Coalition draft to be change basis

The ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party has insisted the coalition draft is likely to be the main frame of reference for amending the charter, while reiterating that changes to the pillar Chapters 1 and 2 will be off-limits.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday chaired a meeting of coalition partners to prepare for the two-day parliamentary debate on Tuesday and on Wednesday over proposed constitutional amendments.

Emerging from the meeting, Mr Anutin said the session was routine coordination ahead of parliament’s debate on three amendment drafts — proposed by the government coalition, the opposition Pheu Thai Party, and the People’s Party (PP).

“Our stance is clear. We will not touch Chapters 1 and 2,” he said, referring to sections on the form of the state and the monarchy.

He expressed hope that the constitutional amendment process would pass all three readings.

“We want to see the amendments advance constructively through parliamentary mechanisms,” he said. Asked about the government’s short tenure and whether it could complete the process, Mr Anutin said, “Even if it isn’t completed, at least we’ve started it and laid the foundation for reform.”

The prime minister also dismissed speculation that the government had lobbied senators for support. “No one has been sounded out. Everything will proceed transparently through parliamentary channels,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Wutthipong Pongsuwan predicted all three amendment drafts — from BJT, Pheu Thai, and the PP — would likely pass the first reading. “From what I’ve seen, most senators want to avoid political complications and will support all drafts moving forward,” he said.

President Ilham Aliyev’s social media accounts share post on his working visit to Egypt [VIDEO]

A post about the working visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Egypt has been shared on his social media accounts, Azernews reports.

The post reads:

‘President Ilham Aliyev’s working visit to Egypt (12-13.10.2025).’

Baku, Ashgabat expand cultural cooperation [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has hosted a large delegation of cultural leaders and artists, headed by Nursahat Shirimov, Turkmenistan Deputy Culture Minister, Azernews reports.

The delegation arrived in the country in connection with Turkmenistan Culture Days, organized by Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Adil Karimli conveyed his congratulations on the occasion of Turkmenistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place regarding the development of cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have been characterized by regular exchanges and the organization of cultural events. One of the key expressions of this collaboration has been the celebration of Turkmenistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan, which provides a platform to showcase Turkmen cultural heritage through exhibitions, music, dance, and art.

This event has been held several times, with one of the most notable exhibitions being “Arkhadag: The Pillar of Turkmen National Heritage”* at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

High-level meetings between officials of both countries have consistently highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation.

Heydar Aliyev Center opens exhibition dedicated to Turkmen national heritage [PHOTOS]

From October 13 to 15, Turkmenistan Culture Days are being held in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the cultural event features a rich program.

The opening of the exhibition titled “Arkhadag: The Pillar of Turkmen National Heritage” took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural and scientific figures from both countries, and other guests.

In their speeches, Deputy Culture Minister Murad Hseynov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov, and President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isa Habibbayli, discussed the development of Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan relations.

It was emphasized that the Turkmenistan Culture Days would make a significant contribution to the development of cultural ties between the two countries.

Following the speeches, the attendees had the opportunity to explore the exhibition. It was noted that the exhibit presents Turkmen national costumes for both men and women, as well as samples of weaving and decorative-applied arts such as carpets and palaz (traditional rugs).

The exhibition also features photographs depicting historical figures of the brotherly nation, as well as ancient cultural landmarks and images reflecting modern developments.

Kazakhstan seeks long-term oil supply agreements with Azerbaijan

Kazakhstan is interested in signing long-term agreements with Azerbaijan for the supply of oil products, according to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the 21st meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Baku, Sauranbayev emphasized the strategic nature of the two countries’ partnership in the energy sector.

‘We have a truly strategic partnership in energy. We highly value the cooperation between SOCAR and KazMunayGas in transporting oil via the Trans-Caspian route,’ he stated.

Sauranbayev also underlined the importance of developing green energy, noting that the transmission of renewable energy is a key priority. He recalled that in November 2024, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan signed a trilateral agreement in Baku to advance strategic cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

Additionally, the Kazakh minister expressed his country’s readiness to collaborate with Azerbaijan on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and energy regulation, as well as to exchange expertise in these areas.

He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s interest in cooperating with Azerbaijan on establishing joint research and development centers focused on artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov announced that oil transit between the two countries is set to increase through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

‘Cooperation between SOCAR and KazMunayGas on Kazakh oil transit through Azerbaijan is progressing successfully. Since 2023, 3.4 million tons of Kazakh oil have been transported to global markets via the BTC pipeline,’ Shahbazov said.

He added that both sides are exploring the possibility of increasing annual oil volumes to 7 million tons by 2027 – a move that would significantly enhance their energy partnership and further diversify Kazakhstan’s export routes.

Seoul plans construction of its first civilian nuclear shelter

By 2028, South Korean authorities plan to construct the country’s first civilian bunker capable of withstanding a nuclear strike, located beneath a residential apartment complex in Seoul. The project was reported by The Korea Herald, Azernews reports.

The shelter will be built in the Garak-dong district, with support from local government and the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation. It will be situated on the third basement level of the residential building, covering over 2,100 square meters and able to accommodate up to 1,020 people.

