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Last Updated:August 09, 2025, 04:15 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.
German Court Rejects Appeal For Deported Yazidi Family's Return
The Potsdam Administrative Court has rejected an emergency appeal by a Yazidi family that was recently deported to Iraq, stirring significant controversy, as per a report in The Times of India. The family’s removal was part of a broader deportation effort that proceeded despite concerns raised by officials in the state of Brandenburg. Critics argue the decision contradicts the spirit of Germany’s 2023 recognition of the genocide committed by the Islamic State (IS) against the Yazidi people and highlights a trend towards stricter immigration policies, even for vulnerable groups.
Brazil's President Signs Environmental Bill But Vetoes Key Deregulatory Articles
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed into law a controversial environmental bill, dubbed the “devastation bill” by critics, but vetoed or amended 63 of its 398 provisions, The Guardian says in a report. The vetoes specifically target articles that would have effectively dismantled the country’s environmental licensing system, a move that follows pressure from environmentalists who had urged a complete rejection of the bill. While the action averts what was seen as the most significant threat to Brazil’s environmental protections in decades, the remaining provisions of the law, which were passed by a Congress influenced by a powerful agribusiness lobby, are still expected to streamline and simplify licensing for certain activities, posing potential risks to sensitive ecosystems.
Prominent Chinese Banker Bao Fan Released From Detention
Prominent Chinese banker and dealmaker Bao Fan has reportedly been released from detention, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Bao, the founder of investment bank China Renaissance Holdings, went missing in February 2023, with his company later stating he was ‘cooperating with an investigation’ by Chinese authorities. His disappearance was part of a broader trend of scrutiny and regulatory crackdowns by Beijing on the country’s technology and financial sectors. The lack of transparency surrounding his case has been seen by investors as highlighting the political risks for business leaders and has raised concerns about the predictability of the legal and regulatory environment for foreign investment in China.
Grenada's Government And Opposition Unite To End Oath To King Charles
In a move described by the government as a “commendable display of national unity,” Grenada’s parliament has seen its government and opposition join forces to drop the oath of allegiance to the British crown, according to a report in The Guardian. The bipartisan agreement will amend the nation’s constitution. This development occurs amidst increasing calls within the Caribbean country for the removal of King Charles as head of state and for reparations for slavery.
Cameroon President Paul Biya's Potential Eighth Term Raises Stability Concerns
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, one of the world’s oldest leaders, may seek an eighth term in the upcoming 2025 presidential election, a move that could extend his rule until he is 99 years old, according to a report in BBC. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, faces a political landscape shaped by the persistent Anglophone crisis, widespread economic discontent, and internal party speculation over his succession. An eighth term could deepen concerns about political stagnation and the erosion of democratic institutions, potentially deterring foreign investment and posing risks to regional stability due to unresolved internal conflicts and governance issues.
Israeli Activists Urge US President Trump To End 'BB's War'
An Israeli activist group created a large anti-war message in the sand on a Tel Aviv beach, urging US President Donald Trump to “end BB’s war,” Al Jazeera said in a report. The protest took place near a US diplomatic building and specifically referenced the policies of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mexican President Sheinbaum Rejects US Military Action On Mexican Soil
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any prospect of US military intervention in her country, stating that an ‘invasion’ to combat drug cartels is ‘absolutely off the table,’ The Guardian says in a report. Her comments on Friday came in response to news reports suggesting US President Donald Trump had authorized the use of military force against cartels, which his administration has considered designating as terrorist organizations. Sheinbaum emphasized that while Mexico and the US cooperate on security, Mexico’s national sovereignty will not be violated by foreign troops.
Remains Of Three 9/11 Victims Identified Nearly 24 Years Later
New York City officials have identified the remains of three more victims from the September 11, 2001, attacks, nearly a quarter-century after the event, AP says in a report. The victims were identified as Ryan D. Fitzgerald, 26, and Barbara A. Keating, 72, with the third victim’s name withheld at her family’s request. This progress is part of an ongoing effort by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, which utilizes evolving DNA sequencing technology to analyze minute or degraded remains collected from the World Trade Center site. With these new identifications, the total number of victims identified now stands at 1,650 out of the 2,753 people killed in the attack.
One Dead As Wildfires Rage In Southern Greece
At least one person has died as more than 50 agricultural and forest fires have broken out across Greece in the past 24 hours, marking one of the most severe days of the summer fire season, according to a report in BBC. The widespread fires, concentrated in southern Greece but occurring nationwide, are placing a significant strain on the country’s emergency services and resources. These events pose a direct threat to public safety and infrastructure, prompting evacuations and creating public health risks from poor air quality. The blazes also have severe economic implications, threatening Greece’s vital tourism and agriculture sectors by damaging natural landscapes and destroying crops in key regions.
Three More Victims Of 9/11 Attacks Identified Through DNA Testing
Authorities in New York City have identified three more victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through advances in DNA testing, according to a report in The Guardian. The victims were named as Barbara Keating, Ryan Fitzgerald, and an unnamed woman. This development, confirmed by officials in Manhattan, brings the total number of identified victims from the World Trade Center attack to 1,653 out of the 2,753 people who died at the site nearly 24 years ago.
At Least 21 Killed As Bus Overturns In Kenya
At least 21 people were killed in southwestern Kenya on Friday evening after a bus carrying mourners overturned and plunged into a ditch, as per a report in AP. The bus was traveling from the western town of Kakamega to the city of Kisumu. According to police, the driver lost control of the vehicle at high speed as it approached a roundabout, causing it to crash.
Ukrainian Journalist Who Died After Russian Captivity Laid To Rest In Kyiv
Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in Kyiv on Friday, according to a report in France 24. Roshchyna died in October 2023 from health complications her family and colleagues attribute to her detention by Russian forces in early 2022. During the ceremony, her colleagues urged for international action to secure the freedom of other Ukrainian reporters who remain held by Moscow. Roshchyna was honored for her frontline reporting, which provided valuable insight into life under Russian occupation during the initial stages of the full-scale invasion.
Iran Transfers Inmates Back To Evin Prison Following June Attack
Iranian authorities have started transferring inmates back to Tehran’s Evin prison, which was reportedly targeted in an alleged Israeli attack in June, AP says in a report. State media announced the return of the first group of prisoners on Friday from another facility, indicating that more transfers are planned. The official report did not specify the number of inmates moved or the total number expected to be returned to the facility, which has a history of holding political prisoners.
Mexico Accuses Adidas Of Cultural Appropriation Over Sandal Design
Mexican authorities have accused sportswear company Adidas of cultural appropriation, alleging a new sandal design plagiarizes traditional Indigenous footwear known as huaraches, as per a report in AP. The government has formally requested the withdrawal of the shoe from the market, citing concerns over the copying of traditional handicrafts. This accusation places Adidas at risk of significant reputational damage and potential consumer backlash. The incident is part of a broader pattern where Mexico has increasingly taken legal and diplomatic steps to protect its Indigenous cultural heritage from use by international fashion brands, putting further pressure on the global apparel industry to adopt more transparent and equitable design practices.
US Appeals Court Reverses Contempt Finding In Migrant Deportation Case
A split US appeals court panel has reversed a district judge’s criminal contempt finding against the Trump administration in a case involving the deportation of Venezuelan migrants, as per a report in AP. The ruling came after the administration proceeded with deportations to a prison in El Salvador, despite a contrary order from US District Judge James E. Boasberg, who had sought the contempt charge. This decision underscores the ongoing legal and political conflicts between the executive branch’s authority on immigration enforcement and the judiciary’s power of oversight.
Europe's Cross-Border Rail Network Faces Significant Hurdles
Despite the launch of new services such as the first direct high-speed train between Paris and Berlin, significant challenges persist for Europe’s cross-border rail network, as per a report in The Guardian. Travelers frequently encounter high prices, convoluted booking processes, and inconvenient timetables, which undermines the EU’s vision for a seamless and expanded high-speed rail system. These issues present a major obstacle to the EU’s Green Deal goals, which aim for a substantial shift from air and road travel to more sustainable rail transport. The complexities stem from a fragmented market with differing national regulations, technical standards, and a lack of integrated ticketing platforms, making efficient international journeys a rarity.
