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World news — August 19, 2026 - Page 4

World publications published on August 19, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 4 of 6.

127 publications

  1. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastBudget

    Iraqi Farmers Protest for Outstanding Dues

    Hundreds of Iraqi farmers gathered outside the Ministry of Finance in Baghdad to demand the payment of their overdue financial entitlements. The protest comes after the Ministry of Commerce announced the release of 350 billion dinars for farmers and grain sellers, but the farmers claim that the delay in payment is increasing their burdens and threatening their agricultural activities. The farmers are calling for expedited procedures to receive their dues.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  3. WorldMiddle East

    Belarus Increases Base Wage Rate for Budget Sector Workers

    The basic wage rate for budget sector workers in Belarus is increasing from September 1, 2026. The new rate will be 300 Belarusian rubles, up from the current 297 rubles. This is the second increase this year, following a January 1, 2026 increase. The base rate affects the wages of around 770,000 workers and influences incentive and compensatory payments. The average salary of budget workers in the first half of 2026 was 2328.6 rubles, a 16.4% increase from the previous year.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldMiddle EastWeather

    Kanye West to Perform in Russia for First Time Since Ukraine War

    American rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, will perform in Russia for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine. He is set to give two concerts in St. Petersburg on October 10 and 11 at the Gazprom Arena. This will be one of the most significant performances by a Western star in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Ticket sales have reportedly sold out within hours. West's concerts were canceled in several European countries due to his antisemitic remarks and imagery.
    74 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldEuropeGrid

    Gas Prices in Europe Surge Ahead of Winter

    Gas prices in Europe have risen significantly ahead of the winter season. According to analysts, the average settlement price of gas futures on the TTF index increased by 52% to $585.3 per thousand cubic meters between April 1 and August 14, 2026, compared to the same period last year. This increase is also 52% higher than the average for 2023-2025. The surge in gas prices comes despite record low reserves.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaChina

    Passenger Transport to Russia and Europe

    Several companies offer direct passenger transport services from Ukraine and Europe to Russia, with options for air travel and land transfer. These services cater to various regions in Russia, including LPR, DPR, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea. They provide comfortable minibuses with experienced drivers, discounts for children and seniors, and payment in any method or currency. Some companies also offer additional services like passport assistance, package delivery, and pet transportation.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  12. WorldLawRegulatorsMiddle East

    Netherlands Condemns U.S. Sanctions Against ICC Officials

    The Netherlands has criticized the U.S. for imposing sanctions on the head of the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Foreign Minister Stef Blok stating that the Netherlands opposes these sanctions. The U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had announced the sanctions as part of America's effort to protect its citizens from the ICC, which the U.S. views as a 'sham court'. The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC in The Hague, supports the court's work and believes that international courts should be able to operate freely.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  13. WorldLawCivil RightsMiddle East

    Deljošaj Protests Appointment of Non-Albanian Speaking Director in Albanian Language School

    Nikola Deljošaj, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, has criticized the appointment of Snežana Živanović as the director of JU SMŠ 'Bratstvo-jedinstvo' in Ulcinj, arguing that she does not speak Albanian and that this is an act of 'institutional provocation' and 'albanophobia'. Deljošaj called for a united response from Albanian political parties and organizations, while the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation defended the decision, stating that Živanović was chosen based on her knowledge and competence.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  14. WorldEuropeWeather

    Spain Faces Extreme Weather Shift: Drought to Abundant Rainfall in Two Weeks

    Spain is set for an unexpected weather shift, moving from extreme drought to abundant rainfall in just two weeks. Meteorologists warn of potential storms and floods as the country braces for heavy rain after enduring high temperatures and summer heatwaves. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated alerts in several regions due to high temperatures, with some areas expected to reach 40 degrees. The heatwave has also increased the risk of forest fires. However, relief is expected by the end of the week as an Atlantic front brings cooler temperatures.
    12 sourcesSee all sources
  15. WorldRegulatorsTrialMiddle East

    NATO Conducts Large-Scale Aerial Operation Near Kaliningrad

    NATO launched a significant aerial operation around Russian Kaliningrad involving multiple reconnaissance aircraft and fighter jets. The operation included an EA-37B electronic warfare jet, an ARTEMIS II ISR aircraft, F-35As, and tankers. Some sources suggest this could be an unannounced training exercise or a comprehensive mapping of Russian air defense systems and electronic warfare nodes in the region.
    19 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldMiddle East

    Heat Wave and Dust Storms Hit Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

    The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued warnings about a heat wave and dust storms affecting the Eastern Region. Temperatures are expected to rise to 47-48 degrees Celsius in cities like Dammam, Riyadh, Khobar, and Jubail. The heat wave is accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 49 km/h, causing reduced visibility. The phenomenon is expected to continue until 5 pm. Additionally, there are forecasts of rain and thunderstorms with cold gusts and active winds in parts of Jazan, Asir, and Baha regions.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaRobotics

    Pakistan Boosts US Oil Imports Amid Gulf Disruptions

    Pakistan's largest refiner, Cnergyico, is increasing imports of US crude oil due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 90% of Pakistan's oil and LNG imports. The move is also aimed at narrowing Pakistan's trade surplus with the US and potentially securing tariff reductions. However, this increased dependence on US oil imports has led to a rise in dollar-denominated debt to Washington, with critics warning of potential risks.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldMiddle EastDefense

    Japan's Record Defense Spending in 2027

    Japan's defense ministry plans to request a record 8.9 trillion yen (around $56 billion) for the 2027 fiscal year, potentially reaching around 10 trillion yen, according to Kyodo News sources. This marks the 14th consecutive year of increase, accelerating after the adoption of new security documents in late 2022. The budget includes numerous unspecified items, suggesting a final budget higher than the initial request. The increased spending is part of Japan's ongoing military buildup, which includes developing hypersonic missiles, unmanned submarines, and long-range attack drones.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastBudget

    Iran's Qalibaf Travels to Iraq for Regional Talks

    Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, is set to travel to Iraq on Wednesday, August 28, leading a high-level parliamentary delegation. The visit aims to discuss regional developments, strengthen strategic cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad, and explore joint solutions for stability and security in West Asia. Qalibaf will meet with senior Iraqi officials and prominent figures to discuss bilateral relations, border security, counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and the implementation of joint agreements.
    21 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldMiddle East

    Pirate Video Market in Russia Grows Despite Blocks

    The pirate video market in Russia saw a 4.2% increase in the first half of 2023, reaching $17.3 million. This growth is attributed to users' sustained interest in foreign cinema, with about 57% of foreign theatrical releases being leaked onto pirate networks compared to 10% of Russian releases. Pirates are adapting to blocks by scheduling illegal content for after 18:00 and weekends, and using other brands for camouflage. Online cinemas note the absence of a complaint mechanism for content from departed rights holders.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  24. WorldEuropeMiddle East

    Drone Shot Down in Latvia Originated from Belarus

    A drone that entered Latvian territory was shot down by NATO fighter jets. The drone originated from Belarus, according to multiple sources including Latvia's Defense Minister Raivis Melnis. The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, and is being investigated. Latvia has stated that drones entering its airspace will be shot down to ensure the safety of residents and their property.
    30 sourcesSee all sources