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Last Updated:August 11, 2025, 21:15 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.
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.
Seven Volunteers Killed in Northern Pakistan Mudslide
Seven volunteers were killed and three others were injured after a massive mudslide struck the town of Danyor in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region early Monday, according to a report in AP. Faizullah Faraq, a regional government spokesperson, confirmed that rescuers recovered the bodies and transported the injured to a hospital. The volunteers were working to repair a drainage channel that had been damaged by flash floods. This incident occurred one day after a glacial lake outburst flood had caused significant damage to the crucial Karakoram Highway in the same region.
Global Entrepreneurial Hubs Challenge US Dominance In Wealth Creation
The United States’ long-held position as the primary hub for entrepreneurial wealth creation is facing a significant challenge from a growing number of international ecosystems, according to a report in the Financial Times. New research indicates that major cities across Asia and Europe are developing into powerful startup hubs, attracting substantial venture capital and fostering innovation. This global shift is supported by non-US governments implementing favorable policies, such as tax incentives and dedicated funding programs, to cultivate domestic growth. The trend reflects a diversification of global venture capital, which is increasingly flowing into these emerging and established non-US markets, signaling a potential move towards a more multipolar global economic landscape.
Indonesian Court In Aceh Sentences Two Men To Public Caning For Gay Sex
An Islamic Shariah court in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province has sentenced two men to public caning for having gay sex, according to a report in AP. The ruling is possible due to Aceh’s unique status as the only Indonesian province permitted to implement Sharia law, a right granted in a 2005 autonomy agreement. While homosexuality is not a crime under Indonesia’s national law, the verdict comes amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the country. The sentence has drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations, which have raised concerns about the impact on Indonesia’s global standing.
Bosnian Mountain Resorts Pivot To Summer Tourism Amid Climate Change
Mountain resorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditionally dependent on winter sports, are strategically pivoting to develop year-round tourism with a new emphasis on summer activities, according to a report in AP. This shift, observed in mid-altitude resorts near Sarajevo, is a direct business response to climate change, which has made seasonal snowfall less reliable for snow sports. This diversification strategy aims to create a more resilient local economy by attracting summer tourists, aligning with the country’s broader goal of expanding its tourism sector, despite challenges posed by inconsistent data collection for strategic planning.
Returning Venezuelan Migrants Confront Debt And Precarious Living Conditions
Many Venezuelan migrants who returned home after facing pandemic-related job losses in other countries are now confronting severe debt and harsh living conditions, according to a report in AP. This reverse migration trend, a shift for some of the millions who previously fled the nation’s long-standing economic crisis, has left returnees in a precarious state. Lacking formal employment opportunities, many are forced into the informal economy and must rely on predatory loan sharks to survive. This situation exacerbates the cycle of poverty and adds further strain to Venezuela’s already crippled public services and social safety nets, a crisis that was officially acknowledged as far back as January 2016 when President Nicolás Maduro declared a national ‘economic emergency’.
Philippine President Says Nation Would Be Drawn Into Any Taiwan Conflict
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned on Monday that the Philippines would be drawn “kicking and screaming” into any potential war over Taiwan, AP said in a report. He cited the country’s close proximity to the self-governing island—with its northernmost islands less than 200km away—and the presence of over 150,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan as key factors making involvement unavoidable. The statement, which drew protests from China, comes amid heightened regional tensions, including increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan and escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Marcos also asserted that Philippine forces would not back down from defending the nation’s territorial interests in the contested waters.
US Asset Managers BlackRock And Vanguard Expand Dominance In Europe
A group of major US-based asset managers, including BlackRock and Vanguard, are expanding their market share in Europe at a rate that significantly outstrips the growth of local firms, according to a report in Financial Times. This expansion is largely driven by the rising popularity of low-cost passive investment products like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a market segment where the US giants have substantial scale and technological advantages. The trend is creating significant competitive pressure on European asset managers, potentially leading to further industry consolidation, while also drawing increased scrutiny from EU regulators concerned about systemic risk and the bloc’s financial autonomy.
Indonesia And Peru Hold Trade Talks In Response To US Tariffs
The President of Peru and his Indonesian counterpart held talks in Jakarta on Monday to bolster economic ties as both nations seek new markets in response to rising global trade barriers, according to a report in AP. The meeting comes just days after US President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs, including a 19% rate on Indonesia, while Peru faces a 10% baseline tariff set previously. This diplomatic engagement highlights a broader strategy by developing economies to diversify trade partnerships and mitigate the impact of protectionist policies from major economic powers.
Major Energy Firms Pivot Back To Fossil Fuel Exploration As Green Transition Slows
Major global energy companies are refocusing on fossil fuel exploration, anticipating continued global demand for decades as the green energy transition decelerates, according to a report in the Financial Times. This strategic shift is driven by several factors, including a heightened focus on energy security due to geopolitical instability, economic headwinds such as inflation that have increased the cost of renewable projects, and pressure from investors to maximize returns from traditional assets. While renewable energy growth continues, this pivot by major oil firms reflects a re-evaluation of peak oil demand projections, with some industry forecasts anticipating robust demand well into the 2030s, particularly from developing economies.
