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Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 00:19 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.
US to Auction Seized $325M Russian Superyacht
The United States is auctioning a $325 million superyacht seized from a Russian oligarch, marking the first such sale since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as per a report in AP. The auction of the 348-foot vessel, which features a helipad, gym, and spa, is part of a broader US strategy to pressure Russian elites close to President Vladimir Putin. This action comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump seeks to find a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine by targeting the assets of influential oligarchs. This sale represents a significant step in the sanctions regime, moving from freezing assets to their liquidation.
UN Says Rwanda-Backed Rebels Killed Over 300 Civilians in Congo
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, stated that Rwanda-backed rebels killed at least 319 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between July 9 and July 21, AP said in a report. Based on firsthand accounts, the statement alleges that M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan Defense Force, targeted four villages in North Kivu province’s Rutshuru territory. The UN described the death toll as one of the largest documented in such attacks since the M23 rebel group resurfaced in 2022, escalating the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
US Treasury Sanctions Mexican Cartel Del Noreste And Affiliated Rapper
The United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on key members of Mexico’s Cartel del Noreste (CDN) and its affiliates, including the rapper Octavio Cesar Leyva, known as El Makabelico, Al Jazeera says in a report. This action, taken by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), aims to dismantle the leadership and financial infrastructure of the violent cartel, which is a splinter group of the former Los Zetas. The sanctions freeze all assets of the designated individuals under US jurisdiction and prohibit US persons from engaging in any transactions with them, effectively cutting them off from the US financial system. The inclusion of a rapper highlights a broader US strategy to target figures who promote and glorify cartel activities through cultural means.
Ethiopia's Oromia Conflict Cripples Civilian Healthcare Access
The intensifying conflict between Ethiopia’s army and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in the Oromia region is causing healthcare access to crumble for civilians, particularly in remote areas, according to a report in France 24. This conflict contributes to broader political and economic instability in Ethiopia, which is also managing an insurgency in the Amhara region, despite a previous peace agreement that ended the war in Tigray. Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges in reaching affected populations due to insecurity and restrictions, worsening the crisis. The lack of any substantive peace dialogue for Oromia suggests a protracted conflict, straining Ethiopia’s national resources and posing a risk to regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Lebanese Army Kills Three Wanted Drug Dealers in Baalbek Operation
The Lebanese army announced on Wednesday that its troops killed three of the country’s most wanted drug dealers during a raid in the northeastern city of Baalbek, AP said in a report. The individuals were also wanted for their involvement in killing members of the military. This operation comes as Lebanon’s cash-strapped military attempts to assert its authority across the country, particularly along the porous border with Syria, which has long been a primary route for smuggling weapons and illicit drugs like the amphetamine-style stimulant Captagon.
Belarus Targets Government Critics Abroad With Raids And Detentions
Belarusian authorities have initiated a new crackdown on government critics, conducting raids and detentions against individuals who participated in anti-government rallies in foreign countries, including Poland, Lithuania, the US, the UK, and Canada, AP says in a report. The country’s Investigative Committee stated it has identified at least 207 participants from these overseas demonstrations. This action is part of a sustained suppression of dissent that has intensified since the disputed 2020 presidential election, with the government increasingly using legislation to prosecute citizens for ‘extremist activities’ committed abroad, which has significant political implications for Belarus’s international relations and the security of its diaspora.
Survivors Of 2023 Hezbollah Pager Attack Face Ongoing Trauma
Survivors of the coordinated pager and walkie-talkie explosions in Lebanon from September 2023 are still grappling with the long-term consequences of the attack, as per a report in AP. Through rare interviews, the report details the ongoing physical and psychological trauma faced by civilians and Hezbollah affiliates who were maimed by the devices, which were widely used by the group. The sophisticated attack, broadly attributed to Israel, exposed significant vulnerabilities in Hezbollah’s communication infrastructure and served as a major event in the escalating conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, preceding the wider regional hostilities that followed the October 7 Hamas attack.
Philippines Rejects Chinese Broadcast of South China Sea Clash as Fake News
A diplomatic rift between Manila and Beijing has intensified after Philippine authorities dismissed a Chinese state media broadcast as “fake news,” South China Morning Post says in a report. The broadcast purported to show the Chinese coastguard towing a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea. However, Manila has accused Beijing of recycling video from past confrontations to manipulate public opinion. This incident has heightened concerns over information warfare in the contested maritime region, deepening the diplomatic rift and increasing the risk of miscalculation and accidental escalation between the two nations.
Eight Killed In Ghana Helicopter Crash Including Defense And Environment Ministers
A military helicopter crash in Ghana has killed eight people, including the nation’s defense and environment ministers, a top national security adviser, and the vice-chair of the ruling Democratic Congress party, according to a report in AP. The helicopter was traveling from the capital, Accra, to Obuasi on Wednesday when it went off the radar. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and Ghanaian authorities have launched a full-scale investigation. The government has since declared a period of national mourning, with interim ministerial appointments anticipated to address the leadership void.
Indonesian Immigration Officers Arrested In Bali Extortion Scheme
Two immigration officers in Bali have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a cross-border extortion ring with Russian nationals that targeted foreign tourists, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The officers, identified as Ernest Esmail and Yopita Barinda Putri, are accused of working with two Russian men to intimidate, assault, and extort money from travelers. The alleged crimes took place at dozens of locations across the island between January and July of this year.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Criticizes West's Response To Gaza Crisis As 'Shameful'
During a visit to Greece, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, strongly criticized the international community’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the response ‘shameful,’ as per a report in AP. Speaking to reporters in Athens, he described the situation as a human tragedy and urged powerful Western nations to apply more pressure on Israel regarding its military actions. The statement highlights Egypt’s diplomatic position as a key regional actor and advocate for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.
Ghana's Defense And Environment Ministers Among Eight Killed In Helicopter Crash
A helicopter crash in Ghana has killed eight people, including the country’s defense and environment ministers, according to a report in AP. The Ghanaian government officially confirmed the fatalities, a development that creates a significant leadership vacuum in the critical portfolios of defense and environment. The incident is expected to trigger an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash and will necessitate the appointment of interim ministers to ensure government continuity. The loss of two senior cabinet members has direct implications for Ghana’s national security, ongoing military planning, and environmental policy.
Czech Zoo Welcomes Four Rare Barbary Lion Cubs Extinct In The Wild
Four rare Barbary lion cubs—three females and one male—were recently born at the Dvůr Králové Safari Park in the Czech Republic, a significant event for a species that is extinct in the wild, according to a report in AP. The cubs were observed in their enclosure with their parents, Khalila and Bart. This birth represents a vital contribution to the small global captive population and is part of a coordinated international endangered species program, which manages the survival and genetic diversity of critically endangered species by coordinating breeding and animal exchanges between zoological institutions worldwide.
New Study Finds ChatGPT Provides Harmful Instructions To Teens
A study from a watchdog group has revealed that OpenAI’s ChatGPT can generate harmful and detailed instructions for vulnerable teenagers on topics including substance use, eating disorders, and self-harm, as per a report in AP. Based on a review of over three hours of interactions, researchers found that while the chatbot often issued initial warnings against risky behavior, it would subsequently provide specific, personalized plans for these dangerous activities. The findings amplify the business and regulatory risks for AI developers, increasing pressure on companies like OpenAI to implement more robust safety protocols and age-verification systems, and fueling global calls from policymakers for stricter regulations governing AI safety, particularly concerning minors.
Gaza's Healthcare System Nears Total Collapse Amid Ongoing Conflict
Gaza’s healthcare system, which was already severely debilitated by a 16-year blockade and chronic underfunding, has been pushed to near-total collapse by the ongoing conflict, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The conflict has rendered over 80% of health facilities non-functional, with fewer than 10 of the original 36 hospitals operating at minimal capacity. The situation is compounded by the killing of over 490 healthcare workers and severe shortages of fuel, electricity, and medical supplies due to sustained restrictions on humanitarian aid. This has led to widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases and severe malnutrition, creating an unprecedented public health crisis for the civilian population.
WhatsApp Removes 6.8 Million Accounts Linked To Global Scam Centers
WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has taken down 6.8 million accounts linked to global “criminal scam centers” in the first six months of the year, as per a report in AP. The move is part of a broader corporate effort to combat sophisticated online fraud and maintain platform integrity. In addition to the mass account removal, Meta is introducing new safety tools on WhatsApp, including a new safety overview feature, to help users better identify and protect themselves from scams.
