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Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 03:35 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
Representational image (Image: News18)
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
US House Speaker Mike Johnson Visits Israeli Settlement In West Bank
US House Speaker Mike Johnson visited an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, a move that makes him the highest-ranking US official to ever visit a settlement, Al Jazeera says in a report. The visit is significant given that the international community considers Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory to be illegal under international law. As the Speaker of the House is third in the line of succession to the US presidency, the action carries substantial diplomatic and symbolic weight, occurring amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
Brazil's Supreme Court Orders House Arrest for Former President Jair Bolsonaro
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly leading a coup attempt following his 2022 election loss, according to a report in AP. The decision, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Monday, states that Bolsonaro violated previously imposed precautionary measures by posting content through his son’s social media accounts. Prosecutors in the case accuse Bolsonaro of being the head of a criminal organization that conspired to overturn the election results.
Stella Rimington, Britain's First Female MI5 Chief, Dies At 90
Stella Rimington, who broke barriers as the first female director-general of Britain’s MI5 intelligence agency, has died at the age of 90, AP said in a report. Her family confirmed she passed away on Sunday. Rimington’s historic appointment and public profile made her the inspiration for the character ‘M’ in seven James Bond films, and after her career in intelligence, she became a successful thriller writer. Her tenure was noted for beginning a shift towards greater transparency within the traditionally secretive security service.
British Couple Detained In Iran Moved To Separate Prisons
A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who were detained in Iran seven months ago on espionage charges, have been moved to separate prisons in and near Tehran, The Guardian said in a report. Their son stated on Monday that the move has heightened fears for their welfare. The couple were seized in Kerman in early January while on a round-the-world motorbike trip.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens In Sudan As El-Fasher Residents Eat Animal Fodder
Residents in Sudan’s besieged city of El-Fasher are resorting to eating animal fodder to survive amid a severe humanitarian crisis compounded by a deadly cholera outbreak, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The city, the capital of North Darfur, has been under an intense siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2024, leading to fierce fighting with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). El-Fasher is the last major city in the Darfur region not controlled by the RSF and serves as a critical humanitarian hub. The RSF’s blockade has severely restricted access for food and medical supplies, exacerbating the food crisis and contributing to the spread of disease in a country facing a wider public health catastrophe.
Mastercard And Valve Offer Conflicting Accounts On Adult Game Content Policy
Mastercard has denied directly pressuring video game platforms to remove adult content, a claim contested by platform operator Valve, which stated the pressure was indirect, as per a report in TechCrunch. The dispute highlights the growing business risk of ‘financial deplatforming,’ where major payment networks enforce content guidelines on digital marketplaces. This trend has significant market implications, creating uncertainty for independent developers who face potential revenue loss and forcing platforms like Valve’s Steam to navigate complex compliance demands to maintain critical payment processing capabilities.
Razia Jan, Founder Of Enduring Afghan Girls' School, Dies At 81
Razia Jan, a humanitarian who established a notable school for girls in Afghanistan, has died at the age of 81. After living in Massachusetts for decades where she ran a dry cleaning business, Jan returned to her birth country following the events of 9/11 to provide educational opportunities for young girls. Her death raises questions about the future of the Razia Jan Institute she founded, particularly amid the Taliban’s ongoing ban on secondary and higher education for girls, which has been in place since August 2021. Her work is seen as a crucial legacy in the fight for female education in a country facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
Argentinian President Milei Vetoes Pension And Disability Spending Increases
Argentinian President Javier Milei has vetoed two laws passed by the opposition-led Congress that would have increased spending on pensions and expanded protections for people with disabilities, AP says in a report. The administration justified the move by stating the legislation would undermine its primary goal of achieving a zero fiscal deficit ahead of the October midterm elections. This action is part of Milei’s broader ‘shock therapy’ economic program, which is being implemented amidst a severe economic crisis with hyperinflation eroding the incomes of vulnerable populations.
War Profiteering And Black Markets Fuel Public Anger In Gaza
Growing public anger in Gaza is directed at individuals and groups exploiting the severe humanitarian crisis through price gouging and black market sales of essential goods, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The breakdown of civil order and law enforcement since the conflict’s escalation has enabled looters and exploitative merchants to sell scarce items, including humanitarian aid, at exorbitant prices. This activity exacerbates the dire conditions for a largely displaced and desperate population, undermining social cohesion and creating a widespread sense of betrayal.
Israeli Cabinet Votes To Fire Attorney General; Supreme Court Freezes Dismissal
Israel’s Cabinet voted on Monday to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, a move that was immediately frozen by the Supreme Court pending a review of its legality, according to a report in AP. The government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accuses Baharav-Miara of overstepping her authority and obstructing the decisions of the elected government. This action represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the government and the judiciary, which critics argue is part of a broader effort to weaken Israel’s democratic institutions and checks and balances.
Displaced Sudanese Report Atrocities By RSF Amid El-Fasher Conflict
Sudanese women who have escaped the besieged city of El-Fasher are reporting severe atrocities, including killings and sexual violence, committed by fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as per a report in Al Jazeera. These displaced individuals are struggling for survival in towns like Tawila in North Darfur, which is absorbing a new wave of refugees amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The conflict is centered on El-Fasher, the last major stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur, and has led to a collapse of essential services, severely limiting access to food, water, and medical care. The ongoing violence has significant political implications for regional stability, threatening to increase refugee flows into neighboring countries.
German Finance Minister in US to Discuss Steel Tariff Exemptions
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner is holding talks with US officials to address ongoing trade tensions and strengthen trans-Atlantic ties, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. A key objective for the German delegation is to secure an exemption from US tariffs for its steel industry, a point of contention that originated with the Section 232 tariffs imposed during a previous US administration. These discussions are part of a broader effort to find a permanent solution, potentially through the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum (GASSA), which aims to address both overcapacity and carbon intensity in the sector.
UN Data Reportedly Shows 87% of Gaza Aid Trucks Looted Since Mid-May
A significant portion of humanitarian aid entering Gaza is not reaching its intended recipients, with United Nations data reportedly indicating that 87% of aid trucks have been looted since May 19, Fox News says in a report. This period coincides with intensified Israeli military operations in Rafah and the disruption of key aid routes, creating conditions of severe desperation and a breakdown of law and order. The looting, attributed to both organized armed groups and civilians, complicates the international political landscape by adding another layer to the debate over accountability for the humanitarian crisis. For aid agencies, this highlights severe security risks and necessitates a re-evaluation of distribution strategies, while for the Gazan population, it directly exacerbates food and medical supply shortages.
Tamil Farmers Protest Solar Project On Disputed Land In Sri Lanka
Tamil farmers in eastern Sri Lanka are protesting a planned solar power plant, a joint project between the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, arguing it is being built on ancestral lands seized during the country’s civil war, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The dispute highlights a broader, unresolved issue of land restitution for the Tamil community following the conflict, where lands occupied by the military have often not been returned. This specific project is part of Sri Lanka’s larger push to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and reflects growing energy cooperation with India, but it risks exacerbating local grievances and challenges the government’s post-war reconciliation efforts.
Ukraine Claims Foreign Fighters From China And Pakistan Are Aiding Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of employing foreign “mercenaries” from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and various African countries, a development with significant geopolitical implications, Al Jazeera says in a report. This claim, if substantiated, could trigger severe diplomatic repercussions and new Western sanctions, potentially altering the conflict’s trajectory by solidifying a geopolitical bloc aligned with Moscow. The allegation builds on established intelligence that North Korea is supplying Russia with military hardware and that Moscow is actively recruiting foreign nationals. However, the specific claims regarding personnel from China and Pakistan, which would mark a major policy shift for those nations, currently lack independent public verification.
ICC Prosecutor Ordered to Recuse Himself from Venezuela Investigation
Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been ordered to recuse himself from the ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela, according to a report in The Washington Post. The decision follows scrutiny over a familial relationship between Khan and a member of the legal team defending the Venezuelan government, a connection that raised conflict of interest concerns. While Khan’s recusal addresses issues of judicial impartiality, the ICC’s investigation into alleged state repression in Venezuela since at least April 2017 will continue under different prosecutorial oversight, though it may face procedural delays.
Russian Missile Strike Kills Woman in Ukrainian Maternity Ward
A Russian missile strike killed Diana Koshyk and her unborn son inside a maternity ward in Ukraine, The Washington Post said in a report. The hospital where she was being treated was reportedly located near a building that Ukrainian soldiers used as a warehouse.
