Day: July 16, 2026

The ASAN Service is, first and foremost, a reform aimed at combating corruption, said Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan, Report informs.

In an interview with Baku TV, Mehdiyev explained that when ASAN service was established, its core principles were transparency, efficiency, accessibility, and elimination of bureaucracy: “Naturally, all of these are key components of anti-corruption policy.”

Mehdiyev emphasized that by creating the ASAN model, the state enabled citizens to exercise their rights more effectively: “Within the UN Sustainable Development Goals, there are several objectives directly served by Azerbaijan’s ASAN model. This undoubtedly contributes positively to Azerbaijan’s international ranking. At the same time, ASAN service is a major component of digital transformation, as the establishment of this model marked the beginning of digital transformation in Azerbaijan.”

The devastating earthquake in Venezuela has claimed the lives of 4,829 people, the country’s National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez announced on Telegram, Report informs.

The latest figures show that 16,740 people sustained injuries of varying severity, while 17,907 were left homeless. The quake destroyed 190 buildings and caused serious damage to 856 structures.

Rescue operations have saved 6,462 people, and medical assistance has been provided to 34,872 residents. In total, 128,324 families have received support, with 20,857 individuals housed in 106 temporary shelters. Authorities have also delivered 10,063 tons of food to affected communities.

The earthquake struck on the evening of June 24, with two powerful tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, occurring about 40 seconds apart. Both epicenters were located in Yaracuy state, just 10 kilometers apart. Since then, 1,284 aftershocks have been recorded.