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Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 02:15 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.
Study Finds Trees Host Trillions Of Microbes With Global Implications
A new study by US scientists has revealed that healthy trees host vast communities of over one trillion microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The discovery of these complex ‘wood microbiomes’ carries significant implications for global industries and environmental management. This research could lead to new approaches in sustainable forestry by enabling the development of probiotic-style treatments to enhance tree resilience against pests, diseases, and drought. For climate change mitigation, a deeper understanding of these microbial communities may improve strategies for carbon sequestration and aid in selecting climate-resilient trees for reforestation. Furthermore, the immense genetic diversity within these microbiomes presents a new frontier for biotechnology, potentially leading to the discovery of novel antibiotics, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Prominent Palestinian Footballer Killed In Gaza Attack
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) announced the death of footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, 41, known as the “Palestinian Pelé,” in southern Gaza on Wednesday, as per a report in The Guardian. The PFA stated that al-Obeid was killed in an alleged Israeli attack that targeted civilians as they gathered for humanitarian aid.
US Halts Most Visa Applications From Zimbabwe In New Travel Restriction
The United States has announced a pause on most routine visa applications for citizens of Zimbabwe, marking another significant travel restriction on travelers from Africa, according to a report in AP. This decision follows a recent US pilot program requiring citizens of Malawi and Zambia to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for tourist or business visas. The bond is designed to be forfeited if an individual overstays their visa, indicating a broader US strategy focused on reducing visa overstays from the region.
Egypt Ends Decades-Old Rent Control System, Impacting Housing Market
Egypt is dismantling its decades-old rent control system in a significant policy shift aimed at liberalizing its housing market, as per a report in The New York Times. The move, part of broader economic reforms, is intended to correct market distortions that discouraged property maintenance and new construction by keeping rents artificially low. While property owners are expected to benefit from the ability to charge market-rate rents, there are significant concerns that the change will lead to the displacement of numerous low-income tenants who have relied on the system for affordable housing, potentially exacerbating social pressures amid high inflation and an ongoing housing affordability crisis.
BHP And Vale Offer $1.4B To Settle Brazil Dam Lawsuit
Mining companies BHP and Vale have offered $1.4 billion to settle the UK’s largest class-action lawsuit, which involves over 700,000 claimants seeking damages for Brazil’s worst environmental disaster, as per a report in Financial Times. The offer aims to resolve the long-running legal battle stemming from the 2015 collapse of the Fundão dam, a facility operated by the Samarco joint venture. While the proposal could cap the companies’ financial liability from this specific UK lawsuit, the total damages sought by the claimants are estimated to be as high as $45 billion. The case is considered a landmark for holding UK-listed companies accountable for overseas environmental disasters and is separate from ongoing legal proceedings against the firms in Brazil.
Liberian Women Lead Protest Demanding Action On Drug Crisis
Thousands of protestors, led by women’s groups, marched through Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, to demand decisive government action against a severe drug crisis largely fueled by the synthetic drug ‘Kush’, AP said in a report. The demonstration puts pressure on the administration of President Joseph Boakai, who vowed to declare a national emergency on drug abuse in his inaugural address. Protestors submitted a petition at the national parliament calling for the creation of a special court for drug offenses and an increase in the minimum jail term for first-degree drug-related felonies to two years.
French High Court Strikes Down Pesticide Clause In Farming Law
France’s top court on Thursday struck down a significant clause within a contentious new farming law that sought to reintroduce a banned pesticide, AP said in a report. The court ruled that the measure was unconstitutional as it failed to adequately protect the environment and the health of future generations. While the pesticide clause was nullified, the remainder of the legislation, known as the “Duplomb law,” was allowed to stand. This broader law, which was backed by the government, aims to ease regulations for the agricultural sector and fast-track projects such as the development of water storage facilities.
New Research On Royal Slavery Profits Escalates Grenada's Reparations Demands
Grenada is escalating its political and diplomatic efforts to secure an apology and reparations from the British monarchy after new research revealed King George IV directly profited from enslaved labor on the island, as per a report in The Guardian. The findings from independent scholar Desirée Baptiste provide Grenada with significant historical leverage, intensifying international pressure on King Charles to formally address the monarchy’s financial ties to slavery. This development adds a new, specific charge to the broader Caribbean reparations movement, directly linking a past monarch’s personal wealth to the exploitation of Grenadian people.
New Research Links King George IV To Slavery Profits, Prompting Reparation Calls From Grenada
New research has revealed that King George IV, who ruled until 1830, personally profited from enslaved labor on plantations in Grenada, according to a report in The Guardian. The findings, from independent scholar Desirée Baptiste, have prompted Grenada to announce it will intensify its efforts to secure an apology and reparations from the current monarch, King Charles III. Experts believe this specific evidence of a monarch’s personal financial gain from slavery increases pressure on the British monarchy to confront its historical links to the institution.
Data Breach At French Telecom Giant Bouygues Affects Millions Of Customers
French telecom giant Bouygues has suffered a major data breach affecting millions of its customers, marking the second significant cyberattack on a French carrier in recent weeks, according to a report in TechCrunch. This incident follows a similar attack on rival Orange Telecom in July, highlighting a pattern of targeting France’s telecommunications sector. The breach exposes customers to risks of identity theft and fraud, while Bouygues faces significant reputational damage and potential financial penalties under GDPR. The recurring attacks suggest systemic vulnerabilities within the country’s critical infrastructure, likely leading to increased regulatory scrutiny.
Black Rhino Numbers Increase While White Rhino Populations Decline
The global population of critically endangered black rhinos has increased from 6,195 to 6,788, AP said in a report. However, the latest global count from the Rhino Foundation shows a decline in white rhino numbers, which fell from 15,942 to 15,752 since the last estimate in 2021. Both black and white rhinos are found in the wild exclusively in Africa.
US Tariffs On South Africa Prompt High-Level Diplomatic Talks
South Africa is bracing for significant job losses, particularly in its farming and automobile sectors, after the US implemented a 30% tariff on its imports, according to a report in France 24. The move followed South Africa’s failure to secure a new trade agreement before a deadline set by the US administration. In response to the economic threat, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the bilateral trade situation. Following the presidential discussion, negotiating teams from both nations are scheduled to hold more detailed talks to address the dispute.
European Hotels File Class-Action Lawsuit Against Booking.com Over Alleged Abusive Practices
More than 10,000 European hotels are participating in a class-action lawsuit against Booking.com, alleging the platform used ‘best price’ clauses to distort the market over a 20-year period, according to a report in The Guardian. The lawsuit, brought by the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes in Europe (Hotrec), argues that the online travel platform’s contractual requirements prevented hotels from offering better prices on their own websites, thereby stifling competition. Due to high demand from hotel owners wanting to join, Hotrec has extended the deadline for participation to August 29.
Prominent Palestinian Footballer Killed While Seeking Aid In Gaza
Suleiman al-Obeid, a celebrated Palestinian footballer often called the ‘Palestinian Pele,’ was killed in Gaza while seeking humanitarian supplies, Al Jazeera said in a report. His death represents a significant loss for Palestinian sports and occurred amid a severe humanitarian crisis in the region, where accessing basic necessities like food and water has become a life-threatening activity for civilians.
President Trump Demands Intel CEO Resign Over Reported China Ties
US President Donald Trump has publicly called for the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan over his reported historical investments in Chinese technology companies, The Verge said in a report. The demand, posted on the Truth Social platform, follows scrutiny from Senator Tom Cotton regarding potential national security conflicts arising from these ties. Tan was appointed CEO in March to lead a turnaround at the struggling chipmaker, which recently announced it is laying off 24,000 employees and has fallen behind competitors like TSMC. An April Reuters report detailed Tan’s past investments in numerous Chinese tech firms, some with alleged military links, but also noted he had divested from an unconfirmed number of them. In response, Intel affirmed that both the company and Tan are “deeply committed to the national security of the U.S.”
US And South Korea To Exclude Taiwan From Summit Agenda Amid Defense Cost Talks
The United States is expected to press South Korea for greater financial contributions to defense costs during an upcoming leadership summit, while the sensitive issue of Seoul’s potential role in a Taiwan conflict will be deliberately excluded from the agenda, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This cautious approach aligns with the administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, which is emphasizing the need to foster engagement with Beijing. Seoul is also reportedly downplaying recent diplomatic friction, including comments from its foreign minister that had described China as a “problem,” reflecting South Korea’s strategy of balancing its security alliance with the US against its significant economic relationship with China.
Global Stock Markets Show Mixed Reaction To New US Tariffs
Global stock markets took new US tariffs in stride on Thursday, with Wall Street exhibiting a mixed performance, according to a report in AP. The S&P 500 saw a modest gain of 0.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.3% and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.7%. Investor concerns persist over the potential for an escalating trade war, but these are being counterbalanced by expectations of forthcoming interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which is providing underlying support to the market.
Malaysia Arrests Indian for Smuggling Over 2,500 Turtles at Airport
An Indian national was arrested at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA) for attempting to smuggle more than 2,500 live turtles, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The seizure, confirmed by Malaysia’s border agency, underscores the country’s persistent role as a key transit hub in the global illegal wildlife trade. This incident is the latest in a series of recent smuggling attempts at the airport, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in security and placing pressure on authorities to enhance enforcement to protect the country’s international reputation.
Six Killed As Air Ambulance Crashes Outside Kenya's Capital
At least six people were killed after a mid-size jet belonging to air ambulance provider AMREF Flying Doctors crashed in a residential area just outside Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, AP said in a report. The aircraft, a Cessna Citation XLS, had taken off from an airport in Nairobi and was en route to the territory of Somaliland when the incident occurred. While the cause of the crash remains unknown pending an official investigation by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the event places significant scrutiny on a vital and growing sector in Africa. The incident is a major blow to the reputation of AMREF, a long-standing and respected operator, and may impact public confidence in regional air medical transport, which is critical for areas like Somaliland that rely on such services for advanced medical care.
Previously Stable Argentine Glacier Shows Rapid Melt, Impacting Climate Models And Regional Economy
A major Argentine glacier, long considered stable, is now experiencing its most significant retreat in a century, raising concerns for regional water resources and tourism, according to a report in AP. New research shows the glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is losing contact with its bedrock, accelerating ice loss. This unexpected development challenges existing climate models used to project sea-level rise and has direct economic implications. The accelerated melt threatens the long-term stability of freshwater supplies for regional agriculture and hydroelectric power, while also potentially diminishing the appeal of a key tourist attraction vital to the local economy.
Trump Calls On Middle Eastern Nations To Join Abraham Accords Amid Regional Tensions
US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged more Middle Eastern nations to join the Abraham Accords, emphasizing the normalization deals as a key to regional peace, France 24 says in a report. These accords were originally brokered by the US during Trump’s first presidency in 2020, leading to diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. However, current efforts to expand the pact are significantly hindered by intense regional and global anger directed at Israel over the high death toll in the Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict has made normalization politically difficult for Arab governments and has led to the suspension of previously reported discussions between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Zambia Dismisses US Health Warning Over Water Safety After Toxic Spill
The Zambian government has dismissed a US health warning and declared water safe to drink after the US embassy relocated staff due to a toxic spill in a copper mining area, according to a report in BBC. The disagreement stems from a sulfuric acid spill from Konkola Copper Mines’ operations that contaminated the Kafue River. In response, the US embassy issued a precautionary health warning and withdrew non-essential staff and their families from the affected area. However, Zambian authorities assert that their own tests confirm the water is now safe for consumption, creating a public dispute that underscores diplomatic tensions and puts a spotlight on environmental regulation within the nation’s critical mining industry.
Hamas Reportedly Submits Written Ceasefire Proposal To End War
Israeli peace activist and negotiator Greshon Baskin claims to have received a written ceasefire proposal from Hamas aimed at ending the war and securing the release of all Israeli captives, Al Jazeera says in a report. Baskin, who has acted as an unofficial backchannel negotiator in past deals, stated the proposal was a formal, written document. The development, if confirmed, could create significant political pressure on the Israeli government to respond amid ongoing international mediation efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Hamas has consistently demanded a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a key point of contention with Israel’s stated war aims of dismantling the group.
Wreckage In Ukraine Reveals Continued Flow Of Western Components To Russia
Evidence from missile and drone wreckage in Kharkiv, Ukraine, indicates that Russia is successfully circumventing international sanctions to procure Western-made components for its military hardware, according to a report in BBC. Investigations of the debris reveal that Russia is using complex global supply chains and third-party countries to obtain dual-use goods like microelectronics and ball bearings. This sustained flow of components allows Russia to continue its aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, highlighting the significant challenges Western nations face in enforcing sanctions regimes and disrupting these illicit procurement networks. The findings underscore the direct impact on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and the ongoing need for advanced air defense systems.
Haiti Faces Renewed Instability As Gangs Threaten Transitional Government
Amid a fragile political transition in Haiti, powerful gang federations are threatening to overthrow the newly established government, according to a report in AP. The country is currently being led by a nine-member Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and newly appointed interim Prime Minister Garry Conille, who are tasked with navigating a severe humanitarian crisis and paving the way for elections. However, the G9 gang federation, led by Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, has explicitly pledged to disrupt this new leadership, escalating tensions and violence in Port-au-Prince as the transitional authorities attempt to assert control.
Haiti Installs New Leadership Amid Gang Threats And Violence
Haiti prepared to install a new transitional government on Thursday, a development that sparked immediate threats of an overthrow from a powerful gang federation, AP says in a report. The change in leadership, intended to guide the nation towards future elections, was met with gunfire in the capital, Port-au-Prince. A coalition of gangs, led by Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, who has previously denounced the country’s political and business elite, pledged to fight the new government, escalating the already severe security and humanitarian crisis in the nation.
World Bank Bond For Accra Waste Crisis Sparks Fears For Informal Recyclers
A World Bank bond intended to fund a solution for Accra’s severe waste crisis is being viewed as a threat by the city’s informal recyclers, according to a report in Al Jazeera. These waste pickers, who play a crucial role in Ghana’s current recycling efforts, fear that the influx of funding will favor large, formal waste management corporations. This formalization could displace them from their livelihoods without providing a viable alternative, highlighting a growing tension between large-scale environmental projects and the informal economies that depend on waste streams.
Israel Reportedly Used Microsoft Cloud For Mass Surveillance Of Palestinians
Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, utilized Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing services for a mass surveillance operation targeting Palestinians, according to a report in Al Jazeera based on newly leaked documents. The documents allegedly reveal that the agency stored and analyzed a vast trove of intercepted phone calls on the cloud platform. The revelation places Microsoft under heightened scrutiny regarding its government contracts and human rights policies, potentially causing significant reputational damage. This incident adds to the ongoing debate about the ethical responsibilities of major technology companies and could lead to increased calls for regulatory oversight of how cloud infrastructure is used by state intelligence agencies globally.
Helicopter Crashes In Residential Area Near Kenyan Capital
A helicopter carrying an unknown number of individuals crashed on Thursday in a residential area in Kiambu, a county bordering Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, according to a report in AP. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident and stated that rescue teams were being dispatched to the scene. In response to the crash, military and police personnel quickly arrived at the site to secure the area. The number of potential casualties and the cause of the crash remain undetermined as emergency operations are ongoing.
Bank of England Cuts Interest Rate to 4% to Bolster Economy
The Bank of England has cut its main interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.0%, its lowest level since March 2023, as policymakers seek to bolster the UK’s sluggish economy, AP said in a report. The decision by the Monetary Policy Committee passed on a narrow 5-4 vote and comes as the bank balances its responsibility to control inflation against concerns that rising taxes and a potential U.S. economic slowdown could hamper growth.
Thai Prosecutors Indict 23 Individuals And Companies Over Deadly Building Collapse
Thai prosecutors have formally indicted 23 individuals and companies over a deadly building collapse that killed 92 people, according to a report in AP. The charges stem from the collapse of a partially constructed high-rise intended for the new State Audit Office, which fell on March 28, 2023, following a distant 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Afghanistan. Among those indicted are the project’s lead contractors, Italian-Thai Development Co. and its Chinese joint venture partner. The structure was reportedly the only one in Thailand to collapse as a result of the quake, highlighting potential severe negligence in construction and regulatory oversight.
Investigation Suggests Over 1,500 Killed In Sudan Camp Massacre
An investigation has found that more than 1,500 civilians may have been massacred during a 72-hour attack on Sudan’s Zamzam displacement camp in April by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to a report in The Guardian. The findings, based on testimony of mass executions and large-scale abductions, suggest a death toll far greater than initial estimates, with hundreds of civilians still missing. The attack on the camp in North Darfur, the country’s largest for displaced people, could represent one of the largest single atrocities of Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The scale of the alleged massacre is expected to intensify international pressure for accountability and may expand the scope of the Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigations into war crimes in the Darfur region, further complicating future peace prospects and humanitarian aid operations.
