Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 30th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump gives Russia 10-day deadline to end Ukraine war or face tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump has given Russia a 10-day deadline to halt its war in Ukraine or face new tariffs and sanctions. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump warned that if Moscow fails to act by 8 August, his administration will introduce sweeping economic measures. The ultimatum reflects rising frustration with President Vladimir Putin following recent attacks on Ukrainian cities. The Kremlin has yet to respond.
2. Powerful 8.8 magnitude quake strikes off Russia’s Kamchatka, tsunami threat evaluated
3. Pakistan set to expand its shipping fleet by 600% with greener technology
Pakistan will expand its national shipping fleet by 600% over the next three years to cut freight costs, boost efficiency, and adopt cleaner maritime technologies, Maritime Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Tuesday. The move is part of a broader strategy to modernise maritime infrastructure, reduce sea freight bills, and promote climate-smart growth. Ports like Karachi and Gwadar are expected to play a key role as Pakistan seeks to reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines.
4. Russia expands EU entry ban over new sanctions, targets officials and academics
Russia has expanded its entry ban list targeting European Union officials, law enforcement, and academics in response to the EU’s latest sanctions over Ukraine. Citing the bloc’s 17th and 18th sanctions packages, Moscow said the blacklist includes those involved in military aid to Kyiv, sanctions enforcement, and efforts to prosecute Russian officials. The foreign ministry warned of further retaliatory steps if the EU continues its sanctions policy. The full list has not been disclosed.
5. UK sets September deadline to recognise Palestine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Britain will recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations in September unless Israel takes clear steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The decision hinges on Israel allowing more aid, halting unilateral actions in the West Bank, and committing to two-state peace talks. Israel rejected the move, calling it a “reward for Hamas”. More than 60,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict escalated, according to the UN.
6. Australia widens teen social media ban to YouTube, scraps exemption
Australia will include YouTube in its upcoming ban on social media use by under-16s, reversing an earlier exemption and potentially prompting legal action from the Alphabet-owned platform.
The move follows a regulator’s recommendation, citing a survey showing 37% of minors encountered harmful content on YouTube—the highest among platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision was about protecting children, adding, “I want Australian parents to know we have their backs.”
YouTube, used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13–15, argued it is a video-sharing platform, not social media. But critics point to features like content recommendations and user interactions as proof of its similarities to other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok—all covered by the ban.
Set to take effect in December, the law prohibits children under 16 from having accounts, though parents and teachers may still use YouTube content for educational purposes.
The government says it won’t be swayed by legal threats, and enforcement will depend on the outcome of upcoming age-verification trials. Non-compliant platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May),...
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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