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Last Updated:August 06, 2025, 20:04 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.
Dresden Evacuated For WWII Bomb Defusal; Businesses Fear US-EU Tariff Impact
A World War II bomb discovered in Dresden, Germany, was successfully defused after prompting the precautionary evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The discovery and subsequent defusal operation are part of an ongoing challenge in German cities that were heavily bombed during the war. In separate economic news, a recent study reveals that many German businesses anticipate negative consequences from the ongoing trade tensions between the US and the European Union. The concerns are reportedly driven by the economic uncertainty created by existing US tariffs and the persistent threat of further protectionist measures, which particularly affect Germany’s vital export-oriented industries.
US Couple Jailed In Singapore For Theft Of Luxury Goods At Airport
Two American nationals, Kapadia Husain Zoher and Kapadia Amatullah, have been jailed in Singapore for 18 days and 7 days respectively after pleading guilty to stealing luxury goods from brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior at Changi Airport, The Times of India said in a report. The couple was arrested before boarding a flight to Mumbai after being caught with items valued at over S$750.
Mozambique Grapples With Trauma Of Children Returning From ISIL-Affiliate Captivity
Children abducted by the ISIL-affiliated group Ahlu Sunnah wa-Jama’ah (ASWJ) in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province are returning with profound psychological trauma, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The insurgency, which began in 2017, has displaced over a million people and has significant political and economic implications for the region. The return of traumatized children, who have witnessed extreme violence, places an immense strain on Mozambique’s public services and humanitarian organizations, which lack adequate resources for long-term rehabilitation. This ongoing humanitarian crisis poses a long-term security risk and a challenge to regional stability, particularly as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission undergoes a phased withdrawal.
Russia Asks Central African Republic To Replace Wagner With State-Run Africa Corps And Pay For It
Russia has called on the Central African Republic (CAR) to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with Moscow’s state-run Africa Corps and to pay for security services in cash, AP says in a report. Officials in the CAR are reportedly reluctant to agree to these demands, viewing the long-present Wagner group as more effective and preferring the established practice of paying for security with mineral concessions rather than cash. This development is part of Moscow’s broader strategy to consolidate its influence and formalize its security operations in Africa under direct state control, particularly following the death of former Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The proposed shift from payment-in-kind (minerals) to cash could significantly alter the economic relationship, potentially straining CAR’s budget while providing Russia with a more direct revenue stream from its foreign military engagements.
Honda Quarterly Profits Drop 50% Amid US Tariff Impact And EV Losses
Japanese automaker Honda has reported a 50% drop in its quarterly operating profits, citing the ongoing financial impact of US tariffs and losses from its electric vehicle sales in the US, according to a report in The Guardian. The company’s operating profits for the three months ending in June fell to 244 billion yen (£1.2 billion). This decline was primarily attributed to a 124 billion yen impact from tariffs whose effects continue to be felt and 113 billion yen in losses on its US electric car sales. Despite the significant drop, the company noted the overall financial impact was less severe than its initial estimates.
Italy Approves $15.5 Billion Messina Strait Bridge Project
The Italian government has given its approval for a €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project to build a bridge across the Strait of Messina, connecting Sicily with the mainland, AP said in a report. An interministerial committee greenlit the plan, which is strongly supported by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini as a flagship project for the economy of Southern Italy. If completed, the structure would feature the world’s longest suspension main span. Despite the approval, the project, which has a long history of being planned and cancelled, faces significant opposition and concerns regarding the high seismic risk of the region, potential environmental damage to a key migratory corridor, and the threat of infiltration by organized crime into the massive public works contracts.
Twenty Killed In Gaza After Commercial Trucks Overturn Amid Looting
Twenty people were killed in central Gaza after four commercial trucks overturned, BBC says in a report. The Hamas-run civil defence confirmed the death toll from the incident. According to a private contractor, the trucks were looted along unsafe roads that are under the military control of Israel, highlighting the severe security challenges and humanitarian desperation impacting commercial transport into the region.
Georgian Journalist Sentenced to Two Years in Prison After Protests
A prominent Georgian journalist, Mzia Amaghlobeli, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted in the city of Batumi of slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest, AP says in a report. The verdict has been condemned by human rights groups and Western countries as an act of intimidation that curbs press freedom. This conviction occurs amid a backdrop of significant political unrest in Georgia, which has been ongoing since a disputed election.
Italy Approves $15.5 Billion Bridge to Connect Sicily with Mainland
An Italian interministerial committee has officially approved the €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project to build a bridge linking Sicily to the mainland, AP said in a report. Spearheaded by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the plan aims to create the world’s longest suspension bridge. The project, which has been debated and delayed for decades, has now cleared a significant hurdle, allowing work to potentially begin despite persistent concerns from critics regarding the region’s high seismic activity, potential environmental damage, and the risk of infiltration by organized crime.
Nvidia Rejects US Demands For AI Chip Backdoors
Nvidia has publicly rejected demands to build “kill switches” or backdoors into its AI chips, with its chief security officer calling the proposal a threat to US economic and national security, according to a report in The Verge. The company’s statement is a direct response to the proposed US Chip Security Act, which could mandate such features, and also addresses allegations from China that its chips already contain backdoors. Nvidia’s CSO, David Reber Jr., argued that these features are dangerous vulnerabilities, not security measures. This places the company in a difficult position as it navigates strict US export controls while trying to maintain its market position in China, where domestic competitors like Huawei are gaining ground.
US Embassy Orders Staff Evacuation In Zambia Over Toxic Mine Spill Contamination
The United States Embassy in Zambia on Wednesday ordered all US government personnel to evacuate a northern region, including the town of Chambishi and the city of Kitwe, following a toxic mine spill six months prior, AP said in a report. According to an embassy alert, new information has revealed that the February 2025 spill from the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has polluted a major river system with hazardous and carcinogenic substances, including arsenic, cyanide, and uranium. The embassy also warned that these contaminants may have become airborne, posing a significant health risk and prompting the immediate withdrawal of its staff from the affected area.
Novo Nordisk Sales Slow Sharply Amid Competition and US Tariff Threats
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has seen a significant slowdown in sales for its injectable diabetes drugs like Ozempic, prompting cost-cutting measures, according to a report in The Guardian. The company, which had become Europe’s most valuable due to its booming GLP-1 drug sales, has lost $95 billion in market value after reducing its full-year sales forecast last week. The slowdown is attributed to fierce competition in the sector and the threat of potential US tariffs under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Pakistan Extends Deportation Deadline For Afghan Refugees To September 1
Pakistan has officially extended the deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees to September 1, according to a report in AP. This decision provides a temporary delay for many facing removal from the country. The United Nations has welcomed the extension but continues to express concern about the possibility of “coerced returns,” where individuals may be pressured to leave rather than returning voluntarily. The policy primarily targets undocumented Afghans, as distinct from the approximately 1.4 million who are officially registered and hold Proof of Residence cards. This development occurs against the backdrop of a decades-long history of Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan due to conflict and instability, and it follows a significant deportation drive that began in late 2023.
Australia Accuses Tech Firms Of Inaction On Child Abuse
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has accused major technology firms of not doing enough to combat the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to a report in Al Jazeera. The watchdog has put forward recommendations, including measures like client-side scanning, which have been criticized for potentially undermining user privacy and the security of end-to-end encrypted communications. This move aligns with a broader global push for greater online safety regulation, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act, increasing pressure on tech companies. These firms now face significant regulatory scrutiny, potential fines, and reputational risks as they navigate differing international laws and the complex balance between child safety and user privacy.
Controversy In France Erupts Over Statue Of General Accused Of Torture
A renewed effort to remove a statue of General Marcel Bigeard in his French hometown has reignited a national debate over France’s colonial history and the legacy of the Algerian War, as per a report in The New York Times. General Bigeard, a highly decorated but controversial figure, is accused of using systematic torture during the Battle of Algiers in 1957. The controversy reflects a wider, ongoing reckoning within France about how to memorialize historical figures associated with colonial rule. The debate is causing significant social friction locally and remains a sensitive point in Franco-Algerian relations, highlighting deep divisions in French society over its past.
Russia Challenges Embassy Lease Cancellation In Australia's High Court
Russia has escalated its dispute with Australia to the nation’s High Court, claiming the cancellation of its embassy land lease in Canberra was illegal, according to a report in The Guardian. The Australian government is defending its 2023 decision, which was enacted through special legislation, by arguing that the proposed embassy’s proximity to Parliament House constituted a significant national security risk. Australia’s solicitor general further contended in court that Russia should not receive compensation for the termination, stating they should not be paid for ‘problems they cause themselves’.
