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Last Updated:August 19, 2025, 11:25 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.
Myanmar Sets December 28 Election Date Amid Widespread Civil War
Myanmar’s military government announced that nationwide elections will commence on December 28, setting a date for polls that have been denounced by pro-democracy groups and international observers as an illegitimate attempt to normalize the army’s 2021 seizure of power, AP says in a report. The election is planned despite a widespread civil war, with the military believed to control less than half of the nation’s territory. The remainder is held by pro-democracy resistance fighters and ethnic minority rebels, raising significant questions about how a nationwide vote can be conducted, even as all 330 of the country’s townships have been designated as constituencies.
Swatch Pulls Global Ad Campaign After Backlash Over Racist Gesture
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has apologized and withdrawn a global advertising campaign that sparked significant criticism from Chinese consumers, according to a report in AP. The campaign for its Essentials collection featured an image of a model making a “slanted-eye” gesture, which is widely considered a derogatory and racist caricature. The ad triggered a swift backlash on Chinese social media, led by major influencers, prompting the company to immediately remove all related materials worldwide. This incident highlights the significant reputational and financial risks for international brands in the lucrative Chinese market if they fail to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and underscores the power of social media to hold corporations accountable.
SoftBank To Buy $2 Billion In Intel Shares In US Tech Push
Japanese investment group SoftBank will purchase $2 billion in Intel shares on the open market, marking a significant investment in the US semiconductor sector, the Financial Times said in a report. The move is not a direct capital injection into Intel but is widely interpreted as a strong vote of confidence in the chipmaker’s turnaround strategy and the broader US effort to reshore semiconductor manufacturing, supported by the CHIPS Act. This investment also highlights a potential strategic pivot for SoftBank, known for its high-growth tech startup bets, towards more stable, critical infrastructure assets amid intensifying global geopolitical competition in the technology sphere.
Russia Launches Deadly Airstrikes On Ukrainian Civilians
Russia has conducted a new wave of airstrikes against Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties, Al Jazeera says in a report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attacks as “demonstrative and cynical.” The strikes highlight Ukraine’s ongoing and urgent need for advanced air defense systems and consistent international military aid to protect its population and critical infrastructure from persistent Russian assaults.
ISIL-Backed Rebels Kill At Least 52 In Eastern DR Congo, UN Reports
At least 52 people have been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group that has pledged allegiance to ISIL, the UN said in a report. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) condemned the attacks, which are part of an escalating pattern of violence by the ADF in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The incident raises significant political and security concerns as it occurs during MONUSCO’s phased withdrawal from the DRC, a process that involves transferring security responsibilities to Congolese forces and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.
A Look At Crimea's Strategic Role In The Russia-Ukraine War
Russia’s illegal seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 set the stage for its broader invasion in 2022 and significantly damaged Moscow’s relations with the West, AP says in a report. The peninsula holds immense strategic importance, primarily due to the deep-water port of Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which allows it to project power into the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Middle East. Throughout the current war, Crimea has served as a critical logistical hub and launchpad for Russian military operations. In response, Ukraine has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Russian military installations there, while consistently demanding the full restoration of its 1991 borders, including Crimea, as a non-negotiable condition for any peace settlement.
Police Clash With Anti-Government Protesters In Serbia
Thousands of anti-government protesters clashed with baton-wielding riot police in Belgrade on Monday after a peaceful demonstration turned violent, according to a report in AP. The protest escalated when a group, believed to be soccer hooligans, split from the crowd and threw rocks at the downtown offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), breaking windows. Riot police responded in armored vehicles, chasing demonstrators through the city center. Following the incident, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reiterated his pledge to implement a major crackdown against the demonstrators, who are protesting over allegations of widespread fraud in the December 2023 elections.
Zelenskyy And Trump Hold White House Meeting To Discuss Bilateral Relations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in what was described as a warm meeting, according to a report in the Financial Times. This high-level discussion at the White House is politically significant, as it aims to strengthen bilateral relations and secure future US support for Ukraine, impacting regional stability. The meeting comes approximately six months after a period of tension, referred to as the “February fiasco,” which stemmed from past delays in US aid. The engagement signals a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations between the two administrations.
Global Stock Indices Reflect Economic And Geopolitical Pressures
Major global stock indices reported their closing figures for August 18, with market movements reflecting a complex interplay of persistent global factors, according to a report in AP. Investors are closely monitoring the impact of central bank monetary policies aimed at curbing inflation, while ongoing geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions introduce volatility. Furthermore, the market continues to see divergent performance, with the boom in Artificial Intelligence boosting technology stocks, and differing economic growth trajectories influencing capital flows between regions.
Hurricane Erin Generates Life-Threatening Surf For US East Coast
Hurricane Erin, a powerful Category 4 storm, is producing life-threatening waves and rip currents along the US East Coast even as it tracks parallel to the shore, according to a report in BBC. The Weather Service has issued widespread high surf advisories and coastal flood watches from Florida to New England. The hazardous sea conditions are expected to cause significant disruptions to maritime shipping and port operations, while coastal communities face risks of severe beach erosion and damage to infrastructure.
Ukrainian President To Visit Washington For Talks On US War Stance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to Washington on Monday to meet with US officials amid growing uncertainty over American support for Ukraine’s war effort, as per a report in The New York Times. The primary objectives of the visit are to press for the release of a stalled military and financial aid package valued at over $60 billion and to gain clarity on the policy of US President Donald Trump. This comes as President Trump’s rhetoric has reportedly evolved from general promises to end the war quickly to suggestions he might pressure Ukraine to cede territory, a significant shift from a neutral cease-fire. The diplomatic mission highlights the critical juncture for Ukraine, as European allies simultaneously work to increase their own commitments in anticipation of a potential reduction in US support.
