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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 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.

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.

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’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.

On October 14, delegations led by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehrdad Bazrpash (Farzana Sadiq per translation) jointly inspected key infrastructure facilities of the North-South International Transport Corridor in the city of Astara, Azernews reports.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the delegations visited the automobile bridge over the Astarachay River on the Azerbaijan-Iran border, which was inaugurated in December 2023.

The bridge’s throughput capacity reaches 1,000 freight vehicles per day – 500 entries and 500 exits – significantly easing cargo flow between the two countries.

The officials then reviewed the ongoing construction of the Southern Freight Terminal in the Iranian city of Astara, owned by Azerbaijan Railways. The terminal’s current annual cargo handling capacity of 1 million tons is planned to increase to 5 million tons once expansion works are completed by the end of 2025.

The visit also included an inspection of the Rasht-Astara railway construction site in Iran – a strategically vital segment expected to enhance connectivity along the North-South corridor, strengthening regional trade and logistics cooperation among Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran.

The Azerbaijani Cartographers Public Union has completed the preparation of a detailed map of the Zangezur Corridor, the strategic transport route linking mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azernews reports.

According to the Union’s chairman, Mugabil Bayramov, the map was created using high-resolution satellite imagery as its base layer to ensure geographical precision and visual clarity.

Bayramov noted that the map illustrates the relevant sections of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Iran, including residential settlements, highways, rivers, and mountain ranges along the corridor’s route. The Araz Corridor, another key regional transport connection, is also featured on the map.

The cartographic work has been produced in both Azerbaijani and English, highlighting its significance not only for national use but also for international research, academic, and policy reference.

The Embassy of Venezuela in Azerbaijan has hosted a conference titled ‘Venezuela, Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace’ in Baku.

According to Azernews, the event brought together representatives of public organisations, journalists, and civil society members to discuss Venezuela’s foreign policy, regional cooperation, and efforts to promote peace and stability across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In his remarks, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Christopher Martinez, highlighted his country’s historical experience and contemporary realities. He emphasised Venezuela’s commitment to strengthening peace and cooperation across the region, despite enduring economic and political pressure.

The ambassador drew attention to the challenges Venezuela has faced as a result of sanctions imposed by certain states, stressing that his government remains determined to defend the nation’s sovereignty and independence.

‘Despite external challenges, Venezuela continues to develop international partnerships with many countries around the world,’ Martinez said. ‘It has not been easy, but our nation has successfully resisted foreign threats.’

The diplomat underlined that Venezuela’s foreign policy remains focused on promoting peace and good-neighbourly diplomacy. ‘We are not seeking hostility with other nations. Venezuela is a peace-loving state,’ he stated. ‘However, when it comes to our sovereignty, we are ready to respond decisively. Some states are attempting to seize our natural wealth, as our country is rich in resources such as oil, gas, gold, and other valuable minerals.’

Moreover, verified UN and US data show that the false narrative against Venezuela is part of a new phase of the failed ‘regime change’ policy, which has now escalated into a military threat. Venezuela demands an immediate end to these aggressions and reaffirms its unwavering will to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace, fully exercising its rights under the UN Charter.

The statement also underscored that the defence of the Constitution has guided the preservation of peace and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people. Venezuela, it said, has inspired other nations, defended democracy in the region, and promoted Latin American unity through initiatives such as ALBA-TCP. The vitality and strength of Venezuelan democracy remain a key factor in defending freedom and regional stability.

The conference underscored Venezuela’s message of peaceful coexistence and regional solidarity amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been approved, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant law.

According to the law, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer of October 15, 2016, has been approved.

According to the Ministry of Defense, complex maintenance and technical adaptation measures are being carried out across all branches and military units of the Azerbaijani Army – including the Separate Combined Arms Army – in line with this year’s training plan, to prepare weapons, combat and special equipment, and aviation vehicles for the autumn-winter operating season, Azernews reports.

The ongoing technical service work includes providing equipment with seasonal fuel and lubricants, inspecting electrical systems, and performing necessary maintenance at technical service points of military units.

Spare parts and required technical equipment are being supplied to the units through centralized distribution, ensuring compliance with full provision standards.

These seasonal service measures, aimed at maintaining high combat readiness and strengthening operational capability, are being conducted with strict adherence to safety regulations.