Several dead and missing after Lebanon building collapse
Two adjoining buildings collapsed in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, on Sunday (4 February), killing at least six people and trapping an unspecified number...
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Iran, China, and Turkmenistan have reached a key agreement on unified rail transport tariffs, marking a strategic step toward enhancing cargo flows along the China–Europe corridor through Central Asia and the Middle East.
A high-level meeting was held in Tehran bringing together representatives of railway administrations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Iran, China, and Turkmenistan. The meeting focused on the multilateral discussions aimed at strengthening the transport link from China to Europe via Central Asia and the Middle East.
The talks focused on the development of the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye/Europe rail corridor. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the approval of competitive and harmonized tariffs for rail cargo transportation along this route.
Delegates also agreed on coordinated measures to increase freight volumes and improve service efficiency. In addition to tariff alignment, the parties reached consensus on critical logistical parameters, including unified delivery times and streamlined procedures.
This initiative is expected to bolster the appeal of the corridor as a cost-effective and reliable alternative for east–west trade, enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe while supporting regional economic integration.
According to the Kazakh side, container traffic from China to Iran through Kazakhstan increased 2.6 times in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year - highlighting the growing relevance of this corridor for Eurasian trade.
Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal on Tuesday, forcing more than 11,000 people from their homes, as a man in Portugal died after his car was swept away by floodwaters and a second body was found in Malaga.
Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
At least 31 people have been killed and scores wounded in a suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, prompting widespread international condemnation.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by March, though the timeline is widely viewed as unrealistic due to deep disagreements over territory, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.
A Japanese city near Mount Fuji has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival, saying growing numbers of badly behaved tourists are disrupting daily life for residents.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the athlete said he felt conflicted about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking a public clash that highlights growing political tensions surrounding the Games.
India’s trade minister said diversifying energy imports and expanding purchases of advanced technology from the United States would serve New Delhi’s strategic interests, as the two countries move closer to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, though that timeline is likely to slip given a lack of agreement on the key issue of territory, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says the country is accelerating investments to enhance its connectivity and transit functions, with key road links set for completion by 2030.
Portugal voted on Sunday in a presidential runoff between leftist Antonio Jose Seguro and far-right challenger Andre Ventura, with surveys indicating a decisive victory for Seguro despite weather disruptions and pockets of political fatigue.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment