclasses.

Artists and participants from Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Monaco, Russia, the United States, France and other countries took part in the festival.

Particular emphasis was placed on collaborative projects bringing international performers together with Azerbaijani musicians, artistic groups and educational institutions.

The closing concert featuring Maxim Vengerov, Evgenia Startseva and the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra was more than the conclusion of a festival programme. It represented the central vision of BIAF: encouraging cultural dialogue, preserving artistic traditions and creating new opportunities for international creative exchange.

Through its diverse programme and international collaborations, BIAF continues to strengthen Baku’s profile as a meeting point for artists, musicians and audiences from around the world.

Youth urged to seize opportunities in horticulture value chain

Arusha. Young people have been urged to explore business and employment opportunities across the horticulture value chain, including production, technology, transportation and marketing, to create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

Kilimo Fresh managing director Baraka Chijenga made the call on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during the HortiLogistica Africa 2026 exhibition, taking place in Arusha.

Mr Chijenga said agriculture offered opportunities beyond farming, urging young people to consider providing services such as market-linking technologies, quality seeds, fertilisers, machinery and produce transportation.

He said he began his career as a farmer, working in the sector for about five years, before challenges related to market access and post-harvest losses inspired him to establish a company offering agricultural services and market solutions.

‘Challenges in agriculture could present business opportunities for young people willing to innovate and use technology to develop solutions,’ he said, referring to his experiences.

Kilimo Fresh is participating in the exhibition to promote its services, engage with farmers and explore partnerships in produce marketing, storage and transportation.

Mr Chijenga particularly encouraged Generation Z to take the initiative and seize available opportunities rather than wait for others to guide them.

Mr Dastan Nelson of Shambarai Green Haven Limited invited farmers to collaborate with the company to learn about and cultivate wild mangoes, locally known as tangopori.

‘The crop has commercial potential and performs better in areas with low rainfall. The company is ready to provide training on cultivation, facilitate access to reliable markets, and share information about the crop’s health benefits,’ he said.

Thai freshman detects cybersecurity flaw at NASA

America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration has thanked a Thai freshman at Khon Kaen University for detecting a cybersecurity flaw in the US space agency’s computer system.

Khon Kaen University said on Tuesday that NASA had sent a letter of gratitude and praise to Thanapol Butsricha, a first-year student at its College of Computing, on Nov 5 for helping protect its data.

Mr Thanapol, who used the online name ‘nullbyt3z’, found a loophole in the cross-site scripting (XSS) type which allowed attackers to input harmful code scripts into webpages. He reported the finding to NASA through its official security channel.

‘I am proud that my efforts over the past month help secure the systems of this world-class organisation,” he said, admitting “it was difficult to detect a new loophole that no one else has spotted”,

Khon Kaen University said the freshman’s report was a ‘responsible disclosure’. He sent a direct report to the system owner without abusing his finding or disclosing it before the flaw was fixed.

Assoc Prof Phet Imtongkhum, head of cybersecurity courses at Khon Kaen University, said the finding reflected both the skill and the ethics of students at the College of Computing at the university.

Ericsson marks 150 years, eyes Tanzania’s digital future

Dar es Salaam. Growing demand for digital services in sectors such as mining, transport, ports and enterprise is creating new opportunities for technology investment in Tanzania, with Ericsson calling for stronger partnerships to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

The call was made on Monday, November 9, 2026, during the launch of Imagine Live Tanzania, an event organised as part of Ericsson’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Running until November 12, the event brings together industry stakeholders to explore emerging technologies through live demonstrations and discussions on how digital solutions can support businesses and the wider economy.

For Ericsson, the discussions come at a time when connectivity is becoming increasingly important to industries beyond telecommunications.

Tanzania’s digital ambitions, including those outlined in Dira 2050, are also creating a need for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Ericsson Tanzania Country Manager Talib Sheriff said the country’s digital progress depended on the strength of the ecosystem supporting it, including customers, business partners, industry stakeholders and organisations involved in technology development.

‘Our customers, partners, industry stakeholders and the many organisations that contribute to the country’s digital development are now guided by the vision of Dira 2050,’ he said.

He said demand for connectivity was no longer limited to mobile phone users, as more businesses and industries needed reliable networks to support their operations.

‘Connectivity is not only about mobile networks. New players also need it. We have enterprises, ports and mines, all of which require connectivity. We want to use this event to engage these stakeholders and discuss how technology can respond to their needs,’ he said.

The growing demand is also opening the door to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), fifth-generation (5G) networks, cloud computing and automation, which are transforming how businesses operate and serve customers.

Ericsson Vice-President and Head of East and North Africa Alain Maupin said Tanzania was part of a wider digital transformation taking place across Africa, with the pace of technological change expected to accelerate.

‘We are reaching a turning point where things are going to accelerate even faster than what we have seen over the past 20 years. Tanzania is very much part of this momentum,’ he said.

However, he said the ability to benefit from these technologies would depend not only on infrastructure but also on the availability of skilled people capable of developing and applying new solutions.

‘The talent pool in Tanzania is tremendous. We have very strong engineers who are quick to learn, curious and ready to embrace new technologies. This is valuable in addressing the new demands and opportunities emerging from digital transformation,’ he said.

Mr Maupin said Ericsson’s experience in Tanzania dated back more than two decades, when the company supported the launch of the country’s first 2G network in 2000.

Its involvement had continued as the telecommunications industry evolved, including with the introduction of 5G.

The history was also reflected in relations between Tanzania and Sweden, where Ericsson is headquartered.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ingrid Johansson, said the two countries had maintained relations for more than 63 years, supported by cooperation in business, technology, research and education.

She said Swedish companies had contributed to Tanzania’s development, while research partnerships between universities in the two countries were helping to strengthen local capacity for innovation.

‘Sweden and Tanzania share a longstanding relationship built on friendship and cooperation. Strengthening our economic relations reflects the Swedish way of working together to expand both economies and create jobs in both countries,’ she said.

Ms Johansson said cooperation between the two countries should continue to support research-driven innovation and create an environment in which businesses and young entrepreneurs could grow.

For Mr Maupin, however, the next phase of this digital journey would require all players to move beyond individual efforts and work towards shared goals.

‘Digital transformation cannot be delivered by one company or one part of the ecosystem. You need collaboration. Governments and regulators must create an environment that supports investment, while telecom operators build and manage the infrastructure on which new technologies depend,’ he said.

He said industries and businesses needed to identify practical uses for technology, while technology providers had a responsibility to bring innovation and international experience to the market.

‘When all these partners come together with a common ambition and shared goals, we enable value and meaningful progress in the countries where we operate, particularly Tanzania,’ he said.

As Ericsson marks 150 years of technological innovation, Mr Maupin said the priority was to look beyond the company’s history and consider the opportunities that could be created through future partnerships.

‘Our focus is on the future. Perhaps the most important question we should ask ourselves is what we are going to build next, together,’ he said.

Turkiye begins troop withdrawal from northern Iraq

Turkiye began a gradual withdrawal of its troops from the Zilkan military base in the Bashika area of Iraq’s Nineveh province in November 2026 and plans to complete the process by the end of the year.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, announced the development in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency.

According to al-Numan, following the departure of Turkish troops, the military installation is expected to come under the control of Iraqi security forces by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

He said the Iraq-Turkiye Joint Security Committee had begun work on transferring the military facility and strengthening security in the Sinjar region.

The agreements reached between the two countries cover the gradual withdrawal of Turkish troops, strengthening the Iraqi government’s control over Sinjar, expanding security cooperation and developing economic ties.

Al-Numan said positive security developments in Sinjar had created conditions for the practical implementation of agreements with Ankara.

He added that the Iraqi Army had assumed responsibility for ensuring security in the area, while the process of integrating armed groups into the country’s official security institutions had begun.

The Zilkan military base was established in 2015 under an agreement between Turkiye and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq to train local forces fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization.

In September 2026, Turkiye announced its intention to withdraw its military contingent from Iraqi territory.

Muhoozi deactivates X account after making threats against Uganda’s Vice President

Kampala. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has deactivated his X account after publishing a series of controversial posts threatening Vice President Jessica Alupo with dismissal and possible arrest.

The general’s account, @mkainerugaba, became inaccessible on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, hours after he demanded that Alupo prepare to relinquish her position and suggested that he could take over the vice-presidency.

Reports by Kenya’s Citizen Digital and Uganda’s Pulse indicated that the account was no longer available. However, neither Muhoozi nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had issued an official explanation for its disappearance. It was also unclear whether he had deactivated it himself or whether X had taken action against it.

The development followed a series of posts published on Monday evening, November 9, in which Muhoozi openly questioned Alupo’s position and raised the possibility of assuming the country’s second-highest executive office.

‘About being Vice President. I think we have been diplomatic enough. Whoever is in that office should prepare to hand it over soon,’ he wrote.

He also outlined how he would run the government if appointed to the position, promising to introduce military-style administration to address what he described as inefficiency.

‘As Vice President, the government will operate on military terms. There will be no more inefficiency,’ he posted.

