2 hours ago
Live now
Last Updated:August 14, 2025, 18:35 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
News18
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.
Eli Lilly Hikes UK Price of Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro by up to 170%
Eli Lilly has increased the price of its popular weight loss and diabetes drug Mounjaro in the United Kingdom by up to 170%, a move aimed at addressing complaints from the US about other countries benefiting from lower drug costs, according to a report in the Financial Times. The pharmaceutical company’s decision reflects the ongoing global debate over drug pricing disparities, where American consumers often pay significantly more for medications. This price hike in the UK comes amid explosive global demand for GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro and could place considerable strain on the UK’s Health Service (NHS) budget, while potentially setting a precedent for other pharmaceutical firms to re-evaluate pricing in international markets. The action is seen as a response to pressure within the US, including from legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, which puts downward pressure on drug prices in the American market.
UK Government Spent $3.2 Million To Suppress Reporting On Afghan Data Breach
The UK government spent approximately $3.2 million (£2.5 million) in a secretive legal effort to prevent journalists from reporting on a significant data breach, according to a report in The New York Times. The initial incident, which occurred in 2021, involved the Ministry of Defence accidentally exposing the email addresses of around 250 Afghans who were eligible for relocation after assisting British forces. Following the breach, the government obtained legal injunctions against major news organizations to suppress the story, citing national security. The total cost of this legal action was not voluntarily disclosed but was later revealed through processes like Freedom of Information requests, sparking parliamentary scrutiny over the use of public funds and the implications for press freedom.
Tropical Storm Erin Prompts Warnings For Heavy Rain And Dangerous Swells In Caribbean
Officials in the northern Caribbean issued warnings on Thursday for heavy rains and dangerous swells as Tropical Storm Erin neared the region, according to a report in AP. The storm is anticipated to stay over open waters, moving north-northeast of islands such as Antigua and Barbuda, the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. According to the Hurricane Center, Erin is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Friday and intensify into a Category 3 storm by late Saturday, which would make it the first major hurricane of the season.
Greenpeace Activists Install Anish Kapoor Artwork On North Sea Gas Rig
Greenpeace activists have installed a large-scale artwork designed by artist Anish Kapoor on a working gas rig in the North Sea, according to a report in The Guardian. The 96-square-metre canvas, which was stained crimson to symbolize the ‘butchering of our environment,’ is believed to be the first piece of fine art exhibited on an active gas extraction platform. The protest action aims to draw public and political attention to the fossil fuel industry’s environmental impact and the UK’s policy on new oil and gas licensing.
Passengers Escape Car Struck By Drone In Russia
CCTV footage captured the moment a car was hit by a drone in the Russian city of Belgorod, with passengers seen escaping the vehicle, according to a report in BBC. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov attributed the attack to Ukraine via his official Telegram channel. This incident is part of a consistent pattern of cross-border drone strikes and shelling targeting the region, which is located approximately 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
South Korean Supreme Court Dismisses 'Baby Shark' Copyright Claim
South Korea’s Supreme Court has dismissed a 30 million won ($21,600) copyright infringement claim from an American composer against the kids content company Pinkfong over the popular ‘Baby Shark’ song, according to a report in AP. The ruling on Thursday ends a six-year legal battle and upholds previous lower court decisions from 2021 and 2023. The court found insufficient grounds to conclude that Pinkfong had plagiarized composer Jonathan Wright’s arrangement of the traditional folk song. This decision solidifies Pinkfong’s right to continue monetizing the content and sets a significant precedent in South Korean copyright law regarding the adaptation of public domain works.
HRW Alleges Israeli Airstrike on Iranian Prison Was 'Apparent War Crime'
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged that an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin Prison on June 23 constitutes an “apparent war crime,” AP says in a report. In its report released Thursday, the rights group stated the strike hit entrances to the notorious detention facility, known for holding political dissidents, during visiting hours. HRW also accused Iranian authorities of harming and disappearing prisoners in the aftermath of the attack.
Militant Attacks In Pakistan Kill Five Police Officers, Injure Eight
A series of four militant attacks targeting police in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday resulted in five officers killed and eight injured, AP says in a report. The deadliest incident occurred in the Upper Dir district when armed assailants ambushed a police van during a routine patrol. This single attack left three officers dead and seven wounded, as confirmed by police official Ismail Khan.