Palestinians Scramble For Aid As Airdrops Continue Over Gaza
Palestinians in Zawaida and Netzarim in the central Gaza Strip scrambled to secure humanitarian supplies from airdrops on Monday, AP says in a report. These airdrops are a response to a severe humanitarian crisis and the ongoing risk of famine, as delivering aid via land routes faces significant obstacles from military operations and damaged infrastructure. Aid organizations and international bodies consider airdrops an inefficient and dangerous last-resort measure that is insufficient to meet the immense scale of need, which has prompted efforts to establish alternative aid routes.
Gaza Faces Unprecedented Water Crisis Amid Destruction Of Infrastructure
Gaza is facing an unprecedented and severe water crisis as the ongoing conflict has led to the extensive destruction of its water supply systems, Al Jazeera says in a report. The collapse of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, including desalination plants and wells, has forced residents to struggle for safe drinking water. This situation has dramatically worsened a pre-existing vulnerability, as Gaza’s water systems were already fragile due to years of blockade and previous damage. Humanitarian organizations report severe restrictions on delivering essential aid like fuel for water pumps and purification supplies, while health authorities note a significant rise in waterborne diseases like hepatitis A and acute watery diarrhea due to the consumption of contaminated water.
Ecuador's Environmental Policies Face Scrutiny Under Noboa Administration
Environmentalists and indigenous rights groups in Ecuador are expressing growing concern that the administration of President Daniel Noboa is actively unwinding the country’s reputation for environmental leadership, AP says in a report. This development comes two years after a historic public vote blocked oil drilling in the biodiverse Yasuní Park and stands in contrast to the nation’s 2008 constitution, which was the first to enshrine the ‘rights of nature’. Fears are mounting over a proposed law that activists believe is designed to harm or restrict the operations of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly those focused on environmental and indigenous rights. In response to these perceived threats, various groups are beginning to mobilize resistance, highlighting the regional and global stakes for conservation efforts in critical areas like the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands.
Palestinians Return To Ruined Gaza Neighborhood After Israeli Assault
Palestinians are returning to the al-Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City, only to find it in ruins with homes flattened following a 45-day Israeli military operation, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This specific assault is part of the wider, ongoing conflict that began in October 2023. The widespread destruction in al-Zeitoun reflects the catastrophic damage across northern Gaza, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement and a lack of basic necessities. The devastation underscores the immense economic challenge of any future reconstruction and highlights the critical, ongoing need for unhindered humanitarian aid access to the region.
Abu Dhabi's Non-Oil Foreign Trade Surges 35% To AED 195.4 Billion In H1 2025
Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade increased by 34.7% to AED 195.4 billion (USD 53.2 billion) in the first half of 2025, driven by strong growth across exports, imports, and re-exports, according to a report in The Times of India. The surge is attributed to the emirate’s successful economic diversification strategies, significant investments in advanced infrastructure like Khalifa Port, and the establishment of global trade partnerships through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). This performance reflects a broader trend of non-oil sector growth in the Gulf region and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a key international trade and logistics hub.
Over 550 Israeli Ex-Officials Urge US To Press Netanyahu For Ceasefire
More than 550 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, have sent a letter urging US President Donald Trump to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to a report in The Times of India. The group asserts that Hamas no longer represents a strategic threat to Israel and advocates for a deal to secure the release of remaining hostages. They also proposed the establishment of a regional coalition, supported by the US, to manage the administration of Gaza after the war concludes.
US 'Golden Dome' Missile Shield Concept In Focus At Defense Symposium
The ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield concept, a key initiative of US President Donald Trump, will be a central theme at this week’s Space & Missile Defense Symposium, according to a report in The Washington Times. The event will feature displays of advanced and futuristic military technology. Key officials from the Pentagon are scheduled to address the evolving missile- and space-based threats confronting the US in the 21st century.
Glaciers On Remote Australian Island Shrink By A Quarter In 70 Years
A new analysis of data from 1947 to the present shows that glaciers on Australia’s remote Heard Island have lost almost 25% of their area over the past 70 years, according to a report in The Guardian. Researchers combined historical aerial photographs with modern satellite data to track the retreat of 29 glaciers on the uninhabited UNESCO World Heritage site, which is located 4,100km southwest of Perth. The rapid ice loss is seen as a clear indicator of accelerating global warming, particularly in sensitive sub-polar regions, and poses a direct threat to the island’s unique, cold-adapted ecosystems.
