Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 16th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Trump unveils 'Board of Peace' to oversee Gaza transition
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced the formation of a "Board of Peace" to supervise Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, describing the body on Truth Social as the "most prestigious" ever assembled. While specific members are yet to be revealed, the initiative marks the launch of the second phase of the U.S. ceasefire plan, which involves full demilitarisation and the backing of a newly appointed "Palestinian Technocratic Government" to manage the Strip during the transitional period.
Carney and Xi seek to reset Canada-China relations
In a significant move to rebuild diplomatic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, suggesting that a renewed strategic partnership could deliver "historic" economic gains for both nations. The visit, the first by a Canadian leader since 2017, focuses on deepening collaboration in agriculture and finance as both Ottawa and Beijing seek to diversify their trade interests amidst escalating tariff pressures from the Trump administration.
Stun grenade explosion injures 18 at Russian training centre
Russian authorities have launched an investigation after a stun grenade explosion at an Interior Ministry vocational training centre in the Republic of Komi left at least 18 people injured. The blast, which occurred during a personnel exercise in the regional capital of Syktyvkar, sparked a fire and forced the evacuation of 200 people, with health officials confirming that four of the victims remain in an extremely serious condition.
White House reports halt to 800 executions in Iran
The White House confirmed on Thursday that Iranian authorities have suspended 800 scheduled executions amidst ongoing anti-government protests, though President Donald Trump has warned that "all options remain on the table" regarding a U.S. response. As Washington imposes fresh sanctions on senior officials and tracks illicit financial flows from the regime, human rights groups estimate that the crackdown has already resulted in more than 2,600 deaths. Iran says it doesn't seek escalation or confrontation but says that any act of aggression "will be met with a decisive, proportionate, and lawful response."
Venezuelan Machado gifts Nobel medal to Trump during White House visit
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during an historic meeting at the White House, describing the gift as a symbolic gesture of brotherhood in the fight against tyranny. While the President accepted the honour and praised Machado’s bravery, administration officials clarified that U.S. policy remains focused on rebuilding Venezuela’s economy and oil sector following the recent capture of Nicolas Maduro.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to res...
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint militar...
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middl...
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
Five years after Evergrande's debt crisis rattled global markets, founder Hui Ka Yan has been sentenced to life in prison, marking a dramatic new chapter in the downfall of China's former property giant.
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