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Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 13:49 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.
Bus And Fuel Truck Collision Kills 78 People In Western Afghanistan
At least 78 people, including children, have died in western Afghanistan following a major vehicle collision, The Guardian said in a report. The incident occurred in the Guzara district of Herat province when a bus, which was transporting Afghans recently deported from Iran, collided with a motorcycle and a fuel truck on Tuesday night. The crash caused a significant fire, and officials confirmed on Wednesday that two of the three initial survivors later died from their injuries.
Traditional Polish Lace From Koniaków Enters Global Fashion Market
A traditional lace crocheting handicraft from the Polish village of Koniaków is experiencing a revival, attracting the attention of international fashion designers and creating new economic opportunities for local artisans, AP says in a report. This centuries-old skill, passed down through generations of women, is now being applied to contemporary fashion items like colorful, lacy lingerie, moving beyond its traditional use for decorative pieces. The trend reflects a growing global consumer demand for unique, handmade, and culturally authentic products, providing a significant financial boost to the rural community and ensuring the preservation of its cultural heritage through modern adaptation.
Israel To Resume Indirect Talks For Hostage Release
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the resumption of negotiations to free all remaining hostages, as per a report in BBC. The talks, which will be conducted indirectly through mediators such as Qatar and Egypt, are centered on a three-phase proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release that was publicly detailed by former US President Joe Biden in May 2024. Hamas had previously responded to the framework with a conditional acceptance, submitting amendments that reportedly include demands for a firm timeline for a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The decision to re-engage in talks comes amid significant internal political pressure on Netanyahu’s government from coalition partners who have threatened to leave the government if a deal is perceived as ending the war without achieving Israel’s stated military objectives.
World Shares Mixed Amid US Inflation Worries, Intel Policy And China's Digital Currency Push
Global financial markets are showing mixed results after Wall Street trimmed its losses, with investors weighing several key developments, AP said in a report. In the US, Federal Reserve minutes revealed that most officials are worried about inflation moving higher, creating uncertainty. Concurrently, the Trump administration is pursuing a significant stake in semiconductor firm Intel, a move aimed at strengthening domestic industry. Meanwhile, China is pushing forward with the expansion of its digital currencies. In corporate news with global trade implications, Walmart reported solid second-quarter sales and profits, successfully navigating a challenging tariff environment.
Polish Officials Call Crashed Russian Drone a Provocation
Polish officials have described the crash of an object in a cornfield as a ‘provocation,’ stating that preliminary findings indicate it was a Russian version of an Iranian-designed Shahed drone, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The incident raises significant security concerns for the NATO member, highlighting the risk of the war in Ukraine spilling over its borders. This event underscores the ongoing threat to the alliance’s eastern flank and further strains diplomatic relations between Warsaw and Moscow, especially in light of a past incident in November 2022 when a missile landed in the country.
Thaksin Shinawatra Acquitted Of Royal Defamation Charge In Thailand
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been acquitted of a royal defamation charge, he and his lawyer announced, though the Bangkok Criminal Court has not yet officially confirmed the verdict, AP says in a report. The offense, known as lese majeste or Section 112, is one of the world’s strictest, carrying a prison sentence of three to 15 years, and has been widely used against political opponents in Thailand. This acquittal is a significant legal victory for Thaksin following his return to Thailand from self-exile in 2023 and subsequent parole on prior corruption charges. The decision has prompted renewed debate about the impartiality of the Thai justice system, particularly concerning the selective application of the lese majeste law, as numerous activists face severe penalties for similar charges.
Russia Reportedly Proposes Terms To End Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly issued formal demands to end the war in Ukraine, with the move said to follow a meeting with US President Donald Trump, as per a report in Fox News. The reported terms require Ukraine to freeze the conflict along current front lines, formally cede occupied territories to Russia, and legislate a permanent ban on joining the NATO alliance. These demands reflect Russia’s long-standing strategic objectives, which Ukraine has consistently rejected.
Unregulated Sexual Stimulants Create Public Health Crisis in West Africa
A flood of unregulated sexual stimulants, often falsely marketed as herbal remedies, is creating a public health crisis across West Africa, The New York Times says in a report. These products, which frequently bypass official safety and quality controls, are often adulterated with undeclared or dangerously high doses of pharmaceutical ingredients, posing severe health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and organ damage. The proliferation is driven by high demand, low cost, and easy availability through online platforms and informal markets, overwhelming the limited resources of national regulatory agencies. This illicit trade not only endangers consumers but also erodes public trust in the legitimate pharmaceutical market and fuels illicit economies.
Berlin Urban Garden Revives Medieval Health Tradition On Former Industrial Site
A garden in suburban Berlin is reviving a medieval monastic health tradition by cultivating 150 to 200 types of rare herbs on a repurposed industrial lot next to a former gasworks, as per a report in AP. The project, named the Monk Garden, grows numerous varieties of plants like mint, hyssop, and yarrow that are not typically available in commercial supermarkets. This initiative represents a growing trend in urban greening and brownfield redevelopment, transforming underutilized spaces into productive agricultural sites. The garden impacts Berlin’s local food system by supplying unique ingredients to the culinary market and serves as a model for sustainable urban land use and biodiversity conservation.
Coalition of 27 Nations Urges Israel to Allow Press Access to Gaza
A coalition of 27 nations, including the UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada, has formally demanded that Israel grant immediate access to Gaza for international journalists, according to a report in The Guardian. In a joint statement representing a significant escalation of diplomatic pressure, the countries called on Israel to end its block on media access to allow for coverage of the humanitarian crisis. The statement also explicitly calls for the protection of journalists currently operating in the war zone.
US and Uganda Agree to Deportation Deal for s Without Criminal Records
Uganda has entered into a deportation agreement with the United States, stipulating it will accept the return of its citizens on the condition that they do not possess criminal records, according to a report in AP. This deal is expected to help the US Department of Homeland Security manage its deportation backlog by streamlining the process for undocumented Ugandans without a criminal history. For Uganda, the agreement signals cooperation on immigration while mitigating potential security risks associated with repatriating individuals who have committed crimes abroad. Consequently, undocumented Ugandans in the US without criminal records now face a higher probability of deportation, while the process for those with criminal records may become more complex for US authorities under this specific arrangement.
Ghanaian Singer Shatta Wale Questioned In US Luxury Car Probe
Ghanaian singer Shatta Wale voluntarily appeared for questioning with Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) as part of a US government request, AP said in a report. The investigation is tied to the origins of his 2019 Lamborghini Urus and is connected to a broader US probe into a $4 million crime. Authorities in Ghana confirmed Wale was released on bail on Thursday following his questioning.
Former North Korean Soldier, 95, Campaigns For Repatriation From South Korea
A 95-year-old former North Korean soldier, Ahn Hak-sop, will persist in his campaign for repatriation to the North after South Korean troops halted his symbolic march toward the inter-Korean border this week, AP says in a report. Ahn, who spent decades imprisoned in the South, was walking toward a bridge in the border town of Paju on Wednesday, holding a North Korean flag, when soldiers stopped him at a checkpoint. An activist confirmed on Thursday that Ahn’s efforts to have South Korean authorities arrange his return to the North will continue, highlighting a long-standing issue of unconverted prisoners amid currently tense inter-Korean relations.
Deadly Landslide In Guinea Kills At Least 11 People
A landslide caused by heavy rains has killed at least 11 people and seriously injured another 10 in a rural community outside Guinea’s capital, Conakry, according to a report in AP. The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Maneah, a community in the Coyah Prefecture about 50 kilometers from the capital, when part of a mountain collapsed onto buildings. Authorities have stated that the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Russia Launches Largest Missile Attack On Ukraine In Weeks
Russia has launched its most extensive missile attack on Ukrainian cities in weeks, with strikes reported across the country, according to a report in the Financial Times. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the barrage, which he claimed included the targeting of a US civilian factory, demonstrates that Moscow has no intention of ending the war. The attack represents a significant escalation in Russia’s air campaign, placing further strain on Ukraine’s air defenses and highlighting the persistent risk to civilian populations and infrastructure, including foreign-owned assets.
Rescued Baby Gorilla Recovers In Turkey, Awaiting Repatriation To Nigeria
A baby gorilla, named Zeytin, is recovering in Turkey after being rescued from a wildlife trafficking operation, with Turkish authorities planning his eventual repatriation to Nigeria, according to a report in BBC. The incident highlights Turkey’s role as a significant transit country for the multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade, which poses a severe threat to global biodiversity. This rescue underscores the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in disrupting sophisticated trafficking networks and protecting critically endangered species like gorillas from the illicit demand for exotic pets.
Jeju Island Issues First-Ever Tourist Guidelines Amid Visitor Surge
South Korea’s popular Jeju Island has introduced its first-ever official visitor guidelines to manage unruly behavior amid a surge in tourism, according to a report in BBC. The move addresses growing concerns over ‘overtourism’ on the UNESCO World Heritage site, where an influx of visitors has led to issues such as littering, noise, and disrespect for local culture. While tourism is a critical driver of Jeju’s economy, authorities are concerned that negative behavior could tarnish the island’s image and impact its long-term economic sustainability. The new guidelines aim to balance economic benefits with the preservation of the island’s natural environment and quality of life for residents, potentially serving as a model for South Korea’s national sustainable tourism strategy.
Attacks In Colombia Kill At Least 13 People Including Police Officers
At least 13 people were killed in Colombia on Thursday in two separate incidents, a car bombing and an attack on a police helicopter, according to a report in AP. Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated the attacks were carried out by dissidents of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The helicopter assault occurred in the northern Antioquia region, killing eight police officers who were being transported to conduct a coca leaf eradication mission. These attacks represent a significant challenge to President Petro’s ‘Total Peace’ policy and underscore the ongoing security threats posed by armed groups involved in the drug trade.
