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Asia news — August 18, 2026

Publications tagged with Asia published on August 18, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive.

12 publications

  1. SocietyCorruptionAsiaDefense

    Wissam Al-Assad Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Syrian People

    The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus has sentenced Wissam Al-Assad to death for his involvement in multiple crimes, including premeditated murder, murder with intent, drug trafficking, promoting drugs, attacking the safety of the homeland and public peace, sectarian fighting, forming armed groups in Eastern Ghouta, participating in a massacre that killed 75 civilians in Eastern Ghouta, planning and participating in attacks on Eastern Ghouta, and committing crimes against humanity. The trial was part of Syria's transitional justice process to hold accountable those involved in crimes committed during the previous regime.
    37 sourcesSee all sources
  2. SportsLawAsiaDefense

    Australia's 'Mushroom Murderer' Appeals Conviction

    Erin Patterson, convicted of murdering three relatives by serving them a poisonous mushroom-laced beef Wellington, is appealing her conviction in a Melbourne court. Patterson argues that the trial judge made errors in deciding what evidence could be presented and that there were irregularities during the jury's sequestration. The prosecution is also appealing for a harsher sentence, arguing that the non-parole period of 33 years is inadequate.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  3. PoliticsAsia

    Education Minister Orders NTA Overhaul After UGC-NET Issues

    Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to implement a complete overhaul of its confidential operations, including secluded rooms, air-gapped systems, and device-deposit protocols. This follows recent issues with the UGC-NET exams, where question-paper errors led to re-examinations. The minister also directed a thorough audit of all exam processes and the removal of over 50 staff members. Ten new leadership positions are being filled, with experts in cybersecurity, psychometrics, and question-paper design being recruited.
    16 sourcesSee all sources
  4. PoliticsRegulatorsPeaceAsiaMiddle East

    Israeli Soldiers Mark Palestinian Detainees with Numbers

    Israeli soldiers marked Palestinian detainees with numbers on their foreheads and arms during a raid in Qabatiya, West Bank. The Israeli army confirmed the incident and stated that commanders emphasized the gravity of the act and lessons were learned. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, with similar incidents reported in April 2026 and previously in 2024.
    18 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldLawAsiaMiddle East

    Ceremonies Mark 40th Day of Ayatollah Khamenei's Burial

    Ceremonies to mark the 40th day since the burial of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of Iran, were held across the country. The main event took place in Tehran, with the presence of high-ranking officials and a large crowd of people. The commemoration ceremonies also took place in Qom and Mashhad. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the teachings of the late Ayatollah and the preservation of Iranian unity and national interests.
    156 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldAsiaMiddle EastSci Policy

    Moldova's Electricity Needs Fully Covered

    As of today, Moldova's electricity needs are fully covered by commercial purchases. Energocom has reserved necessary volumes to ensure consumption. Today's purchases include 9,874 MWh of electricity, with 27.19% from renewable energy sources, 67.70% from bilateral contracts, and 3.80% from the electricity market. Despite full coverage, Energocom warns of difficult regional situation and expensive external market prices, urging rational electricity use between 18:00 and 23:00.
    12 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldAsia

    Thailand's Q2 GDP Growth Slows to 1.9%

    Thailand's economy expanded by 1.9% year-on-year in Q2 2026, down from 2.8% in Q1, with GDP contracting by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter. Exports rose by 17.6% to US$99.08 billion, while imports surged by 42.3% to $111.16 billion, resulting in a $12.1-billion trade deficit. International tourist arrivals fell by 4.4% to 6.56 million, although total tourism receipts increased by 6.3% to 663 billion baht. The National Economic and Social Development Council expects full-year growth of 2.0–2.5%, with a midpoint of 2.2%.
    6 sourcesSee all sources