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World news — August 21, 2026 - Page 3

World publications published on August 21, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 3 of 5.

110 publications

  1. WorldJudiciaryRegulatorsMiddle East

    British Ambassador Condemns Threats Against Iraqi Government and Judiciary as Terrorism

    The British Ambassador to Iraq and Baghdad has condemned threats made by lawless and armed factions against the Iraqi government and judiciary, describing these actions as terrorism. The Ambassador also expressed concern that threats from armed factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces could lead to a loss of international trust in them.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  2. WorldEarthOceanography

    Earthquakes Strike Kumamoto and Surrounding Regions

    A series of earthquakes hit Kumamoto Prefecture and surrounding areas in Japan. The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.0, occurred in Kumamoto at around 12:04 PM. Subsequent earthquakes were recorded in various locations, including Northwestern Saga, Amakusa-Kunisaki, and the northern part of Okinawa's main island. The Meteorological Agency warned of continued active seismic activity in the Kumamoto region three weeks later.
    20 sourcesSee all sources
  4. WorldRegulatorsGovernanceMiddle East

    Pakistan Grants Asim Munir Sweeping Military Powers

    Pakistan's cabinet has approved a new Defence Act that gives Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces, extensive powers over the military command. Munir will head a unified command covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with authority over military operations, personnel, and national security matters. The new law also allows him to hire, fire, retire, and retain military personnel, and relax retirement limits. The Defence Forces Act, 2026, and the amended National Command Authority Act, 2010, expand Munir's role and influence over military officers' careers.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldAsiaPublic HealthHealthcare

    South Africa's COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout

    South Africa's COVID-19 vaccination rollout is underway, with the country aiming to vaccinate around 40 million people by the end of 2021. The rollout began with healthcare workers and has since expanded to include essential workers, people over 60, and those with comorbidities. The country is using the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, with the single-dose J&J vaccine being administered to those aged 50 and above due to its ease of use and effectiveness against severe illness and death. The rollout has faced challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and supply constraints, but the government is working to address these issues and increase vaccination rates.
    38 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldMiddle EastConflict

    Russia Open to New US Proposals on Ukraine, but Insists on 'Realities on the Ground'

    Russia has signaled openness to new US proposals on how to reach a settlement in the Ukraine conflict, but any proposals must reflect the 'realities on the ground', according to senior Russian diplomat Sergei Ryabkov. The negotiation track remains complex, with the discussion between Moscow and Washington practically at an impasse. Russia is also interested in maintaining discussions with the US on nuclear weapons, following the expiration of the New START treaty.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  9. WorldMiddle EastOceanography

    Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refinery and Terminal

    Ukraine's military has confirmed striking the TANECO oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, and the Tamansky Neftegas oil terminal in the Krasnodar region, Russia. The attacks resulted in fires at both facilities. TANECO can process up to 16 million tons of oil per year, while the Tamansk terminal can handle up to 19.9 million tons of oil, petroleum products, and liquefied hydrocarbon gases annually. Both facilities are involved in supplying the Russian army.
    34 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldWeatherAstronomyPublic Health

    BMKG Records Thousands of Aftershocks in NTT Following Major Earthquake

    The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded thousands of aftershocks in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) following a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7. The aftershocks, numbering up to 3,394, continue to occur and are predicted to continue for several weeks. The earthquake has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of residents.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldJudiciaryRegulatorsThink TanksMiddle East

    Hong Kong Embraces AI for Efficiency and Competitiveness

    Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized the government's commitment to AI development and application at the Hong Kong Computer Communications Exhibition. The SAR government has established an AI+ Industry Development Strategy Committee to promote AI empowerment across industries. The government has already implemented 30 AI efficiency projects, optimizing public services and reducing approval times. Chan acknowledged AI's potential to bring convenience and innovation but also raised concerns about employment, privacy, and security. He encouraged citizens to learn and use AI to enhance personal abilities and create business opportunities.
    2 sourcesSee all sources
  12. WorldBillMiddle East

    Ecuadorian President Noboa's Visit to China

    Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa is on an 8-day visit to China, his first state visit to the country. The trip, which also includes stops in Singapore and Vietnam, focuses on commerce, investment, cooperation, infrastructure, energy, technology, and sustainable development. Noboa met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, discussing topics such as the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative, energy, minerals, infrastructure, finance, digital economy, green development, new energy, artificial intelligence, and Ecuador's role in these areas. The visit aims to expand economic relations, increase Ecuadorian exports to China, attract Chinese investments, and strengthen bilateral ties.
    52 sourcesSee all sources
  13. WorldMiddle East

