Conference participants on missing persons visit Zangilan as part of Baku Dialogue [PHOTOS]

As part of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, participants of the international conference titled ‘Combining Efforts and Expanding Cooperation to Address the Problem of Missing Persons’ have begun their visit to Zangilan, Azernews reports.

The delegation traveled to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, visiting Zangilan District as part of their program. During the trip, the participants visited the Victory monument located in the newly rebuilt Aghali village center.

The visitors were also briefed on the conditions created for the return of residents to Aghali village, one of the first smart villages reconstructed in the liberated territories.

It should be noted that a day earlier, conference participants visited a mass grave discovered in the Balligaya village area of Aghdara District and the former Shusha prison, where Azerbaijani captives were held during the Armenian occupation.

The visit aims to provide international participants with a deeper understanding of the human and humanitarian consequences of Armenia’s aggression and to highlight Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of missing persons and support the safe return of displaced citizens to their ancestral lands.

Terrorist attack on police station in Peshawar repelled, two killed

A terrorist attack on Hasan Khel Police Station in the Mattani area of Peshawar was repelled early Saturday morning, with two terrorists killed in retaliatory fire, police officials confirmed, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

According to Express News, heavily armed terrorists launched an attack on the police station using heavy weaponry. A fierce gun battle ensued between the attackers and law enforcement personnel. Senior police officers described the situation as dangerous due to the use of heavy weapons by the attackers.

Police responded swiftly, killing two terrorists in the exchange of fire. However, reports suggest that more terrorists may still be present in the area, prompting continued security operations.

In response to the attack, additional police reinforcements and elite force units were deployed to the scene. The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar confirmed that the exchange of fire was ongoing and that all necessary measures were being taken to neutralise any remaining threats.

Further updates are expected as the operation continues.

Mud volcano erupts in Baku’s Garadagh district [VIDEO]

A mud volcano erupted in a mountainous area near the Sahil settlement of Baku’s Garadagh district at 08:27 a.m. on October 11, 2025, Azernews reports, citing the Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry (MES).

The Ministry noted that specialists are currently studying the eruption and its aftermath.

‘Our experts are conducting on-site observations and assessing the environmental impact,’ Ministry’s spokeperson Ibrahimova said.

MES also issued a statement noting that, following a report about the eruption near the S?ng?çal settlement, the ministry’s Aviation Unit dispatched a helicopter to survey the area.

During the aerial inspection, no signs of fire were observed, and it was determined that the eruption poses no threat to nearby residential areas. Authorities emphasized that the situation is under control and that relevant agencies are continuing their coordinated response.

Mud volcanoes are a well-known geological phenomenon in Azerbaijan, home to nearly half of the world’s active mud volcanoes. These natural formations periodically release a mixture of gas, mud, and water from deep underground, often accompanied by minor tremors. While visually dramatic, such eruptions rarely cause significant damage or endanger human life.

Officials said that monitoring efforts will continue in the coming days to ensure the safety of nearby communities and to study the geological dynamics behind the latest eruption.

US administration dismisses dozens of CDC staff in latest cuts

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed dozens of employees from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of a new wave of staff reductions, Azernews reports citing international media outlets.

The layoffs primarily affected experts specializing in disease detection and monitoring – a move that has raised concerns among public health professionals about the country’s preparedness for potential health threats.

Sources said the affected employees were notified via email that their positions were being eliminated. The notices reportedly stated that their roles were ‘no longer considered necessary,’ though no detailed explanation was provided.

The exact number of dismissed staff members has not yet been disclosed, but internal sources described the cuts as ‘significant,’ targeting several divisions involved in epidemiological research and early-warning systems.

China launches three satellites from offshore platform using Gravity-1 rocket

China has successfully launched three satellites into orbit using the Gravity-1 carrier rocket from an offshore platform, Azernews reports.

The launch-conducted by a private company-took place at 10:20 a.m. local time (6:20 a.m. Baku time) from coastal waters off Shandong Province. During the rocket’s second flight, the satellites were successfully delivered into their planned orbit.

The Gravity-1 is recognized as the world’s largest and most powerful solid-fuel rocket. Its first launch was carried out in January of last year.

According to the manufacturer, the rocket has a liftoff mass of 405 tons and is capable of carrying up to 6.5 tons of payload to low Earth orbit or 4.2 tons to a typical 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.

The launch marks another milestone in China’s rapidly expanding commercial space sector, which has seen growing participation from private enterprises.

Denmark allocates 2.1 bn kroner to counter unidentified drones

Denmark’s Ministry of Defence has allocated 2.1 billion kroner (approximately $330 million or 561 million manats) to establish resources for detecting and combating unidentified drones, Azernews reports.

According to a statement by the ministry, the decision was made based on a proposal from the Danish Armed Forces Command.

In total, 3.8 billion kroner (around $590 million) will be spent between 2025 and 2033 on reserves and new initiatives. The statement noted that, given the current security environment, the Chief of Defence has recommended acquiring counter-drone systems as well as decision-support systems based on artificial intelligence.

‘The recent incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles have increased the Danish Armed Forces’ need to strengthen their counter-drone capabilities. Therefore, I am pleased that Denmark is allocating funds for the acquisition of vital resources to enhance its ability to combat drones. This demonstrates that Denmark is reinforcing its efforts to counter this type of hybrid threat,’ said Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

EU and Partners Announce pound 900 Million Investment in Central Asia’s Hydropower Sector

The European Union, together with its international partners, has announced large-scale investments aimed at developing Central Asia’s hydropower infrastructure. The decisions were presented at the Global Gateway Forum held in Brussels on October 9-10, according to the European Commission’s press service, Azernews reports.

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the EU, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed memorandums of understanding on the pound 900 million Kambarata Hydropower Plant-1 (HPP-1) project. The feasibility study for the project is financed by the European Union and implemented by the World Bank.

In addition, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering allocating a further pound 1.3 billion for the plant’s construction.

EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela stated that ‘investments in hydropower will ensure reliable access to electricity, create new income sources for local communities, and strengthen the resilience of agriculture.’

EIB Vice-President Kyriakos Kakouris stressed that the bank supports projects aimed at fostering regional energy cooperation, while EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso described the project as ‘a flagship example of regional cooperation and sustainable water resource management.’

Within the Team Europe initiative-which brings together the EU, its member states, and financial institutions-the parties are working to enhance regional coordination in water resource management and energy development.

The Kambarata HPP-1 project is being implemented in Kyrgyzstan on the Naryn River. With a planned capacity of 1,860 megawatts, it will become the country’s largest power facility. Its 256-meter-high dam and 5.4 billion cubic meter reservoir will allow the plant to generate about 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Construction is expected to take about ten years, with the first turbine unit scheduled to begin operation four years after the main construction phase begins. Upon completion, all assets and shares of the hydropower plant will be transferred to the ownership of Kyrgyzstan.

’Humans of the North’ to feature Manny Halasan, 2 other Bulacan craftsmen

Award-winning digital series “Humans of the North” presents a new episode that delves into three extraordinary individuals in Bulacan that share their stories of passion and craftsmanship that reflect the province’s enduring legacy.

Co-founder and chief executive officer of Punique Handicrafts Jonnah Garcia revitalized the ancient art of puni (palm leaf weaving) while building a thriving social enterprise.

Inspired by her mother-in-law’s craftmanship, she empowers women artisans in Malolos by teaching them the traditional craft and transforming their creations into contemporary accessories for the global market.

A fourth-generation Singkaban artist, Jeff Eligio continues a proud family legacy of transforming bamboo into elaborate, decorative arches.

Hailing from Hagonoy, his intricate creations is a testament to the folk art that has become a symbol of Bulacan’s festive and creative soul. Through dedication to this traditional craft, Jeff ensures the unique heritage thrives for future generations.

World-class fashion and jewelry designer Manny Halasan upholds his family’s legacy of exquisite craftsmanship in Meycauayan.

Known for his stunning pageant gowns and intricately designed crowns, Manny masterfully blends the province’s rich tradition of metalwork with the elegance of modern haute couture.

The incredible journeys of Jonnah, Jeff, and Manny not only inspire travelers but also shine a light on the immense talent, resilience, and spirit of the Filipino people.

Tam-awan Village holds 15th edition of annual int’l arts festival

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with the Chanum Foundation and the City of Baguio, formally opened the 15th edition of the annual Tam-awan International Arts Festival (TIAF).

This year the three-day affair is guided by the theme, “The Curation Journey: Living Galleries, Telling Stories.”

Arts, heritage, and culture advocate Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles describe curation as “selecting in order to present or to hide – to keep or put away.”

“A curator is also an artist as he creates a context and provide nuance. Curators are the wind beneath each artist’s wing; as every exhibit has its own story. Some artists even curate their exhibits,” she continued.

“Artists hold up a mirror to society. They detect that something is amiss and they articulate the need for reform. Sometimes, just the act of reflection creates the change.”

This edition’s theme underscores the role of curator as a bridge between artist, audience, and context; in guiding narratives, shaping dialogue, and uncovering hidden connections.

It reflects Tam-awan’s commitment to evolving curatorial practices that are responsive, inclusive, and rooted in place.

During the opening ceremonies and “Kapihan sa Baguio” session held at the village’s Ugnayan Gallery premises, the NCCA’s project management division head Renee Talavera pointed out how the TIAF has served as a “living canvas of art communities.”

Talavera also noted that the NCCA is celebrating Museums and Galleries Month this October, as well as Indigenous Peoples Month with the Dayaw Festival in Western Visayas.

“Public art and imprint is a process, and Kublai Milan is celebrated as moment maker with his art showcased in sprawling spaces,” said Lawig Diwa Mindanao Art curator Jeff Bangot. “As curator, it is my task to bridge the collection, the artist, and the audience together – so I give justice to the artworks as an overseer.”

“The artist’s message should be clear and put them across to spectators of the pieces. However, artists need to understand that some of their pieces do not fit into the idea of the curation,” Bangot added.

Situated in Baguio City, Tam-awan Village is a living arts village that blends indigenous Cordilleran architecture, creative residency, and public access to art.

The village was initiated by Chanum Foundation, currently headed by Jordan Mang-osan, with the goal of making arts and culture accessible to a broad public following while fostering connections among artists, communities, and the environment.

Another NCCA executive Dennis Montera called to acknowledge the role of government in supporting artists, seeing this year alone being vibrant with artists mobilization leading to lots of interaction.

“We also see the resiliency of artists, especially with recent disasters,” Montera said, noting the recent earthquake in Cebu and Davao Oriental. “Arts festival create a center of ecology in meeting art, where art is juxtaposed, and where many roles benefit.”

Leandro Tabilog, spokesperson for the Office of the City Mayor of Baguio, said that artists can petition the labor and social welfare departments for livelihood funds to aid them in creative pursuits.

He even quipped that during the TIAF, a “silent night” code is observed where amplified sound is simply turned off by 10 p.m. but discussions still continue.

The 15th Tam-awan International Arts Festival will culminate on Sunday, October 12th in Baguio City. 98 organizations and over 700 artists took part in this year’s edition, but as early as now organizers are looking forward to a bigger turnout next year.