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.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that South Korea’s reciprocal and auto tariff rate will be set at 15%, averting a steeper 25% levy ...
Americans will soon be able to access and share their medical records through a new “digital health tech ecosystem”, unveiled by U.S. President Do...
Microsoft expects to invest about $30 billion in capital expenditures this quarter, part of an overall record of more than $80 billion planned for...
Egypt's military dropped humanitarian aid by parachute over parts of Gaza on 30 July, targeting areas unreachable by road as famine warnings intensify...
The United States and Israel have criticised Canada’s announcement that it will recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in Septe...
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that South Korea’s reciprocal and auto tariff rate will be set at 15%, averting a steeper 25% levy ahead of the 1 August deadline.
Microsoft expects to invest about $30 billion in capital expenditures this quarter, part of an overall record of more than $80 billion planned for fiscal 2025, as its AI-powered cloud services continue to accelerate revenue and market value.
Egypt's military dropped humanitarian aid by parachute over parts of Gaza on 30 July, targeting areas unreachable by road as famine warnings intensify.
The United States and Israel have criticised Canada’s announcement that it will recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, warning the move rewards Hamas and undermines peace efforts.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
Australian researchers have pioneered a low-cost and scalable plasma-based method to produce ammonia gas directly from air, offering a green alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
'Superman' continued to dominate the summer box office, pulling in another $57.25 million in its second weekend, as theatres welcome a wave of blockbuster competition following a challenging few years for the film industry.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that South Korea’s reciprocal and auto tariff rate will be set at 15%, averting a steeper 25% levy ahead of the 1 August deadline.
Microsoft expects to invest about $30 billion in capital expenditures this quarter, part of an overall record of more than $80 billion planned for fiscal 2025, as its AI-powered cloud services continue to accelerate revenue and market value.
Egypt's military dropped humanitarian aid by parachute over parts of Gaza on 30 July, targeting areas unreachable by road as famine warnings intensify.
The United States and Israel have criticised Canada’s announcement that it will recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, warning the move rewards Hamas and undermines peace efforts.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada plans to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, aligning with France and other nations advocating for Palestinian statehood.
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