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Last Updated:August 19, 2025, 14:15 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.
Jakarta Initiative Uses Traditional Games To Combat Urban Isolation
A community group in Jakarta, Komunitas Bermain, is organizing weekly events where hundreds of residents gather at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to play traditional Indonesian games, as per a report in AP. The initiative, which sees thousands of residents participate regularly, aims to foster community connections and address social isolation by bringing people together for shared activities and the revival of cultural pastimes.
Zelensky Expresses Readiness To Meet Putin Following Discussions With Trump
Following discussions with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his readiness for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, The New York Times says in a report. Despite an outwardly upbeat assessment from Zelensky, the talks yielded few tangible signs of progress toward a peace agreement. Zelensky firmly repeated Ukraine’s long-standing position that it will not cede any of its sovereign land to Russia, a core principle that remains the primary obstacle in any potential negotiations.
Global Chikungunya Cases Surge, Spreading To Previously Unaffected Regions
Cases of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus are surging globally, with the disease now spreading to previously unaffected areas, including China, as per a report in The New York Times. This rapid expansion is attributed to factors like increased global travel, urbanization, and climate change, which expands the habitat of the Aedes mosquito vectors. While a vaccine was approved in late 2023 and early 2024, the surge places a significant burden on public health systems, requiring enhanced surveillance and vector control. The virus can cause chronic, disabling joint pain in a large percentage of patients for months or even years, leading to significant economic costs and impacting the travel and tourism industry through increased risk of imported cases.
Experts Cite Negligence And Weak Oversight As Key African Aviation Risks
Experts are highlighting negligence, weak regulatory oversight, climate change impacts, and the human element as primary factors contributing to air safety risks across Africa, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The analysis points to systemic issues such as persistent gaps in implementing international safety standards, deficiencies in air traffic management and maintenance, and the growing challenges posed by extreme weather. These factors, combined with human error, are identified as increasing risks for air passengers on the continent, impacting trust in regional carriers and potentially hindering economic development tied to tourism and trade.
IDF Chief Announces 'Next Phase' in War Against Hamas
The chief of the Israel Defense Forces has announced a plan for the “next phase” of the war against Hamas, which will involve a strategic shift from large-scale ground offensives to more targeted, intelligence-driven raids, as per a report in Fox News. This transition does not signify an end to the conflict but rather an evolution in tactics aimed at dismantling remaining Hamas infrastructure and preventing the group’s resurgence. Israel’s stated war aims, including the destruction of Hamas’s military capabilities and the return of hostages, remain unchanged. The development comes amid ongoing military operations in Rafah and stalled international negotiations for a ceasefire.
Asian Shares Mixed as Traders Await US Federal Reserve Cues
Asian shares were mixed on Tuesday, with investors holding back ahead of anticipated cues on interest rates from the US Federal Reserve, according to a report in AP. This cautious sentiment comes as Wall Street trades near record highs. In specific market movements, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.2% to 43,579.50, partly influenced by a decline in SoftBank Group Corp. shares after it announced a $2 billion investment. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index also dropped 0.2% to 25,125.17, while the Shanghai Composite index saw a marginal gain of less than 0.1%, closing at 3,730.71.
Debate Intensifies Over Effectiveness Of US Secondary Sanctions On Russia
The use of US secondary sanctions, which penalize third-country entities for doing business with sanctioned nations like Russia, is facing scrutiny over its effectiveness and global economic impact, Deutsche Welle says in a report. These measures aim to extend US financial pressure by threatening access to its market, a tool President Donald Trump has consistently favored and previously used against Iran and China. While proponents view them as a powerful deterrent, critics argue they are difficult to enforce and risk fragmenting global trade by encouraging de-dollarization and the use of alternative payment systems. The policy creates significant challenges for international businesses and can strain relations with US allies, forcing them to navigate complex compliance risks to avoid being cut off from the US financial system.
