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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
General Powerful Quake Near Russia Prompts Tsunami Advisory in Japan
A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, leading Japan’s meteorological agency to issue a tsunami advisory for the country’s Pacific coast, AP says in a report. The advisory warned of potential waves up to one meter, though the quake’s epicenter was approximately 250 kilometers from Hokkaido and was only felt slightly there. The tsunami advisory was subsequently lifted after only minor waves were observed, with no reports of significant damage, in an event that tested the effectiveness of Japan’s rapid warning systems.
General Fossil Fuel Industry Faces Key Legal Test In Honolulu Climate Case
A Honolulu court heard arguments on Tuesday regarding a motion to dismiss a significant lawsuit filed by the city against fossil fuel companies over climate change-related damages, AP said in a report. Attorneys for the energy firms argued for dismissal, claiming the state’s two-year statute of limitations has expired as the companies’ alleged role in climate change has been public knowledge for decades. The case is considered a bellwether for more than two dozen similar lawsuits across the US, which allege companies knew about the climate risks of their products but engaged in public deception campaigns. A ruling against the dismissal motion could establish a critical legal precedent, potentially exposing the fossil fuel industry to substantial financial liabilities for climate adaptation costs currently borne by taxpayers.
General New Brazil Development Law Risks Amazon Deforestation, UN Expert Warns
A UN expert has warned that a new environmental licensing law in Brazil could significantly increase deforestation in the Amazon, according to a report in BBC. The legislation, which simplifies environmental impact assessment requirements for development projects, has faced strong criticism from environmentalists. This development raises concerns about Brazil’s international credibility as it prepares to host the COP30 climate summit in Belém in 2025, potentially undermining the environmental commitments of President Lula’s administration. The law is widely viewed as a result of pressure from powerful agricultural and mining lobbies.
General Ukraine Says Russian Strike On Prison Kills 16
Ukrainian officials have stated that a Russian strike targeting a prison has killed 16 people, as per a report in The New York Times. The attack was described by authorities as part of a widespread wave of assaults throughout Ukraine. The attribution of the strike to Russia comes from Ukrainian sources.
General President Trump Announces US-Israel Partnership For New Gaza Food Centers
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US will partner with Israel to run new food centers in Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, according to a report in AP. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that Israel would preside over these new centers to ensure proper food distribution. However, both the President and other US officials have so far provided few specific details about the plan or how it would differ from existing aid distribution mechanisms in the region.
General Trump Lawyers Seek Swift Deposition of Rupert Murdoch in Epstein-Related Case
Lawyers for US President Donald Trump have filed a request for an expedited deposition of Rupert Murdoch in a civil lawsuit connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, BBC says in a report. The legal team’s argument for the urgency is based on Murdoch’s advanced age of 94 and what they termed “recent significant health scares,” suggesting he may not be available for future testimony. This legal maneuver is part of the ongoing civil litigation stemming from the Epstein scandal, which continues to involve high-profile individuals.
General Germany-Bound Afghans Stranded In Pakistan Face Deportation Risk
Thousands of vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked with German organizations and human rights activists, remain stranded in Pakistan despite being approved for resettlement in Germany, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. These individuals, who fled to Pakistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021, are now caught in a precarious situation due to Pakistan’s policy of deporting undocumented foreign nationals, which began in October 2023. Many report facing harassment, arbitrary arrests, and threats of forced repatriation from Pakistani authorities, placing them in a state of limbo and at risk of being sent back to Afghanistan where they may face persecution.
General Trump Ally Marjorie Taylor Greene Condemns ‘Genocide’ In Gaza
US Congresswoman and ally of President Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has publicly decried what she termed a ‘genocide’ in Gaza, Al Jazeera says in a report. Greene, a right-wing Republican, specifically condemned the ‘starvation happening in Gaza’ during a public criticism of her pro-Israel Republican colleague, Florida state representative Randy Fine.
General UNICEF Staff Held Hostage In Haiti For Three Weeks Amid Escalating Gang Violence
A group of UNICEF employees has been held hostage for three weeks in Haiti, an event that underscores the severe security crisis gripping the nation, according to a report in The New York Times. Experts note that gangs are increasingly using abductions of both locals and foreign nationals as a primary method to finance their operations. This incident occurs amid a backdrop of a persistent political vacuum since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which has allowed gangs to expand their control over Port-au-Prince and key infrastructure. The escalating violence has crippled humanitarian aid operations, deepened the humanitarian crisis, and eroded the authority of the Haitian state, even as a planned Kenyan-led international security mission faces delays.
