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.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the of...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Uni...
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the c...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to secu...
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapi...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapid urban growth is placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has opened in Baku, bringing together governments, international organisations, city leaders and civil society to address mounting global urban challenges.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are negotiating summer water allocations as rising temperatures, agricultural demand and pressure on shared rivers intensify water security concerns across Central Asia.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, residents said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
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