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Last Updated:August 11, 2025, 22:15 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.
China Investigates Nvidia's Export-Compliant H20 AI Chips
China has initiated a review of Nvidia’s H20 artificial intelligence chips, which were developed specifically to adhere to US export restrictions for the Chinese market, as per a report in Financial Times. This scrutiny introduces significant challenges for Nvidia, which had created the ‘watered-down’ H20 chip to maintain its presence in China after Washington blocked the sale of its more advanced processors in past years. The move is viewed within the context of Beijing’s broader push for technological self-sufficiency and could benefit domestic competitors. This development underscores the escalating tech rivalry between the US and China, placing global semiconductor firms in a difficult position between conflicting regulatory environments.
Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake In Western Turkiye Kills One Person
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck western Turkiye, resulting in at least one fatality, Al Jazeera said in a report. Turkiye’s interior minister confirmed that an 81-year-old person died after being rescued from rubble by emergency teams. The quake’s epicenter was located in the Duzce province, a region situated on major active fault lines and historically prone to seismic activity.
Turkey Detains Constructor After Fatal Earthquake Building Collapse
Turkish authorities have detained the owner and constructor of a residential building that collapsed during a recent earthquake in the town of Sindirgi, killing one resident and injuring 29 others, according to a report in AP. The detention is part of an ongoing investigation into potential negligence. The arrests are consistent with a government crackdown on building code violations that was intensified after the devastating February 2023 earthquakes exposed widespread construction deficiencies.
US Judge Denies Request To Unseal Records In Ghislaine Maxwell Case
A US judge has denied a request to unseal records in a case involving Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of the late Jeffrey Epstein, Al Jazeera says in a report. The documents in question are from a past civil defamation lawsuit filed against Maxwell and are separate from her 2021 criminal conviction records. The decision means that information and the identities of individuals contained within these specific sealed files will remain confidential, despite what the report described as the government’s hope that their release would help quell public outcry surrounding the full extent of Epstein’s network.
Germany To Host Virtual Summit With Trump, Zelenskyy, And NATO Ahead Of Putin Meeting
Germany’s chancellor has initiated a high-level virtual meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders of NATO and the European Union, as per a report in AP. The purpose of the summit is to establish a unified Western position and align on key strategies concerning European security and the war in Ukraine. This diplomatic effort is being held in advance of a potential future meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to ensure allied concerns and strategic interests are clearly communicated beforehand.
Macrons Hired Investigators To Research US Influencer Candace Owens
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron hired private investigators to research US podcaster Candace Owens, according to a report in the Financial Times. The move came after Owens amplified a long-debunked conspiracy theory on her platform alleging that Brigitte Macron was born male. The investigation reportedly sought to uncover Owens’ connections with right-wing figures in both Europe and the US. This action signifies a proactive strategy by the French presidency to combat what it views as foreign-sourced disinformation and highlights the increasing legal scrutiny faced by international online influencers for spreading defamatory content.
Germany Calls For Pre-Summit Talks As Europe Warns Against Ukraine Land Swaps
Germany is organizing a virtual meeting with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and leaders from NATO and the EU to align on strategy before an upcoming summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a report in AP. This development comes as European nations publicly assert that the US-Russia summit cannot be a venue to decide on potential land swaps concerning Ukraine’s sovereign territory.
Tropical Storm Erin Forms In The Eastern Atlantic Ocean
Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, just to the west of the Cabo Verde Islands, AP says in a report. This development is significant as storms originating in this region, often called ‘Cape Verde’ type systems, have the potential to become powerful, long-track hurricanes as they move westward across warm ocean waters. The storm’s formation necessitates immediate monitoring and potential adjustments for maritime and aviation industries operating in the eastern Atlantic to ensure safety. Furthermore, its long potential track requires early monitoring by meteorological agencies and residents in the Caribbean and along the US East Coast for any future impacts.
