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  3. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Large-Scale Inspections in Golden Triangle Special Zone Against Reported Apartments

    Starting from August 12, inspections are being conducted within the Golden Triangle Special Zone targeting reported apartments. Lao PDR Police, Lao PDR Public Security, and Chinese undercover officers are conducting surprise checks using facial scanning machines to verify the presence of office equipment and complete documentation. The inspections will last until August 17 and target locations with previous reports, including Dongqing Waterfront, Jinui Bay, Meilang Bay, Feng Huang City, among others. Some property management companies have been notified and are conducting internal checks. Residents are advised to pay attention to safety during this time.
    13 sourcesSee all sources
  4. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastNorth America

    Ukraine: Residents Urged to Prepare for Winter Power, Water Outages

    Ukrainian residents, particularly those in major cities like Kyiv, are advised to prepare for potential water and electricity shortages during the upcoming heating season. MP Bogdan Kitsak and energy expert Yuriy Korolchuk warn that outages could last for extended periods, with some areas facing up to 14-15 hours of daily power cuts. Kyiv's administration is preparing evacuation lists for vulnerable citizens. Residents are encouraged to assess their capabilities, stock up on supplies, and consider alternative living arrangements to reduce strain on urban energy systems.
    10 sourcesSee all sources
  5. SportsEuropeBaseballMotorsports

    Siskos Sets Panhellenic Record, Qualifies for 200m Breaststroke Final

    Apostolos Siskos qualified for the final of the 200m breaststroke at the European Swimming Championship in Paris, setting a Panhellenic record with a time of 1:54.06. The Greek athlete finished first in the first semifinal, leaving other competitors behind by at least one body length. Siskos is now set to vie for a place on the European Championship podium in the final.
    10 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldBillMiddle East

    Zelenskyy Reveals Joint Plan with Partners to End War with Russia

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed that Ukraine and its international partners have a joint plan to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending the war. Zelenskyy stated that while Putin does not want to stop the war, he will be forced to do so through this plan. The strategy involves putting pressure on Putin and potentially bringing the war back to Russia's territory to make Russian society feel the consequences, thereby influencing their government.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  7. BusinessChinaBudget

    Russia's Economy Returns to Growth with 1.3% GDP Increase in Q2 2026

    Russia's economy has rebounded, with a 1.3% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026, according to preliminary estimates by Rosstat. This follows a 0.2% decline in the first quarter. The growth was driven by retail trade turnover, food service turnover, freight turnover, and high domestic demand. The Russian economy grew by 0.6% in the first half of 2026. Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov attributed the recovery to systematic work by the government and the Central Bank to support structural changes and increase economic stability.
    44 sourcesSee all sources
  10. SportsMiddle EastConflictDefense

    Houthi Attacks on Saudi-Backed Forces in Yemen

    Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a series of attacks on Saudi-backed forces, using missiles and drones. The attacks targeted military positions, weapons depots, and command centers in areas such as Mokha and Marib. The rebels claim dozens of casualties, including Saudi personnel. They have warned Yemenis fighting alongside Saudi-backed forces to withdraw. The Houthis justify their actions as a response to Saudi attacks, particularly the strike on Sanaa airport on July 13. Despite this, they remain open to dialogue but accuse Saudi Arabia of refusing negotiations and preparing for further military action.
    49 sourcesSee all sources
  12. WorldMiddle EastChina

    National Bank Weakens Hryvnia: Official Exchange Rates for August 11-13

    The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has weakened the hryvnia against the dollar and euro. On August 11, the official exchange rate was set at 44.83 UAH/USD and 51.78 UAH/EUR. On August 12, it decreased to 44.80 UAH/USD and 51.76 UAH/EUR. On August 13, the hryvnia strengthened slightly to 44.71 UAH/USD and 51.61 UAH/EUR. The NBU also increased the refinancing rate to 15.5% due to inflation risks.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastChina

    Mexico Sends Humanitarian Aid to Colombia After Earthquake

    Mexico has dispatched humanitarian aid to Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake. On August 12, two Mexican Air Force aircraft carrying 19.5 tons of supplies and military personnel departed for Colombia. Over the next three days, an additional 58.5 tons of aid, including water and medicine, will be sent. The Mexican government has maintained communication with Colombian authorities to coordinate support.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldEuropeMiddle East

    Russian Strikes Damage Ukrainian Warehouses, Affecting Supermarket Supplies

    Russian strikes have damaged several warehouses in Ukraine, including facilities used by major supermarket chains. The affected warehouses handled goods for companies like Danone, Lactel, President, Yahotynske, Fozzy Group, and Novus. The strikes may lead to shortages of dairy products, meat, fish, and other goods, as well as price increases. Over 1 million square meters of warehouse space has been damaged in Ukraine over the past four years, with the Kyiv region accounting for nearly 75% of that damage.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldChinaSci PolicyEducation

    Russia Proposes New University Admission Scheme Combining EGE and Olympiad Results

    In Russia, a new scheme for university admissions is being proposed. The Public Chamber suggests considering both Unified State Exam (EGE) results and achievements in subject-specific olympiads. Instead of relying solely on EGE results or olympiad victories, a 'EGE plus victory in olympiads' approach is being considered. While scoring 100% on the EGE is no easier than winning an olympiad, the number of olympiads considered for university admissions could be reduced.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldMiddle East

    Forest Fires in Quito: Calacalí and San Antonio de Pichincha

    Two major forest fires are active in Quito, affecting the Rayocucho sector in Calacalí and Tanlahua in San Antonio de Pichincha. Over 150 firefighters, 23 fire trucks, and 50 support personnel are battling the fires, which have been burning for more than 36 hours. Strong winds, terrain, and vegetation make control efforts difficult. The cause of the Calacalí fire is suspected to be a charcoal burning. Fines for causing forest fires can reach up to $36,000.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldNorth AmericaEarth

    Total Solar Eclipse of 2026: Live Broadcast from Europe and Mexico's Viewing Details

    A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, visible in parts of Europe and northern North America. The European Space Agency (ESA) will broadcast the event live from Spain, with Maggie Aderin and other scientists hosting the program. In Mexico, the eclipse will not be directly visible but can be watched via NASA's live transmission starting at 11:15 am (central time). The next relevant eclipse in Mexico is a partial lunar eclipse on August 27, 2026.
    22 sourcesSee all sources
  22. WorldMiddle East

    IEA Warns of Global Oil Supply Disruptions Due to Strait of Hormuz Closure

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) has significantly revised down its forecast for global oil supply and demand in 2026 due to the lack of an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agency warns that the crisis in the Middle East has reduced global reserves, keeping oil prices high. Global oil supply is expected to decrease by 4.3 million barrels per day this year, with about 8.3 million barrels per day of Gulf production still offline. The IEA expects global oil demand to decrease by 1.6 million barrels per day in 2026 due to high fuel prices and disruptions in global supply chains.
    30 sourcesSee all sources
  23. WorldRegulatorsConstitutionMiddle East

    Ukraine Unites Youth in Regional Congresses for Self-Government

    Representatives from regional youth congresses across Ukraine gathered for a two-day training course, aiming to form an effective union of young delegates for self-government. The event, organized by the Chamber of Regional Youth Congresses in Kyiv, brought together leaders of youth congresses, government officials, parliamentarians, and other representatives. Participants discussed the role of youth in community and state development, their involvement in decision-making processes, and how to build effective links between youth initiatives and parliament. The Verkhovna Rada's Youth Council was highlighted as a platform for direct dialogue with parliament, and participants were encouraged to send their ideas and proposals to parliamentary representatives.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  24. SportsSouth AmericaAmerican FootballHockey

    Arsenal's Persistent Pursuit of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa

    Arsenal are still keen on signing Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa despite valuation differences. Villa value Konsa at £60m, while Arsenal's highest offer is around £40m. Konsa, who played 48 games last season and was a key player for England at the World Cup, is Arsenal's first-choice option for a new defender. Talks have been ongoing, but a deal is yet to be reached. Konsa is expected to return from holiday this week, which could speed up negotiations.
    18 sourcesSee all sources