Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 18th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) continued in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 18 May, focusing on global housing challenges and sustainable urban development. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the Urban Expo launch, and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration aimed at advancing Africa’s urban agenda.
A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, with officials confirming no injuries or radiation leaks. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting three drones entering its airspace from Iraq, while investigations into the incidents are ongoing. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to act quickly, saying time was running out as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
At least four people were killed in a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory, including the Moscow region, which authorities described as the biggest aerial assault in over a year. Russian officials said air defences intercepted dozens of drones, with 81 targeting the capital area alone. Residential buildings and infrastructure were damaged, including in Khimki and Mytishchi.
The Eurovision Song Contest highlighted the unpredictable nature of the competition, with Bulgaria’s Dara securing a dominant win. Her performance of 'Bangaranga' stood out for its K-pop-inspired choreography, precision, and unified visual identity. The result marked Bulgaria’s first Eurovision victory and reflected a shift toward performances that combine strong concept, clarity, and global pop trends. In contrast, entries from the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) failed to reach the final for the first time since 2018.
Türkiye has banned children under 15 from using social media under new regulations published on Saturday. ...
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed surprise after Donald Trump mediated the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement in 2025, the U.S. President ...
The United Nations has condemned a sharp rise in attacks on civilians in Ukraine, reporting that more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 ...
Leaders of countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have agreed to hold coordinated population censuses around 2030. They took the decision at the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting in Awaza, Turkmenistan on Friday, media reported.
Britain and Israel have reached a temporary compromise over the future of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, easing a diplomatic dispute that had threatened to further strain relations between the two countries.
South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday “for her efforts to promote peace and international law,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2026 will be announced on Friday, 9 October, bringing one of the world's most closely watched awards back into focus.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (9 October) escalating tensions with European allies and potentially targeting companies that provide services to the tribunal. The move came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed surprise after Donald Trump mediated the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement in 2025, the U.S. President said at a rally in New York state on Friday.
The United Nations has condemned a sharp rise in attacks on civilians in Ukraine, reporting that more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 injured in a single week as Russian strikes hit residential areas, passenger buses and critical infrastructure.
Air quality in Singapore plunged to “very unhealthy” levels on Friday, 9 October, as thick haze engulfed the city-state ahead of Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen claimed pole position for Saturday's Sprint race.
Ukrainian drone strikes have hit two Yandex data centres in Russia on consecutive days, disrupting digital services as Kyiv intensifies attacks on Russia's digital infrastructure.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (9 October) escalating tensions with European allies and potentially targeting companies that provide services to the tribunal. The move came hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize.
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