China grants visa-free entry to citizens of 75 countries
China has significantly relaxed its entry restrictions, with establishing unilateral visa-free access and mutual visa exemption arrangements with 75 c...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 4th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Iran sets up National Defence Council after clash with Israel
Iran has established a National Defence Council in the wake of June’s brief but intense military confrontation with Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian will chair the council, alongside top commanders and heads of key government branches. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to restructure Iran’s defence strategy amid persistent threats from Israel.
2. Thousands evacuated from homes as torrential rain flood southern South Korea
More than 2,500 people were forced to evacuate from homes after torrential rain hit six major cities and provinces in southern South Korea overnight. Muan county saw nearly 290 millimetres of rain, leaving streets submerged and one man dead. Emergency shelters opened across the region as floodwaters surged.
Authorities warn more heavy rain is expected, especially in South Gyeongsang, raising concerns of further flooding.
3. Ukrainian drone hits power line and railway station in Volgograd
A Ukrainian drone attack overnight damaged a power line and ignited a fire at a railway station in Russia's Volgograd region, according to local officials. An unexploded drone also landed on train tracks, though authorities reported no damage to the rails. Flights at Volgograd’s airport were briefly halted, and several trains faced delays. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed 61 Ukrainian drones were destroyed, including six over Volgograd.
4. Thousands rally in São Paulo in support of ex-president Bolsonaro
Supporters of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro gathered in São Paulo, calling for justice reform and denouncing legal cases against the far-right leader as politically motivated. Protesters accused Brazil’s top court of political persecution and called for military intervention. Critics warn such demonstrations threaten democratic stability, while Bolsonaro’s base views them as a fight for national sovereignty.
5. Belgium launches urgent humanitarian aid mission to Gaza
Belgium has begun a humanitarian aid mission to the Gaza Strip amid worsening famine. The mission, coordinated with the United Nations and Red Cross, includes food, medical supplies, and shelter materials. Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib emphasized the urgency of the situation and reiterated calls for a ceasefire. The initiative highlights Belgium’s push for international law and increased aid access.
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.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
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.
Swiss luxury watch stocks fell sharply on Monday after the U.S. imposed a 39% import tariff, raising fears of a sharp sales decline in their biggest market.
U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, may travel to Russia this coming week, potentially on Wednesday or Thursday as Trump warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a deal by 8 August, Washington will impose new economic sanctions.
A Ukrainian drone attack has damaged a power line and sparked a fire at a railway station building in Russia's southern region of Volgograd overnight, the regional administration said on Monday.
Singaporean property tycoon Ong Beng Seng pleaded guilty on Monday to one charge of obstructing justice in a high-profile corruption case that last year led to the imprisonment of former transport minister Subramaniam Iswaran last year.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced he may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his upcoming visit to China in early September. The two leaders are expected to participate in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory over Japanese aggression.
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