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MAJOR

WorldAt least 12 killed in ‘massive’ Russian attack on Kyiv, mayor says

At least a dozen people were killed and more than 30 others wounded in what Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called a “massive” Russian attack overnight into Thursday.

RussiaUkraineKyiv attack

CCNNOriginal★★★★★2026-08-20 07:01

At least 12 killed in ‘massive’ Russian attack on Kyiv, mayor says

MAJOR

Ukraine: Several killed in fresh Russian strikes on Kyiv
Ukrainian authorities say Russian strikes on Kyiv and nearby areas killed at least five people and wounded about 23. Residential buildings, a medical facility and an educational institution were damaged. Poland began preventive aviation operations to protect its airspace.
UkraineKyivRussian strikesPoland
DDW★★★★☆2026-08-20 02:54Original
MAJORRussian strike kills 3 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy faces pressure at home
Officials say a Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv killed at least three people and wounded 20, with 14 hospitalised. A nine-storey residential building collapsed and caught fire, while a children’s hospital was damaged. Domestic tensions also grew after the ousted defence minister called for Ukraine to move towards elections during wartime.
Kyiv attackRussia-Ukraine warUkraine politics
AAl Jazeera★★★★★2026-08-20 02:50Original

PoliticsSouth Korea Seeks China’s Help as Trump Pushes for Kim Meeting

South Korea sought China’s backing to revive talks with North Korea as President Donald Trump presses for a meeting with Kim Jong Un, despite Pyongyang denying that any high-level contact has taken place.

South KoreaChinaNorth Koreadiplomacy

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 07:00

South Korea Seeks China’s Help as Trump Pushes for Kim Meeting

WorldTrump rolls out another Iran war strategy with an all-caps threat

Stephen Collinson writes that President Donald Trump is introducing yet another strategy for the Iran war in a familiar manner: through an all-caps threat.

Donald TrumpIran warUS strategy

CCNNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 07:00

Trump rolls out another Iran war strategy with an all-caps threat

Middle East updates: Trump warns nations helping Iran of ‘economic consequences’
US President Donald Trump has threatened countries that support Iran with what he called tremendous economic consequences, describing the campaign as economic warfare and unprecedented isolation. Iranian media dismissed the warning as familiar psychological warfare and propaganda. Australia also summoned Israel’s envoy over the 2024 death of an aid worker in an Israeli strike in Gaza.
Donald TrumpIran wareconomic pressureGaza
DDW★★★★☆2026-08-20 05:39Original
Trump threatens Iran’s trade partners as military strikes give way to economic pressure
Donald Trump announced what he called the most crushing economic operation against Iran, warning countries whose institutions, businesses, airports or governments provide Tehran with a lifeline of severe consequences. The unspecified measures could target Iranian oil buyers and provoke a confrontation with China, Iran’s biggest trading partner, after military strikes failed to bring Tehran back to talks.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic sanctionsUS-China relations
TThe Guardian★★★★☆2026-08-20 04:53Original
Trump vows ‘economic warfare’ against countries helping Iran
US President Donald Trump has threatened an “economic D-Day” against any country that helps Iran or does business with it. Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna says the vague warning signals a renewed emphasis on economic action rather than military measures.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic warfare
AAl Jazeera★★★★☆2026-08-20 04:31Original
Trump warns countries supporting Iran of economic consequences
Donald Trump warned on social media that countries supporting Iran would face economic consequences. He pledged “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” but offered few details.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic warfare
RReuters★★★★☆2026-08-20 03:40Original
MAJORTrump Says US Is Starting an ‘Economic Warfare’ Operation Against Iran
President Donald Trump announced plans for what he called an “economic D-Day” against Iran, highlighting his growing frustration that Tehran has refused to capitulate. Weeks of U.S. military strikes and a blockade have already squeezed Iran’s oil exports.
United StatesIraneconomic warfaremilitary conflict
BBloomberg News★★★★★2026-08-20 02:15Original
Iran taps financial lifeline, Russian arms as Trump escalates 'crushing' economic warfare
Regional security analysts say Iran is deepening financial and military ties with China and Russia to evade U.S. sanctions and withstand Washington’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign. Trump announced sweeping consequences for countries and businesses that sustain Iran, calling his policy an unprecedented campaign of economic warfare and isolation.
IranUS sanctionsRussian armsChina-Russia ties
FFox News★★★★☆2026-08-20 01:09Original
MAJORTrump threatens ‘most crushing’ economic warfare, accuses Iran of rejecting a deal
U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he called the most crushing economic operation ever imposed on a country, threatening sweeping economic warfare and isolation against Iran. He said countries whose institutions provide Tehran with any lifeline would face tremendous consequences, while urging allies to help isolate and defeat the Iranian threat. Washington and Tehran remain at odds over the Strait of Hormuz and conditions for ending the conflict, leaving talks uncertain.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic warfareStrait of Hormuz
CChina News Service★★★★★2026-08-20 00:58Original
MAJORTrump threatens ‘tremendous economic consequences’ for countries helping Iran
Donald Trump says any country helping Iran or doing business with it will face “TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences”. He calls the move the most crushing economic operation ever taken against a country, after a 60-day ceasefire expired with no diplomatic or military off-ramp from the US-Iran conflict.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic sanctionsUS-Iran conflict
BBBC News★★★★★2026-08-20 00:25Original
MAJORIran war live: Trump announces ‘most crushing’ Iran sanctions
Donald Trump announced what he called the “most crushing” sanctions against Iran and said Washington might resume talks with Tehran “at some point.”
Iran warsanctionsDonald Trump
AAl Jazeera★★★★★2026-08-20 00:00Original
Trump announces ‘unprecedented economic war’ against Iran
US President Donald Trump announced what he called unprecedented “economic warfare and isolation” against Iran, saying Tehran had failed to seize his opportunity for a deal. He described the planned operation as the most crushing economic action ever taken against any country.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic warfare
TTASS★★★★☆2026-08-19 23:35Original
Middle East live: Trump threatens economic punishment for any country helping Iran
US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that any country supporting Tehran or providing Iran with “any type of lifeline” would face economic consequences. He did not specify Washington’s possible measures or identify any country by name.
Middle EastDonald TrumpIraneconomic sanctions
FFrance 24★★★★☆2026-08-19 23:26Original
MAJORTrump announces ‘most crushing economic operation ever’ against Iran
US President Donald Trump announced what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country” against Iran, while warning that any country trading with Tehran would face “tremendous economic consequences”. He also said countries doing business with Iran would be sanctioned as talks to end the conflict remained deadlocked.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic sanctions
AAl Jazeera★★★★★2026-08-19 23:18Original
More than 750 US service members wounded since war with Iran began, database shows
The number of US service members wounded since the war with Iran began has surpassed 750, according to the Defense Department’s war casualty database.
United StatesIranwar casualties
CCNN★★★★☆2026-08-19 23:07Original
Trump declares ‘economic warfare’ on Iran, threatens its supporters
U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he called the most crushing economic operation ever taken against a country, warning that any nation providing Iran with a financial, commercial, airport or government lifeline would face tremendous economic consequences. He did not detail the measures or name any country.
Donald TrumpIraneconomic warfare
CCGTN★★★★☆2026-08-19 23:01Original

