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Last Updated:August 09, 2025, 00:45 IST
From geopolitics to climate, tech to social change, News18 World live blog delivers real-time updates on what is the latest from around the globe
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Stay informed with our World News Live Blog — your real-time window into global events. From major geopolitical developments and scientific breakthroughs to royal family updates and cultural milestones, we bring you fast, factual, and curated updates as they happen. Whether it’s unfolding conflicts, diplomatic shifts, climate alerts, or key moments in international politics, our live blog keeps you ahead of the news curve. Designed for readers who want both speed and substance, this is your go-to source for staying connected with the world — minute by minute, headline by headline.
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.
US Vice President Vance to Meet UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Lammy
US Vice President J D Vance is scheduled to meet with UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday at Chevening, the official country residence of the UK’s foreign secretary, AP says in a report. The talks are set to take place before Vance begins a personal family vacation in the Cotswolds. The report notes that Vance and Lammy, who hold different political views, have established a personal connection rooted in their similar challenging childhoods.
Canada Murders Spark Calls To Label Bishnoi Gang A Terror Group
Recent murders in Canada have prompted calls to officially label the Bishnoi gang, a criminal syndicate from India, as a terrorist group, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The calls intensify as Canadian officials have accused the gang of working for the government of India, an allegation that comes amid already strained diplomatic relations. This tension dates back to 2023 allegations made by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the assassination of a Sikh leader. The Bishnoi gang has previously claimed responsibility for other killings in Canada, and designating it a terror group would grant Canadian law enforcement enhanced powers to disrupt its operations.
Ukrainian Woman Survives Nine-Story Fall After Russian Missile Hits Residential Building
The story of Veronika Osintseva, a Ukrainian woman who survived a nine-story fall after a Russian missile destroyed her apartment building, has gained national attention as a symbol of resilience, according to a report in The New York Times. The incident is part of a broader pattern of Russian forces targeting civilian infrastructure, which has significant economic implications due to widespread destruction. Such events often reinforce international arguments for sustained military and financial aid to Ukraine and contribute to the body of evidence for war crimes investigations. Stories of individual survival play a crucial role in maintaining morale among a Ukrainian population facing a prolonged conflict.
Indian Chess Prodigy Praggnanandhaa Targets Top World Ranking Amid Dominance
Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, ranked among the world’s top players, has stated his ambition to become the world champion and achieve the number one ranking, AP says in a report. This goal underscores India’s emergence as a dominant force in international chess, with several players, including Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, in the elite ranks, and Gukesh D positioned as the official challenger for the World Championship title. Praggnanandhaa’s potential was previously highlighted by his notable victories in 2022 against Magnus Carlsen, who was the reigning world champion at the time. The collective success of these young grandmasters signals a significant shift in the global chess landscape, challenging the historical dominance of European and Russian players and boosting India’s international standing in the sport.
Japanese Warships Make Historic Visit To New Zealand After Nearly 90 Years
Two Japanese destroyers, the JS Ise and JS Suzunami, with over 500 crew members, arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday, marking the first such naval visit to the capital in nearly 90 years, AP said in a report. The visit, part of a broader Indo-Pacific deployment that included recent military exercises in Sydney, is a significant step in Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in the region. This aligns with Japan’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ strategy, which aims to promote regional stability and build a network of security partnerships to address evolving geopolitical challenges, including China’s expanding influence in the South Pacific.
Myanmar Military Using European Anti-Jamming Technology For Drones, Report Finds
Myanmar’s military is equipping its drone fleet with advanced European-made anti-jamming technology to enhance its aerial campaigns, The Guardian says in a report. Research from Conflict Armament Research (CAR) indicates the junta obtained the critical technology through a Chinese company, circumventing existing international sanctions. This revelation has prompted calls to tighten sanctions and export controls on dual-use goods to prevent them from reaching the Myanmar military, which has been widely condemned for its attacks on civilians.
CAIR Urges US To Probe Death Of Palestinian Man In Israeli Settler Attack
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on the Trump administration to launch an investigation into the killing of a Palestinian father during an attack by an Israeli settler in the West Bank, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The US-based Muslim advocacy group is pointing to specific legal statutes that it says provide the authority for the US to probe the incident.
Cambodia Nominates Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Citing Thai Border Truce
Cambodia has nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him for brokering a border truce with neighboring Thailand, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The nomination was reportedly made to recognize what the Cambodian government described as Trump’s “visionary diplomacy” in mediating the agreement.
Heavy Rain Slams Southern Japan, Triggering Floods And Mudslides
Torrential rain on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu has triggered floods and landslides, prompting officials to issue the highest-level warnings and evacuation advisories for over 360,000 residents, according to a report in AP. A mudslide in Aira city, located in the Kagoshima prefecture, struck a house and buried two individuals who were subsequently rescued and hospitalized. Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued the evacuation advisories for people in Kagoshima and neighboring areas as the heavy rain continues to pound the region.
Satellite Images Reveal Surge in Rare Earth Mining in Rebel-Held Myanmar
Satellite imagery has identified a significant increase in rare earth mining operations in rebel-controlled areas of Myanmar, with at least 26 new or expanded mines located near the Chinese border and two near Thailand, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This surge is driven by high global demand for rare earths, which are crucial for high-tech industries. The unregulated mining operations are a major source of funding for armed groups involved in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, which has intensified since the 2021 military coup. The activity raises significant concerns about severe environmental degradation, the displacement of local communities, and the ethical complexities of global mineral supply chains, particularly for China, a primary consumer of these resources.
US Imposes 15% Reciprocal Tariff On Most Japanese Goods
The United States has implemented a 15% ‘reciprocal’ tariff on most goods imported from Japan, The Japan Times says in a report. A key point of contention remains as the two countries have not yet agreed on the methodology for calculating the tariff, creating uncertainty for businesses and complicating compliance. While the specific goods covered under ‘most goods’ have not been fully detailed, the automotive sector has historically been a primary focus of US-Japan trade disputes.