El Al Paris Office Vandalized With Anti-Israel Graffiti
The Paris office of Israeli airline El Al was vandalized on Thursday with anti-Israel graffiti, which the company called a ‘deeply disturbing’ incident amid high global tensions, as per a report in AP. The vandalism, discovered Thursday morning, included red spray paint on the glass doors and walls with the phrase ‘El Al genocide airline.’ El Al stated that the offices were unoccupied at the time of the incident and no one was harmed.
WPP Profits Plunge 71% As US Tariffs Prompt Cuts In Ad Spending
Advertising group WPP announced a 71% slump in pre-tax profits to £98 million for the first half of its financial year, citing reduced advertising spending from clients like carmakers and consumer goods companies, The Guardian says in a report. The company attributed the spending cuts to the economic uncertainty created by the rollout of new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, which are set to place higher levies on exports from dozens of countries. In response to the challenging environment and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, WPP has also reduced its global workforce by 7,000 employees to 104,000 and halved its interim dividend.
Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel Of Using US Bombs In Unlawful Gaza School Strikes
A new Human Rights Watch investigation alleges that Israeli forces used US-manufactured bombs in recent deadly strikes on schools in Gaza, which were serving as shelters for displaced Palestinians, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The rights group characterized the attacks as “unlawful” and “indiscriminate,” stating they led to the deaths of numerous civilians. This report adds to a body of evidence from human rights organizations concerning the use of American weaponry in the ongoing conflict and intensifies international scrutiny of US military aid to Israel. The findings have significant political implications, increasing pressure on the current US administration and contributing to evidence used in legal challenges against Israel’s military conduct in international forums.
Impeachment Of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Blocked Before Senate Trial
Impeachment proceedings against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte have been shelved after the complaints failed to secure the necessary endorsement from the House of Representatives to advance to the Senate for a full trial, as per a report in The New York Times. The complaints against Duterte, who is also the Secretary of Education, were primarily centered on the alleged misuse of confidential funds. This development occurs amid a growing political rift between the camps of Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with whom she ran as an ally in the 2022 general elections before tensions emerged.
UK Bans Pro-Palestinian Group Palestine Action Under Terrorism Law
The UK government has proscribed the protest group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization due to its campaign of property damage against companies it says supply military technology to Israel, according to a report in The New York Times. The ban was enacted under the Terrorism Act 2000, with the government’s position being that systematic property damage intended to influence policy qualifies as terrorism. Palestine Action maintains that it does not promote violence against people and specifically targets facilities, like those of Elbit Systems, to disrupt the military supply chain. This action is seen as a significant expansion of the practical use of UK terror laws against a domestic protest group and has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates about the precedent it sets for other direct-action movements.
World Shares Mostly Climb As Apple Rally Boosts Sentiment
Global stock markets largely advanced, buoyed by a rally in Apple shares on Wall Street, as per a report in AP. In Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.9% and Paris’ CAC 40 added 0.8%, though Britain’s FTSE 100 edged down 0.3%. Asian markets also saw gains, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 adding 0.7%, while US futures pointed to a higher open. The positive sentiment in financial markets appeared unaffected by a recent, unspecified action from US President Donald Trump that took effect Thursday.
Spain Dethrones US Women's Team To Reclaim Top Spot In FIFA Rankings
Spain’s women’s national football team has overtaken the US to claim the number one position in the latest FIFA world rankings, AP says in a report. The change comes despite Spain’s recent loss in the European Championship final, with their performance being strong enough to displace the US. The US team had held the top spot since their gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics in August 2024. This marks a return to the top for Spain, which previously held the number one ranking from December 2023 to June 2024 following their World Cup triumph.
China Reports Surge In July Trade Driven By Non-US Markets
China’s trade performance showed a significant uptick in July, with exports rising 7.2% and imports growing at their fastest rate in a year, according to a report in AP. This growth occurred despite a continued downturn in trade with the United States, as exports to the US fell nearly 22% and imports dropped by almost 19% year-on-year. The overall positive figures were largely driven by diverting sales to other markets, with Chinese exports to Africa and Southeast Asia recording double-digit growth. Analysts noted that the improvement was also aided by a low base for comparison from July 2024.
