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Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 17:04 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.
Gold Hits Record $3,600 As Stagflation Fears And Rate Cut Hopes Rise
The price of gold has surged to a record $3,600 per ounce, driven by increasing expectations of a US interest rate cut and persistent fears of stagflation, according to a report in Financial Times. This significant rally is fueled by recent economic data suggesting a potential slowdown in the US economy, which has intensified market speculation that the Federal Reserve may lower rates to prevent a downturn. The situation is compounded by ongoing global geopolitical tensions and consistent gold purchases by central banks, which provide a strong demand floor. The rally reflects investor sentiment seeking safe-haven assets amidst a challenging economic outlook characterized by high inflation and stagnant growth.
China Develops Massive Solar Energy Hub In Kubuqi Desert
A massive solar power project with 196,000 panels has been established in China’s Kubuqi Desert, transforming the arid landscape into an energy hub as part of national desertification control efforts, AP says in a report. The project in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, which features panels in a symbolic horse-shaped design, is creating economic benefits by integrating with local eco-tourism and farmstays. This development highlights China’s strategy of combining renewable energy infrastructure with ecological restoration ahead of the 10th Kubuqi Desert Forum, scheduled for September 16-17, 2025.
Shenzhen And Hong Kong Launch Program To Attract Global Talent
Authorities in Shenzhen and Hong Kong have jointly launched a “72-Hour Experience Pass” program designed to attract global talent and entrepreneurs to the region, as per a report in AP. The initiative, led by the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone and the Hong Kong government, invites international experts to visit and explore collaboration opportunities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This program is part of a broader strategy to establish the GBA as a world-class innovation and economic hub by fostering closer integration and attracting international skills to bolster its modern service industries.
Pacific Islands Forum Meets On Climate And Security, Bars US And China From Summit
Leaders from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have gathered in the Solomon Islands for their annual summit to focus on climate change and regional security, as per a report in Al Jazeera. Major powers, including the United States and China, have been barred from the formal leaders’ retreat. The summit’s location is significant, given the host nation, the Solomon Islands, signed a security pact with China in 2022. The agenda includes addressing climate change, which member nations consider their primary security threat, while also navigating the strategic competition between Washington and Beijing in the region.
Turkish Authorities Block Opposition Rally in Istanbul Amid Political Tensions
Authorities in Turkey have imposed a temporary ban on public gatherings across several central districts of Istanbul and blockaded the provincial headquarters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), AP says in a report. The action was taken to prevent a rally planned for Monday by party supporters protesting the controversial appointment of a trustee to oversee the CHP’s local branch. Last week, an Istanbul court cited alleged irregularities in the party’s 2023 congress to justify the appointment.
Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Returns To Bangkok After 15-Year Exile
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to Bangkok, ending a 15-year self-imposed exile to avoid corruption charges, as per a report in AP. His return coincides with his Pheu Thai party forming a coalition government with parties previously aligned with the military, a move that ended a political deadlock following the May 2023 general election. Thaksin is expected to be taken into custody to serve sentences from multiple convictions handed down in his absence, though his return is widely seen as part of a political agreement that could lead to a reduced sentence or a royal pardon.
Pakistan Evacuates 25,000 As Floods Threaten Punjab Province
Rescuers backed by troops have evacuated more than 25,000 people from the city of Jalalpur Pirwala in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province as rising rivers threaten major flooding, according to a report in AP. The emergency operation began late Sunday and continued overnight into Monday. Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority, confirmed that residents from high-risk neighborhoods were moved to safety due to the flood risk posed by the ongoing monsoon season.
EU Asylum Applications Drop 23% Driven By Fewer Syrian Requests
Asylum applications across the European Union declined by 23% in May, with requests from Syrian nationals dropping to just 3,100 for the month, Al Jazeera said in a report. The data, released by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), shows a notable shift in migration trends. This decline follows the EU’s final approval of its Pact on Migration and Asylum in April 2024 and an increase in migration management agreements with non-EU countries.
EU Asylum Applications Drop By 23% In First Half Of The Year
Asylum applications across the European Union have declined by 23% in the first half of the year, a development primarily attributed to a significant reduction in the number of claims from Syrian nationals, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This trend is seen in the context of the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which includes stricter rules and faster processing, alongside enhanced external border controls and cooperation with non-EU countries to manage migration flows. The drop in applications, particularly from a major origin country like Syria, is expected to reduce immediate pressure on the resources and asylum systems of EU member states.
