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Last Updated:August 23, 2025, 18:15 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.
UN Says Israel Blocks Gaza Aid; Dutch Minister Resigns Over Sanctions
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has stated that Israel is preventing the delivery of food from full warehouses into Gaza, where famine conditions are now confirmed in Gaza City, The Guardian says in a report. The situation is further highlighted by an Israeli airstrike on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. In a related diplomatic development, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced his resignation after his proposal for additional sanctions on Israel failed to gain approval from his cabinet, citing the current period of ‘unprecedented geopolitical tension’.
Russia Strikes US-Owned Company In Massive Missile Attack On Ukraine
Russia conducted a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, launching 614 missiles and drones across the country and hitting a US-owned company located near a NATO member’s border, according to a report in Fox News. The large-scale attack raises political and security implications, occurring as US President Donald Trump has publicly stated his intention to seek a rapid end to the conflict. The strike on a US asset could impact US-Russia relations and highlights the significant risk to foreign investments and infrastructure in Ukraine. This event continues to test Ukraine’s Western-supplied air defense systems and complicates the prospects for any near-term peace negotiations.
French Park Manager Detained For Alleged Discrimination Against Israeli Children
The manager of a leisure park in southern France has been detained on allegations of religious discrimination after a group of Israeli children were denied entry, according to a report in The Guardian. The children, aged eight to 16, were on holiday in Spain and had made a reservation to visit the Tyrovol zipline adventure park located in Porté-Puymorens, near the French-Spanish border. The Perpignan prosecutor’s office confirmed the incident, which occurred on Thursday, and the subsequent detention of the park’s manager.
New Report Alleges Israel's Aid Model Worsens Starvation In Gaza
A new report by Forensic Architecture and the World Peace Foundation alleges that Israel has worsened starvation in Gaza by replacing a proven aid distribution model with a “military model,” according to a report in The Guardian. The report claims this shift has dismantled effective systems. The humanitarian situation is further highlighted by warnings from the charity ActionAid, where Dr. Ra’ed Al-Baba from Al Awda Hospital reports mothers are using dangerous alternatives like legume water and herbs for infant milk. He described the consequences as “catastrophic,” leading to severe malnutrition, illness, and dehydration, calling it a “slow death.”
Iran Faces Sanctions Threat Amid Critical Nuclear Talks With European Powers
Iran is scheduled to hold critical talks on Friday with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom as it confronts an August 31 deadline to find a ‘satisfactory solution’ for its nuclear program, according to a report in AP. The three European nations have threatened to trigger the reimposition of United Nations sanctions if the deadline is not met, escalating diplomatic pressure on Tehran. A failure to reach an accord could lead to renewed economic sanctions on Iran, further impacting its economy and potentially destabilizing the Middle East. The outcome of these negotiations is seen as critical for global non-proliferation efforts and represents a significant test for European diplomacy in a long-running dispute that has seen the near-collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.
Global Stock Indices Influenced By Inflation Concerns And Geopolitical Tensions
Major global stock indices are reflecting a complex economic landscape influenced by persistent inflation concerns and the resulting monetary policies from central banks like the Federal Reserve and the ECB, according to a report in AP. Market volatility is further heightened by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which threaten to disrupt supply chains and impact energy prices. This environment creates a mixed outlook for global growth, with the performance of key indices serving as a critical indicator of economic health and influencing investment strategies, corporate financing, and government policy decisions worldwide.
FBI Raids Home and Office of Former US Official John Bolton
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has executed search warrants at the home and office of John Bolton, who served as Security Adviser during the first Trump administration, as per a report in Al Jazeera. While the specific reasons for the raid have not been officially disclosed, it follows a previous 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against Bolton over the alleged inclusion of classified information in his memoir. The search occurs amid wider DOJ investigations into the handling of classified materials by former officials, placing Bolton under renewed legal scrutiny regarding his management of sensitive government records.
Iran To Hold Critical Call With European Nations Over Nuclear Program
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will hold a critical telephone conference on Friday with counterparts from France, Germany, and the UK (E3) in a bid to salvage the 2015 nuclear accord and prevent the re-imposition of UN sanctions, AP said in a report. This diplomatic effort, announced by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, comes as the E3 nations threaten to trigger the deal’s ‘snapback’ mechanism, which would restore all prior UN sanctions against Tehran. The potential collapse of the deal carries significant economic implications, threatening to further isolate Iran’s economy and escalate geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.