    1,800 Migrants Moved from Ceuta Beach to Temporary Shelters

    The Spanish government has temporarily enabled several spaces to accommodate 1,800 migrant people who were sleeping on the beach in Ceuta. The transfer began on Thursday morning on a voluntary basis and is part of an operation coordinated with State Security Forces and the Government of Ceuta. The main objective is to address the situation of people who were in a vulnerable situation on the beach and offer them an alternative accommodation option. The spaces will be progressively expanded as the adaptation work on other planned locations is completed.
    15 sourcesSee all sources
  14. WorldChinaPublic Health

    Earthquakes Strike in China, Papua New Guinea, and Philippines

    A series of earthquakes have occurred in different regions. The first, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, was reported 270 km south-southeast of Dunhuang, China on August 20 at 17:49 local time, with a depth of 10 km. The second, also a magnitude 5.1 earthquake, occurred 183 km southeast of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea on August 21 at 04:25 local time, with a depth of 35 km. The third and fourth earthquakes, both magnitude 5.1, struck in the Philippines on August 21. The first was 1 km north of Alegria, with a depth of 10 km, and the second was 19 km west of Jabonga, also with a depth of 10 km.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldBillMiddle East

    Ukraine Seeks Elon Musk's Approval to Use Starlink for Drone Strikes on Russian Missile Launchers

    Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk's permission to use Starlink-equipped drones for strikes on Russian ballistic missile launchers up to 200 km deep into Russian territory, according to the Financial Times. Kyiv believes this could help mitigate the shortage of Patriot interceptors. President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly asked Donald Trump to discuss this with Musk during a White House meeting, but Trump did not give a clear answer. Musk has previously refused to allow Starlink use for attacks on Russian territory. An obstacle to this plan is the resignation of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who had direct contact with Musk.
    20 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldLawMiddle EastChina

    Ukraine Seeks Musk's Help to Strike Russian Missile Launchers

    Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk's permission to use Starlink-equipped drones to strike Russian missile launchers up to 200 km inside Russian territory. The request comes due to a shortage of ammunition for Patriot systems. President Zelensky reportedly asked former U.S. President Trump to intervene, but he did not support the idea. Musk has not yet approved the request.
    20 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldMiddle EastChina

    Belarus and Myanmar Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

    President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus held talks with President Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar, focusing on industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science, and education. The leaders discussed specific steps for implementing previously planned projects and new mutually beneficial projects. They also addressed cooperation on international platforms. Following the talks, documents aimed at strengthening Belarus-Myanmar ties in various areas were signed.
    35 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldEuropeEarth

    Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Expected in Multiple Regions of Saudi Arabia

    Thunderstorms with rain and active winds are forecasted over parts of Jazan, Asir, Baha, Najran, Northern Border, Ha'il, Qassim, Madinah, and Makkah regions in Saudi Arabia. High temperatures are expected in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. Heavy rain is expected on Friday and Saturday, with thunderstorms in 8 regions until Tuesday. The Civil Defense has warned of thunderstorms and heavy rain in 5 regions from Friday to Tuesday, leading to flash floods and cold weather with strong winds and dust storms.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldSoutheast Asia

    Bilibili Launches Global App, Challenges YouTube

    Chinese video platform Bilibili, often dubbed the 'YouTube of China', has launched its international app with no identity verification required. The app, already available on Android and coming soon to iOS, is part of Bilibili's global expansion strategy. The company is courting Western creators, hiring global staff, and planning an English-language website. Bilibili aims to combine Chinese and global content on its platform.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  22. WorldMiddle EastChinaWeather

    Australia Detains Man for Alleged Spying on Ukraine for Russia

    Australian authorities have detained a 27-year-old man with Australian and Russian citizenship for allegedly attempting to obtain military information in Ukraine and hand it over to Russian intelligence. The man, who received 'military-type' training in Russia in October 2024, joined the Ukrainian armed forces in May 2025 and is accused of providing or attempting to provide sensitive information to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of Russian intelligence services. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the crime of espionage.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  23. WorldMiddle East

    Estonia's Next President: Ülle Madise Emerges as Clear Favorite

    The race for Estonia's presidency has narrowed down to one candidate, Ülle Madise, after her main rival withdrew. As the current Prosecutor General and the only candidate, Madise has received sufficient support from Estonia's parliamentary parties (Riigikogu) to become president. Her supporters will officially nominate her on August 24, and parliamentarians will vote for the new president in early September.
    2 sourcesSee all sources