US Approves Potential $346 Million Weapons Sale To Nigeria
The US State Department has approved a potential $346 million weapons sale to Nigeria, a move signaling a reinforcement of the strategic security partnership between the two nations, according to a report in AP. The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency formally notified Congress about the proposed deal, which includes munitions and bombs. The sale is intended to enhance Nigeria’s military capacity to address its ongoing security challenges but requires final approval from the US Congress before it can proceed.
UK Economy Slows In Q2 But Growth Is Higher Than Expected
Britain’s economy slowed in the second quarter, with output expanding by 0.3%, a figure that was higher than anticipated despite being a deceleration from the 0.7% growth in the first quarter, AP said in a report. The Office for Statistics noted that this performance was largely due to a strong showing in June. Factors contributing to the overall slowdown include higher taxes on businesses and ongoing uncertainties related to global tariffs.
African Union Backs Campaign For World Map Showing Continent's True Size
The African Union has officially backed a campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator map in official use by governments and international bodies, as per a report in Reuters. The push is for the adoption of a map projection that more accurately displays the true, vast size of the African continent. The Mercator projection, originally created for navigation, significantly distorts the size of landmasses, enlarging areas near the poles while making equatorial regions like Africa appear smaller than they are relative to landmasses like Europe and Greenland. This campaign aims to correct global perceptions by promoting a more geographically accurate representation of the world, challenging historical visual narratives that have diminished the continent’s scale.
Greek Riot Police Block Protesters From Israeli Cruise Ship In Piraeus Port
Greek riot police in the port of Piraeus used a cordon of buses to prevent several hundred protesters from reaching an Israeli cruise ship on Thursday, as per a report in AP. Demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags and holding flares, were part of a series of protests that have followed the vessel to various Greek ports, some of which resulted in clashes with police.
Microplastic Contamination In Crops Poses Threat To Global Food Security
Scientific findings show that crops are absorbing microplastics into their internal tissues, which can impede plant growth and reduce agricultural productivity, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This contamination, stemming from sources like plastic mulches and sewage sludge fertilizers, presents a direct threat to global food staples and security. The economic implications include potential disruptions to food supply chains and increased pressure on agricultural innovation to develop sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable materials and soil remediation techniques. Furthermore, the issue is driving calls for stricter environmental policies to regulate plastic use in agriculture and mitigate long-term risks to both the food web and climate, as diminished plant health could reduce carbon sequestration.
Japan And China Mark WWII Anniversary With Divergent Commemorations
On the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan and China are holding separate and starkly different commemorations, highlighting persistent geopolitical friction and unresolved historical disputes, as per a report in AP. Japan observes the anniversary on August 15, the date of its 1945 surrender announcement, with a solemn ceremony focused on remembering victims. In contrast, China marks its “Victory Day” on September 3, the day after the formal surrender was signed, with events that showcase its military strength. This divergence underscores deep-seated tensions that impact regional security and economic relations, as the differing historical narratives foster mistrust and influence the defense postures and strategic alliances of both nations in the Indo-Pacific.
China Opens Specialized Retail Store For AI-Controlled Robots
The world’s first specialized retail store for selling AI-controlled robots has opened in Beijing’s Yizhuang district, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This development represents a significant step in bringing advanced robotics directly to the market, aligning with China’s national strategy to become a global leader in AI and robotics. The initiative is designed to accelerate the commercialization and public adoption of AI technologies by showcasing a new model for technology sales and integration into business operations.
US Sanctions Brazilian Officials Over Cuban Medical Program
The United States has imposed sanctions on Brazilian health officials over their alleged involvement in Cuba’s overseas medical missions, which Washington characterizes as a “coercive labour export,” Al Jazeera says in a report. The sanctions target officials connected to the administration of the former ‘Mais Médicos’ (More Doctors) program in Brazil, which brought Cuban doctors to the country. This action aligns with the current US policy under President Donald Trump, which has intensified pressure on Cuba to cut off revenue streams. These medical missions are a critical source of foreign currency for the Cuban government, and the US sanctions represent a continued effort to disrupt this economic lifeline.
UK Prime Minister To Meet Zelenskyy As Europe Awaits US-Russia Talks
The UK Prime Minister will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street on Thursday, as per a report in The Guardian. The meeting occurs as European nations anticipate the results of upcoming discussions between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart. The UK government has reiterated its readiness to ‘increase pressure’ on Moscow through additional sanctions if deemed necessary, signaling continued strong support for Ukraine.
Barred From Election, Evo Morales Backs 'Null Vote' Campaign In Bolivia
Barred from running in Bolivia’s upcoming presidential election, former President Evo Morales is now campaigning for his supporters to cast null or void ballots as a form of protest, AP says in a report. This “Nulo” campaign is a strategic move by Morales to demonstrate his continued political influence after a December 2023 Constitutional Court ruling enforced term limits, preventing his candidacy. The campaign is unfolding amid deep divisions within Morales’s own Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, pitting him against the current government led by President Luis Arce, and is intensifying voter cynicism rooted in the country’s 2019 political crisis.
Israeli Minister Approves 3,000 West Bank Settlement Homes In E1 Area
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the approval of 3,000 new settlement homes in the highly sensitive E1 area of the occupied West Bank, as per a report in Al Jazeera. Smotrich, a far-right minister who also holds authority over West Bank civilian affairs, explicitly stated the project ‘buries’ the prospect of a Palestinian state and hailed it as ‘Zionism at its best.’ The E1 area is strategically critical, as construction there would connect the Ma’ale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem, effectively dividing the northern and southern parts of the West Bank and isolating East Jerusalem. This move defies long-standing international opposition, particularly from the US and EU, who view such construction as illegal under international law and a fatal blow to the two-state solution.
Father Hopes For Release Of New Zealand Woman And Son From US ICE Custody
A New Zealand woman, Sarah Shaw, and her six-year-old son have been held in a US immigration detention center for three weeks after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 24 while trying to re-enter the US from Canada, according to a report in The Guardian. The woman’s father, Rod Price, has stated he is hopeful that the pair will be released by the end of the week.
DeepSeek AI Model Launch Delayed By Huawei Chip Issues
The launch of a new artificial intelligence model by Chinese startup DeepSeek has been postponed due to challenges in using domestic technology from Huawei for training, the Financial Times says in a report. This delay highlights the significant hurdles Chinese tech firms face in achieving self-sufficiency amid stringent US export controls on advanced semiconductors. The difficulties with Huawei’s Ascend chips, which serve as the primary domestic alternative, underscore the performance and software ecosystem gap compared to industry-leading solutions from US-based Nvidia. The incident illustrates the direct business and market impact of geopolitical tensions on China’s ambition to lead in AI, forcing local companies to contend with less efficient hardware and potential setbacks in their development timelines.
Climate Change Fueled Deadly Nordic Heatwave, Scientists Report
A severe heatwave across historically cool Nordic nations in July was supercharged by the climate crisis, with scientists stating it proves no country is immune to extreme weather events, according to a report in The Guardian. The event saw Finland experience a record 22 consecutive days with temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and Sweden endure 10 straight “tropical nights” where temperatures remained above 20°C (68°F). The unprecedented heat led to significant public health and environmental consequences, including overheating hospitals, a surge in drownings, widespread wildfires, and toxic algal blooms. These developments highlight the increasing strain on public health systems and the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation in regions previously unaccustomed to such extreme heat.
New Project In Cyprus Aims To Build Trust By Restoring Cemeteries
A new grassroots initiative in Cyprus is bringing together Greek and Turkish Cypriots to restore neglected cemeteries on both sides of the island’s divide in an effort to mend mistrust, according to a report in AP. The project addresses the consequences of the island’s long-standing ethnic division, which has left Greek Cypriot cemeteries in the Turkish Cypriot-controlled north and Turkish Cypriot cemeteries in the Greek Cypriot south in a state of disrepair. This inter-communal effort aims to foster mutual respect by acknowledging the shared heritage and loss, operating at a grassroots level amid a protracted stall in high-level political reunification talks.
Pinkfong Wins Final 'Baby Shark' Copyright Case In South Korea
South Korea’s Supreme Court has dismissed a 30 million won ($21,600) copyright infringement claim by American composer Jonathan Wright against South Korean content company Pinkfong, as per a report in AP. The ruling concludes a six-year legal battle over the globally popular ‘Baby Shark’ song, upholding lower court decisions from 2021 and 2023 that found insufficient evidence of plagiarism. This definitive legal victory for Pinkfong solidifies its intellectual property rights over its version of the song in South Korea, removing a significant legal threat to the lucrative ‘Baby Shark’ franchise, which includes the most-viewed video on YouTube, extensive merchandise, and other commercial ventures.