US and South Korea Begin Joint Military Exercises
The US and South Korea have commenced joint military exercises, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The drills are taking place as the administration of US President Donald Trump revisits the issue of South Korea’s financial contribution for the stationing of American troops, a point of contention during his previous term. Concurrently, regional tensions are elevated following Seoul’s suspension of key military de-escalation agreements with North Korea in response to provocations from Pyongyang. North Korea typically condemns these joint exercises, viewing them as rehearsals for an invasion.
Reports Indicate Rising Civilian Discontent In Gaza Amidst Hamas Crackdown
Reports from Gaza indicate growing civilian frustration and anger directed at Hamas over the severe humanitarian crisis and the conduct of the ongoing conflict, as per a report in Fox News. While organized protests are suppressed, these expressions of discontent are reportedly becoming more common, described by some as an emerging grassroots push for change. In response, Hamas has intensified its internal security measures, cracking down on dissent and tightening its control over the territory. This dynamic complicates the future governance of Gaza and poses significant challenges to the distribution of humanitarian aid, as Hamas seeks to reassert its authority and control over resources.
Palestinian PM Visits Rafah Crossing Amid Aid Delivery Bottlenecks
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, accompanied by Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, visited the Rafah border crossing where extensive queues of humanitarian aid trucks are waiting to enter the Gaza Strip, as per a report in BBC. The high-level visit highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional actors to address the severe humanitarian crisis and the persistent bottlenecks hindering the delivery of essential supplies into the territory amid a protracted conflict.
German Politician Urges Stronger Japan Ties To Counter 'Aggressive' China
A prominent German politician has urged for a stronger strategic partnership with Japan to counter what he termed an ‘increasingly aggressive’ China, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The statement came from Johann Wadephul, a Member of the Bundestag and defense expert, who emphasized the importance of the alliance. This call for closer ties is consistent with Germany’s active engagement in the Indo-Pacific region since 2020 and the EU’s classification of China as a ‘systemic rival’. For Japan, the partnership strengthens its goal of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and complements its enhanced defense posture, providing a key European ally in addition to the US.
Pakistan Deports Afghans Promised Resettlement In Germany
Pakistan has reportedly deported around 200 Afghans who had been promised resettlement in Germany for assisting its forces, Deutsche Welle says in a report. These individuals were among approximately 2,000 people Germany pledged to relocate following the withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan in 2021. The deportations are part of a broader Pakistani policy, initiated in late 2023, to expel undocumented foreigners. This action forces many Afghans, who were awaiting processing for their German visas, back to Afghanistan where they face significant risks due to their past association with foreign military entities.
Debate Persists Over Territorial Concessions In Russia-Ukraine War
The debate over potential territorial concessions is a core obstacle to resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, as the irreconcilable positions of both nations persist, Deutsche Welle says in a report. Ukraine’s official stance, enshrined in law, is the complete restoration of its sovereignty within its 1991 borders, including Crimea (annexed by Russia in 2014) and the four regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—illegally annexed in 2022. Conversely, Russia views these territories as integral parts of the Russian Federation, citing strategic importance such as securing a land bridge to Crimea and controlling key industrial and agricultural resources. peace proposals have largely failed to bridge this fundamental disagreement, and the outcome of the territorial dispute carries significant implications for Ukrainian sovereignty, international law, and the future of European security.
Southern Arabian Peninsula Braced For Unusual Storms And Heavy Rain
The southern Arabian peninsula is preparing for unusually heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this week due to a tropical wave moving across the region, according to a report in The Guardian. Western Yemen and south-western Saudi Arabia are expected to see a marked increase in convective activity, with a risk of thunderstorms lasting until Wednesday. Forecasts predict rainfall totals of around 50mm for Yemen’s Al Hudaydah region and Saudi Arabia’s Jazan province, an amount considered significant for the arid region, as it represents a large portion of the typical annual rainfall.
