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Last Updated:August 13, 2025, 12:30 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.
UK Drought Group Suggests Deleting Digital Files To Combat Drought
Amidst the UK’s fourth summer heatwave and the driest conditions since 1976, the Drought Group has recommended that the public delete digital files like old emails to help conserve water, The Verge says in a report. The suggestion, part of a wider public appeal for water-saving, connects individual digital habits to the substantial water usage required for cooling and powering data centers. Helen Wakeham, the Environment Agency’s Director of Water, included this in a list of “simple, everyday choices.” While the direct savings from deleting files were not quantified, the move highlights the growing scrutiny on the environmental impact of digital infrastructure, as data centers can consume millions of liters of water annually for cooling and for the generation of their electricity supply. The appeal comes as five regions in the UK have officially declared a drought.
Nigeria's Megacity Of Lagos Struggles With New Plastics Ban
Authorities in Lagos, one of the world’s most plastic-polluted urban areas, have recently imposed a ban on single-use plastics, a move with significant economic implications for the megacity’s 20 million residents and numerous businesses, AP says in a report. The policy aims to address the city’s contribution of 870,000 tons to global plastic waste. However, the ban’s implementation is proving difficult, with residents and small businesses citing weak enforcement and a lack of affordable alternative packaging, disrupting daily commerce and highlighting the economic challenges of such environmental regulations in large urban centers.
Trump's 'Golden Dome' Defense Plan Includes Space Weapons, New US Missile Field
The proposed plan, reportedly shared with defense contractors, outlines a significant expansion of US missile defense by incorporating advanced space and directed energy technologies. Key elements include the development of space-based missiles and laser weapon systems. The strategy also calls for a major new infrastructure project: the construction of a new missile field located in the US Midwest.
Singapore And US Scrap F-15 Fighter Jet Training Plan In Guam
Singapore and the United States have mutually agreed to shelve long-standing plans to establish a training detachment for 12 of Singapore’s F-15 fighter jets in Guam, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The Singapore Ministry of Defence and the US Air Force both confirmed the decision, attributing it to a re-evaluation based on the “RSAF’s evolving training requirements and opportunities.” This strategic adjustment comes despite years of preparation and significant investment in upgrading the US Air Force base on the Pacific island to accommodate the deployment. Officials from both nations have emphasized that the cancellation does not reflect a weakening of their strong bilateral defense partnership but rather a practical reprioritization of military assets and training strategies in the Indo-Pacific.
Asset Managers Push For Retail Access To Catastrophe Bonds
Asset managers are intensifying efforts to gain regulatory approval for selling catastrophe bonds to retail investors, a market traditionally dominated by institutional players, according to a report in Financial Times. This initiative is fueled by a surge in the issuance of these insurance-linked securities, as investors seek high-yield assets whose returns are not correlated with traditional financial markets. The push also comes as the insurance industry faces a capacity crunch and rising costs in the traditional reinsurance market, driven by the increasing frequency of natural disasters. However, the move faces significant regulatory scrutiny due to the complexity and high-risk nature of the products, where investors face the potential for a total loss of their principal if a predefined catastrophic event occurs.
UN Chief Warns Israel And Russia Over Sexual Violence Reports
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has formally put Israel and Russia ‘on notice’ over documented patterns of sexual violence by their armed forces, Al Jazeera said in a report. The warning to Israel relates to allegations of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees by its forces, noted in a previous UN report. The action against Russia stems from extensive documentation of widespread sexual violence by its troops in Ukraine since the February 2022 invasion. This diplomatic ‘on notice’ status serves as a strong warning, indicating the UN expects immediate action to investigate and prevent further incidents.
Vietnam Launches Ambitious Economic Overhaul For 'Asian Tiger' Status
Vietnam has launched what is described as its most ambitious economic overhaul in decades, signaling a ‘new era of development’ aimed at achieving ‘Asian Tiger’ status, according to a report in AP. The country is strategically shifting from an economy heavily reliant on an export boom to a more diversified model where the private sector is intended to take a leading role. This transformation is underpinned by a focus on attracting high-quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as part of the ‘China+1’ supply chain diversification trend, and a push into higher-value sectors like the digital economy and high-tech manufacturing. The plan also incorporates sustainability goals, acknowledging a ‘closing window from climate change’ and advancing its green transition through programs like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Anduril Opens Rocket Motor Factory To Address Global Defense Demands
Defense technology company Anduril has opened a new solid rocket motor (SRM) factory, a significant development for the US defense industrial base, TechCrunch says in a report. The facility aims to address the sharply increased global demand for missiles and other defense systems, driven by geopolitical tensions such as the war in Ukraine. This move positions Anduril as a key new supplier in a market historically dominated by legacy contractors and aligns with US Department of Defense efforts to modernize its production capabilities. However, the expansion in manufacturing capacity is challenged by a critical, ongoing “chemical chokepoint”—a global shortage of the specialized precursor chemicals and energetic materials essential for producing solid rocket propellants. This underlying supply chain vulnerability remains a significant hurdle to rapidly replenishing depleted Western stockpiles and meeting future strategic needs.
Australia Invests Billions To Counter China's Rare Earth Monopoly
Australia is making a significant multi-billion dollar investment to expand its rare earth mining and processing capabilities, aiming to create a viable alternative to China’s market dominance, according to a report in BBC. This strategic push is driven by global concerns over Beijing’s tightening export controls and the potential weaponization of its supply chain, which currently accounts for over 85% of global rare earth processing. The Australian government is providing substantial funding, including A$4 billion through its Critical Minerals Facility, to support projects by companies like Lynas Rare Earths and Arafura Resources. The initiative, supported by partnerships with the US and the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, seeks to de-risk global supply chains for essential industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense.
Typhoon Podul Triggers School and Office Closures in Taiwan
Schools and government offices across Taiwan closed on Wednesday in anticipation of Typhoon Podul, which was expected to make landfall later in the day, as per a report in AP. The storm, located southeast of the island and moving at 155 kilometers per hour, has prompted authorities to be on high alert for heavy rains, which could inflict significant damage on the region’s agriculture sector. While high waves and winds were reported on the east coast, the full impact of the storm remained uncertain as of Wednesday morning, with potential economic disruptions from infrastructure damage and a slowdown in local activity.
Chinese Brands Gain Acceptance In Singapore As Quality Perception Improves
Consumers in Singapore are increasingly embracing Chinese brands as the long-held stigma of ‘Made in China’ products being cheap knockoffs fades, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This market shift is driven by significant improvements in the quality, innovation, and design of Chinese goods, particularly in sectors like electronics, home appliances, and electric vehicles. The growing acceptance in Singapore, a sophisticated and quality-conscious market, signals a broader change in global consumer perception, boosted by China’s strategic investment in high-value manufacturing and deeper economic integration with ASEAN nations through agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
E3 Threatens To Trigger 'Snapback' Sanctions On Iran
The E3 group of nations—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—has formally communicated to the UN its readiness to reimpose international sanctions on Iran unless it returns to negotiations over its nuclear program, the Financial Times said in a report. This move involves triggering the ‘snapback’ provision within UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which allows for the restoration of all previous UN sanctions without the possibility of a veto from other Security Council members like Russia or China. The warning comes as talks to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have remained stalled since August 2022, during which time Iran has significantly advanced its nuclear activities, including enriching uranium to levels far exceeding the deal’s limits.
Global 'Mining Mafia' Feeds China’s Gold Demand, Investigation Shows
An investigation has revealed that global organized crime networks, or ‘mining mafias’, are fueling China’s significant gold procurement as the nation seeks to reduce its reliance on the US dollar, according to a report in The Washington Post. This large-scale acquisition is part of Beijing’s broader strategic effort to diversify its foreign reserves and increase its influence over the international monetary system. The demand from China provides a major market for these illicit mining operations, which are linked to severe environmental degradation and human rights abuses in various parts of the world. This dynamic complicates efforts to establish transparent and ethical gold supply chains and adds a new layer of tension to US-China geopolitical relations.