Four BCG Staff Resign From Gaza Aid Project Citing Early Concerns
Four staff members at Boston Consulting Group have resigned from a project focused on aid in Gaza, citing early concerns about the work, the Financial Times says in a report. The resignations have prompted an internal investigation at the global consulting firm, which is examining how the engagement evolved into a reputational crisis.
Mexico Reports 8.3 Million People Moved Out of Poverty Between 2022 and 2024
More than 8.3 million people in Mexico were moved out of poverty between 2022 and 2024, as per a report in AP. This represents a nearly 18% decrease in the number of people living in poverty in the country. According to the data released by Mexico’s national statistics agency, the number of individuals in extreme poverty fell by 23%, while those in moderate poverty decreased by more than 16% during the two-year period.
Trial Of Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Resumes Under Security Law
The trial for Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai on charges of ‘colluding with foreign forces’ and ‘conspiracy to publish seditious publications’ has resumed, according to a report in BBC. Lai is being prosecuted under the Security Law (NSL) that Beijing imposed on the city in 2020. The case, which began in December 2023, is being closely watched as a key indicator of Hong Kong’s judicial independence and the state of its press freedom. The trial is being heard by three government-appointed national security judges without a jury, a departure from the city’s common law tradition that has drawn international criticism. A conviction could result in a life sentence for Lai, whose pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, was forced to close in 2021.
Fed Official Casts Doubt On September Rate Cut
Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee has signaled uncertainty regarding an interest rate cut in September, a hawkish stance that counters prevailing market expectations for a reduction next month, according to a report in Financial Times. As a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee, Goolsbee’s comments introduce potential volatility into financial markets and challenge the view that slowing inflation would guarantee a rate cut. His position underscores the central bank’s data-dependent approach, which balances recent inflation deceleration against a resilient US labor market, suggesting borrowing costs could remain elevated for longer.
Qatar Sentences Baha'i Leader To Five Years Over Social Media Posts
A three-judge panel of Qatar’s Supreme Judiciary Council sentenced Remy Rowhani, a prominent figure in the country’s Baha’i community, to five years in prison for social media posts that allegedly “cast doubt on the foundations of the Islamic religion,” as per a report in AP. Rowhani, who had been detained since April 2024, received the verdict on Wednesday. The case is being monitored by the Baha’i Community, which has brought international attention to the proceedings and Qatar’s laws regarding religious freedom and expression.
TIFF Withdraws Documentary On 2023 Hamas Attack Citing Rights Issue
The Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) has officially pulled the documentary “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” from its schedule, AP says in a report. Organizers confirmed on Tuesday that the film by Canadian director Barry Avrich was withdrawn due to a footage rights issue. The documentary chronicles the story of a retired Canadian’s efforts to save his family and others during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
UK May Scrap Key Gender Equality Target For Foreign Aid
The UK government is considering eliminating a key pledge to allocate 80% of its foreign aid to projects that support gender equality, according to a report in The Guardian. Critics have warned that such a policy change could exacerbate the negative effects on global maternal and reproductive health services that resulted from past US funding cuts. These previous US cuts, enacted during Donald Trump’s 2017-2021 presidential term, significantly rolled back funding for diversity and aid initiatives abroad.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Besieged Sudanese City of El Fasher
Rare footage highlights the dire plight of civilians in Sudan’s besieged city of El Fasher, where parents are struggling to find food for their children amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, according to a report in BBC. The city, the last major stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in North Darfur, has been under an intense siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2024. The conflict has cut off aid routes, leading to acute food insecurity and warnings of an impending famine from the UN. Reports also indicate widespread, ethnically targeted atrocities by the RSF and allied militias, hampering aid operations and increasing pressure on the international community to intervene.
Cape Verde Declares State Of Emergency After Deadly Floods
Cape Verde has declared a state of emergency following deadly floods caused by extensive rainfall, with the situation described as ‘catastrophic’, according to a report in BBC. The government’s declaration has prompted ongoing search and rescue operations to find missing people and assist those trapped by floodwaters. The disaster has caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which is hindering relief efforts and will severely impact the nation’s tourism- and agriculture-based economy. The government is expected to issue an appeal for international humanitarian aid to support the thousands of people displaced by the event.
