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Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 16:00 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.
Pakistan, China and Afghanistan Commit to Stronger Cooperation in Kabul Meeting
Top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan committed to stronger anti-terrorism cooperation during a high-level meeting in Kabul on Wednesday, AP said in a report. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three nations also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in trade, transit, regional development, health, education, culture, and combating drug trafficking, aiming to boost political and economic partnerships.
Cheetah Cubs Destined For Illegal Trade Rescued In Somaliland
Ten cheetah cubs held in captivity since birth for the illegal wildlife trade have been rescued in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, AP said in a report. The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is now caring for the cubs, which were found undernourished and limping after being tied up for months; one 8-month-old cub was unable to walk. According to the CCF’s founder, Laurie Marker, all ten animals are now in stable condition. The rescue highlights the persistent illegal trafficking of cheetahs from the Horn of Africa to meet demand for exotic pets in the Middle East and reflects Somaliland’s active efforts to combat the trade despite its internationally unrecognized status.
Iran Launches Major Naval Drill In Gulf Of Oman And Indian Ocean
Iran launched its ‘Sustainable Power 1404’ naval exercise on Thursday, conducting missile tests in the strategic Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, which are vital waterways for global trade, as per a report in AP. According to Iranian state television, this is the country’s first military drill since a purported 12-day war with Israel, a claim that appears intended to project strength to a domestic audience and regional adversaries. The exercise signals Iran’s military readiness and its intent to project power in key maritime chokepoints, raising potential concerns for international shipping and regional security.
Montmartre Residents Fight 'Disneyfication' And Overtourism In Paris
Residents of Paris’s historic Montmartre neighborhood are increasingly challenging the impacts of overtourism, which they describe as a ‘Disneyfication’ that is destroying the area’s unique village-like atmosphere, as per a report in AP. Long-term inhabitants report that stores catering to locals are being replaced by souvenir shops and overcrowded cafés, diminishing the quality of life and community feel. This trend, mirrored in other European tourist hotspots like Venice and Barcelona, reflects a growing tension between the economic benefits of tourism and the preservation of local culture and residential livability, prompting discussions around sustainable urban planning and stricter regulations on tourist activities.
World Leaders Convene To Review Past Trump Diplomacy On Russia-Ukraine War
Approximately three dozen world leaders participated in a virtual summit aimed at charting a path to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, Foreign Policy said in a report. The diplomatic strategy session centered on a retrospective analysis of interactions between Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which occurred during Trump’s first presidential term (2017-2021). This review of historical diplomacy, which predates the 2022 full-scale invasion, is being leveraged by global leaders to understand past approaches and inform current international strategies for ending the conflict.
Man Sets Fire at Milan's Malpensa Airport Sparking Evacuation
An incident at Milan’s Malpensa airport, where a man set fire to a check-in area, has caused a partial terminal evacuation and may create a knock-on effect on flight departures, according to a report in BBC. The event has immediate business implications for airlines, which face potential operational delays and increased customer service demands. For Malpensa airport, the fire necessitates a thorough damage assessment to determine repair costs and the timeline for resuming normal operations. The incident has also prompted a high-priority investigation by law enforcement and a review of security protocols.
Italian Soccer Coaches Association Calls For Israel's Suspension From UEFA And FIFA
The Italian Soccer Coaches’ Association (AIAC) has formally called for Israel to be suspended from all UEFA and FIFA competitions over the ongoing war in Gaza, AP says in a report. The AIAC’s board of directors unanimously approved the decision and has sent a written request to the Italian soccer federation (FIGC), asking it to forward the demand to European and world soccer’s governing bodies. The demand comes ahead of crucial UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches scheduled between Italy and Israel in the next two months.
Netanyahu Faces Far-Right Pressure Over Proposed Hamas Ceasefire Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a critical political challenge as far-right members of his governing coalition threaten to withdraw their support over a proposed ceasefire deal with Hamas, as per a report in The New York Times. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have publicly stated they will leave the government if the deal, which was detailed by former US President Joe Biden in May 2024 while he was in office, is accepted. They argue the proposal amounts to a surrender that would leave Hamas in power. This internal opposition jeopardizes the internationally-backed three-phase plan and puts Netanyahu in a difficult position, balancing domestic political survival against mounting pressure from allies like the US to end the conflict.
