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Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 13:15 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.
Paris Opens Seine River For Public Swimming Amid Soaring Temperatures
Public swimming has officially returned to the Seine river in Paris for the first time in 102 years, with thousands of people using three newly opened, designated bathing sites, according to a report in AP. This development follows a massive, long-term cleanup project driven by the city’s preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games. The swimming areas are expected to see increased use as France’s national weather service, Meteo France, has placed Paris under “high vigilance” for an impending heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 38 degrees Celsius (100 F).
Cambodian Workers Return Home As Thai Border Ceasefire Holds
A ceasefire brokered by Malaysia with backing from the US and China appears to be holding between Thailand and Cambodia, but hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers are heading home, according to a report in AP. The exodus follows armed clashes in July that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 260,000, stemming from long-standing disputes over their 800-kilometer border. The mass return of workers poses a significant economic threat to both nations, potentially causing a sharp decline in crucial remittances for Cambodia and creating acute labor shortages in Thailand’s agriculture and construction sectors.
Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions Trigger Mass Return Of Migrant Workers
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers are returning home from Thailand due to an ongoing border conflict, despite a fragile, internationally-brokered ceasefire. The tensions stem from disputes over sections of their 800-kilometer border, which led to armed clashes in July that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 260,000. This mass migration poses significant economic challenges, potentially creating labor shortages in Thailand’s construction and agriculture sectors while straining Cambodia’s economy through a loss of vital remittances. The ceasefire, mediated by Malaysia with support from the US and China, is currently holding, but the underlying territorial disputes remain a threat to regional stability.
Jellyfish Swarm Forces Shutdown At French Nuclear Power Plant
A French nuclear power plant has temporarily shut down operations after a massive swarm of jellyfish blocked its cooling water intake systems, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical coastal infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, to marine biological events exacerbated by climate change. The proliferation of jellyfish, linked to rising ocean temperatures, poses a significant operational risk, potentially leading to reduced power output, increased maintenance costs, and concerns for regional energy security, especially in nations like France that are heavily reliant on nuclear power. The shutdown is a controlled safety measure to clear the blockage and does not indicate a nuclear emergency.
Rugby Championship Kicks Off With Focus On 2027 World Cup Squads
The 2025 Rugby Championship is set to begin, serving as a critical strategic platform for southern hemisphere rugby’s top nations to shape their squads for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, Reuters said in a report. The tournament, which kicks off with South Africa hosting Australia, provides an early look into the long-term planning of all four participating nations: South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. For the teams, the competition represents a dual-purpose challenge: competing for the annual title while testing new talent and tactics for the future. For Rugby Australia, the performance of its national team is crucial for building commercial momentum and public engagement ahead of hosting the 2027 event.
Nepal Waives Fees For 97 Peaks To Ease Everest Overcrowding
In a strategic move to manage its tourism sector, Nepal is offering free climbs on 97 peaks by waiving government-mandated permit fees, as per a report in BBC. This policy is a direct response to persistent issues of overcrowding, pollution, and safety concerns on Mount Everest, which attracts the majority of mountaineering tourists. By promoting lesser-known mountains, the government aims to diversify its tourism economy, spreading economic benefits to new regions and alleviating the environmental pressure on the Everest ecosystem. The waiver applies only to the permit fee, with climbers still responsible for the substantial costs associated with guides, logistics, and equipment.
Ceuta Authorities Warn Reception System Is Overwhelmed Amid New Migrant Arrivals
Approximately 100 people, including several children, crossed from Morocco into the Spanish north African enclave of Ceuta by swimming early Saturday, prompting local authorities to warn that their reception system is close to collapse, The Guardian says in a report. This event is part of a recent surge in attempts to reach the EU territory, with more than 50 children having made the same risky journey on July 26 alone. The situation places immense strain on Ceuta’s social services and infrastructure, which have been described as ‘overwhelmed’. The sustained migration pressure also tests the delicate diplomatic relationship between Spain and Morocco, as Spain relies on Moroccan cooperation for border control, highlighting the persistent challenges at the EU’s external borders in Africa.
US Designates Balochistan Liberation Army As A Terrorist Group
The United States has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its elite Majeed Brigade as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity, a move hailed by Pakistani officials, AP said in a report. This decision coincides with a high-profile visit to the US by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, and follows a recent US-Pakistan dialogue aimed at strengthening defense industrial cooperation. The designation is expected to provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, increase international pressure on the BLA, and signal a strengthening of bilateral security relations. It may also improve security for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as the BLA has a history of targeting Chinese interests in the region.
