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Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 11:54 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.
Israel to Mobilize Tens of Thousands of Reservists for Expanded Gaza Operation
The Israeli military stated its intention to call up tens of thousands of reservists and extend the service of others for an expanded military operation in Gaza City, which could commence within days, AP says in a report. This decision comes at a critical diplomatic moment, as Israel has still not officially responded to a ceasefire proposal that Hamas has accepted. The planned escalation occurs amid reports of exhaustion and questioning of the war’s objectives among some reservist soldiers. Concurrently, the Israeli military also claimed it had killed a Hamas militant involved in a previous abduction.
Israel To Mobilize 60,000 Reservists For Expanded Gaza City Operation
Israel’s military will mobilize 60,000 reservists ahead of an expanded operation in Gaza City, a plan approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz that could begin within days, AP says in a report. This significant escalation comes as many Palestinian civilians remain in the urban center, viewing the search for safety as increasingly futile amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The move to intensify the ground offensive proceeds as Israel has yet to respond to a recent ceasefire proposal, and reports indicate some reservists are beginning to question the war’s ultimate goals.
Overtourism In Paris Strains Local Economy And Infrastructure
The phenomenon of “overtourism” is creating significant strain in Parisian neighborhoods like Montmartre, where an influx of visitors is displacing local businesses and altering the community’s character, according to a report in AP. Residents report that stores catering to locals are disappearing, replaced by souvenir shops and tourist-centric cafes, a direct consequence of rising commercial rents driven by tourism. This economic shift from a diverse local market to a tourism monoculture is straining city infrastructure, including public transport and waste management, and raising concerns about the degradation of cultural heritage. The issue is emblematic of a wider challenge faced by many popular European cities grappling with a post-pandemic travel surge.
Police Arrest 13 In Killing Of Mexico City Mayor-Elect's Staffers
Police in Mexico City have arrested 13 people for their alleged roles in the May 2024 killings of two staffers close to the city’s mayor-elect, Clara Brugada, AP says in a report. Authorities described the May 20, 2024, shooting deaths of personal secretary Ximena Guzmán and adviser José Muñoz as a ‘meticulously planned hit.’ According to the announcement, three of those arrested were allegedly directly involved in the killings, while the other ten were involved in logistics.
Palestinian Woman Rescued From Rubble After Israeli Strike in Gaza
A 23-year-old Palestinian woman, Saja Hamad, was pulled alive from beneath the rubble after an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat area of Gaza, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The rescue was carried out by local workers amid the ongoing conflict in the region. This event occurs within the context of a severe humanitarian crisis and frequent military operations in densely populated areas, which have heavily degraded Gaza’s civil defense and healthcare infrastructure, making such rescue efforts exceptionally challenging.
Russia Demands Role In Ukraine Security Guarantees Amid NATO Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any Western discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine are a ‘road to nowhere’ without Moscow’s involvement, according to a report in France 24. The statement comes as NATO military chiefs convene to discuss the specifics of potential long-term security commitments for Kyiv. This diplomatic maneuvering occurs against the backdrop of established international law, such as principles within the UN Charter, which states that military occupation does not confer automatic sovereignty over a territory, a key point in the context of Russia’s ongoing presence in Ukraine.
Israel Approves Controversial West Bank Settlement As Wildfires Hit Spain
Israel has given its approval for the controversial E1 settlement project, a move that could divide the occupied West Bank and has historically drawn significant international condemnation for undermining the two-state solution, according to a report in AP. The E1 area is strategically located between Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. In a separate development in Europe, French firefighters have been deployed to Spain’s Leon province to assist local crews in battling extensive wildfires, highlighting ongoing cross-border cooperation as Southern Europe contends with an intensifying wildfire season exacerbated by climate change and severe heatwaves.
Peak Season Begins For Powerful Long-Track Cape Verde Hurricanes
The peak season for Cape Verde hurricanes, which are among the most powerful and longest-lasting storms, has begun, AP says in a report. These storms originate from thunderstorms moving off the west coast of Africa, near the Cape Verde islands, and traverse the entire Atlantic Ocean. Their development into major hurricanes is fueled by warm ocean waters and light wind shear, with the prime period for their formation running from mid-August through late September. The formation of these long-track storms has significant implications for global shipping routes, the insurance industry, and coastal communities in the Caribbean and North America, which face heightened risks during this period.
World Awaits Israel's Decision On Gaza Ceasefire Deal After Hamas Response
Mediators, including Qatar, are pushing for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas provided a ‘positive response’ to a multi-stage proposal, France 24 says in a report. However, reports indicate the response from Hamas included amendments to the original deal, which was endorsed in May 2024 by the administration of then-President Joe Biden. The international community now awaits a formal decision from Israel, which has not commented publicly on the latest development. The situation remains critical as the Israeli military continues preparations for a potential offensive in Rafah, a densely populated city in southern Gaza where over a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
Iraqis Seek Refuge in Kurdistan as Temperatures Soar
A surge in summer heat is compelling a significant number of Iraqis to seek refuge in the cooler mountain resorts of the northern Kurdistan region, as per a report in AP. This seasonal internal tourism, while providing an economic boost to the hospitality sector in Kurdistan, also places considerable strain on the region’s infrastructure, including water and electricity supplies. The phenomenon highlights the growing impact of climate change on daily life in Iraq, where severe heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, forcing citizens to find respite in cooler areas.
Qatar Mediates Draft Peace Deal Between Congo And M23 Rebels
A draft peace deal proposed by Qatar aims to restore Congolese government control over areas held by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, with talks planned in Doha, as per a report in AP. The proposal, which outlines a three-phase process to achieve peace, will be discussed by both parties under Qatari mediation in the coming days. This diplomatic effort comes as M23 rebels continue to control significant territories and key supply routes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province. The deal’s success is considered critical for regional stability, potentially de-escalating tensions between DRC and Rwanda and offering a path for the safe return of millions of displaced people.
Russia Intensifies Offensive To Seize Ukrainian Territory Amid Stalled Negotiations
Russia is escalating its military operations to seize more Ukrainian territory while diplomatic negotiations remain largely stalled, The New York Times says in a report. Capitalizing on delays in Western military aid to Ukraine, Russian forces are pressing offensives in key areas like Avdiivka and Bakhmut to consolidate and expand their control. Concurrently, Russia is accelerating the administrative and economic integration of these occupied regions into the Russian Federation. These military actions are designed to create facts on the ground, strengthening Russia’s leverage and undermining the potential for a peace settlement based on Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
US-Led Coalition Captures Senior Islamic State Member In Syria
A US-led coalition captured a senior Islamic State commander, identified as Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, during a pre-dawn helicopter operation in Atmeh, northwest Syria, near the Turkish border, according to a report in AP. The raid is part of the ongoing Operation Inherent Resolve aimed at degrading the extremist group’s leadership and preventing its resurgence. While ISIS was territorially defeated in 2019, it continues to operate as an insurgency in Syria and Iraq. This capture follows a pattern of successful coalition operations that have targeted and eliminated previous ISIS leaders, disrupting the group’s command and control, though ISIS has historically shown resilience in replacing its leadership.
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan to Boost Anti-Terrorism and Economic Ties
Top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have committed to enhancing anti-terrorism efforts and political and economic partnerships following a high-level meeting in Kabul, as per a report in AP. According to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry, the three nations also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in several key areas, including trade, transit, regional development, health, education, and combating drug trafficking. The discussions aim to boost regional stability and address shared security concerns, while also exploring the potential extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
China's Xi Jinping Makes Rare Visit To Tibet To Mark 60th Anniversary Of Rule Consolidation
Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Tibet on Wednesday, arriving in the regional capital of Lhasa to mark the 60th anniversary of the consolidation of Beijing’s rule over the contested Himalayan territory, according to a report in AP. China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Xi received a “warm welcome from people of various ethnic groups” and urged the building of a “modern socialist” Tibet that is united and prosperous. The visit is a significant event underscoring Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty over the region, which it has controlled since 1951.
Last World War II Victoria Cross Recipient John Cruickshank Dies At 105
John Cruickshank, the last surviving individual to be awarded the Victoria Cross for heroism during World War II, has passed away at 105, The New York Times said in a report. He received the Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry for his actions during a 1944 raid on a German U-boat, where he sustained 72 separate wounds but continued to pilot his damaged seaplane and successfully land it, saving his crew. His death highlights the dwindling number of living veterans from the conflict and has brought renewed attention to historical preservation efforts.
White House Confirms US Troops Will Not Be Deployed To Defend Ukraine
The White House has reiterated President Donald Trump’s position that US troops will not be deployed for combat roles in Ukraine, Al Jazeera said in a report. This announcement reaffirms the long-standing US policy of avoiding direct military intervention in the conflict to prevent escalation with Russia. The clarification emphasizes that while the US continues to provide substantial military and financial aid, Ukraine’s defense will rely on its own forces rather than direct combat support from American soldiers on the ground.
New Startup Offers $20 Million For Smartphone Hacking Tools
A new startup focused on acquiring zero-day exploits has announced it will pay up to $20 million for tools capable of hacking any smartphone, a price point that highlights the increasing difficulty and value of such capabilities, according to a report in TechCrunch. This development occurs within a market where prices for cyber-surveillance tools are escalating due to continuous security enhancements by mobile operating system developers like Apple and Google. The primary customers for these high-cost exploits are government agencies seeking them for intelligence and law enforcement purposes. The emergence of this new, well-funded player signifies a growing and more competitive commercial spyware industry, amplifying concerns over global cybersecurity, state-sponsored surveillance, and individual privacy.
Bus Crash in Afghanistan Kills 79 People Returning From Iran
At least 79 people were killed, including 19 children, and two others were injured in a bus crash in northwestern Afghanistan’s Herat province, as per a report in AP. According to Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani, the incident occurred Tuesday evening when the bus, carrying passengers returning from Iran, collided with a truck and a motorbike. The collision sparked a massive fire, which reportedly caused many of the on-the-spot fatalities.
Global Economy Shows Divergent Signals From Semiconductor And Housing Sectors
The global economy presents a divergent picture, with key indicators pointing in opposite directions, as per a report in Financial Times. While the semiconductor market for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is experiencing exceptionally strong demand, the broader chip sector for consumer electronics and memory is undergoing an inventory correction and a slowdown in demand. This contrasts with the global housing market, where new construction and sales are contracting significantly due to sustained high interest rates impacting affordability. These conflicting trends, influenced by factors like US-China tech tensions and government-led reshoring efforts such as the US and EU Chips Acts, suggest an uneven economic outlook where tech innovation coexists with challenges in interest-rate-sensitive sectors.
Bus Crash In Afghanistan Kills Around 80 Afghan Deportees From Iran
Approximately 80 people have been killed after a bus carrying Afghan nationals deported from Iran crashed and caught fire in Afghanistan’s Herat province, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident occurred as the individuals were being returned to Afghanistan from neighboring Iran.
Russia Demands Inclusion In Ukraine Security Guarantee Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that any discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine must include Moscow, calling talks without its participation a ‘road to nowhere’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The statement is a direct response to the ongoing bilateral security negotiations between Ukraine and G7 nations, which originated from a joint declaration at the July 2023 NATO Summit. Russia perceives these Western-led security commitments and Ukraine’s potential integration into NATO as a direct threat. Lavrov’s demand is seen as a strategic effort to assert Russia’s influence over European security architecture and to challenge the legitimacy of any long-term security framework for Ukraine that excludes Russian input.
Senior Islamic State Commander Captured In US-Led Raid In Northwest Syria
A US-led coalition captured a senior Islamic State commander, Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, in a pre-dawn helicopter operation in the town of Atmeh in northwest Syria on Wednesday, according to a report in AP. The raid, which took place near the Turkish border in the rebel-held Idlib province, also resulted in the death of another Iraqi citizen. While the captured individual is a high-ranking commander, it has been clarified that he is not the supreme leader of IS, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. The operation underscores the coalition’s continued counter-terrorism efforts against the group’s remnants in the region.