EconomyWhat Evergrande’s sentence means for China’s economy

Evergrande, the property giant seen as the face of China’s real estate troubles, reached a painful conclusion to its years-long saga on Thursday, as courts ordered fines and prison terms. The rulings raise questions about their implications for China’s economy.

EvergrandeChina economyreal estate crisis

FFrance 24Original★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:57

What Evergrande’s sentence means for China’s economy

Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan sentenced to life in prison
A Shenzhen court has sentenced Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan to life imprisonment for crimes including fundraising fraud, embezzlement and corporate bribery. His personal assets will be confiscated and illegal gains recovered, while Evergrande Group and Evergrande Real Estate were fined a combined 15.82 billion yuan. Five senior executives were also sentenced.
Hui Ka YanEvergrandeproperty crisiscourt ruling
BBBC Chinese★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:43Original
China jails Evergrande founder for life and fines disgraced property giant
China sentenced the founder of troubled property developer Evergrande to life in prison on Thursday and fined the group more than $2 billion. The offences included fraud, five years after its high-profile default.
Evergrandeproperty sectorfraud
FFrance 24★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:27Original
Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan sentenced to life in prison
Hui Ka Yan, founder of China’s Evergrande, has been given a life sentence and had his personal assets confiscated after pleading guilty to charges including embezzlement and corporate bribery. A Shenzhen court also fined Evergrande 8.82bn yuan and its property arm 7bn yuan, marking a key moment in the fallout from the developer’s collapse.
EvergrandeHui Ka Yanproperty crisisChina economy
BBBC News★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:07Original
China Sentences Evergrande Founder Hui Ka Yan to Life in Prison
Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan was sentenced to life in prison in China, while his former companies were fined 15.82 billion yuan ($2.4 billion). The ruling seals the downfall of a property tycoon who came to represent the country’s real estate boom and bust.
Hui Ka YanChina Evergrandereal estatefraud
BBloomberg News★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:39Original
Chinese court sentences Evergrande founder to life in prison for fraud
The Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Hui Ka Yan, founder of China’s Evergrande real estate group, to life in prison on Thursday for large-scale fraud.
China EvergrandeHui Ka Yanfraud case
TThe Associated Press★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:26Original
China Evergrande founder sentenced to life in prison, CCTV reports
A Chinese court sentenced the founder of China Evergrande Group, described as the world’s most indebted property developer, to life imprisonment on Thursday and ordered the confiscation of all his personal assets, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
China Evergrandeproperty sectorcourt ruling
RReuters★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:20Original

WorldRussia’s Pacific Fleet holds drill near Southern Kuril Islands

Russia’s Pacific Fleet carried out missile strikes on targets near the coast of the Southern Kuril Islands during a planned military exercise, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday. Japan refers to the islands as the Northern Territories.