General Yemen’s Houthis Confirm Holding 11 Mariners Hostage Via Video
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have released a video confirming they are holding 11 mariners hostage from a ship attacked in the Red Sea on July 7, according to a report in The New York Times. The video provides the first official confirmation of the number of captives taken from the Greek-owned MV ‘Tutor’, which was struck and later sank. This incident is part of a broader Houthi campaign against international shipping, which they state is in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The use of hostages complicates diplomatic efforts and exacerbates maritime security risks, forcing many shipping companies to continue re-routing vessels around Africa, leading to increased costs and supply chain delays. The tactic is a repeat of a November 2023 incident where the 25-member crew of the ‘Galaxy Leader’ was seized; they remain in captivity.
General Pope Calls for Protection of Human Dignity Amid Rise of AI
Pope Francis has warned that human dignity must be protected from the rise of artificial intelligence, delivering the message during the Vatican’s first Mass specifically for social media influencers, BBC says in a report. The pontiff’s statement reinforces the Vatican’s ongoing engagement with AI ethics, which includes the 2020 “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” and aligns with a global push by governments and international bodies for AI regulation. The event highlights the Church’s strategy of using digital platforms for outreach and adds moral weight to calls for the tech industry and policymakers to prioritize human-centric design and safeguard fundamental rights in AI development.
General Microsoft In Talks With OpenAI For Tech Access Beyond AGI Milestone
Microsoft is reportedly in advanced negotiations with OpenAI for a new agreement to secure access to its technology even after the development of advanced general intelligence, TechCrunch says in a report. The potential deal is seen as a critical step for OpenAI’s strategic shift toward becoming a fully commercial enterprise, building upon Microsoft’s foundational $13 billion investment. Securing post-AGI access would mitigate significant risk for Microsoft, ensuring its long-term competitive edge in cloud services and AI applications. However, such an agreement could intensify regulatory scrutiny and market concentration concerns, while also raising important questions about the future governance and control of powerful AGI systems.
General Iran Intensifies Mass Deportation Of Afghans, Fueling Humanitarian Crisis
Iran is conducting a mass deportation of Afghan nationals, including many long-term residents, in a significant escalation of its previous policies, NPR says in a report. The Iranian government has reportedly justified the crackdown by labeling Afghans as spies while systematically targeting their housing, employment, and banking access. This action is occurring concurrently with similar deportations from Pakistan, creating a severe regional humanitarian crisis. The influx of hundreds of thousands of returnees is overwhelming the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, which is already grappling with extreme poverty and has a limited capacity to provide shelter, food, and reintegration support. The deportations also carry economic implications for Iran, which risks losing a substantial source of labor in key sectors like construction and agriculture.
General Italian Prosecutors Investigate Attack On Jewish Tourist As Possible Hate Crime
Prosecutors in Milan, Italy, are investigating an attack on a 52-year-old French tourist and his 6-year-old son as a possible hate crime, AP said in a report. The incident occurred on Sunday at a highway rest stop north of Milan after the man and his son were reportedly targeted for wearing a kippah, a Jewish head covering. This event takes place amid a documented global surge in antisemitic incidents since late 2023, with Italy also seeing a rise in threats against its Jewish community. The investigation carries significant political and social implications, as its outcome could impact the sense of security for Jewish communities in Europe and influence international perceptions of safety for religious minorities traveling in Italy, potentially affecting the nation’s tourism sector.
General Dominican Republic Seizes 1.5 Tons Of Cocaine After 12-Hour Chase
Authorities in the Dominican Republic seized 1.5 tons of cocaine from a boat after a 12-hour pursuit off the country’s south coast, AP said in a report. The operation, which involved helicopters, boats, and cars, concluded near the southwestern town of Pedernales. Four people—three Dominicans and one Colombian—were arrested in connection with the seizure. An official from the country’s Anti-Drug Agency described the event as one of the largest in the nation’s history.