Thirteen Arrested In Connection With Killings Of Mexico City Mayor-Elect's Staffers
Authorities in Mexico City announced the arrests of 13 individuals on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the killings of two staffers close to the capital’s Head of Government-elect, Clara Brugada, AP said in a report. The victims, Brugada’s personal secretary Ximena Guzmán and adviser José Muñoz, were fatally shot in their car in May 2024, weeks before Brugada won the election. According to officials, the attack was a meticulously planned hit, and the arrests include three people directly involved in the killings and ten others who assisted with logistics.
Death Toll From Attack On Nigerian Mosque And Villages Rises To 50
The death toll from a violent attack by gunmen in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state has climbed to 50, AP says in a report. According to local lawmaker Aminu Ibrahim, gunmen stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau town during morning prayers on Tuesday before attacking several nearby villages. Ibrahim stated that the assailants killed 30 people and burned 20 others during the attacks.
Seven Killed Including Two Children In RSF Attack On Sudanese Village
Paramilitary fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ambushed the village of al-Ghabshan al-Maramrah in Sudan’s North Kordofan province, killing at least seven people, including two children, and wounding 13 others, AP says in a report. The Sudan Doctors Network confirmed the casualties from the Tuesday attack, adding that the RSF also looted and burned several houses in the agricultural community.
Hundreds of Historic Tall Ships Arrive in Amsterdam for Maritime Festival
Hundreds of historic ships from around the world have sailed into Amsterdam for SAIL 2025, a five-day maritime festival expected to provide a significant economic boost to the city, as per a report in AP. Crowds gathered along the North Sea Canal to watch the flotilla, many decorated with flags, complete its journey from the coastal town of IJmuiden into the city’s IJ waterway. This event, which celebrates the Dutch capital’s maritime history, is the first edition of the major festival in a decade and is anticipated to draw millions of visitors, benefiting local tourism and hospitality sectors.
India Balances China, Russia Ties Amid US Trade Tensions
India is actively working to improve relations with China and maintain its close energy and defense partnership with Russia, even as it navigates trade friction with the US, Deutsche Welle says in a report. Despite diplomatic overtures towards Beijing, significant military tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following the 2020 clashes. Concurrently, India has become a major buyer of discounted Russian crude oil, providing Moscow with key revenue. This diplomatic balancing act is set against a backdrop of US tariffs on some Indian goods, although India continues to engage with the US in strategic partnerships like the Quad and is also diversifying its sources for military hardware.
Hong Kong Deploys Artificial Nests To Save Endangered Cockatoos
Conservation researchers in Hong Kong are installing artificial nest boxes to support the local population of the critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoo, according to a report in France 24. This initiative aims to counteract the loss of natural nesting cavities in trees, which have been destroyed by typhoons and urban tree cutting. The city is home to a small population of about 150 of these birds, with the total global population estimated at only around 2,000, primarily found in Indonesia and East Timor.
Israel Mobilizes Thousands Of Reservists For New Gaza Offensive
Israel is preparing to launch a new phase of its military campaign in Gaza City, having mobilized thousands of reservists for the potential operation, AP says in a report. The country’s defense minister has reportedly approved the plans, which could commence within days, despite ongoing mediation efforts in Cairo aimed at brokering a ceasefire with Hamas to end the 22-month conflict. The move comes amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reports of some exhausted Israeli reservists questioning the war’s objectives.
Member Of Irish Band Kneecap In London Court For Terror-Related Charge
A member of the Irish band Kneecap has appeared in a London court for a hearing concerning a terror-related charge, AP says in a report. The proceedings were subject to significant media restrictions, with major broadcasters including the BBC, ITN, and Al Jazeera denied access to the court departure. The specific details of the charge and the identity of the band member involved have not been disclosed. The band is known for its politically charged lyrics, which often address themes of Irish republicanism.
Lawyer Defends Free Speech In Landmark Jimmy Lai Trial In Hong Kong
In the final arguments of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai’s landmark trial, his lawyer, Robert Pang, contended that advocating for freedom of expression was not wrongful, AP says in a report. Lai is being tried on charges of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring to publish seditious materials. The charges stem from a national security law imposed by Beijing following the 2019 anti-government protests, and Lai could face life in prison if convicted.