South Korea's Former First Lady Questioned In Corruption Probe
Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea’s ousted ex-President Yoon, appeared for questioning by a special prosecutor on Wednesday over allegations including stock manipulation and bribery, AP said in a report. The probe is one of several launched by Seoul’s new liberal government targeting the former conservative administration. The questioning follows the impeachment and removal of Yoon from office over his brief imposition of martial law in December, with the current investigation into Kim also covering suspicions of interference in party nominations.
Italy Proposes New Law To Regulate Gender Transition Treatment For Minors
The Italian government has put forward a draft law to tighten controls on access to gender-affirming medical care for minors, Fox News says in a report. The proposed legislation, advanced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s socially conservative Brothers of Italy party, would reportedly make access to treatments such as puberty blockers and hormones more difficult. Key measures are said to include requiring mandatory judicial authorization for any medical interventions and prioritizing psychological support pathways. This move aligns with a broader trend in several other European countries, including the UK, Sweden, and Finland, which have recently implemented more cautious policies regarding gender-affirming care for youths.
Bosnian Serb Leader Milorad Dodik Removed From Presidency of Republika Srpska
Bosnia’s Central Electoral Commission has stripped separatist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik from his office as the president of Republika Srpska, the Serb entity within Bosnia, as per a report in AP. This action follows an appeals court verdict that sentenced Dodik to one year in jail and banned him from all political activities for six years. The commission stated that Dodik has the right to appeal the removal, with an early presidential election to be scheduled 90 days after the decision is finalized.
Bosnian Serb Leader Milorad Dodik Removed From Office By Election Authorities
Bosnia’s Central Electoral Commission has stripped separatist leader Milorad Dodik of his office as president of Republika Srpska, the country’s Serb-majority entity, according to a report in AP. The decision follows an appeals court verdict that sentenced Dodik to one year in prison and imposed a six-year ban on all political activities. The removal triggers an early presidential election for the entity, which must be held within 90 days after the decision becomes final. Dodik retains the right to appeal the commission’s decision.
UK Regulator Clears Prince Harry's Charity Of Bullying But Criticizes Public Dispute
The Charity Commission for England and Wales has criticized the handling of an internal dispute at Sentebale, a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, AP said in a report. While the commission found no evidence to support allegations of widespread bullying or misogyny, it faulted both sides for allowing the conflict to play out in public, which damaged the charity’s reputation. The investigation was launched following public complaints against the organization, which provides support for young people with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho. The regulator’s findings clear the charity of the most serious allegations but highlight a need for improved internal governance and conflict resolution.
Wildfire in Southern France Kills One and Continues to Spread
A fast-moving wildfire in the Aude region of southern France has resulted in one death and several injuries, with the blaze still spreading as of Wednesday, as per a report in AP. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has damaged a land area equivalent in size to Paris and has prompted the deployment of approximately 1,800 firefighters. The affected area is described as rural and wooded, and notably includes wineries, indicating significant potential economic and agricultural impact on the region’s wine industry.
FEMA Ends Requirement For States To Oppose Israel Boycotts To Receive Federal Aid
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will no longer require states to certify their opposition to boycotts of Israel to receive federal emergency funds, according to a report in The Times of India. The policy change eliminates a previous condition tied to disaster relief and preparedness grants that mandated compliance with anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) provisions. While this federal adjustment does not overturn existing state-level anti-BDS laws, it removes a federal incentive for their enforcement and follows numerous legal challenges that argued such requirements violate First Amendment free speech rights.
Viral Video Highlights Gender Violence And Honor Killings In Pakistan
The emergence of a video capturing the defiant last words of Bano Bibi, a victim of an ‘honor killing,’ is forcing a national reckoning with gender violence in Pakistan, The New York Times says in a report. Despite the passage of the Anti-Honor Killing Law in 2016, which closed loopholes allowing family pardons, enforcement remains a major challenge, with arrests and convictions being rare. This case highlights a growing trend of digital activism, where videos and social media are used to expose such crimes, creating public and international pressure. However, significant obstacles persist, including slow judicial processes and deeply entrenched societal norms, particularly in rural regions. The continued prevalence of these killings affects Pakistan’s international human rights standing and can have implications for foreign aid and diplomatic relations.