Russia To Import Over 50,000 North Korean Laborers Amid Wartime Shortages
Russia plans to import more than 50,000 North Korean workers to fill labor gaps exacerbated by its war in Ukraine, with some North Koreans describing their conditions as being “like slaves,” according to a report in BBC. This move signifies a deeper economic alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang and constitutes a direct violation of UN Security Council sanctions from 2017, which mandated the repatriation of all North Korean workers by 2019. The arrangement provides North Korea with a crucial source of foreign currency to circumvent international sanctions, while Russia attempts to mitigate critical labor shortages in its wartime economy. The reported conditions have raised significant concerns among human rights organizations regarding forced labor and exploitation.
Ultraviolette Secures $21 Million From TDK For Global Motorcycle Expansion
Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer Ultraviolette has secured $21 million in funding from Japanese electronics and battery component supplier TDK to facilitate its global expansion, TechCrunch says in a report. The investment is intended to help the India-based company launch its electric motorcycles in approximately 40 European countries, as well as markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia. This funding will support the scaling of production and the establishment of international distribution networks, building on the company’s domestic launch of its F77 model. For TDK, the investment represents a strategic move to deepen its involvement in the growing electric vehicle ecosystem, where it is already a key supplier.
America's Cup Introduces Mandatory Female Sailors and Battery Power for 2027 Regatta
New protocols for the 38th America’s Cup, set for Naples, Italy, in July 2027, introduce significant changes to the historic sailing regatta, as per a report in AP. Crews on the 76-foot AC75 boats will now consist of five members, with the mandatory inclusion of at least one woman. A new nationality rule also requires that at least two crew members, including one female, must be nationals of the team’s country of origin. This shift in crew composition is enabled by another major change: the boats’ critical hydraulic systems will now be battery-powered, reducing the need for purely physical human ‘grinders.’ These changes are expected to impact team recruitment strategies, broaden the event’s global appeal to new audiences and sponsors, and drive innovation in marine battery technology.
UN Warns A Generation Is Being 'Wiped Out' In Gaza Amid Severe Malnutrition
The United Nations has warned that entire families and a generation are being “wiped out” in the Gaza Strip by the ongoing conflict, as per a report in Al Jazeera. UN agencies have highlighted catastrophic conditions, including widespread malnutrition and deaths from starvation, which they attribute primarily to Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. The report also notes that continued Israeli military strikes have resulted in dozens of new Palestinian casualties. Additionally, concerns are mounting over the unprecedented number of journalists killed, with allegations that they have been deliberately targeted, prompting calls for independent investigations into their deaths.
Global Anti-Scam Summit To Convene In Singapore Amid Rise In Transnational Fraud
In response to the growing coordination of transnational scam networks, particularly those operating from hubs in Southeast Asia, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) will convene the Global Anti-Scam Summit (GASS) Asia 2025 in Singapore on September 2-3, as per a report in AP. The event is expected to bring together over 1,200 participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies from more than 60 countries. The summit’s primary objective is to devise effective real-world strategies and foster international cooperation to prevent and disrupt sophisticated online scams, which pose significant threats to global financial systems and public trust.
Zelenskyy Warns Russia Is Preparing New Offensive, Not A Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a “new offensive” and is not ready for a ceasefire or an end to the war, Al Jazeera says in a report. This assessment is supported by intelligence indicating a Russian buildup of troops and equipment along the eastern front, particularly following recent territorial gains. The warning underscores the unlikelihood of near-term peace negotiations and highlights Ukraine’s urgent and sustained need for Western military aid to defend against what is expected to be intensified military pressure.
Google And IBM Confident Of Workable Quantum Computers Within The Decade
Renewed confidence from technology giants Google and IBM suggests a workable quantum computer could be developed by the end of the decade, Financial Times says in a report. This optimism stems from significant recent breakthroughs in quantum error correction and the engineering of more stable quantum bits (qubits), which are critical for overcoming the high error rates that have historically plagued quantum systems. While the timeline for a full-scale, fault-tolerant machine is considered ambitious by many experts, the progress signifies a major step forward in the field. The development has major economic and security implications, with the potential to transform drug discovery, financial modeling, and AI, while also posing a significant threat to current cybersecurity encryption standards.