RussiaPacific FleetSouthern Kuril Islandsmilitary exercise

CCGTNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:55

Russia’s Pacific Fleet holds drill near Southern Kuril Islands

EconomyMOEX Index falls as morning trading session opens

The MOEX Index fell 0.16% to 2,168.83 points when Thursday’s morning session opened on the Moscow Exchange. By 7:10 a.m. Moscow time, the ruble-denominated index was down 0.52% at 2,161.04 points.

MOEX IndexMoscow Exchangeruble

TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:50

MOEX Index falls as morning trading session opens

EconomyChina’s pet insurance market grows 60-fold in five years

Industry data shows China’s pet insurance premiums rose from about 50 million yuan in 2020 to as much as 3.5 billion yuan in 2025, a 60-fold increase. Growth has brought complaints about waiting periods, exclusions and pre-existing conditions, while insurers face inconsistent veterinary fees and fraud. Standardization efforts are underway.

Chinapet insurancepet economyindustry standards

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:50

China’s pet insurance market grows 60-fold in five years

WorldRussian forces strike Antonov plant in Kyiv assembling Lyuty UAVs, defense ministry says

Russia’s Defense Ministry says Russian forces struck the Antonov State Enterprise aviation assembly plant in Kyiv. The facility produced An-196 Lyuty long-range fixed-wing UAVs and developed and manufactured various types of manned aircraft.

Russia-Ukraine warKyivUAVsAntonov

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:48

Russian forces strike Antonov plant in Kyiv assembling Lyuty UAVs, defense ministry says

WorldChinese ambassador says Japan seeks to integrate into NATO

Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui says Tokyo is seeking to speed up its integration into NATO, adding uncertainty to security in the Asia-Pacific. He says Japan’s steps are eroding the peaceful nature of its Constitution and shifting the country from a defensive to an offensive security strategy.

JapanNATOAsia-Pacific securityChinese diplomacy

TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 06:46

Chinese ambassador says Japan seeks to integrate into NATO

WorldColombia earthquake death toll rises to 319

Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management says the recent earthquake killed 319 people, injured 4,469 and left 260 missing, while 364 people were rescued. Nearly 31,000 houses were destroyed and 151,995 buildings damaged. The magnitude 7.4 quake struck near San Jose del Palmar in western Choco department on August 10 and affected 15 departments.

Colombiaearthquakerescue

TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 06:46

Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 319

EconomyNew Arctic-Europe Express links south China in 28 days

Sea Legend Shipping’s CAX China–Europe Arctic Express has made its maiden voyage from Guangzhou’s Nansha Port, opening south China’s first direct shipping route to Europe through the Arctic Ocean. The Northeast Passage cuts transit to Britain’s Port of Felixstowe to 28 days, 14 fewer than the Cape of Good Hope route.

China-Europe shippingArctic routeNansha Port

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:40

New Arctic-Europe Express links south China in 28 days

EconomyDollar hits three-month low as Treasury targets surging bond yields

The U.S. dollar fell to a three-month low on Thursday after the Treasury Department acted to calm a bond-market rout. Long-term yields had climbed to their highest level since 2007, weakening support for the greenback.

U.S. dollarTreasury Departmentbond yields

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 06:40

Dollar hits three-month low as Treasury targets surging bond yields

WorldRussian forces strike military warehouses at Ukraine’s Chernomorsk, Yuzhny ports

The Russian Defense Ministry says Russian armed forces struck warehouses containing military equipment at the ports of Chernomorsk and Yuzhny on the evening of August 19.

Russia-Ukraine warmilitary strikesUkrainian ports

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:39

Russian forces strike military warehouses at Ukraine’s Chernomorsk, Yuzhny ports

PoliticsLarge protest held in Tokyo against Takaichi government's dangerous moves

Tens of thousands of Japanese citizens protested in Tokyo and online against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government, accusing it of distorting history and pursuing military expansion. Organizers said about 15,000 attended in person and 25,000 joined online. Demonstrators demanded Takaichi's resignation, opposed expanded military spending and capabilities, defended Japan's pacifist Constitution, and criticized her ambiguous stance on the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Japan politicsTokyo protestmilitary expansionpacifist Constitution

CCGTNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:39

Large protest held in Tokyo against Takaichi government's dangerous moves

PoliticsBangladesh holds first contested presidential election in 35 years

Bangladesh is voting in its first contested presidential election since 1991. Ruling BNP candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir faces former army officer Oli Ahmad, nominated by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance. Alamgir is widely expected to win because the BNP holds a decisive majority among the 349 eligible lawmakers.

Bangladeshpresidential electionBNPopposition alliance

AAl JazeeraOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:38

Bangladesh holds first contested presidential election in 35 years

Bangladesh lawmakers set to elect Alamgir president
Bangladesh's parliament is due to elect a new president on Thursday. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party is widely expected to win, as the party holds more than a two-thirds majority and the presidency is largely ceremonial.
Bangladeshpresidential electionparliamentpolitics
DDW★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:37Original

WorldRussian forces strike Fire Point facility in Kyiv

Russia’s Defense Ministry says Russian forces struck Fire Point, an industrial enterprise in Kyiv that manufactured components for long- and medium-range strike drones. The ministry also said the facility assembled and stored boosters for Flamingo cruise missiles.