Designed to sustain life underground for up to two weeks, the bunker will be equipped with advanced air filtration, emergency power, and water purification systems, offering protection in the event of a nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) attack. Uniquely, in peacetime, the facility will serve as a fully functional fitness center, complete with exercise equipment, showers, and recreational space.

The move reflects growing concerns over global instability and ongoing military threats from North Korea. According to officials, this project may pave the way for a broader initiative to construct similar dual-purpose shelters across major urban areas in South Korea.

Architects are also exploring the integration of sustainable features, such as solar energy systems and smart ventilation technology, to allow the shelter to operate independently from external infrastructure during emergencies.

This innovative approach to civil defense may signal a shift in urban planning – where safety, practicality, and everyday use are combined in a single structure.

Ford halts production of some models amid supply issues

Ford Motor Co. has temporarily halted production of several vehicles following a fire that disabled a key aluminum supplier, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing an internal memo sent to employees, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Production of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant was paused this week, along with operations at the Dearborn, Michigan facility that manufactures the F-150 Lightning pickup. The shutdown is expected to last at least one week.

The disruption stems from a fire at Novelis’s aluminum plant in upstate New York, which supplies approximately 40% of the automotive industry’s aluminum sheet. The plant is not expected to resume normal operations until early next year.

This supply chain interruption highlights the vulnerability of the automotive sector to single-source dependencies for critical materials. Industry analysts warn that extended downtime could ripple through production schedules, potentially impacting vehicle availability and pricing throughout 2025. In response, Ford and other automakers are reportedly exploring ways to diversify their supply chains to reduce risks from such disruptions in the future.

Over 55,000 return to liberated territories of Azerbaijan as part of Great Return Program

As part of Azerbaijan’s national priority titled ‘The Great Return to the Liberated Territories’, outlined in the country’s 2022-2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy, the resettlement of 28 residential areas has already been achieved. Currently, around 55,000 people are living in the territories liberated after the 2020 Second Garabagh War.

Azernews reports that this was stated by Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAECR), during the 30th Anniversary Caspian Construction Week.

He noted that approximately 20,000 of the returnees are former internally displaced persons (IDPs). ‘The remaining population consists of those employed in local government institutions, construction, and private companies operating in the region. By the end of next year, we expect this number to surpass 100,000, marking a significant milestone in the return process,’ Gasimli said.

He also highlighted major progress in infrastructure development in the liberated regions. ‘In a short period, over 500 kilometers of roads have been constructed, along with 120-130 kilometers of new railway lines. About 75% of the Horadiz-Aghbend railway project has been completed,’ he added.

The ‘Great Return’ initiative is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts, aiming to restore normal life in the territories and facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced citizens.

Turkmenistan Culture Days start with spectacular opening ceremony [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan share deep-rooted cultural ties, grounded in their common history, language, and traditions.

Both countries have consistently worked to reinforce these relationships, promoting mutual respect and understanding through a range of cultural initiatives.

Turkmenistan Culture Days stand as a shining example of the robust cultural partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, highlighting their shared heritage and dedication to enhancing mutual understanding through joint cultural efforts.

This event highlights the ongoing partnership between the two nations and their dedication to strengthening cultural ties.

The official opening ceremony of Turkmenistan Culture Days took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Deputy Culture Minister Murad Huseynov expressed his pleasure at hosting Turkmenistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan. He noted that the peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are united by shared history, cultural roots, and unwavering friendship.

Murad Huseynov emphasized that the high level of relations between the two countries creates favorable conditions for the peoples to better understand one another, for the expansion of cultural exchanges, and for the realization of joint projects in the future.

In his address, Nursahat Shirimov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, stressed the significance of developing cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. He stated that the holding of Turkmenistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan contributes to strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Nursahat Shirimov also expressed hope that cultural cooperation would continue to grow in the future.

Academician Isa Habibbayli, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, remarked that the common history and cultural roots of the two peoples have led to the development of their cultures over millennia, and these cultures continue to be closely interconnected today.

“Our unity and brotherhood are always evident. Our cultures and literatures have developed as a reflection of our shared values. This is the most vivid manifestation of the centuries-old unity between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the modern era,” the Academician emphasized.

Following the speeches, the guests were introduced to a photo exhibition showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. In addition, samples of Turkmenistan’s music, national costumes, decorative-applied arts, and museum exhibits were on display.

A concert program was then presented, featuring Turkmen dances and musical performances.

Turkmenistan Culture Days, which will continue until October 15, include events in both Baku and Ganja.

Microsoft discontinue support for Windows 10

Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system will officially reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, Azernews reports.

From that date onward, Microsoft will no longer provide technical assistance, security updates, or feature improvements for Windows 10. Although the operating system already installed on devices will continue to function, using it beyond this point poses significant risks.

Microsoft has warned that continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends is dangerous because the absence of security updates will leave systems more vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks. The company strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to ensure ongoing protection and access to the latest features.

According to Statcounter, Windows remains the dominant desktop operating system worldwide, holding more than 70% of the global market share. Among the different Windows versions, Windows 10 still leads with nearly 59% usage, while Windows 11 accounts for about 38%.

Despite Windows 11 being available since late 2021, many users and organizations have been slow to upgrade, partly due to hardware requirements and user familiarity with Windows 10. This transition period highlights the challenges Microsoft faces in encouraging widespread adoption of its latest OS.