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Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 19:45 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.
Israeli Hostage Families Call For Nationwide Walkout
Relatives of captives held by Hamas are urging a nationwide walkout, expressing deep frustration with the Israeli government’s handling of the conflict and the lack of progress in securing a hostage release, The New York Times says in a report. The families’ call to action criticizes the government for pursuing what they describe as “an endless war without purpose,” reflecting growing public discontent over stalled negotiations. This move escalates domestic pressure on the government and carries significant potential implications, including further political instability and economic disruption should a widespread strike occur.
Unarmed Indigenous Guard in Colombia Confronts Guerrillas Amid Escalating Child Recruitment
In the conflict-ridden southwestern region of Colombia, unarmed Indigenous Guard units are directly confronting armed guerrilla groups to stop the forced recruitment of children, AP says in a report. This escalation in violence, particularly in departments like Cauca, is driven by disputes over illicit economies such as drug trafficking and illegal mining between FARC dissident factions and the ELN. The ongoing recruitment and conflict pose a significant challenge to President Gustavo Petro’s ‘Total Peace’ policy, highlighting the government’s struggle to establish control and protect vulnerable communities. The Indigenous Guard, using their ‘sacred staff’ as a symbol of authority and non-violence, continues to defend their territories despite facing immense risks.
French Political Debate Over Air-Conditioning Intensifies Amid European Heat Waves
Intensifying heat waves across Europe have escalated a political debate in France over the use of air-conditioning, highlighting a divide between the political left and right on the issue, according to a report in The New York Times. The discussion has become more acute amid successive record-breaking summers and the government’s ongoing ‘energy sobriety’ campaign, which urges reduced energy consumption. The political left, particularly environmental parties, frames the issue around climate justice and sustainability, advocating for limits on AC. In contrast, the right often emphasizes individual liberty and economic necessity. This debate has tangible implications, including significant strain on the national electricity grid, questions of social equity regarding access to cooling, and a growing focus on sustainable urban planning and building design as long-term solutions.
Japanese Warships Visit New Zealand For First Time In Over 50 Years
Two Japanese destroyers, the JS Ise and JS Suzunami, with over 500 crew members, arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday, marking the first visit by Japanese warships to the capital in more than half a century, as per a report in AP. The visit, accompanied by the New Zealand navy ship HMNZS Canterbury, is part of Japan’s broader Indo-Pacific deployment aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships in the region. The warships arrived from Sydney, where they had participated in military exercises, underscoring a growing trend of defense cooperation between Japan and its partners in the South Pacific amidst increasing geopolitical competition.
China Evergrande To Be Delisted From Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Heavily indebted real estate developer China Evergrande announced it will be delisted from the Hong Kong stock exchange on August 25, following a liquidation order from a city court in January 2024, as per a report in AP. The delisting solidifies a total loss for shareholders and comes after the company, which owed over $300 billion, failed to produce a viable debt restructuring plan. This event is a significant marker in the ongoing crisis within China’s broader property sector, further damaging investor and consumer confidence and posing a continued drag on the country’s economy. The liquidation process now focuses on selling Evergrande’s assets, though creditors are expected to recover only a small portion of what they are owed.
Chinese Coast Guard and Navy Ships Collide in South China Sea
A Chinese coast guard ship collided with a Chinese navy destroyer in the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday during a pursuit of a Philippine coast guard vessel, according to a report in The Washington Post. The incident, captured on video, occurred near the Second Thomas Shoal as the Chinese vessels were attempting to intercept a routine Philippine resupply mission to its military outpost. The collision was reportedly an unintended consequence of aggressive and reckless maneuvers employed by the Chinese ships to block the Philippine boat.
Ukraine Cites Constitutional Ban On Territorial Concessions To Russia
Any potential peace agreement that involves Ukraine ceding occupied territory to Russia faces significant hurdles, as it would not only be highly unpopular but also illegal under the nation’s constitution, according to a report in AP. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any land-for-peace deals, a stance reiterated following suggestions from US President Donald Trump that such concessions could be beneficial. With Russia currently occupying approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, Kyiv views a potential ‘frozen conflict’ as a lesser evil compared to formally surrendering land, which it fears could invite future aggression.
AP Corrects Historical Record Of Japanese Naval Visits To New Zealand
A correction has been issued for an August 8 story regarding Japanese warships visiting New Zealand, rectifying previously reported historical dates, according to a report in AP. The initial article, which cited information from the New Zealand Defense Force, erroneously stated that a Japanese naval vessel last visited Wellington in 1936. The correction clarifies that the last visit by a Japanese warship was in 1973, while the most recent visit by any Japanese military vessel to the city occurred in 1996.
Sudan Grapples With Cholera Outbreak In Darfur Displacement Camps
A severe cholera outbreak is sweeping through displacement camps in Sudan’s Darfur region, threatening hundreds of thousands of displaced people who lack basic necessities like soap, clean water, and essential medicine, France 24 says in a report. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed last week that 100,000 cholera cases have been reported across Sudan since the outbreak began in mid-2023. The public health emergency is a direct consequence of the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions in the camps, which were established following the country’s ongoing conflict, placing the nation’s already overwhelmed public health system and international humanitarian efforts under extreme pressure.
Russian Missile Strike Kills Foreign Recruits In Ukraine
A Russian missile strike has killed an unspecified number of foreign recruits serving in the Ukrainian military, The New York Times reports. The attack is consistent with Russia’s ongoing strategy of targeting military barracks, training facilities, and other assembly points to degrade Ukrainian forces. These foreign nationals were serving in Ukraine’s Legion, which Russia characterizes as a ‘mercenary’ force, a designation that differs from their official status as enlisted soldiers within the Ukrainian military.
Imperial War Museum Rejects Criticism of Caption in Holocaust Display
The Imperial War Museum is facing criticism over a caption in its Holocaust Galleries but has declined to make changes, according to a report in The Guardian. The dispute centers on an information board describing the 1935 Nuremberg race laws enacted by the Nazi regime in Germany. Two eminent historians have asserted that the museum’s definition—which states that the laws classified anyone with three or four Jewish grandparents as a Jew and anyone with one or two as “Mischlinge” or mixed race—is incorrect. Despite the criticism regarding the historical accuracy of the display, the museum has stood by its current wording.
Tibetan Community In India Faces Uncertain Future Amid Succession Concerns
Tibetans living in exile in India are expressing increasing anxiety over the long-term viability of their community and the preservation of their identity, BBC says in a report. These concerns are primarily driven by the advanced age of the 14th Dalai Lama and the looming question of his succession. The situation is compounded by Beijing’s stated intention to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama, a move that challenges Tibetan Buddhist traditions and international norms, including US policy which supports the community’s right to choose its own spiritual leader. This creates significant political implications for India, which has hosted the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1959, as it navigates its complex relationship with China.
Africa Rice Initiative Tackles Production Woes Amid Surging Demand
An initiative by the AfricaRice research center is working to help farmers in Ivory Coast and other parts of Africa boost rice production as demand outpaces local supply, according to a report in The Guardian. Farmers in the region have faced significant challenges from climate change, including fluctuating crop yields due to unpredictable weather patterns such as severe floods and preceding droughts. The initiative aims to empower smallholder farmers with improved water management techniques to stabilize production, addressing a critical economic issue for a continent heavily reliant on rice imports. Successfully increasing domestic supply could enhance food security, improve rural livelihoods, and reduce national expenditures on foreign grain.
UN Reports 97% Of Gaza's Educational Facilities Damaged Amid Hunger Crisis
Widespread hunger is ravaging Gaza where 97% of educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks, leaving students out of school, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The ongoing military operations have led to the near-total collapse of the education sector, with the UN confirming extensive damage. This crisis is compounded by severe food insecurity, with international bodies warning of famine conditions. Over 1.7 million people are internally displaced, which has completely halted formal learning, and the UN’s ability to provide education has been severely compromised. The situation threatens to create a ‘lost generation’, severely impacting Gaza’s future human capital and prospects for long-term reconstruction and societal stability.
Spanish Government Overturns Local Ban On Religious Gatherings
Spain’s central government has ordered officials in the town of Jumilla to scrap a ban on religious gatherings in public sports centers, calling the measure discriminatory and a breach of the right to religious freedom, as per a report in The Guardian. The government’s intervention came after it was determined the ban would mainly impact the local Muslim community. Ángel Víctor Torres, Spain’s minister for territorial policy, publicly stated that rightwing opposition parties “cannot decide who has freedom of worship and who does not” and affirmed that there can be “no half-measures when it comes to intolerance.”
