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Last Updated:August 20, 2025, 09:15 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.
Hamas Gives Positive Response to Gaza Ceasefire Plan, Awaiting Israel's Decision
Hamas has delivered a “positive response” to the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal, a development confirmed by mediators in Qatar, Al Jazeera said in a report. The proposal in question is a three-phase plan that was publicly detailed by former US President Joe Biden and includes a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of hostages. Following the announcement, the focus now shifts to Israel, which has yet to issue its formal response to the plan. The development comes after a recent UN Security Council resolution endorsed the proposal, increasing international pressure on both parties to end the conflict.
US RV Demand Linked To Accelerated Tropical Deforestation
The demand for tropical wood in the US recreational vehicle industry is a significant driver of deforestation in some of the world’s largest rainforests, according to a report in The New York Times. Conservationists report that the American appetite for tropical hardwoods used in the interior finishing of motor homes is accelerating the disappearance of critical forests, which has significant implications for global climate change and biodiversity. The issue is compounded by complex and often opaque supply chains that make it difficult for manufacturers and consumers to trace the origin of the wood and verify if it was sourced legally and sustainably. This growing awareness is increasing pressure on the RV industry for greater supply chain transparency, reflecting a broader global trend seen in regulations like the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation.
New Alliance In Nuba Mountains Reshapes Sudan's Civil War
A new tactical alliance has allowed Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to enter the strategically important Nuba Mountains, significantly altering the country’s civil war, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This development, likely an agreement with local commanders or splinter factions rather than the main SPLM-N (al-Hilu) leadership, provides the RSF with a crucial foothold in central Sudan, opening new fronts against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The move is expected to prolong the conflict, further weaken the SAF’s position, and exacerbate the severe humanitarian crisis in the region by increasing displacement and disrupting aid delivery to the local population.
President Trump Claims Xi Jinping Pledged No Taiwan Invasion While He Is In Office
US President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China would not invade Taiwan during his current term in office, according to a report in The Guardian. Trump’s comments were made during a Fox News interview on Friday, ahead of his scheduled talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The President also quoted his Chinese counterpart as saying, “I am very patient and China is very patient” in reference to the Taiwan issue.
Protests Grow In Israel Over Government's Handling Of Gaza War
A growing number of protests are taking place in Israel concerning the ongoing war in Gaza, Al Jazeera says in a report. These demonstrations are fueled by several factors, including the unresolved hostage crisis, with families of those held captive often leading calls for an immediate ceasefire deal. The protests also reflect broader anti-government sentiment amid low approval ratings for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration since the conflict began. While the demonstrations are increasing, analysis indicates that many participants are focused on criticizing the government’s handling of the war and prioritizing a hostage deal over continued military operations, rather than expressing outright opposition to the war’s objectives. This growing internal dissent is increasing political pressure on the government and highlighting societal divisions.
Over 200 Missing After Devastating Floods In Pakistan
More than 200 people are reported missing in a district within Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to severe flooding, BBC says in a report. The event has triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, though they are hampered by difficult terrain. The disaster places significant strain on Pakistan’s resources and underscores the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, highlighting the need for international aid and climate-resilient development.
Peruvian Island Residents Lack Basic Services Amid Colombia Dispute
The 3,000 Peruvian residents of Santa Rosa, a remote Amazon River island disputed by Colombia, live without basic services such as running water or a sewage system, according to a report in AP. This lack of infrastructure from the Peruvian government compels inhabitants to build homes on stilts to prevent yearly flooding and to cross the border into Colombia for essential needs, including both routine and emergency medical care. The situation highlights a significant cross-border dependency and the challenges faced by citizens in the contested territory.
Global Stock Indices Reflect Volatility Amid Economic And Geopolitical Pressures
A report on select global stock indices details market performance as investors weigh persistent inflation, central bank policies, and geopolitical tensions, according to a report in AP. The performance of major equity benchmarks is being influenced by ongoing concerns about central bank interest rate decisions, supply chain disruptions from geopolitical conflicts, and the outlook from the current corporate earnings season. These factors are creating significant volatility, impacting investor portfolios, corporate financing, and economic policymaking worldwide.
US Offers Vague Security Guarantees To Ukraine Conditional On Russia Deal
US President Donald Trump has offered Ukraine only vague assurances of security guarantees on the condition that President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees to a deal with Russia, as per a report in The New York Times. This development occurs while the US Congress remains deadlocked over a significant aid package for Ukraine, which has severely impacted the country’s access to vital ammunition and weapons. The offer is also set against the backdrop of Ukraine’s challenging situation on the front lines and President Trump’s long-standing ‘America First’ foreign policy approach, which has included skepticism towards traditional alliances.
UK Gender Pay Gap Begins At Graduation As Women Are Quickly Out-Earned
In the UK, a significant gender pay gap begins to form immediately after graduation, with an analysis showing men earn 14% more than women just five years after leaving university, according to a report in the Financial Times. This early-career disparity highlights that the earnings gap is not solely a mid- or late-career phenomenon but is established at the very entry point into the professional workforce. The findings suggest that factors beyond later career choices, such as starting salaries and initial progression opportunities, contribute to the long-term financial disadvantage faced by female graduates, impacting their lifetime earnings and economic standing.
US Deploys Warships To Venezuelan Coast To Counter Drug Cartels
The United States is sending three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to waters near Venezuela for a stated mission to combat drug cartels, according to a report in AP. A US official confirmed the deployment of the warships, identified as the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson. The deployment is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing ‘maximum pressure’ campaign related to Venezuela. The use of heavily armed destroyers for this mission marks a significant military posture in the region.
UN Reports 383 Aid Workers Killed In 2023, Nearly Half In Gaza
A total of 383 aid workers were killed globally in 2023, with the highest number of attacks occurring in Palestinian territory, followed by Sudan, the United Nations said in a report, according to Al Jazeera. Nearly half of the fatalities were recorded in the Palestinian territories, primarily Gaza, since the conflict began in October 2023. The significant increase in casualties has severe implications for humanitarian aid operations, raising operational risks and costs which could lead to a reduction in essential services. The data intensifies political pressure on donor countries and international bodies to enforce protections for aid workers under international humanitarian law and ensure accountability for attacks.
Geneva Eyed For Putin-Zelenskyy Summit After US-Led Talks
Geneva is being considered as a potential location for a summit between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine after US President Donald Trump announced that arrangements were underway following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a report in The Guardian. The development, which Trump described as “real progress,” prompted a virtual meeting among European leaders to coordinate their response. During the White House meeting, which also included US Vice President JD Vance, Zelenskyy reportedly made a concerted effort to thank the US administration, in contrast to a less successful meeting in February. While the prospect of direct talks and agreed-upon security guarantees could impact global markets and ease economic pressures from the conflict, the details remain undefined, and the talks could also signal a potential boost for the US arms industry depending on the outcome.
Qatar Urges Gaza Ceasefire After Positive Response From Hamas
Mediator Qatar stressed the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday after Hamas showed a ‘positive response’ to a recent proposal, according to a report in AP. However, Israel has not yet officially responded and is reportedly preparing for a military offensive on Rafah, one of the most densely populated areas in the territory where hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians are sheltering. This planned offensive has sparked widespread condemnation both internationally and within Israel due to the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe. Amid the diplomatic push, the conflict continues, with 28 Palestinians recently killed and a new effort being made to deliver humanitarian aid by sea.
Russia's Medvedev Claims European Leaders Failed To Outplay Trump
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, claimed that European leaders’ ‘coalition of the willing’ has failed to ‘outplay’ US President Donald Trump, according to a report in Fox News. The statement, made following a recent but unspecified meeting involving Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, is seen as a Russian effort to highlight perceived rifts in the transatlantic alliance. Medvedev’s comment sarcastically used the phrase ‘coalition of the willing,’ a term historically associated with the 2003 Iraq invasion, to mock the current unity and strategic effectiveness of European nations in their policy towards Russia and support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Evacuees Angered By Rumors Of Land-For-Peace Deal
Displaced Ukrainians in eastern Ukraine are reacting with anger to discussions about potentially ceding land to Russia in exchange for peace, labeling the idea of a rumored ‘Alaska Summit’ for such a purpose an insult, The New York Times says in a report. This public sentiment underscores a significant political implication: any peace proposal involving territorial concessions is domestically untenable for Kyiv’s leadership. The report’s context clarifies that no official summit has been confirmed, suggesting the ‘talk’ likely originates from unofficial analysis or disinformation campaigns. The situation highlights the fundamental diplomatic impasse, pitting Ukraine’s non-negotiable goal of restoring its 1991 borders against Russia’s claims over annexed regions, and demonstrates how such rumors can impact public morale.
Indigenous Groups Demand Concrete Action At Amazon Summit In Bogota
Indigenous leaders from across the Amazon are demanding that South American presidents translate promises into tangible action during the Fifth Presidential Summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Bogota, Colombia, AP says in a report. Convening this week, the summit brings together heads of state, scientists, and Indigenous representatives to discuss the future of the rainforest. The primary call from Indigenous groups is for the creation of enforceable policies to protect the Amazon and for their communities to be granted a more significant role in governance and decision-making processes concerning their ancestral lands.
EU Fails To Secure Zero Tariffs On Alcohol In US Trade Talks
European Union negotiators have been unable to secure an agreement for zero tariffs on alcohol exports to the United States during ongoing trade talks, The New York Times says in a report. The EU’s objective is to achieve a permanent elimination of the 25% retaliatory tariffs on certain European wines and spirits, which were originally imposed by the US in the Airbus-Boeing dispute but have been suspended since March 2021. These discussions are taking place within the broader framework of US-EU economic cooperation, such as the Trade and Technology Council, rather than as part of a comprehensive free trade agreement. The failure to reach a deal creates ongoing uncertainty for European producers and could impact prices for US consumers.
Indigenous Groups Demand Concrete Action From Leaders At Amazon Summit
Indigenous leaders are pressuring South American presidents for concrete environmental action at the Fifth Presidential Summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Bogota, Colombia, according to a report in AP. The groups are demanding that governments move beyond promises to implement enforceable policies against deforestation, illegal mining, and land grabbing, which have significant implications for industries like agriculture and logging. The summit’s outcomes are critical for the region’s economic stability, investor confidence, and the global carbon market, as the Amazon’s health is directly linked to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. Deported to Mexico, Detained on Alleged Cartel Ties
Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been deported from the US to Mexico and was immediately detained in a prison near Hermosillo, Sonora, as per a report in AP. While his deportation from the US was for immigration violations, including overstaying his visa and lying on a green card application, he now faces new allegations in Mexico related to cartel ties and drug trafficking. The detention was initially reported by an anonymous official and later publicly confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Bus Crash Kills 71 Afghan Deportees In Western Afghanistan
At least 71 people have died in a bus crash in Afghanistan’s western Herat province, with the victims being Afghans who had been deported from neighboring Iran, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Local police have attributed the cause of the accident to the bus’s ‘excessive speed and negligence’. The incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by Afghan migrants and deportees, who often travel on poorly maintained roads known for high accident rates. This tragedy occurs against a backdrop of ongoing mass deportations from Iran and a severe humanitarian crisis within Afghanistan, underscoring the vulnerabilities of returnees.
Donald Trump Proposes Summit Between Zelenskyy And Putin
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a proposal for a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the ongoing war, Al Jazeera said in a report. This initiative, proposed by Trump as a political figure, aims to bring the leaders of the two warring nations together for direct negotiations to find a resolution to the conflict.
Mexico's President Denies New Partnership With US DEA Against Cartels
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly contradicted a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announcement about a “major new initiative” to fight drug cartels, stating the claim was news to her, The New York Times says in a report. This public disagreement introduces significant uncertainty into US-Mexico bilateral relations, potentially impacting cross-border security frameworks. The incident could hinder joint anti-cartel operations, affecting the flow of illicit drugs and creating diplomatic friction that may complicate broader economic and political cooperation between the two nations.
Peruvian Court Pauses Investigations Into President Dina Boluarte
Peru’s Constitutional Court has temporarily paused investigations into President Dina Boluarte concerning protest deaths and alleged illicit enrichment, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The probes relate to over 50 deaths during anti-government protests in 2022-2023 and a separate scandal involving undeclared luxury watches, known as ‘RolexGate’. While the court’s decision provides a temporary reprieve for the president, it does not dismiss the charges. The move has raised concerns about judicial independence, the rule of law, and potential setbacks for human rights and anti-corruption efforts in the country, impacting Peru’s political stability.
Colombian Court Frees Former President Álvaro Uribe From House Arrest
A Colombian appeals court has ordered the release of former President Álvaro Uribe from pre-trial house arrest while he faces an ongoing case for alleged bribery and witness tampering, AP says in a report. Uribe, who denies the charges, was initially placed under detention in 2020 by the Supreme Court in connection with an investigation into his alleged ties to right-wing paramilitary groups in the 1990s. The ruling is seen as a significant political victory for Uribe and his Democratic Center party, allowing him greater political engagement while the trial continues in Colombia’s ordinary justice system.
Trump Rules Out US Ground Troops In Ukraine, Prompting European Talks On Security Guarantees
US President Donald Trump has publicly stated he will not send American ground troops to Ukraine and has issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin about facing a ‘rough situation’ if he fails to move towards a peace agreement, according to a report in The Guardian. Following these remarks, European leaders have reportedly begun discussions on providing Ukraine with independent security guarantees. Trump’s position underscores his administration’s approach to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing a push for a settlement while setting clear limits on direct US military involvement.
Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal; Israel Weighs Response Amid Rafah Operation
Hamas announced its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, which is a modified version of an earlier framework advanced by the US, as per a report in AP. The proposal reportedly includes provisions for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has not yet formally responded to the proposal and has stated it is still committed to its war aim of destroying Hamas. Concurrently, Israeli forces have initiated a military operation in eastern Rafah, signaling a continued hardline stance despite the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
US Envoy In Beirut To Discuss Long-Term Ceasefire And Economic Plan For Lebanon
US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein stated in Beirut that his team will discuss a long-term cessation of hostilities with Israel and is preparing an economic proposal to support Lebanon, according to a report in AP. The diplomatic push follows Lebanon’s endorsement of a US-backed framework aimed at de-escalation, which includes the eventual disarmament of Hezbollah. Hochstein is scheduled to meet with key officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, amid a prolonged presidential vacuum in the country.
New Zealand Soldier Admits To Attempted Espionage In First-Ever Spying Conviction
A soldier in New Zealand has been convicted of attempted espionage in the nation’s first-ever spying case after pleading guilty in a military court, AP said in a report. The conviction relates to an incident in 2019 when the soldier tried to provide military information, including base maps, telephone directories, and security assessments, to an individual he believed was a foreign agent. The military court has suppressed the name of the soldier and the foreign country he attempted to aid, citing national security sensitivities.
Venezuela's Maduro To Mobilize Militia Citing US Threats
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the mobilization of the country’s civilian militia in response to what he termed as threats from the United States, Al Jazeera says in a report. Maduro cited ongoing US pressure, including a recently increased reward of $50 million for his arrest and the deployment of US warships to the Caribbean for counter-narcotics operations. Maduro’s government views the US military presence, which began in 2020, as a direct act of aggression, prompting the call to activate the Bolivarian Militia. This escalation occurs against a backdrop of long-standing tensions, including a 2020 US indictment of Maduro for narco-terrorism and comprehensive economic sanctions.
