Skip to main content
Echo

Category / Daily archive

World news — August 19, 2026 - Page 5

World publications published on August 19, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 5 of 6.

127 publications

  1. WorldMiddle East

    Moldova's GDP Growth Forecast Revised Downwards to 1.8% in 2026

    The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MEDRD) has lowered its forecast for Moldova's GDP growth in 2026 from 2.2% to 1.8%. The revision is attributed to deterioration in the external economic situation, conflict in the Middle East, increase in energy resource costs, and geopolitical uncertainty. The new forecast expects GDP growth of 2.8% in 2027, 3.2% in 2028, and 3.4% in 2029, reaching 497.4 billion lei by 2029. Inflation is forecast at 7.3% in 2026, decreasing to 5-6% in subsequent years. Exports are expected to grow by 11.7% and imports by 7.5% in 2026.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  3. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Thailand Courts Australian Investment, Urges Canva Expansion

    Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Canva's Sydney headquarters to discuss connecting Thai creators with global markets and increase their number on the platform from about 190 to 1,000 by 2028. He also encouraged Canva to establish a legal entity in Thailand and cooperate with the Board of Investment for investment and workforce development. Anutin invited Australian businesses to invest in Thailand, highlighting priority sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital industries, and education.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldMiddle East

    Bishkek Asks Businesses to Close for SCO Summit

    The Primorsky District Administration of Bishkek is distributing notifications to entrepreneurs asking them to temporarily suspend operations on August 31 and September 1. This affects catering establishments, car washes, service points, and other facilities located along the routes of the delegations for the SCO summit and World Nomad Games. The mayor confirmed that more than 30 owners of commercial objects have already received notifications from the mayor's office.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldAfricaMiddle East

    Pico and Placa Vehicle Restrictions in Cali, Bogotá, and Medellín

    Vehicle restriction programs known as Pico and Placa are in effect in Cali, Bogotá, and Medellín. The programs aim to reduce vehicle traffic, accidents, and pollution by limiting circulation based on the last digit of license plates, vehicle type, day of the week, and even hours. Exemptions apply to certain vehicles such as emergency services, public transport, and those using alternative fuels. Violations result in fines and vehicle immobilization.
    12 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldMiddle East

    Bishkek Temporarily Closes Shopping Centers and Markets

    The Bishkek City Hall has decided to temporarily close several shopping centers and markets from August 31 to September 1 due to public safety concerns and preparations for the SCO summit and World Nomad Games. Affected locations include GUM 'Chynar', TSUM 'Aychurek', 'Bishkek Park', 'Asia Mall', 'Ala-Archa', 'VEFA Center', 'Dom Truda', 'Goin', Beta Stores 1, and 'Besh Sary City'. Additionally, 'Osh Bazaars', 'Sary-Ozon', and 'Orto-Sai' market will also be closed on specific dates. Underground pedestrian crossings along official delegation routes will be closed from 3:00 PM on August 29.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  12. WorldMiddle EastIsraelConflict

    Israel's Aggression in Syria Threatens Regional Stability

    Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Israel's aerial attacks on Abu al-Thuhur military airport as a serious escalation threatening regional security and stability. The Syrian government accuses Israel of attempting to undermine efforts to stabilize the region and push it into further tension. The US has stated that the Israeli actions are not necessary for promoting stability.
    10 sourcesSee all sources
  13. WorldMiddle East

    Shakira to Rebuild Schools and University in Earthquake-Stricken Chocó, Colombia

    Colombian singer Shakira visited the earthquake-stricken department of Chocó, promising to rebuild a university and at least 10 schools damaged by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake. She was accompanied by philanthropist Howard Buffett and announced commitments totaling $1.25 million from Shakira, Global Citizen, Live Nation, and CAF. Shakira emphasized the importance of ensuring children return to school and called on other governments and foundations to join the recovery efforts.
    160 sourcesSee all sources
  14. WorldMiddle East

    Najaf Governor Allocates 10,000 Dunams for Million Housing Units Initiative

    The Governor of Najaf, Yusuf Maki Gunawei, announced the allocation of 10,000 dunams for the Million Housing Units Initiative. The initiative aims to provide serviced residential plots to citizens who do not own homes. The land is part of the Peace City project, with work progressing towards completing the housing file urgently. Targeted groups will be determined according to regulations issued by relevant authorities.
    8 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaTrade

    Trump Suspends Canada Tariffs, Claims Deal Reached

    President Trump has temporarily suspended 50% tariffs on Canada that were set to take effect, citing a deal between the U.S. and Canada. The tariffs, which were imposed on a variety of Canadian exports including metals, lumber, and auto parts, have been paused for three days. Trump's announcement comes after reports of ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldMiddle East

    Putin, Lavrov Send Greetings to IV International Buddhist Forum

    Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent greetings to participants of the IV International Buddhist Forum held in Tuva. Both leaders praised the Russian sangha's role in promoting interethnic harmony and preserving traditional values. Putin also highlighted Tuva's symbolic significance for Buddhism and the potential for stronger ties among Buddhists across countries to build trust and mutual understanding across Eurasia.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldMiddle EastBudgetCommoditiesDefense

    Russia Earns Billions from Iran War

    Russia has earned approximately $30 billion due to the war in Iran, primarily from increased oil and commodity exports. The surge in global commodity prices, driven by reduced supplies from the Middle East, significantly boosted Russia's export revenues in the second quarter of 2023. The Kremlin has benefited from increased demand for Russian energy resources, with oil exports being a key factor.
    10 sourcesSee all sources