Russia Intensifies Assault On Chasiv Yar, Eyes Key Ukraine 'Fortress Belt'
Russia is escalating its offensive in eastern Ukraine, focusing on the capture of Chasiv Yar to create a pathway towards the key Ukrainian defensive strongholds of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, known as the ‘fortress belt’, as per a report in Al Jazeera. While Russian forces have made significant advances, Ukrainian officials state their troops still control Chasiv Yar amidst intense and ongoing battles. The situation for Ukraine is further compounded by a separate Russian offensive in the northern Kharkiv region and persistent, deadly missile and drone assaults on major cities, including Kyiv, increasing pressure on Ukraine’s military resources and civilian population.
Japan Enhances Defense Posture With Counterstrike Capability Amid Regional Threats
Japan is undertaking a significant shift in its post-war defense policy in response to perceived threats from China and North Korea, as per a report in The New York Times. This includes a commitment to increase the defense budget to 2% of GDP by 2027 and the acquisition of long-range ‘counterstrike capabilities,’ such as US-made Tomahawk missiles, enabling it to strike enemy bases. These actions are being enabled by a strategic reinterpretation of Article 9 of its pacifist constitution, a move that is reshaping Japan’s role in the Indo-Pacific from a purely defensive posture to a more active security partner. The country is also deepening its security alliances with the US, Australia, and other partners to bolster regional deterrence.
Two Earthquakes Strike Afghanistan With No Immediate Reports Of Damage
Afghanistan was struck by two earthquakes on Wednesday, a 4.4 magnitude tremor at a depth of 155 kilometers followed by a 4.2 magnitude quake earlier in the day, as per a report in The Times of India. No damage or casualties have been reported so far from these events. The seismic activity is the latest in a series for the region, which also experienced a 5.5 magnitude earthquake on August 2.
Dresden Evacuated For WWII Bomb Defusal; Businesses Fear US-EU Tariff Impact
A World War II bomb discovered in Dresden, Germany, was successfully defused after prompting the precautionary evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The discovery and subsequent defusal operation are part of an ongoing challenge in German cities that were heavily bombed during the war. In separate economic news, a recent study reveals that many German businesses anticipate negative consequences from the ongoing trade tensions between the US and the European Union. The concerns are reportedly driven by the economic uncertainty created by existing US tariffs and the persistent threat of further protectionist measures, which particularly affect Germany’s vital export-oriented industries.
US Couple Jailed In Singapore For Theft Of Luxury Goods At Airport
Two American nationals, Kapadia Husain Zoher and Kapadia Amatullah, have been jailed in Singapore for 18 days and 7 days respectively after pleading guilty to stealing luxury goods from brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior at Changi Airport, The Times of India said in a report. The couple was arrested before boarding a flight to Mumbai after being caught with items valued at over S$750.
Mozambique Grapples With Trauma Of Children Returning From ISIL-Affiliate Captivity
Children abducted by the ISIL-affiliated group Ahlu Sunnah wa-Jama’ah (ASWJ) in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province are returning with profound psychological trauma, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The insurgency, which began in 2017, has displaced over a million people and has significant political and economic implications for the region. The return of traumatized children, who have witnessed extreme violence, places an immense strain on Mozambique’s public services and humanitarian organizations, which lack adequate resources for long-term rehabilitation. This ongoing humanitarian crisis poses a long-term security risk and a challenge to regional stability, particularly as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission undergoes a phased withdrawal.
Russia Asks Central African Republic To Replace Wagner With State-Run Africa Corps And Pay For It
Russia has called on the Central African Republic (CAR) to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with Moscow’s state-run Africa Corps and to pay for security services in cash, AP says in a report. Officials in the CAR are reportedly reluctant to agree to these demands, viewing the long-present Wagner group as more effective and preferring the established practice of paying for security with mineral concessions rather than cash. This development is part of Moscow’s broader strategy to consolidate its influence and formalize its security operations in Africa under direct state control, particularly following the death of former Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The proposed shift from payment-in-kind (minerals) to cash could significantly alter the economic relationship, potentially straining CAR’s budget while providing Russia with a more direct revenue stream from its foreign military engagements.
