AnewZ Morning Brief - February 13th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 13th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. US-Russia Negotiations on Ukraine

Former US President Trump and Russian President Putin held a 1.5-hour call agreeing to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, with discussions extending to AI, energy, and Middle Eastern geopolitics

2. NASA Astronauts’ Early Return

Two US astronauts stranded on the International Space Station due to Boeing’s Starliner malfunction will return early via SpaceX, highlighting aerospace collaboration

3. Adobe launches AI video tool to compete with OpenAI

Adobe on Wednesday released the first public version of an artificial intelligence tool that can generate video clips and revealed how much it will charge, but said it will not set pricing for major users such as studios until later this year.

4. About 75,000 US federal workers accept Trump administration buyout program

About 75,000 U.S. federal workers accepted the deferred buyout program of President Donald Trump's administration, a spokesperson for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management said late on Wednesday.

The buyout is one of many approaches Trump is taking to slash a civilian workforce of 2.3 million that he has blasted as ineffective and biased against him.

5. Egypt, Jordan leaders stress need to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need to begin Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing Palestinians

6. Kazakhstani deputies call for review of foreign NGO status

Deputies of the People's Party of Kazakhstan have called for a review of the status of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country.

According to a document obtained by Report, this was prompted by the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kazakhstan.

7. At least five dead after suspected gas blast at Taiwan mall

The blast occurred on the 12th floor of the building, where construction was taking place, the department said in a statement.

8.3rd CIS Games confirmed for Sept-Oct slot in Azerbaijan

The first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the CIS Games has confirmed that the 3rd CIS Games will take place in Azerbaijan from September 28 to October 8 this year across seven cities.

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