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.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States a...
At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Paki...
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade....
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Ano...
The Central African Republic declared a cholera outbreak after 197 cases, including 24 deaths, were confirmed in two health districts southwest of the...
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum concluded in Baku on 22 May after six days of discussions focused on housing, climate resilience, urban governance and social inclusion, bringing together tens of thousands of participants from around the world to shape the future of sustainable cities.
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku concluded with a high-level Women’s Roundtable focused on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in housing and urban development.
As cities expand and climate pressures intensify, access to safe water and sanitation is becoming one of the world’s most urgent urban challenges.
An event titled “Rethinking Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Urban Regeneration” was held on Wednesday (20 May) during WUF13 in Baku, bringing together international officials, urban planners and cultural experts to discuss how heritage preservation can support more inclusive and resilient cities.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday, authorities said.
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Australia said it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a groundbreaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
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