Russia-Ukraine warKyivdrones

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:38

Russian forces strike Fire Point facility in Kyiv

WorldUkraine’s General Staff says Russia has lost 1.47 million troops in Ukraine

Ukraine’s General Staff says Russian forces have suffered about 1,472,640 personnel losses since the full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022, including 1,480 over the past day. It also reported extensive Russian equipment losses. Ukraine has not disclosed its own casualties, citing operational secrecy.

Russia-Ukraine warRussian casualtiesmilitary losses

TThe Kyiv IndependentOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:38

Ukraine’s General Staff says Russia has lost 1.47 million troops in Ukraine

ScienceGlobal Smart Education Conference 2026 held in Beijing

The Global Smart Education Conference 2026 brought representatives from more than 60 countries to Beijing to discuss equity, quality and sustainability in education in the AI era. The event launched the Global Smart Schools Program, while Vice Minister of Education Ren Youqun announced an “AI Plus Education” action plan.

smart educationartificial intelligenceeducation technologyBeijing

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:36

Global Smart Education Conference 2026 held in Beijing

TechChina puts robocops on traffic duty, without arrest powers

China is putting robot officers to work on traffic duty, but they carry no guns, have no power to arrest and move on wheels rather than walking like the mechanical cyborg in the 1987 film RoboCop.

Chinaroboticstraffic management

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:30

China puts robocops on traffic duty, without arrest powers

PoliticsDemocrats seek Warsh disclosure of Trump conversations

A group of Democratic lawmakers is seeking a public account of any exchanges Kevin Warsh has had with President Donald Trump since Warsh took charge of the Federal Reserve in May.

US politicsFederal ReserveKevin WarshDonald Trump

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:30

Democrats seek Warsh disclosure of Trump conversations

HealthMore than 1,000 birds die in three South Australian mass mortality events amid H5 escalation

South Australia’s premier, Peter Malinauskas, described a significant escalation in H5 bird flu after more than 1,000 greater crested terns were found dead across three offshore-island sites. A suspected case in a little penguin on Kangaroo Island is under investigation, while Tasmania is testing 28 dead little penguins on King Island. No poultry, livestock or mammal outbreaks have been detected.

H5 bird fluSouth Australiawildlifebird deaths

TThe GuardianOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:16

More than 1,000 birds die in three South Australian mass mortality events amid H5 escalation

WorldA decade after earthquake, Italy’s Amatrice struggles to rebuild

In the early hours of August 24, 2016, Giorgio Cortellesi made his way through Amatrice’s dust and darkness, fearing his children had been buried under tons of rubble. A decade later, the Italian town is still struggling to rebuild.

ItalyAmatriceearthquakerebuilding

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:15

A decade after earthquake, Italy’s Amatrice struggles to rebuild

EconomyChina leaves loan rates unchanged for 15th consecutive month in August

China kept its benchmark lending rates unchanged on Thursday, marking the 15th consecutive month without a change in August and matching market expectations.

China economyloan ratesmonetary policy

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:10

China leaves loan rates unchanged for 15th consecutive month in August

TechRobots move closer to everyday life in China as Beijing conference opens

The 2026 World Robot Conference opened in Beijing, highlighting robots for companionship, healthcare and workplace assistance. More than 300 Chinese and foreign robotics companies are presenting over 3,000 exhibits during the five-day event, including companion, massage, desktop assistant and humanoid robots.

RobotsBeijingArtificial intelligenceTechnology conference

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:08

Robots move closer to everyday life in China as Beijing conference opens

2026 World Robot Conference opens in Beijing
The 2026 World Robot Conference opened in Beijing on Wednesday under the theme “Human-Robot Symbiosis, Production-Demand Convergence.”
robotsWorld Robot ConferenceBeijing
CChina News Service★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 05:45Original
2026 World Robot Conference opens in Beijing
The 2026 World Robot Conference opened in Beijing on Wednesday, with more than 300 Chinese and international companies displaying over 3,000 advanced robotic products. Morphi Robot demonstrated a wheeled robot performing household chores for 15 minutes, while Neuromeka unveiled an automated welding system for shipyards.
roboticsBeijingsmart manufacturingtechnology exchange
CChina News Service★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 02:55Original

WorldTrump says he will meet North Korea’s Kim later this year

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he plans to meet Kim Jong Un later this year, aiming to revive what he says was a bond formed with the nuclear-armed North Korean leader during his first term.

Donald TrumpKim Jong UnNorth Koreadiplomacy

FFrance 24Original★★★★☆2026-08-20 06:07

Trump says he will meet North Korea’s Kim later this year

SocietyAlan Jones’s barrister says alleged victim was not groomed because it ‘happens to young children’

In a Sydney court, Alan Jones’s defence argued that complainant C was not groomed, saying grooming happens to young children. C said Jones was more than 40 years older and far more powerful when he employed him as a young driver, and described the alleged touching and messages as part of long-term grooming. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 20 indecent assault charges and two sexual-touching counts involving six men.

