EXPLAINER - what is the China-led SCO economic summit?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has grown from a 1996 border security forum into a major Eurasian bloc, now representing nearly half the w...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 18th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty sees rebuilt Karabakh on Azerbaijan visit
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty visited Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Welcomed at Fuzuli International Airport, he toured key reconstruction sites in Fuzuli and Shusha, including newly built infrastructure, residential areas, and restored cultural landmarks. The visit symbolized the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
2. Deadly monsoon floods claim more than 60 lives in Pakistan's Punjab
At least 63 more people were killed and nearly 300 injured within 24 hours as torrential monsoon rains battered Pakistan’s Punjab province, causing widespread destruction. Most fatalities were caused by collapsing buildings, electrocution, and drowning.
Authorities declared a public holiday in Rawalpindi and issued evacuation orders for people in flood-prone areas. Officials warn of more heavy rains and flash floods over the weekend, as Pakistan continues to face mounting climate-related threats.
3. Slovakia lifts veto on EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said the decision came after the European Commission provided guarantees to help Slovakia manage gas shortages, price spikes, and possible legal claims from Russian energy supplier Gazprom.
The sanctions focus on restricting Russia’s energy revenue by capping oil prices and banning transactions involving the Nord Stream pipelines and banks involved in sanctions evasion.
4. UK and Germany agree on direct London–Berlin train and defence exports
The Kensington Treaty, signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, paves the way for a direct rail link between London and Berlin, faster e-gates for travellers, and joint defence exports worth billions.
5. White House confirms Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, explaining the swelling in his legs. A full vascular check ruled out serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and heart issues.
Makeup seen on his hand was used to cover minor bruising from handshakes and aspirin use. The condition is common in people over 70 and affects blood flow in the legs.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has grown from a 1996 border security forum into a major Eurasian bloc, now representing nearly half the world’s population. Its 2025 summit in Tianjin highlighted both its expanding reach and its evolving role on the global stage.
Iran said it expects the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to condemn the move by the European troika of France, Germany and the UK which has called for the return of UN sanctions against Tehran’s civilian nuclear program.
The U.N. agency responsible for providing humanitarian aid and support for displaced people has announced cuts in its 2026 budget due to financial constraints.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow and Tehran are in regular contact on a broad range of international issues, including developments related to Iran’s nuclear programme.
The EU has accused Russia of jamming the GPS signal on an aircraft carrying the European commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday.
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