General Attack On Military Base In Burkina Faso Kills Around 50 Soldiers
An attack by an armed group on a military base in northern Burkina Faso has left approximately 50 soldiers dead, according to accounts from a community leader and a resident on Tuesday, AP says in a report. The incident occurred on Monday at a base in Dargo, located in the Boulsa province. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is suspected of carrying out the attack.
General RSF Attacks Worsen Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan’s Strategic City El-Obeid
Attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are compounding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s strategic city of el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The city is a crucial economic and logistical hub, and the ongoing fighting disrupts vital supply routes, hindering the delivery of aid to millions in the Kordofan and Darfur regions. The conflict, part of a broader war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) that began in April 2023, has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medicine for civilians. The RSF offensive aims to control key infrastructure, and while the SAF reportedly maintains control of the city center, the siege threatens to cripple internal trade and destabilize the region further.
General Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 Evacuated in Turkey After Landing Gear Smokes
A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul was evacuated using emergency slides on Tuesday at the airport in Antalya, Turkey, after smoke was observed in the Boeing 777’s landing gear while it was taxiing, according to a report in AP. Airline spokesperson Yahya Ustun stated the evacuation was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers, none of whom were injured. The incident occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing and safety standards, potentially adding to concerns for the aircraft maker. For Turkish Airlines, while the successful evacuation highlights effective crew and emergency response protocols, it will likely prompt an internal investigation into maintenance and operational procedures.
General Chile Hands Over Stolen Keanu Reeves Watches To US FBI
Chilean authorities have transferred six valuable watches stolen from Canadian actor Keanu Reeves to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, a move highlighting international law enforcement cooperation, AP said in a report. The watches, including an engraved Rolex valued at over $9,500, were recovered during a police raid in Chile months after being stolen from Reeves’ Los Angeles home in a past incident. This handover, confirmed by Chilean prosecutors after Reeves identified the items, underscores a coordinated effort against the transnational trafficking of high-value stolen goods, with the FBI now tasked to facilitate their return.
General Pakistani Rescuers To Attempt Helicopter Rescue For Stranded German Climber
An urgent rescue operation is planned for Wednesday in northern Pakistan to retrieve an injured German mountaineer and Olympic gold medalist, Denise Herrmann-Wick, who has been stranded since Monday on Laila Peak in the Karakoram range, AP said in a report. The incident underscores the significant operational challenges and risks associated with high-altitude expeditions in the region. A ground-based search team was forced to halt its efforts on Tuesday evening due to darkness, prompting authorities to schedule a helicopter-assisted attempt at dawn to reach the seriously injured climber.
General Google Remains Silent On Secret UK Demand For User Data Access
Google has reiterated it has never built a ‘backdoor’ for its services but refused to confirm or deny whether it has received a secret UK surveillance order demanding access to encrypted user data, according to a report in TechCrunch. The company’s refusal to comment is constrained by UK laws, such as the Investigatory Powers Act, which can include gag orders preventing the disclosure of such warrants. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between global tech companies committed to end-to-end encryption and government demands for lawful access to data for national security purposes, raising concerns about user privacy and the integrity of global encryption standards.
General Stellantis Faces $1.7 Billion Tariff Hit Amid USMCA Trade Rules
Automaker Stellantis anticipates a $1.7 billion (€1.5 billion) financial hit from tariffs this year, primarily related to vehicles produced in Canada and Mexico that do not meet the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s (USMCA) rules of origin, AP said in a report. The company is reportedly in discussions with US officials to mitigate the impact. To counteract the costs, Stellantis plans to enhance its North American profitability by introducing new models, such as a successor to the discontinued Jeep Cherokee, a strategy outlined by its North American COO, Antonio Filosa.
General UK Prime Minister Sets Conditions For Israel On Palestinian Statehood
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK government will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes specific actions, AP says in a report. Following a Cabinet meeting, Starmer outlined the conditions for Israel to avert this change in UK policy, which include agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, permitting the UN to deliver humanitarian aid, and engaging in substantive steps toward a long-term peace settlement. The recognition is timed to occur before the next United Nations General Assembly, signaling a significant shift in British foreign policy.