Australia Denies Visas To Eight Researchers For Global Bat Conference
Organizers of the 20th Bat Research Conference in Cairns have criticized the Australian government for denying last-minute visas to eight invited researchers, primarily from Asia and Africa, according to a report in The Guardian. Justin Welbergen stated the decision, which came without an option to appeal, has disrupted the key global event for bat research and conservation. The Australian government has declined to comment on the specific reasons for the visa refusals, a move that organizers believe will damage the nation’s international scientific standing.
Syria's Minorities Demand Decentralized State and Pluralistic Constitution
Hundreds of representatives from Syria’s various ethnic and religious communities have called for the formation of a decentralized state and the drafting of a new constitution that ensures pluralism, AP says in a report. The declaration was made at the conclusion of a one-day conference in Hassakeh, where approximately 400 delegates gathered to assert the rights of their communities in the country’s evolving political framework.
Wildfires In Turkey Force Closure Of Key Dardanelles Shipping Strait
Spreading wildfires in Turkey have prompted authorities to suspend maritime traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a vital waterway for global trade, according to a report in BBC. The closure disrupts a key route for commercial vessels, particularly bulk carriers transporting grain and other commodities from Black Sea ports to the Mediterranean and beyond. This action creates further strain on global supply chains and food security, leading to shipping delays and potential increases in freight costs. The incident is part of a wider, intense wildfire season across the Mediterranean, which climate scientists attribute to extreme heat and drought conditions.
Belarus Journalist Jailed For 10 Years On Treason Charges Amid Crackdown
A Belarusian journalist was convicted of treason and revealing state secrets and sentenced to 10 years in prison following a closed trial, according to a report in AP. Danil Palianski, who worked for several independent news agencies, was sentenced on July 25, but the verdict was only made public on Friday. The announcement coincides with the eve of the fifth anniversary of the disputed 2020 election that kept authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko in power. This conviction is part of a sustained crackdown on dissent and independent media by the Belarusian government, which has led to widespread arrests and the suppression of civil society.
Japan Reports Record Drop In Population
Japan’s population of nationals saw a record decline of over 900,000 in 2023, marking the most significant single-year drop since comparable data collection began, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This sharp decrease, driven by a historically low birth rate, intensifies the nation’s demographic crisis. The shrinking and aging population is placing severe strain on Japan’s economy, exacerbating labor shortages across industries and increasing pressure on its social security and healthcare systems. The trend also accelerates depopulation in rural areas, threatening the vitality of regional communities.
Bayern Munich To Reduce 'Visit Rwanda' Sponsorship Amid Political Backlash
German football club Bayern Munich will reduce its “Visit Rwanda” branding, signaling a move away from its commercial sponsorship with the African nation, AP says in a report. The decision follows significant backlash and accusations of “sportswashing” linked to Rwanda’s alleged support for rebel groups in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The five-year partnership, which began in 2023, included advertisements in the club’s stadium and was intended to promote tourism and investment in Rwanda, replacing a previous controversial sponsorship deal with Qatar.
US Has 'No Plans' To Recognize Palestinian State, Says Vice President Vance
US Vice President J D Vance said on Friday that the US has “no plans” to recognize a Palestinian state, questioning what such recognition would mean given the “lack of a functional government there,” as per a report in AP. The statement came before his talks with the UK Foreign Secretary, with the agenda including global economics, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Vance’s comments directly address the UK’s stated intention to potentially recognize a Palestinian state by September if Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Balcony Collapses In Gaza As Palestinians Scramble For Airdropped Aid
A balcony collapsed in Gaza as Palestinians attempted to retrieve an airdropped aid pallet, an incident that underscores the extreme desperation and dangers associated with aid delivery in the region, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This event occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis, with international bodies warning of famine as land-based aid routes face significant restrictions. The reliance on airdrops, considered a less efficient and more hazardous method of distribution, has led to multiple incidents of injury and death. The collapse intensifies international pressure for more effective and secure aid corridors to prevent further civilian casualties and address the critical shortages of food and essential supplies.
