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Last Updated:August 20, 2025, 12:00 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.
US Soybean Farmers Urge Trump To Secure Purchase Deal With China
American soybean farmers sent a letter to US President Donald Trump urging him to finalize a trade deal with China that includes substantial purchase agreements for their crops, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The farmers expressed concern over potentially dire long-term economic outcomes as China, the world’s top soybean importer, continues to favor Brazilian suppliers amid ongoing trade tensions. The letter highlights that China has not yet made pre-purchases from the upcoming US harvest, a significant and worrying deviation from normal trade patterns.
UK Agrees To Drop Mandate For Apple Encryption 'Backdoor'
The United Kingdom has reportedly agreed to drop a mandate that would have required Apple to create a ‘backdoor’ to its encrypted systems, Al Jazeera says in a report. This decision represents a significant moment in the ongoing global debate between governments seeking lawful access to encrypted communications and technology companies prioritizing user privacy. US Director of Intelligence Avril Haines noted that the change upholds the privacy of users. The move is viewed as a victory for privacy advocates and reinforces Apple’s long-standing public stance against weakening its end-to-end encryption protocols.
Qatar Urges Gaza Ceasefire After Hamas Gives 'Positive Response' To Proposal
A key mediator, Qatar, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday following what it described as a ‘positive response’ from Hamas to a new proposal, as per a report in AP. While Hamas has signaled acceptance, Israel has not yet officially responded and is reportedly preparing for a military offensive on densely populated areas in southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians are sheltering. The prospect of this offensive has drawn international condemnation, and the humanitarian situation remains severe, with 28 Palestinians recently killed and new attempts being made to deliver aid by sea.
Aid Ship With 1,200 Tons Of Food For Gaza Nears Israeli Port
A Panamanian-flagged vessel carrying 1,200 tons of food aid is nearing the Israeli port of Ashdod after departing from Cyprus, marking a renewed attempt to deliver humanitarian relief to Gaza, AP says in a report. The shipment, containing 52 containers of essentials such as pasta, rice, and baby food, was screened by Israeli customs officials in the Cypriot port of Limassol before departing on Monday. Of the total aid aboard the vessel, 700 tons were provided by Cyprus.
Centrist Rodrigo Paz Surges To First-Round Victory In Bolivian Election
Centrist candidate Rodrigo Paz, who had been trailing in polls, secured a surprise victory in the first round of Bolivia’s presidential election on Sunday, according to a report in The New York Times. The result marks a significant challenge to the nearly two-decade-long political dominance of the leftist Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. This political shift occurs as Bolivia confronts serious economic headwinds, including declining natural gas revenues and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, which have likely fueled voter desire for change. The MAS party’s position was also weakened by recent internal power struggles, making it vulnerable to an opposition surge.
Former Owner Of World's Largest Rhino Farm Arrested For Horn Trafficking
South African police arrested John Hume, the prominent former owner of the world’s largest rhino farm, along with five other individuals on Tuesday for the alleged transnational trafficking of rhino horns, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The arrests are the result of a complex investigation that began in 2017, according to the police’s specialized Hawks unit. While domestic trade in rhino horn is permitted within South Africa, its export is illegal under both national and international law. Hume, who sold his farm housing over 2,000 rhinos to a conservation group in 2023, has historically been a vocal advocate for legalizing the international trade of rhino horns.
President Trump Rules Out US Troops In Ukraine As UN Backs Peace Talks
US President Donald Trump has stated there will be no American troops deployed to Ukraine, while a top UN official welcomed US peace efforts and called for inclusive talks, according to a report in AP. The statement from President Trump reaffirms the US position of avoiding direct military engagement in the conflict with Russia. Concurrently, the United Nations is encouraging diplomatic solutions, emphasizing that any peace negotiations should be inclusive to be effective.
Syrian And Israeli Officials Hold Rare Direct Talks In Paris Brokered By The US
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad held a rare, direct meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday, part of a US-brokered diplomatic push to normalize relations between the two countries, AP says in a report. The discussions focused on de-escalating recent tensions and reinforcing the 1974 ceasefire agreement that is still in effect between the two nations. The talks represent a significant diplomatic development, given the historical state of war between Syria and Israel.
President Trump Alters Ukraine War Stance, Reportedly Backing Away From Cease-Fire Demand
US President Donald Trump has reportedly shifted his strategy on the war in Ukraine, moving away from a demand for a simple cease-fire and adopting a position that could align with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objectives, according to a report in The New York Times. This change represents a significant break from the established policy of Western allies, which has focused on supporting Ukraine’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity. The new approach could weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position and provide Russia with a diplomatic advantage in ongoing talks to end the conflict. The shift is seen as a departure from the previous US administration’s strategy of providing substantial military and financial aid to ensure Ukraine could defend itself against Russian aggression.
Russia-Ukraine War: Key Developments On Day 1,273 As Conflict Continues
On the 1,273rd day of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the conflict continues to significantly impact global stability and European security, Al Jazeera says in a report. Key developments include a sustained Russian offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, which is stretching Kyiv’s defensive capabilities. In response, Ukraine is receiving crucial military aid following the approval of a major US package, with the anticipated delivery of F-16 fighter jets expected to enhance its air defense. The protracted war carries profound geopolitical implications, challenging international law, causing volatility in global energy and food markets, and prompting a strategic realignment within NATO.
Air Canada Ends Strike, SoftBank to Invest $2B in Intel, UK Reportedly Scraps Apple Backdoor Demand
Several major international business developments have been reported, including an agreement between Air Canada and its flight attendant union to end a strike, which will allow for the gradual restart of operations, AP says in a report. In the technology sector, Japan’s SoftBank is set to take a $2 billion stake in US computer chip maker Intel, a significant investment amid the global AI-driven demand for semiconductors. Additionally, Tulsi Gabbard has claimed that the UK government has scrapped its demand for Apple to provide backdoor access to user data, a potentially major shift in the global debate on encryption and privacy. In US media, the conservative network Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a defamation case related to its coverage of false claims about the 2020 presidential election.
Court Orders Removal of Asylum-Seekers From UK Hotel Following Protests
A UK court has ordered the removal of asylum-seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, following a successful legal bid by the Epping Forest District Council, AP says in a report. The council sought the court order citing “unprecedented levels of protest and disruption” linked to the housing of migrants at the location. This ruling underscores the significant local opposition to the UK government’s national policy of using hotels for asylum accommodation, a strategy that has faced widespread legal challenges and community protests across the country. The decision creates immediate uncertainty for the displaced individuals and pressures the UK Home Office to secure alternative placements, potentially accelerating its shift towards larger, more controversial accommodation sites.
Peruvian Residents on Disputed Amazon Island Hope for Government Aid
Residents of Santa Rosa, a remote Peruvian island on the Amazon river that is also disputed by Colombia, are expressing hope that their government will not forget them, as per a report in AP. The island’s 3,000 residents lack fundamental infrastructure such as running water and a sewage system, and they must build their homes on stilts to cope with annual flooding. Due to the lack of local services, the Peruvian inhabitants frequently cross the river to neighboring cities in Colombia and Brazil for essential needs, highlighting the region’s complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.
New Publishing Initiative Aims To Broaden English Translations Of Chinese Literature
A new effort in the publishing industry seeks to broaden the types of Chinese literature translated for English-speaking audiences, moving beyond literary fiction to include popular genres, according to a report in NPR. This trend is highlighted by the translation of the thriller novel Women Seated, signaling a growing market interest in diverse Chinese narratives such as crime, fantasy, and science fiction. The initiative, largely driven by independent publishers and specialized imprints, aims to provide a more multifaceted view of contemporary Chinese culture while creating new international commercial opportunities for Chinese authors and their works.
President Trump Reaffirms Stance Against US Troop Deployment in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump reiterated his position against deploying American combat troops to Ukraine, reinforcing the current US policy of providing military aid without direct intervention, as per a report in AP. This statement of non-interventionist policy has significant political implications for NATO allies and the ongoing conflict dynamics. Concurrently, a top United Nations official has welcomed US peace efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The White House also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously promised President Trump he would facilitate a direct meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though such a high-level diplomatic meeting has not yet occurred.
Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe To Be Released From House Arrest
A Colombian appeals court has ordered the release of former President Alvaro Uribe from preventive house arrest while a case against him for alleged bribery and witness tampering continues, AP says in a report. Uribe, who was placed under detention as a precautionary measure in August 2020 during the investigation, has not been convicted. The case stems from allegations of his links to right-wing paramilitary groups in the 1990s. The legal proceedings remain active and politically divisive, particularly after being transferred from the Supreme Court to the Attorney General’s office, which had previously sought to close the investigation.
Peace Talks Between DR Congo and M23 Rebels Stall in Doha
Peace negotiations in Doha between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels have reached an impasse, with both parties accusing the other of violating earlier deals, Al Jazeera says in a report. This development is a significant setback to resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, threatening to worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis marked by millions of displaced people. The stalled talks, which follow previous mediation efforts under the Nairobi and Luanda processes, are expected to heighten regional instability and diplomatic friction, especially between the DRC and Rwanda, which the DRC accuses of backing the rebels. The failure pressures the DRC government to secure its territory and challenges the effectiveness of regional mediators, while M23 continues its military presence in North Kivu.
Western Leaders Discuss Security Guarantees For Ukraine Amid Peace Deal Talks
European leaders have held a virtual conference to discuss what security guarantees could be offered to Ukraine should a peace deal with Russia be reached, according to a report in The Guardian. This discussion follows a recent meeting at the White House hosted by US President Donald Trump, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain’s Keir Starmer, and leaders from Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO. The central topic of these talks is how to conclude the war in Ukraine and establish measures to prevent future Russian aggression on the continent.
Zelensky Says Ready For Bilateral Meeting With Putin To End War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday his readiness for a direct bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the war, France 24 said in a report. The statement came after Zelensky held talks at the White House with US President Donald Trump and several European leaders. This potential summit would mark the first face-to-face discussion between the two presidents since Russia’s full-scale invasion began nearly three and a half years ago.
Indian Prime Minister Modi Meets China's Top Diplomat to Rebuild Ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, hailing “steady progress” in improving relations between the two nuclear-armed nations, as per a report in AP. Following the meeting, Modi noted the importance of “respect for each other’s interests and sensitiveness” in a statement. This high-level diplomatic engagement marks a significant step towards a thaw after a years-long military standoff in the Eastern Ladakh region that began in May 2020 and severely strained ties. The discussion also included plans for a potential visit by Modi to China, signaling a move toward normalizing top-level political dialogue.
Spain Battles Destructive Wildfires Despite Drop In Temperatures
Spain continues to battle several major wildfires, described as some of the most destructive in recent decades, despite a drop in temperatures across the Iberian Peninsula, according to a report in AP. Thousands of firefighters, aided by military personnel and water-bombing aircraft, are working to control blazes in parched woodlands. The situation is especially severe in the northwestern Galicia region, where Spain’s weather agency AEMET reports a persistent “very high or extreme” fire risk. The fires, exacerbated by long-term drought conditions, carry significant economic implications through the destruction of agricultural land and infrastructure, alongside severe environmental damage and public health risks.
Mexico's Maya Train Derails in Yucatan; No Injuries Reported
A tourist train on Mexico’s Maya Train line derailed at a low speed while pulling into the station in Izamal on the Yucatan Peninsula; no injuries were reported among the passengers, as per a report in AP. The train was traveling from Cancun to Merida, and passengers were transported the rest of the way by bus. The incident, which is currently under investigation, occurred on a flagship infrastructure project of the Mexican government that has previously faced scrutiny over its rapid construction. The train line stated that other sections of the recently inaugurated service were operating normally.
Former Prime Minister of Mali Jailed on Corruption Charges
Mali’s former prime minister, Choguel Maïga, was jailed on Tuesday following allegations of corruption, which he has denied, according to a report in AP. The country’s Supreme Court notified Maïga of the charges and ordered his placement in custody. Maïga had served as the civilian prime minister for the military junta until his dismissal in November 2023, and he has since become a public critic of the ruling government.
IWG Shares Fall 17% After Revising Profit Outlook
Shares in IWG, the parent company of Regus and Spaces, plunged 17% on Tuesday despite reporting a 6% rise in adjusted profit to $262 million for the first half of the year, The Guardian said in a report. The significant stock decline followed the company’s announcement that it expects its full-year adjusted profit for 2025 to be at the lower end of its previous guidance of $525 million to $565 million. IWG’s CEO dismissed the market reaction as irrational ‘machine selling,’ arguing that ongoing global economic uncertainty is actually bolstering demand for the company’s hybrid and flexible workspace solutions.
US Senator Says Trump Ready To Impose New Sanctions On Russia
US Senator Lindsey Graham said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is prepared to implement a new wave of sanctions designed to “crush” the Russian economy, AP says in a report. This action is reportedly contingent on Russian President Vladimir Putin refusing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the near future. Graham, who indicated he had spoken with Trump, has been advocating for legislation that would impose significant tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium, thereby continuing to fund Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Aid Ship With 1,200 Tons Of Food For Gaza Approaches Israeli Port
A ship carrying 1,200 tons of food aid departed from Cyprus and neared the Israeli port of Ashdod on Tuesday, marking a renewed effort to address the severe food crisis in Gaza, AP said in a report. The Panamanian-flagged vessel, HENKE, is loaded with 52 containers of supplies including pasta, rice, and baby food. The cargo was pre-screened by Israeli customs officials in Limassol, Cyprus, to expedite the process, but its destination at an Israeli port rather than directly to Gaza indicates the aid will require land transfer, underscoring Israel’s control over entry points. This shipment follows a previous maritime delivery in March 2024 and comes amid warnings from food security experts about a potential famine unfolding in the region.
North Korea Rejects South Korea As A Diplomatic Partner Amid US Military Drills
North Korea has declared that South Korea “cannot be a diplomatic partner,” rejecting any peace overtures due to ongoing joint military drills with the United States, Al Jazeera said in a report. The statement from Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong Un, signals a hardening of Pyongyang’s stance and is a direct response to large-scale US-South Korea exercises, which North Korea views as invasion rehearsals. This declaration effectively dismisses South Korea’s ‘Audacious Initiative’ for aid in exchange for denuclearization, halting prospects for diplomatic engagement. The heightened rhetoric increases regional security risks and reinforces the US-South Korea military alliance as a primary deterrent against North Korean actions.
Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal; Israel Weighs Response Amid Rafah Operation
Hamas announced its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, which is a modified version of an earlier framework advanced by the US, as per a report in AP. The proposal reportedly includes provisions for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has not yet formally responded to the proposal and has stated it is still committed to its war aim of destroying Hamas. Concurrently, Israeli forces have initiated a military operation in eastern Rafah, signaling a continued hardline stance despite the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
US Envoy In Beirut To Discuss Long-Term Ceasefire And Economic Plan For Lebanon
US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein stated in Beirut that his team will discuss a long-term cessation of hostilities with Israel and is preparing an economic proposal to support Lebanon, according to a report in AP. The diplomatic push follows Lebanon’s endorsement of a US-backed framework aimed at de-escalation, which includes the eventual disarmament of Hezbollah. Hochstein is scheduled to meet with key officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, amid a prolonged presidential vacuum in the country.
New Zealand Soldier Admits To Attempted Espionage In First-Ever Spying Conviction
A soldier in New Zealand has been convicted of attempted espionage in the nation’s first-ever spying case after pleading guilty in a military court, AP said in a report. The conviction relates to an incident in 2019 when the soldier tried to provide military information, including base maps, telephone directories, and security assessments, to an individual he believed was a foreign agent. The military court has suppressed the name of the soldier and the foreign country he attempted to aid, citing national security sensitivities.
Over 200 Missing After Devastating Floods In Pakistan
More than 200 people are reported missing in a district within Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to severe flooding, BBC says in a report. The event has triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, though they are hampered by difficult terrain. The disaster places significant strain on Pakistan’s resources and underscores the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, highlighting the need for international aid and climate-resilient development.
Geneva Eyed For Putin-Zelenskyy Summit After US-Led Talks
Geneva is being considered as a potential location for a summit between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine after US President Donald Trump announced that arrangements were underway following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a report in The Guardian. The development, which Trump described as “real progress,” prompted a virtual meeting among European leaders to coordinate their response. During the White House meeting, which also included US Vice President JD Vance, Zelenskyy reportedly made a concerted effort to thank the US administration, in contrast to a less successful meeting in February. While the prospect of direct talks and agreed-upon security guarantees could impact global markets and ease economic pressures from the conflict, the details remain undefined, and the talks could also signal a potential boost for the US arms industry depending on the outcome.
