Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 23th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Azerbaijan, EBRD Sign Loan Agreement to Modernize Ganja's Water Infrastructure
Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a €35 million loan agreement to modernize water supply and sewerage services in the city of Ganja. The agreement was inked by Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and EBRD First Vice President Jurgen Rigterink during a meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.
The project, part of EBRD's Green Cities program, aims to improve water accessibility and quality, enhance sewerage infrastructure, and introduce a rainwater management system in Ganja. The total project cost is €410 million, co-financed by an international donor's investment grant.
2. WEF Initiative Explores AI Integration in Azerbaijan’s Energy Systems
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is collaborating with Azerbaijan on its AI in Energy initiative, which aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the country’s energy systems to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and urban energy management.
According to the WEF's Impact Report: Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network 2023-2024, the initiative will develop targeted use cases and lessons that can improve energy systems in Azerbaijan and serve as a model for global application.
3. Headquarters of ECO Clean Energy Center to be set up in Baku
The headquarters of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Clean Energy Center will be established in Baku, as outlined in the newly approved charter of the center.
The draft law approving the charter was discussed during a meeting of Azerbaijan’s parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Inter-parliamentary Relations and has been recommended for discussion in the plenary session of parliament.
4. Samsung Unveils AI-Driven Galaxy S25 Series at Unpacked Event
Samsung has launched its Galaxy S25 series, featuring advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities aimed at enhancing user experience. The new lineup, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 models, introduces an "AI companion" powered by Samsung’s partnership with Google and its Gemini generative AI model. Among the standout features is the enhanced Circle Search, enabling users to interact with text, images, and audio seamlessly—for instance, circling an address takes users to Google Maps, or identifying soundtracks in videos with audio-based searches.
Among the standout features is the "audio eraser," designed for content creators, allowing users to isolate and remove unwanted background noises like wind, crowds, or off-key singing in videos. With these updates, Samsung positions the Galaxy S25 series as a competitor in the increasingly AI-driven smartphone market, catering to consumers seeking intuitive and multifunctional tools.
5. New Wildfire Near Los Angeles Grows to 9,400 Acres, Forcing 31,000 to Evacuate
A fast-moving wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, quickly spreading to over 9,400 acres and prompting mandatory evacuations for more than 31,000 residents, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings. Known as the Hughes Fire, the blaze, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, has created an "immediate threat to life" in the Castaic Lake area, according to officials.
The Hughes Fire adds to Southern California’s challenging fire season, exacerbated by nine months without significant rain. Firefighters have made progress on two other major fires—the Eaton Fire (91% contained) and the Palisades Fire (68% contained)—which together have scorched over 37,000 acres, destroyed nearly 16,000 structures, and caused 28 fatalities since January 7
6. Trump Threatens Russia and Other Nations With Tariffs Over Ukraine Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that he would impose tariffs and additional sanctions on Russia and unspecified "participating countries" if a deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached soon. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would target Russian exports to the U.S. and possibly other nations, escalating his efforts to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations.
The warning marks a continuation of Trump’s campaign promise to broker a swift resolution to the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While the U.S. has already imposed significant sanctions on Russia under the Biden administration, Trump’s proposal could extend to previously unaffected sectors.
7. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ‘willing to expand $600 billion investment’ with Trump admin for next 4 years
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has expressed interest in significantly expanding Saudi Arabia’s trade and investment ties with the United States by at least $600 billion over the next four years. The proposal was discussed during a congratulatory phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump following his inauguration for a second term.
8. Kyrgyzstan's Keremet Bank Limits Visa Card Use After U.S. Sanctions
Keremet Bank, a commercial bank in Kyrgyzstan recently sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, has announced restrictions on the use of its Visa cards. According to the bank’s press service, the cards will now only function at Keremet Bank’s ATMs, POS terminals, and other payment devices.
To accommodate customers, the bank is offering free issuance of Elkart cards under Kyrgyzstan's national payment system, which can be obtained within five working days in Bishkek or ten days in other regions.
In response to China’s record low birth rate of 6.39 births per 1,000 people in 2024, local governments are rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at reversing the demographic decline that has raised alarms about the country’s economic and social stability. These measures, detailed in recent gove
European fundings will be directed to upgrading of Ganja’s water infrastructure to improve its residents’ living standards by ensuring better access to clean water while building resilience towards the impact of climate change.
Prince Harry’s prolonged legal battle against Rupert Murdoch’s British newspaper group took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when the Duke of Sussex settled his case over allegations of unlawful information gathering just before the trial was set to begin.
During the Biden-Blinken administration, the United States demonstrated a prejudiced attitude toward Azerbaijan.
Bill Nelson has stepped down as NASA administrator, marking the end of an illustrious 53-year career in public service. Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy officially left the agency on Monday, January 20, coinciding with the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan ended reconciliation talks after receiving a 14-year prison sentence, citing the government's lack of response to his party's demands.
Emomali Sobirzoda has been appointed Tajikistan's new Defense Minister, replacing Sherali Mirzo, who now heads the Department for Protection of State Secrets. Bobojon Saidzoda is the new First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff
CNN to lay off hundreds as it shifts focus to digital growth, streamlines operations, and revamps programming amid industry-wide cost-cutting trends.
Iran seeks to expand its transportation opportunities amid US sanctions by developing new railway connections with neighbouring countries.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the “critical” gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour.
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
The International Circus Festival in Monaco shows incredible performances from talented circus artists around the world.
A hotel fire at Türkiye's Kartalkaya Ski Resort claimed 76 lives and injured 51. The blaze started early Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan ended reconciliation talks after receiving a 14-year prison sentence, citing the government's lack of response to his party's demands.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the “critical” gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour.
In response to China’s record low birth rate of 6.39 births per 1,000 people in 2024, local governments are rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at reversing the demographic decline that has raised alarms about the country’s economic and social stability. These measures, detailed in recent gove
A wildfire in northern LA County, the Hughes Fire, has burned over 9,000 acres, forcing mass evacuations as firefighters battle the uncontained blaze spreading rapidly.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan ended reconciliation talks after receiving a 14-year prison sentence, citing the government's lack of response to his party's demands.
Emomali Sobirzoda has been appointed Tajikistan's new Defense Minister, replacing Sherali Mirzo, who now heads the Department for Protection of State Secrets. Bobojon Saidzoda is the new First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff
CNN to lay off hundreds as it shifts focus to digital growth, streamlines operations, and revamps programming amid industry-wide cost-cutting trends.
Iran seeks to expand its transportation opportunities amid US sanctions by developing new railway connections with neighbouring countries.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the “critical” gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour.
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