Southeast Asian Students In High Demand Amid Global Talent Competition
Universities globally are escalating their efforts to attract international students, with a growing focus on talent from Southeast Asia to address demographic shifts and sustain economic growth, Deutsche Welle says in a report. This trend is driven by a rising middle class in Southeast Asian nations with higher educational aspirations and a strategic move by universities to diversify their student bodies beyond traditional markets. European institutions are actively trying to catch up to English-speaking destinations such as the US, UK, and Canada by offering more English-taught programs and attractive post-study work opportunities, intensifying the global competition for skilled individuals from the region.
Pakistani Forces Kill 33 Militants Near Afghan Border
Pakistani security forces have killed 33 militants who were attempting to enter the country from neighboring Afghanistan, AP said in a report. The military stated the overnight operation took place in the Zhob district of Balochistan province, where troops intercepted individuals identified as members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A search operation is reportedly underway to locate any other insurgents in the area.
UN Official Warns Afghan Stability At Risk Amid Mass Refugee Return
A United Nations official has warned that the successful reintegration of millions of Afghan refugees is critical to the country’s peaceful future and social cohesion, according to a report in AP. Since the beginning of the year, 2.2 million Afghans have returned, largely from neighboring countries, entering a nation already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, a stagnant economy, and the effects of climate change. The economic and social challenge is compounded by the fact that 60% of these returnees are under the age of 18, placing immense strain on already scarce resources and threatening to undermine stability if not managed effectively, according to Stephanie Loose, a UN Habitat program manager.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Senior Palestinian Official in Eastern Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike killed a senior official from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Mohammed Wishah, and his bodyguard in eastern Lebanon on Thursday, AP said in a report. The strike took place near the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, targeting an area deep within Lebanon and far from the usual southern conflict zone. The Israeli army confirmed it conducted the airstrike, which targeted the official as he was reportedly on his way to Syria.
Germany Halts Military Equipment Exports To Israel Over Gaza Concerns
Germany has halted authorizations for any exports of military equipment to Israel that could potentially be used in Gaza, AP says in a report. The decision by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government marks a significant policy change, reflecting growing international concern over Israel’s military operations. This move from one of Israel’s strongest historical supporters adds to the diplomatic pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and follows expressions of concern from other European nations regarding the conflict.
Cambodia Accused Of Militarizing Ancient Temple Near Thai Border
A fact-check is examining social media allegations that the Cambodian army has been using an ancient temple in the Emerald Triangle as a military base, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. These accusations surfaced after a ceasefire was agreed upon with Thailand at the end of July 2025, following a period of military tension. The claims, if substantiated, could violate international norms regarding the protection of cultural heritage sites and potentially destabilize the recent truce, reigniting diplomatic and military friction between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Zambia Wins Legal Battle To Repatriate Former President Edgar Lungu's Remains
A South African court has ordered that the remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu be repatriated for burial in his home country, siding with the Zambian government in a dispute with the late leader’s family, AP says in a report. The ruling on Friday allows the government of current President Hakainde Hichilema to bring back the body of Lungu, who died at 68 in a South African hospital, against the wishes of his family who sought to have him buried there. The legal battle highlights significant political tensions in Zambia between Hichilema’s administration and the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, which Lungu formerly led. Prior to his death, Lungu, who was president from 2015 to 2021, faced corruption investigations from the current government, and the dispute over his burial is seen as a move by the state to control the funeral proceedings and prevent it from becoming an opposition rally.
Ukraine's Conscription Crisis Worsens Amid Allegations Of Abuse
Ukraine is grappling with a severe conscription crisis as it struggles to replenish its forces, with allegations of abusive and harsh methods by recruitment officials leading to public backlash, protests, and an increase in men attempting to flee the country, Al Jazeera says in a report. The intensified mobilization efforts, driven by a new law that lowered the conscription age to 25 and introduced stricter penalties for evasion, are a response to significant manpower shortages on the front lines. However, reports of officials forcibly detaining men on the street have fueled the crisis, creating significant social tension and human rights concerns that could impact military morale and Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense effort.
