World News Live Updates: Israeli Leaders Publicly Support Mass Relocation Of Palestinians From Gaza

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Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 11:05 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

Stay informed with our World News Live Blog — your real-time window into global events. From major geopolitical developments and scientific breakthroughs to royal family updates and cultural milestones, we bring you fast, factual, and curated updates as they happen. Whether it’s unfolding conflicts, diplomatic shifts, climate alerts, or key moments in international politics, our live blog keeps you ahead of the news curve. Designed for readers who want both speed and substance, this is your go-to source for staying connected with the world — minute by minute, headline by headline.

Hillary Clinton Pledges Nobel Nomination For Trump If He Ends Ukraine War

Hillary Clinton announced she would nominate US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if he successfully brings the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, as per a report in The Times of India. President Trump responded to the conditional offer, describing the gesture as “very nice.” The report also notes that President Trump has previously received nominations for the award in recognition of his administration’s past efforts in brokering peace agreements, such as the Abraham Accords.

Devastating Floods in Pakistan Kill 243; Buner District Worst Affected

Devastating flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Pakistan have resulted in at least 243 deaths, with many individuals still reported missing, according to a report in The Times of India. The Buner district has been identified as the most severely affected area, with 157 fatalities recorded there alone. Rescue operations are currently in progress to assist stranded families, though these efforts have been complicated by the crash of a helicopter that was delivering relief supplies. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the widespread destruction.

Mexico, Guatemala, And Belize To Create Tri-National Mayan Jungle Reserve

The leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have announced plans to create a tri-national nature reserve spanning over 14 million acres to protect the Selva Maya, also known as the Mayan jungle, AP says in a report. The agreement was reached during a meeting where officials also discussed expanding a controversial Mexican train line, the Tren Maya, which runs through the jungle habitat. This new reserve aims to form a contiguous protected area across southern Mexico and the northern regions of the two Central American nations, integrating existing conservation efforts. The initiative highlights a dual policy approach, promoting large-scale conservation while simultaneously considering the expansion of infrastructure projects that have drawn criticism from environmental and indigenous groups for their potential impact.

Trump and Putin Begin Talks in Alaska, Skip Press Questions

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Putin have commenced discussions regarding the war in Ukraine at a US military base in Alaska, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The two leaders held their meeting without taking questions from the press beforehand, ahead of a planned joint press conference.

Air Canada Cancels Over 620 Flights As Strike Threat Escalates

Air Canada has canceled more than 620 flights, including many international routes, causing widespread disruption for travelers during the peak summer season, AP said in a report. The move comes as a contract dispute with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 10,000 of the airline’s flight attendants, has escalated. The situation intensified after the union formally rejected the airline’s request to enter into government-directed arbitration, thereby preserving its legal right to strike.

Anime Pirate Flag Becomes Widespread Protest Symbol In Indonesia

Protesters across Indonesia are using the pirate flag from the popular Japanese anime One Piece as a symbol of growing public dissatisfaction with the government, Al Jazeera says in a report. Timed to coincide with the nation’s Independence Day on August 17, the act of raising the flag is intended to highlight a gap between the country’s founding ideals and its current state. The demonstrations are fueled by widespread frustration over issues including perceived government corruption, economic inequality, and concerns about civil liberties. The anime’s themes of freedom, rebellion against an oppressive world government, and camaraderie resonate with the protesters, particularly the youth, providing a modern and globally recognized symbol for their dissent.

Putin Claims 'Understanding' With President Trump On Ukraine, Warns Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he and US President Donald Trump have established an “understanding” on a path forward for the conflict in Ukraine following a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, as per a report in AP. Putin issued a direct warning to European allies, urging them not to “torpedo the nascent progress” that he claims has been made. The specifics of the purported “understanding” were not publicly detailed, but the statement indicates a significant potential shift in the diplomatic approach to the war, driven by direct talks between the US and Russian leaders.

Microsoft Launches Inquiry Into Alleged Use Of Its Tech For Mass Surveillance Of Palestinians

Microsoft has launched an urgent external inquiry into allegations that Israel’s military surveillance agency, Unit 8200, used its technology for the mass surveillance of Palestinians, The Guardian says in a report. The formal review was initiated on Friday following an investigation that revealed the spy agency allegedly relied on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to store a vast collection of intercepted mobile phone calls from Palestinians. Microsoft stated that such use of its cloud technology would constitute a breach of its terms of service.

Taliban Mark Fourth Anniversary Of Takeover As Women Protest Exclusion

The Taliban marked the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan with celebrations across Kabul, including ‘flower showers’ from helicopters, which were exclusively for men, The Guardian says in a report. Women were barred from attending, consistent with broader policies that have systematically eroded their rights, such as the ban on entering parks and recreational areas in place since November 2022. While the official celebrations took place, women staged protests against their exclusion from public life. The anniversary underscores Afghanistan’s ongoing diplomatic isolation and severe economic crisis, as no country has formally recognized the Taliban government, compounding the humanitarian situation and hindering development.

Masaoki Sen, Former Kamikaze Volunteer and Tea Grandmaster, Dies

Masaoki Sen, a grandmaster of the Japanese tea ceremony who used his cultural stature to advocate against war, has passed away, The New York Times said in a report. Sen had volunteered for a kamikaze suicide mission during World War II but was spared when the war ended before his assignment. He subsequently dedicated his life to the traditional tea ceremony, becoming a prominent cultural figure in Japan. Leveraging his unique personal history and position, Sen became a vocal proponent for peace, speaking out against all forms of warfare and contributing to post-war reconciliation discussions.

President Trump Claims Progress With Putin, Plans Talks With European And Ukrainian Leaders

US President Donald Trump, speaking from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, reported making ‘some great progress’ in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, AP says in a report. He also announced his intention to hold discussions ‘soon’ with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The specific details regarding the nature of the progress with Putin or the timeline for the upcoming talks with European and Ukrainian counterparts were not provided in the statement.

Mexico, Guatemala, And Belize Announce Joint Mayan Rainforest Reserve

The leaders of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize have announced a joint initiative to create a massive tri-national nature reserve spanning more than 14 million acres to protect the Mayan rainforest, according to a report in AP. The agreement, announced on Friday, aims to establish a contiguous protected area across the jungles of southern Mexico and the northern regions of the two Central American nations. The announcement was made following a meeting where the leaders also discussed the expansion of Mexico’s Tren Maya, a controversial train line that has faced criticism from environmental groups for its impact on the jungle habitat it traverses.

Novo Nordisk And Eli Lilly Lose $250 Billion Amid US Policy Concerns

Pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have collectively lost $250 billion in market value due to investor concerns over potential US drug price cuts and tariffs, according to a report in the Financial Times. The significant stock correction for the makers of popular weight-loss drugs is driven by political uncertainty and a shift in market sentiment. Campaign rhetoric from US President Donald Trump regarding aggressive drug price negotiations and new tariffs has increased perceived regulatory risk. This is coupled with growing investor caution, termed ‘weight-loss weariness,’ about the long-term growth prospects of the obesity drug market, considering factors like emerging competition and challenges with insurance coverage.

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