General Russian Strikes Kill 27 In Ukraine Amid Cross-Border Drone Attacks
Recent escalations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have resulted in civilian casualties on both sides, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Russian attacks on Ukraine reportedly killed 27 people, with victims including inmates and a pregnant woman. Concurrently, Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russia’s southern Rostov region, leading to at least one fatality. These incidents highlight the ongoing and widening human cost of the conflict, with aerial strikes impacting civilian areas in both nations.
General Stellantis To Counter $1.7 Billion Tariff Impact With New North American Models
Stellantis North America CEO Antonio Filosa announced plans to mitigate an expected €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) impact from tariffs this year by enhancing profitability in the region, according to a report in AP. The strategy involves launching new models, including a successor to the discontinued Jeep Cherokee, to drive sales. The automotive group is also engaged in discussions with US officials to address the tariff burden, particularly on vehicles manufactured in Canada and Mexico and imported into the US under the USMCA trade agreement.
General Trinidad And Tobago Extends State Of Emergency Amid Prison-Based Threats
Trinidad and Tobago’s legislature has approved an extension of the nation’s state of emergency due to persistent security threats originating from within its prison system, as per a report in AP. The country’s attorney general stated that the prison system has been compromised, alleging that some prison officers and even attorneys are complicit in helping inmates orchestrate high-level crimes. Authorities have responded to the threat by moving high-risk prisoners to military bases as part of a crackdown on jailed gang leaders who are accused of using smuggled cellphones to plan a series of assassinations, robberies, and kidnappings.
General Israeli TV Personalities Reportedly Mock Starving Children In Gaza
Israeli television personalities are facing criticism for mocking children dying of starvation in Gaza, with one personality reportedly joking that an ‘obese’ mother ate her baby, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The incident occurs against a backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis and warnings of famine in the Gaza Strip from international organizations. The remarks have drawn attention to the rhetoric used in Israeli public discourse regarding the conflict and have been cited as an example of dehumanization by critics.
General Police and Protesters Clash in Serbia Amid Student Expulsion Dispute
Police in the southwestern Serbian town of Novi Pazar clashed with hundreds of anti-government protesters on Tuesday after students were reportedly expelled from a faculty building they had occupied for months, AP says in a report. The demonstration is part of the broader ‘Serbia Against Violence’ movement, which has seen sustained nationwide protests against President Aleksandar Vučić’s government since May 2023 over issues including alleged electoral fraud and political violence. During the clash, protesters chanted anti-government slogans and threw bottles at police, who responded with batons and shields, escalating concerns about political stability and freedom of assembly in the country.
General German Zoo Kills 12 Baboons Citing Lack Of Space Amid Protests
The Tiergarten Nürnberg Zoo in Germany proceeded with the culling of 12 baboons on Tuesday amid significant controversy, AP says in a report. The zoo, which first announced the plan in February 2024, justified the action by stating it lacked sufficient space to house the growing baboon population and was unable to secure viable rehoming arrangements. This decision has drawn strong criticism from animal rights organizations and has significant business implications for the zoo, including potential reputational damage and public backlash. The incident also places a spotlight on the broader ethical challenges and population management policies within the global zoo industry.
General Telecom Giant Orange Reports Service Disruption Amid Cyberattack
Telecom giant Orange has confirmed it is experiencing ongoing service disruptions across its networks in Europe and Africa due to an unspecified cyberattack, TechCrunch says in a report. The company, one of the world’s largest telecommunications operators, stated that customers are being impacted by the hack, which is causing interruptions to essential voice, data, and internet services.
General Taliban To Send Afghan Workers To Qatar To Ease Unemployment
To ease widespread unemployment in Afghanistan, the Taliban have initiated a program to export labor to Qatar, with registration opening for 2,000 skilled professionals in fields like hospitality and engineering, as per a report in AP. This move is part of a broader economic strategy, as the Taliban confirmed talks are also underway to send workers to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, and Russia. Applicants from all 34 Afghan provinces are eligible to apply for the program, which aims to generate remittances and relieve economic pressure on the country.
General Russian Journalist Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Extremism Charges
Journalist Olga Komleva has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Russian court in Ufa on charges of extremism and “spreading false information,” as per a report in AP. The court found the 46-year-old guilty of involvement with an organization associated with the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, which Russian authorities have officially designated as “extremist.” The conviction, handed down after a closed-door trial, is part of a wider crackdown on dissent, independent media, and opposition figures in the country.
