World News Live Updates: WhatsApp Removes Over 6.8 Million Accounts in Global Anti-Scam Operation

As part of a broader effort to combat rising online fraud, WhatsApp has announced new features to protect users and has taken down over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam operations worldwide, according to a report in TechCrunch. This move comes amid increasing global regulatory pressure on tech platforms to ensure user safety and represents a significant operational action by parent company Meta to maintain platform integrity. The crackdown targets sophisticated, large-scale scam centers that leverage the platform for illicit activities, highlighting the ongoing challenge tech companies face in policing their services against organized online crime.

US President Donald Trump will establish a new task force dedicated to the 2028 Olympic Games being held in Los Angeles by signing an executive order on Tuesday, AP says in a report. According to the White House, Trump considers overseeing the global sporting event a great honor and has cited the LA Summer Games as one of the events he is most looking forward to during his second term. The 2028 Games will be the first Olympics hosted by the US since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for new tariffs on semiconductors and chips, signaling a potential escalation in the US-China tech competition, TechCrunch says in a report. The move is being considered alongside a review of export restrictions on advanced AI chips. These potential policies build on previous measures, such as export controls implemented by the former Biden administration and the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which was aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. The proposed tariffs and restrictions could increase costs for the US semiconductor industry, further impede China’s access to critical technology, and potentially lead to greater fragmentation of the global supply chain.

The Philippine government has condemned China’s latest rocket launch after suspected debris fell near the western province of Palawan, sparking alarm, according to a report in AP. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated on Tuesday that while there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the debris that fell Monday night, the incident posed a significant danger to people, ships, and aircraft in the region. The condemnation highlights escalating diplomatic friction and raises concerns over the safety and economic implications for crucial shipping and aviation routes in Southeast Asia.

Norway’s Finance Minister, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, has initiated a review of the country’s $2 trillion Government Pension Fund Global’s investments in Israeli companies, Financial Times said in a report. The probe follows public outcry and allegations that certain companies have aided Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The fund, the world’s largest of its kind, operates under a strict ethical framework overseen by an independent Council on Ethics and has previously divested from firms over human rights and conflict-related concerns. This review could lead to the divestment from specific companies, impacting their market value and setting a significant precedent for how global investors integrate geopolitical conflict into their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.

Asylum applications within the European Union are undergoing a significant shift, with Spain becoming a preferred destination for many, Al Jazeera says in a report. This change occurs amidst a general decline in the total number of applications lodged within the EU, a trend attributed to stricter national migration policies in other member states and an increased EU focus on external border control. The redirection of migration flows, particularly via the dangerous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, is placing considerable strain on Spain’s asylum and reception systems, testing the effectiveness of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and its burden-sharing mechanisms.

Deadly unrest, poverty, and hunger are escalating in oil-rich Angola following significant fuel price hikes, Al Jazeera says in a report. The public anger stems from the government’s phased removal of fuel subsidies, a policy initiated in June 2023 as part of a broader economic reform program. Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, the majority of the Angolan population has not seen benefits from this wealth and is now facing a severe cost of living crisis, with the fuel price increases exacerbating already high inflation and deepening poverty.

In the West Bank village of Umm al-Khair, nearly two dozen Palestinian Bedouin women are on a hunger strike demanding the return of the body of a community leader killed during a clash with Israeli settlers, as per a report in AP. The women state their protest will continue until the remains are released for burial. This incident occurs within the context of Israel’s controversial policy of withholding the bodies of Palestinians killed in clashes, a practice condemned by human rights groups. It also highlights the ongoing political implications of rising tensions in the West Bank, which has seen a surge in settler violence and consistent displacement threats against Palestinian communities in Area C.

A court in Moldova has sentenced the pro-Russia regional leader Yevgenia Gutsul to seven years in prison for funneling Russian money to a political party, a landmark case expected to increase tensions with Moscow, The Guardian says in a report. Prosecutors said Gutsul systematically funneled undeclared funds into Moldova between 2019 and 2022 to finance the now-banned pro-Moscow Șor party. The party was founded by Ilan Shor, a pro-Russia businessman living in exile who was previously convicted of fraud in Moldova.

The United Nations is warning of a growing food insecurity crisis in northern Nigeria, where jihadist violence and cuts to humanitarian funding are forcing rural communities to abandon farmlands, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Ongoing violence, primarily from groups like Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, has displaced a significant number of people from the country’s northern agricultural heartland. This displacement, combined with global humanitarian funding shortfalls and local economic pressures, has severely disrupted food production. Aid agencies report that the situation threatens to escalate into a major humanitarian crisis, impacting Nigeria’s national food security and leaving millions, particularly displaced populations and children, at risk of acute malnutrition.

Protests have erupted in China’s Sichuan province in response to a viral school bullying incident, with demonstrators alleging a violent police response, according to a report in BBC. The public outcry stems from the murder of a 13-year-old boy in Handan in March 2024, a case that ignited national anger over juvenile crime and the justice system’s handling of it. Protesters in Sichuan have reported that police used batons and electric prods to disperse the crowds.

For the first time, the Antarctic krill fishery has been shut down early after a record catch exceeded the seasonal limit, as per a report in AP. The unprecedented closure, which follows the lapse of a key conservation framework, carries significant economic implications, causing immediate revenue losses for the krill fishing industry. This industry has been expanding to meet growing global demand for krill in aquaculture feed and health supplements. The event highlights challenges within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and increases calls for member nations to implement stricter, science-based regulations to protect the vital ecosystem, which is also crucial for climate change mitigation.

An Aboriginal group has initiated a legal bid to prevent the construction of Olympic infrastructure in Brisbane’s Victoria Park ahead of the 2032 Games, BBC says in a report. The group asserts that the park, a site designated for major Olympic facilities, is culturally and historically significant to Indigenous people and should be protected. This legal action could create significant delays for the Olympic delivery timeline and force a re-evaluation of venue plans, posing both logistical and financial challenges for the Queensland government and Games organizers.

Sudan’s government has formally accused the United Arab Emirates of sending Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s civil war, AP said in a report. The Sudanese foreign ministry issued a statement on Monday claiming it possesses “irrefutable evidence” that Emirati authorities sponsored and financed mercenaries from Colombia and some neighboring African countries. The government did not share the evidence or name the other African nations allegedly involved.

The Indus Delta in Pakistan is experiencing a severe environmental and socio-economic crisis, leading to the collapse of traditional farming and fishing livelihoods, Al Jazeera says in a report. This degradation is primarily driven by decades of extensive upstream water diversion for agriculture, which has drastically reduced the flow of essential freshwater and sediment to the delta. The situation is worsened by the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and altered rainfall patterns, which intensify seawater intrusion. The consequences include the loss of agricultural land, the degradation of vital mangrove ecosystems, widespread poverty, food insecurity, and forced internal migration from the affected coastal communities.

Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the United States under President Donald Trump’s expanding third-country deportation initiative, AP said in a report. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed the agreement, which is part of a broader US effort to secure deals with African nations to take individuals the Trump administration seeks to expel. The policy targets people President Trump has characterized as having entered the US illegally.

Dozens are feared trapped after a cloudburst caused flash floods in the village of Dharali in India’s Uttarkashi district, prompting a major rescue operation, BBC says in a report. Rescue teams are working to reach the village in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, which is believed to have borne the brunt of the flooding. The event highlights the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters, particularly during the annual monsoon season. The flash floods and potential subsequent landslides pose a significant risk to local populations and threaten to damage critical infrastructure like roads and bridges, which could hamper rescue efforts and have long-term economic implications for the region’s connectivity.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic early Tuesday, jolting residents in the country and neighboring Puerto Rico, as per a report in AP. The US Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at a significant depth of 104 miles (168 kilometers) and was centered 24 miles (38 kilometers) southeast of Boca de Yuma. No damage was immediately reported from the event. This quake followed a smaller 4.4 magnitude earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti hours earlier, highlighting the region’s high seismic activity at the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.

The trial for US citizen William Wallace Molyneaux V has commenced in Bali, where he faces a potential 15-year prison sentence under Indonesia’s stringent drug laws, AP said in a report. Molyneaux was charged with importing illegal drugs after his arrest at a post office near Kuta beach, where he allegedly collected a package containing ADHD pills that had been mailed from London. This case highlights the severe legal consequences and consistent enforcement of Indonesia’s drug policies, which apply to foreign nationals even for substances that may be considered legal prescription medications in their home countries.

New vehicle registrations for Tesla in the UK plunged by 60% in July, while its Chinese competitor BYD recorded a significant sales surge, according to a report in the Financial Times. The decline for the US-based carmaker coincides with BYD’s ongoing aggressive expansion into European markets. The registration figures are a key metric for market share and reflect vehicles that have been sold and officially registered with UK authorities during the month.

Indian aerospace startup Jeh Aerospace has secured $11 million in a new funding round to expand its role in the global commercial aircraft supply chain, according to a report in TechCrunch. The investment is aimed at scaling the company’s manufacturing and supply capabilities for aircraft components and sub-assemblies to help alleviate persistent global bottlenecks caused by geopolitical and labor-related disruptions. This development aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, seeking to bolster the nation’s position as a high-value manufacturing hub and provide a more resilient and cost-effective option for international aerospace firms.

