According to a report by research firm Allianz Research, heatwaves sweeping across Europe could slow the continent’s economic growth by half a percent.

In Europe, GDP losses range from 0.1 percentage points in Germany to 1.4 percentage points in Spain, where summer temperatures are about ten degrees higher.

China’s, Spain’s, Italy’s, and Greece’s GDP could shrink by nearly one percentage point due to the extreme heat, while the US may see a decline of around 0.6 percentage points, and France up to a third of a point.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is on a state visit to Azerbaijan from July 2 to 4.

According to the visit program, on July 2-3, the second meeting of the High-Level Intergovernmental Council and other high-level events will be held in Baku.

On July 4, in the city of Khankendi, the President of Uzbekistan will participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

Президент Узбекистана Шавкат Мирзиёев 2-4 июля посетит Азербайджан с государственным визитом.

В соответствии с программой пребывания 2-3 июля в Баку пройдет второе заседание Высшего межгосударственного совета и другие мероприятия на высшем уровне.

4 июля в городе Ханкенди президент Узбекистана примет участие в 17-м саммите Организации экономического сотрудничества и проведет ряд двусторонних встреч.

On Monday, China’s financial, tax, and trade authorities introduced a preferential tax policy offering foreign investors tax benefits, provided they invest directly in China using dividends from companies operating in the country.

The new policy took effect on January 1, 2025, and will remain in force until December 31, 2028

Финансовые, налоговые и торговые органы Китая в понедельник представили льготную налоговую политику , которая предлагает иностранным инвесторам налоговые льготы при условии, что они инвестируют напрямую в Китай, используя дивиденды от компаний, работающих в стране.

Новая политика вступила в силу 1 января 2025 года и будет действовать до 31 декабря 2028 года.

Starting July 1, Turkish authorities have raised the cost of ship transit through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits by 15%, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye reported. According to the Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, compared to 2022, the transit fees for vessels not calling at Turkish ports have increased more than sevenfold. Last year, the country earned over 227 billion dollars from the passage of more than 51,000 ships through the Turkish straits.

Турецкие власти с 1 июля повысили стоимость прохода судов через турецкие проливы Босфор и Дарданеллы на 15%, сообщило Министерство транспорта и инфраструктуры Турции. Как заявил глава Минтранса Турции Абдулкадира Уралоглу, по сравнению с 2022 годом стоимость транзита для судов, не заходящих в турецкие порты, увеличена уже более чем в семь раз. При этом за прошлый год страна получила более 227 миллиардов долларов за счет прохода более 51 тысячи судов через турецкие проливы.

Starting from May 2, 2025, a new rule for air travelers has come into force in Türkiye, regulating passenger behavior immediately after the aircraft lands.

From now on, standing up before the plane comes to a complete stop and the crew gives official permission is prohibited. An administrative fine is provided for violations.

Fine: 1,250 Turkish Lira

It makes around 38–40 US dollars (depending on the exchange rate)

Why is this important?

Early standing by passengers can disrupt safety procedures, especially if the aircraft is still moving or the crew has not completed preparations for disembarkation. 

The crew records such incidents, and based on the report, a fine is issued.

Who decides when passengers can leave the aircraft?

From now on, it is the flight attendants who will determine the order in which passengers disembark. This is done in accordance with safety and fairness standards—there will no longer be situations where passengers from the back rows rush forward, blocking the aisle.

Frankly speaking, this new rule is a welcome change. No more stressing out watching others ignore the rules and cut ahead in the aisle. Everything will be organized, gradual, and safe.

Could this rule be introduced in other countries as well?

It is very likely. Similar initiatives are already being discussed in European Union countries as well as in other regions with a strong aviation culture.

If you fly often, take note of this in advance.

Tip for all:

Do not unbuckle your seatbelt or stand up before the crew’s special announcement. This is both safer and will help you avoid fines.

By Telman Aliyev, exclusively for Caspian Energy Media