Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Israel approves a ceasefire agreement for Gaza.
The Israeli government approved a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal after a lengthy Cabinet meeting. According to the prime minister's office, prisoner releases will start Sunday. The deal was first cleared by the Security Cabinet before ministerial discussions.
2. Severe cold forces Trump inauguration indoors.
President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration will take place inside the U.S. Capitol on Monday rather than outdoors because of severe cold, the first time in 40 years that U.S. presidential inaugural ceremonies will be moved indoors.
"There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way," Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Friday. "Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda," Trump added.
The last time an inauguration was moved indoors because of the bitter cold was in 1985 for former Republican President Ronald Reagan's second swearing-in when the afternoon wind chill fell into the range of minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 to minus 29 degrees Celsius).
3. TikTok says it will go dark Sunday in US without assurance from Biden.
TikTok warned late Friday it will go dark in the United States on Sunday unless President Joe Biden's administration provides assurances to companies like Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.
The statement came hours after the Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok in the United States on national security grounds if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell it, putting the popular short-video app on track to go dark in just two days.
4. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey has arrived in Baku.
During his visit, Hakan Fidan is set to engage in several high-level discussions focused on enhancing Azerbaijan-Türkiye cooperation across political, military, economic, trade, transportation, and energy sectors.
5. Putin and Pezeshkian deepen defence ties with 20-year pact.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian deepened military ties between their countries on Friday by signing a 20-year strategic partnership that is likely to worry the West.
Under the agreement, Russia and Iran will boost cooperation in a range of areas including their security services, military drills, warship port visits and joint officer training.
6. Statements made by U.S. Congress on January 20 tragedy anniversary.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
The co-chairs of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, and Robert Aderholt, a Republican from Alabama, issued statements marking the 35th anniversary of January 20, the Day of National Mourning in Azerbaijan.
7. Kazakhstan breaks its record for new car sales in 2024.
Kazakhstan achieved a new record for new car sales in 2024, surpassing 205,000 units, nearly 7,000 more than the previous year. This milestone came despite a mid-year slowdown, followed by a strong recovery in the last few months.
8. Tajikistan launches its first digital art gallery showcasing the work of local activists.
The Khujand branch of the NGO Office of Civil Liberties has opened Tajikistan's first digital art gallery, highlighting the work of local activists. The gallery features art addressing key social issues like domestic violence, discrimination, and environmental threats, showcasing various forms, including digital art, photography, stories, and videos.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Legal affairs Kazem Gharibabadi has said that plans are underway for the repatriation of Iranian prisoners and en...
Hurricane Melissa continued to batter Cuba on Wednesday (October 29), weakening to a Category 2 storm after devastating Jamaica and leaving at least 2...
Kazakhstan has announced a new phase in construction plans for its first nuclear power plant. The power plant is expected to be operational by 2035....
Two people were killed and three others injured when a seven-storey building collapsed in the northwestern Turkish city of Gebze on Wednesday, local o...
A trial beginning Wednesday in Portland, Oregon will determine whether President Donald Trump lawfully ordered the National Guard to the city to quell...
Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Legal affairs Kazem Gharibabadi has said that plans are underway for the repatriation of Iranian prisoners and enhancing border security and controls.
Hurricane Melissa continued to batter Cuba on Wednesday (October 29), weakening to a Category 2 storm after devastating Jamaica and leaving at least 25 people dead in Haiti, officials said.
Kazakhstan has announced a new phase in construction plans for its first nuclear power plant. The power plant is expected to be operational by 2035.
Two people were killed and three others injured when a seven-storey building collapsed in the northwestern Turkish city of Gebze on Wednesday, local officials said. All five victims belonged to the same family.
A small, silent object from another star is cutting through the Solar System. It’s real, not a film, and one scientist thinks it might be sending a message.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
Hurricane Melissa continued to batter Cuba on Wednesday (October 29), weakening to a Category 2 storm after devastating Jamaica and leaving at least 25 people dead in Haiti, officials said.
Two people were killed and three others injured when a seven-storey building collapsed in the northwestern Turkish city of Gebze on Wednesday, local officials said. All five victims belonged to the same family.
A trial beginning Wednesday in Portland, Oregon will determine whether President Donald Trump lawfully ordered the National Guard to the city to quell protests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia had tested a Poseidon nuclear-powered super autonomous torpedo and that it had been a great success.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, officials said, as NATO’s eastern members heighten vigilance against potential airspace incursions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment