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Last Updated:August 09, 2025, 21:03 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.
Hamas-Run Health Ministry Reports Eleven More Malnutrition Deaths In Gaza
The Hamas-run health ministry has reported eleven additional deaths from malnutrition in Gaza, with other fatalities attributed to ongoing Israeli military operations, as per a report in BBC. The announcement coincides with an approaching evacuation deadline for Gaza City and repeated warnings from UN agencies about an impending famine due to severe shortages of food and medical supplies. This escalating humanitarian crisis is amplifying international pressure for a ceasefire and unhindered aid access, increasing diplomatic strain and scrutiny on Israel’s military conduct. Aid delivery remains severely hampered by border restrictions and security challenges, compounding the catastrophe for the displaced civilian population.
Fire At Spain's Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Extinguished, Averting Major Damage
A fire at the historic Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in southern Spain has been successfully extinguished, averting what officials called a potential ‘catastrophe’ for the UNESCO World Heritage site, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The swift containment of the blaze prevented major damage to the globally significant monument, a key driver of tourism for Cordoba and the wider Andalusia region. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are assessing the structure for any damage, which will determine the monument’s operational status for visitors. The incident highlights the vulnerability of major cultural heritage sites and the economic importance of robust fire prevention and emergency response protocols to protect tourism revenue and preserve historical assets.
Explosion At Lebanese Arms Depot Kills Six Army Experts
Six Lebanese army experts were killed and several others were wounded on Saturday after munitions exploded at an arms depot in south Lebanon, AP said in a report. The incident occurred in the village of Zibqin while the experts were dismantling munitions. The depot, located in an area south of the Litani River where UN resolutions prohibit armed groups other than the state’s military, is believed to have been used by the militant group Hezbollah. The Lebanese army has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.
Severe Asian Weather Events Disrupt Economies And Test Urban Resilience
Severe rainfall has caused widespread disruption in parts of Asia, with Hong Kong and India being significantly impacted, according to a report in The Guardian. On August 5, Hong Kong recorded its highest daily rainfall for August since 1884, with over 350mm causing major flight and road disruptions and prompting four top-level ‘black rainstorm’ warnings in one week. In India, the state of Uttarakhand has suffered from landslides and flooding. The events expose critical vulnerabilities in regional infrastructure, including urban drainage, transport, and supply chains, highlighting the significant economic and societal costs of recurring extreme weather.
Israeli Forces Kill 21 Aid Seekers As Gaza Starvation Deaths Rise
The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that Israeli forces killed 21 Palestinians who were attempting to access humanitarian aid, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The incident was part of a 24-hour period in which a total of 39 people were reported killed in the territory. The ministry also stated that 11 of the fatalities during this period were due to starvation. This event occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis, with international agencies having previously warned of imminent famine conditions in Gaza due to persistent obstacles in delivering essential aid.
Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Planting Landmines After Border Blast Injures Three Soldiers
Three Thai soldiers on patrol were wounded after one stepped on a landmine in Thailand’s Sisaket province along the border with Cambodia, AP said in a report. The incident occurred just two days after the two nations had agreed to end a brief armed conflict, immediately straining the new ceasefire. According to a statement from the Thai army, the event demonstrates that the use of concealed weapons in the border region continues, a recurring point of contention between the two countries that could undermine regional stability.
London Police Arrest 150 Pro-Palestine Demonstrators
London’s police force arrested 150 demonstrators during a protest in support of the Palestine Action group, as per a report in AP. The event highlights the ongoing tensions and legal consequences surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK. This incident is part of a broader trend of large-scale demonstrations and reflects the UK government’s stricter enforcement of public order laws. The group, Palestine Action, frequently employs direct action tactics against companies with alleged ties to the Israeli defense industry, leading to significant legal and operational challenges for the activists and placing a resource strain on UK policing and judicial systems.