US Push For Lunar Nuclear Reactor Sparks Geopolitical And Legal Concerns
The US, under the administration of President Donald Trump, is fast-tracking efforts to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon to stay ahead of strategic competitors China and Russia, according to a report in The Washington Post. The initiative, part of the broader Artemis program, is considered critical for enabling a sustained human presence and future resource utilization on the lunar surface. However, the plan has ignited significant international legal debate, particularly over the concept of establishing a “keep-out zone” or “safety zone” around the reactor. This raises questions about its compliance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which explicitly forbids the national appropriation of celestial bodies, creating a new frontier in geopolitical and legal maneuvering in space.
Germany's AfD Party Reaches Record High In Polls
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has reached a record 26% in a national poll, placing it ahead of the main opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), according to a report in Fox News. This surge in support comes amid low approval ratings for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government and follows a broader European trend of rising populist parties. The AfD’s growth persists despite Germany’s domestic intelligence agency having classified the party as a ‘suspected case’ of right-wing extremism in March 2021, which allows for state surveillance. While ideologically aligned with populist movements like that of US President Donald Trump, there is no public evidence of direct backing.
US State Department Eases Criticism Of Israel In Annual Human Rights Report
The US State Department’s annual Human Rights Report for 2024 has softened its criticism of some countries, most notably Israel, The Japan Times says in a report. The section on Israel is significantly shorter than in previous editions and does not mention the severe humanitarian crisis or the high death toll in the Gaza Strip following the October 7 attacks. This omission marks a departure from the historical US practice for these reports and occurs as Israel faces international legal scrutiny for its actions in Gaza.
EU Preparing 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia, Says Estonia's Prime Minister
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union will begin work on a 19th sanctions package targeting Russia, as per a report in RT. Kallas emphasized the EU’s firm stance, stating that a full ceasefire with Ukraine is a necessary precondition before any concessions to Moscow will be considered. This development signals the EU’s continued commitment to applying economic and political pressure on Russia in response to the ongoing conflict.
Myanmar Faces Dramatic Hunger Rise After Aid Reductions
A dramatic rise in hunger is occurring across Myanmar, a crisis significantly worsened after the World Food Program (WFP) was forced to cut aid to one million people nationwide in April, according to a report in The Japan Times. This escalation is driven by a combination of factors stemming from the ongoing civil conflict since the February 2021 military coup, including severe economic downturn, high inflation, and disruptions to food production. The WFP’s decision was necessitated by major funding shortfalls from international donors and severe access restrictions imposed by the ruling military junta, which deliberately hampers humanitarian efforts. While the aid cut affected one million people, UN estimates indicate over 18 million people in Myanmar require humanitarian assistance, highlighting the scale of the crisis and its potential to destabilize the region by increasing refugee flows.
Dwindling Octopus Stocks in Spain Force Seafood Industry Toward Imports and Farming
Amid dwindling wild octopus populations, Spanish authorities have been forced to close the nation’s octopus fishery, creating significant disruption in the global seafood supply chain, as per a report in AP. This has prompted suppliers to increase reliance on imports and explore the development of commercial octopus farming to meet demand from markets in Europe, Asia, and the US. However, the move towards aquaculture is met with strong opposition from animal welfare organizations, who cite a growing scientific consensus that recognizes octopuses as sentient beings capable of feeling pain. The situation highlights a broader trend of pressure on wild marine stocks, the economic vulnerability of traditional fishing communities, and a growing ethical and regulatory debate over farming intelligent invertebrates.
