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Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 20:15 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.
Dissident Belarusian Sports Official Goes Missing In Turkey
Anatol Kotau, a dissident Belarusian sports official, has been unreachable in Turkey for more than a week, Deutsche Welle says in a report. Those familiar with Kotau suspect foul play, pointing to the Belarusian secret service (KGB) which has previously warned dissidents abroad of retribution. The disappearance raises significant political implications, heightening security fears among the Belarusian diaspora and potentially straining diplomatic ties between Ankara and Minsk if Belarusian state involvement is confirmed. This event follows a pattern of extraterritorial operations by the Lukashenka regime against its critics.
Turkey Closes Airspace To Israeli Planes Over Gaza War
Turkey has closed its airspace to Israeli planes and reaffirmed its cessation of all trade with the country as a protest against the war in Gaza, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Friday, according to a report in AP. This move, which bars Israeli aircraft from Turkish airspace and Turkish ships from Israeli ports, is expected to create significant logistical and financial challenges for Israeli aviation, leading to longer flight routes and higher operational costs. The action escalates a complete halt to all bilateral exports and imports that began in May 2024, effectively freezing economic exchange and reversing recent diplomatic normalization efforts between the two nations.
China's Move To Bolster Social Safety Net Stirs Economic Anxiety
A move by China to expand its social safety net by forcing employers to make full contributions to employee benefits is causing significant anxiety among the public, according to a report in The New York Times. The policy, which includes payments for pensions, healthcare, and housing funds, is intended to address long-term demographic challenges like an aging population. However, it comes amid a fragile economic environment marked by a property crisis and weak consumer confidence. Many fear that the increased financial burden on small and medium-sized businesses, which are already struggling, will lead to widespread closures and exacerbate unemployment.
Brazil Judge Temporarily Upholds Amazon Soy Moratorium Amid Legal Challenge
A legal and political challenge to Brazil’s long-standing Amazon Soy Moratorium has been temporarily halted after a federal judge paused a regulator’s order that sought to undermine the agreement, as per a report in AP. The moratorium, a voluntary pact established in 2006 by major soy traders, prevents the purchase of soy from Amazon land deforested after 2008. Scientists and environmental groups have warned that losing the agreement could reverse years of progress in reducing deforestation, with significant implications for Brazil’s climate goals, international trade, and the integrity of global supply chains committed to sustainability. The dispute is ongoing, with agribusiness interests pushing for expansion while facing potential market backlash if the moratorium is weakened.
Russia Exploits Water Crisis in Occupied Donetsk to Justify Further Aggression
Russian authorities are leveraging a severe water crisis in occupied Donetsk as a justification for seizing more Ukrainian territory, arguing it is necessary to restore the water supply, according to a report in The New York Times. This humanitarian crisis stems from long-standing degradation of water infrastructure, particularly the Seversky Donets-Donbas Canal, which has been severely damaged since the conflict began in 2014. Russia is now weaponizing the water shortage for propaganda purposes, framing further military aggression as a humanitarian necessity, a tactic reminiscent of its justification for seizing the North Crimean Canal in 2022. The situation imposes a severe humanitarian burden on civilians and presents a significant logistical and financial challenge for Russian occupation authorities, who are responsible for the region’s services under international law following their unrecognized 2022 annexation.
Former Austrian Intelligence Officer Indicted In Major Russian Espionage Case
Austrian prosecutors have indicted former intelligence officer Egisto Ott on charges of espionage and abuse of office for allegedly supporting a Russian intelligence service, AP said in a report. The case, described as Austria’s biggest spying scandal in decades, is linked to the massive Wirecard financial fraud. Ott is accused of providing sensitive data, including information from the phones of Kremlin critics, to fugitive former Wirecard COO Jan Marsalek, who is believed to be in Russia. The scandal has highlighted significant vulnerabilities within Austria’s intelligence community, leading to the 2021 dissolution and reform of its main security agency, and is expected to strain diplomatic relations between Vienna and Moscow.
UK Bans Israeli Officials From Flagship Defence Show
The United Kingdom has prohibited Israeli government officials from attending the upcoming Defence & Security Equipment (DSEI) show in London, The Guardian says in a report. While official representatives from Israel are barred, Israeli defence companies and their UK-based subsidiaries will still be permitted to participate in the major industry event. Israel has responded to the decision, labeling it a ‘regrettable act of discrimination’.
Video Shows Israeli Soldiers Tormenting Detained Palestinian Boy in West Bank
A video has surfaced showing Israeli soldiers filming themselves as they tormented a Palestinian boy who was arrested in the occupied West Bank over allegations of stone-throwing, Al Jazeera said in a report. The incident aligns with what human rights organizations describe as a pattern of alleged ill-treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli military detention. The footage has drawn international attention and renewed calls for accountability regarding the conduct of Israeli forces in the occupied territories, highlighting the political and human rights implications of such actions under international law.
Gaza Health Ministry Says Palestinian Death Toll Surpasses 63,000
The Gaza Health Ministry has announced the Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 63,000 amid the ongoing war, AP says in a report. This figure is a significant outlier compared to previous fatality reports from the same ministry and may include the large number of wounded. The announcement comes as Israeli military operations continue across Gaza, ceasefire talks remain stalled, and the high casualty count fuels legal scrutiny at international courts.
Rodri And Carvajal Recalled To Spain Squad For World Cup Qualifiers
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey on September 4 and 7, AP says in a report. The selection marks a significant return for Carvajal following a long absence due to injury. The call-up for Rodri comes based on his consistent form, as he was a key player for his club throughout the previous season. The move strengthens the squad of the reigning European champions as they continue their qualification campaign.
Survivors Of 2023 Johannesburg Fire Face New Dangers In Shelters
A year after a devastating fire in Johannesburg’s Usindiso Building killed 77 people, survivors relocated to temporary shelters now face new threats, including crime and gun violence, according to a report in BBC. The August 2023 blaze was described as a “wake-up call” to address the city’s crisis of illegally occupied and dilapidated “hijacked buildings.” However, the former residents’ current living conditions in insecure community halls highlight the systemic failure to provide safe, long-term housing, placing pressure on the South African government and underscoring the ongoing challenges of urban decay and public safety.
At Least 49 Migrants Dead After Boat Capsizes Off Mauritania
At least 49 people have died after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Mauritania this week, AP says in a report. This incident is the latest tragedy along the increasingly active and dangerous West African migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands. The event highlights the significant risks migrants face and places additional strain on Mauritania’s search and rescue capabilities. The ongoing fatalities on this route, considered one of the world’s deadliest, also intensify political pressure on the European Union and Spain to enhance cooperation with African partners to manage migration flows and counter human smuggling networks, which frequently use unseaworthy vessels for the perilous journey.
Gambia Activists Fear Rise In FGM Targeting Infants Despite Ban
Activists in Gambia are raising concerns that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is increasingly being performed in secret on infants, despite the practice being outlawed for nearly a decade, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Authorities are reportedly struggling to enforce the 2015 law that criminalized FGM, facing challenges from deeply rooted cultural beliefs. The concerns have been amplified following a legislative attempt in March 2024 to repeal the ban, a move that has spurred women’s rights groups to intensify their campaigns to uphold the law and protect vulnerable girls.
Israel Recovers Bodies Of Two Hostages, Begins Gaza City Offensive
The Israeli military announced it has recovered the bodies of two hostages who were taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, as per a report in AP. This development coincides with the commencement of a new, significant ground offensive by Israeli forces targeting the center of Gaza City. The military operation represents an escalation in the conflict, moving into a densely populated urban core that Israel identifies as a primary stronghold for Hamas’s leadership and operational infrastructure.
Global Shares Decline Ahead Of Key US Inflation Report
Global stock markets traded lower on Friday as investors awaited a key US inflation report that could influence future Federal Reserve policy, according to a report in AP. European shares followed a mixed session in Asia, with Germany’s DAX falling 0.6%. US futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were also down, alongside lower oil prices. The caution comes ahead of the release of the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, with economists expecting the data to show inflation remained at 2.6% in July, still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
Canada's Top Court Finalizes Return of Beach to Saugeen First Nation
A nearly two-mile stretch of beach on Lake Huron will be returned to the Saugeen First Nation after Canada’s Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from the town of South Bruce Peninsula, effectively ending a 170-year legal battle, The Guardian says in a report. The dispute originated from an 1854 treaty with the Crown, in which the shoreline was promised to the Saugeen people but was erroneously omitted from the reserve’s map. The final ruling upholds a lower court’s decision, representing a significant moment for Indigenous land rights and treaty enforcement in Canada, despite the nearby town’s concerns that the case sets a troubling precedent for property rights.
Singapore Imposes Caning And Fines In Drug-Laced Vape Crackdown
Singapore is escalating its crackdown on illegal vaping by imposing severe penalties, including judicial caning and substantial fines, for individuals caught with vapes laced with the anaesthetic drug etomidate, BBC says in a report. The move addresses growing public health alarm over the recreational misuse of this potent substance, which has seen a rise in popularity. This enforcement action reinforces Singapore’s long-standing zero-tolerance drug policy and its existing 2018 ban on all e-cigarettes. The policy has economic implications, requiring increased government spending on enforcement and specialized forensic tools, while the severe penalties for residents and tourists could impact the nation’s tourism sector.
LetterOne Sets Aside $300 Million In Dividends Due To Sanctions On Russian Founders
Investment firm LetterOne has set aside $300 million, blocking dividend payments to its sanctioned Russian founders, Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven, according to a report in Financial Times. The move is a direct consequence of EU and UK sanctions imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While Fridman and Aven resigned from LetterOne’s board and had their voting rights frozen, they remain the ultimate beneficial owners, making them ineligible to receive the funds. The money is being held by the company to ensure compliance with the sanctions regime and will not be distributed as long as the measures are in place.
French President Macron And German Opposition Leader Merz Hold Bilateral Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron is holding talks with Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, in a significant bilateral meeting, Deutsche Welle said in a report. While the source mentioned a ‘Franco-German council’, the involvement of the opposition leader, rather than the German Chancellor, clarifies this is a non-governmental dialogue format aimed at maintaining strong ties. The meeting highlights the political importance of the Franco-German relationship beyond formal government channels. In a separate diplomatic engagement, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is meeting with her counterparts in Copenhagen to discuss regional security.
Israel Kills 21 Palestinians In Gaza, Including Five In Designated Safe Zone
At least 21 Palestinians have been killed in recent Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip, with five of the fatalities occurring in the al-Mawasi coastal area, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The strikes targeted multiple locations, including the al-Mawasi region, which the Israeli military had previously designated as a “humanitarian zone” and instructed displaced civilians to move to for safety. This development occurs amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement and an expanded Israeli military offensive in southern Gaza.
Airbus Extends Lead Over Boeing Amid Production Woes And Rising Chinese Competition
Airbus has established a significant lead in the crucial single-aisle commercial aircraft market as its US competitor, Boeing, continues to struggle with production and quality control issues, the Financial Times says in a report. Boeing is facing intense scrutiny and production caps from regulators following a series of incidents, including a door plug blowout on a 737 MAX in January 2024 and previous fatal crashes. Capitalizing on its rival’s difficulties, Airbus is ramping up production for its A320neo family to manage a record backlog of orders. Simultaneously, both manufacturers are monitoring the rise of China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), whose C919 jet has begun commercial service within China and is seeking international certification, signaling a long-term challenge to the global aviation duopoly.
China And Brazil Strengthen Ties To Counter Global 'Bullying'
China’s top diplomat met with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to strengthen ties, which Beijing describes as being at their ‘best in history’ and a way to resist ‘bullying’ on the world stage, Al Jazeera says in a report. This strategic alignment is framed as a counter to perceived pressure from the US and its allies, reinforcing a shared vision for a multipolar world order. The partnership is bolstered by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s independent foreign policy, which prioritizes South-South cooperation, and is seen in the context of the recently expanded BRICS economic bloc. For Brazil, the deepened relationship with its largest trading partner since 2009 offers increased economic and political leverage on the global stage.
UK And Japan Deepen Security Ties As Aircraft Carrier Arrives In Tokyo
The UK and Japan have hailed their ‘deep strategic alignment’ as the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales made a historic port call in Tokyo, the first foreign carrier to visit the city, AP says in a report. UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and his Japanese counterpart celebrated the cooperation, which is part of an eight-month deployment for the UK’s 12-nation carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific. This visit is a direct manifestation of the UK’s ‘Indo-Pacific Tilt’ strategy and is supported by the Japan-UK Reciprocal Access Agreement, which facilitates joint military exercises. The deepened partnership is seen as a move to enhance regional security and deterrence amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Warming Waters Bring Stinging Blue Dragon Sea Slugs To Spanish Coasts
Unusually warm sea temperatures in the Mediterranean are being linked to the recent appearance of the blue dragon sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus) on Spanish coasts, leading to multiple beach closures, according to a report in The New York Times. Experts view this as a significant indicator of climate change’s impact on marine ecosystems, as the species is typically found in warmer tropical waters. The blue dragon delivers a potent sting by storing and concentrating venom from its prey, such as the Portuguese man o’ war, posing a public health risk. The phenomenon has negative implications for Spain’s vital coastal tourism industry and signals broader disruptions to marine biodiversity as new species migrate into the region.
Network Uncovered Profiting From AI-Generated Holocaust Images On Facebook
An investigation has uncovered an international network of spammers profiting from engagement with AI-generated images depicting the Holocaust on Facebook, according to a report in BBC. The report details how these content creators are monetizing the harmful content, likely through ad revenue and engagement-driven algorithms. This discovery highlights the ongoing challenges social media platforms like Meta face in moderating sophisticated, AI-generated misinformation and the broader implications for public trust and the distortion of historical events.
Thirty-Three Kidnapped Colombian Soldiers Freed After Three Days
Thirty-three Colombian soldiers have been released after being held captive for three days in the southeastern province of Guaviare, as per a report in AP. Colombia’s Ombudswoman’s office confirmed the release on Thursday. The soldiers were reportedly taken captive by villagers under the orders of a rebel group following a gunfight that resulted in the deaths of 10 of the group’s members. According to Colombia’s Defense Ministry, the captors had demanded the return of a slain rebel’s body.
Former Entain Executives Charged In UK Bribery Probe
The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service has charged 11 individuals, including the former CEO and chairman of gambling group Entain, in connection with a bribery investigation linked to the company’s past activities in Turkey, as per a report in Financial Times. These charges follow Entain’s £585 million settlement in November 2023 through a Deferred Prosecution Agreement to resolve corporate liability for alleged bribery offenses at its former Turkish subsidiary, which was sold in 2017. The current legal action targets individuals, underscoring a focus by UK authorities on personal accountability for corporate misconduct.
Microsoft Fires Two More Employees Over Protests Against Israeli Contracts
Microsoft has fired two more employees for their involvement in protests against the company’s cloud computing contracts with the Israeli government and military, The Verge says in a report. The employees, identified as Nisreen Jaradat and Julius Shan, were terminated in connection with demonstrations organized by the “No Azure for Apartheid” group at Microsoft’s headquarters. These firings follow the dismissal of two other employees after a protest inside the office of Microsoft President Brad Smith. The activist group has been protesting Microsoft’s involvement in Project Nimbus, a joint contract with Google for the Israeli government, throughout the year, leading to disruptions and arrests. Smith stated that Microsoft is investigating the use of its technology in Israel but condemned the protesters’ actions.
UNICEF Warns of Starvation and Violence for Children in Sudan's Al Fasher
Children in the besieged city of Al Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur are confronting starvation and deadly violence, with UNICEF declaring the city an epicentre of child suffering, France 24 says in a report. After approximately 500 days since the broader conflict began, the intensified siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has trapped civilians and severely obstructed humanitarian aid. UNICEF’s Chief of Communication in Sudan, Eva Hinds, highlighted that daily life for children is marred by malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and violence. The crisis in Al Fasher is a critical flashpoint in Sudan’s civil war, which has created the world’s largest displacement crisis and pushed millions towards famine.
US Judge Rejects Saudi Arabia's Bid To Dismiss 9/11 Lawsuit
A US federal judge has rejected Saudi Arabia’s latest attempt to dismiss civil claims alleging the kingdom supported the hijackers in the September 11, 2001, attacks, AP said in a report. Judge George B. Daniels in New York ruled that while his decision was on jurisdictional grounds and not the merits of the case, the plaintiffs’ claims were legally sufficient to move forward. This development keeps the long-running lawsuit alive, potentially increasing diplomatic friction between the US and Saudi Arabia and exposing the kingdom to significant financial liability and reputational damage if the case proceeds through discovery and trial. The ruling reinforces the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which allows such lawsuits against foreign states.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems Raises $863M From Nvidia, Google, And Bill Gates
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has secured $863 million in a new funding round with participation from investors including Nvidia, Google, and Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, according to a report in TechCrunch. This latest investment brings the company’s total capital raised to nearly $3 billion as it works to develop and commercialize a compact fusion power plant based on its proprietary high-temperature superconducting magnet technology. The funding is intended to accelerate the construction of its first commercial-scale reactor, named ARC, with the ambitious goal of beginning to supply electricity to the power grid in the early 2030s. The significant backing from major technology firms highlights growing private sector confidence in fusion as a viable, carbon-free energy source to meet future global power demands.
Nephew Of Equatorial Guinea's President Jailed For Embezzlement
A nephew of the president of Equatorial Guinea has been sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of embezzlement, BBC said in a report. The jailing of the high-profile official, who is part of the ruling family, follows his embroilment in a sex tape scandal. The conviction for embezzlement comes amid a backdrop of long-standing international scrutiny over corruption within the oil-rich nation’s leadership, which could impact foreign investment sentiment.
Tourist Filmed Pouring Beer On Elephant In Kenya Sparks Global Outrage And Investigation
Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation after a video showing a tourist pouring beer down an elephant’s trunk sparked widespread anger, according to a report in BBC. The footage, which was posted to Instagram and later deleted, drew immediate and strong condemnation from animal welfare organizations and the public. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed it is working to identify the individuals involved. The incident has raised concerns about the impact on Kenya’s reputation as an ethical wildlife tourism destination, and the perpetrator could face significant legal penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment, under the country’s strict wildlife protection laws.
Chinese Victims Of Online Sexual Abuse Face Uphill Battle For Justice
An uproar over a large Telegram channel distributing non-consensual content of Chinese women, including revenge porn and hidden-camera videos, has exposed significant gaps in the country’s legal protections for victims of sexual abuse, according to a report in AP. Those affected face a difficult path to justice, hindered by ambiguous laws regarding ‘obscene materials’ which may not adequately address the non-consensual nature of the content. The situation is further complicated by a broader government crackdown on women’s rights activism in recent years, which has silenced advocates and created a climate of fear, making it harder for victims to seek help or for legal reforms to be pursued.
Famous Sikh Shrine Partially Submerged After Flooding In Pakistan
Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan’s Punjab province have caused flooding that partially submerged a famous Sikh temple, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The event is part of a broader, severe monsoon season impacting the country, which has been exacerbated in recent years by climate change. This incident highlights the significant vulnerability of cultural and religious heritage sites to extreme weather, raising concerns for the global Sikh community and underscoring the ongoing challenges for Pakistan’s disaster management authorities in protecting both infrastructure and invaluable historical assets.
Nvidia In Talks With US To Sell Less Advanced Blackwell AI Chips To China
Nvidia is in discussions with the White House to secure permission for selling a modified, less powerful version of its next-generation Blackwell AI graphics processing unit (GPU) in China, the South China Morning Post said in a report. In a media interview on August 28, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confirmed that talks had commenced but stated they “will take a while.” This move comes as the company navigates stringent US export controls designed to prevent China from acquiring cutting-edge AI technology. The full-performance Blackwell chips are currently banned for sale to China under these regulations, forcing Nvidia to create compliant, de-tuned versions to maintain access to the significant Chinese market.
TransUnion Confirms Data Breach Affecting 4.4 Million Customers
Credit reporting agency TransUnion has confirmed a data breach that exposed the personal information of 4.4 million customers, according to a report in TechCrunch. The company stated that unauthorized access occurred via a third-party application, leading to the theft of sensitive data, most notably Social Security numbers. This incident highlights the growing business risk of supply chain cyberattacks, where attackers target less secure vendors to compromise larger organizations, and places TransUnion at risk of significant regulatory scrutiny, potential lawsuits, and reputational damage, echoing the 2017 Equifax breach.
Hong Kong Stages Largest-Ever Counterterrorism Drill At Cruise Terminal
Hong Kong staged its largest-ever counterterrorism drill on Thursday at the Kai Tak cruise terminal, involving over 500 officers and 200 civilians, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. Chief Executive John Lee stated the exercise demonstrated the city is ‘on the right track’ and must remain highly prepared for potential terrorist threats. The drill, the first major cross-departmental exercise since a three-tier security mechanism was established, is seen as a significant move to reinforce the city’s security posture. By conducting the exercise at a key transport and tourism facility, authorities aim to project an image of safety and control, which has implications for international business confidence and Hong Kong’s status as a global financial center.
China Accelerates Rollout of Low-Orbit Satellite Internet to Rival Starlink
China is accelerating the rollout of its commercial low-orbit satellite internet services, aiming to establish a sovereign rival to SpaceX’s Starlink, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. A new guideline from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology encourages operators of low-orbit constellations to begin commercial service trials and for telecom operators to integrate these satellite networks to expand internet coverage. This initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to build its ‘Guowang’ national satellite network, enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, and bolstering its strategic independence amid the ongoing technological competition with the US.
Bitcoin Asia Conference Kicks Off In Hong Kong Amid Crypto Hub Push
The Bitcoin Asia conference has commenced in Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s ambition to become a regulated global cryptocurrency hub, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The event gathers experts to discuss Hong Kong’s potential to shape the international digital asset regulatory landscape. Key topics include leveraging corporate asset treasury holdings to build a wider crypto ecosystem and the need for global leadership in coordinating regulatory standards to mitigate financial risks while fostering innovation.
