Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 29th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Over 1 million Afghan refugees return home amid UN warnings
More than 1 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since January, with around 600,000 coming from Iran and nearly 282,000 from Pakistan. The Afghan interim government is urging returnees to help rebuild the war-damaged country, but the UN warns of urgent humanitarian needs for food, shelter, and employment.
2. Uzbekistan’s gold exports surge by 54.8 percent
Uzbekistan’s gold exports rose by 54.8 percent in the first five months of 2025, reaching 6.49 billion U.S. dollars. The precious metal now accounts for 43.8 percent of the country’s total exports. Officials say the growth reflects strong international demand, even as Uzbekistan works to diversify its export portfolio.
3. Pakistan operation kills 14 militants following deadly convoy blast
A suicide bombing targeting a military convoy in Pakistan’s North Waziristan killed 13 soldiers and injured three civilians. Following the attack, security forces launched an operation that killed 14 militants. The military said sanitisation operations are ongoing to eliminate remaining threats in the region.
4. UK Business Secretary to hold talks with Lotus over factory future
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet with Lotus after concerns emerged about the future of its Hethel plant in Norfolk. Lotus, owned by China’s Geely, denied plans to close the factory, calling the UK its largest European market. The company said it is exploring options to enhance efficiency and global competitiveness.
5. Russia-North Korea cultural ties reach "unprecedented heights"
Russia’s Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova arrived in North Korea on Saturday with a 125-member delegation, declaring cultural ties between Moscow and Pyongyang stronger than ever. The visit includes concerts and lectures, and comes amid deepening political and military cooperation between the two countries.
Protey, a Russian telecom equipment developer, installed 4G mobile network systems in Afghanistan last year, a development reported by the Vedomosti business newspaper on Thursday. The systems are designed to provide mobile services for an estimated 10 million people.
Afghanistan’s mining sector continues to attract international attention as Russian investors explore new opportunities in the country’s vast mineral resources.
Top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and the Taliban-led Afghan government convened in Beijing for a trilateral meeting focused on advancing regional stability, boosting economic ties, and strengthening counterterrorism cooperation.
The U.S. has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, potentially leading to the deportation of over 9,000 Afghans currently residing in the country, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
UNICEF on Saturday urged the interim Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan to lift the ban on girls' secondary education as the new school year begins without girls for a third consecutive year.
President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could potentially be reached within the next week, as U.S. mediation efforts intensify.
Israeli forces have detained several individuals in southern Syria suspected of terrorist activity following raids targeting weapons storage sites.
The U.S. Senate advanced President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill on Saturday despite Democratic criticism that it benefits the wealthy over social programmes.
Azerbaijan has cancelled all planned cultural events involving Russian organisations after recent acts of violence against Azerbaijanis in Russia.
Saudi Arabia’s defence minister held rare talks with Iran’s military chief amid concerns over the fragility of the Israel-Iran ceasefire.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months despite U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog has said.
President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could potentially be reached within the next week, as U.S. mediation efforts intensify.
The U.S. Senate advanced President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill on Saturday despite Democratic criticism that it benefits the wealthy over social programmes.
Saudi Arabia’s defence minister held rare talks with Iran’s military chief amid concerns over the fragility of the Israel-Iran ceasefire.
British junior trade minister Douglas Alexander is visiting Taiwan for trade talks, a move that could strain relations with China despite efforts to improve ties.
President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could potentially be reached within the next week, as U.S. mediation efforts intensify.
Israeli forces have detained several individuals in southern Syria suspected of terrorist activity following raids targeting weapons storage sites.
The U.S. Senate advanced President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill on Saturday despite Democratic criticism that it benefits the wealthy over social programmes.
Azerbaijan has cancelled all planned cultural events involving Russian organisations after recent acts of violence against Azerbaijanis in Russia.
Saudi Arabia’s defence minister held rare talks with Iran’s military chief amid concerns over the fragility of the Israel-Iran ceasefire.
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