Europe Braces For Another Heatwave With Temperatures Up To 44C
A new heatwave is set to sweep across central and eastern Europe following a brief period of cooler weather, as per a report in The Guardian. Spain and Portugal are expected to bear the brunt of the extreme temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of 44C. This event exacerbates ongoing issues, as the Iberian peninsula has already endured persistent heat since late July. The heatwave has significant economic implications, including elevated wildfire risks, potential strain on energy grids from increased air conditioning use, and further stress on agriculture already impacted by severe drought conditions. The report also notes that drought is a concurrent issue in North America, highlighting a broader global trend of extreme weather.
FIFA's New Human Rights Protocol For World Cup Meets With Skepticism
FIFA is implementing a new human rights protocol for World Cup host cities, but the strategy is facing skepticism from advocates who find it lacks enforceability, according to a report in AP. In response to human rights issues that have impacted past tournaments, FIFA now requires all host committees for the upcoming 2026 World Cup to create specific action plans to protect human rights. However, human rights groups have criticized the new measures, arguing that FIFA weakened a more robust proposal and that the current protocol lacks clear, enforceable standards and sufficient direction for local officials to effectively implement them.
US Military Acts To Reduce Reliance On Chinese Rare Earths
The US military’s reliance on rare earth elements processed in China poses a significant national security vulnerability, impacting the production of advanced weaponry and defense systems, according to a report in Foreign Policy. China’s dominance lies not in mining but in its near-monopoly on the complex and environmentally intensive processing stages, a chokehold it has previously signaled a willingness to leverage through export controls on other critical minerals. In response, the US Department of Defense is actively implementing strategies, including direct investment in domestic and allied mining and processing facilities, to establish a resilient supply chain independent of China. This move is part of a broader global trend, with allies like the European Union and Australia also taking steps to secure their own critical raw material sources, highlighting a worldwide push to de-risk from geopolitical supply chain disruptions.
Video Emerges Showing Fatal Shooting Of Palestinian Activist By Israeli Settler
Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem has released new video footage appearing to show the fatal shooting of a Palestinian activist by an Israeli settler during a confrontation last month in the occupied West Bank, according to a report in AP. The video, obtained from the family of the victim, Awdah Hamayel, shows a settler firing a gun toward the person filming. The footage then cuts, but the camera continues to record sounds of the person moaning in pain. The incident reportedly occurred during a confrontation between the settler and unarmed Palestinians, amid a documented rise in settler violence in the region since late 2023.
Two Arrested In The Gambia Over Infant's Death From FGM Amid Repeal Debate
Two women, including the infant’s mother and the alleged practitioner, have been arrested in The Gambia in connection with the death of a baby from Female Genital M mutilation (FGM), BBC says in a report. The incident has fueled widespread outrage and intensified protests from human rights organizations. The arrests come at a critical time, as The Gambia’s Assembly is debating a controversial bill to repeal the 2015 law that criminalized the practice. Activists and international observers warn that repealing the ban would represent a major setback for human rights and could jeopardize The Gambia’s international standing and access to foreign aid.
Iraq Suffers Nationwide Blackout As Heatwave Strains Power Grid
Iraq was hit by a nationwide blackout on Monday after its power grid failed under the strain of a severe heatwave and surging electricity demand, according to a report in France 24. Temperatures approaching 50°C (122°F) combined with increased power consumption for a major Shiite pilgrimage pushed the fragile infrastructure past its breaking point. The widespread outage exacerbates Iraq’s long-standing electricity crisis, which severely impacts daily life and hampers economic activity, forcing businesses and residents to rely on costly private generators.
Trump Claims He Could Assess Ukraine Peace Deal Viability Within Minutes Of Meeting Putin
US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he believes he could determine the viability of a peace deal for Ukraine within the first two minutes of a potential meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to a report in AP. Trump noted that such prospective talks would not initially include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The statement comes as European leaders are reportedly preparing to hold a virtual meeting this week to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
Russian Strikes Kill Six in Ukraine, Injuring 20 at Bus Station
Recent Russian strikes across Ukraine have killed at least six people and injured 20, particularly in an attack on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia, according to a report in France 24. Local authorities reported fatalities from drones and artillery fire in the eastern Donetsk region and the southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. The attack in Zaporizhzhia involved a Russian glide bomb hitting a central bus station, resulting in 20 injuries. These events occur amid a pattern of reciprocal attacks, with Ukraine also targeting Russian territory, including Moscow, with drones.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks Surge Across Pacific Islands Posing Economic Risks
A sharp rise in dengue fever cases is impacting Pacific Island nations, with 16,502 confirmed infections and 17 deaths reported since the start of 2025, the highest level since 2016, according to a report in The Guardian. The World Health Organization (WHO) and regional surveillance systems note that countries including Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga are among the worst affected, with several declaring emergencies. Experts attribute the surge to the climate crisis, which is creating more favorable conditions for mosquito-borne diseases. The outbreaks are placing immense pressure on public health infrastructure and pose a significant economic threat to the region’s tourism-dependent economies.
