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Last Updated:August 20, 2025, 14:15 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.
Paris Exhibition On Immigrant Life Draws Over 150,000 Visitors
An exhibition in Paris titled ‘Beloved Suburbs’ has drawn over 150,000 visitors to France’s Museum of the History of Immigration, with many attendees, particularly young people of color, expressing that it made them feel seen and recognized, The New York Times says in a report. The exhibition focuses on the lived experiences within France’s ‘banlieues,’ the often socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs with large immigrant populations. The strong public response underscores a significant demand for more inclusive cultural programming and directly engages with ongoing national debates in France concerning identity, multiculturalism, and the integration of immigrant communities.
UN Reports Record 383 Aid Worker Deaths In 2024, Nearly Half In Gaza
The UN has reported a record 383 aid worker deaths for the year 2024, with nearly half of the fatalities occurring in Gaza, according to a report in AP. The figures were released by the UN humanitarian office on World Humanitarian Day, highlighting the unprecedented danger facing relief personnel. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths stated the high number of killings with ‘zero accountability’ is a ‘shameful indictment’ and a wake-up call to protect civilians and aid workers. The escalating death toll, particularly in Gaza, raises significant concerns about the future of humanitarian operations, potentially impacting donor confidence and the ability of organizations to deliver aid in the world’s most dangerous hotspots.
Russia's Strategic, Economic, And Symbolic Goals Drive Donbas Conflict
Russia’s continued military focus on Ukraine’s Donbas region is driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and symbolic objectives, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Strategically, Moscow seeks to secure a land bridge to Crimea and create a buffer zone, while economically, the region’s rich industrial and agricultural resources are a key target. Symbolically, Russia frames its actions around historical narratives and the protection of Russian speakers, claims that international observers have widely refuted as pretexts for aggression. The conflict, centered on areas like Donetsk and Luhansk which Russia illegally annexed in 2022, continues to threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty, destabilize Eastern Europe, and impact global economic and energy markets.
Swatch Pulls Ad In China After Backlash Over Racist Imagery
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has apologized and removed an advertisement after facing significant backlash and calls for a boycott on Chinese social media, a key market for luxury goods, as per a report in The Guardian. The ad, which featured a male model making a “slanted eye” gesture, was heavily criticized by consumers as racist.
Ukraine Peace Path Remains Uncertain Amid Conflicting Demands
The path to peace in Ukraine remains uncertain due to irreconcilable demands from Kyiv and Moscow, while Paris is implementing urban strategies to combat extreme heat, according to a report in The New York Times. The primary obstacle to negotiations is Ukraine’s insistence on restoring its 1991 borders, which conflicts with Russia’s demands for Ukraine’s neutrality and its claim over four annexed regions. This impasse continues despite past diplomatic initiatives and ongoing Western military support for Ukraine. In a separate development, Paris is actively adapting to climate change by creating ‘cool islands,’ expanding green spaces, and providing public cooling centers to counter the growing threat of extreme heatwaves.
Ceasefire Talks Stall As Israel Rejects Hamas-Accepted Proposal
Ceasefire negotiations have hit a significant obstacle after Hamas announced its acceptance of a proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, AP says in a report. Israel immediately stated that the proposal was a “modified” version of a previous framework and did not meet its core demands, effectively rejecting the terms. Concurrent with the diplomatic developments, Israel initiated limited military operations in eastern Rafah, including issuing evacuation orders for civilians. The US has intensified diplomatic efforts to bridge the gap, while the impasse complicates prospects for a ceasefire, worsens the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and leaves the fate of hostages uncertain.
Qatar Urges Gaza Ceasefire After Hamas Gives Positive Response To Proposal
Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza conflict, emphasized the urgency of securing a ceasefire after Hamas showed a ‘positive response’ to a new proposal, AP says in a report. Despite this development, Israel has yet to formally comment and is reportedly preparing for a military offensive in densely populated areas of the territory, a prospect that has drawn significant international condemnation. A US envoy has been invited to rejoin the negotiations, while recent Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in 34 Palestinian fatalities in Gaza.
US Expands Migrant Detention With 'Lone Star Lockup' Facility
The United States has expanded its migrant detention capacity with a new facility named ‘Lone Star Lockup’, reflecting a persistent policy focus on detention for border management across multiple administrations, Al Jazeera says in a report. This development points to the sustained growth of the private detention industry, which operates a significant portion of these large-scale centers under government contracts. The construction of such facilities underscores a major financial commitment within US immigration policy, directing substantial public funds toward enforcement and containment infrastructure. This trend also carries significant implications for human rights organizations, which are expected to increase scrutiny over conditions and due process for detainees within these expanding centers.