Deutsche Bank’s current CEO, Christian Sewing, approved a controversial transaction linked to the historic Monte dei Paschi di Siena scandal while in a previous role at the bank, and was later asked to oversee an internal investigation into the matter, according to a report in the Financial Times. The revelation raises significant questions about corporate governance and potential conflicts of interest at the German lender, which has been working to rebuild its reputation after a series of past misconduct issues. The transactions in question were complex derivatives designed to help the Italian bank Monte dei Paschi hide losses, which led to a major financial scandal and previous legal settlements for Deutsche Bank. This new disclosure about Sewing’s dual role could attract renewed scrutiny from European financial regulators like Germany’s BaFin and the European Central Bank.

Uzbekistan’s digital ecosystem company, Uzum, has achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1.5 billion after securing $65.5 million in a funding round, TechCrunch says in a report. The round was co-led by China’s Tencent and international firm VR Capital, with participation from US-based FinSight Capital. The investment underscores growing foreign investor interest in Uzbekistan’s tech sector. Uzum operates a range of services including e-commerce, fintech, and food delivery, and plans to use the new capital for the expansion of these services.

Iran has ordered government offices and banks across much of the country to close on Wednesday to alleviate severe strain on its electrical grid and water supplies amid an intense heatwave, AP says in a report. This measure, the second of its kind this summer, comes as temperatures in the capital, Tehran, have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The government’s action underscores the economic and social disruption caused by the country’s aging energy infrastructure and a worsening water crisis, with authorities urging residents to conserve resources and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.

A Chinese woman residing in Australia as a permanent resident was charged on Monday under the country’s 2018 foreign interference laws, according to a report in AP. The woman is accused of covertly collecting information about an Australian Buddhist association in Canberra. According to Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt, this is the third person to be charged under these laws and the first to be accused of interfering with the general population rather than specific political targets.

China has reported 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, prompting a significant public health response that is being compared to the stringent measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report in BBC. Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, has no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment, making vector control the primary containment strategy. The robust response suggests the potential for enhanced surveillance, health screenings, and possible localized restrictions, which could impact local economies and international travel to and from affected areas within the country.

Israel has announced plans to partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza for a limited number of merchants under strict security checks, France 24 says in a report. The development comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present an updated war strategy that could involve re-occupying parts of the territory, a significant policy shift from Israel’s 2005 disengagement. This potential move is at odds with pressure from international partners, including the US, who are advocating for a post-war plan centered on Palestinian governance. The decision to ease trade restrictions occurs against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stalled negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.

The trial of two individuals suspected of spying for China, including a former assistant to far-right lawmaker Maximilian Krah, began in a German court on Tuesday, The Times of India said in a report. The trial is expected to conclude by the end of September, and Krah has been called to testify as a witness.

Global spirits company Diageo has expanded its cost-cutting measures after reporting a nearly 28% fall in annual operating profit for the year ending in June, according to a report in The Guardian. The owner of brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker is navigating these financial challenges under its CEO, Debra Crew, who was appointed in June 2023. The company also warned of a potential $200 million annual impact from tariffs originally imposed during the US administration of President Donald Trump.

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US to sanction China for its support of Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to a report in The Washington Post. The legislation was introduced amid heightened tensions between the US and Russia, particularly after Moscow rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump to resolve the conflict. The proposed sanctions are part of a wider US strategy, often coordinated with G7 allies, to apply economic pressure on nations that enable Russia’s military-industrial complex. The bill specifically targets China’s provision of dual-use components, which are considered a critical factor in sustaining Russia’s military capabilities.

India and the Philippines have successfully concluded their first-ever joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea, a significant military deployment amid heightened regional tensions, according to a report in AP. The two-day drill, confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, represents a strategic alignment between the two democracies, both of which have separate territorial disputes with Beijing. This inaugural bilateral exercise highlights India’s expanding strategic reach into the Western Pacific under its ‘Act East’ policy and strengthens the Philippines’ defense posture by diversifying its security partnerships beyond traditional allies. The move is seen as a multilateral response to China’s assertiveness in the region, which includes its sweeping claims over the sea and a separate, long-running border dispute with New Delhi along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Australian government has initiated a bailout for critical minerals smelters operated by commodity trading group Trafigura, as per a report in the Financial Times. This move is a key component of the Albanese government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ industrial policy, which aims to build a secure domestic supply chain for materials essential to the green energy transition and national security. The government is also reportedly considering the significant market intervention of setting price floors for processed minerals to guarantee revenue and de-risk investment in the sector. This action reflects a broader global trend among Western nations to counter the high costs and competitive pressures that have historically challenged processing facilities outside of dominant regions, and to secure their own critical mineral value chains amidst geopolitical tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet is set to approve military operations across the entire Gaza Strip, a move being reported as a decision for the ‘full occupation’ of the enclave, Al Jazeera says in a report. The information, originating from Israeli media, indicates a plan to establish comprehensive Israeli military and security control over the territory, rather than a formal civilian governance plan. This development follows an intensified offensive in Rafah that began in May 2024 and comes despite an International Court of Justice ruling from that month ordering a halt to that specific military action due to the humanitarian crisis.

