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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
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General UN chief calls Gaza destruction ‘intolerable’, warns on two-state solution
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that the destruction in Gaza is ‘intolerable’ and warned that the possibility of a two-state solution is ‘farther than ever’, Al Jazeera says in a report. Guterres’s comments address the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing Israeli military operations. The statement underscores the UN’s deep frustration with the lack of adherence to international humanitarian law and the diminishing prospects for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a situation compounded by the Israeli government’s stated opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
General US to destroy $9.7 million in birth control aid despite international offers
The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, plans to destroy $9.7 million worth of birth control supplies stored in a Belgian warehouse that were originally intended for foreign aid, The Washington Post says in a report. This decision has been made despite formal offers from the government of Belgium, the United Nations, and various international aid groups to take possession of the supplies and distribute them to prevent their destruction. The action is a direct consequence of the Trump administration’s reinstated and expanded Mexico City Policy, which restricts US support for international organizations that provide a full range of reproductive health services, creating significant political and humanitarian implications for global health initiatives.
General Warming oceans drive tuna from Pacific islands, posing economic threat
Warming ocean temperatures are causing a significant shift in tuna populations, driving them away from the traditional fishing grounds within Tuvalu’s Exclusive Economic Zone, according to a report in The Washington Post. This migration poses a severe threat to the Pacific island nation’s economy, as revenue from tuna fishing licenses constitutes a majority of its government income, often between 50-80%. The phenomenon, driven by rising sea surface temperatures and ocean deoxygenation, impacts key species like skipjack and yellowfin. This not only jeopardizes Tuvalu’s national budget and food security but also has broader implications for the global tuna industry and necessitates adaptive international fisheries management and climate policies to address the economic and environmental crisis.
General Greenland’s rare earths attract US interest amid mining hurdles
US President Donald Trump’s administration is expressing renewed interest in Greenland’s vast rare earth mineral deposits as part of a strategy to secure critical raw materials, The Washington Post says in a report. This interest follows a previous attempt by Trump during his first term in 2019 to purchase the island, which was rejected. However, Greenland is asserting its sovereignty over its resources, with significant political and public opposition to large-scale mining projects due to environmental risks, such as potential radioactive byproducts. The halting of the Kvanefjeld mining project in 2021 exemplifies this stance, signaling that any future development will face rigorous scrutiny, complicating efforts by the US and other global powers to access the island’s strategic minerals.
General Aid arrives in Syria’s Suwayda as UN warns of critical situation
A Syrian Arab Red Crescent aid convoy has entered the southern province of Suwayda to deliver assistance. The delivery comes as the United Nations describes the humanitarian situation in Syria as “critical,” highlighting that aid access remains severely constrained. Although the Suwayda province was previously considered relatively stable, it is now grappling with the effects of Syria’s nationwide economic collapse, which has left over 12 million people in need of assistance. The situation underscores the immense operational challenges for aid organizations, which include bureaucratic hurdles, security concerns, and a significant shortfall in international funding, complicating efforts to address the escalating crisis.
General Nigeria kidnappers kill 35 hostages after ransom paid
In a significant escalation of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, armed groups have killed 35 hostages despite receiving ransom payments for their release, BBC says in a report. This event marks a dangerous shift in the tactics of these groups, often referred to as ‘bandits’, who are prevalent in the country’s North-West and North-Central regions. The act of killing hostages post-payment undermines Nigeria’s official ‘no ransom’ policy and erodes public confidence in security. This development creates severe political implications for the government and has a direct economic impact by disrupting commerce, agriculture, and fostering widespread instability in the affected areas.
General Seventeen killed in Ecuador bar shooting amid drug violence
Seventeen people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed after gunmen attacked a bar in Ecuador, according to a report in BBC. The incident is the latest mass shooting in the nation, which is grappling with a severe security crisis driven by drug trafficking gangs. This pervasive violence, often a result of turf wars between local gangs allied with transnational cartels, has significant economic implications, deterring investment and damaging key sectors like tourism. The attack underscores the challenges faced by President Daniel Noboa’s government, which declared an ‘internal armed conflict’ in January 2024 to deploy the military against criminal organizations and restore state authority.
General Hamas rejects criticism from US President Trump, demands pressure on Israel
Hamas has publicly rejected recent criticism from US President Donald Trump and David Witkoff concerning its role in stalled ceasefire negotiations, as per a report in Fox News. In a statement, the group pushed back against the US critique of its handling of the talks aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly two years. Hamas is now demanding that the Trump administration apply pressure on Israel to agree to its terms for a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal from the territory, hardening its negotiating position and complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
General London stabbing leaves two dead, police say attack not terror-related
A stabbing incident at a business in the Southwark area of central London on Monday resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, as per a report in AP. A 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 27-year-old man later died in the hospital. A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the attack and is currently hospitalized in grave condition. Metropolitan Police have stated that the attack is not believed to be terror-related, and an investigation into the motive is ongoing.
General German industry chief blames EU competitiveness for weak US trade position
A leading German industry official has asserted that the EU’s weak bargaining position in trade talks with the United States stems from its own declining competitiveness, the Financial Times said in a report. Wolfgang Niedermark, a board member of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), pointed to factors such as high energy prices and significant regulatory burdens as key issues hampering the bloc’s economic strength. This critique comes amid ongoing concerns in Europe about the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act, which has heightened fears of de-industrialization and investment diversion away from the EU.
General National security experts urge US to block Nvidia chip sales to China
A group of 20 national security experts is urging the US administration under President Donald Trump to block the sale of Nvidia’s H20 artificial intelligence chips to China, according to a report in TechCrunch. In a letter, the experts argue that allowing these sales could undermine the US’s technological advantage in AI and exacerbate chip supply bottlenecks within the United States. The H20 chip was specifically designed by Nvidia to comply with existing US export controls, which were previously tightened by the former Biden administration. The experts’ call represents a push for even stricter regulations on technology exports to China, citing national security concerns.
General Portugal announces €137 million investment to upgrade electrical grid
Portuguese authorities have announced a series of measures to strengthen the nation’s electricity system, according to a report in AP. The plan includes a €137 million ($159 million) investment to upgrade the national grid, increase the number of ‘black start’ power stations capable of restarting without external power, and reinforce critical infrastructure such as hospitals with independent solar panels and batteries. The move, announced by Environment and Energy Minister Maria Graça Carvalho, comes in response to a previous major blackout that left large parts of Spain and Portugal without power for several hours.
General Police scuffle with Gaza war protesters on Greek island of Rhodes
Minor scuffles broke out between riot police and demonstrators on the Greek island of Rhodes during a protest against the war in Gaza, AP says in a report. A small number of protesters were seen chanting “Freedom for Palestine” near the port where an Israeli cruise ship was docked, and riot police pushed them back. Passengers from the cruise ship were able to disembark without incident.
General At least 16 killed in Ivory Coast bus collision
At least 16 people were killed and 51 injured in Ivory Coast after a long-distance bus collided with a dump truck on Sunday evening, the country’s Transportation Ministry said in a report carried by AP. The bus was traveling from the southwestern city of San Pedro to the neighboring country of Burkina Faso when the crash occurred. The injured were taken to a regional hospital for treatment.
General UN report: Food insecurity in Africa surges, affecting over 1 billion
Food insecurity is escalating in many parts of Africa, with the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet surpassing 1 billion in 2024, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of the continent’s population, AP said in a report. The UN report, published Monday, highlights that the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in Africa is over double the global average of 28%. This starkly contrasts with figures from other regions like Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia, which have not reached such a high mark, indicating that Africa’s situation is worsening despite some global improvements. The crisis is reportedly driven by a combination of escalating conflicts, persistent climate shocks, and global economic pressures.
General Trump announces plan for 15-20% ‘world tariff’
US President Donald Trump announced plans for a new ‘world tariff’ of 15% to 20% on exports to the US from most countries that do not have separate trade deals, according to a report in Reuters. Speaking in Scotland on Monday, Trump stated the new rate would be a significant increase from a broad 10% tariff he referenced as having been imposed in April. The administration reportedly plans to notify approximately 200 countries of the new tariff rate, which is intended to encourage trading partners to negotiate individual trade agreements with the United States.
