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Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 19:00 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.
Brazil's Supreme Court Sets September Date for Verdict in Bolsonaro Coup Trial
Brazil’s Supreme Court will deliver a verdict and potential sentence in September for former President Jair Bolsonaro in a trial related to his alleged role in inciting the January 8, 2023, attacks on government buildings, Al Jazeera said in a report. The criminal trial could result in a lengthy prison term for Bolsonaro. This case is separate from a June 2023 electoral court ruling that has already barred him from running for public office until 2030 for abuse of power.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy To Meet Trump After US-Russia Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, The Guardian said in a report. The meeting was arranged after Trump briefed Zelenskyy via telephone on the key points of his recent summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which reportedly ended without any significant agreements. Zelenskyy described the phone call as “long and substantive.” This visit will be the Ukrainian president’s first to the White House since a notable diplomatic dispute with Trump in late February.
Austin Tice's Family Reveals Declassified Intel On 13th Anniversary Of Disappearance
The family of Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012, has marked the 13th anniversary of his disappearance by revealing details of recently declassified intelligence, as per a report in The Washington Post. In their renewed push for action, the family is urging the Trump administration to intensify efforts to locate and bring Tice home. The declassified information reportedly reinforces the US government’s long-held position that Tice is alive and being held by the Syrian government, a claim Syria has consistently denied. The case remains a significant point of friction in US-Syria relations and a focal point for advocates of press freedom and journalist safety in conflict zones.
South Africa's Iran Ties Jeopardize US Trade Relations
South Africa’s diplomatic and trade relations with the US are under strain following controversial pro-Iran comments made by its army chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Al Jazeera says in a report. The controversy stems from remarks the General made during a visit to Iran in October 2023, where he reportedly expressed shared “anti-hegemonic” views, sparking criticism. This incident has heightened concerns over the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a key trade preference program set to expire in 2025, especially given the protectionist trade stance of the current US administration under President Donald Trump. While the South African government has clarified that the General’s comments do not represent its official non-aligned foreign policy, the situation poses a significant economic risk to key South African export sectors, including automotive and agriculture, which depend on preferential US market access.
FBI Returns Stolen Conquistador Document to Mexico
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has returned a historical document signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1527 to Mexico, more than three decades after it was believed to have been stolen, according to a report in BBC. The repatriation of the valuable primary source document is part of a broader international movement for the return of cultural artifacts and highlights growing cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trafficking of historical items. This action underscores positive bilateral relations between the US and Mexico in the area of cultural preservation and is expected to make the document available for scholarly research and public access within its country of origin.
Trump Faces Bipartisan Backlash After Putin Summit
US President Donald Trump is encountering significant political backlash in Washington following his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the Financial Times says in a report. The meeting is being widely described as leaving the US ’empty-handed,’ which has reportedly prompted sharp criticism not only from political opponents but also from within the president’s own party and among his traditional allies. The negative reaction focuses on the perceived lack of any clear agreements or concessions secured from Russia during the high-stakes diplomatic talks.
Hizbollah Warns Of Sectarian Strife If Lebanon Pursues Disarmament
Hizbollah has issued a stark warning that any move by the Lebanese government to pursue a US-sponsored disarmament plan would be a “dangerous decision” that could lead to “sectarian strife,” according to a report in the Financial Times. The warning comes as Lebanon faces immense international pressure to implement reforms, including asserting state sovereignty over all armed groups, as a condition for aid to address its severe economic crisis. Hizbollah, which is a powerful political party with a formidable armed wing, views disarmament as a threat that could destabilize the country’s delicate political balance and trigger internal conflict.
Trump Says Peace Accord, Not Ceasefire, Is Best Way To End Ukraine War
US President Donald Trump has articulated his approach to ending the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that a comprehensive ‘peace accord’ is the necessary solution, not merely a ‘ceasefire agreement’, according to a report in AP. This position suggests a preference for a definitive political settlement that resolves underlying territorial and political disputes, rather than a temporary cessation of hostilities. While the statement refines Trump’s previous claims about ending the conflict, it does not provide specific details on the terms of such an accord or how it would be negotiated between Kyiv and Moscow.
Trump-Putin Meeting Fails To Secure Ukraine Ceasefire Deal
A high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has concluded without securing a ceasefire agreement for the ongoing war in Ukraine, Al Jazeera says in a report. The informal talks, which did not involve official US government representation, underscore the deep diplomatic impasse as the conflict continues in a military stalemate. The failure to broker a deal signals that the war, with its significant impact on global energy prices and international security, is set to continue. This development highlights the difficulty of achieving a resolution without the direct participation of Ukraine, which continues to demand a full withdrawal of Russian forces as a precondition for peace.
Russia-Ukraine War: Key Developments on Day 1,269 as Conflict Continues
On day 1,269 of the Russia-Ukraine war, key developments include sustained Russian offensives in the east and escalated Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, while peace negotiations remain at a stalemate, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Russian forces are maintaining persistent pressure on key frontlines, particularly in the Donbas region, using attrition tactics. In response, Ukraine has continued to employ long-range drones and missiles against military and infrastructure targets deep within Russia, including oil refineries and military bases, impacting Russian logistics. The lack of progress in substantive peace talks points to a protracted conflict, with Western nations continuing to supply military aid to Ukraine, which carries significant economic implications for global security, energy markets, and defense industries.
Hurricane Erin Intensifies to Category 3 in the Caribbean
Hurricane Erin intensified into a Category 3 storm early Saturday in the Caribbean and is forecast to strengthen further, AP says in a report. The storm is currently located 170 miles northeast of Anguilla, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, moving west-northwest at 20 mph. While not currently projected to make landfall, its strong winds are prompting warnings of potential flooding and landslides on nearby islands, posing significant risks to the regional tourism, maritime, and aviation sectors due to potential travel disruptions and infrastructure damage.
Death Toll From Flash Floods In Northwest Pakistan Rises To 220
The death toll from severe flash floods in northwest Pakistan has risen to 220 after rescuers recovered 63 more bodies in the Buner region, as per a report in AP. The disaster, occurring during the country’s annual monsoon season, is causing a significant humanitarian crisis, with urgent needs for shelter, food, and medical aid for affected communities. The floods are also expected to inflict substantial damage on critical infrastructure, including homes, roads, and agricultural land, posing a major challenge to the regional economy and national disaster management authorities. This event underscores the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather, which has been increasing in frequency and intensity.
Hurricane Erin Strengthens To Category 3 In The Caribbean, Category 4 Expected
Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a major Category 3 hurricane in the Caribbean, with sustained winds between 111-129 mph, and is expected to intensify further into a catastrophic Category 4 storm later on Saturday, AP says in a report. The storm’s rapid intensification has prompted hurricane watches and warnings across multiple Caribbean nations and territories. The major hurricane poses a significant threat to the region’s travel and tourism industry, with expected flight cancellations and cruise ship disruptions, and has put emergency management and humanitarian aid agencies on high alert to prepare for potential widespread damage and subsequent relief efforts.
Zelenskyy To Meet Trump In Washington After US-Russia Summit Fails To Secure Peace Deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans for a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, AP says in a report. The planned discussion follows a summit in Alaska between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which concluded without securing an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy stated that he held a ‘long, meaningful’ phone conversation with the US leader on Saturday following the US-Russia meeting.
US Credit Spreads Fall To Lowest Level This Century Amid Investor Confidence
US credit spreads have fallen to their lowest level this century, indicating high investor confidence despite persistent threats to the global economy, according to a report in the Financial Times. This tightening of spreads, which measure the risk premium on corporate bonds over government debt, reflects a sharp market rally driven by the resilient US economy, strong corporate earnings, and sustained investor demand for yield. However, some investors have described the market as ‘weirdly confident,’ highlighting a potential disconnect between the low perceived risk and underlying economic dangers such as persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions. The development lowers borrowing costs for corporations but also raises concerns about potential financial instability if markets are underpricing future risks.
Death Toll From Pakistan Floods Rises To 220 Amid Ongoing Rescues
The death toll from severe flooding and landslides in Pakistan has climbed to at least 220, with 63 more bodies recovered overnight from flattened homes, according to a report in AP. The ongoing disaster, which experts link to climate change-driven above-normal monsoon rains, has now claimed approximately 541 lives since late June. The widespread destruction is creating a severe humanitarian crisis and placing significant strain on Pakistan’s economy, with substantial resources required for rescue operations and future rebuilding of critical infrastructure.
World Leaders React As Trump-Putin Summit Yields No Ukraine Deal
A summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended without a deal to resolve the war in Ukraine, prompting reactions from world leaders, Reuters said in a report. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide noted that President Putin reiterated “known arguments” about the conflict, such as its so-called “root causes”.
Rep. Greene Accuses Zelenskyy of Sabotaging Potential Trump-Putin Summit
US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of deliberately trying to sabotage potential peace talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Fox News said in a report. The accusation links Ukraine’s recent drone strikes deep within Russian territory to an alleged effort to undermine a hypothetical summit. This statement arises amid ongoing political debate in the US regarding the scale of military and financial aid to Ukraine and as Kyiv continues its strategy of targeting Russian military and infrastructure sites to impede Moscow’s war effort.
Israeli Leaders Publicly Support Mass Relocation Of Palestinians From Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials have increasingly and publicly endorsed the mass relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, an idea first announced by US President Donald Trump in February, according to a report in AP. Statements from leaders, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, throughout 2025 have framed this relocation, often termed “voluntary migration,” as a potential component of a post-war scenario. This policy proposal has been met with strong international condemnation from the US, EU, and key Arab nations, who warn it would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention. The discussions occur against a backdrop of widespread internal displacement within Gaza, with critics and international bodies arguing that any such “voluntary” migration under current conditions would amount to forced displacement, a potential war crime that could severely destabilize the region.
Japan's 'History Wars' Intensify On 80th Anniversary Of WWII Surrender
As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of its surrender in World War II, internal debates over its historical narrative are escalating, according to a report in The Times of India. Revisionist groups, such as the Society for the Dissemination of Historical Fact, are actively promoting a narrative that denies wartime atrocities, arguing Japan acted in self-defense and liberated Asian nations. This view is strongly contested by critics like Yuji Hosaka, who point to Japan’s failure to fully address past actions, including events like the Nanjing Massacre. The ongoing controversy continues to strain Japan’s diplomatic relations with its East Asian neighbors, particularly China and South Korea, impacting its regional political standing.
Japan Marks 80th WWII Surrender Anniversary Amid Fading Historical Memory
Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its surrender in World War II on Friday with tributes to its more than 3 million war dead, as per a report in AP. The commemoration, which included a moment of silence and a peace pledge, saw Japan’s leader avoid a visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. Emperor Naruhito expressed “deep remorse” over the country’s wartime past. The anniversary prompted calls from neighboring China and South Korea for Japan to confront its history of aggression, highlighting the ongoing political implications of unresolved historical issues. The event underscores domestic concerns about historical revisionism and the challenge of educating younger generations about the war’s lessons.
Voter Disillusionment Grows In Bolivia Amid Economic Woes And Political Stagnation
Amid a severe economic crisis marked by a US dollar shortage and persistent fuel disruptions, Bolivian voters are showing significant disillusionment with the political landscape ahead of an election, as per a report in AP. Campaign messaging has largely been dismissed as superficial, with candidates, including many familiar political figures, focusing on slogans and personal disputes rather than offering concrete solutions to the nation’s pressing issues. This political stagnation is compounded by deep infighting within the ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, further eroding public trust and leaving many citizens, particularly the youth, feeling alienated from the democratic process.
Explosion At Russian Gunpowder Plant Kills Five Amid Escalating Ukrainian Attacks
A deadly explosion at the Elastik gunpowder plant near Ryazan, Russia, has resulted in five civilian fatalities and twenty injuries, The Times of India said in a report. The incident coincides with an intensified Ukrainian drone campaign, which reportedly included strikes on a Russian oil refinery and an arms vessel in the Caspian Sea. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast, which comes ahead of a planned diplomatic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and recalls a similar fatal incident at the same plant in 2021.
Hillary Clinton Pledges Nobel Nomination For Trump If He Ends Ukraine War
Hillary Clinton announced she would nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if he successfully brings the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, as per a report in The Times of India. President Trump responded to the conditional offer, describing the gesture as “very nice.” The report also notes that President Trump has previously received nominations for the award in recognition of his administration’s past efforts in brokering peace agreements, such as the Abraham Accords.
Novo Nordisk And Eli Lilly Lose $250 Billion Amid US Policy Concerns
Pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have collectively lost $250 billion in market value due to investor concerns over potential US drug price cuts and tariffs, according to a report in the Financial Times. The significant stock correction for the makers of popular weight-loss drugs is driven by political uncertainty and a shift in market sentiment. Campaign rhetoric from US President Donald Trump regarding aggressive drug price negotiations and new tariffs has increased perceived regulatory risk. This is coupled with growing investor caution, termed ‘weight-loss weariness,’ about the long-term growth prospects of the obesity drug market, considering factors like emerging competition and challenges with insurance coverage.
President Trump Claims Progress With Putin, Plans Talks With European And Ukrainian Leaders
US President Donald Trump, speaking from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, reported making ‘some great progress’ in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, AP says in a report. He also announced his intention to hold discussions ‘soon’ with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The specific details regarding the nature of the progress with Putin or the timeline for the upcoming talks with European and Ukrainian counterparts were not provided in the statement.
Mexico, Guatemala, And Belize Announce Joint Mayan Rainforest Reserve
The leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have announced a joint initiative to create a massive tri-national nature reserve spanning more than 14 million acres to protect the Mayan rainforest, according to a report in AP. The agreement, announced on Friday, aims to establish a contiguous protected area across the jungles of southern Mexico and the northern regions of the two Central American nations. The announcement was made following a meeting where the leaders also discussed the expansion of Mexico’s Tren Maya, a controversial train line that has faced criticism from environmental groups for its impact on the jungle habitat it traverses.
Microsoft Launches Inquiry Into Alleged Use Of Its Tech For Mass Surveillance Of Palestinians
Microsoft has launched an urgent external inquiry into allegations that Israel’s military surveillance agency, Unit 8200, used its technology for the mass surveillance of Palestinians, The Guardian says in a report. The formal review was initiated on Friday following an investigation that revealed the spy agency allegedly relied on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to store a vast collection of intercepted mobile phone calls from Palestinians. Microsoft stated that such use of its cloud technology would constitute a breach of its terms of service.
Taliban Mark Fourth Anniversary Of Takeover As Women Protest Exclusion
The Taliban marked the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan with celebrations across Kabul, including ‘flower showers’ from helicopters, which were exclusively for men, The Guardian says in a report. Women were barred from attending, consistent with broader policies that have systematically eroded their rights, such as the ban on entering parks and recreational areas in place since November 2022. While the official celebrations took place, women staged protests against their exclusion from public life. The anniversary underscores Afghanistan’s ongoing diplomatic isolation and severe economic crisis, as no country has formally recognized the Taliban government, compounding the humanitarian situation and hindering development.
Masaoki Sen, Former Kamikaze Volunteer and Tea Grandmaster, Dies
Masaoki Sen, a grandmaster of the Japanese tea ceremony who used his cultural stature to advocate against war, has passed away, The New York Times said in a report. Sen had volunteered for a kamikaze suicide mission during World War II but was spared when the war ended before his assignment. He subsequently dedicated his life to the traditional tea ceremony, becoming a prominent cultural figure in Japan. Leveraging his unique personal history and position, Sen became a vocal proponent for peace, speaking out against all forms of warfare and contributing to post-war reconciliation discussions.
Devastating Floods in Pakistan Kill 243; Buner District Worst Affected
Devastating flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Pakistan have resulted in at least 243 deaths, with many individuals still reported missing, according to a report in The Times of India. The Buner district has been identified as the most severely affected area, with 157 fatalities recorded there alone. Rescue operations are currently in progress to assist stranded families, though these efforts have been complicated by the crash of a helicopter that was delivering relief supplies. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the widespread destruction.
Mexico, Guatemala, And Belize To Create Tri- Mayan Jungle Reserve
The leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have announced plans to create a tri-national nature reserve spanning over 14 million acres to protect the Selva Maya, also known as the Mayan jungle, AP says in a report. The agreement was reached during a meeting where officials also discussed expanding a controversial Mexican train line, the Tren Maya, which runs through the jungle habitat. This new reserve aims to form a contiguous protected area across southern Mexico and the northern regions of the two Central American nations, integrating existing conservation efforts. The initiative highlights a dual policy approach, promoting large-scale conservation while simultaneously considering the expansion of infrastructure projects that have drawn criticism from environmental and indigenous groups for their potential impact.
Trump and Putin Begin Talks in Alaska, Skip Press Questions
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Putin have commenced discussions regarding the war in Ukraine at a US military base in Alaska, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The two leaders held their meeting without taking questions from the press beforehand, ahead of a planned joint press conference.
Air Canada Cancels Over 620 Flights As Strike Threat Escalates
Air Canada has canceled more than 620 flights, including many international routes, causing widespread disruption for travelers during the peak summer season, AP said in a report. The move comes as a contract dispute with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 10,000 of the airline’s flight attendants, has escalated. The situation intensified after the union formally rejected the airline’s request to enter into government-directed arbitration, thereby preserving its legal right to strike.
Anime Pirate Flag Becomes Widespread Protest Symbol In Indonesia
Protesters across Indonesia are using the pirate flag from the popular Japanese anime One Piece as a symbol of growing public dissatisfaction with the government, Al Jazeera says in a report. Timed to coincide with the nation’s Independence Day on August 17, the act of raising the flag is intended to highlight a gap between the country’s founding ideals and its current state. The demonstrations are fueled by widespread frustration over issues including perceived government corruption, economic inequality, and concerns about civil liberties. The anime’s themes of freedom, rebellion against an oppressive world government, and camaraderie resonate with the protesters, particularly the youth, providing a modern and globally recognized symbol for their dissent.
Putin Claims 'Understanding' With President Trump On Ukraine, Warns Europe
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he and US President Donald Trump have established an “understanding” on a path forward for the conflict in Ukraine following a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, as per a report in AP. Putin issued a direct warning to European allies, urging them not to “torpedo the nascent progress” that he claims has been made. The specifics of the purported “understanding” were not publicly detailed, but the statement indicates a significant potential shift in the diplomatic approach to the war, driven by direct talks between the US and Russian leaders.
