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Last Updated:August 11, 2025, 09:50 IST
From geopolitics to climate, tech to social change, News18 World live blog delivers real-time updates on what is the latest from around the globe
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Stay informed with our World News Live Blog — your real-time window into global events. From major geopolitical developments and scientific breakthroughs to royal family updates and cultural milestones, we bring you fast, factual, and curated updates as they happen. Whether it’s unfolding conflicts, diplomatic shifts, climate alerts, or key moments in international politics, our live blog keeps you ahead of the news curve. Designed for readers who want both speed and substance, this is your go-to source for staying connected with the world — minute by minute, headline by headline.
Australia To Recognize Palestine As A State
Australia will recognize Palestine as a state, a major foreign policy change announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, AP says in a report. This decision marks a departure from Australia’s historical stance of awaiting a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The move follows similar recognitions by European nations like Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024 and comes amid increased international pressure for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While largely symbolic, the recognition is seen as a diplomatic victory for the Palestinian Authority and adds to the global momentum for Palestinian statehood.
Asian Firms Divided On Insolvency Outlook Amid Ongoing Trade Challenges
A new survey of businesses across Asia reveals a nearly even split in expectations for customer payment behavior, with half anticipating stability and the other half foreseeing a deterioration in payment risk in the coming months, according to a report in AP. The 2025 Atradius Payment Practices Barometer survey, which polled firms in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, highlights a tension between the region’s economic resilience and rising financial vulnerabilities. These challenges are driven by a persistent global economic slowdown, ongoing US-China trade and technology disputes, and elevated inflation, which are increasing credit risks and the potential for bad debts for businesses.
Adidas Designer Apologizes For Shoe Design After Mexican Cultural Appropriation Claims
An Adidas designer has issued an apology following significant criticism from Mexico over the “Oaxaca Slip-on,” a shoe that appropriated the design of traditional sandals made by Indigenous artisans, BBC said in a report. The backlash, which included formal condemnation from Mexico’s Ministry of Culture, highlights a growing trend of international fashion brands facing accusations of cultural appropriation. This incident places Adidas under increased scrutiny regarding its ethical design and sourcing processes, posing a potential reputational risk and underscoring the broader industry challenge of respecting and compensating for the use of traditional cultural heritage. The controversy also brings attention to the ongoing global debate surrounding intellectual property rights for Indigenous communities and the inadequacies of current legal frameworks to protect their traditional craftsmanship from commercial exploitation.
White House Responds To Christian Persecution Crisis In Sub-Saharan Africa
The White House and the State Department are formulating a response to a surge in deadly attacks on Christian communities by Islamic State-allied militants in sub-Saharan Africa, Fox News says in a report. This action follows recent massacres in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) carried out by groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The US response could involve increased diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and counter-terrorism assistance to combat the extremist groups, which are contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis and regional instability. While Christians are frequently targeted, the broader violence impacts all local populations amid a complex mix of religious extremism and inter-communal conflict.
Nvidia And AMD To Reportedly Pay US 15% Of China Chip Sale Revenues
Nvidia and AMD have reportedly agreed to an unprecedented deal with the US government, committing to a 15% revenue share from their chip sales in China in exchange for export licenses, The Guardian said in a report. Citing the Financial Times and a US official, the arrangement applies to Nvidia’s H20 chips and AMD’s MI308 chips, which are specifically designed for the Chinese market to comply with existing export controls. The report also noted that the Trump administration has not yet decided how the collected revenue will be utilized.
Flash Floods In China's Gansu Province Leave At Least 15 Dead
At least 15 people have died and dozens are missing after severe flash floods struck China’s northwestern Gansu province, according to a report in BBC. The event highlights the significant strain on the region’s infrastructure and disaster management capabilities. This incident is consistent with a broader pattern of extreme weather events across China this summer, which experts attribute to climate change, posing ongoing economic and logistical challenges related to recovery, resilience, and protecting vulnerable communities.
German Opposition Leader Defends Partial Weapons Halt To Israel
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has publicly defended the government’s decision to implement a partial halt on weapons sales to Israel, asserting that Berlin’s fundamental commitment to Israel’s security has not changed, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The move, which involves a limited set of weapons rather than a full embargo, has drawn a response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated he hopes for a reversal of the policy. This development occurs amid significant international pressure on Germany, including a case filed by Nicaragua at the Court of Justice (ICJ) in March 2024 accusing Germany of facilitating genocide in Gaza through its military and financial support to Israel.
