World News Live Updates: China Intensifies Crackdown On Counterfeit Labubu Dolls
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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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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
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
Global Nuclear Arsenals Expand Amid Eroding Arms Control Treaties
The global security landscape is becoming increasingly volatile as several nuclear-armed states advance their capabilities, according to a report in The Washington Post. Key developments include Russia's suspension of the New START treaty, the last remaining arms control pact with the US, and China's significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal, including the construction of new missile silos. Concurrently, North Korea continues to develop its missile programs, and Iran has increased its uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels, raising concerns with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These actions are straining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and increasing the risks of miscalculation and escalation, which has significant political and economic implications for international stability.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
China Intensifies Crackdown On Counterfeit Labubu Dolls
Chinese authorities are seizing thousands of counterfeit 'Lafufu' dolls in a widespread crackdown on intellectual property theft, according to a report in The Washington Post. The operation targets fakes of the internet-viral Labubu dolls, which are owned by Chinese collectible toy giant Pop Mart. This enforcement action is part of a larger national strategy to protect domestic brands and the burgeoning 'trendy play' industry, focusing on disrupting manufacturing and sales through e-commerce and cross-border channels. The move aims to protect consumers, bolster the value of authentic collectibles sold in a 'blind box' format, and improve China's international standing on IP protection.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
UK To Ban Social Media Ads Promoting Small Boat Crossings
The UK government is set to introduce a new UK-wide criminal offense banning social media ads that promote small boat journeys across the Channel, according to a report in The Guardian. This proposed change to the border security bill would also make it a crime to advertise fake passports, visas, and fraudulent work opportunities. Perpetrators who create and share these advertisements could face penalties including up to five years in prison and a significant fine, as part of the government's broader strategy to disrupt the business model of human traffickers.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
Syria Accuses Kurdish-Led SDF Of Rocket Attack Near Manbij
Syria's Defence Ministry has accused the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of injuring four army personnel and three civilians in a rocket attack near the strategic northern city of Manbij, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The accusation highlights escalating tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF, threatening stability in a region already complicated by the presence of Turkish, Russian, and US forces. This direct confrontation risks undermining any political dialogue and could divert resources from counter-terrorism operations against ISIS remnants, potentially allowing the group to regroup amidst the renewed instability.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
UN Reports 173,000 Displaced By Clashes In Syria's Sweida Province
An estimated 173,000 people have been displaced in Syria's Sweida province since mid-July following an escalation in sectarian clashes between local Bedouin and Druze communities, France 24 said in a report. The conflict has prompted humanitarian organizations to assist in evacuating civilians from devastated areas. A majority of the displaced Bedouins have found refuge in temporary shelters in the neighboring province of Daraa, with many having fled without their belongings.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
Italy To Begin Humanitarian Aid Airdrops Into Gaza
Italy will commence airdrops of humanitarian aid over Gaza, joining France and Spain in efforts to alleviate a severe humanitarian crisis where UN-backed experts have warned of famine, according to a report in France 24. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed on Friday that he has authorized a mission involving the Italian Army and Air Force to transport and deliver basic necessities to civilians. The first aid drops could begin as soon as August 9, marking an expansion of international efforts to use air deliveries as a last resort due to severe restrictions on land-based aid routes.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
EU Condemns Macau Over Arrest Of Former Pro-Democracy Lawmaker
The European Union has officially condemned Macau authorities for arresting former pro-democracy lawmaker and activist Au Kam-san over alleged national security violations, according to a report in South China Morning Post. In a statement, the EU said the arrest raises concerns about the 'ongoing erosion of political pluralism and freedom of speech' in the special administrative region. The move is seen as aligning Macau more closely with the political crackdown observed in Hong Kong, signaling a stricter enforcement of Macau's own 2009 national security law and intensifying international scrutiny over Beijing's 'One Country, Two Systems' framework. This development increases political risk and uncertainty for the former Portuguese enclave, which was returned to Chinese rule in 1999.
Aug 03, 2025 09:52 IST
Russian Forces Reportedly Accelerate Advance in Ukraine for Fourth Straight Month
Russian forces continued their advance in Ukraine for a fourth straight month in July, with the pace of operations reportedly accelerating, according to a report in France 24. Moscow has claimed control over nearly 80% of the Donetsk region, though independent analysis suggests the figure is closer to 50-60%. The sustained push follows Ukraine's stalled 2023 counter-offensive and has been aided by delays in Western military aid and Russia's effective use of guided glide bombs. The current offensive is focused on strategic objectives like Chasiv Yar and the logistical hub of Pokrovsk, putting significant pressure on Ukrainian defensive lines and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the east.
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