Israeli Defense Minister Warns Gaza City Could Be Destroyed Amid New Strikes
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, issued a stark warning on Friday that Gaza City could face destruction if Hamas does not yield to Israeli demands, as per a report in AP. This statement comes a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the military to prepare for a major offensive to seize control of the city. The warning was accompanied by ongoing Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed 17 Palestinians. Concurrently, a leading global authority on food crises has raised alarms about the severe humanitarian impact of the fighting and blockade on the region’s population.
Israel Advances in Gaza and Approves New West Bank Settlements
Israel has intensified its actions on two fronts, approving new settlements in the occupied West Bank while its ground forces advance on Gaza City, according to a report in The New York Times. These moves have been met with widespread international condemnation and are seen as a direct challenge to ongoing diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. The expansion of settlements is viewed by the international community as a significant obstacle to a two-state solution, further fragmenting Palestinian territory. Concurrently, the military push into densely populated Gaza City is expected to worsen the severe humanitarian crisis, raising concerns about civilian casualties and mass displacement, and potentially straining Israel’s relations with key international allies.
UK Foreign Secretary Warned For Fishing Without License With US Vice President
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy was issued a written warning for fishing without a license during an outing with US Vice President JD Vance, AP said in a report. The UK’s Environment Agency confirmed the warning on Friday for the offense, which could have carried a fine of up to £2,500 ($3,380). A spokesperson for Lammy described the incident as an ‘administrative oversight’.
Devastating Monsoon Floods Kill Over 300 in Pakistan and India
Heavy monsoon rains have resulted in a significant death toll of over 300 people across Pakistan and India, with devastating floods and landslides battering mountainous regions and major cities like Mumbai, The Guardian says in a report. Described as one of the deadliest monsoon seasons in recent years, the disaster has triggered a major humanitarian crisis involving widespread displacement and urgent needs for aid. The extensive damage to critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges is severely disrupting supply chains and rescue operations, indicating substantial long-term economic repercussions for reconstruction and regional food security. This event is amplifying calls for enhanced climate change adaptation and resilience strategies to mitigate the impact of increasingly intense weather patterns in South Asia.
Five More Bodies Recovered in Kenya Cult Investigation
Authorities in Kenya have recovered five more bodies from the Shakahola Forest, adding to the death toll from a cult whose leader allegedly instructed followers to starve themselves, Al Jazeera says in a report. The discovery is part of the ongoing investigation into the Good News Church, led by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, which has seen hundreds of bodies exhumed since April 2023, bringing the total death count to over 400. Mackenzie and several co-accused remain in custody facing multiple charges, including murder and terrorism. The continued findings increase political pressure on the Kenyan government to conclude the investigation and have sparked a national debate over the regulation of religious groups.
UN-Backed Body Formally Declares Famine in Gaza
A UN-backed body, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), has officially declared a famine in Gaza, stating that more than half a million Palestinians are experiencing catastrophic hunger and starvation, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The declaration, which signifies the most severe level of food insecurity (IPC Phase 5), comes after months of warnings from humanitarian agencies about the impact of Israel’s ongoing military operations and severe restrictions on aid delivery. The IPC’s analysis confirms that the thresholds for famine—regarding food consumption, acute malnutrition, and mortality—have been crossed. This development intensifies international pressure on Israel and adds urgency to diplomatic efforts for a sustained ceasefire to allow for unimpeded humanitarian access and prevent further loss of life.
Asian Shares Mixed After Wall Street's Fifth Consecutive Loss
Asian stock markets showed mixed results on Friday following a fifth consecutive day of losses on Wall Street, driven by concerns over future US interest rate policy, as per a report in AP. Traders are adopting a cautious stance ahead of a key meeting of central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index slipped 0.1% after initially gaining, following the release of data showing the country’s core inflation rate slowed to 3.1% in July from 3.3% in June.
Israel Warns Gaza City Could Be Destroyed Amid Plans For Major Offensive
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas does not comply with Israel’s terms, as the country’s military prepares for an expanded offensive, AP says in a report. The warning follows a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorizing a major operation to seize the city, which Israel identifies as a primary Hamas stronghold. Katz warned that Gaza City could face a fate similar to areas like Beit Hanoun, which were heavily damaged earlier in the conflict. An expanded ground invasion into the densely populated urban area is expected to significantly worsen the severe humanitarian crisis and has prompted increasing international calls for the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Historic Swedish Church Completes Move To Escape Mine Subsidence
The Kiruna Church, an iconic wooden structure in Sweden consecrated in 1912, has been successfully moved in a complex two-day operation to save it from ground subsidence, according to a report in BBC. The ground instability is a direct result of the expansion of the world’s largest underground iron ore mine, operated by the state-owned company LKAB. This relocation is a significant milestone in the broader, multi-decade urban transformation project which involves moving the entire city of Kiruna several kilometers to accommodate the growing mine, presenting a major case study in the economic and logistical challenges of balancing industrial needs with cultural heritage preservation.