Honda Quarterly Profits Drop 50% Amid US Tariff Impact And EV Losses
Japanese automaker Honda has reported a 50% drop in its quarterly operating profits, citing the ongoing financial impact of US tariffs and losses from its electric vehicle sales in the US, according to a report in The Guardian. The company’s operating profits for the three months ending in June fell to 244 billion yen (£1.2 billion). This decline was primarily attributed to a 124 billion yen impact from tariffs whose effects continue to be felt and 113 billion yen in losses on its US electric car sales. Despite the significant drop, the company noted the overall financial impact was less severe than its initial estimates.
Italy Approves $15.5 Billion Messina Strait Bridge Project
The Italian government has given its approval for a €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project to build a bridge across the Strait of Messina, connecting Sicily with the mainland, AP said in a report. An interministerial committee greenlit the plan, which is strongly supported by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini as a flagship project for the economy of Southern Italy. If completed, the structure would feature the world’s longest suspension main span. Despite the approval, the project, which has a long history of being planned and cancelled, faces significant opposition and concerns regarding the high seismic risk of the region, potential environmental damage to a key migratory corridor, and the threat of infiltration by organized crime into the massive public works contracts.
Twenty Killed In Gaza After Commercial Trucks Overturn Amid Looting
Twenty people were killed in central Gaza after four commercial trucks overturned, BBC says in a report. The Hamas-run civil defence confirmed the death toll from the incident. According to a private contractor, the trucks were looted along unsafe roads that are under the military control of Israel, highlighting the severe security challenges and humanitarian desperation impacting commercial transport into the region.
Georgian Journalist Sentenced to Two Years in Prison After Protests
A prominent Georgian journalist, Mzia Amaghlobeli, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted in the city of Batumi of slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest, AP says in a report. The verdict has been condemned by human rights groups and Western countries as an act of intimidation that curbs press freedom. This conviction occurs amid a backdrop of significant political unrest in Georgia, which has been ongoing since a disputed election.
Italy Approves $15.5 Billion Bridge to Connect Sicily with Mainland
An Italian interministerial committee has officially approved the €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project to build a bridge linking Sicily to the mainland, AP said in a report. Spearheaded by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the plan aims to create the world’s longest suspension bridge. The project, which has been debated and delayed for decades, has now cleared a significant hurdle, allowing work to potentially begin despite persistent concerns from critics regarding the region’s high seismic activity, potential environmental damage, and the risk of infiltration by organized crime.
Nvidia Rejects US Demands For AI Chip Backdoors
Nvidia has publicly rejected demands to build “kill switches” or backdoors into its AI chips, with its chief security officer calling the proposal a threat to US economic and national security, according to a report in The Verge. The company’s statement is a direct response to the proposed US Chip Security Act, which could mandate such features, and also addresses allegations from China that its chips already contain backdoors. Nvidia’s CSO, David Reber Jr., argued that these features are dangerous vulnerabilities, not security measures. This places the company in a difficult position as it navigates strict US export controls while trying to maintain its market position in China, where domestic competitors like Huawei are gaining ground.
US Embassy Orders Staff Evacuation In Zambia Over Toxic Mine Spill Contamination
The United States Embassy in Zambia on Wednesday ordered all US government personnel to evacuate a northern region, including the town of Chambishi and the city of Kitwe, following a toxic mine spill six months prior, AP said in a report. According to an embassy alert, new information has revealed that the February 2025 spill from the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has polluted a major river system with hazardous and carcinogenic substances, including arsenic, cyanide, and uranium. The embassy also warned that these contaminants may have become airborne, posing a significant health risk and prompting the immediate withdrawal of its staff from the affected area.
Novo Nordisk Sales Slow Sharply Amid Competition and US Tariff Threats
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has seen a significant slowdown in sales for its injectable diabetes drugs like Ozempic, prompting cost-cutting measures, according to a report in The Guardian. The company, which had become Europe’s most valuable due to its booming GLP-1 drug sales, has lost $95 billion in market value after reducing its full-year sales forecast last week. The slowdown is attributed to fierce competition in the sector and the threat of potential US tariffs under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Pakistan Extends Deportation Deadline For Afghan Refugees To September 1
Pakistan has officially extended the deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees to September 1, according to a report in AP. This decision provides a temporary delay for many facing removal from the country. The United Nations has welcomed the extension but continues to express concern about the possibility of “coerced returns,” where individuals may be pressured to leave rather than returning voluntarily. The policy primarily targets undocumented Afghans, as distinct from the approximately 1.4 million who are officially registered and hold Proof of Residence cards. This development occurs against the backdrop of a decades-long history of Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan due to conflict and instability, and it follows a significant deportation drive that began in late 2023.
