In Iran, contact with foreigners could soon be a crime
A new bill would impose sweeping restrictions and penalties for ties with foreign institutions and contacts with foreign-based media, making it even more difficult to access information within Iran.
World
dw.com
20.08.2026
Taiwan proposes boosting 2027 defense spending 18% to a record high
Taiwan also faces calls from Washington to spend more on its own defense, mirroring U.S. pressure on Europe, something President Lai Ching-te has enthusiastically embraced.
World
japantimes.co.jp
20.08.2026
Australian court told why mushroom killer Erin Patterson should stay in prison forever
Prosecutors say their no-parole demand is harsh but is called for by nature of crime
World
independent.co.uk
20.08.2026
Tibetan protesters in New Dehli denounce China with shaved heads and prayers
Hundreds of Tibetan exiles gathered in New Delhi on Thursday, 20 August, to protest against China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.
World
euronews.com
20.08.2026
Scientists say the human family tree may need a major rewrite
The human family tree may be due for a major rewrite. Researchers argue that Australopithecus and Paranthropus should be folded into the genus Homo because new fossils have blurred many of the traits
Science
sciencedaily.com
20.08.2026
Uzbekistan adds 250 containers to expand China trade routes
Azerbaijan
trend.az
20.08.2026
U.S. demands China free detained American as Xi’s White House visit looms
This official determination arrives shortly before President Donald Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House
World
independent.co.uk
20.08.2026
Trump is losing his war of independence on rare earths
Inefficiency, untrustworthiness and cronyism are weakening the administration’s plans to stand up to China
Finance
ft.com
20.08.2026
Trippier suffers knee injury on Wolves league debut
Wolverhampton Wanderers confirm right-back Kieran Trippier suffered a knee ligament injury during his league debut for the club against Blackburn.
Sport
bbc.co.uk
20.08.2026
First Thing: Israel admits its soldiers opened fire at car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab
Israeli military orders criminal investigation into deaths of Hind and six family members. Plus, FCC chair Brendan Carr’s close coordination with White House revealedGood morning.The Israeli military
World
theguardian.com
20.08.2026
China’s Pingyao Film Festival Sets 10th Edition Dates – Global Bulletin
PINGYAO PREMIERE The Pingyao International Film Festival will mark its 10th edition with a run set for Sept. 24–30, at the Pingyao Festival Palace in Shanxi Province. Founded in 2017 by director Jia Z
Culture
variety.com
20.08.2026
ICC separates Taliban probe from US case as Afghan women's fate stays uncertain
ICC judges reportedly ordered prosecutors to open a standalone investigation into Taliban persecution of women, separating it from the probe that also covered alleged US crimes in Afghanistan. Afghan
Azerbaijan
euronews.com
20.08.2026
Trump deployed thousands of National Guard in DC - but they aren’t stopping any crime
World
independent.co.uk
20.08.2026
However you measure it, China’s job market is weak
Some workers are going back to the farm
Finance
economist.com
20.08.2026
Azerbaijan, China expand energy cooperation through new training program
A special training and technical visit program has been organized by China’s Datang Corporation for energy sector specialists from Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan
azernews.az
20.08.2026
Israeli military investigates 2 deadly incidents from the Gaza war
The Israeli military has ordered rare criminal investigations into two deadly incidents during the Gaza war, including the killing of a 5-year-old girl, her family and the medics sent to rescue her.
World
npr.org
20.08.2026
Uzbekistan’s Fergana, China’s Guohong eye new logistics center
Azerbaijan
trend.az
20.08.2026
U.S. wants allies, including Japan, to end support for International Criminal Court
The statement by a U.S. State Department spokesperson follows U.S. sanctions announced Tuesday against ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan.
World
japantimes.co.jp
20.08.2026
Chinese court sentences founder of property developer Evergrande to life in prison
Chinese property developer Hui Ka Yan has been sentenced to life in prison. The decision marks a milestone in Evergrande's saga after it collapsed with more than $300 billion in liabilities.
World
npr.org
20.08.2026
Kyrgyz travellers gain visa-free access to China
Azerbaijan
trend.az
20.08.2026