General Tesla signs $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI chip production
Tesla has signed a $16.5 billion deal for Samsung to manufacture its next-generation artificial intelligence chips, a significant move to secure its supply chain for autonomous driving and supercomputing projects, as per a report in TechCrunch. The agreement is a major win for Samsung’s foundry business, strengthening its position against rival TSMC in the competitive high-performance chip market. For Tesla, this partnership ensures a stable supply of custom silicon for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems, the Dojo supercomputer, and potentially the Optimus robot, aligning with its strategy of controlling key hardware components. The deal underscores the massive capital investment required in the AI sector and the growing trend of tech companies diversifying their manufacturing partners to mitigate supply chain risks.
General US president Donald Trump again threatens Iran over nuclear enrichment
US President Donald Trump has again threatened Iran over its nuclear program, intensifying rhetoric as Tehran continues to advance its uranium enrichment activities, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The renewed threats come amid a long-standing context of escalation that began with the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and the subsequent reimposition of a ‘maximum pressure’ sanctions campaign. In response, Iran has incrementally reduced its commitments under the deal, increasing uranium enrichment levels and stockpile sizes, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified. While Iran maintains its program is for peaceful purposes, the escalating rhetoric and nuclear advancements increase the risk of regional instability and diminish prospects for a diplomatic resolution.
General UEFA president’s absence at Women’s Euro 2025 draws attention
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin’s limited attendance at the Women’s Euro 2025 has drawn attention, as he was only present for the opening game and the final in Switzerland, according to a report in AP. Despite packed stadiums and the tournament’s status as a premier event for women’s football, Ceferin, who has been president since 2016, was not seen at any matches between the opening fixture on July 2 and the final on July 27. His absence from UEFA’s main women’s event, held every four years, comes amid the organization’s strategic push to grow the women’s game and has been a subject of discussion.
General Visa and Mastercard face backlash over removal of adult games from online stores
Global payment companies, including Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe, are encountering significant public criticism for compelling online gaming stores to delist adult or not-safe-for-work (NSFW) content, as per a report in The Guardian. This development follows a pressure campaign from Collective Shout, an Australian anti-pornography lobby group. In response, independent gaming platform Itch.io pre-emptively removed all its adult-themed games to prevent payment services from being blocked across its entire site, a move that has fueled accusations of censorship from critics, including Elon Musk.
General Indigenous Nasa in Colombia reclaim ancestral land for conservation
The Indigenous Nasa community in Caloto, Colombia, is actively reclaiming ancestral territories formerly dedicated to sugarcane monoculture, an industry that caused significant ecological damage, as per a report in AP. As part of this effort, they are educating their youth in environmental protection and cultural safeguarding through traditional practices and rituals. This initiative aims to restore the local ecosystem and ensure the long-term stewardship of the land. The reclamation takes place amid significant security challenges, as the region remains a contested area for armed groups involved in drug trafficking, posing a persistent threat to the community’s autonomy and safety.
General Three killed, ten injured in first mass shooting in Turks and Caicos
Three people were killed and ten others were injured at a popular nightspot in the Turks and Caicos Islands in what authorities have described as the British territory’s first mass shooting in recent history, as per a report in AP. Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated that at least four suspects were involved in the shooting early Sunday on the island of Providenciales and characterized the event as a “gangland-type slaying.” The incident marks a significant escalation from the territory’s typical crime profile and raises concerns about its potential impact on the crucial tourism sector, which depends on the islands’ reputation for safety. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
General Trump says he will shorten Ukraine war deadline for Russia
US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he plans to shorten the 50-day deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, AP says in a report. This statement follows a recent escalation by Russia, which launched an overnight barrage on Ukrainian cities involving over 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force. Two weeks prior, Trump had proposed a plan to implement “severe tariffs” on Russia if a peace agreement was not reached by early September.
General Aeroflot cancels over 100 flights following major cyberattack
Russia’s state-owned flagship carrier, Aeroflot, experienced a significant IT outage on Monday due to a cyberattack, Russia’s prosecutor’s office confirmed, AP said in a report. The disruption forced the airline to cancel over 100 flights and delay numerous others, leading to crowded conditions at its hub at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport. The outage also impacted flights operated by Aeroflot’s subsidiary airlines, Rossiya and Pobeda, affecting primarily domestic routes.