Thailand Warns of 'Self-Defense' After Soldier Injured in Border Mine Blast
Thailand’s army has warned it may have to ‘exercise the right of self-defense’ in response to what it calls ‘continuing incidents’ of its soldiers being wounded by landmines along the Cambodian border, according to a report in AP. The warning came after a Thai sergeant was severely injured on Tuesday morning when he stepped on an anti-personnel landmine during a patrol. Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree explicitly blamed Cambodia, stating the mine was ‘covertly planted by the Cambodian side,’ escalating diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Pakistan Launches Targeted Operation in Northwest, Displacing Thousands
Pakistani security forces have launched a targeted operation against militants in the northwestern Bajaur district bordering Afghanistan, displacing thousands of residents who have fled to safer areas, AP says in a report. A government administrator, Saeed Ullah, clarified the offensive is not a large-scale military action but a more precise operation. The move comes in response to a recent surge in attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has historically been a stronghold for the militant group.
Iran Claims Detention Of 21,000 Suspects During Alleged June 'War' With Israel
Iranian authorities detained 21,000 suspects during a 12-day period in June that state media described as an “air war” with Israel, as per a report in AP. Police spokesperson Gen. Saeed Montazeralmahdi stated that the public reported the suspects to authorities, adding that the high number of arrests indicated public participation in providing security. Montazeralmahdi did not elaborate on what charges the suspects might face.
Activists Rally At UN For Strong Global Plastics Treaty As Negotiations Wind Down
Environmental and Indigenous leaders are rallying outside the United Nations in Geneva, urging negotiators to adopt a robust and legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution, AP says in a report. The demonstrations, involving organizations from the Break Free From Plastic movement, coincide with the final days of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4). Key points of contention in the talks, which have significant implications for the petrochemical industry, include whether to cap virgin plastic production—a central demand of the activists—or to focus primarily on waste management and recycling. The current negotiations are based on a UN Environment Assembly mandate from March 2022, with a final session (INC-5) expected later in 2024 to finalize the treaty text.
Fortnite To Return To iOS In Australia After Court Rules Against Apple And Google
Epic Games plans to re-release Fortnite on iOS in Australia after a federal court found Apple and Google misused their app marketplace dominance and engaged in anticompetitive practices, according to a report in The Verge. On Tuesday, an Australian judge ruled against the tech giants regarding their control over app distribution and in-app purchase commissions of up to 30%, though the court rejected Epic’s claims that the companies broke consumer law. Tim Sweeney confirmed the game’s eventual return via the Epic Games Store on iOS. Both Apple and Google acknowledged the ruling, expressing disagreement with the findings on their billing policies and indicating they will review the full decision before deciding on next steps. This Australian decision adds to the global regulatory and legal pressure on Apple and Google, who are facing similar antitrust challenges in the US and have already altered their models in the EU.
US Designates Baloch Separatist Group as a Terrorist Organization
The US State Department has designated the Pakistani separatist group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and its fighting wing, the Majeed Brigade, as a foreign terrorist organization, as per a report in AP. This decision, welcomed by Pakistani officials, is strategically timed, coinciding with a visit by Pakistan’s army chief to the US. The move is seen as bolstering US-Pakistan strategic and economic ties, as it follows a recent framework agreement allowing US firms to participate in developing Pakistan’s extensive mineral resources. The designation will severely restrict the BLA’s ability to raise funds and procure support internationally, providing significant backing to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts in the resource-rich Balochistan province, which is crucial for projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
US and China Extend Trade Truce for 90 Days
The US and China have extended their existing trade truce for an additional 90 days, temporarily averting a further escalation in the economic conflict between the world’s two largest economies, as per a report in AP. US President Donald Trump announced the extension via an executive order, stating that other elements of the current agreement would remain unchanged. Concurrently, China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed that Beijing would also maintain the pause on tariffs.
Nvidia and AMD May Sell High-End AI Chips to China Under Proposed US Tariff
US chipmakers Nvidia and AMD have reportedly agreed to a proposal to pay the US government 15% of revenue from high-end AI chip sales to China in exchange for licenses to sell in the country, as per a report in TechCrunch. The information, which originates from a Financial Times article citing anonymous sources, suggests a potential major shift in US export control policy. This move would add an economic tariff-based model to the existing national security rationale for restricting advanced technology trade with China. If implemented, the policy would allow the companies to regain access to the significant Chinese market for their most powerful chips, which have been subject to escalating US export bans.
EU Leaders Reaffirm Ukraine's Borders Cannot Be Changed By Force
European Union leaders have collectively stated that Ukraine’s borders must not be altered by military force and that its people must have the freedom to decide their own future, according to a report in BBC. This unified stance directly addresses Russia’s past actions, including the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 attempted annexation of four other Ukrainian regions, which are condemned as illegal under international law. The declaration reinforces the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, further isolating Russia diplomatically and upholding the principle that international borders cannot be changed through aggression.