Hegseth Reportedly Fires General Over Iran Intel Assessment That Angered Trump
An official identified as Hegseth has fired a general following an initial intelligence assessment from the general’s agency regarding damage to Iranian nuclear facilities that reportedly angered President Donald Trump, as per a report in AP. The report, which cites unnamed sources, connects the dismissal directly to the President’s reaction to the intelligence concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
Global Markets Await Fed Policy Amid US-China Tech And Resource Tensions
World financial markets are showing mixed results as investors await signals on US monetary policy from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, as per a report in AP. Concurrently, geopolitical and trade tensions are in focus, with Nvidia’s CEO confirming the company is in talks with the current Trump administration to develop a new chip for the Chinese market amidst ongoing technology export restrictions. Adding to global supply chain concerns, China has also introduced new regulations on rare earths, a critical sector where it maintains global dominance.
IPC Declares Famine In Gaza City, Warns Of Further Spread
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the leading global authority on food crises, has officially declared that famine is occurring in Gaza City, according to a report in AP. The declaration, which confirms prior expert warnings, is made when at least 20% of households face extreme food shortages, 30% of children suffer from acute malnutrition, and at least two people per 10,000 die daily from starvation. The IPC also warned that without an immediate ceasefire, the famine is highly likely to spread to the southern cities of Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, significantly increasing pressure for unimpeded humanitarian aid and intensifying diplomatic efforts.
Niger Army Says It Killed Senior Boko Haram Leader In Airstrike
Niger’s army announced on state television that a targeted airstrike on August 15 in the Lake Chad region killed senior Boko Haram leader Ibrahim Bakoura, AP says in a report. The army claimed the strike also killed dozens of other militants and that Bakoura had been tracked for several weeks. The announcement of the operation was made by the military junta that took power in the country in a July 2023 coup.
Philippines Condemns China's 'Swarm' Tactics At Disputed Shoal
The Philippine defense chief has condemned China’s deployment of a swarm of armed coast guard forces, supported by a helicopter and a drone, near the Philippines’ military outpost at the fiercely disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, AP says in a report. In response to the latest tense faceoff, the Philippine military has vowed to defend its offshore territory. China has countered the accusation, claiming the incident was a “staged provocation” by the Philippines. The event is the latest in a series of confrontations at the shoal, a significant flashpoint in the region.
Wall Street Rallies As Dow Soars On Hopes For Lower Interest Rates
US stock markets saw a major rally on Friday, driven by hopes for lower interest rates, as per a report in AP. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 716 points (1.6%), and was on track to surpass its December all-time high, while the S&P 500 jumped 1.4%, erasing all of its losses for the week. The investor optimism followed comments from the head of the Federal Reserve suggesting potential rate cuts, a policy move that has been publicly encouraged by President Donald Trump. However, the Fed gave no clear indication of when such cuts might occur.
Israel Warns of Gaza City Destruction as Famine Is Declared
Israel’s defense minister issued a warning that Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas does not comply with Israel’s conditions, as an impending major ground offensive, authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, could launch within days, as per a report in AP. This development, which carries significant political and regional stability implications, coincides with a formal famine declaration for the city by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The IPC, a leading global authority, attributes the widespread starvation to the ongoing conflict and a comprehensive Israeli blockade that has severely restricted humanitarian aid and crippled the local economy. In advance of the broader operation, Israeli airstrikes have already targeted areas in Gaza City, intensifying the severe humanitarian crisis and increasing pressure on international aid organizations.
President Trump Announces Kennedy Center As FIFA 2026 World Cup Draw Venue
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. this December, as per a report in AP. The 2026 tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The selection of the prominent national cultural center for the draw marks a key milestone for the global football competition ahead of the event.
Israeli Military Data Reveals Inflated Militant Death Toll, Lack Of Post-War Strategy
A joint investigation has found that Israel’s military and political leadership have been using a “war dashboard” focused on militant kill counts as a primary objective, while lacking a clear strategy for Gaza’s post-war governance, according to a report in The Guardian. The investigation, which cites a classified military intelligence database from May 2025, revealed that out of 47,653 listed Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters, 8,900 were marked as killed. Sources from Israel’s elite Unit 8200 indicated this quantitative focus on militant deaths overshadowed the need for a viable plan for how Gaza would be governed after the conflict, suggesting a strategic failure despite the reported tactical numbers.