General Taliban urges UN to include Afghanistan in climate negotiations
Matiul Haq Khalis, the head of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has called for the country’s inclusion in UN climate talks, citing the “profound impact” of extreme weather and water scarcity on the population and economy, AP says in a report. Khalis stated that the suspension of environmental protection projects following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021 has resulted in widespread harm to Afghans. While Afghanistan was permitted to attend past conferences like COP28 as observers, the Taliban government remains internationally unrecognized, which prevents full participation and access to global climate funds needed to address the escalating environmental crisis.
General Israeli human rights groups accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza
Two prominent Israeli human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, have formally accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, adding to growing domestic criticism of the war’s conduct, the Financial Times says in a report. These allegations from internal Israeli groups are significant as they lend credibility to international legal challenges, such as the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice initiated by South Africa, potentially increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel. The reports also deepen internal political divisions by challenging the government’s official narrative of the war, contributing to a body of evidence for potential future accountability processes and amplifying legal and reputational risks for the nation on the global stage.
General Sudan’s RSF coalition names leaders for parallel government
A paramilitary-led coalition in Sudan has appointed leaders for a parallel government, a move that threatens to formalize the country’s partition, as per a report in The New York Times. This development by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) establishes an alternative administrative structure to govern territories under its control, directly challenging the authority of the internationally recognized government led by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The announcement follows the failure of multiple international peace initiatives and is expected to exacerbate the nation’s severe humanitarian crisis and complicate diplomatic efforts to end the civil war that began in April 2023.
General UK’s new online age verification bypassed using video game photo mode
Following the recent enforcement of the UK’s Online Safety Act, platforms including Reddit and Discord have implemented mandatory age verification, but a significant flaw has been discovered, The Verge says in a report. Users are successfully bypassing the facial scanning tools by pointing their device’s camera at an image of the main character from the video game “Death Stranding” in its photo mode. This incident highlights major vulnerabilities in the current age verification technology being deployed to comply with the new regulations, raising questions about the effectiveness of the measures and the compliance challenges faced by global tech companies operating in the UK.
General Israeli rights groups accuse country of genocide in Gaza
Two prominent Israeli rights groups, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, have for the first time accused their country of committing genocide in Gaza, according to a report in AP. This move by local Jewish-led organizations is described as shattering a taboo within Israel and adds a significant internal voice to the explosive international debate over Israel’s military conduct during the nearly 22-month-long war. The accusations echo claims already being examined at the international level and intensify the discourse surrounding the conflict.
General Romania and Turkey face deadly natural disasters
Torrential rainstorms and flash floods have struck northeastern Romania, resulting in at least one fatality and forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes, according to a report in AP. Rescue services, including helicopters and firefighters, have been deployed in the hard-hit counties of Neamt and Suceava to assist residents trapped by the rising floodwaters, with authorities reporting that 890 people have been affected. Concurrently, Turkey is contending with severe wildfires that have claimed the lives of four individuals.
General Dubai Aerospace Enterprise acquires 10 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets from United Airlines in leaseback deal
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has acquired 10 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft from United Airlines in a sale-leaseback transaction, expanding its global leasing portfolio. The deal adds to DAE’s existing fleet, which is valued at approximately $22 billion and serves more than 160 airline customers. The arrangement provides United Airlines with a capital injection and enhanced liquidity while allowing it to continue operating the fuel-efficient jets. Such transactions are a common financial strategy for airlines to manage fleet modernization and balance sheets.
General Israeli human rights groups accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza
Two leading Israel-based human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, have published reports accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, according to a report in The Guardian. The groups allege that Israel has intentionally targeted civilians and systematically worked to destroy Palestinian society during the ongoing conflict. These accusations from within Israel add significant weight to existing international legal challenges, such as the case at the International Court of Justice, and increase the moral and political pressure on Western allies to reconsider their diplomatic and military support for Israel.