Abidjan Converts Former Landfill Into Major Urban Park
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is preparing to open the new Akouedo Park, which has transformed a large, hazardous landfill into a public green space, according to a report in France 24. This project addresses significant environmental and public health issues previously caused by the landfill, including pollution and contamination. The initiative is part of a broader global movement where cities are regenerating former industrial or waste sites into valuable community assets, reflecting a strategic shift towards sustainable urban development. The transformation turns a significant environmental liability into an economic asset, potentially boosting local property values and creating a model for attracting international investment for similar large-scale environmental remediation projects across Africa.
Japan Sets December Deadline For Apple To Open iPhone To Rival Browser Engines
Japanese regulators have set a December deadline for Apple to lift restrictions on third-party browser engines on iPhones, as per a report in The Verge. New guidelines related to Japan’s Smartphone Act explicitly prevent Apple from imposing ‘unreasonable technical restrictions’ or ‘excessive financial burdens’ on developers who choose to use alternatives to Apple’s WebKit engine. The move is designed to avoid a repeat of the situation in the European Union, where Apple’s implementation of the Digital Markets Act was criticized for effectively preventing competitors like Google’s Chrome with its Blink engine from launching on iOS. The Japanese rules also prohibit Apple from steering users away from software that uses alternative browser engines.
Jailed Australian Lawmaker Resigns To Avoid Expulsion From Parliament
Gareth Ward, an independent member of parliament in Australia’s New South Wales state, has resigned from his seat while in jail awaiting sentencing for sex crimes, as per a report in AP. The resignation occurred on Friday, just before the state parliament was scheduled to vote on his expulsion. Ward was convicted by a jury in July for sex crimes against two young men but had previously refused to step down, prompting his former colleagues to initiate the ouster proceedings. His resignation averts the formal expulsion vote and now triggers a by-election for his electorate of Kiama.
Flash Floods In Northwestern China Kill 10, 33 Missing
At least 10 people have been killed and 33 others are missing following severe flash floods in northwestern China, AP says in a report. The casualty figures were announced by Chinese state media, which reported on the natural disaster occurring in the country’s northwestern region.
Indonesia To Treat 2,000 Wounded Gazans On Galang Island
Indonesia plans to convert a medical facility on the currently uninhabited Galang island to treat about 2,000 wounded residents from Gaza, The Guardian says in a report. A presidential spokesperson, Hasan Nasbi, confirmed the plan in Jakarta, stating that the medical assistance is for “victims of war, those who are wounded, buried under debris.” The initiative is described as a temporary humanitarian measure, with the explicit intention that all patients will return to Gaza after receiving treatment.
China Warns Philippines Over Remarks On Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions
China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines, urging Manila to stop “playing with fire” on the Taiwan issue, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The warning from Beijing came in response to recent comments by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who stated that the Philippines would inevitably be “involved” in any potential conflict over Taiwan. Marcos cited the country’s geographical proximity and the presence of approximately 150,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan as reasons for the unavoidable spillover. The statement from China escalates diplomatic tensions amid ongoing friction in the South China Sea and increased defense cooperation between the Philippines and the US.
Heavy Rains and Landslides Hit Southern Japan
Heavy rainfall has struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, leading to significant flooding and multiple landslides, as per a report in AP. The country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency has issued the highest-level warnings and evacuation advisories for more than 360,000 residents in Kagoshima prefecture and surrounding areas. In Aira city, a mudslide hit a house, burying two people who were subsequently rescued alive and transported to a hospital.
Tokyo's Nikkei Jumps Nearly 2% As US-Japan Tariff Discrepancy Is Resolved
Most Asian shares were lower on Friday, with the notable exception of Tokyo’s Nikkei 225, which spiked by nearly 2% after Japanese officials announced the resolution of a tariff issue with the US, according to a report in AP. The surge in the Japanese market followed confirmation from Japan’s main trade envoy that the US side had agreed to correct a discrepancy where newly applied tariffs on Japanese goods did not align with a previously agreed-upon 15% level. While the Nikkei 225 saw significant gains on the news, it later trimmed some of those gains.