London Museum Highlights Forgotten Contributions Of African And Indian WWII Troops
London’s Army Museum has launched a new exhibition, ‘Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies’, to highlight the stories of African and Indian troops who fought against Japanese forces in south Asia during the second world war, a history largely omitted from mainstream narratives, The Guardian says in a report. The exhibition features rare items from these soldiers, who served in some of the conflict’s most severe conditions. This initiative aligns with a broader movement to decolonise museum collections and curricula, addressing historical inequalities in commemoration. During WWII, approximately 2.5 million men served in the British Indian Army and over 500,000 African soldiers served the Allied powers, making their contribution pivotal to the war effort.
Family of Late Zambian President Battles to Block State Funeral
The family of the late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu is engaged in a legal battle in South Africa to prevent the repatriation of his body for a state funeral, according to a report in The Guardian. This action is aimed at stopping current President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu’s long-time political rival, from presiding over the ceremony. The dispute marks the latest chapter in a feud between the two men that lasted over a decade and has now outlasted Lungu, who died in South Africa in June at the age of 68 while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Massive Protests In Tel Aviv Call For End To Gaza War And Hostage Release
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday, marking one of the largest protests in Israel since the conflict began in October 2023, to demand an end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages, according to a report in The Guardian. The rally, held in the city’s ‘Hostage Square’, was the main event of a day that also included a general strike aimed at pressuring the government to stop its military campaign. Protesters chanted slogans such as ‘Bring them all home! Stop the war!’ to voice their demands.
Mali Announces Arrests In Alleged Coup Plot Involving French
Mali’s military rulers have arrested a group of military personnel, including two generals, and a French national in connection with an alleged coup plot, The Guardian said in a report. Security Minister Gen Daouda Aly Mohammedine announced the arrests, stating the situation was under control and an investigation was ongoing. The development comes as the military junta, led by transitional president Colonel Assimi Goïta, continues a crackdown on dissent that followed recent pro-democracy demonstrations.
Bolivia To Hold First-Ever Presidential Runoff After Left-Wing Party Loses Majority
Bolivia will hold its first-ever presidential runoff election on October 19 after the ruling left-wing party of two decades failed to secure a majority in the first round of voting, as per a report in AP. The runoff was triggered because no candidate received enough votes for an outright victory. The contest will be between center-right lawmaker Sen. Rodrigo Paz, who had a surprise first-place finish, and right-wing former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, marking an end to the left-wing party’s long-standing dominance.
Community Initiative in Jakarta Unites Residents Through Weekly Games
In Jakarta, Indonesia, a group named ‘Komunitas Bermain’ (Playing Community) regularly organizes weekly recreational events at the city’s main arena, Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, as per a report in AP. These activities, including traditional games, dancing, and singing, consistently attract hundreds and sometimes thousands of participants from the area. The initiative aims to foster social cohesion and community engagement by providing a platform for residents to interact and play together, strengthening community bonds in the urban environment.
Severe Melting Forces Remote Drone Monitoring of Italy's Ventina Glacier
Italy’s Ventina glacier in Lombardy will now be monitored by drones after 130 years of in-person measurement became too hazardous due to terrain instability caused by severe melting, according to a report in AP. The Lombardy Glaciological Service announced the shift after geologists found that benchmark stakes were buried under rockslides and debris, making future on-site visits unsafe. This development, which follows recent extreme heatwaves, underscores the accelerating retreat of glaciers globally and forces a shift in scientific methodology. The change impacts over a century of continuous data collection and has significant economic implications for downstream water resources used in agriculture and hydropower, while also increasing mountain hazard risks.
US Envoy Mediates Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Talks Focused On Hezbollah Disarmament
A US special envoy is mediating discussions in Lebanon for a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel, with the proposal reportedly including a framework for the disarmament of the armed political group Hezbollah, Fox News said in a report. The diplomatic effort, led by the current US administration under President Donald Trump, aims to de-escalate months of cross-border fire which has significant economic implications for both nations. For Israel, a successful agreement could secure its northern border, allowing for the safe return of displaced citizens. For Lebanon, a ceasefire could prevent a wider war and open a path toward economic recovery, though any attempt to disarm Hezbollah, a major political and military force, presents profound internal stability risks.
