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.
Iran said on Sunday (10 May) that it had sent its response to a U.S. proposal aimed at launching peace talks to end the war, as signs of tentative ...
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling rem...
China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies a...
President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to a US war proposal “totally unacceptable” after Tehran sent its reply through med...
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing w...
Iran said on Sunday (10 May) that it had sent its response to a U.S. proposal aimed at launching peace talks to end the war, as signs of tentative movement emerged around the Strait of Hormuz despite renewed security incidents across the Gulf.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev during talks in Yerevan, where he sharply criticised resolutions adopted against his country by the European Parliament.
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Centre-right leader Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister on Saturday, propelled into office on promises of change after years of economic stagnation and strained ties with key allies under his predecessor Viktor Orbán.
Efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war appeared to stall as the two sides exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A reported CIA assessment suggested Tehran could withstand a U.S. naval blockade for months despite mounting sanctions and renewed Gulf attacks.
British paratroopers and military medics have been deployed to Tristan da Cunha after a suspected hantavirus case was confirmed, as first evacuation flights carrying passengers from the stricken MV Hondius cruise ship left Tenerife for Madrid and Paris.
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Indonesian rescue teams have located two Singaporeans who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday (8 May) on the island of Halmahera, though authorities say it remains unclear whether they are alive.
The U.S. Defense Department has released dozens of previously classified files on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) on Friday (8 May), following an order from President Donald Trump. U.S. officials described as a push for “unprecedented transparency”.
China’s leading chipmakers are funnelling unprecedented sums into research and development as Beijing accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology amid intensifying U.S. export restrictions.
Centre-right leader Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister on Saturday, propelled into office on promises of change after years of economic stagnation and strained ties with key allies under his predecessor Viktor Orbán.
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has warned that France risks undermining the self-determination rights of the Kanak Indigenous People in New Caledonia amid proposed political and constitutional reforms.
Somalia is facing a severe malnutrition crisis and urgently needs additional humanitarian funding to prevent conditions deteriorating further, the World Food Programme has warned.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to carry on as leader on Friday (8 May) after his ruling Labour Party suffered heavy losses in local elections. Labour lost hundreds of councillors across the country, as some figures in the party said he should stand down.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment