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Last Updated:August 10, 2025, 06:00 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.
Iran Rejects Armenia-Azerbaijan Transit Corridor Citing Security Concerns
Iran has formally rejected the proposed “Zangezur Corridor,” a contentious transit route that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia’s Syunik province, as per a report in Al Jazeera. Tehran opposes any changes to international borders in the South Caucasus, viewing the corridor as a threat to its vital land border with Armenia and its geopolitical influence in the region. The rejection complicates the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, which is based on a 2020 ceasefire agreement. While the corridor is strongly supported by Turkey, Iran’s stance aligns with Armenia’s insistence on maintaining full sovereignty over any transport routes on its territory.
Iran Reportedly Plans To Adopt China's BeiDou Navigation System For Security
Iran is reportedly planning to sign up for China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system, a move that analysts suggest could expand Beijing’s technological influence in the Middle East, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The consideration comes after Iranian deputy communications minister Ehsan Chitsaz confirmed in a recent interview that Tehran had deliberately jammed GPS signals. This potential shift to BeiDou is viewed as an effort by Iran to decrease its reliance on US-controlled GPS and enhance the resilience of its military and critical infrastructure.
Beijing Condemns G7 For 'Slandering' Hong Kong Police Over Activist Bounties
China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong has issued a strong condemnation of the G7, accusing the group of ‘blatantly slandering and defaming’ the city’s police for issuing bounties and arrest warrants for overseas activists, South China Morning Post says in a report. The G7 had previously condemned the actions, which are based on Hong Kong’s controversial Security Law (NSL). This diplomatic clash highlights deepening tensions, with Western nations viewing the extraterritorial application of the NSL as a challenge to international law and their sovereignty, while Beijing defends the measures as legitimate law enforcement. The incident further strains relations between China and the West and raises concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s judicial independence under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework.
Germany Divided Over Plan To Evacuate Children From Gaza
Five German cities have offered to accept and provide medical treatment for sick and traumatized children from the Gaza Strip, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. However, the humanitarian initiative faces significant opposition from within Germany’s federal government. Conservative-led ministries are reportedly obstructing the plan, creating a conflict between local willingness to provide aid and national-level policy. The disagreement highlights internal divisions over humanitarian admissions, security, and the logistical complexities of evacuating individuals from the conflict zone.
Global Law Enforcement Alarmed By Rise In Online Child Sextortion
Law enforcement agencies, including the US FBI and the UK’s Crime Agency (NCA), have expressed growing alarm over the increasing threat of online sextortion and grooming targeting children, according to a report in The Guardian. Tech companies reported over 9,600 cases of online child grooming in the UK in a six-month period last year, equivalent to about 400 per week. Snapchat alone logged approximately 20,000 such cases globally last year, a figure that surpasses the combined total from other major social media platforms. This trend highlights a significant challenge for both law enforcement and technology companies in protecting minors online.
Iraq Removes Paramilitary Commanders Following Deadly Baghdad Clash
Iraq’s prime minister has approved sweeping disciplinary and legal measures against senior paramilitary commanders after a deadly clash with police at a government facility left three people dead, AP says in a report. The incident occurred on July 27 at the agricultural directorate in Baghdad’s Karkh district, where gunmen clashed with federal police. The raid followed the ousting of the directorate’s former head and the appointment of a new one.
5.9 Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Guatemala's Coast, No Major Damage Reported
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Guatemala’s southwest coast on Saturday, with no immediate reports of damage, as per a report in AP. The U.S. Geological Survey located the quake about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south-southwest of Champerico at a depth of 6 miles (9 kilometers). People reported feeling the tremors in Guatemala’s capital and other areas, as well as in parts of southern Mexico.
Gaza Faces Severe Food And Cash Crisis Amid Collapsed Banking System
A deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza is characterized by a dual threat of severe food shortages and a critical lack of physical currency, according to a report in The New York Times. The collapse of the formal banking system has forced residents to rely on informal money exchangers, who charge fees as high as 20-30% to withdraw cash. This financial desperation is compounded by a food crisis, with the entire population facing acute food insecurity and parts of the territory on the brink of famine. The situation is exacerbated by the destruction of local agriculture and severely restricted aid entry, making aid distribution points dangerously overcrowded and violent, leading to injuries and fatalities among civilians attempting to secure basic necessities.
Putin Awards Medal To Son Of CIA Official Killed In Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has posthumously awarded the Order of Courage to Michael Gloss, a 21-year-old US citizen killed in 2023 while volunteering with Ukrainian forces, as per a report in BBC. The award was accepted on his behalf by Richard Grenell, who served as acting Director of Intelligence under a previous Trump administration. Gloss was the son of Juliane Gallina, a current Deputy Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Haiti Declares State Of Emergency In Central Region Amid Escalating Gang Violence
Haiti’s government has implemented a three-month state of emergency covering the West, Artibonite, and Center departments to combat escalating gang violence and an ensuing food crisis, as per a report in AP. The measure aims to restore security in the country’s central region, known as its “rice basket,” where gangs have been killing farmers and destroying communities, severely threatening the nation’s food production. This declaration comes amid a broader security collapse, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, which has seen coordinated gang attacks and mass prison breaks, leaving the government’s authority severely undermined. The escalating crisis poses significant challenges to both the Haitian population and the viability of any future international security missions.
Colombian Senator Shot In June In Critical Condition After Hemorrhage
Colombian Senator Uribe Turbay is in critical condition again following a nervous system hemorrhage that required urgent neurosurgery, AP said in a report. The Fundación Santa Fe clinic in Bogotá, where he has been hospitalized since being shot twice in the head during a campaign rally in June, stated that he has been placed under deep sedation to aid his recovery. This development underscores the persistent security challenges for political figures in Colombia and could reignite concerns over political violence and stability.
Palestinian Official Demands Action On Gaza
Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has urged the international community to implement concrete measures to end what she described as Israeli impunity for abuses amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Al Jazeera says in a report. Shahin characterized the military operations as a genocide and demanded international intervention to halt the violence. The term ‘genocide’ is a formal accusation made by the Palestinian Authority and is currently the subject of an ongoing case at the Court of Justice, an allegation that Israel has consistently denied.
Syria Backs Out of Paris Talks With Kurdish-Led Forces
The Syrian government has pulled out of negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that were being held in Paris, Al Jazeera says in a report. According to Syrian state television, the withdrawal was prompted by a recent conference held by the Kurdish-led administration, which Damascus perceived as undermining the framework for the talks. These negotiations were aimed at implementing a potential integration deal from March, which sought to bring SDF-controlled territories in northeastern Syria under state authority.
Thousands Protest Exclusion Of Opposition Leaders In Ivory Coast
Thousands of Ivorians have taken to the streets in the economic capital, Abidjan, to protest the exclusion of opposition leaders from the country’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for October, as per a report in AP. The demonstrations follow a move to bar several main opposition figures from the electoral list, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam. The protests in Ivory Coast, the largest economy in francophone West Africa, raise concerns about political stability ahead of the vote.
Netherlands Confronts Crisis Over Frequent Explosions Linked To Organized Crime
The Netherlands is confronting a severe public safety issue with an average of three explosions occurring nightly, The New York Times says in a report. These incidents, often involving improvised explosive devices or modified heavy fireworks, are primarily attributed to violent turf wars and intimidation tactics among organized crime syndicates involved in the international drug trade. The persistent violence is eroding public trust, placing a significant strain on law enforcement, and negatively impacting the country’s international reputation, prompting an intensified response from Dutch authorities, including the deployment of specialized task forces to dismantle the responsible criminal networks.
Hamas-Run Health Ministry Reports Eleven More Malnutrition Deaths In Gaza
The Hamas-run health ministry has reported eleven additional deaths from malnutrition in Gaza, with other fatalities attributed to ongoing Israeli military operations, as per a report in BBC. The announcement coincides with an approaching evacuation deadline for Gaza City and repeated warnings from UN agencies about an impending famine due to severe shortages of food and medical supplies. This escalating humanitarian crisis is amplifying international pressure for a ceasefire and unhindered aid access, increasing diplomatic strain and scrutiny on Israel’s military conduct. Aid delivery remains severely hampered by border restrictions and security challenges, compounding the catastrophe for the displaced civilian population.