Civilians Face Starvation In Besieged Sudanese City Of El-Fasher
Approximately 500,000 civilians are facing a dire humanitarian crisis in El-Fasher, Sudan, amid a prolonged siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), France 24 says in a report. The city, which is the capital of North Darfur, is the last major stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the region, making it a critical strategic point in the country’s civil war. Residents are experiencing severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, leading to deaths from hunger. The siege has cut off vital supply routes and access to aid, exacerbating the crisis despite a UN Security Council resolution in June 2024 that called for an immediate halt to the fighting and unhindered humanitarian access.
Historic Swedish Church Relocated To Facilitate Major Mine Expansion
The historic Kiruna Kyrka and its belfry in Sweden are being moved 5 kilometers this week to a new city center, a relocation forced by the expansion of the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine which threatens to cause ground subsidence in the old town, according to a report in AP. This complex engineering project is a highly visible part of the multi-decade relocation of the entire town of Kiruna. The move is a significant operational undertaking for the state-owned mining company LKAB, whose continued iron-ore extraction is economically vital for the region and necessitates the enormous cost of moving infrastructure. The relocation of the church, which was originally a gift from the mining company, underscores the immense logistical and financial challenges involved in balancing resource extraction with the preservation of cultural heritage.
Paris Planners Prepare For Future 50°C Heatwaves Amid Climate Change Concerns
In response to climate models projecting increasingly severe heatwaves, Paris is implementing comprehensive plans to prepare the city for potential future temperatures of 50°C (122°F), according to a report in The New York Times. The strategy focuses on mitigating the urban heat island effect and protecting residents, infrastructure, and the economy. Key measures include expanding green spaces and tree canopies through initiatives like ‘Oasis Schoolyards,’ installing public drinking fountains and ‘cool islands’ with misting systems, and adapting building codes to improve insulation and ventilation. These proactive steps are designed to address the significant public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, and to prevent disruptions to the power grid, public transport, and tourism, which is a vital part of the city’s economy.
Israel in Talks With South Sudan to Relocate Gazans
Israel is engaged in discussions with South Sudan about a potential plan for the mass relocation of Gazans, a move that is part of a wider, thus far unsuccessful, Israeli effort to find third countries to accept them, as per a report in The New York Times. The proposal has drawn significant international criticism, with legal experts and human rights organizations highlighting that such a relocation could violate the Fourth Geneva Convention’s prohibitions on forced displacement from occupied territories. The talks come amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and as South Sudan itself faces significant internal challenges, including widespread displacement and food insecurity, raising questions about its capacity to host a large refugee population.
US Says UK Dropped Demand For Access To Apple User Data
The UK has reportedly agreed to drop its long-standing demand for access to encrypted Apple user data following US government intervention, a move aimed at protecting the civil liberties of American citizens, according to a report in the Financial Times. This development marks a significant point in the global debate over end-to-end encryption and government surveillance. The US government has stated that the move protects Americans’ civil liberties from foreign data requests. This decision could represent a strategic shift for the UK, which has previously pursued broad data access powers through legislation like the Investigatory Powers Act. For tech companies like Apple, it reduces pressure to create ‘backdoors’ into their encrypted systems.
Ship Carrying 1,200 Tons Of Aid For Gaza Nears Israeli Port
A Panamanian-flagged vessel loaded with 1,200 tons of food aid is nearing the Israeli port of Ashdod on Tuesday, marking a renewed attempt to deliver humanitarian supplies to address the worsening crisis in Gaza, as per a report in AP. The ship, which departed from Limassol, Cyprus, is carrying 52 containers of goods such as pasta, rice, and baby food. To facilitate the process, Israeli customs officials pre-screened the entire cargo in Cyprus before its departure on Monday. This shipment tests the viability of a maritime corridor that utilizes an Israeli port for offloading and subsequent land transfer into Gaza, a different logistical approach from previous aid efforts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