Indigenous Groups Demand Concrete Action From Leaders At Amazon Summit
Indigenous leaders are pressuring South American presidents for concrete environmental action at the Fifth Presidential Summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Bogota, Colombia, according to a report in AP. The groups are demanding that governments move beyond promises to implement enforceable policies against deforestation, illegal mining, and land grabbing, which have significant implications for industries like agriculture and logging. The summit’s outcomes are critical for the region’s economic stability, investor confidence, and the global carbon market, as the Amazon’s health is directly linked to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
Peruvian Court Pauses Investigations Into President Dina Boluarte
Peru’s Constitutional Court has temporarily paused investigations into President Dina Boluarte concerning protest deaths and alleged illicit enrichment, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The probes relate to over 50 deaths during anti-government protests in 2022-2023 and a separate scandal involving undeclared luxury watches, known as ‘RolexGate’. While the court’s decision provides a temporary reprieve for the president, it does not dismiss the charges. The move has raised concerns about judicial independence, the rule of law, and potential setbacks for human rights and anti-corruption efforts in the country, impacting Peru’s political stability.
Bus Crash Kills 71 Afghan Deportees In Western Afghanistan
At least 71 people have died in a bus crash in Afghanistan’s western Herat province, with the victims being Afghans who had been deported from neighboring Iran, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Local police have attributed the cause of the accident to the bus’s ‘excessive speed and negligence’. The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by Afghan migrants and deportees, who often travel on poorly maintained roads known for high accident rates. This tragedy occurs against a backdrop of ongoing mass deportations from Iran and a severe humanitarian crisis within Afghanistan, underscoring the vulnerabilities of returnees.
Donald Trump Proposes Summit Between Zelenskyy And Putin
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a proposal for a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the ongoing war, Al Jazeera said in a report. This initiative, proposed by Trump as a political figure, aims to bring the leaders of the two warring nations together for direct negotiations to find a resolution to the conflict.
Mexico's President Denies New Partnership With US DEA Against Cartels
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly contradicted a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announcement about a “major new initiative” to fight drug cartels, stating the claim was news to her, The New York Times says in a report. This public disagreement introduces significant uncertainty into US-Mexico bilateral relations, potentially impacting cross-border security frameworks. The incident could hinder joint anti-cartel operations, affecting the flow of illicit drugs and creating diplomatic friction that may complicate broader economic and political cooperation between the two nations.
Trump Rules Out US Ground Troops In Ukraine, Prompting European Talks On Security Guarantees
US President Donald Trump has publicly stated he will not send American ground troops to Ukraine and has issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin about facing a ‘rough situation’ if he fails to move towards a peace agreement, according to a report in The Guardian. Following these remarks, European leaders have reportedly begun discussions on providing Ukraine with independent security guarantees. Trump’s position underscores his administration’s approach to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing a push for a settlement while setting clear limits on direct US military involvement.
Colombian Court Frees Former President Álvaro Uribe From House Arrest
A Colombian appeals court has ordered the release of former President Álvaro Uribe from pre-trial house arrest while he faces an ongoing case for alleged bribery and witness tampering, AP says in a report. Uribe, who denies the charges, was initially placed under detention in 2020 by the Supreme Court in connection with an investigation into his alleged ties to right-wing paramilitary groups in the 1990s. The ruling is seen as a significant political victory for Uribe and his Democratic Center party, allowing him greater political engagement while the trial continues in Colombia’s ordinary justice system.
Venezuela's Maduro To Mobilize Militia Citing US Threats
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the mobilization of the country’s civilian militia in response to what he termed as threats from the United States, Al Jazeera says in a report. Maduro cited ongoing US pressure, including a recently increased reward of $50 million for his arrest and the deployment of US warships to the Caribbean for counter-narcotics operations. Maduro’s government views the US military presence, which began in 2020, as a direct act of aggression, prompting the call to activate the Bolivarian Militia. This escalation occurs against a backdrop of long-standing tensions, including a 2020 US indictment of Maduro for narco-terrorism and comprehensive economic sanctions.