Gunmen Kill At Least 13 In Nigerian Mosque Attack
Gunmen killed at least 13 people during morning prayers at a mosque in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state on Tuesday, according to a report in AP. The attack took place in the town of Unguwan Mantau, and while no group immediately claimed responsibility, local authorities noted such incidents are common in the region due to violent clashes between herders and farmers over land and water access. The violence in this part of Nigeria has reportedly become more deadly in recent years.
Air Canada and Union Reach Agreement to End Strike, Operations to Resume Gradually
Air Canada is set to gradually restart its operations after reaching a tentative agreement early Tuesday with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents its flight attendants, AP said in a report. The deal ends a strike that began early Saturday, disrupting travel for approximately 130,000 passengers daily during the peak summer season. Talks between the airline and the union resumed late Monday, leading to the resolution. Air Canada has announced that flights will begin to resume at 4 p.m. ET, aiming to clear the backlog of hundreds of thousands of affected travelers and normalize its schedule.
Zelenskyy Visits Washington To Press For Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington to advocate for robust security guarantees from the Trump administration and to reiterate Ukraine’s opposition to any territorial concessions, Deutsche Welle says in a report. The visit, diplomatically supported by European leaders, aimed to secure long-term commitments from the current US administration. This engagement follows a major US aid package passed in 2024 under the previous Biden administration and reflects ongoing efforts by Ukraine and its allies to solidify international support.
North Korea Vows To Expand Nuclear Forces As US-South Korea Drills Begin
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned the ongoing joint military exercises between the US and South Korea and vowed a swift expansion of his nuclear arsenal to counter rivals, AP says in a report. Kim made the statement during a visit to the port of Nampo on Monday, where he inspected an advanced warship being fitted with systems to launch nuclear-capable weapons. The inspection occurred as the US and South Korea began their 11-day ‘Ulchi Freedom Shield’ military exercises, which are intended to bolster readiness against North Korean threats.
Qatar Urges Gaza Ceasefire After Positive Hamas Response
Mediator Qatar stressed the urgency of securing a ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday after Hamas provided a ‘positive response’ to a multi-stage proposal, AP says in a report. This development introduces new diplomatic momentum, but Israel has not yet officially commented and is reportedly preparing for a significant military offensive into the densely populated southern area of Rafah. The potential for an expanded ground operation raises concerns about a severe escalation of the humanitarian crisis and its impact on regional stability. Amid the diplomatic push and military preparations, recent fighting resulted in 28 Palestinian fatalities, and new efforts are underway to establish a sea route to deliver humanitarian aid into the territory.
Amazon Island Life Highlights Tri-Border Interdependence and Infrastructure Gaps
On Santa Rosa Island, a Peruvian community in the Amazon River, residents navigate a life of deep interdependence with neighboring Colombia and Brazil due to severe local infrastructure deficits, according to a report in AP. The island has only one paved road, no running water, and a health post ill-equipped for emergencies, compelling inhabitants to cross borders for shopping, healthcare, and other daily needs. The most common businesses on the island are reportedly nightclubs and evangelical churches, and its one-story homes are built on stilts to withstand river floods.
Mexico's Maya Train Derails in Yucatan Peninsula; No Injuries Reported
A carriage of the Maya Train derailed on Tuesday as it was slowly pulling into the station in Izamal on the Yucatan Peninsula, as per a report in AP. The train was traveling from Cancun to Merida, and no injuries were reported among the passengers, who were transported to their destination by bus. The train line stated that the cause of the accident is under investigation and that service was operating normally between other stations.
Residents Of Disputed Amazon Island Hope For Peruvian Government Support
The 3,000 Peruvian residents of Santa Rosa, a remote island on the Amazon River that is the subject of a dispute with Colombia, are living without basic services like running water or a sewage system, as per a report in AP. Homes are built on stilts to avoid annual flooding, and the community’s main street has more nightclubs and churches than other businesses. Due to the lack of adequate local medical facilities, residents are compelled to travel to Colombia for routine and emergency healthcare, fueling a sense of abandonment by the Peruvian government.