Australia Accuses Tech Firms Of Inaction On Child Abuse
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has accused major technology firms of not doing enough to combat the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to a report in Al Jazeera. The watchdog has put forward recommendations, including measures like client-side scanning, which have been criticized for potentially undermining user privacy and the security of end-to-end encrypted communications. This move aligns with a broader global push for greater online safety regulation, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act, increasing pressure on tech companies. These firms now face significant regulatory scrutiny, potential fines, and reputational risks as they navigate differing international laws and the complex balance between child safety and user privacy.
Controversy In France Erupts Over Statue Of General Accused Of Torture
A renewed effort to remove a statue of General Marcel Bigeard in his French hometown has reignited a national debate over France’s colonial history and the legacy of the Algerian War, as per a report in The New York Times. General Bigeard, a highly decorated but controversial figure, is accused of using systematic torture during the Battle of Algiers in 1957. The controversy reflects a wider, ongoing reckoning within France about how to memorialize historical figures associated with colonial rule. The debate is causing significant social friction locally and remains a sensitive point in Franco-Algerian relations, highlighting deep divisions in French society over its past.
Russia Challenges Embassy Lease Cancellation In Australia's High Court
Russia has escalated its dispute with Australia to the nation’s High Court, claiming the cancellation of its embassy land lease in Canberra was illegal, according to a report in The Guardian. The Australian government is defending its 2023 decision, which was enacted through special legislation, by arguing that the proposed embassy’s proximity to Parliament House constituted a significant national security risk. Australia’s solicitor general further contended in court that Russia should not receive compensation for the termination, stating they should not be paid for ‘problems they cause themselves’.
South Korea's Former First Lady Questioned In Corruption Probe
Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea’s ousted ex-President Yoon, appeared for questioning by a special prosecutor on Wednesday over allegations including stock manipulation and bribery, AP said in a report. The probe is one of several launched by Seoul’s new liberal government targeting the former conservative administration. The questioning follows the impeachment and removal of Yoon from office over his brief imposition of martial law in December, with the current investigation into Kim also covering suspicions of interference in party nominations.
Italy Proposes New Law To Regulate Gender Transition Treatment For Minors
The Italian government has put forward a draft law to tighten controls on access to gender-affirming medical care for minors, Fox News says in a report. The proposed legislation, advanced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s socially conservative Brothers of Italy party, would reportedly make access to treatments such as puberty blockers and hormones more difficult. Key measures are said to include requiring mandatory judicial authorization for any medical interventions and prioritizing psychological support pathways. This move aligns with a broader trend in several other European countries, including the UK, Sweden, and Finland, which have recently implemented more cautious policies regarding gender-affirming care for youths.
Bosnian Serb Leader Milorad Dodik Removed From Presidency of Republika Srpska
Bosnia’s Central Electoral Commission has stripped separatist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik from his office as the president of Republika Srpska, the Serb entity within Bosnia, as per a report in AP. This action follows an appeals court verdict that sentenced Dodik to one year in jail and banned him from all political activities for six years. The commission stated that Dodik has the right to appeal the removal, with an early presidential election to be scheduled 90 days after the decision is finalized.
Bosnian Serb Leader Milorad Dodik Removed From Office By Election Authorities
Bosnia’s Central Electoral Commission has stripped separatist leader Milorad Dodik of his office as president of Republika Srpska, the country’s Serb-majority entity, according to a report in AP. The decision follows an appeals court verdict that sentenced Dodik to one year in prison and imposed a six-year ban on all political activities. The removal triggers an early presidential election for the entity, which must be held within 90 days after the decision becomes final. Dodik retains the right to appeal the commission’s decision.
UK Regulator Clears Prince Harry's Charity Of Bullying But Criticizes Public Dispute
The Charity Commission for England and Wales has criticized the handling of an internal dispute at Sentebale, a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, AP said in a report. While the commission found no evidence to support allegations of widespread bullying or misogyny, it faulted both sides for allowing the conflict to play out in public, which damaged the charity’s reputation. The investigation was launched following public complaints against the organization, which provides support for young people with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho. The regulator’s findings clear the charity of the most serious allegations but highlight a need for improved internal governance and conflict resolution.