Alan JonesSydney courtsexual assault allegationslegal proceedings

TThe GuardianOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:07

Alan Jones’s barrister says alleged victim was not groomed because it ‘happens to young children’

WorldInvestigation into killing of Hind Rajab and Gaza paramedics comes ‘extremely late’

An Israeli army investigation into the deaths of Hind Rajab and paramedics in Gaza has surprised people in Israel because so much time has passed, France 24 correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky said. She called the timing “extremely late”, but said referring the two well-known cases to criminal investigation already amounted to an admission that something had gone deeply wrong.

Hind RajabGazaIsraeli armycriminal investigation

FFrance 24Original★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:06

Investigation into killing of Hind Rajab and Gaza paramedics comes ‘extremely late’

Israeli army admits firing on car in death of 5-year-old Hind Rajab
The Israeli military acknowledged on Wednesday that its troops fired on a car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza in 2024 and said it had ordered a criminal investigation into her death, which provoked international outrage. It also released reviews of four other prominent Gaza incidents and announced a criminal probe into the 2025 deaths of 15 Palestinian medics and humanitarian workers.
Israeli militaryHind RajabGazacriminal investigation
FFrance 24★★★★☆2026-08-20 05:56Original

WorldFour workers killed after being struck by train in Japan

Four workers died after a limited express train hit them while they were clearing weeds from tracks at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, authorities say. Three were trapped beneath the train and one was on the platform. The accident suspended service on the Tobu Nikko Line.

Japantrain accidentrailway safety

BBBC NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 06:02

Four workers killed after being struck by train in Japan

FlashTranslated by Minutes

Residents suffering in Pakistan flooding after heavy monsoon rains.

Floods hit several residential areas on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, after heavy monsoon rains overnight

AFP News Agency08-20 06:00

CultureMelancholy made in Hungary is fuelling bestsellers across the globe – and widely misunderstood

A literary tradition shaped by oppression, alienation and despair is drawing renewed international attention, through authors including László Krasznahorkai, Péter Nádas and foreign writers inspired by Hungarian themes. But Orbán-era authoritarianism and isolation have restricted overseas opportunities, prompting calls to reform the country’s cultural institutions.

Hungarian literaturemelancholyliterary translationcultural institutions

TThe GuardianOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:00

Melancholy made in Hungary is fuelling bestsellers across the globe – and widely misunderstood

CultureChinese Valentine’s Day is rooted in legend and tradition, not just romance

Qixi, known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, extends beyond flowers and chocolates. The celebration is grounded in legend, prayer and cultural activities.

Qixitraditionculture

TThe Associated PressOriginal★☆☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:00

Chinese Valentine’s Day is rooted in legend and tradition, not just romance

SocietyHarvard Students Can Cope With Getting a B

University grading policies vary widely. Harvard is trying to curb grade inflation by limiting the number of A grades in undergraduate classes, while Michigan is seeking to ease grade anxiety by eliminating grades for first-year students during their first semester.

higher educationgrading policiesHarvard UniversityUniversity of Michigan

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 06:00

Harvard Students Can Cope With Getting a B

EconomyInternational market remains key growth driver for China’s air cargo

China’s international air-cargo market continued to expand in July 2026 while domestic volumes edged down, with cross-border e-commerce remaining the main support. More than 41 weekly round-trip flights are expected to be added nationwide, carrying e-commerce shipments, clothing, fresh seafood, electronic components and other high-value goods.

China air cargointernational marketcross-border e-commercelogistics

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:49

International market remains key growth driver for China’s air cargo

China’s international air cargo demand gains momentum in July
International markets remained a key growth engine for China’s air cargo sector in July, with strong cross-border e-commerce and AI hardware demand. Five listed airport operators handled 860,100 metric tons of cargo, of which international routes accounted for 576,000 metric tons, or 66.97 percent.
China air cargointernational marketscross-border e-commerceAI hardware
CChina News Service★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 05:20Original

WorldAustralia angry as Israel drops case over World Central Kitchen deaths

Australia has summoned Israel’s ambassador after Israel decided not to pursue criminal proceedings over the 2024 Gaza airstrike that killed an Australian aid worker and six other World Central Kitchen staff. The case had prompted international condemnation.

IsraelAustraliaWorld Central KitchenGaza

AAl JazeeraOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:43

Australia angry as Israel drops case over World Central Kitchen deaths

Australia ‘outraged’ by Israel’s decision not to prosecute over aid worker’s Gaza death
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia was “outraged” that Israel would not prosecute those responsible for the death of Australian World Central Kitchen aid worker Zomi Frankcom. Frankcom and six colleagues were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in April 2024. Wong said she would summon Israel’s ambassador and continue pressing for accountability.
AustraliaIsraelGazaaccountability
BBBC News★★★★☆2026-08-19 22:04Original
Penny Wong condemns ‘insulting’ decision not to prosecute over Gaza strike that killed Zomi Frankcom
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, said the government was outraged by Israel’s decision not to open criminal proceedings over the 2024 Gaza drone strikes that killed aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen workers. Wong will summon Israel’s ambassador, calling the timing on World Humanitarian Day especially insulting and saying the decision falls far short of expected accountability.
AustraliaIsraelZomi FrankcomWorld Central Kitchen
TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-08-19 21:17Original
Australia to summon Israeli ambassador over IDF decision not to investigate Zomi Frankcom killing
Foreign minister Penny Wong says Australia is “outraged” that the Israel Defense Forces will not pursue a criminal investigation into the 2024 strike on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy that killed Australian Zomi Frankcom and six others. Wong will summon Israel’s ambassador and says the decision falls far short of the accountability Australia expects.
Australian politicsIsraelhumanitarian aidaccountability
TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-08-19 20:54Original

