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Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 11:35 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
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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.
Bolsonaro Supporters Rally In Brazil; Lula Criticizes US Influence
Tens of thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered on the country’s Independence Day to protest against the Supreme Court amid ongoing investigations into his alleged role in a coup attempt, as per a report in AP. Separately, on Saturday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that Brazil would not tolerate foreign influence in its affairs, a comment directed at what the source described as criticism and sanctions from the US under the administration of current President Donald Trump.
Cash Shortage In Eastern Congo Forces Residents To Use Damaged Banknotes
A severe shortage of intact currency in Bukavu, a city in the conflict-affected eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is forcing the local population to rely on damaged, hole-punched, and repaired banknotes for daily commerce, AP says in a report. This situation, stemming from persistent insecurity and a lack of formal banking infrastructure which disrupts the supply of new bills from the central bank, is causing significant economic hardship. Local businesses and residents face difficulties in conducting transactions, leading to disputes and undermining the stability of the local economy and trust in the national currency.
China's Export Growth Slows in August Amid Global Economic Pressures
China’s export growth decelerated in August 2025, with exports increasing by 4.4% year-on-year to $321.8 billion, a notable slowdown from recent months, as per a report in AP. The country’s customs agency also reported that imports rose by 1.8% to $219.5 billion. The data highlights the impact of weakening global demand and persistent trade frictions with major partners, including the US and the European Union. China’s substantial trade surplus remains a point of contention, as the influx of low-priced Chinese goods benefits consumers but poses a threat to manufacturing jobs in importing nations.
Investment Surges Into European Defence Tech Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Venture capital investment in European defence technology startups is surging due to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and concerns over the future of the US security relationship, according to a report in the Financial Times. This wave of funding is being driven by a continental push for greater strategic autonomy and a re-evaluation of defence priorities, spurred by fears of a potentially less reliable US commitment to NATO under the administration of President Donald Trump. Investors are now channeling significant capital into companies developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and cybersecurity solutions. This trend reflects a broader European effort, including initiatives like the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP), to bolster the domestic defence industrial base, reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers, and close critical capability gaps.
Australian Woman Sentenced To Life In Prison For Mushroom Murders
Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years for murdering three of her estranged husband’s relatives with poisonous death cap mushrooms, as per a report in AP. Victoria state Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale stated the crimes involved an ‘enormous betrayal of trust’. The conviction stems from a fatal family lunch in July 2023, where Patterson served a meal containing the mushrooms, leading to three deaths and one survivor who was critically ill. Patterson was convicted of three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Trump Claims New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Accepted By Israel
Former US President Donald Trump announced that he has presented a new ceasefire proposal to end the war in Gaza, Al Jazeera said in a report. Trump claimed that Israel has accepted his terms for the deal and also issued what he termed a “last warning” for Hamas to agree to the conditions.
Tropical Storm Tapah Makes Landfall In Southern China, Halting Services And Forcing Evacuations
Tropical Storm Tapah made landfall in southern China on Monday, leading to significant preventative measures across the economic hub of Guangdong province, as per a report in AP. Authorities evacuated approximately 60,000 people, closed schools, and halted some train and ferry services to mitigate the storm’s impact. The disruption also affected flights and led to the closure of dozens of scenic areas, with state media outlet CCTV reporting on the storm’s arrival. The temporary shutdown of services in the major industrial region is expected to cause short-term economic losses and disrupt regional supply chains and trade.
Gaza-Bound Flotilla With Greta Thunberg Arrives In Tunisia
A flotilla carrying 350 pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid has docked in Tunisia en route to challenge the Israeli-Egyptian naval blockade of Gaza, BBC says in a report. The boats, which include activist Greta Thunberg among the participants, are stocked with medical and food supplies intended for the territory. This mission occurs amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and adds to the international political pressure on Israel regarding its blockade policy, which has been in place since 2007. The flotilla’s journey presents a significant diplomatic and security challenge for Israel, which has intercepted similar attempts in the past, most notably the Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010.
Former Trump Aide Proposes Secondary Tariffs On Russian Oil Importers
Scott Bessent, a former economic advisor to Donald Trump, has advocated for a significant escalation of economic pressure on Russia by proposing secondary tariffs on importers of Russian oil, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Bessent argued that such a measure, which would directly penalize third-party nations for purchasing Russian energy, could potentially “collapse” the Russian economy. The stated objective of this proposed strategy is to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to enter into negotiations. This call for secondary tariffs represents a potential shift towards a more aggressive economic policy than the current G7 price cap mechanism, targeting the revenue streams Russia receives from major buyers.
Memphis Depay Becomes Netherlands' All-Time Top Scorer In World Cup Qualifier
Memphis Depay became the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer with two goals in a 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory over Lithuania, as per a report in AP. Depay’s 51st and 52nd goals for the national team surpassed the previous record of 50 held by Robin van Persie. The win places the Netherlands at the top of Group G with 10 points from four matches. The same day’s results also included Germany getting its first win of the qualifying campaign.
Greece Announces €1.6 Billion Package To Address Population Decline
To combat a severe demographic crisis that projects it to become Europe’s oldest nation, the Greek government has announced a €1.6 billion relief package aimed at boosting its birth rate, according to a report in The Guardian. The prime minister described the population decline as one of the country’s biggest challenges, a situation exacerbated by high emigration during its past economic crisis. The new measures will include tax breaks and other financial incentives to encourage families to have more children, with the goal of alleviating long-term pressures on the nation’s pension systems, healthcare, and labor supply. This policy represents a significant financial commitment to reverse a trend also seen in other European nations facing aging populations and shrinking workforces.
New Zealand Police Fatally Shoot Fugitive Father; Two Children Remain Missing
Tom Phillips, a New Zealand man who disappeared with his three children in December 2021, was shot and killed by police on Monday following a confrontation that also left an officer critically injured, AP says in a report. After evading capture for nearly four years by living in remote countryside, Phillips was located by law enforcement. While his eldest child has been found safe and reunited with family, an extensive search is now underway for the two younger children, who remain unaccounted for. Authorities believe Phillips received assistance to survive and evade capture for such a long period and are actively investigating his potential support network.
US Treasury Secretary Denies Trump Tariffs Are A Tax On Americans
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly refuted the characterization of President Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs as a tax on American consumers and businesses, according to a report in The Guardian. During a Sunday interview, Bessent dismissed warnings from major corporations, including John Deere, Nike, and Black and Decker, which have stated the tariffs will cost them billions of dollars annually. Bessent instead predicted an “acceleration” in the US economy, signaling the administration’s continued commitment to its trade policy despite industry opposition.
UK To Host Five Eyes Security Meeting On People-Smuggling
New UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to host a meeting in London with her counterparts from the Five Eyes security alliance to discuss strategies against people-smuggling, according to a report in The Guardian. The meeting comes as the number of migrants arriving in the UK via Channel crossings surpassed 30,000 for the year. Attendees will include the interior ministers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US Secretary of Homeland Security, representing the member nations of the intelligence-sharing pact.
Mexico Vows More Arrests In Widening Fuel Theft Crackdown
Mexico is escalating its crackdown on widespread fuel theft, with the nation’s top prosecutor announcing on Sunday that “many more” arrests are planned, potentially including government officials, AP said in a report. This statement follows the arrest of 14 individuals on Saturday, including a person related to a former head of the Mexican navy, in connection with a major fuel seizure in northern Mexico. The government’s move to target higher-level figures involved in these illicit networks, which operate between Mexico and the United States, underscores the depth of the long-standing problem.