South Korean Opposition Leader Highlights Migrant Worker Mistreatment
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung recently expressed shock after seeing a viral video that depicted a migrant laborer being mistreated at a brick plant, The Washington Times said in a report. The article, which incorrectly identifies Lee as president, highlights his personal connection to the issue, referencing a severe injury he suffered while working in a factory as a child. This event has cast a spotlight on the broader issue of migrant worker conditions within South Korea, a topic Lee frequently addresses as part of his political platform focused on social justice and labor rights.
Egypt Holds Senate Election Amid Looming Economic Concerns
Egyptians began voting on Monday in a two-day election for the country’s consultative Senate, with approximately 63 million people eligible to cast ballots for 200 of the 300 seats, as per a report in AP. The election is set against a backdrop of a severe economic crisis, including high inflation and currency depreciation, which remains a primary concern for citizens. The Senate, which was re-established after 2019 constitutional amendments, serves an advisory role to the more powerful lower house on legislation and policy. The remaining 100 members of the upper chamber are appointed directly by the President.
US Tariffs Put 30,000 South African Jobs At Risk, Officials Say
South African authorities have stated that an estimated 30,000 jobs are at risk due to new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, AP says in a report. A 30% US tariff on most imports from South Africa is scheduled to take effect on August 8. The move by the US, South Africa’s third-largest trading partner after the EU and China, has created significant uncertainty for the country’s export industries and has initiated a scramble to find new markets.
Germany To Raise 'Mother's Pension' Amid Fiscal Strain And Economic Criticism
Germany plans to raise its ‘mother’s pension’ benefit, which provides additional pension points for parents of children born before 1992, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The increase, strongly advocated by the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), comes despite Germany’s strained public finances and constitutional ‘debt brake’ limiting new government borrowing. The policy has drawn criticism from businesses and economists, who argue that it places an unfair financial burden on younger, working generations who fund the pay-as-you-go system, thereby raising concerns about intergenerational equity and the long-term sustainability of the pension system amid Germany’s demographic challenges.
More Than 140 African Migrants Feared Dead in Boat Disaster off Yemen
A boat disaster off the coast of Yemen has left more than 140 African migrants, primarily from Ethiopia and Somalia, feared dead after their vessel capsized, The New York Times says in a report. The incident occurred on the treacherous ‘Eastern Route,’ a common path for migrants transiting war-torn Yemen to seek economic opportunities in wealthy Gulf nations. This tragedy underscores the immense political and humanitarian implications of the ongoing crisis, highlighting the severe dangers migrants face due to a lack of safe pathways and the additional strain it places on international aid organizations operating in a conflict zone with limited resources. The event also draws attention to the labor migration policies in Gulf states, which fuel the demand for such perilous journeys.
Iran Deports Over 1.3 Million Afghan Refugees Amid Deepening Crisis
Iran has deported more than 1.3 million Afghan refugees in an ongoing campaign, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The mass deportations, mirrored by similar actions from Pakistan, are forcing returnees into a nation grappling with a collapsed economy, widespread food insecurity, and severe human rights restrictions under the Taliban regime. The influx of people is placing immense pressure on the de-facto authorities and already overstretched international aid organizations, which face significant funding shortfalls and operational challenges. For the deportees, returning means confronting a lack of shelter, food, and basic services, with women and girls facing particular risks due to the Taliban’s restrictive policies.
UN Warns All Children Under Five in Gaza Risk Malnourishment
The United Nations has issued a grave warning that every child under the age of five in the Gaza Strip is at risk of malnourishment, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This alert coincides with reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry of an increasing number of paralysis cases, a severe neurological complication resulting from extreme nutritional deficiencies. The crisis is exacerbated by persistent obstacles to aid delivery and the collapse of the local healthcare system, which is unable to cope with the scale of the health emergency. Humanitarian agencies have highlighted that without immediate and unhindered access for nutritional and medical supplies, children face a high risk of mortality and long-term developmental impairments.