Asian Shares Rise As Wall Street Declines On US Economic Concerns
Asian stock markets were mostly higher in muted trading on Wednesday, diverging from Wall Street’s decline which was prompted by discouraging signs about the US economy, as per a report in AP. Investors are closely monitoring corporate earnings reports to gauge the effects of US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs on business performance. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index saw a 0.6% rise, with major companies including automakers and electronics firms scheduled to release their fiscal first-quarter results this week.
Iran Executes Man Accused Of Spying For Israel And Another For IS Group Sabotage
Iran executed two men in separate cases on Wednesday, one accused of spying for Israel and the other of being a member of the Islamic State group, according to a report in AP. The judiciary’s news website identified the alleged spy as Rouzbeh Vadi, who was accused of relaying classified information to Israel’s Mossad intelligence service. Authorities stated that Vadi had provided information related to an Iranian nuclear scientist who was killed in a past assassination, an event Iran has previously blamed on Israel. A second, unnamed individual was executed for his alleged membership in the Islamic State group and for planning sabotage.
Wildfire In Southern France Kills One And Injures Several
A fast-moving wildfire in France’s southern Aude region near the Spanish border has resulted in one death and several injuries, AP said in a report. The blaze, which broke out Tuesday afternoon in the village of Ribaute, damaged a swath of land as big as Paris overnight. According to authorities, about 1,500 firefighters are working to contain the fire, which remained “very active” and was still spreading as of Wednesday amid unfavorable weather conditions.
New Zealand Air Force Evacuates US Staff From Antarctica In High-Risk Operation
The New Zealand air force conducted a high-risk medical evacuation of three staff members from the US McMurdo Station in Antarctica, The Guardian says in a report. The operation was initiated following a request from the United States Science Foundation, as one of the individuals required urgent medical care. The mission was executed under extreme conditions, including constant darkness and severe weather, which characterize the Antarctic winter.
Governments Worldwide Confront Accelerating Beach Erosion Fueled By Climate Change And Sand Scarcity
Governments from Miami to Barcelona are attempting to save shorelines where climate change-induced sea-level rise and intense storms are accelerating erosion, a problem compounded by a global shortage of suitable sand, according to a report in the Financial Times. This scarcity is driven not only by natural processes but also by immense demand for sand in construction and land reclamation, which often outpaces natural replenishment and disrupts ecosystems. The degradation of beaches poses a direct threat to coastal tourism economies, property values, and critical marine habitats, forcing costly and often temporary interventions like beach nourishment. In response, there is a growing global shift towards more sustainable, nature-based solutions like restoring mangrove and dune systems, alongside international calls from bodies like the UN for better governance of sand resources.
Proposed UK Tax Changes Drive Company Directors To Relocate, UAE Top Destination
A growing number of company directors are relocating from the UK in response to proposed tax policy shifts by the opposition Labour Party, according to a report in the Financial Times. The analysis highlights that the United Arab Emirates is the top destination for these individuals. This exodus is primarily attributed to Labour’s proposals to abolish the non-domiciled tax status and potentially reform taxes on carried interest for private equity executives. The trend raises concerns about a potential reduction in UK tax revenue, a ‘brain drain’ of entrepreneurial talent, and a possible negative impact on the UK’s standing as a global business hub.
Russia Protests Settler Attack On Diplomatic Vehicle In West Bank
Moscow has officially protested after a Russian diplomatic vehicle was attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The Russian government stated that its diplomats were threatened during the incident and has accused Israeli troops who were present of failing to intervene. This event occurs amid a documented increase in settler-related incidents in the region and could strain diplomatic relations between Russia and Israel, while also raising broader concerns about the security of international personnel in the West Bank.
Israeli Forces Kill Over 80 in Gaza Amid Worsening Starvation
Israeli forces have killed over 80 people across Gaza, exacerbating a severe humanitarian situation. The casualties reportedly include dozens of Palestinians attempting to access humanitarian aid and at least eight individuals who succumbed to starvation and malnutrition. These events highlight the severe operational challenges for international aid organizations and intensify political pressure on Israel for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, aligning with previous orders from the Court of Justice. The deaths from hunger underscore formal warnings from bodies like the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which had previously projected an imminent famine in the region.
China Advances Afghan Copper Mine Project Amid Persistent Security Concerns
After nearly two decades of delays, China’s state-owned Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) is reportedly advancing efforts to begin copper extraction this year at the massive Mes Aynak mine in Afghanistan’s Logar province, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The project, a key part of the Taliban government’s strategy to attract foreign investment and revive the nation’s economy, aligns with China’s goal of securing critical resources. However, experts caution that significant “old fears,” including persistent political instability, major security threats from groups like ISIS-K, and long-standing concerns over the preservation of an ancient Buddhist archaeological site at the location, continue to pose substantial risks to the venture.
Overseas Airlines' Expansion Bolsters Hong Kong's Aviation Hub Status
The resumption and expansion of US and Middle East routes to Hong Kong by several overseas airlines are reaffirming the city’s status as a major aviation hub despite geopolitical challenges, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This move, which has pushed the number of carriers serving the city beyond pre-pandemic levels, is expected to increase competition for Hong Kong’s flag carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, particularly on direct US services and routes transiting through the Gulf. For consumers, the increased capacity and competition are anticipated to result in more travel choices and potentially more competitive pricing, signaling renewed international confidence in Hong Kong’s aviation sector as it continues its recovery.
China's Rocket Shortage Forces Prioritization Of State-Run Starlink Rival
China is accelerating the development of its state-run Guo Wang satellite constellation to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, but a resulting rocket shortage is forcing the government to prioritize the national project over other commercial and local ambitions, the South China Morning Post says in a report. The state-backed project, which aims to deploy 13,000 satellites, is receiving preferential access to limited launch resources, effectively sidelining other emerging Chinese space companies and provincial-level satellite network plans. This strategic shift highlights a growing tension between national priorities and the burgeoning private space sector, potentially impacting the diversity and innovation of China’s space industry as it races to establish a foothold in the global satellite internet market.
Afghan Women Turn To Online Courses Amid Taliban Education Ban
Women in Afghanistan are pursuing education through online courses as a response to the Taliban’s comprehensive bans on their access to secondary schools and universities, AP says in a report. Since their takeover, the de facto authorities have also severely restricted women’s employment and access to public spaces, effectively isolating them from society. While these online initiatives provide a critical educational lifeline, they are hampered by significant obstacles, including limited and costly internet access, frequent power outages, and the constant risk associated with defying the Taliban’s edicts. The exclusion of women from education and the workforce has profound negative implications for Afghanistan’s socio-economic development and remains a primary impediment to the country’s international recognition and receipt of development aid.
US Student Visa Crackdown Creates Opportunities For Other Nations
The Trump administration’s policies tightening US student visa requirements are causing a shift in global student mobility, with other nations capitalizing on the opportunity, as per a report in AP. Long wait times for US visa interviews are reportedly causing some students in China to abandon their plans to study in the US. Consequently, countries like Britain are experiencing a surge in international undergraduate applications, and universities in Hong Kong are fielding transfer inquiries from foreign students currently in the US, indicating a potential redistribution of international academic talent.
Lithuania Urges NATO to Boost Air Defences After Russian Drone Incident
Lithuania has called on NATO for urgent support to bolster its air defences after a Russian drone with explosives violated its airspace last week, France 24 said in a report. The drone was discovered in a military training area near the capital, Vilnius, and was successfully neutralised by authorities. The incident has raised concerns about escalating threats in the Baltic region amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and a pattern of Russian military activities near NATO borders.
US President Trump Says Gaza Occupation Decision Is Up To Israel
US President Donald Trump stated that the decision on whether to occupy all of Gaza is “up to Israel,” as per a report in Al Jazeera. This comment signals a potential policy shift from the previous administration of former President Joe Biden, which had publicly opposed a long-term Israeli re-occupation of the territory. The statement comes as international organizations continue to warn that an expanded Israeli military operation and potential full occupation would be “catastrophic” for the Palestinian population, citing the severe humanitarian crisis. Trump’s position is consistent with his historically pro-Israel foreign policy stance, which has often deferred to Israeli government decisions on regional security matters.
Organized Crime Suspected In Killing Of Top Mexican Federal Official
Mexican investigators are pointing to organized crime as responsible for the killing of Ernesto Vásquez Reyna, the Attorney General’s Office delegate for the state of Tamaulipas, according to a report in AP. Vásquez Reyna was fatally shot by gunmen in broad daylight on a major avenue in the border city of Reynosa on Monday. Authorities believe the assassination was likely retaliation for the government’s recent seizures of illegally tapped fuel, a significant revenue source for cartels in the region. The attack highlights the ongoing violence in Tamaulipas and the significant risks faced by officials engaged in combating organized crime’s illicit activities.