Gunmen Kill At Least 4 In Attack On Boat Off Ecuador's Coast
An attack by dozens of gunmen on a boat off Ecuador’s southwestern coast has left at least four people dead and more than a dozen missing, as per a report in AP. The incident, which occurred Friday evening in the coastal province of El Oro, involved approximately 60 assailants who used firearms and explosives against the vessel. This attack highlights the escalating violence in the region, a critical transit point for drug trafficking, and poses a significant challenge to both maritime security and the government’s ongoing ‘internal armed conflict’ declared against criminal gangs.
Canadian Military Receives Pay Raise To Combat Recruitment Crisis
Canada’s government has authorized a pay increase for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in an effort to combat a critical recruitment and retention crisis, The New York Times says in a report. The move is a response to a persistent personnel shortfall, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, which has been exacerbated by inflation eroding the purchasing power of military salaries. While the pay raise is seen as a crucial step to boost morale and make military careers more competitive, Canada’s top military commander, the Chief of the Defence Staff, has emphasized that it is not a standalone solution. The commander stated that broader initiatives addressing quality of life issues—such as housing and childcare—and ongoing cultural reforms to tackle misconduct are also essential to fully resolve the staffing challenges and ensure the CAF’s operational readiness.
Three Dead As Wildfire Rages Near Athens
A deadly wildfire near Athens has claimed three lives as emergency crews continue to battle the blaze, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The firefighting efforts are being severely hampered by gale-force winds, which are responsible for fanning the flames and spreading the fire. Weather forecasts predict that strong winds will persist in the area, raising concerns that the blaze could be further exacerbated and potentially spread to other regions in Greece.
Fiji Leads Climate Relocation Amidst Insufficient Global Aid
Faced with the direct impacts of climate change, including rising seas, Fiji is undertaking the complex process of relocating entire coastal villages to higher ground, according to a report in The Washington Post. Despite becoming a leader in developing policies and guidelines for planned community relocation, the nation grapples with a significant shortfall in international financial support, highlighting the inadequacy of current global climate finance mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund. The relocations present immense logistical and cultural challenges, disrupting traditional livelihoods and social structures, and underscore the growing global need for robust legal and financial frameworks to address climate-induced displacement.
China To Begin Construction On Xinjiang-Tibet Railway This Year
China is preparing to start construction on the Xinjiang-Tibet Railway this year, having formally registered a new state-owned firm to manage the project, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The newly formed Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Company, wholly owned by China State Railway Group, has been established with an initial registered capital of 95 billion yuan (US$13.2 billion). This project, which will connect Hotan in Xinjiang to Lhasa in Tibet, is a key part of China’s ‘Go West’ development strategy and is intended to stimulate economic growth. The railway is also seen as a project with significant strategic implications, enhancing logistical capabilities for military and supply movements in sensitive western border regions.
University Head Cites Geopolitics As Top Challenge For China-West Academic Ties
Xi Youmin, the president of Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, has stated that geopolitical tensions are the “biggest challenge” to academic freedom and scientific research, the South China Morning Post said in a report. He described a world divided by conflicts and the US-China economic rivalry, which creates difficulties for institutions designed to bridge East and West. Xi proposed that easing visa restrictions for foreign students and academic visitors could help foster a better international understanding of China, particularly amid a climate of scientific decoupling and a slow post-pandemic recovery in foreign student enrollment.
Congolese Authorities Accuse Rwanda-Backed Rebels of Killing at Least 86 Civilians
Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda-backed rebels of killing at least 86 people in eastern Congo in recent weeks, undermining an ongoing Qatar-led peace process, as per a report in AP. The Congolese army stated that it fiercely condemns a series of mass murders of civilians, attributing them to an alleged coalition of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), the M23 rebel group, and the Alliance for a Free Congo (AFC). The reported attacks include the killing of 80 people in the village of Nyaborongo on August 4 and six civilians, including two minors, in a separate village on July 24.
Mexican Cartels Evolve Fentanyl Smuggling Methods To Evade US Crackdown
Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, primarily the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, are actively evolving their methods for smuggling fentanyl into the US to counter increased pressure from both governments, according to a report in The New York Times. These adaptations include new concealment techniques such as pressing fentanyl into counterfeit prescription pills, dissolving it into various liquids, and hiding it within legitimate commercial cargo to evade detection. The cartels’ operational shifts are a direct response to enhanced bilateral enforcement, which includes joint operations and record-breaking seizures at the border, highlighting the persistent challenge these resilient networks pose to international security and public health.
