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Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 23:30 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
News18
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
BP To Cut 6,200 Jobs And Raise Dividend After Reporting $2.4B Profit
Oil major BP will cut 6,200 jobs as it launches its second business review in the last six months, a move aimed at restructuring its operations, Financial Times says in a report. The announcement was made alongside the company’s second-quarter financial results, which showed adjusted profits of $2.4 billion. Concurrently, BP has raised its dividend, signaling to investors its confidence in future financial performance despite the significant workforce reduction and operational review.
Sri Lankan Parliament Votes To Remove Acting Police Chief Over Misconduct
Lawmakers in Sri Lanka have impeached and removed acting Inspector-General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon over findings of misconduct and gross abuse of power, AP said in a report. The motion passed in the 225-member parliament with a vote of 117-0, with one abstention. The decision follows a parliamentary committee inquiry that found him guilty of allegations, including involvement in the torture of a civilian. Tennakoon’s appointment in an acting capacity in November 2023 was controversial, and Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court had previously issued an order preventing his permanent confirmation due to ongoing fundamental rights cases against him.
Cameroon Bars Key Opposition Candidate From Presidential Race
Cameroon’s constitutional council on Tuesday rejected an appeal from opposition candidate Maurice Kamto, officially barring him from the ballot for the upcoming presidential election, according to a report in AP. Kamto, a former government minister, is widely viewed as the primary challenger to long-serving President Paul Biya. The decision, which followed an earlier exclusion by the electoral commission, has fueled concerns of potential unrest and prompted the deployment of security forces in the capital, Yaounde.
Iran Appoints Moderate Politician Ali Larijani To Top Security Post
Iran’s president has appointed moderate conservative Ali Larijani as the new secretary for the Supreme Security Council, the nation’s highest security body, according to a report in AP. The appointment marks a return for Larijani to a position he previously held from 2005 to 2007. He replaces Gen. Ali Akbar Ahmadian, who had held the role since 2023. Larijani’s appointment is notable as he was barred from the 2021 presidential election and takes place during a period of political transition following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and amid heightened regional tensions.
Pakistan Arrests Over 200 Activists Rallying For Former Leader Imran Khan
Over 200 supporters of former leader Imran Khan were arrested by police in Pakistan on Tuesday during attempts to organize rallies across the country, as per a report in AP. The demonstrations were intended to mark the first anniversary of Khan’s significant arrest in May 2023. Among the detainees was Rehana Dar, a politician from Khan’s party, who was taken into custody in Lahore amid a broader crackdown by the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
US President Donald Trump to Establish Task Force for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Tuesday to officially establish a task force for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, AP said in a report. The White House stated that the president considers it a great honor to oversee the global sporting event. The 2028 Games mark the first time the Olympics will be held in the US since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
WhatsApp Rolls Out New Safety Feature To Combat Group Chat Scams
WhatsApp is rolling out a new ‘safety overview’ feature to protect users from increasingly prevalent group chat scams, The Verge said in a report. This feature appears as a full-screen warning when a user is invited to a group by an unknown contact, displaying group creation details and the inviter’s identity before allowing access to the chat. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by parent company Meta to combat sophisticated fraud, highlighted by a collaborative takedown in June with OpenAI that dismantled a criminal operation in Cambodia using AI to generate scam messages. The move is seen as a crucial business strategy to maintain user trust and platform integrity amid a global surge in online fraud.
Titan Submersible Implosion Was Preventable Due To Inadequate Design, US Coast Guard Says
The fatal implosion of the Titan submersible in 2023, which resulted in the deaths of all five people aboard, has been deemed ‘preventable’ by the US Coast Guard, Al Jazeera says in a report. The primary cause identified for the accident was the submersible’s ‘inadequate design’, specifically its experimental carbon fiber hull that lacked industry-standard certification. This conclusion comes amid an ongoing multi-agency investigation which has highlighted a history of ignored safety warnings from industry experts. The incident has had a significant impact on the deep-sea tourism sector, effectively halting operations for the submersible’s owner, OceanGate, and prompting international calls for more stringent safety regulations and certification processes for such vessels.
Ion Iliescu, Post-Communist Romania's First President, Dies At 95
Ion Iliescu, who became Romania’s first freely elected president after the 1989 fall of communism, has died at the age of 95, as per a report in AP. Iliescu assumed power after the execution of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and was a central figure in the country’s transition. At the time of his death, he was a key defendant in the ongoing ‘Revolution File’ trial, facing charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the deaths of over 800 people that occurred after he had taken control. His passing will lead to the termination of the criminal proceedings against him, preventing a final judicial verdict on his culpability and leaving a sense of unfulfilled justice for the families of victims from the 1989 revolution.
WhatsApp Removes Over 6.8 Million Accounts in Global Anti-Scam Operation
As part of a broader effort to combat rising online fraud, WhatsApp has announced new features to protect users and has taken down over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam operations worldwide, according to a report in TechCrunch. This move comes amid increasing global regulatory pressure on tech platforms to ensure user safety and represents a significant operational action by parent company Meta to maintain platform integrity. The crackdown targets sophisticated, large-scale scam centers that leverage the platform for illicit activities, highlighting the ongoing challenge tech companies face in policing their services against organized online crime.
President Trump To Establish Task Force For 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
US President Donald Trump will establish a new task force dedicated to the 2028 Olympic Games being held in Los Angeles by signing an executive order on Tuesday, AP says in a report. According to the White House, Trump considers overseeing the global sporting event a great honor and has cited the LA Summer Games as one of the events he is most looking forward to during his second term. The 2028 Games will be the first Olympics hosted by the US since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Trump Announces New Tariffs On Semiconductors And Chips
US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on semiconductors and chips, signaling a potential escalation in the US-China tech competition, TechCrunch says in a report. The move is being considered alongside a review of export restrictions on advanced AI chips. These potential policies build on previous measures, such as export controls implemented by the former Biden administration and the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which was aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. The proposed tariffs and restrictions could increase costs for the US semiconductor industry, further impede China’s access to critical technology, and potentially lead to greater fragmentation of the global supply chain.
Philippines Condemns China Rocket Launch Over Debris Scare
The Philippine government has condemned China’s latest rocket launch after suspected debris fell near the western province of Palawan, sparking alarm, according to a report in AP. Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated on Tuesday that while there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the debris that fell Monday night, the incident posed a significant danger to people, ships, and aircraft in the region. The condemnation highlights escalating diplomatic friction and raises concerns over the safety and economic implications for crucial shipping and aviation routes in Southeast Asia.
Norway To Review Its $2 Trillion Sovereign Fund's Israeli Investments
Norway’s Finance Minister, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, has initiated a review of the country’s $2 trillion Government Pension Fund Global’s investments in Israeli companies, Financial Times said in a report. The probe follows public outcry and allegations that certain companies have aided Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The fund, the world’s largest of its kind, operates under a strict ethical framework overseen by an independent Council on Ethics and has previously divested from firms over human rights and conflict-related concerns. This review could lead to the divestment from specific companies, impacting their market value and setting a significant precedent for how global investors integrate geopolitical conflict into their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.
EU Asylum Applications Shift Towards Spain Amid Overall Decline
Asylum applications within the European Union are undergoing a significant shift, with Spain becoming a preferred destination for many, Al Jazeera says in a report. This change occurs amidst a general decline in the total number of applications lodged within the EU, a trend attributed to stricter national migration policies in other member states and an increased EU focus on external border control. The redirection of migration flows, particularly via the dangerous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, is placing considerable strain on Spain’s asylum and reception systems, testing the effectiveness of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and its burden-sharing mechanisms.
Deadly Unrest Erupts in Angola Over Fuel Price Hikes
Deadly unrest, poverty, and hunger are escalating in oil-rich Angola following significant fuel price hikes, Al Jazeera says in a report. The public anger stems from the government’s phased removal of fuel subsidies, a policy initiated in June 2023 as part of a broader economic reform program. Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, the majority of the Angolan population has not seen benefits from this wealth and is now facing a severe cost of living crisis, with the fuel price increases exacerbating already high inflation and deepening poverty.
Palestinian Women On Hunger Strike For Return Of Activist's Body
In the West Bank village of Umm al-Khair, nearly two dozen Palestinian Bedouin women are on a hunger strike demanding the return of the body of a community leader killed during a clash with Israeli settlers, as per a report in AP. The women state their protest will continue until the remains are released for burial. This incident occurs within the context of Israel’s controversial policy of withholding the bodies of Palestinians killed in clashes, a practice condemned by human rights groups. It also highlights the ongoing political implications of rising tensions in the West Bank, which has seen a surge in settler violence and consistent displacement threats against Palestinian communities in Area C.
Moldovan Regional Leader Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison Over Russian Funding
A court in Moldova has sentenced the pro-Russia regional leader Yevgenia Gutsul to seven years in prison for funneling Russian money to a political party, a landmark case expected to increase tensions with Moscow, The Guardian says in a report. Prosecutors said Gutsul systematically funneled undeclared funds into Moldova between 2019 and 2022 to finance the now-banned pro-Moscow Șor party. The party was founded by Ilan Shor, a pro-Russia businessman living in exile who was previously convicted of fraud in Moldova.
UN Warns Of Food Insecurity Crisis In Northern Nigeria
The United Nations is warning of a growing food insecurity crisis in northern Nigeria, where jihadist violence and cuts to humanitarian funding are forcing rural communities to abandon farmlands, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Ongoing violence, primarily from groups like Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, has displaced a significant number of people from the country’s northern agricultural heartland. This displacement, combined with global humanitarian funding shortfalls and local economic pressures, has severely disrupted food production. Aid agencies report that the situation threatens to escalate into a major humanitarian crisis, impacting Nigeria’s national food security and leaving millions, particularly displaced populations and children, at risk of acute malnutrition.
Protests Erupt In China Over Viral School Bullying Case
Protests have erupted in China’s Sichuan province in response to a viral school bullying incident, with demonstrators alleging a violent police response, according to a report in BBC. The public outcry stems from the murder of a 13-year-old boy in Handan in March 2024, a case that ignited national anger over juvenile crime and the justice system’s handling of it. Protesters in Sichuan have reported that police used batons and electric prods to disperse the crowds.
Antarctic Krill Fishery Shut Down Early After Record Catch Breaches Limit
For the first time, the Antarctic krill fishery has been shut down early after a record catch exceeded the seasonal limit, as per a report in AP. The unprecedented closure, which follows the lapse of a key conservation framework, carries significant economic implications, causing immediate revenue losses for the krill fishing industry. This industry has been expanding to meet growing global demand for krill in aquaculture feed and health supplements. The event highlights challenges within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and increases calls for member nations to implement stricter, science-based regulations to protect the vital ecosystem, which is also crucial for climate change mitigation.
Indigenous Group Launches Legal Bid To Stop Brisbane Olympic Construction
An Aboriginal group has initiated a legal bid to prevent the construction of Olympic infrastructure in Brisbane’s Victoria Park ahead of the 2032 Games, BBC says in a report. The group asserts that the park, a site designated for major Olympic facilities, is culturally and historically significant to Indigenous people and should be protected. This legal action could create significant delays for the Olympic delivery timeline and force a re-evaluation of venue plans, posing both logistical and financial challenges for the Queensland government and Games organizers.
Sudan Accuses UAE of Funding Colombian Mercenaries for RSF
Sudan’s government has formally accused the United Arab Emirates of sending Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s civil war, AP said in a report. The Sudanese foreign ministry issued a statement on Monday claiming it possesses “irrefutable evidence” that Emirati authorities sponsored and financed mercenaries from Colombia and some neighboring African countries. The government did not share the evidence or name the other African nations allegedly involved.
Pakistan's Indus Delta Faces Economic Collapse Amid Environmental Crisis
The Indus Delta in Pakistan is experiencing a severe environmental and socio-economic crisis, leading to the collapse of traditional farming and fishing livelihoods, Al Jazeera says in a report. This degradation is primarily driven by decades of extensive upstream water diversion for agriculture, which has drastically reduced the flow of essential freshwater and sediment to the delta. The situation is worsened by the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and altered rainfall patterns, which intensify seawater intrusion. The consequences include the loss of agricultural land, the degradation of vital mangrove ecosystems, widespread poverty, food insecurity, and forced internal migration from the affected coastal communities.
Rwanda Agrees To Accept Up To 250 Deportees From The US
Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the United States under President Donald Trump’s expanding third-country deportation initiative, AP said in a report. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed the agreement, which is part of a broader US effort to secure deals with African nations to take individuals the Trump administration seeks to expel. The policy targets people President Trump has characterized as having entered the US illegally.
Dozens Feared Trapped After Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in India
Dozens are feared trapped after a cloudburst caused flash floods in the village of Dharali in India’s Uttarkashi district, prompting a major rescue operation, BBC says in a report. Rescue teams are working to reach the village in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, which is believed to have borne the brunt of the flooding. The event highlights the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters, particularly during the annual monsoon season. The flash floods and potential subsequent landslides pose a significant risk to local populations and threaten to damage critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, which could hamper rescue efforts and have long-term economic implications for the region’s connectivity.
5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near the Dominican Republic
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic early Tuesday, jolting residents in the country and neighboring Puerto Rico, as per a report in AP. The US Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at a significant depth of 104 miles (168 kilometers) and was centered 24 miles (38 kilometers) southeast of Boca de Yuma. No damage was immediately reported from the event. This quake followed a smaller 4.4 magnitude earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti hours earlier, highlighting the region’s high seismic activity at the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.
US Citizen's Trial Begins In Bali Over Illegal ADHD Pills
The trial for US citizen William Wallace Molyneaux V has commenced in Bali, where he faces a potential 15-year prison sentence under Indonesia’s stringent drug laws, AP said in a report. Molyneaux was charged with importing illegal drugs after his arrest at a post office near Kuta beach, where he allegedly collected a package containing ADHD pills that had been mailed from London. This case highlights the severe legal consequences and consistent enforcement of Indonesia’s drug policies, which apply to foreign nationals even for substances that may be considered legal prescription medications in their home countries.
Tesla's UK Sales Plunge 60% As Chinese Rival BYD Gains Market Share
New vehicle registrations for Tesla in the UK plunged by 60% in July, while its Chinese competitor BYD recorded a significant sales surge, according to a report in the Financial Times. The decline for the US-based carmaker coincides with BYD’s ongoing aggressive expansion into European markets. The registration figures are a key metric for market share and reflect vehicles that have been sold and officially registered with UK authorities during the month.
Jeh Aerospace Raises $11 Million To Expand India's Role In Global Aircraft Supply Chain
Indian aerospace startup Jeh Aerospace has secured $11 million in a new funding round to expand its role in the global commercial aircraft supply chain, according to a report in TechCrunch. The investment is aimed at scaling the company’s manufacturing and supply capabilities for aircraft components and sub-assemblies to help alleviate persistent global bottlenecks caused by geopolitical and labor-related disruptions. This development aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, seeking to bolster the nation’s position as a high-value manufacturing hub and provide a more resilient and cost-effective option for international aerospace firms.
Deutsche Bank CEO Approved Controversial Trade He Later Probed
Deutsche Bank’s current CEO, Christian Sewing, approved a controversial transaction linked to the historic Monte dei Paschi di Siena scandal while in a previous role at the bank, and was later asked to oversee an internal investigation into the matter, according to a report in the Financial Times. The revelation raises significant questions about corporate governance and potential conflicts of interest at the German lender, which has been working to rebuild its reputation after a series of past misconduct issues. The transactions in question were complex derivatives designed to help the Italian bank Monte dei Paschi hide losses, which led to a major financial scandal and previous legal settlements for Deutsche Bank. This new disclosure about Sewing’s dual role could attract renewed scrutiny from European financial regulators like Germany’s BaFin and the European Central Bank.
Uzbekistan's Uzum Becomes First Unicorn With $1.5B Valuation After New Funding Round
Uzbekistan’s digital ecosystem company, Uzum, has achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1.5 billion after securing $65.5 million in a funding round, TechCrunch says in a report. The round was co-led by China’s Tencent and international firm VR Capital, with participation from US-based FinSight Capital. The investment underscores growing foreign investor interest in Uzbekistan’s tech sector. Uzum operates a range of services including e-commerce, fintech, and food delivery, and plans to use the new capital for the expansion of these services.
Iran Orders Nationwide Closures To Ease Strain On Power Grid Amid Heatwave
Iran has ordered government offices and banks across much of the country to close on Wednesday to alleviate severe strain on its electrical grid and water supplies amid an intense heatwave, AP says in a report. This measure, the second of its kind this summer, comes as temperatures in the capital, Tehran, have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The government’s action underscores the economic and social disruption caused by the country’s aging energy infrastructure and a worsening water crisis, with authorities urging residents to conserve resources and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
Chinese Woman Becomes Third Person Charged Under Australia's Foreign Interference Laws
A Chinese woman residing in Australia as a permanent resident was charged on Monday under the country’s 2018 foreign interference laws, according to a report in AP. The woman is accused of covertly collecting information about an Australian Buddhist association in Canberra. According to Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt, this is the third person to be charged under these laws and the first to be accused of interfering with the general population rather than specific political targets.
China Reports 7,000 Chikungunya Cases Prompting Pandemic-Like Response
China has reported 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, prompting a significant public health response that is being compared to the stringent measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report in BBC. Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, has no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment, making vector control the primary containment strategy. The robust response suggests the potential for enhanced surveillance, health screenings, and possible localized restrictions, which could impact local economies and international travel to and from affected areas within the country.
Israel To Partially Reopen Gaza Trade Amid New War Plan Deliberations
Israel has announced plans to partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza for a limited number of merchants under strict security checks, France 24 says in a report. The development comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present an updated war strategy that could involve re-occupying parts of the territory, a significant policy shift from Israel’s 2005 disengagement. This potential move is at odds with pressure from international partners, including the US, who are advocating for a post-war plan centered on Palestinian governance. The decision to ease trade restrictions occurs against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stalled negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.
German Lawmaker's Former Aide On Trial For Spying For China
The trial of two individuals suspected of spying for China, including a former assistant to far-right lawmaker Maximilian Krah, began in a German court on Tuesday, The Times of India said in a report. The trial is expected to conclude by the end of September, and Krah has been called to testify as a witness.
Diageo Expands Cost-Cutting Plan As Profits Slump
Global spirits company Diageo has expanded its cost-cutting measures after reporting a nearly 28% fall in annual operating profit for the year ending in June, according to a report in The Guardian. The owner of brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker is navigating these financial challenges under its CEO, Debra Crew, who was appointed in June 2023. The company also warned of a potential $200 million annual impact from tariffs originally imposed during the US administration of President Donald Trump.
Bipartisan US Bill Seeks Sanctions On China For Aiding Russia In Ukraine War
A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US to sanction China for its support of Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to a report in The Washington Post. The legislation was introduced amid heightened tensions between the US and Russia, particularly after Moscow rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump to resolve the conflict. The proposed sanctions are part of a wider US strategy, often coordinated with G7 allies, to apply economic pressure on nations that enable Russia’s military-industrial complex. The bill specifically targets China’s provision of dual-use components, which are considered a critical factor in sustaining Russia’s military capabilities.
India And Philippines Conduct Inaugural Joint Naval Drill In South China Sea
India and the Philippines have successfully concluded their first-ever joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea, a significant military deployment amid heightened regional tensions, according to a report in AP. The two-day drill, confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, represents a strategic alignment between the two democracies, both of which have separate territorial disputes with Beijing. This inaugural bilateral exercise highlights India’s expanding strategic reach into the Western Pacific under its ‘Act East’ policy and strengthens the Philippines’ defense posture by diversifying its security partnerships beyond traditional allies. The move is seen as a multilateral response to China’s assertiveness in the region, which includes its sweeping claims over the sea and a separate, long-running border dispute with New Delhi along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