EconomyChina’s ‘Lychee Capital’ Maoming posts record exports despite off-year

Maoming, Guangdong, has completed this year’s fresh lychee export season, with its final shipment sent to the United States. Despite a low-yield year, the city exported 8,450 metric tons worth 177 million yuan, with volume up 3.3% and value up 52.6% year on year—both records.

Maominglychee exportsGuangdongagricultural trade

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 05:31

China’s ‘Lychee Capital’ Maoming posts record exports despite off-year

MAJOR

WorldKyiv targeted by massive Russian strikes killing several people

At least nine people were killed and 33 wounded in a Russian missile barrage over Kyiv overnight on Thursday, local authorities said. Explosions rang across the capital throughout the night.

KyivRussian strikesmissile attacks

FFrance 24Original★★★★★2026-08-20 05:30

Kyiv targeted by massive Russian strikes killing several people

MAJOR

MAJORAt least six killed in multiple Russian missile strikes across Ukraine
Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv early Thursday, killing at least six people and injuring more than two dozen. Fires broke out across the capital after reports that the strikes hit a children’s hospital and an apartment building.
Russia-Ukraine warKyivmissile strikes
AAl Jazeera★★★★★2026-08-20 04:59Original
MAJORRussia launches missile strikes on Kyiv and surrounding region, killing at least eight
Ukrainian authorities say overnight Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region killed at least eight people and injured 33. Apartment blocks, warehouses and industrial sites were hit, while rescuers searched collapsed buildings. Romania reported a drone entering its airspace, and Poland began defensive air operations.
Russia-Ukraine warKyivmissile strikes
BBBC News★★★★★2026-08-20 04:46Original
MAJORKyiv comes under Russian missile attack, killing at least six
A heavy overnight Russian bombardment killed at least six people and wounded dozens in Kyiv and the surrounding region, Ukrainian authorities said. Missiles damaged homes, a medical facility and an educational institution, while an attack in Brovary district killed one man and injured another.
KyivRussian missile attackUkraine war
TThe Guardian★★★★★2026-08-20 03:38Original

PoliticsJames Braid expected to leave White House in coming weeks

According to a Trump administration official speaking to CNN, James Braid is set to leave the White House within weeks and is expected to begin a new private-sector role.

Trump administrationWhite Housepersonnel change

CCNNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:30

James Braid expected to leave White House in coming weeks

SocietyChina’s new travel experiences win over foreign visitors

Inbound tourism in China is gaining momentum this summer as foreign visitors seek experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. High-speed rail journeys, cross-border routes in Yunnan and summer outdoor activities in Chongli are drawing international travelers. More than 14.8 million foreign passengers used China’s railways in the first seven months of 2026, up 32.5% year on year.

inbound tourismhigh-speed railYunnanChongli

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:26

China’s new travel experiences win over foreign visitors

EconomyStandard Chartered turns to hedge fund strategies to shield wealth clients from volatility

Standard Chartered is helping wealth management clients allocate part of their assets to hedge funds to better cushion the effects of heightened market volatility, a senior executive said.

Standard Charteredwealth managementhedge fundsmarket volatility

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 05:10

Standard Chartered turns to hedge fund strategies to shield wealth clients from volatility

PoliticsExclusive: Pentagon sends ‘political loyalty’ survey to US allies

A Pentagon questionnaire obtained exclusively by Al Jazeera asks all 31 NATO allies a series of questions intended to assess their ‘loyalty’ to the United States. A NATO policy expert says the move makes sense for President Trump, whom the expert describes as deeply concerned with loyalty.

USNATOpolitical loyalty

AAl JazeeraOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 05:06

Exclusive: Pentagon sends ‘political loyalty’ survey to US allies

Pentagon quizzes NATO allies on political loyalty, documents reveal
Documents obtained exclusively by Al Jazeera show the Pentagon asking US NATO allies whether they support President Donald Trump’s vision for the alliance, publicly back US foreign policy priorities and are willing to ease restrictions on US access to bases and airspace. The questions appear intended to guide contacts during a six-month review of US forces in Europe.
USNATODonald Trumppolitical loyalty
AAl Jazeera★★★★☆2026-08-19 23:24Original

SportsLigue 1: Paul Pogba’s Monaco adventure comes to an end

Paul Pogba and AS Monaco have officially ended their relationship after one season. The 2018 World Cup winner joined in June 2025 following nearly two years away from football, but injuries restricted him to six appearances and 115 minutes last season.

footballLigue 1Paul Pogba

FFrance 24Original★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 05:05

Ligue 1: Paul Pogba’s Monaco adventure comes to an end

WorldSome 250 drones were flying toward Moscow Region during night

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that as many as 250 Ukrainian drones flew toward the Moscow Region overnight, with most destroyed at distant locations. He said 28 drones were shot down within the Moscow Region.

Russia-Ukraine wardrone attacksMoscow Region

TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 05:03

Some 250 drones were flying toward Moscow Region during night

WorldCaptured Ukrainian-born soldiers tell BBC why they fought for Russia

At a prisoner-of-war camp in western Ukraine, several soldiers born in Ukraine say they fought for Russia because they regarded themselves as defending their homeland. Kyiv tries its captured citizens for treason but holds them alongside Russian prisoners, while occupation, Russian schooling and Kremlin-controlled media have blurred their national identity.

Russia-Ukraine warprisoners of warDonbas

BBBC NewsOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 05:01

Captured Ukrainian-born soldiers tell BBC why they fought for Russia

PoliticsTaiwan proposes record 18% increase in 2027 defence spending

Taiwan's government formally proposed an 18% increase in defence spending for next year, taking the total above T$1 trillion ($31.41 billion) for the first time as Taipei continues strengthening its military in the face of China.

Taiwandefence spendingChina

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 05:00

Taiwan proposes record 18% increase in 2027 defence spending

WorldState police helicopter and small plane collide midair in Pennsylvania

A state police helicopter and a small plane collided in midair near an airport in central Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and the state’s governor.

Pennsylvaniamidair collisionstate police helicopter

CCNNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 05:00

State police helicopter and small plane collide midair in Pennsylvania

WorldSouth Korea estimates North Korea has up to 120 nuclear warheads, far above Trump’s figure

South Korea estimates that North Korea possesses 80 to 120 nuclear warheads, its defence minister said on Thursday. The range is well above U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that Pyongyang has 57 nuclear weapons.

North KoreaSouth Koreanuclear weaponsDonald Trump

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 04:50

South Korea estimates North Korea has up to 120 nuclear warheads, far above Trump’s figure

EconomyMorning Bid: How long can this Bessent put last?

A look ahead to European and global markets considers how long the current Bessent-driven market support can continue.

marketsglobal economyBessent

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 04:40

Morning Bid: How long can this Bessent put last?

EconomyRussia is China’s most reliable energy supplier, Russian senator says

Andrey Denisov, first deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s international committee, says Russia is China’s most reliable energy supplier. He cited a 92% rise in Russian oil shipments to China during the first seven months amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis as evidence of Beijing’s interest in dependable energy sources.

RussiaChinaenergy suppliesStrait of Hormuz

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:35

Russia is China’s most reliable energy supplier, Russian senator says

OtherCase against Erin Patterson was ‘overwhelming’ and appeal should fail, prosecutors say

Prosecutors urged Victoria’s Court of Appeal to reject all seven grounds in Erin Patterson’s challenge to her triple-murder convictions, calling the trial case overwhelming. The prosecution is also seeking to replace her life sentence with a non-parole sentence for the crimes.

Erin Pattersonmurder appealVictoria Court of Appeal

TThe GuardianOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:33

Case against Erin Patterson was ‘overwhelming’ and appeal should fail, prosecutors say

PoliticsVictorian premier says construction royal commission has ‘nothing off limits’

Victoria’s premier, Ben Carroll, has released the terms of reference for a royal commission into major public and civil infrastructure projects, saying former premiers and ministers could be called to public hearings. The inquiry will examine alleged corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct involving the CFMEU and others, as well as government oversight. Chris Kourakis has been appointed commissioner.

Victoriaconstruction industryroyal commissionCFMEU

TThe GuardianOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:31

Victorian premier says construction royal commission has ‘nothing off limits’

SocietyChina, Philippines nab key member of cross-border gambling syndicate

Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies jointly arrested and repatriated a key member of a cross-border gambling syndicate, according to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines. The group ran an online gambling platform in the Philippines and allegedly defrauded gamblers by manipulating backend data, restricting withdrawals and extending betting sessions. The case involves more than 2.92 billion yuan, or about $433 million.

cross-border crimeonline gamblingChinaPhilippines

CCGTNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:31

China, Philippines nab key member of cross-border gambling syndicate

TechRobots poised for a ‘ChatGPT moment,’ Unitree CEO says

The CEO of Chinese humanoid-robot unicorn Unitree said the industry is nearing a potential “ChatGPT moment” for robot brains. Unitree’s blockbuster Shanghai listing has underscored China’s ambition to lead the next frontier of AI-powered machines.

humanoid robotsartificial intelligenceUnitree

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 04:30

Robots poised for a ‘ChatGPT moment,’ Unitree CEO says

TechAmazon to Expand Drone Deliveries to Suburban Chicago, Atlanta

Amazon plans to extend its drone delivery operation to cities in at least five additional US states in the coming months, advancing the decade-old research project toward a commercial service.

Amazondrone deliverycommercialization

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 04:30

Amazon to Expand Drone Deliveries to Suburban Chicago, Atlanta

Sports2 college cyclists killed and 7 injured in Tennessee car crash

A car crash in northeastern Tennessee killed two members of a university cycling team and injured seven others.

Tennesseecollege cyclingcar crash

TThe Associated PressOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:30

2 college cyclists killed and 7 injured in Tennessee car crash

2 college cyclists killed and 7 injured in Tennessee car crash
State officials said a car struck a group of riders in northeastern Tennessee on Wednesday, killing two members of a university cycling team and injuring seven others.
Tennesseecar crashcollege cycling team
CCNN★★★☆☆2026-08-20 04:30Original

FlashTranslated by Minutes

Damaged highways and mud-flooded homes are seen after landslides caused by heavy rainfall in northern Chile

📸 Alex Diaz, Jorge Perez

AFP News Agency08-20 04:15

ScienceChina Q&A | From Dujiangyan to Haizhu: How an Ancient Philosophy Is Reshaping Global Conservation

Stewart Maginnis, deputy director general of the IUCN, and Luo Ming, a research fellow at China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, examine how the ancient idea of “harmony between humanity and nature” is being turned into practical responses to the planet’s ecological crisis, from Dujiangyan’s irrigation system to Haizhu’s urban wetland.

ecological conservationharmony with natureDujiangyanHaizhu

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 04:10

China Q&A | From Dujiangyan to Haizhu: How an Ancient Philosophy Is Reshaping Global Conservation

WorldUkraine reportedly strikes Russian oil refinery, terminal in latest drone attack

Ukrainian drones reportedly hit the TANECO refinery in Russia’s Tatarstan and the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Krasnodar Krai overnight on Aug. 20, according to Russian Telegram channels. NASA’s FIRMS detected a fire at the terminal, but The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify the reports.

UkraineRussiadrone strikesoil infrastructure

TThe Kyiv IndependentOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-20 04:09

Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian oil refinery, terminal in latest drone attack

SocietyWhy Is One Corner of China’s Internet Insisting a Golden Era Never Existed?

A small but vocal corner of China’s internet has recently been claiming that the country’s most famous historical dynasty never existed, prompting an unusual online debate.

China internetMing dynastyhistorical controversy

CCNNOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 04:01

Why Is One Corner of China’s Internet Insisting a Golden Era Never Existed?

PoliticsVietnam proposes ending death penalty for six offences

Vietnam’s government has proposed removing the death penalty for six offences, including drug trafficking and the rape of minors. State media said the proposal was included in a criminal-code revision submitted to parliament on Thursday.

Vietnamdeath penaltycriminal code

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 03:50

Vietnam proposes ending death penalty for six offences

PoliticsWhy has Taiwan proposed a referendum on legalising caning now?

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed a proposal for a referendum on adding judicial caning to the Criminal Code by 52 votes to 51. It would cover sexual assault, child abuse and high-value or aggravated fraud, and could be held alongside local elections on November 28. Supporters say it would deter crime, while rights groups and legal experts cite human-rights and constitutional concerns and a lack of evidence that it works.

Taiwancaning referendumcriminal punishmenthuman rights

BBBC ChineseOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 03:38

Why has Taiwan proposed a referendum on legalising caning now?

ScienceNASA satellite rescue mission fails as Swift telescope faces re-entry

NASA said Wednesday that a $30 million attempt to save its Swift space telescope failed because the rescue spacecraft could not be controlled. The unprecedented plan was to use a robot to raise Swift into a higher orbit; the satellite is now expected to re-enter the atmosphere and disintegrate later this year.

NASASwift space telescopesatellite rescuespace mission

FFrance 24Original★★☆☆☆2026-08-20 03:31

NASA satellite rescue mission fails as Swift telescope faces re-entry

EconomyRupee set to rise as dollar slumps after Treasury boosts bond buybacks; oil risk persists

The Indian rupee is expected to open higher on Thursday after the dollar fell to a three-month low. The decline followed the U.S. Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated bonds to ease pressure on the bond market, while oil remains a risk.

Indian rupeeUS dollarbond buybacksoil prices

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 03:30

Rupee set to rise as dollar slumps after Treasury boosts bond buybacks; oil risk persists

OtherFollow Bloomberg on WhatsApp for timely business and market updates

Follow Bloomberg on WhatsApp for smart, timely updates on business, markets and stories shaping India and the world, delivered straight to your phone.

Bloombergbusinessmarkets

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★☆☆☆☆2026-08-20 03:30

Follow Bloomberg on WhatsApp for timely business and market updates

SocietyWoman who co-founded police mental health group sought after officer found dead

Authorities were searching Wednesday for a woman who co-founded a group advocating for police officers’ mental health after a Massachusetts officer was found dead at a home she shared ownership of with him.

Massachusettspolicemental healthdeath investigation

CCNNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-20 03:30

Woman who co-founded police mental health group sought after officer found dead