German Police Arrest Demonstrators At Berlin Protest For Slain Journalists
Police in Berlin arrested several demonstrators at a protest concerning Al Jazeera journalists killed in Gaza, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The demonstration highlighted accusations from protestors and the media network that the journalists were deliberately targeted by Israeli forces, a claim Israel denies. The arrests occurred within the context of ongoing international concern from press freedom organizations about the high number of media workers killed in the conflict and Germany’s strict enforcement of public order laws during protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Maintain AUKUS Security Pact
Bipartisan US lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration to maintain the AUKUS security agreement with Australia and the UK, which aims to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, as per a report in AP. The plea coincides with a Pentagon review of the four-year-old pact, a process that has highlighted concerns about the US defense industrial base’s capacity to build submarines for both its own navy and for Australia. The review raises significant business and economic questions for the American shipbuilding industry, which is central to the pact’s success.
Canada's 2025 Wildfire Season Becomes Second-Worst On Record
Canada’s 2025 wildfire season has already become the second-most destructive in the nation’s history, with over 470 fires currently classified as ‘out of control’ across the country, The Guardian says in a report. Scientists attribute the prolonged and exacerbated burning to the effects of climate change, which is creating what experts are calling a “new reality” of more frequent and intense fire seasons. The widespread blazes are causing significant destruction, forcing numerous community evacuations, and leading to poor air quality from smoke plumes that also affect the US. The situation has significant economic implications, disrupting key industries like forestry and tourism, and has necessitated ongoing international firefighting assistance.
Global Law Enforcement Seizes $1M From Russian Ransomware Gang
A global law enforcement coalition has seized $1 million from the Russian-based ransomware group responsible for the Royal and BlackSuit strains, as per a report in TechCrunch. The operation targeted the group’s infrastructure, which is allegedly responsible for extorting approximately $370 million from victims since 2022. This seizure is part of a broader international strategy focused on disrupting the financial operations of major cybercriminal enterprises, following similar actions against other prominent groups like LockBit and ALPHV/BlackCat. While the seized amount is a fraction of the group’s total alleged earnings, the action aims to cripple their operational capabilities and financial incentives.
Sudan's RSF Kills 40 in Attack on North Darfur Displacement Camp
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly killed 40 people during an attack on the Abu Shouk displacement camp in North Darfur on Monday, according to a report in AP. The local rights group, Emergency Response Rooms, stated that RSF fighters raided the camp, located outside El Fasher, targeting civilians in their homes. This attack occurs amid an intensified siege by the RSF on El Fasher, the last major city in the region not under its full control and a critical humanitarian hub. The violence further destabilizes a region already facing a severe famine and what the UN has described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, stemming from the conflict that began in April 2023.
Scientists In Mexico Search For Endangered Axolotl DNA In Canals
Scientists from Mexico’s Autonomous University are filtering water in the Xochimilco canals to find genetic traces of the critically endangered axolotl salamander, as per a report in AP. The species, once plentiful in its native habitat, is now nearly impossible to find in the wild due to severe water pollution, habitat destruction, and predation by invasive fish. This non-invasive eDNA monitoring provides crucial data to assess any remaining wild populations, guiding conservation and potential reintroduction efforts for the scientifically valuable creature, which is renowned for its unique regenerative abilities.
US Teen Influencer Stranded In Chilean Antarctic After Illegal Landing
American teen influencer Ethan Guo has been stranded in the Chilean Antarctic since June after illegally landing his small plane during a record-setting attempt, AP says in a report. Chilean authorities have opened an investigation into the incident, alleging Guo provided a falsified flight plan and landed without authorization. The unauthorized landing occurred while Guo was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents.
South Korea's Military Shrinks By 20% Amid Demographic Crisis
South Korea’s military has contracted by 20% in the last six years, a direct consequence of the country’s severe demographic crisis and the world’s lowest birthrate, The Guardian says in a report. A defence ministry report highlights a shortfall of 50,000 troops needed to maintain defense readiness and also notes a decline in the number of available officers, which could lead to operational difficulties. This personnel shortage, occurring amid persistent military threats from North Korea, is forcing Seoul to accelerate investment in advanced military technology, including artificial intelligence and robotic systems, to compensate for reduced manpower and address significant national security implications.