Moomins' 80th Anniversary Sparks Global Merchandise And Tourism Boost
Global celebrations are underway in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Finland’s Moomins, a cultural export that continues to have significant economic impact, as per a report in AP. The anniversary, commemorating the 1945 publication of the first book by author Tove Jansson, is expected to substantially boost the Moomin brand through increased sales of merchandise, new licensing opportunities, and potential new media adaptations. These events also enhance Finland’s cultural diplomacy and are a key driver for tourism, particularly to sites like the Moomin Museum in Tampere, reinforcing the nation’s creative brand on the world stage.
Map Details Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Lands and Ukrainian Incursion Into Kursk
A static map shows the current state of territorial control in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a report in AP. The map, sourced from the Institute for the Study of War and current as of August 11, 2025, illustrates Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its partial occupation of four other Ukrainian regions. It also highlights a recent development by depicting a small portion of Russia’s Kursk region that is currently held by Ukrainian forces. The advisory notes that the map is a static image and will not be updated to reflect future changes on the front line.
Melting Antarctic Glacier Reveals Remains Of Explorer Lost In 1959
The recent discovery of the remains of Dennis Bell, a British explorer lost in Antarctica in 1959, highlights the accelerating impact of climate change on the polar regions, The Guardian says in a report. Bell, who worked for the predecessor to the British Antarctic Survey, was found by a Polish expedition after a glacier receded, revealing his body 66 years after he fell into a crevasse. This event serves as a stark illustration of the environmental shifts occurring in Antarctica, which have significant long-term economic implications, including affecting global climate models, future maritime routes, and the stability of global sea levels. The uncovering of historical artifacts and remains from melting ice is a growing trend, providing new data for scientists but also underscoring the profound and irreversible changes to the global environment.
Australia Endorses Palestinian Statehood As Israeli Strikes In Gaza Kill Journalists And Civilians
Australia has announced its diplomatic support for Palestinian statehood, a significant policy shift occurring as Israeli military operations intensify in Gaza, according to a report in AP. On Monday, Israeli ground and air strikes targeted northern and southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 people, including civilians seeking aid and sheltering in tents. In a separate incident, a strike killed multiple Al Jazeera journalists. These events unfold as Israeli troops are reportedly preparing for a broader military campaign in the besieged territory.
Tropical Storm Erin Forms In Atlantic As Hurricane Henriette Strengthens In Pacific
Tropical Storm Erin formed on Monday in the eastern Atlantic near the Cabo Verde Islands, while Hurricane Henriette strengthened in the Pacific Ocean, though it remains far from Hawaii, AP said in a report. The Hurricane Center in Miami stated that no coastal watches or warnings are in effect for either storm. Erin is located about 280 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The formation of these storms, while not an immediate land threat, necessitates monitoring by maritime and aviation industries for potential route adjustments to avoid hazardous conditions.
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Dies Two Months After Assassination Attempt
Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe died on Monday in a Bogota hospital, as per a report in AP. His death follows a shooting in June where he was shot three times during a campaign speech and had since remained in an intensive care unit. The assassination has heightened security concerns for political figures in Colombia and raised questions about the state’s ability to prevent political violence.
Spain Replaces Women's Team Coach Montse Tomé With Sonia Bermúdez
Spain’s soccer federation announced it will not renew the contract of women’s national team coach Montse Tomé, appointing former player Sonia Bermúdez as her replacement, AP says in a report. The decision, which also names former player Iraia Iturregi as the team’s second coach, comes despite recent on-field success. Tomé, who was appointed in September 2023 in the wake of the Luis Rubiales scandal, led the team to victory in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League in February 2024.
Greece To Use Ankle Monitors For Migrants On Deportation List
The Greek government has announced that migrants with rejected asylum claims will be required to wear ankle monitors to facilitate deportations, AP says in a report. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris stated the measure is planned for implementation before the end of the year. The new policy is part of broader reforms that will also criminalize noncompliance with deportation orders, with Plevris noting that electronic monitoring will make it clear that options for these individuals have narrowed.