Libya's Political Division Forces Soccer Final To Be Held In Italy
For the second consecutive year, Libya is holding its national soccer championship final in Italy due to the country’s deep political divisions and persistent security issues, according to a report in The New York Times. The decision reflects the profound political stalemate between the UN-recognized Government of Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the rival eastern-based administration, which has fragmented state institutions, including sports federations. Ongoing instability, security risks, and inadequate infrastructure make it impossible to host the major sporting event domestically, highlighting the nation’s struggle with sovereignty and projecting an image of fragility that may deter international investment and engagement.
US President Donald Trump to Meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15
US President Donald Trump has announced he will hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, AP says in a report. The announcement, originating from Washington, confirms the upcoming high-level summit between the two leaders but does not yet provide additional details regarding the specific agenda or objectives of the talks.
Singapore And China Discuss Deepening Security Cooperation
Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Security, K Shanmugam, met with China’s envoy to the city-state, Cao Zhongming, to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation on security and law enforcement, as per a report in South China Morning Post. According to the Chinese envoy, the meeting involved “in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations” and is part of ongoing high-level engagements as the two nations prepare to mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025. The discussions align with Singapore’s balanced foreign policy and a broader regional focus on combating transnational crime through enhanced international collaboration.
UK Aid Cuts Threaten Global Wildlife Conservation Programmes
Wildlife charities are warning that significant UK government cuts to overseas aid are jeopardizing crucial global conservation programmes and will cause “untold damage” to biodiversity, according to a report in The Independent. The concerns follow the UK’s decision, first made in 2020, to reduce its Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross Income. This has reportedly led to severe funding reductions for key initiatives like the Darwin Initiative and the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, which support biodiversity and combat wildlife crime. Charities fear the cuts will reverse conservation progress, harm local communities dependent on these projects, and undermine the UK’s international standing on environmental issues.
US Grants Visas To Venezuelan Little League Teams After Reversing Ban
The Trump administration has granted visas to Venezuelan teams, allowing them to compete in the upcoming Little League World Series, The Independent says in a report. This decision marks a reversal of a June travel ban affecting Venezuelan nationals. The reversal reportedly occurred after intervention from lawmakers, including US Senator Marco Rubio, who advocated for an exception for the young athletes. The initial ban was part of broader US policy regarding the political situation in Venezuela.
Mexico Finds No Proof Of US Claims Linking Maduro To Sinaloa Cartel
Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly stated that Mexico possesses no proof and has no active investigation into US allegations that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This declaration, made during her presidential transition period, signals a continuation of Mexico’s non-interventionist foreign policy and could create a point of divergence with the US on regional security and intelligence sharing. The stance potentially complicates future joint anti-drug efforts and provides diplomatic support for the Maduro administration against international pressure. Historically, prominent US allegations against Maduro, such as the 2020 Department of Justice indictments, have primarily focused on connections to the FARC and the ‘Cartel of the Suns’ within Venezuela.
Science Explains Why Hiroshima And Nagasaki Are Safe From 1945 Radiation
The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are safe for habitation today because the radiation from the 1945 atomic bombings has decayed to levels indistinguishable from natural background radiation, according to a report in BBC. The scientific explanation hinges on two key factors: the bombs were detonated high in the atmosphere, which minimized long-term ground contamination, and the radiation produced was from short-lived isotopes that decayed rapidly. This contrasts sharply with nuclear reactor accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, which released large quantities of long-lived radionuclides, causing prolonged and widespread contamination. The confirmed safety of Hiroshima and Nagasaki underpins their robust urban development and tourism, while the history of the bombings continues to influence contemporary international policy discussions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Chad Prosecutor Seeks 25-Year Prison Term For Opposition Leader Succès Masra
Chad’s prosecutor general requested a 25-year prison sentence on Friday for former prime minister and opposition leader Succès Masra, who stands accused of inciting racial violence and other charges, as per a report in AP. The case against Masra and dozens of co-defendants, mostly from the same Ngambaye ethnic group, is linked to clashes between herders and farmers in May that left 35 people dead in the country’s southwest. Masra has consistently denied the charges brought against him.
Study Reveals 60% Decline in Human Connection to Nature Over 200 Years
Human connection to the natural world has decreased by more than 60% since 1800, a decline that closely mirrors the disappearance of nature-related words from literature over the same period, as per a report in The Guardian. The study, highlighted by Miles Richardson, warns of a potential ‘extinction of experience,’ where a lack of direct contact with nature diminishes public support for environmental and conservation policies. Computer modeling suggests this trend will persist unless there are far-reaching societal and policy shifts. The most effective interventions identified are introducing children to nature at a young age and implementing radical urban greening projects, which carry significant implications for public health systems, environmental policy, and the urban development sector.
North Korea Reportedly Removing Propaganda Loudspeakers From Border With South Korea
South Korea’s military reported on Saturday that it has detected North Korea removing some of its propaganda loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border in a move aimed at easing tensions, according to a report in AP. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff noted the action but did not specify where the removals were occurring or confirm if all the speakers would be taken down. This development follows a recent escalation cycle that began in mid-2024, where North Korea sent trash-filled balloons into the South, prompting Seoul to resume its own anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, which in turn led the North to reinstall its loudspeakers.
Torrential Rain Triggers Floods and Mudslides in Southern Japan
Torrential rain has battered Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, leading to significant flooding and landslides and prompting authorities to issue the highest-level warnings in the region, AP says in a report. In Kagoshima prefecture’s Aira city, a mudslide struck a house, leading to the rescue of two individuals. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has issued evacuation advisories for more than 360,000 residents across Kagoshima and adjacent prefectures. The severe weather threatens to disrupt critical infrastructure and impact the local economy, particularly agriculture, in the key farming region of Kyushu.
Ugandan Court Denies Bail To Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye In Treason Case
A court in Uganda has denied bail to prominent opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, who is facing charges of treason, Al Jazeera says in a report. This development, occurring ahead of the national election scheduled for early next year, has amplified concerns among government critics and human rights organizations about a potential crackdown on political dissent. The case is seen by many in the opposition as a politically motivated attempt to sideline a key challenger to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni. The continued detention of Besigye could significantly impact the opposition’s campaign, undermine the perceived fairness of the upcoming election, and potentially draw criticism from international bodies.
New Zealand And Australia To Deepen Military Cooperation
The leaders of New Zealand and Australia have agreed to pursue closer military cooperation following a recent Chinese live-fire naval exercise near their shores, as per a report in AP. During their annual bilateral meeting in Queenstown, New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon hosted his Australian counterpart and emphasized the desire for a stronger defense relationship, describing Australia as New Zealand’s “only ally.” This development occurs as both nations are expanding their military capabilities and is viewed as a response to China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with broader regional security efforts like the AUKUS pact.
Beitar Jerusalem Fans Disrupt Match In Latvia With Pyrotechnics
Fans of Israeli football club Beitar Jerusalem set off flares and hurled pyrotechnics, causing chaos during a match against Riga FC in the Latvian capital, Al Jazeera says in a report. The incident, attributed to the club’s ‘La Familia’ ultra group known for its far-right nationalism, is expected to result in significant disciplinary action from UEFA. Given the club’s extensive history of sanctions for similar fan misconduct, including racism and violence, the potential penalties could involve substantial fines and a ban from future European competitions, impacting the club’s finances and international standing.
Climate Change Reshapes Global Travel, Boosting Autumn and 'Coolcation' Tourism
Climate change and recent record-breaking heatwaves in traditional Mediterranean destinations are reshaping global tourism, with a notable shift in booking patterns away from the peak summer months of July and August, as per a report in the Financial Times. Travelers are increasingly opting for holidays during the cooler ‘shoulder seasons’ of September and October, seeking more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. This trend is also fueling the rise of ‘coolcations,’ where tourists choose destinations in Northern Europe, such as Scandinavia, to avoid extreme heat altogether. The travel industry is adapting by promoting off-peak packages, which has economic implications for both traditional sun-and-sea resorts facing a shorter peak season and for cooler regions experiencing a surge in summer visitors.
