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Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 10:22 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
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 Suspension of Cattle Imports from Mexico Hits Ranchers Amid Drought
Mexican cattle ranchers, particularly in the northwestern state of Sonora, are struggling with an uncertain future following a US suspension of live cattle imports, as per a report in AP. The ban was implemented as a biosecurity measure to prevent the spread of Cattle Fever Ticks into the US. This suspension has hit the ranchers at a critical time, as they were already contending with the effects of a two-year-long severe drought, severely impacting their primary source of income and forcing them to seek less profitable alternatives within Mexico.
Non-Oil Sectors Now Comprise Over 70% of GCC Economy
The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) economy demonstrated steady growth in 2024, with non-oil sectors now comprising over 70% of the total economy, according to a report in The Times of India. The region’s real GDP grew by 2.4% for the year, including a 3.3% rise in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by sectors like manufacturing and trade. In contrast, nominal GDP saw a smaller increase of 1.5%, a difference attributed to lower global oil prices. This divergence highlights the success of ongoing structural reforms and diversification investments in reducing the region’s economic reliance on hydrocarbons.
Australia To Purchase 11 Frigates In Landmark Deal With Japan
Australia is set to acquire 11 advanced frigates from Japan in what represents Japan’s largest-ever postwar foreign defense contract, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Japan secured the significant deal over a German competitor, marking a major milestone for its defense export industry and its evolving role as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement enhances Australia’s naval capabilities as part of its wider fleet modernization and strengthens the strategic alignment between the two nations amid growing regional security concerns.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson Visits West Bank In Support Of Israeli Settlements
US House Speaker Mike Johnson became the highest-ranking American official to visit an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on Monday, drawing condemnation from the Palestinian foreign ministry, as per a report in The Guardian. The visit, which included other Republican lawmakers, followed a meeting on Sunday with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The Palestinian foreign ministry stated the visit undermines efforts to stop the ongoing conflict, which occurs amid reports of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Japan And South Korea Face Record-Breaking Heatwaves
Japan and South Korea are sweltering under intense heatwaves after both nations recorded their warmest Junes and Julys on record, according to a report in The Guardian. The extreme weather has significant economic implications, straining power grids due to surging demand for air conditioning and threatening infrastructure like roads and railways. Japan’s all-time national temperature record was broken when Tamba reached 41.2C, while Kyoto hit 40C for the first time. The sustained heat poses risks to public health and is expected to reduce productivity, particularly in sectors with outdoor labor, underscoring the growing economic costs of climate change.
Israel To Urge UN Security Council Focus On Gaza Hostages
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated he will address a special UN Security Council session to place the issue of hostages held in Gaza at the “front and centre” of the world stage, France 24 says in a report. This diplomatic push comes as recent videos showing emaciated hostages have intensified domestic pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure a ceasefire deal with Hamas. In response to the videos, Netanyahu said his determination to both release the hostages and eliminate Hamas was renewed.
Frequent Disasters Expose Climate Risks To Infrastructure In South Asia
Recent disasters in South Asia underscore the region’s significant infrastructure vulnerabilities to climate change, according to a report in AP. For instance, floods in Nepal damaged crucial hydropower dams and destroyed the main bridge connecting the country to China, disrupting a primary trade artery. A past incident on the Bhotekoshi River also damaged a new inland container depot being built to support increasing trade, illustrating the economic risks. Experts emphasize that these frequent events demonstrate the critical need for investing in climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate future economic losses and ensure regional stability.
Deep-Sea Livestream Captivates Argentina, Sparks Calls For Science Funding
A collaborative deep-sea exploration livestream by Argentine and American researchers in the South Atlantic has unexpectedly become a national sensation in Argentina, AP says in a report. The broadcast, showing unique marine life from the ocean floor, has dominated social media with discussions and memes, translating into significant public pressure on the government. This surge in public engagement has amplified ongoing advocacy from the scientific community, sparking prominent calls to “refund science,” which points to a demand for renewed and increased state investment in the nation’s research and development institutions amid historical funding challenges.