General 13 Children Die of Malnutrition in Sudan’s Darfur Camp Amid Worsening Crisis
Thirteen children died last month from causes related to malnutrition in the Lagawa displacement camp in Sudan’s East Darfur province, highlighting the severe economic and social collapse amid the nation’s ongoing conflict, AP says in a report. A doctors’ group confirmed the deaths, which are a direct result of the war that began in April 2023 between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The event underscores dire warnings from humanitarian agencies about an impending famine and the breakdown of health facilities, with both warring parties accused of obstructing critical aid delivery, leading to what is described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
General Four Killed And Hundreds Arrested In Angola Fuel Protests
Police in Angola have confirmed that four people were killed and over 500 were arrested during protests in the capital, Luanda, which began on Monday, AP says in a report. The demonstrations erupted after the government’s decision to increase diesel prices by more than 30%. This measure, part of a broader economic reform to eliminate fuel subsidies, led to significant fare hikes by minibus taxis, which are the primary and often only affordable mode of transport for a majority of the population. The protests highlight the severe economic impact of the subsidy removal on citizens, creating inflationary pressure and raising the cost of living.
General Hundreds Arrested During Deadly Fuel Protests In Angola
Hundreds have been arrested amid deadly protests across Angola, notably in the capital Luanda, as thousands demonstrate against the high cost of living, according to a report in BBC. The unrest was triggered by the government’s decision in June 2023 to remove petrol subsidies as part of a wider economic reform program under President João Lourenço. This move has exacerbated existing economic hardships, including high inflation and widespread poverty, in the oil-rich nation. The protests highlight growing social discontent and pose a significant challenge to the government’s reform agenda, potentially impacting political stability and investor confidence in Angola’s economy.
General Greek Defense Tech Firm Secures $14 Million To Develop Sea Drones
Athens-based defense technology firm Delian Alliance Industries has secured $14 million in a recent funding round to expand its development of defense products, according to a report in TechCrunch. The company, based in Greece, is focusing on creating surveillance towers and concealed sea drones. The investment occurs amid a broader trend of increased venture capital funding for defense technology startups outside of the US, driven by rising geopolitical tensions.
General Hundreds Pray For Marine Safety At Sacred Seaside Festival In Japan
Hundreds of residents have gathered for a traditional summer festival at Kurihama beach near Tokyo to pray for marine safety and celebrate their community, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The prayers for the well-being of seafarers and for bountiful catches reflect deeper economic and environmental concerns within Japanese coastal communities. These anxieties are linked to the sustainability of livelihoods like fishing, which face pressures from changing ocean conditions and the ongoing reputational impact of events such as the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi plant that began in August 2023. The festival highlights the cultural and spiritual reliance on the sea while reinforcing community cohesion in the face of modern challenges.
General Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara Announces Bid For Fourth Term
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara announced his intention to run for a fourth term in the 2025 election. His justification rests on the argument that a new constitution adopted in 2016 reset the presidential term count, a legal interpretation he previously used to run for a controversial third term in 2020. That 2020 decision led to widespread protests and an opposition boycott. The current announcement has prompted concerns over renewed political instability in Ivory Coast, which is a major global cocoa producer and a key regional economic hub.
General Gallup Poll Shows Declining US Support For Israel’s Military Action In Gaza
A new Gallup poll indicates a significant decline in support for Israeli military action in Gaza among US adults, with only about one-third now approving of the operation, AP says in a report. This represents a substantial drop from the roughly 50% approval rate recorded at the beginning of the war with Hamas. The polling data also reveals that the favorability of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among Americans has fallen to a historic low. The report notes that US President Donald Trump is unlikely to face the same public pressure on his approach to Israel.
General IMF Upgrades 2025 Global Growth Forecast To 3%
The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its global economic outlook, now forecasting 3% growth for 2025, according to a report in AP. This revised figure is an improvement from the 2.8% projected in April, although it remains below the 3.3% growth recorded in 2024. The 191-country lender attributed the upward revision to the fact that protectionist trade policies under US President Donald Trump have proven less damaging to the global economy than initially anticipated. The IMF also raised its economic outlook for the United States.