Russian Attack On Western Ukraine Hits American-Owned Plant
Russia launched a significant overnight drone and missile attack on western Ukraine, striking an American-owned electronics plant in a region that has largely been spared from such focused assaults, AP says in a report. The attack, described as one of Russia’s largest this year, occurred amid a US-led diplomatic push for peace, injecting further uncertainty into efforts to end the war. The strike is consistent with a broader Russian pattern of targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and industrial facilities to degrade the country’s economic and defense capabilities.
German City's Free Rent Contest To Combat Depopulation Attracts Global Interest
An initiative by the formerly East German city of Eisenhüttenstadt to combat depopulation has drawn more than 1,700 applications from around the world, according to a report in The Guardian. The city, a Soviet-style planned community built around a steel plant on the Polish border, offered spacious flats rent-free for two weeks in a contest designed to attract professionals. The program is an attempt to address the demographic and economic challenges faced by many post-industrial regions in eastern Germany.
US Sanctions ICC Judge Over Netanyahu Warrant Application
The US government has announced new sanctions against officials of the Criminal Court (ICC), with US Senator Marco Rubio calling the institution a “national security threat” for its actions concerning US or Israeli nationals, according to a report in France 24. The sanctions target individuals including French Judge Nicolas Guillou, who is part of the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber reviewing the prosecutor’s application for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. The US, which is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that established the court, has consistently argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over its personnel and those of its allies. This action represents a significant escalation of pressure on the international judicial body.
Historic Gold Prices Fuel Global Illegal Mining And Conflict
A global illegal gold rush is intensifying due to historically high gold prices, fueling conflict and environmental destruction in multiple regions, according to a report in the Financial Times. The surge in illicit mining, now involving large-scale criminal networks and paramilitaries, is particularly acute in areas like the Amazon Basin, where it causes severe deforestation and mercury contamination. In conflict zones such as Sudan, armed groups like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly fund their operations through the illicit gold trade, while similar activities in West Africa provide revenue for jihadist organizations. The widespread phenomenon poses significant threats to global security, contributes to human rights abuses including forced labor, and undermines international financial systems through money laundering.
China Building World's Largest Solar Farm To Meet Emissions Targets
China is building what will be the world’s largest solar farm on a Tibetan plateau, a project central to its strategy to meet national emissions targets, AP says in a report. The massive facility in Talatan is planned to cover 610 square kilometers and will have the capacity to power approximately 5 million households upon completion. This development is part of China’s rapid expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, which is growing faster than in any other country, and coincides with a new study indicating the investment is beginning to impact its carbon emissions trajectory.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens In Malawi Refugee Camp Amid Severe Overcrowding And Funding Cuts
A significant humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Malawi’s only refugee camp, Dzaleka, which is now operating at more than five times its intended capacity, according to a report in France 24. The severe overcrowding is exacerbated by global funding shortfalls impacting the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR, leading to reductions in essential services and aid. This has resulted in growing food insecurity and an increase in crime within the camp, placing immense strain on the refugees and on Malawi’s national resources, which are already stretched by the country’s own domestic crises.
Fire On US Navy Ship In Japan Extinguished After 12 Hours
A fire on a US Navy ship in Japan burned for 12 hours before it was extinguished, The New York Times said in a report. Two sailors sustained minor injuries in the incident. The US Navy has stated that the ship’s crew will remain on board the vessel, which is located in Okinawa.
Netanyahu To Approve Gaza City Takeover Plans, Restart Hostage Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that he intends to approve military plans for an operation in Gaza City while also restarting negotiations for the release of remaining hostages, as per a report in AP. The stated objective of the military plan is to dismantle Hamas’s command infrastructure within the urban center. This announcement of a dual approach follows a period where previous negotiation efforts, which were mediated by Qatar and Egypt, had stalled without reaching a new agreement.
Brazil's Former President Bolsonaro Faces New Obstruction of Justice Accusation
Brazil’s federal police have formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of obstruction of justice, a development that escalates his legal challenges and adds to the country’s political instability, according to a report in AP. The accusation, which reportedly surprised Bolsonaro’s legal team, comes less than two weeks before a separate trial is set to begin. This new charge stems from a federal investigation which also revealed that Bolsonaro had previously considered seeking asylum and continued to communicate with allies regarding efforts to subvert democratic processes. Brazil’s attorney-general will now decide whether to formally press charges based on the police’s findings, a move that could result in another trial for the former leader.
US State Department Reviewing 55 Million Visas For Potential Revocation
The US State Department confirmed it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas for potential revocation or deportable immigration violations, according to a report in AP. This policy of “continuous vetting” subjects all visa holders to ongoing checks for any new information that could make them ineligible for their document. The move is a manifestation of the Trump administration’s “extreme vetting” approach and is part of a broader push for increased immigration enforcement.