UK Police Warn Of Mass Arrests Ahead Of Palestine Action Protest
The Metropolitan Police have warned of potential mass detentions for anyone breaking terrorism laws at a planned weekend protest in support of the activist group Palestine Action, according to a report in The Guardian. Downing Street has also urged the public not to attend the rally, which is being held to oppose what organizers describe as a ‘ban’ on the group. While Palestine Action is known for direct action campaigns against companies with alleged links to Israel, the group itself is not formally proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK. The police warning regarding terrorism laws is understood to relate to potential offenses such as showing support for a separate, proscribed organization or incitement to violence at the event.
South Korea's Top Diplomat Visits US Amid Geopolitical 'Turbulence'
South Korea’s new Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is in the United States for high-level talks as his country navigates what is described as an ‘age of turbulence’, The Washington Post says in a report. The visit occurs at a critical juncture for the US-South Korea alliance, which is facing escalating military provocations from North Korea, including recent ballistic missile tests. A key challenge for South Korea is balancing its security alliance with the US against its significant economic relationship with China, particularly concerning the strategic competition over advanced technologies like semiconductors. These discussions also take place in the context of deepening trilateral security cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan, established as a countermeasure to regional threats.
Gunfire Reported Near Humanitarian Aid Site In Gaza
Video has emerged showing gunfire hitting the ground near a group of Palestinians seeking assistance at a humanitarian aid site in Gaza, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident, which occurred in the vicinity of an aid location marked ‘GHF’, underscores the significant dangers civilians and aid workers face. The source of the gunfire was not specified. This event occurs within the context of a severe humanitarian crisis in the region, where repeated incidents of violence near aid distribution points have hampered relief efforts and led to civilian casualties, prompting ongoing international calls for the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Severe Water Shortages Grip Russian-Occupied Eastern Ukraine
Severe water shortages in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine are causing residents to appeal directly to Moscow for help, undermining Russian propaganda about improved living conditions under its control, The Washington Post said in a report. This humanitarian crisis stems from long-standing infrastructure damage from the conflict and was significantly exacerbated by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023. The inability of Russian-appointed administrations to provide basic utilities like water signals a profound governance failure, creating severe health risks for the population and crippling any remaining local economic activity, indicating massive future reconstruction challenges.
France And Saudi Arabia Push For Two-State Solution At UN Conference
Following a high-level United Nations conference that brought renewed attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after decades of stalled negotiations, France and Saudi Arabia have committed to maintaining momentum toward a two-state solution, according to a report in AP. The nations, which spearheaded the conference, are determined to advance the initiative despite acknowledging the significant hurdles that remain in establishing an independent Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel.
Russia Makes Symbolic Declaration Regarding Defunct INF Nuclear Treaty
Russia has made a symbolic declaration that it will no longer abide by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a pact that officially terminated in 2019, as per a report in The New York Times. The statement is primarily political as the treaty became defunct after the US withdrew in February 2019, citing Russia’s non-compliance, which was followed by Russia’s formal suspension. This move is seen as another step in the deterioration of international arms control frameworks, following Russia’s suspension of its participation in the New START Treaty in 2023. The declaration reinforces the deep-seated tensions between the US and Russia and raises concerns about an unconstrained arms race and diminished strategic stability, particularly for European security.
UK To Begin Returning Asylum Seekers To France Under New EU-Approved Deal
The UK will begin detaining and returning some asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats to France “within days,” following the EU’s approval of a new bilateral treaty, according to a report in The Guardian. This new agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron’s government establishes a mechanism for the UK to send some migrants back to France for the first time under such a formal arrangement. In exchange for accepting the returned individuals, the UK has committed to taking in other asylum seekers directly from France through a designated “safe route.” This policy represents a significant shift from previous UK-France agreements, which largely focused on prevention and border patrols, and comes amid ongoing political pressure in the UK to curb the number of Channel crossings.
German Party Leader Calls President Trump's Stance On Institutions 'Wrong'
Lars Klingbeil, the co-leader of Germany’s governing Social Democratic Party (SPD), has publicly criticized US President Donald Trump’s stance on international institutions, labeling it as “wrong,” the Financial Times reports. The comments were made on August 4, just hours before Klingbeil was scheduled to meet with the US Treasury secretary in Washington. This criticism underscores the political tensions between the US and key European allies regarding the future of multilateral organizations and international cooperation.