Trump Dismisses Ceasefire Demand From German Opposition Leader
US President Donald Trump has reportedly dismissed a demand from German opposition leader Friedrich Merz that a ceasefire must be the result of any future meetings concerning the Ukraine conflict, according to a report in RT. The article notes that Merz, who leads Germany’s opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, had insisted on this condition. This development highlights a potential divergence in strategy between the US administration and the positions of key European political figures on the necessary conditions for ending the conflict.
US And Europe Explore Alternative Security Models For Ukraine
The US and European nations are reportedly exploring alternative security arrangements for Ukraine, moving away from a NATO membership model, following statements from US President Donald Trump, according to a report in Al Jazeera. These potential models are centered on long-term bilateral security agreements, which are defined as ‘commitments’ or ‘assurances’ rather than formal ‘guarantees’ equivalent to NATO’s Article 5 collective defense clause. Several G7 and European countries have already initiated such agreements, aiming to provide sustained military, financial, and political support to Kyiv. President Trump has indicated a US role in Ukraine’s security alongside Europe but has ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining the NATO alliance, reflecting a policy shift towards more transactional, bilateral relationships over collective security pacts.
China To Unveil Advanced Weapons At Military Parade Marking WWII Anniversary
China’s military is set to display some of its most advanced weaponry, including new fighter jets and sophisticated missile systems, at a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Al Jazeera said in a report. The event is intended to demonstrate the country’s significant military modernization and growing capabilities. The parade will serve as a high-profile platform for China to exhibit its latest defense technology amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mediators Await Israeli Response To New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
Mediators are awaiting Israel’s response to a new Gaza ceasefire proposal, which Qatar’s foreign ministry has described as being “almost identical” to a recent US-backed plan, according to a report in BBC. The proposal reportedly outlines a 60-day truce, during which approximately half of the 50 hostages mentioned in the plan would be released. This development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a deal that addresses the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza while navigating the conflicting demands of Israel and Hamas, which has consistently called for a permanent ceasefire.
Russia Adopts Iranian Tactics To Evade Oil Sanctions For Sales To China
Russia is reportedly adopting sophisticated sanction-evasion methods pioneered by Iran to sell oil to China, utilizing a ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers and complex broker networks to circumvent Western restrictions, according to a report in the Financial Times. These tactics, which include ship-to-ship transfers and opaque ownership structures, are being used to bypass the G7’s $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian seaborne crude. This strategy allows Russia to maintain a crucial revenue stream to fund its war efforts while China secures discounted energy supplies, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The growth of these illicit trade networks undermines the effectiveness of international sanctions and introduces significant safety and environmental risks to the global maritime industry.
Italy's Ventina Glacier Now Too Unstable For In-Person Monitoring
Due to significant melting driven by climate change, Italy’s Ventina glacier in Lombardy has become too unstable for geologists to monitor in person, ending a 130-year practice of direct measurement, AP says in a report. The Lombardy Glaciological Service announced that rockslides and debris have buried monitoring benchmarks and made the terrain unsafe, forcing a switch to remote methods such as drones. This development disrupts an exceptionally rare long-term data set and serves as a critical indicator of accelerating climate change impacts. The resulting terrain instability also increases geohazards like landslides, posing new risks to alpine infrastructure and local communities.
New Zealand Soldier Convicted In Nation's First Espionage Case
A New Zealand soldier has admitted to attempted espionage in a military court, marking the first spying conviction in the country’s history, AP said in a report. The conviction on Monday relates to a 2019 incident where the soldier tried to communicate military information, including base maps and telephone directories, to a person they believed was a foreign agent. Both the soldier’s name and the country they sought to assist have been suppressed by the court. The case highlights potential national security vulnerabilities for New Zealand, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, and is expected to trigger reviews of security protocols within its defense force.
Norway's Wealth Tax Debate Draws Scrutiny From European Investors
The debate over Norway’s wealth tax has become a central issue in the country’s political landscape and is being closely watched by investors and policymakers throughout Europe, according to a report in Financial Times. The current Labour-Centre government has increased the tax, prompting a notable number of wealthy Norwegians to relocate to countries with more favorable tax systems, like Switzerland. In response, Norway’s centre-right opposition parties are campaigning on a platform to reduce or abolish the tax, arguing it would stimulate the economy and retain capital. The outcome of this debate, which is a key dividing line ahead of the 2025 general election, could have significant implications for Norway’s investment climate and influence tax policy discussions across the continent.
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.