Australian PM Says Israel's Netanyahu Is 'In Denial' Over Gaza Suffering
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, is ‘in denial’ over the scale of suffering in Gaza. The comment came after Albanese revealed details of a recent phone conversation between the two leaders. This public criticism from a traditionally allied nation comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis and Israel’s conduct of the war.
UN-Backed Report Alleges Systemic Torture And Sex Crimes In Myanmar
A United Nations-backed investigative team has found significant evidence of systemic torture in Myanmar’s detention centers, including electric shocks, strangulation, and gang rape, according to a report in AP. The findings were presented by Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), in the team’s latest annual report covering the one-year period ending June 30. The report details widespread abuses that have occurred since the military seized power from the elected government in a February 2021 coup, with alleged crimes including the burning of sexual body parts and other severe forms of torture.
Al Jazeera Staff Mourn Colleagues Killed In Gaza Strike
Employees at Al Jazeera observed a moment of silence to mourn five staff members the network said were assassinated in an Israeli strike in Gaza, Al Jazeera said in a report. The event highlights the significant risks and unprecedented number of fatalities for media professionals covering the conflict. The deaths have amplified calls from international press freedom and human rights organizations for independent investigations and accountability for the killing of journalists in war zones under international law.
Man Faces US Jail For Shipping 850 Turtles To Hong Kong In Socks
A man in the US is facing potential jail time for smuggling 850 turtles to Hong Kong, according to a report in BBC. The US Department of Justice stated the turtles were inhumanely packed inside socks and placed in boxes deceptively labelled as plastic toys to evade detection. This case highlights the persistent challenge of the global illegal wildlife trade, a multi-billion dollar black market where reptiles are heavily trafficked, particularly to Asian markets. The incident underscores the role of the US and Hong Kong as key points in international smuggling routes and the sophisticated methods used by traffickers, posing significant challenges to law enforcement and international supply chain security.
Footage Shows Execution of Medical Volunteer Amid Sectarian Violence in Southern Syria
Footage has emerged showing the execution of a medical volunteer in southern Syria, highlighting a recent wave of sectarian violence that has reportedly killed over 1,000 people, according to a report in The New York Times. The incident underscores the persistent instability in southern provinces like Daraa and Suweida, which have been plagued by assassinations and clashes despite the Syrian government regaining nominal control in 2018. The targeting of medical personnel is a recurring pattern in the Syrian conflict, constituting a war crime under international humanitarian law and severely hampering aid operations. This violence reflects the deep sectarian divisions that continue to fuel the conflict, undermine stability, and pose security challenges for the wider region.
Paris Opens Seine River For Public Swimming Amid Heatwave
Paris has opened three public bathing areas in the Seine river for the first time in over a century, drawing thousands of residents and tourists as a heatwave brings temperatures up to 38°C (100°F), AP says in a report. The opening follows a decades-long cleanup initiative to reverse pollution that led to a swimming ban in 1923. The project’s success is also a test ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which are set to host open-water events in the river. The new swimming areas have become a popular attraction, though continuous water quality monitoring remains necessary.
China And Brazil Propose 'Self-Reliance' Model For Global South
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Brazilian counterpart, Lula da Silva, have held discussions on enhancing cooperation to promote a model of ‘self-reliance’ for developing nations in the Global South, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The conversation took place against the backdrop of ongoing economic competition with the US and the continued fallout from the US-China trade war. The initiative aims to provide alternative development frameworks and reduce dependency on Western-dominated financial and political systems, reinforcing a push towards a more multipolar world order.
Iran Says Upcoming IAEA Nuclear Talks Will Be 'Complicated'
Iran has described upcoming talks with the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as ‘complicated’, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The statement comes ahead of a planned visit by the agency, which Tehran has clarified will not include visits to its nuclear facilities, focusing instead on high-level political and technical dialogue. The discussions are expected to address long-standing issues, including Iran’s escalated uranium enrichment beyond the limits of the 2015 nuclear deal, restricted IAEA access to monitoring equipment since 2022, and the agency’s demand for explanations regarding uranium traces found at undeclared sites. These talks occur against the backdrop of stalled international negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear accord (JCPOA).