Norway's Sovereign Fund Divests From Israeli Firms Amid Growing Global Pressure Over Gaza
Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, has initiated divestment from certain Israeli firms, intensifying economic pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the war in Gaza, Deutsche Welle says in a report. This move is part of a broader trend that includes several European pension funds and financial institutions reviewing or divesting from companies linked to Israeli military operations or settlements. The pressure is further amplified by renewed momentum for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, student-led divestment campaigns at major universities, and legal actions at the Court of Justice (ICJ) and Criminal Court (ICC). While most Western governments have not imposed direct sanctions, the cumulative effect of these institutional actions could deter foreign investment and increase Israel’s diplomatic isolation.
President Trump Says Arrangements Underway For Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting
US President Donald Trump announced he has begun arranging a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, AP says in a report. The statement from Washington outlines a direct US presidential initiative aimed at brokering negotiations to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
High-Stakes Ukraine Aid Talks Underway In Washington
High-stakes diplomatic talks are underway in Washington focused on securing critical US aid for Ukraine amidst a deteriorating battlefield situation, as per a report in BBC. The urgency of the discussions is driven by a stalled multi-billion dollar aid package in the US Congress and recent Russian advances on the front line. Ukraine’s primary objective is to secure immediate and substantial long-term military and financial assistance. The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, is navigating the talks while balancing international commitments against domestic political divisions. European allies are also involved, advocating for robust US support as they acknowledge their own contributions cannot fully replace American aid, with the outcome holding significant implications for Ukraine’s survival, US global leadership, and overall European security.
Serbian President Vows Crackdown After Protests Turn Violent In Belgrade
Anti-government protests in Belgrade turned violent on Monday, with demonstrators clashing with riot police, prompting Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to pledge a major crackdown, according to a report in AP. The protest in the Serbian capital was initially peaceful before a group, identified as soccer hooligans, broke away and threw rocks at the downtown offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), breaking windows. Riot police on armored trucks were deployed to the scene, chasing demonstrators through the city center.
Zelensky Holds Diplomatic Talks In Washington
Ukrainian President Zelensky is in Washington for high-level talks focused on securing a critical military and financial aid package that has faced political hurdles in the US, according to a report in BBC. The diplomatic engagement is being carefully navigated to avoid political controversy, particularly in dealings with the administration of US President Donald Trump. This visit occurs against the backdrop of historical context, including a contentious 2019 phone call between the two leaders that became central to a past impeachment inquiry against Trump, highlighting the complex political dynamics influencing the current aid negotiations.
Journalists Witness Israeli Settler Attack On Palestinian Farm In West Bank
An attack by masked Israeli settlers on a Palestinian farmer in the occupied West Bank was directly witnessed by a news team while conducting an interview, BBC said in a report. The incident, which was documented by the journalists on site, provides verifiable evidence of ongoing tensions. This event takes place against a backdrop of a reported surge in settler violence since late 2023, which has prompted international condemnation and sanctions from nations including the US and the UK against individuals implicated in such attacks. The continued violence has significant political implications, increasing international scrutiny on the Israeli government’s enforcement actions in the territory and further complicating prospects for regional stability.
Air Canada Flight Attendants Defy Order to End Strike Declared Illegal
The union representing 10,000 striking Air Canada flight attendants is defying a return-to-work order after the strike was declared illegal by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), AP says in a report. The continued industrial action at Canada’s largest airline is affecting approximately 130,000 travelers per day during the peak summer season, with the airline extending cancellations into Tuesday. The union, a component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), and Air Canada remain in a stalemate over key issues including pay, working conditions, and pensions.
Ukrainian And European Leaders Hold Talks In Washington On Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, joined by European leaders, is in Washington, DC, to discuss the scope and reliability of US security guarantees aimed at ending the war with Russia, Al Jazeera said in a report. The talks are centered on establishing long-term bilateral commitments for military, financial, and intelligence support, which are seen as an interim measure short of full NATO membership. These discussions occur as Ukraine continues to sign bilateral security pacts with other key allies and against a backdrop of past political stalemates in the US Congress regarding aid packages, highlighting the critical importance of these guarantees for Ukraine’s strategic planning and defense sustainability.
US Archbishop's Meeting With Putin Denounced By Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops
Ukrainian Orthodox bishops in the US have strongly denounced a recent meeting between Archbishop Alexei of Alaska, from the Orthodox Church in America, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a ‘betrayal of Christian witness’, as per a report in AP. The meeting, which reportedly involved an exchange of warm greetings and religious icons, has drawn severe criticism due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Russian Orthodox Church’s vocal support for the invasion. The incident highlights the deep divisions within global Orthodoxy, particularly affecting Orthodox communities in Ukraine and the US, and is viewed by critics as an act that lends legitimacy to Putin’s regime amid the conflict.
US Administration Disputes IEA's Peak Oil Demand Projections
The Trump administration is publicly criticizing the Energy Agency (IEA) for its projections that global oil and gas consumption may soon peak and begin to decline, The New York Times says in a report. The disagreement stems from an IEA forecast suggesting a worldwide pivot to cleaner energy alternatives is accelerating. The US administration’s stance signals a significant conflict with the world’s leading energy organization over the future of fossil fuels and the pace of the global energy transition.
President Trump States Hamas Must Be Destroyed For Hostage Return
US President Donald Trump asserted that the remaining hostages held in Gaza will only be returned once the Hamas organization is “confronted and destroyed,” as per a report in Fox News. This statement comes as Israel indicates plans to expand its military offensive in Gaza. Trump’s position emphasizes military force as the primary means for securing the hostages’ release, aligning with the stated Israeli war aim of dismantling Hamas’s capabilities. The stance contrasts with ongoing diplomatic efforts by other nations that seek a ceasefire and hostage-release deal through negotiation.