Greek Police Seize Over 270 Kilos of Cocaine Valued at €5.5 Million
Greek police have arrested three men after seizing more than 270 kilograms (595 pounds) of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding 5.5 million euros ($6.5 million), AP said in a report. The drugs were discovered hidden inside a container of bananas imported from Ecuador to the northern Greek port of Thessaloniki. The operation was launched following a tip from the United Kingdom’s Crime Agency, which had been tracking the shipment.
Syria Hospital Security Footage Shows Killing Of Medical Worker
Security camera footage from a hospital in Sweida, southern Syria, published on Sunday, appears to show the killing of a medical worker by men in military uniforms, as per a report in AP. The video, released by the activist media collective Suwayda 24 and dated July 16, was recorded during a period of intense clashes involving local groups and government forces. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, depicts a group of medical staff in scrubs kneeling on the floor before armed men, highlighting the ongoing risks to healthcare personnel in the conflict zone.
Netanyahu Defends Wider Gaza Offensive After Talks With US President Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday announced a new military offensive in Gaza that will be more extensive than previously indicated, stating Israel must “complete the defeat of Hamas,” as per a report in AP. The move comes amid growing international and domestic condemnation of the nearly 22-month conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of more Palestinians killed while seeking aid and the child hunger death toll reaching 100. In a significant diplomatic development, Netanyahu confirmed he discussed the military plan with US President Donald Trump, and the US subsequently defended Israel at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
Triple Crisis Of Heat, Water, And Power Disrupts Life In Iran
Iran is experiencing a severe ‘triple crisis’ as record-breaking heat, extensive power outages, and critical water shortages profoundly impact daily life across the country, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The situation is fueled by a combination of factors, including climate change-driven heatwaves, chronic underinvestment in an aging power grid hampered by international sanctions, and decades of water mismanagement. These interconnected issues create a vicious cycle: extreme heat increases electricity demand for cooling, while drought reduces hydropower capacity, crippling both the energy and water sectors. The crisis is causing significant economic disruption, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture, and fueling public discontent over the government’s inability to provide essential services.
Over 500 Arrested In London For Supporting Proscribed Pro-Palestinian Group
London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 532 people on Saturday after supporters of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a pro-Palestinian group recently proscribed as a terrorist organization, intentionally violated the law to challenge the government’s enforcement of the ban, as per a report in AP. The vast majority of arrests were for displaying placards and other materials expressing support for the group, which the UK government officially outlawed in January 2024. The police action represents a significant enforcement of the new counter-extremism measures, with the group’s supporters deliberately testing the legal boundaries. A separate pro-Palestinian demonstration also occurred in central London on Sunday.
German Opposition Leader Defends Partial Weapons Halt To Israel
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has publicly defended the government’s decision to implement a partial halt on weapons sales to Israel, asserting that Berlin’s fundamental commitment to Israel’s security has not changed, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The move, which involves a limited set of weapons rather than a full embargo, has drawn a response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated he hopes for a reversal of the policy. This development occurs amid significant international pressure on Germany, including a case filed by Nicaragua at the Court of Justice (ICJ) in March 2024 accusing Germany of facilitating genocide in Gaza through its military and financial support to Israel.
Protests In Israel Mount Against Plan To Expand Gaza War
Protests in Israel have intensified as demonstrators increase pressure on the government to halt plans for expanding the war in Gaza, particularly a potential ground offensive in Rafah, as per a report in BBC. This domestic dissent coincides with a deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry reported that five people, including two children, died from malnutrition in the last 24 hours. The ongoing protests reflect growing public discontent with the government’s handling of the war and the hostage situation, adding pressure that could impact the ruling coalition’s stability and influence future military strategy.
Israel Confirms Killing of Al Jazeera Correspondent in Gaza
Al Jazeera announced its correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, was killed in Gaza City, with the Israeli military confirming his death, according to a report in AP. The broadcaster stated that al-Sharif and other journalists were killed in their tent. This event occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of other Palestinians being killed while seeking aid and a rising child death toll from hunger. The incident adds to the high number of journalist fatalities in the conflict, intensifying international political scrutiny of Israeli military operations. The article also noted related developments including a call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, and US support for Israel at the UN Security Council.
Southern Europe Battles Worst Wildfires In Decades
Southern Europe is battling its most severe wildfires in decades, with France reporting its largest blaze in at least 50 years, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The fires, affecting countries including Spain, Portugal, and Italy, are fueled by a persistent and intense heatwave that has created exceptionally dry conditions. The unprecedented scale of the blazes has led to widespread evacuations, strained emergency services, and caused significant damage to ecosystems and key economic sectors like tourism and agriculture. Climate scientists have linked the intensity of the fires to the long-term effects of climate change.
