1. Air Canada Strike Halts All Mainline Flights
Air Canada Strike Grounds Travelers Across Canada – August 18, 2025
The ongoing labour dispute between Air Canada and its flight attendants brought all mainline operations to a halt today. Over 100,000 passengers faced travel chaos as flight attendants, represented by their union, continued to picket in major airports, defying a government order to return to work. Most regional flights continued to operate, but the mainline suspension led to widespread delays and canceled connections.
The Canadian government stepped in, and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) later ordered the resumption of flights after intervention by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. The strike, which suspended nearly 700 flights daily, highlighted the crucial role of cabin crew and union representation in Canada’s aviation sector.
2. Trump-Zelensky White House Meeting Draws Global Focus
World Leaders Gather in Washington for High-Stakes Summit
US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, accompanied by European leaders including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO chief Mark Rutte. The meeting comes just days after Trump’s Alaska summit with Russian President Putin, amid hopes for an end to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
European leaders joined Zelenskyy to press for a peaceful agreement, following Trump’s renewed advocacy for a direct peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The summit drew global attention, with political analysts dissecting each leader’s role in the evolving conflict.
3. Nationwide Protests in Israel Demand Hostage Release, End to Gaza War
Israel Sees Largest Rallies Yet Against Gaza War
Thousands of Israelis and international supporters took to the streets in nationwide protests, demanding a ceasefire and the immediate return of hostages held in Gaza. Strikes and rallies drew heavy police responses, including arrests and water cannon dispersals.
Global rallies called for unrestricted aid to Gaza and an end to the conflict, intensifying pressure on both Israeli and Palestinian leadership. Editorial galleries from [Al Jazeera] illustrate the global scale of these events.
4. Flash Floods Devastate India & Pakistan
Monsoon Flash Floods Kill Hundreds in South Asia
Heavy monsoon rains have triggered deadly flash floods across Northern India and Pakistan, leaving more than 300 dead, hundreds displaced, and scores missing. Rescue teams are scrambling to provide relief amid washed-out roads and destroyed homes.
International aid agencies have mobilized to deliver emergency supplies to affected regions, but the scope of the disaster highlights the need for improved water management and infrastructure resilience.
5. UP Inaugurates India’s Second Green Hydrogen Plant
Uttar Pradesh Leads the Way in Green Hydrogen Innovation
In a landmark development for sustainable energy, Uttar Pradesh has inaugurated its first green hydrogen plant, becoming the second Indian state to launch such an initiative. The move is expected to boost India’s energy transition and help reduce carbon emissions nationwide.
State officials see green hydrogen as pivotal for industrial decarbonization and energy independence, paving the way for future investment and job creation in renewable sectors.
6. Wildfires Ravage Spain & Portugal
Wildfires Cause Havoc in Spain and Portugal
Wildfires swept through vast areas of Spain and Portugal, forcing mass evacuations and straining firefighting resources. Large swathes of forestland were lost, and air quality warnings issued for residents.
Scientists noted the role of climate change in intensifying these wildfires, as governments promised increased funds for disaster response and forest management to prevent future crises.
7. Economic Boycotts Target Israel Over Gaza War
Global Economic Pressure Mounts Against Israel
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund and other countries have moved to divest from Israeli companies in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. Sanctions and asset sales have ramped up global economic pressure on the Israeli government to pursue a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
The growing movement, backed by human rights groups, has intensified diplomatic discussions in the UN and elsewhere.
8. Journalists Under Fire in Gaza
Calls for Press Protections as Gaza Journalists Face Rising Danger
Journalists reporting in Gaza are facing increasing threats, prompting a wave of international solidarity and renewed calls for press protections in conflict zones. Major press freedom organizations have voiced concern about targeting of reporters and have urged governments to provide safety guarantees.
Photos and stories from frontline correspondents highlight the risks faced daily by those covering the war.
9. Google Fined $36 Million for Anticompetitive Deals
Google Hit with $36 Million Fine in Australia Over Exclusive Telco Deals
Australian courts ordered Google to pay $36M for anticompetitive agreements with leading telecom companies. This fine mirrors global regulatory trends as scrutiny intensifies around Big Tech’s exclusive contracts and data practices.
The ruling may lead to further investigations and legal challenges in other jurisdictions, and reflects growing public concern over digital monopolies.
10. Hurricane Erin Intensifies Toward US East Coast
Hurricane Erin Threatens US East Coast with Category 4 Power
Hurricane Erin has rapidly strengthened to become a Category 4 storm, prompting warnings for the entire US East Coast and triggering mass emergency preparations. Weather agencies forecast major flooding, wind damage, and widespread power outages.
State authorities have urged residents to follow evacuation and safety orders as the hurricane approaches.