Protests In Israel Mount Against Plan To Expand Gaza War
Protests in Israel have intensified as demonstrators increase pressure on the government to halt plans for expanding the war in Gaza, particularly a potential ground offensive in Rafah, as per a report in BBC. This domestic dissent coincides with a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry reported that five people, including two children, died from malnutrition in the last 24 hours. The ongoing protests reflect growing public discontent with the government’s handling of the war and the hostage situation, adding pressure that could impact the ruling coalition’s stability and influence future military strategy.
Israel Confirms Killing of Al Jazeera Correspondent in Gaza
Al Jazeera announced its correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, was killed in Gaza City, with the Israeli military confirming his death, according to a report in AP. The broadcaster stated that al-Sharif and other journalists were killed in their tent. This event occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of other Palestinians being killed while seeking aid and a rising child death toll from hunger. The incident adds to the high number of journalist fatalities in the conflict, intensifying international political scrutiny of Israeli military operations. The article also noted related developments including a call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, and US support for Israel at the UN Security Council.
Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Hits Turkey, Killing One and Causing Buildings to Collapse
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Turkey’s northwestern Balikesir province on Sunday, causing at least one fatality, injuring 29 people, and leading to the collapse of more than a dozen buildings, as per a report in AP. The earthquake’s epicenter was in the town of Sindirgi, with tremors felt as far as 200 kilometers away in Istanbul. This event places renewed pressure on Turkey’s construction sector and government disaster agencies, intensifying scrutiny of building codes and urban planning, particularly in the context of the devastating earthquakes that occurred in February 2023.
Southern Europe Battles Worst Wildfires In Decades
Southern Europe is battling its most severe wildfires in decades, with France reporting its largest blaze in at least 50 years, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The fires, affecting countries including Spain, Portugal, and Italy, are fueled by a persistent and intense heatwave that has created exceptionally dry conditions. The unprecedented scale of the blazes has led to widespread evacuations, strained emergency services, and caused significant damage to ecosystems and key economic sectors like tourism and agriculture. Climate scientists have linked the intensity of the fires to the long-term effects of climate change.
Syria Hospital Security Footage Shows Killing Of Medical Worker
Security camera footage from a hospital in Sweida, southern Syria, published on Sunday, appears to show the killing of a medical worker by men in military uniforms, as per a report in AP. The video, released by the activist media collective Suwayda 24 and dated July 16, was recorded during a period of intense clashes involving local groups and government forces. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, depicts a group of medical staff in scrubs kneeling on the floor before armed men, highlighting the ongoing risks to healthcare personnel in the conflict zone.
Over 500 Arrested In London For Supporting Proscribed Pro-Palestinian Group
London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 532 people on Saturday after supporters of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a pro-Palestinian group recently proscribed as a terrorist organization, intentionally violated the law to challenge the government’s enforcement of the ban, as per a report in AP. The vast majority of arrests were for displaying placards and other materials expressing support for the group, which the UK government officially outlawed in January 2024. The police action represents a significant enforcement of the new counter-extremism measures, with the group’s supporters deliberately testing the legal boundaries. A separate pro-Palestinian demonstration also occurred in central London on Sunday.
Triple Crisis Of Heat, Water, And Power Disrupts Life In Iran
Iran is experiencing a severe ‘triple crisis’ as record-breaking heat, extensive power outages, and critical water shortages profoundly impact daily life across the country, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The situation is fueled by a combination of factors, including climate change-driven heatwaves, chronic underinvestment in an aging power grid hampered by international sanctions, and decades of water mismanagement. These interconnected issues create a vicious cycle: extreme heat increases electricity demand for cooling, while drought reduces hydropower capacity, crippling both the energy and water sectors. The crisis is causing significant economic disruption, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture, and fueling public discontent over the government’s inability to provide essential services.
Netanyahu Defends Wider Gaza Offensive After Talks With US President Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday announced a new military offensive in Gaza that will be more extensive than previously indicated, stating Israel must “complete the defeat of Hamas,” as per a report in AP. The move comes amid growing international and domestic condemnation of the nearly 22-month conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of more Palestinians killed while seeking aid and the child hunger death toll reaching 100. In a significant diplomatic development, Netanyahu confirmed he discussed the military plan with US President Donald Trump, and the US subsequently defended Israel at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
Greek Police Seize Over 270 Kilos of Cocaine Valued at €5.5 Million
Greek police have arrested three men after seizing more than 270 kilograms (595 pounds) of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding 5.5 million euros ($6.5 million), AP said in a report. The drugs were discovered hidden inside a container of bananas imported from Ecuador to the northern Greek port of Thessaloniki. The operation was launched following a tip from the United Kingdom’s Crime Agency, which had been tracking the shipment.