Gaza Faces Growing Threat From Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases
Gaza is confronting a severe public health crisis as antibiotic-resistant diseases spread throughout the territory, exacerbated by conditions from the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023, according to a report in The Guardian. Experts warn that high levels of drug-resistant bacteria, combined with widespread malnutrition, numerous injuries, and a desperate scarcity of medical supplies due to the near-total collapse of the healthcare system, will lead to more severe illnesses and increased mortality. The unsanitary conditions from mass displacement and lack of clean water are creating ideal breeding grounds for these infections, posing a significant risk of more rapid transmission and preventable deaths among the vulnerable population.
Senior Chinese Diplomat Under Investigation, Raising Policy Concerns
Liu Jianchao, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s Department and a figure once considered a top candidate for Foreign Minister, has been detained for unclear reasons. This development follows the abrupt removal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in 2023 and is seen as part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has also targeted other senior officials. The investigation into Liu destabilizes China’s diplomatic leadership, raising concerns among international observers about the predictability and direction of Beijing’s foreign policy and reinforcing perceptions of the opaqueness within China’s political system.
UK Aircraft Carrier Arrives In Japan To Strengthen Indo-Pacific Defence Ties
The UK’s aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has docked in Japan, marking the second such visit by a British carrier since 2021 and underscoring a sustained military presence in the region, The Japan Times said in a report. The deployment is a key component of the UK’s ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’ strategy, aimed at enhancing its influence and contributing to regional security. This visit builds on a growing defense relationship with Japan, which was formalized by a Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2023 to facilitate joint military exercises and further collaboration on projects like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The carrier’s presence is intended to bolster deterrence in the region and serves as a tangible demonstration of the UK’s post-Brexit ‘Global Britain’ foreign policy ambitions.
Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund Launches Hiring Drive Amid Record Asset Growth
Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) is initiating a significant hiring drive to bolster its in-house expertise as its assets under management have grown to a record 224.7 trillion yen (approx. $1.5 trillion USD), The Japan Times says in a report. The move to expand its unusually small team of around 150 employees aligns with a global trend of large institutional investors bringing asset management functions in-house to reduce fees and increase control. This strategic shift is critical for Japan, which faces severe demographic pressures from an aging population, making the efficient management and long-term sustainability of its public pension system paramount. The recruitment will focus on key areas such as investment management, risk, and IT, aiming to enhance the fund’s operational capacity and investment strategies.
Underdiagnosis Masks True Scope of Lung Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Lung cancer is a growing but largely undocumented crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, where official statistics mask the true scale of the disease, according to a report in NPR. This ‘hidden epidemic’ is driven by a critical lack of diagnostic capabilities, such as pathology labs and CT scans, and a shortage of specialized oncologists. Consequently, many cases are misattributed to more prevalent infectious diseases like tuberculosis, or patients die without a definitive diagnosis. The problem is compounded by risk factors unique to the region, including widespread exposure to indoor air pollution from biomass fuels, in addition to rising tobacco use. This systemic underreporting leads to misinformed global health policies and funding allocations, which remain heavily focused on communicable diseases, ultimately resulting in late-stage diagnoses and poor patient outcomes for cancer.
Rights Groups Allege Omissions In US State Department Human Rights Report
Human rights groups have accused the US State Department of manipulating its revised annual human rights report by omitting key issues, following an overhaul of priorities and the dismissal of key staff, as per a report in Al Jazeera. These organizations allege the changes undermine the report’s integrity, which is a mandated component of US foreign policy used to inform Congress and guide diplomatic engagement. The controversy raises concerns about the political implications for US global credibility, potentially weakening its moral authority and effectiveness in advocating for human rights internationally.
Nigerian Military Says Scores Of Bandits Killed In Air And Ground Raids
The Nigerian military has conducted significant air and ground raids, resulting in the deaths of scores of bandits in a forest region, BBC says in a report. The operation reportedly targeted over 400 gunmen who were planning an attack on a nearby village. This action is part of Nigeria’s ongoing military campaign against organized criminal groups, which the government officially designates as terrorists, in the country’s North-West and North-Central regions. These operations aim to disrupt frequent attacks on rural communities and address the severe security crisis that has displaced millions and destabilized the regional economy.