FBI Returns Stolen 16th-Century Cortés Manuscript To Mexico
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has returned a priceless manuscript page, signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés on February 20, 1527, to Mexico after it was stolen from the country’s national archives decades ago, AP said in a report. The FBI stated no charges would be filed because the document had changed hands multiple times, complicating the chain of custody. This repatriation is part of a broader global movement to return historical artifacts to their countries of origin and serves as a significant deterrent to the illicit antiquities market by highlighting the risks for collectors and dealers who do not verify an item’s provenance. The event also reinforces bilateral cooperation between the US and Mexico in combating the trafficking of cultural property.
Former Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra Jailed Over Corruption Allegations
Former Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra has been placed in preventive detention over corruption allegations, marking the latest development in a period of significant political turbulence for the nation, Al Jazeera said in a report. Vizcarra becomes the fifth former Peruvian head of state to be jailed recently, a trend that highlights systemic political corruption. His detention is specifically linked to the ‘Vacunagate’ scandal, in which he is accused of illicitly receiving a COVID-19 vaccine while in office. The jailing underscores ongoing anti-corruption efforts but also contributes to the political instability that has seen frequent presidential turnover, impacting governance and investor confidence.
Japan's Shigeru Ishiba to Launch New Economic Initiative for India, Middle East, and Africa
Prominent Japanese politician Shigeru Ishiba is set to launch a new regional economic initiative aimed at helping Japanese companies expand their operations into India, the Middle East, and Africa, as per a report in The Japan Times. The initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chains and enhance its national economic security. For the target regions, the program is expected to attract significant Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), facilitate technology transfer, and create new employment opportunities. The move is also considered politically significant for Ishiba, a leading contender for Prime Minister, as it showcases his foreign policy agenda and focus on engagement with nations in the Global South.
US-Japan Alliance Evolves After 80 Years As A Regional Bulwark
For 80 years since the end of World War II, Japan’s security alliance with the US has served as a bulwark, historically containing the Soviet Union and more recently China’s ambitions, The Japan Times says in a report. This long-standing relationship is now evolving, driven by heightened regional security concerns, particularly China’s increasing military assertiveness. In a significant shift from its post-war pacifist stance, Japan is enhancing its defense capabilities, increasing spending, and acquiring ‘counter-strike capabilities’ as outlined in its revised 2022 Security Strategy. This development strengthens the US strategy of fostering a network of alliances in the Indo-Pacific, leading to greater burden-sharing and a more proactive security role for Japan in maintaining regional stability.
Australia And Vanuatu Agree To $328M Security And Business Deal To Counter China
Australia and Vanuatu have agreed to a comprehensive $328 million security and business deal, a move with significant geopolitical and economic implications for the Pacific region, according to a report in BBC. The pact, part of Australia’s ‘Pacific Step-up’ policy, is a strategic effort to counter China’s expanding economic and diplomatic footprint. This agreement reinforces Australia’s position as a key development and security partner, potentially influencing regional trade flows and investment priorities, while intensifying the competition for influence among Pacific Island nations.
Cricket Australia CEO Warns Of Bankruptcy Risk For Nations Playing Test Cricket
Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive, Todd Greenberg, has issued a stark warning that some rival cricket nations could face bankruptcy if they continue to play the longest format of the game, according to a report in AP. Speaking in Brisbane, Greenberg stated that he believes ‘scarcity in test cricket is our friend, not our foe,’ suggesting that a reduced schedule could make the format more commercially viable. The comments highlight the growing financial pressures on global cricket boards, particularly as they compete with the rise of lucrative T20 franchise leagues and struggle to make bilateral Test series profitable.
Over 100 Aid Groups Condemn Israel Over Gaza Aid Obstructions
Over 100 aid organizations have publicly criticized Israel for what they term the ‘weaponisation of aid’ in Gaza, where millions of dollars in supplies are reportedly being blocked from reaching starving Palestinians, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The groups’ outcry highlights a worsening humanitarian situation, with UN agencies having previously warned of imminent famine in northern Gaza. The crisis has been intensified by systemic obstacles, including the closure of the critical Rafah crossing since May 2024 and security risks to aid convoys, despite past Court of Justice (ICJ) orders for Israel to ensure unhindered assistance. Israel denies the accusations, stating that its security checks are necessary to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas and attributes delays to logistical challenges and UN distribution capacity within the territory.