US Sanctions More Criminal Court Officials Over War Crimes Probes
The United States government under President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions on more officials from the Criminal Court (ICC), as per a report in AP. This action is a response to the ICC’s ongoing investigations into allegations of war crimes committed by American personnel, as well as by Israeli personnel. The move signals a continued and intensified opposition by the Trump administration to the ICC’s jurisdiction over citizens of non-member states like the U.S. and Israel.
German Court Upholds Keffiyeh Ban At Nazi Camp Memorial
A higher administrative court in the German state of Thuringia has ruled that the Buchenwald concentration camp memorial has the right to refuse entry to people wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, according to a report in The Guardian. The ruling on Wednesday rejected an appeal from a woman who was denied entry to the former Nazi concentration camp memorial while wearing the scarf. The court’s decision upholds the memorial’s ‘house rules’ (‘Hausordnung’), which are designed to maintain a respectful and appropriate atmosphere at the site and allow the institution to restrict symbols it deems political or disruptive.
Israel Says It Killed Hamas Militant Involved in Bibas Family Kidnapping
The Israeli military announced it has killed a Hamas militant identified as being involved in the kidnapping of the Bibas family, according to a report in The New York Times. The family, including Yarden Bibas, his wife Shiri, and their two small children, Ariel and Kfir, were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. While Yarden Bibas was among the hostages released, the status of his wife and children remains officially unconfirmed by Israel, which is still investigating a claim by Hamas that they were killed in an airstrike.
Poll Shows Majority Of Americans View Israel's Gaza Campaign As Excessive
A new poll indicates that a majority of Americans support the international recognition of Palestine, with a separate finding showing 59% of US respondents believe Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has been excessive, Al Jazeera says in a report. The Reuters/Ipsos survey highlights a potential divergence between US public opinion and the government’s traditional policy, which has historically favored a two-state solution achieved through direct negotiations.
Australian Minister Criticizes Israel, Stating 'Strength Is Not Measured in Bombs and Hunger'
Senior Australian government ministers have publicly criticized Israel’s military actions and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that strength is not measured by ‘bombs and hunger’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This public rebuke signifies a notable shift in Australia’s diplomatic stance, which has grown more critical following a past Israeli airstrike in April 2024 that killed seven aid workers, including an Australian citizen. The statements increase the diplomatic pressure on Israel, potentially straining bilateral relations and amplifying global calls for improved humanitarian aid access into the Gaza Strip.
India and China Agree to Resume Trade, Work on Resolving Border Dispute
India and China have hailed “steady” progress in their relationship, agreeing to resume trade links and work towards resolving their long-running Himalayan border dispute, according to a report in The Guardian. Following a visit to Delhi by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the two sides also agreed to resume direct flights, issue visas to journalists, and facilitate business and cultural exchanges. This diplomatic development occurs amid a global geopolitical shift influenced by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Australian Doctor Resigns From Insurer's Board Over Gaza War Commentary
Dr. Stephen Parnis, a prominent Australian emergency physician and a former vice-president of the Australian Medical Association, has stepped down as board chair for the Medical Insurance Group of Australia (Miga), The Guardian says in a report. His resignation follows concerns regarding his public statements on social media opposing the war in Gaza. In an email to members announcing his departure, Parnis stated his comments were based on his ‘views and conscience’.
Prominent Rhino Breeder Charged With Horn Smuggling
John Hume, the breeder of the world’s largest private rhino herd and a long-time advocate for legalizing the international horn trade, has been charged with smuggling rhino horns, as per a report in The Japan Times. Hume, whose ‘Platinum Rhino’ farm once housed over 2,000 animals, was charged under South Africa’s environmental laws for allegedly attempting to export horns illegally, which violates the international CITES ban in place since 1977. This legal action occurs despite Hume’s consistent public campaign to fund his conservation efforts by selling horns harvested non-lethally, an idea he has pursued since the domestic trade moratorium was lifted in South Africa in 2017.
Ukrainian Frontline Troops Sceptical Of Ceding Land And US Support
Ukrainian soldiers on the front line near Dobropillia are strongly opposed to ceding any land as part of a potential peace deal, The Guardian says in a report. Despite ongoing fighting, which includes the construction of new trenches and continuous drone attacks, the troops express scepticism regarding US commitment. This uncertainty persists even after recent promises of “very good protection” from US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with soldiers reportedly not following political news closely as the war maintains its own momentum.
Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. Deported to Mexico, Faces Alleged Cartel Ties
Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. was deported from the US and handed over to Mexican authorities on Tuesday, as per a report in AP. He was immediately admitted to a prison near Hermosillo, Sonora, to face allegations of cartel ties and drug trafficking. The deportation from the US followed immigration violations, specifically overstaying his visa and providing false information on a green card application. The case underscores the ongoing law enforcement cooperation between the US and Mexico concerning cross-border criminal activity and immigration enforcement.
Brazilian Police Say Former President Bolsonaro Planned To Seek Asylum In Argentina
Brazil’s federal police have stated that messages discovered on former President Jair Bolsonaro’s phone show he had a plan to flee to Argentina to request political asylum to avoid potential imprisonment, according to a report in AP. The revelation comes as Bolsonaro faces multiple legal challenges. Concurrently, police have formally accused both Bolsonaro and his son, federal lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, of obstruction of justice in a separate investigation concerning the alleged falsification of COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
Israel to Mobilize Tens of Thousands of Reservists for Expanded Gaza Operation
The Israeli military stated its intention to call up tens of thousands of reservists and extend the service of others for an expanded military operation in Gaza City, which could commence within days, AP says in a report. This decision comes at a critical diplomatic moment, as Israel has still not officially responded to a ceasefire proposal that Hamas has accepted. The planned escalation occurs amid reports of exhaustion and questioning of the war’s objectives among some reservist soldiers. Concurrently, the Israeli military also claimed it had killed a Hamas militant involved in a previous abduction.
Israel To Mobilize 60,000 Reservists For Expanded Gaza City Operation
Israel’s military will mobilize 60,000 reservists ahead of an expanded operation in Gaza City, a plan approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz that could begin within days, AP says in a report. This significant escalation comes as many Palestinian civilians remain in the urban center, viewing the search for safety as increasingly futile amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The move to intensify the ground offensive proceeds as Israel has yet to respond to a recent ceasefire proposal, and reports indicate some reservists are beginning to question the war’s ultimate goals.
Overtourism In Paris Strains Local Economy And Infrastructure
The phenomenon of “overtourism” is creating significant strain in Parisian neighborhoods like Montmartre, where an influx of visitors is displacing local businesses and altering the community’s character, according to a report in AP. Residents report that stores catering to locals are disappearing, replaced by souvenir shops and tourist-centric cafes, a direct consequence of rising commercial rents driven by tourism. This economic shift from a diverse local market to a tourism monoculture is straining city infrastructure, including public transport and waste management, and raising concerns about the degradation of cultural heritage. The issue is emblematic of a wider challenge faced by many popular European cities grappling with a post-pandemic travel surge.
Police Arrest 13 In Killing Of Mexico City Mayor-Elect's Staffers
Police in Mexico City have arrested 13 people for their alleged roles in the May 2024 killings of two staffers close to the city’s mayor-elect, Clara Brugada, AP says in a report. Authorities described the May 20, 2024, shooting deaths of personal secretary Ximena Guzmán and adviser José Muñoz as a ‘meticulously planned hit.’ According to the announcement, three of those arrested were allegedly directly involved in the killings, while the other ten were involved in logistics.
Palestinian Woman Rescued From Rubble After Israeli Strike in Gaza
A 23-year-old Palestinian woman, Saja Hamad, was pulled alive from beneath the rubble after an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat area of Gaza, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The rescue was carried out by local workers amid the ongoing conflict in the region. This event occurs within the context of a severe humanitarian crisis and frequent military operations in densely populated areas, which have heavily degraded Gaza’s civil defense and healthcare infrastructure, making such rescue efforts exceptionally challenging.
Russia Demands Role In Ukraine Security Guarantees Amid NATO Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any Western discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine are a ‘road to nowhere’ without Moscow’s involvement, according to a report in France 24. The statement comes as NATO military chiefs convene to discuss the specifics of potential long-term security commitments for Kyiv. This diplomatic maneuvering occurs against the backdrop of established international law, such as principles within the UN Charter, which states that military occupation does not confer automatic sovereignty over a territory, a key point in the context of Russia’s ongoing presence in Ukraine.
Israel Approves Controversial West Bank Settlement As Wildfires Hit Spain
Israel has given its approval for the controversial E1 settlement project, a move that could divide the occupied West Bank and has historically drawn significant international condemnation for undermining the two-state solution, according to a report in AP. The E1 area is strategically located between Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. In a separate development in Europe, French firefighters have been deployed to Spain’s Leon province to assist local crews in battling extensive wildfires, highlighting ongoing cross-border cooperation as Southern Europe contends with an intensifying wildfire season exacerbated by climate change and severe heatwaves.
Peak Season Begins For Powerful Long-Track Cape Verde Hurricanes
The peak season for Cape Verde hurricanes, which are among the most powerful and longest-lasting storms, has begun, AP says in a report. These storms originate from thunderstorms moving off the west coast of Africa, near the Cape Verde islands, and traverse the entire Atlantic Ocean. Their development into major hurricanes is fueled by warm ocean waters and light wind shear, with the prime period for their formation running from mid-August through late September. The formation of these long-track storms has significant implications for global shipping routes, the insurance industry, and coastal communities in the Caribbean and North America, which face heightened risks during this period.
World Awaits Israel's Decision On Gaza Ceasefire Deal After Hamas Response
Mediators, including Qatar, are pushing for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas provided a ‘positive response’ to a multi-stage proposal, France 24 says in a report. However, reports indicate the response from Hamas included amendments to the original deal, which was endorsed in May 2024 by the administration of then-President Joe Biden. The international community now awaits a formal decision from Israel, which has not commented publicly on the latest development. The situation remains critical as the Israeli military continues preparations for a potential offensive in Rafah, a densely populated city in southern Gaza where over a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
Iraqis Seek Refuge in Kurdistan as Temperatures Soar
A surge in summer heat is compelling a significant number of Iraqis to seek refuge in the cooler mountain resorts of the northern Kurdistan region, as per a report in AP. This seasonal internal tourism, while providing an economic boost to the hospitality sector in Kurdistan, also places considerable strain on the region’s infrastructure, including water and electricity supplies. The phenomenon highlights the growing impact of climate change on daily life in Iraq, where severe heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, forcing citizens to find respite in cooler areas.
Qatar Mediates Draft Peace Deal Between Congo And M23 Rebels
A draft peace deal proposed by Qatar aims to restore Congolese government control over areas held by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, with talks planned in Doha, as per a report in AP. The proposal, which outlines a three-phase process to achieve peace, will be discussed by both parties under Qatari mediation in the coming days. This diplomatic effort comes as M23 rebels continue to control significant territories and key supply routes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province. The deal’s success is considered critical for regional stability, potentially de-escalating tensions between DRC and Rwanda and offering a path for the safe return of millions of displaced people.
Russia Intensifies Offensive To Seize Ukrainian Territory Amid Stalled Negotiations
Russia is escalating its military operations to seize more Ukrainian territory while diplomatic negotiations remain largely stalled, The New York Times says in a report. Capitalizing on delays in Western military aid to Ukraine, Russian forces are pressing offensives in key areas like Avdiivka and Bakhmut to consolidate and expand their control. Concurrently, Russia is accelerating the administrative and economic integration of these occupied regions into the Russian Federation. These military actions are designed to create facts on the ground, strengthening Russia’s leverage and undermining the potential for a peace settlement based on Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
Hong Kong Deploys Artificial Nests To Save Endangered Cockatoos
Conservation researchers in Hong Kong are installing artificial nest boxes to support the local population of the critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoo, according to a report in France 24. This initiative aims to counteract the loss of natural nesting cavities in trees, which have been destroyed by typhoons and urban tree cutting. The city is home to a small population of about 150 of these birds, with the total global population estimated at only around 2,000, primarily found in Indonesia and East Timor.
Israel Mobilizes Thousands Of Reservists For New Gaza Offensive
Israel is preparing to launch a new phase of its military campaign in Gaza City, having mobilized thousands of reservists for the potential operation, AP says in a report. The country’s defense minister has reportedly approved the plans, which could commence within days, despite ongoing mediation efforts in Cairo aimed at brokering a ceasefire with Hamas to end the 22-month conflict. The move comes amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reports of some exhausted Israeli reservists questioning the war’s objectives.
Lawyer Defends Free Speech In Landmark Jimmy Lai Trial In Hong Kong
In the final arguments of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai’s landmark trial, his lawyer, Robert Pang, contended that advocating for freedom of expression was not wrongful, AP says in a report. Lai is being tried on charges of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring to publish seditious materials. The charges stem from a national security law imposed by Beijing following the 2019 anti-government protests, and Lai could face life in prison if convicted.
Member Of Irish Band Kneecap In London Court For Terror-Related Charge
A member of the Irish band Kneecap has appeared in a London court for a hearing concerning a terror-related charge, AP says in a report. The proceedings were subject to significant media restrictions, with major broadcasters including the BBC, ITN, and Al Jazeera denied access to the court departure. The specific details of the charge and the identity of the band member involved have not been disclosed. The band is known for its politically charged lyrics, which often address themes of Irish republicanism.
US-Led Coalition Captures Senior Islamic State Member In Syria
A US-led coalition captured a senior Islamic State commander, identified as Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, during a pre-dawn helicopter operation in Atmeh, northwest Syria, near the Turkish border, according to a report in AP. The raid is part of the ongoing Operation Inherent Resolve aimed at degrading the extremist group’s leadership and preventing its resurgence. While ISIS was territorially defeated in 2019, it continues to operate as an insurgency in Syria and Iraq. This capture follows a pattern of successful coalition operations that have targeted and eliminated previous ISIS leaders, disrupting the group’s command and control, though ISIS has historically shown resilience in replacing its leadership.
Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan to Boost Anti-Terrorism and Economic Ties
Top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have committed to enhancing anti-terrorism efforts and political and economic partnerships following a high-level meeting in Kabul, as per a report in AP. According to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry, the three nations also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in several key areas, including trade, transit, regional development, health, education, and combating drug trafficking. The discussions aim to boost regional stability and address shared security concerns, while also exploring the potential extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
Russia Demands Inclusion In Ukraine Security Guarantee Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that any discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine must include Moscow, calling talks without its participation a ‘road to nowhere’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The statement is a direct response to the ongoing bilateral security negotiations between Ukraine and G7 nations, which originated from a joint declaration at the July 2023 NATO Summit. Russia perceives these Western-led security commitments and Ukraine’s potential integration into NATO as a direct threat. Lavrov’s demand is seen as a strategic effort to assert Russia’s influence over European security architecture and to challenge the legitimacy of any long-term security framework for Ukraine that excludes Russian input.
Thirteen Arrested In Connection With Killings Of Mexico City Mayor-Elect's Staffers
Authorities in Mexico City announced the arrests of 13 individuals on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the killings of two staffers close to the capital’s Head of Government-elect, Clara Brugada, AP said in a report. The victims, Brugada’s personal secretary Ximena Guzmán and adviser José Muñoz, were fatally shot in their car in May 2024, weeks before Brugada won the election. According to officials, the attack was a meticulously planned hit, and the arrests include three people directly involved in the killings and ten others who assisted with logistics.
Senior Islamic State Commander Captured In US-Led Raid In Northwest Syria
A US-led coalition captured a senior Islamic State commander, Abu Hafs al-Qurayshi, in a pre-dawn helicopter operation in the town of Atmeh in northwest Syria on Wednesday, according to a report in AP. The raid, which took place near the Turkish border in the rebel-held Idlib province, also resulted in the death of another Iraqi citizen. While the captured individual is a high-ranking commander, it has been clarified that he is not the supreme leader of IS, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. The operation underscores the coalition’s continued counter-terrorism efforts against the group’s remnants in the region.