In another series of messages, Muhoozi threatened to dismiss Alupo from government, questioned her political loyalty and claimed to have considerable support in the Teso region, where she comes from.

‘As Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Jessica will be dismissed from our government soon. We have very many supporters in Teso. We don’t have to rely on traitors,’ he wrote.

He also accused the Vice President of allegedly supporting former military commander Peter Elwelu, whom he accused of treachery, warning that she would face arrest if investigations established her involvement.

‘We shall arrest Jessica, without hesitation if she is part of Elweru’s treachery,’ he posted.

Muhoozi further revisited Uganda’s 2015-2016 political contest, accusing Alupo of supporting former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi when he challenged President Yoweri Museveni in the 2016 presidential election.

He also cited his previous threats against opposition figures Kizza Besigye, Bobi Wine and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, claiming that he had followed through on his warnings.

‘I told you I would arrest Besigye and I did. I told you I would defeat Kabobi and I did. I told you I would arrest Lukwago and I did. And many more. I think you should start believing me,’ he wrote.

The claims and accusations against Alupo were made in Muhoozi’s social media posts and had not been independently established.

Alupo’s position

Alupo, a retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces major, has served as Vice President since May 2021, following her appointment by President Museveni and approval by Parliament.

Under Article 108 of Uganda’s Constitution, the President appoints the Vice President, subject to parliamentary approval. The Constitution also provides for the appointment of a replacement within 14 days if the office becomes vacant.

There had been no official announcement of Alupo’s removal or a change in the country’s vice-presidency by Tuesday. She had also not publicly responded to Muhoozi’s remarks.

Previous X account exits

Muhoozi’s latest disappearance from X is not the first time he has withdrawn from the platform following controversial posts.

In January 2025, he announced that he was leaving X to concentrate on his military responsibilities but returned six days later with a brief message saying, ‘I’m back!’

In 2022, he also temporarily left the platform after making controversial remarks about Kenya, including a claim that his forces could capture Nairobi within two weeks. The comments prompted diplomatic concerns, leading President Museveni to apologise to Kenya.

The latest development also comes amid uncertainty surrounding Muhoozi’s military future.

On November 6, he announced that he intended to leave the position of CDF in the coming months, saying he had completed the responsibilities assigned to him and wanted to dedicate his life to Christianity.

‘My time as CDF is coming to an end. I have accomplished all the tasks my God gave me. In a few months, I will hand over this office to a qualified officer. I shall dedicate my life to Christ after that,’ he posted.

However, subsequent remarks suggested that he could remain in the position for at least another year.

Chalermchai gets Thailand role, King’s Cup beckons

The Football Association of Thailand has appointed Chalermchai Mahagitsiri as manager of the national team, with the King’s Cup in Sri Sa Ket this month to be his first assignment.

Chalermchai, the chief executive of Thoresen Thai Agencies and a director of Muangthong United since 2009, was unveiled at a press conference in Rangsit on Monday by the association’s president, Nualphan Lamsam.

The new manager, who also directs JMG Academy, which develops young players, will coordinate work between the association, coaches and players alongside the head coach, Anthony Hudson.

Chalermchai said he had taken time to decide but was persuaded after speaking to Nualphan. The role, he said, was an opportunity to serve every Thai person, and the World Cup qualifying tournament next year demanded preparation, though for now his focus was on the King’s Cup.

The 52nd edition runs from Nov 14 to 17, with Brunei, Oman, Tajikistan and Thailand taking part.

Sarach Yooyen, Supachok Sarachat, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Suphanan Bureerat and Theerathon Bunmathan, meanwhile, reported to the training camp.

Hudson said he had wanted Chanathip Songkrasin, who is unavailable, but was pleased with the squad overall.

Benjamin Davis, he said, remains a player he likes and wants to see develop further. He acknowledged fan criticism and said a competing fixture schedule had prevented him from picking his strongest group.

Buriram snatch late win

Sebastian Moyano struck in stoppage time as Buriram United won 2-1 at Ratchaburi in Thai League 1 on Sunday night. Pansa Hemviboon headed the champions in front in the 16th minute, only for Njiva to equalise in the 79th.

The result lifts Buriram to fifth on 16 points, with Ratchaburi sixth on 13.

Edgar Mendez scored the winner as PT Prachuap beat Sisaket 2-1 at home. Doucoure Mahamadou had put the visitors ahead in the 57th minute, Taua Ferreira levelled from the penalty spot in the 72nd, and Mendez struck two minutes later.

Bangkok United won 3-0 at Rasisalai United, and BG Pathum United also won 3-0 against Rayong.