Nagasaki Cathedral Bells To Ring Together For First Time Since 1945 Atomic Bombing
On the anniversary of the US atomic bombing, the bells of Nagasaki’s Immaculate Conception Cathedral will ring together for the first time since the event on August 9, 1945, Al Jazeera says in a report. The original cathedral, which was the largest in Asia at the time of the bombing, was almost completely destroyed in the blast and subsequently rebuilt in 1959. This commemorative act serves as a powerful global symbol of peace and a call for nuclear disarmament, particularly resonant amid current international tensions. For the local community, it represents a poignant moment of remembrance, healing, and a testament to the city’s resilience.
German Voters Want More Pressure On Israel, Worry About US Tariffs, Poll Shows
A recent Deutschlandtrend poll indicates a shift in German public opinion, with voters expressing a desire for Berlin to apply more pressure on Israel and voicing concerns over the potential impact of US tariffs on the German economy, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The monthly survey also revealed low personal voter confidence in Friedrich Merz, who is the leader of the main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), not the current Chancellor.
Booking.com CEO Urges US To Ease Tourist Entry Ahead Of World Cup And Olympics
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel has urged the US to simplify its entry processes for international tourists, citing concerns over long airport queues ahead of the FIFA World Cup and LA Olympics, according to a report in the Financial Times. Fogel described the long waits at customs and border protection as “very aggravating” for visitors, highlighting a significant hurdle as the US prepares to host major global sporting events. His comments come as the US tourism industry’s recovery from the pandemic lags behind other destinations, a situation often linked to significant visa processing backlogs and the perception of a difficult entry process. The travel industry is concerned that without improvements, the US risks diminished economic benefits and reputational damage from the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sarawak Indigenous Groups Use Mapping To Defend Rainforests And Land Rights
Indigenous communities in the Malaysian state of Sarawak are increasingly using community mapping to protect threatened rainforests and assert their land rights, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This participatory process, often aided by NGOs and technology like GPS, allows communities to create authoritative maps of their traditional territories, which serve as vital evidence to support claims for Native Customary Rights (NCR) in legal and administrative challenges against encroaching industries. These efforts are occurring amidst ongoing tensions with the Sarawak government’s economic development plans, such as the Post-COVID Development Plan 2030, which prioritizes resource-based industries. The success of these mapping initiatives is seen as crucial for both securing indigenous land tenure and conserving critical biodiversity and carbon sinks within the region’s rainforests.
US Threatens to Revoke Kenya's Ally Status Over China Praise
The United States is reviewing Kenya’s status as a Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) after President William Ruto’s recent state visit to Beijing. The potential revocation of the status, which provides significant military and economic benefits, follows Ruto’s praise for China’s role in a “new world order” and the signing of landmark infrastructure and trade deals with Beijing. This action from Washington underscores the escalating geopolitical competition with China for influence in Africa and places Kenya in a difficult diplomatic position, forcing it to balance its relationships with the two global powers.
China's Military Sets US As Benchmark For Mid-Century Goal
An official commentary in the Communist Party’s newspaper, People’s Daily, has explicitly defined the United States military as the benchmark for China’s goal of building a “world-class” People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by the middle of the century, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The policy article, one of the clearest explanations of President Xi Jinping’s strategic vision, states the PLA must measure itself against the world’s strongest military to achieve its target by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. This directive is seen as a formal acknowledgment of the intensifying strategic competition with Washington and has implications for the global military balance and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
China Opens Full-Service Humanoid Robot Store In Beijing
China has opened what is described as the world’s first full-service store for humanoid robots in Beijing to showcase domestically manufactured products, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The Robot Mall, launched during the 2025 World Robot Conference, is modeled after the 4S system used in car dealerships, integrating sales, service, spare parts, and surveys. The store features over 50 products from more than 40 brands, highlighting China’s push to advance its home-grown robotics industry and consumer market.