Fire At Spain's Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Extinguished, Averting Major Damage
A fire at the historic Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in southern Spain has been successfully extinguished, averting what officials called a potential ‘catastrophe’ for the UNESCO World Heritage site, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The swift containment of the blaze prevented major damage to the globally significant monument, a key driver of tourism for Cordoba and the wider Andalusia region. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are assessing the structure for any damage, which will determine the monument’s operational status for visitors. The incident highlights the vulnerability of major cultural heritage sites and the economic importance of robust fire prevention and emergency response protocols to protect tourism revenue and preserve historical assets.
Explosion At Lebanese Arms Depot Kills Six Army Experts
Six Lebanese army experts were killed and several others were wounded on Saturday after munitions exploded at an arms depot in south Lebanon, AP said in a report. The incident occurred in the village of Zibqin while the experts were dismantling munitions. The depot, located in an area south of the Litani River where UN resolutions prohibit armed groups other than the state’s military, is believed to have been used by the militant group Hezbollah. The Lebanese army has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.
Severe Asian Weather Events Disrupt Economies And Test Urban Resilience
Severe rainfall has caused widespread disruption in parts of Asia, with Hong Kong and India being significantly impacted, according to a report in The Guardian. On August 5, Hong Kong recorded its highest daily rainfall for August since 1884, with over 350mm causing major flight and road disruptions and prompting four top-level ‘black rainstorm’ warnings in one week. In India, the state of Uttarakhand has suffered from landslides and flooding. The events expose critical vulnerabilities in regional infrastructure, including urban drainage, transport, and supply chains, highlighting the significant economic and societal costs of recurring extreme weather.
Israeli Forces Kill 21 Aid Seekers As Gaza Starvation Deaths Rise
The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians who were attempting to access humanitarian aid, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The incident was part of a 24-hour period in which a total of 39 people were reported killed in the territory. The ministry also stated that 11 of the fatalities during this period were due to starvation. This event occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis, with international agencies having previously warned of imminent famine conditions in Gaza due to persistent obstacles in delivering essential aid.
Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Planting Landmines After Border Blast Injures Three Soldiers
Three Thai soldiers on patrol were wounded after one stepped on a landmine in Thailand’s Sisaket province along the border with Cambodia, AP said in a report. The incident occurred just two days after the two nations had agreed to end a brief armed conflict, immediately straining the new ceasefire. According to a statement from the Thai army, the event demonstrates that the use of concealed weapons in the border region continues, a recurring point of contention between the two countries that could undermine regional stability.
London Police Arrest 150 Pro-Palestine Demonstrators
London’s police force arrested 150 demonstrators during a protest in support of the Palestine Action group, as per a report in AP. The event highlights the ongoing tensions and legal consequences surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK. This incident is part of a broader trend of large-scale demonstrations and reflects the UK government’s stricter enforcement of public order laws. The group, Palestine Action, frequently employs direct action tactics against companies with alleged ties to the Israeli defense industry, leading to significant legal and operational challenges for the activists and placing a resource strain on UK policing and judicial systems.
Gunmen Kill At Least 4 In Attack On Boat Off Ecuador's Coast
An attack by dozens of gunmen on a boat off Ecuador’s southwestern coast has left at least four people dead and more than a dozen missing, as per a report in AP. The incident, which occurred Friday evening in the coastal province of El Oro, involved approximately 60 assailants who used firearms and explosives against the vessel. This attack highlights the escalating violence in the region, a critical transit point for drug trafficking, and poses a significant challenge to both maritime security and the government’s ongoing ‘internal armed conflict’ declared against criminal gangs.
Canadian Military Receives Pay Raise To Combat Recruitment Crisis
Canada’s government has authorized a pay increase for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in an effort to combat a critical recruitment and retention crisis, The New York Times says in a report. The move is a response to a persistent personnel shortfall, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, which has been exacerbated by inflation eroding the purchasing power of military salaries. While the pay raise is seen as a crucial step to boost morale and make military careers more competitive, Canada’s top military commander, the Chief of the Defence Staff, has emphasized that it is not a standalone solution. The commander stated that broader initiatives addressing quality of life issues—such as housing and childcare—and ongoing cultural reforms to tackle misconduct are also essential to fully resolve the staffing challenges and ensure the CAF’s operational readiness.
Three Dead As Wildfire Rages Near Athens
A deadly wildfire near Athens has claimed three lives as emergency crews continue to battle the blaze, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The firefighting efforts are being severely hampered by gale-force winds, which are responsible for fanning the flames and spreading the fire. Weather forecasts predict that strong winds will persist in the area, raising concerns that the blaze could be further exacerbated and potentially spread to other regions in Greece.
Fiji Leads Climate Relocation Amidst Insufficient Global Aid
Faced with the direct impacts of climate change, including rising seas, Fiji is undertaking the complex process of relocating entire coastal villages to higher ground, according to a report in The Washington Post. Despite becoming a leader in developing policies and guidelines for planned community relocation, the nation grapples with a significant shortfall in international financial support, highlighting the inadequacy of current global climate finance mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund. The relocations present immense logistical and cultural challenges, disrupting traditional livelihoods and social structures, and underscore the growing global need for robust legal and financial frameworks to address climate-induced displacement.
China To Begin Construction On Xinjiang-Tibet Railway This Year
China is preparing to start construction on the Xinjiang-Tibet Railway this year, having formally registered a new state-owned firm to manage the project, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The newly formed Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Company, wholly owned by China State Railway Group, has been established with an initial registered capital of 95 billion yuan (US$13.2 billion). This project, which will connect Hotan in Xinjiang to Lhasa in Tibet, is a key part of China’s ‘Go West’ development strategy and is intended to stimulate economic growth. The railway is also seen as a project with significant strategic implications, enhancing logistical capabilities for military and supply movements in sensitive western border regions.
University Head Cites Geopolitics As Top Challenge For China-West Academic Ties
Xi Youmin, the president of Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, has stated that geopolitical tensions are the “biggest challenge” to academic freedom and scientific research, the South China Morning Post said in a report. He described a world divided by conflicts and the US-China economic rivalry, which creates difficulties for institutions designed to bridge East and West. Xi proposed that easing visa restrictions for foreign students and academic visitors could help foster a better international understanding of China, particularly amid a climate of scientific decoupling and a slow post-pandemic recovery in foreign student enrollment.
Congolese Authorities Accuse Rwanda-Backed Rebels of Killing at Least 86 Civilians
Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda-backed rebels of killing at least 86 people in eastern Congo in recent weeks, undermining an ongoing Qatar-led peace process, as per a report in AP. The Congolese army stated that it fiercely condemns a series of mass murders of civilians, attributing them to an alleged coalition of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), the M23 rebel group, and the Alliance for a Free Congo (AFC). The reported attacks include the killing of 80 people in the village of Nyaborongo on August 4 and six civilians, including two minors, in a separate village on July 24.
Mexican Cartels Evolve Fentanyl Smuggling Methods To Evade US Crackdown
Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, primarily the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, are actively evolving their methods for smuggling fentanyl into the US to counter increased pressure from both governments, according to a report in The New York Times. These adaptations include new concealment techniques such as pressing fentanyl into counterfeit prescription pills, dissolving it into various liquids, and hiding it within legitimate commercial cargo to evade detection. The cartels’ operational shifts are a direct response to enhanced bilateral enforcement, which includes joint operations and record-breaking seizures at the border, highlighting the persistent challenge these resilient networks pose to international security and public health.
Libya's Political Division Forces Soccer Final To Be Held In Italy
For the second consecutive year, Libya is holding its national soccer championship final in Italy due to the country’s deep political divisions and persistent security issues, according to a report in The New York Times. The decision reflects the profound political stalemate between the UN-recognized Government of Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the rival eastern-based administration, which has fragmented state institutions, including sports federations. Ongoing instability, security risks, and inadequate infrastructure make it impossible to host the major sporting event domestically, highlighting the nation’s struggle with sovereignty and projecting an image of fragility that may deter international investment and engagement.
Singapore And China Discuss Deepening Security Cooperation
Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Security, K Shanmugam, met with China’s envoy to the city-state, Cao Zhongming, to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation on security and law enforcement, as per a report in South China Morning Post. According to the Chinese envoy, the meeting involved “in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations” and is part of ongoing high-level engagements as the two nations prepare to mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025. The discussions align with Singapore’s balanced foreign policy and a broader regional focus on combating transnational crime through enhanced international collaboration.
UK Aid Cuts Threaten Global Wildlife Conservation Programmes
Wildlife charities are warning that significant UK government cuts to overseas aid are jeopardizing crucial global conservation programmes and will cause “untold damage” to biodiversity, according to a report in The Independent. The concerns follow the UK’s decision, first made in 2020, to reduce its Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross Income. This has reportedly led to severe funding reductions for key initiatives like the Darwin Initiative and the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which support biodiversity and combat wildlife crime. Charities fear the cuts will reverse conservation progress, harm local communities dependent on these projects, and undermine the UK’s international standing on environmental issues.
US Grants Visas To Venezuelan Little League Teams After Reversing Ban
The Trump administration has granted visas to Venezuelan teams, allowing them to compete in the upcoming Little League World Series, The Independent says in a report. This decision marks a reversal of a June travel ban affecting Venezuelan nationals. The reversal reportedly occurred after intervention from lawmakers, including US Senator Marco Rubio, who advocated for an exception for the young athletes. The initial ban was part of broader US policy regarding the political situation in Venezuela.
Mexico Finds No Proof Of US Claims Linking Maduro To Sinaloa Cartel
Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly stated that Mexico possesses no proof and has no active investigation into US allegations that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This declaration, made during her presidential transition period, signals a continuation of Mexico’s non-interventionist foreign policy and could create a point of divergence with the US on regional security and intelligence sharing. The stance potentially complicates future joint anti-drug efforts and provides diplomatic support for the Maduro administration against international pressure. Historically, prominent US allegations against Maduro, such as the 2020 Department of Justice indictments, have primarily focused on connections to the FARC and the ‘Cartel of the Suns’ within Venezuela.
US Threatens to Revoke Kenya's Ally Status Over China Praise
The United States is reviewing Kenya’s status as a Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) after President William Ruto’s recent state visit to Beijing. The potential revocation of the status, which provides significant military and economic benefits, follows Ruto’s praise for China’s role in a “new world order” and the signing of landmark infrastructure and trade deals with Beijing. This action from Washington underscores the escalating geopolitical competition with China for influence in Africa and places Kenya in a difficult diplomatic position, forcing it to balance its relationships with the two global powers.
Chad Prosecutor Seeks 25-Year Prison Term For Opposition Leader Succès Masra
Chad’s prosecutor general requested a 25-year prison sentence on Friday for former prime minister and opposition leader Succès Masra, who stands accused of inciting racial violence and other charges, as per a report in AP. The case against Masra and dozens of co-defendants, mostly from the same Ngambaye ethnic group, is linked to clashes between herders and farmers in May that left 35 people dead in the country’s southwest. Masra has consistently denied the charges brought against him.
China's Military Sets US As Benchmark For Mid-Century Goal
An official commentary in the Communist Party’s newspaper, People’s Daily, has explicitly defined the United States military as the benchmark for China’s goal of building a “world-class” People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by the middle of the century, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The policy article, one of the clearest explanations of President Xi Jinping’s strategic vision, states the PLA must measure itself against the world’s strongest military to achieve its target by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. This directive is seen as a formal acknowledgment of the intensifying strategic competition with Washington and has implications for the global military balance and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Science Explains Why Hiroshima And Nagasaki Are Safe From 1945 Radiation
The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are safe for habitation today because the radiation from the 1945 atomic bombings has decayed to levels indistinguishable from natural background radiation, according to a report in BBC. The scientific explanation hinges on two key factors: the bombs were detonated high in the atmosphere, which minimized long-term ground contamination, and the radiation produced was from short-lived isotopes that decayed rapidly. This contrasts sharply with nuclear reactor accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, which released large quantities of long-lived radionuclides, causing prolonged and widespread contamination. The confirmed safety of Hiroshima and Nagasaki underpins their robust urban development and tourism, while the history of the bombings continues to influence contemporary international policy discussions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
China Opens Full-Service Humanoid Robot Store In Beijing
China has opened what is described as the world’s first full-service store for humanoid robots in Beijing to showcase domestically manufactured products, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The Robot Mall, launched during the 2025 World Robot Conference, is modeled after the 4S system used in car dealerships, integrating sales, service, spare parts, and surveys. The store features over 50 products from more than 40 brands, highlighting China’s push to advance its home-grown robotics industry and consumer market.