Scientists Drill In Antarctica For Oldest Ice To Study Climate History
An international scientific team is drilling thousands of meters into the Antarctic ice sheet, aiming to retrieve a 1.5-million-year-old ice core to better understand the planet’s climate history, Deutsche Welle said in a report. The ‘Beyond EPICA’ project seeks to nearly double the current 800,000-year paleoclimate record. By analyzing ancient air trapped in the ice, researchers intend to obtain direct measurements of past greenhouse gas concentrations and temperatures. This data is intended to help validate current climate models, inform global climate policy, and provide a deeper understanding of major climate shifts to improve future risk assessments.
Israeli Authorities Euthanize Crocodiles At West Bank Settlement Farm
Israeli authorities have euthanized a bask of crocodiles at a long-neglected farm in the Petzael settlement in the West Bank, as per a report in AP. The decision, announced Monday by government veterinarians, was made due to threats posed to local residents from the animals’ repeated escapes and because the crocodiles were suffering from inhumane treatment. The farm, established decades ago, had fallen into disrepair. The exact number of crocodiles culled and the specific method used were not immediately disclosed.
Mozambique Insurgency Displaces 46,000, Threatening Key Gas Region
Recent attacks by Islamic State-linked fighters in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province displaced more than 46,000 people, including a majority of children, over an eight-day period in late July, AP said in a report. The United Nations migration and humanitarian agencies confirmed the wave of displacement across three districts, noting no immediate reports of deaths from the attacks. This event is part of a persistent insurgency that has been active since 2017 and has already displaced over one million people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The ongoing instability directly threatens the strategically vital Cabo Delgado region, which holds some of Africa’s largest natural gas reserves and is crucial for major international energy projects, raising concerns for regional security and investor confidence.
Search Called Off For 11 People Presumed Dead In Pakistan Floods
Authorities in northern Pakistan have officially called off a two-week search for 11 people who are now presumed dead after being swept away by flash floods in July, AP said in a report. A government spokesperson for Gilgit-Baltistan, Faizullah Faraq, confirmed on Monday that the search had concluded. The victims were part of a group of 18 travelers whose vehicles were carried away by floods triggered by unusually heavy rainfall while on the road from Chilas to Skardu.
Spotify to Increase Premium Prices in Global Markets Outside the US
Spotify is implementing price increases for its Premium subscribers in multiple global regions, including Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, The Verge says in a report. The announcement on August 4th follows a disappointing profit forecast on July 29th that caused the company’s stock to fall by 11.5%. While Spotify did not release a full list of affected countries, price hikes of €1 per month have already been observed for new customers in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. This move is part of a broader industry trend toward prioritizing profitability and follows previous price adjustments by Spotify in the US and some European nations. Despite Daniel Ek’s recent emphasis on long-term subscriber retention, reports indicate these price increases were planned before the latest earnings report.
Dutch Foundation Files Class Action Lawsuit Against FIFA Over Transfer Rules
A Dutch foundation has initiated a class action lawsuit against the global football governing body FIFA and five other associations over its transfer regulations, AP says in a report. The legal action seeks compensation for professional male and female players who have played for a club in the European Union or the United Kingdom since 2002, arguing they may have lost income due to restrictive rules. This move follows a significant Belgian court ruling in January 2023, related to footballer Lassana Diarra, which indicated that aspects of FIFA’s transfer system could be in violation of EU competition law by limiting players’ freedom of movement and earning potential.
Afghanistan Sees Sharpest Surge In Child Malnutrition, UN Agency Warns
Afghanistan is witnessing its sharpest-ever surge in child malnutrition, with the World Food Program (WFP) stating it needs $539 million to assist the country’s most vulnerable families, AP said in a report. The UN agency highlighted that almost 10 million people, which constitutes a quarter of Afghanistan’s population, are currently facing acute food insecurity. The situation is further underscored by the fact that one in three children in the country is stunted. The WFP linked the severe rise in malnutrition to a significant drop in emergency food assistance over the last two years, a period following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021 and subsequent economic crisis.
Ivory Coast Opposition Party Alleges Arbitrary Arrest Of Six Members
An opposition party in Ivory Coast, the African Peoples’ Party–Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), has accused the government of the ‘arbitrary arrests’ of six of its members, according to a report in AP. Sébastien Dano Djédjé, the executive president of the party founded by former President Laurent Gbagbo, stated during a Sunday press conference that the members were ‘abducted and taken to unknown locations.’ The party frames the alleged arrests as part of a wider political crackdown by the government of President Alassane Ouattara, escalating political tensions in the country.