The nearly four-decade-long global effort to eradicate polio is encountering significant obstacles, including operational problems within vaccination teams that have reportedly gone unaddressed, according to a report in AP. Despite a more than 99% reduction in wild poliovirus cases, the disease remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while mistrust in the vaccine persists in key regions. A major challenge stems from the oral polio vaccine itself, which in rare instances can mutate and cause vaccine-derived outbreaks, now the predominant source of polio cases globally. Critics point to a lack of accountability within the campaign, which could impact public trust in broader immunization programs and future international donor funding.

Italy’s competition authority, AGCM, has fined Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein €1 million for making “misleading or omissive” environmental claims, The Guardian said in a report. The regulator determined that sustainability and social responsibility messages on Shein’s website were at times “vague, generic, and/or overly emphatic.” This action marks the second significant penalty for the company in Europe within two months, following a proposed €40 million fine from a French regulator in July for failing to comply with textile waste responsibility obligations.

Ukraine is increasingly utilizing low-cost interceptor drones to form an affordable air shield against Russian attacks, as per a report in The Japan Times. This strategic adaptation is a direct response to the depletion of expensive Western-supplied air-defense missiles and the high volume of Russian drone assaults on cities and critical infrastructure. These interceptor drones, often modified commercial or FPV (First-Person View) models, are designed to physically disable incoming enemy drones like the Shahed-type, creating a more economically sustainable defense layer. While these systems augment Ukraine’s existing defenses, they are a complementary solution with limitations, as they are not effective against faster targets like cruise missiles and can be impacted by adverse weather or electronic warfare.

An Iranian delegation made a covert visit to Russian scientific institutes that produce dual-use technologies, which are components with potential applications in nuclear weapons research, according to a report in Financial Times. The secret trip highlights the deepening strategic alliance between Moscow and Tehran, raising significant concerns among Western powers about the trajectory of Iran’s nuclear program. This development is seen as a direct challenge to the global non-proliferation regime, as it suggests the two sanctioned nations are collaborating on sensitive technology, potentially bypassing international safeguards and shortening Iran’s ‘breakout time’ to produce weapons-grade material. The visit could prompt calls for stronger sanctions against both countries.

Italy’s competition and market authority, the AGCM, has imposed a €1 million fine on global fast-fashion retailer Shein for engaging in greenwashing, as per a report in The Japan Times. The regulator found that environmental sustainability and social responsibility messages on Shein’s website, using terms like ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable,’ were vague, misleading, and lacked verifiable data to support them. This action aligns with a broader EU push against unsubstantiated environmental marketing, such as the ‘Green Claims Directive,’ and reflects increased global scrutiny on the ESG practices of the fast-fashion industry. The fine sets a significant precedent, signaling to the market that regulators are actively enforcing consumer protection laws and pushing for greater transparency and accountability from companies regarding their environmental impact.

More than 40 people were arrested in New York City on Monday evening during a protest against the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, The Guardian says in a report. Organized by the Jewish-American group IfNotNow, hundreds gathered at Columbus Circle before moving to the Trump International hotel under a banner reading “Trump: Jews Say No More.” The demonstrators called for an end to the war and demanded that the current Trump administration pressure Israel to permit more humanitarian aid into the territory, where health officials have reported deaths from starvation and malnutrition.

Japan’s state-run energy security organization will participate in a study on producing the critical mineral gallium in Australia, aiming to diversify its supply chain away from China, as per a report in The Japan Times. The move by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) is a strategic effort to enhance economic security following China’s imposition of export restrictions on gallium and germanium in July 2023. The study will assess the feasibility of extracting gallium, which is vital for semiconductors and advanced electronics, as a byproduct from bauxite processing in Australia. This aligns with a broader global trend among allied nations to build resilient supply chains for critical minerals and reduce dependence on single-source suppliers.