Israel To Expand Temporary Takeover Of Gaza Beyond Gaza City
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday an expansion of plans for a temporary military takeover of the Gaza Strip, extending beyond Gaza City to potentially encompass the entire territory, Fox News says in a report. Stating that Israel has “no choice but to finish the job,” the move signals a significant broadening of direct Israeli control and is linked to the stated war aims of dismantling Hamas’s military and governance capabilities. This plan heightens diplomatic tensions, as it appears to conflict with proposals from international partners, including the US, which have advocated for post-conflict Palestinian governance and have voiced opposition to a long-term Israeli re-occupation of the Strip.
Paris Opens Seine River For Public Swimming Amid Soaring Temperatures
Public swimming has officially returned to the Seine river in Paris for the first time in 102 years, with thousands of people using three newly opened, designated bathing sites, according to a report in AP. This development follows a massive, long-term cleanup project driven by the city’s preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games. The swimming areas are expected to see increased use as France’s national weather service, Meteo France, has placed Paris under “high vigilance” for an impending heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 38 degrees Celsius (100 F).
Cambodian Workers Return Home As Thai Border Ceasefire Holds
A ceasefire brokered by Malaysia with backing from the US and China appears to be holding between Thailand and Cambodia, but hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers are heading home, according to a report in AP. The exodus follows armed clashes in July that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 260,000, stemming from long-standing disputes over their 800-kilometer border. The mass return of workers poses a significant economic threat to both nations, potentially causing a sharp decline in crucial remittances for Cambodia and creating acute labor shortages in Thailand’s agriculture and construction sectors.
Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions Trigger Mass Return Of Migrant Workers
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers are returning home from Thailand due to an ongoing border conflict, despite a fragile, internationally-brokered ceasefire. The tensions stem from disputes over sections of their 800-kilometer border, which led to armed clashes in July that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 260,000. This mass migration poses significant economic challenges, potentially creating labor shortages in Thailand’s construction and agriculture sectors while straining Cambodia’s economy through a loss of vital remittances. The ceasefire, mediated by Malaysia with support from the US and China, is currently holding, but the underlying territorial disputes remain a threat to regional stability.
Jellyfish Swarm Forces Shutdown At French Nuclear Power Plant
A French nuclear power plant has temporarily shut down operations after a massive swarm of jellyfish blocked its cooling water intake systems, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical coastal infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, to marine biological events exacerbated by climate change. The proliferation of jellyfish, linked to rising ocean temperatures, poses a significant operational risk, potentially leading to reduced power output, increased maintenance costs, and concerns for regional energy security, especially in nations like France that are heavily reliant on nuclear power. The shutdown is a controlled safety measure to clear the blockage and does not indicate a nuclear emergency.
Rugby Championship Kicks Off With Focus On 2027 World Cup Squads
The 2025 Rugby Championship is set to begin, serving as a critical strategic platform for southern hemisphere rugby’s top nations to shape their squads for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, Reuters said in a report. The tournament, which kicks off with South Africa hosting Australia, provides an early look into the long-term planning of all four participating nations: South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. For the teams, the competition represents a dual-purpose challenge: competing for the annual title while testing new talent and tactics for the future. For Rugby Australia, the performance of its national team is crucial for building commercial momentum and public engagement ahead of hosting the 2027 event.
Nepal Waives Fees For 97 Peaks To Ease Everest Overcrowding
In a strategic move to manage its tourism sector, Nepal is offering free climbs on 97 peaks by waiving government-mandated permit fees, as per a report in BBC. This policy is a direct response to persistent issues of overcrowding, pollution, and safety concerns on Mount Everest, which attracts the majority of mountaineering tourists. By promoting lesser-known mountains, the government aims to diversify its tourism economy, spreading economic benefits to new regions and alleviating the environmental pressure on the Everest ecosystem. The waiver applies only to the permit fee, with climbers still responsible for the substantial costs associated with guides, logistics, and equipment.
Ceuta Authorities Warn Reception System Is Overwhelmed Amid New Migrant Arrivals
Approximately 100 people, including several children, crossed from Morocco into the Spanish north African enclave of Ceuta by swimming early Saturday, prompting local authorities to warn that their reception system is close to collapse, The Guardian says in a report. This event is part of a recent surge in attempts to reach the EU territory, with more than 50 children having made the same risky journey on July 26 alone. The situation places immense strain on Ceuta’s social services and infrastructure, which have been described as ‘overwhelmed’. The sustained migration pressure also tests the delicate diplomatic relationship between Spain and Morocco, as Spain relies on Moroccan cooperation for border control, highlighting the persistent challenges at the EU’s external borders in Africa.