General EU finds Temu in violation of Digital Services Act over illegal products
The European Commission has found that Chinese shopping app Temu violated the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to adequately protect customers from dangerous and illegal products, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. According to the findings, Temu did not meet its legal obligations to mitigate systemic risks, ensure the traceability of its traders, and prevent the sale of unsafe items on its platform. As a result of the breach, the company, which was designated a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) in February 2024, now faces a potential fine of up to 6% of its global annual turnover.
General New Australian MP calls for human rights commitment in first speech
In his first speech to the Australian parliament, newly elected Labor MP Basem Abdo, who is of Palestinian descent, called on the government to make a “historic commitment” to international law, peace, and human rights, The Guardian says in a report. Abdo detailed his family’s journey and spoke of the “intergenerational dispossession” of Palestinians, stating they are consistently “made to be strangers in their own homes.” His speech from within the ruling party adds internal pressure on the Australian government to re-evaluate its foreign policy stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
General Kuwait partners with French hospitals to boost oncology and cardiology care
Kuwait has signed Memorandums of Understanding with five French medical institutions to advance its domestic healthcare capabilities, according to a report in The Times of India. The partnership, signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, involves prominent hospitals like Almaviva Sante and the Institut Curie and will focus on developing specialized fields such as oncology, cardiology, organ transplants, and diagnostics. The agreement also includes provisions for training Kuwaiti medical professionals in France and establishing telemedicine services to improve patient access to expert care.
General China launches annual baby subsidy to address demographic crisis
To combat its deepening demographic crisis, China has introduced a new national policy providing an annual subsidy of approximately $500 for each baby, Financial Times says in a report. The measure is designed to increase families’ spending power and encourage more births amid record-low birth rates, which fell to 6.39 per 1,000 people in 2023. This move signals a shift towards direct financial incentives after previous measures, such as relaxing the historic one-child policy, failed to significantly reverse the population decline. The policy aims to alleviate the high economic burden of child-rearing, a key factor discouraging couples from having more children, which poses a long-term threat to China’s economic growth and social welfare systems.
General Freed Ukrainian soldiers turn to counseling for post-captivity recovery
Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian prisons are turning to psychological counseling to address the trauma of their captivity and rebuild their lives, a process vital for thousands of former prisoners of war, AP says in a report. The experience of Stanislav Tarnavskyi, released in April after three years of captivity, illustrates the trend as he actively rebuilds his personal life while recognizing the need for professional support. This widespread requirement for extensive, often lifelong, mental health care and social support presents a significant challenge to Ukraine’s national resources, impacting its healthcare system and the economic planning for post-war reconstruction. The successful reintegration of these veterans is considered crucial for the country’s long-term social stability and the health of its future workforce.
General German Holocaust denier and former far-left militant Horst Mahler dies at 89
Horst Mahler, a founding member of the German far-left militant Red Army Faction (RAF) who later transitioned to far-right extremism, has died at 89, AP said in a report. Mahler, who had numerous convictions for Holocaust denial and incitement, passed away in a Berlin hospital on Sunday. His life represented a rare and controversial ideological journey from a key figure in the 1970s leftist militant scene to a prominent neo-Nazi and historical revisionist, underscoring Germany’s ongoing legal and societal challenges in combating extremism from all sides of the political spectrum.
General Iran executes two alleged members of exiled militant group
Iran has executed two men convicted of being operatives for the exiled Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) group, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The individuals were found guilty of manufacturing and using homemade projectiles to attack public buildings, homes, and charitable institutions in Tehran. The executions occur amid a broader trend of increased capital punishment in Iran, particularly following the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protests of late 2022.
General Christopher Nolan criticised for filming in occupied Western Sahara city
Filmmaker Christopher Nolan is facing criticism for shooting part of his new film, ‘The Odyssey,’ in Dakhla, a city in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, The Guardian says in a report. The organisers of the Western Sahara international film festival (FiSahara) have warned that filming in the city, which has been under Moroccan administration for decades, could serve to normalize what they describe as repression. The film, an adaptation of Homer’s epic starring Matt Damon and Charlize Theron, is scheduled for release in July 2026.