Heat Wave and Wildfires Scorch Multiple European Nations
A significant heat wave is gripping parts of Europe, raising the threat of wildfires and impacting public safety and key economic sectors, AP says in a report. In southern France, temperatures have soared to 43°C (109.4°F), increasing the danger of fires in major wine-producing regions like Bordeaux. Concurrently, Bulgaria is battling blazes along its southern border under maximum fire danger alerts, Hungary has recorded record-breaking temperatures, and wildfires have forced evacuations in northwestern Turkey. These events are part of a broader regional crisis, with other Mediterranean nations also experiencing extreme heat, placing severe strain on emergency services and agricultural industries across the continent.
Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills One in Russia Ahead of US-Russia Summit
A Ukrainian drone attack killed one person and wounded two others in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, located approximately 260 miles east of Moscow, AP said in a report. Nizhny Novgorod’s Governor, Gleb Nikitin, stated that drones had targeted two “industrial zones,” resulting in the casualties. The strike occurs just days before a scheduled summit on Friday between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Putin is reportedly seeking a peace agreement to solidify Russia’s territorial gains from the conflict.
Bolivia's Economic Crisis Deepens Amidst Staple Goods Shrinkflation
Bolivia is facing a deepening economic crisis marked by significant ‘shrinkflation’ in staple goods, with producers reducing product sizes to offset rising costs while adhering to government-fixed prices, according to a report in AP. This situation, highlighted by bakers selling bread loaves at nearly half their former weight for the same price, stems from a collapsing subsidy system, a severe shortage of US dollars, and declining government revenue from natural gas exports. The country’s central bank has seen a sharp depletion of its international reserves, exacerbating fiscal challenges and placing immense pressure on businesses and citizens ahead of future elections.
Firefighters Battle Large Brush Fire On Landmark Hill In Edinburgh
Firefighters in Scotland worked overnight and into Monday to control a large brush fire on Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano and prominent landmark overlooking Edinburgh, AP says in a report. The fire, which involved burning gorse bushes, sent large plumes of smoke into the sky. The incident occurred as the city commenced its annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival, creating a concerning backdrop for the major international event.
Al Jazeera Correspondent Anas Al-Sharif Killed In Israeli Airstrike In Gaza
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Sunday killed Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif and several colleagues, as per a report in AP. Both the Israeli military and hospital officials in Gaza City confirmed the deaths. Al Jazeera has condemned the strike, calling it a targeted ‘assassination,’ and press freedom advocates, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, noted the killing followed what they described as an Israeli ‘smear campaign’ against the journalist.
Indian Opposition Parties Protest Controversial Electoral Roll Revision
Hundreds of lawmakers and supporters from India’s opposition parties protested in New Delhi on Monday, demanding the reversal of a controversial electoral roll revision in one of the country’s poorest states ahead of key elections scheduled for November, AP said in a report. The protestors, who marched from the parliament building, argued the revision could lead to widespread voter disenfranchisement, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The demonstration, which was confronted by police who made brief detentions, signals heightened political tensions that could affect stability and investor confidence in the region.
Record Marine Heatwave Devastates Western Australia's Coral Reefs
The longest, largest, and most intense marine heatwave in Western Australia’s recorded history has killed coral across a 1,500km area, from the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef to the remote Ashmore Reef, The Guardian says in a report. In response to the devastating event, which occurred earlier this year, over 100 scientists and marine managers are convening in Perth to assess the damage and strategize. The extensive coral mortality poses a significant economic threat to the region’s tourism industry, which is heavily dependent on the health of iconic reef systems like Ningaloo.
GCC-Stat Reports 100% Household Access to Water and Electricity in Member Nations
All households across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have achieved 100% access to safe drinking water and electricity, as per a report in The Times of India. The latest data from the GCC-Statistical Center (GCC-Stat) also highlights universal accessibility in primary education for individuals with disabilities and robust healthcare coverage. These achievements, which exceed global averages, are attributed to sustained government investment in infrastructure and alignment with national development strategies and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
US Senate Candidate Moreno Tours Latin America Focusing On Fentanyl And Trade
Ohio Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, an ally of President Donald Trump, is undertaking a three-nation tour of Latin America, which includes his birth country of Colombia, AP says in a report. Moreno’s visit is positioned as a connection point for conservative movements in the region with the current US administration. His stated agenda focuses on key US foreign policy and economic priorities, including seeking cooperation with Mexico to combat the fentanyl crisis and a tour of the Panama Canal, a critical channel for global trade. The visit to his birthplace of Colombia is framed with the message, “We want Colombia to be strong.”
Greta Thunberg Announces Second Gaza Aid Flotilla With Activists From 44 Nations
Greta Thunberg has announced plans for a second humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, named the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” which is set to launch from Spain on August 31, according to a report in The Times of India. The effort, significantly larger than previous attempts, will involve multiple ships and activists from 44 different countries. The stated goal of the mission is to deliver essential aid and to challenge and break the long-standing Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, a high-stakes endeavor given that past flotillas have been intercepted by Israeli forces.
Tropical Storm Erin Forms In The Atlantic Near Cabo Verde Islands
Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean just west of the Cabo Verde Islands, with the Miami-based Hurricane Center set to initiate advisories on the storm, AP said in a report. Separately, in the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Henriette was located about 470 miles (756 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (129 kph). Forecasters noted Henriette is well away from Hawaii and there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Finland Charges Officers of Russia-Linked Ship Over Damaged Baltic Cables
Finland has officially filed charges of aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications against the captain and two senior officers of the Hong Kong-flagged ‘Eagle S’ oil tanker, AP says in a report. The charges are connected to an October 2023 incident where the vessel’s anchor allegedly dragged and damaged the Balticconnector gas pipeline and telecommunication cables between Finland and Estonia. The accused officers, whose names were not released, have denied the allegations.
Moomins Turn 80, Highlighting Enduring Global Brand and Finnish Cultural Export
Global celebrations are underway in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Moomins, the beloved Finnish characters created by Tove Jansson, as per a report in AP. The year-long event, which commemorates the 1945 publication of the first book, “The Moomins and the Great Flood,” underscores the brand’s significant economic impact and enduring commercial success. The Moomins function as a major cultural export for Finland, driving tourism to sites like the Moomin Museum in Tampere. The anniversary is expected to boost global merchandise sales and licensing opportunities, reinforcing the characters’ sustained popularity in children’s literature and media, particularly with a strong fan base in Asia, evidenced by the Moominvalley Park in Japan.
Ørsted Shares Plunge After Announcing $9 Billion Cash Call
Danish wind power giant Ørsted’s market value has plunged by almost a third after it announced a $9 billion cash call to cover project costs, according to a report in The Guardian. The company’s share price fell to an all-time low on Monday as it informed investors of the fundraising, citing an “extraordinary situation” in the industry. Ørsted explicitly blamed US President Donald Trump for derailing its business model. This financial distress follows earlier significant writedowns on its US projects and reflects broader industry challenges, including surging costs, supply chain issues, and rising interest rates that have impacted other major developers.
Iranian Defense Chief Visits Iraq For Security Agreement Talks
Iran’s head of its top defense body arrived in Baghdad on Monday to discuss an important security agreement with Iraqi officials, AP says in a report. While details of the potential pact remain scant, the visit is significant as Iraq attempts to balance its relationships with both Iran and the United States amid ongoing regional tensions. The discussions follow Iraq’s formal complaint to the U.N. Security Council after accusing an unnamed country of using its airspace to launch strikes on Iran. This potential agreement could build on a previous border security deal from March 2023 and has implications for Iraq’s sovereignty and the continued presence of US forces in the region.
China Rams Own Warship While Chasing Philippine Vessel In Disputed Waters
The Philippine government has claimed that a Chinese warship was rendered “unseaworthy” after it accidentally rammed itself during a pursuit of a Philippine vessel in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, according to a report in BBC. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the contested South China Sea, where encounters between the two nations’ vessels have become increasingly confrontational. Manila’s report suggests the Chinese vessel sustained significant damage in the collision, which happened while it was engaged in aggressive maneuvers against the Philippine ship, heightening the risk of miscalculation in the critical global waterway.
Malian Authorities Arrest Dozens Of Soldiers Over Alleged Coup Plot
Dozens of soldiers in Mali have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the ruling military junta, signaling significant internal dissent, according to a report in BBC. The arrests highlight growing tensions within the military government led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, who has overseen two coups since 2020. This internal strife occurs amid a volatile political climate, marked by the junta’s repeated delays in returning to civilian rule, its withdrawal from the ECOWAS regional bloc, and a strategic shift in security alliances away from France towards Russia. The alleged plot further complicates Mali’s political stability and raises concerns about its impact on regional security and counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel.
Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills One In Russia Amid Talk Of Potential Putin-Trump Summit
A Ukrainian drone strike targeting industrial zones in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region killed one person and injured two, AP said in a report. The attack occurs as Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced hopes for a potential summit with US President Donald Trump, in which Putin aims to secure a peace deal formalizing Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine. The strike on Nizhny Novgorod, a key hub for the Russian defense industry, highlights Ukraine’s strategy of targeting critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory.
Humanitarian Conditions Worsen In Occupied Luhansk Amid Russian Pressure
Residents in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine are experiencing severe shortages of electricity and water, rising food prices, and pressure from Moscow to accept Russian citizenship, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The deteriorating humanitarian situation is compounded by Moscow’s coercive ‘passportization’ policy, which pressures residents to adopt Russian citizenship to access essential services, employment, and social benefits. This strategy is part of a broader effort by Russia to integrate the occupied territory, solidify its control, and undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies Months After Campaign Shooting
Colombian conservative senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay died on Monday, more than two months after being critically wounded in a shooting, AP said in a report. The 39-year-old politician was shot in the head and leg during a campaign rally in Bogota on June 7 and had remained hospitalized in intensive care since the attack. His death was confirmed by his wife, María Claudia Tarazona.
South Korean President To Pardon Jailed Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will pardon former Justice Minister Cho Kuk this week, cutting short his two-year prison sentence for corruption, according to a report in AP. The conviction stemmed from a 2019 scandal involving academic fraud to benefit his children and abuse of power. The pardon restores the prominent liberal politician’s right to run in elections, potentially reviving a political career. The decision is politically significant as President Yoon, a conservative, had previously led the investigation into Cho Kuk when he served as Prosecutor General, a move that is seen as having propelled Yoon’s own political rise.
Pakistan Halts Train Services in Balochistan After Railway Bombing
Pakistan Railways has halted all train services connecting the insurgency-hit Balochistan province with the rest of the country for four days following a bomb attack by separatists, as per a report in AP. The explosion on Sunday derailed six cars of the Jaffer Express, which runs between the provincial capital Quetta and the northern city of Peshawar, though no casualties were reported. This act of sabotage is consistent with the tactics of long-standing Baloch nationalist groups who frequently target state infrastructure to protest the perceived exploitation of the province’s natural resources. The service suspension creates immediate economic disruption by halting the movement of goods and people, highlighting the persistent security challenges that impact regional stability and deter investment in critical infrastructure.
Chinese Youth 'Pretend To Work' Amid High Unemployment
Amid high youth unemployment in China, some young adults are paying to use office spaces to pretend they have jobs, primarily due to intense social and familial pressure, according to a report in BBC. This phenomenon occurs in the context of a challenging economic environment, which saw the official youth unemployment rate hit a record 21.3% in June 2023 before the government suspended the data’s publication. The practice of ‘pretending to work’ is linked to broader youth disillusionment and represents a significant loss of human capital, potentially suppressing consumer spending and hindering long-term economic growth.
South Sudan's Mental Health Crisis Deepens Amid Violence And Displacement
South Sudan is grappling with a severe and under-resourced mental health crisis driven by persistent violence, massive displacement, and climate shocks, as per a report in AP. The lack of mental health clinics is leading to a rise in severe distress and suicide cases among the traumatized population, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like women and children. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are attempting to provide critical services, but their efforts are severely hampered by chronic underfunding for humanitarian appeals, a shortage of trained professionals, and immense logistical challenges, leaving a significant gap in care and hindering the nation’s potential for long-term recovery and stability.
