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Last Updated:August 14, 2025, 10:45 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