Four Killed In Jerusalem Bus Shooting Attack
At least four people were killed and 15 others were injured after two attackers opened fire on a bus at a major intersection in northern Jerusalem. The two attackers, identified as brothers from East Jerusalem, were killed at the scene by security forces and an armed civilian. Hamas later claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident occurs amid heightened regional tensions following the collapse of a truce in Gaza and a surge in violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since late 2023. The attack places renewed pressure on Israeli security forces to enhance counter-terrorism measures and complicates international efforts to de-escalate the regional conflict.
French Firm Mistral AI Challenges US Dominance In Artificial Intelligence
French artificial intelligence company Mistral AI is emerging as a significant European competitor to US-based OpenAI, bolstered by a strategic partnership with Microsoft and reports of a new funding round that could value it at $14 billion, TechCrunch says in a report. The Paris-based firm’s rise challenges the market dominance of US tech giants and supports Europe’s strategic goals for technological sovereignty. By offering high-performance models like ‘Mistral Large’ and a consumer chatbot ‘Le Chat’, the company provides a key alternative for global enterprises, particularly those in Europe concerned with data residency and regulatory compliance. While its last confirmed valuation was approximately $2 billion in December 2023, the new reported valuation target underscores intense investor confidence and the company’s perceived potential to capture significant market share in the rapidly growing AI industry.
Teenager Kills Two Police Officers In Attack On Turkish Police Station
A 16-year-old masked assailant attacked a police station in the Balcova district of Izmir, Turkey, on Monday, killing two police officers, as per a report in AP. At least six other people, including other police officers, were wounded in the incident, which took place in Turkey’s third-largest city. Izmir’s chief prosecutor, Ali Yeldan, stated that the assailant has been arrested and the motive for the attack is currently under investigation. The teenager had reportedly been released from custody just days prior to the attack.
Major Cocaine Bust Exposes Global Trafficking Superhighway
A significant seizure of several tonnes of cocaine has exposed the persistent and complex challenges law enforcement faces in combating the global “cocaine superhighway,” according to a report in BBC. This “superhighway” refers to a dynamic network of maritime and air routes used to transport large quantities of the drug from high-production regions like Colombia to consumer markets, particularly in Europe. The operation underscores the increasing sophistication of cartels, which are diversifying routes and collaborating with other transnational criminal organizations. Despite such large busts, the vast resources and adaptability of these cartels allow them to recover from losses and maintain pressure on global law enforcement and legitimate shipping industries.
London Arms Fair Faces Protests Over Presence of Israeli Exhibitors
Fifty-one Israeli arms manufacturers and the US defence firm Lockheed Martin, maker of the F-35 fighters used in Gaza, are among 1,600 exhibitors at the DSEI trade show beginning in London, according to a report in The Guardian. The presence of these firms has prompted plans for demonstrations outside the four-day arms fair, with the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) accusing the UK government of “peak complicity in genocide” for allowing their participation. UK’s Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, is expected to speak at the event along with senior British military officials.
EU Electric Carmakers Urge Brussels To Uphold 2035 Zero-Emission Goal
A coalition of more than 150 executives from Europe’s electric car industry, including leaders from Volvo Cars and Polestar, has called on the EU to uphold its 2035 zero-emission target for cars and vans, France 24 says in a report. In a letter sent on Monday, they warned that any delay or weakening of the policy would stall the continent’s electric vehicle market, undermine investor confidence, and strengthen the competitive position of international rivals. The push for regulatory certainty comes as some political groups have called for a review of the 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles, creating uncertainty for the automotive sector’s long-term investment strategies.
Colombia Awaits US Decision On Anti-Drug Certification With $500 Million In Aid At Stake
Colombian authorities are awaiting a decision from the United States regarding the country’s annual certification in the fight against drug trafficking, a determination that could impact $500 million in US aid, according to a report in France 24. To secure a favorable outcome and appease Washington, Bogota is reportedly stepping up its counter-narcotics efforts. This comes as the administration of President Gustavo Petro pursues a different drug policy focused on social investment and voluntary crop substitution rather than forced eradication, a strategy being tested against a backdrop of recent reports showing record-high coca cultivation. The US decision is poised to have significant implications for bilateral relations and the funding for Colombia’s security and development programs.
Trial Of Aid Workers In Poland Highlights EU Migration Policy Tensions
The ongoing trial of five refugee aid workers in Poland, who face charges related to facilitating illegal border crossings, underscores a trend of criminalizing humanitarian aid, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The proceedings are set against the backdrop of the persistent migrant crisis at the Poland-Belarus border, which began in 2021, and reflect a wider European conflict between national security-focused isolationism and humanitarian principles. This legal action creates a significant chilling effect for non-governmental organizations, potentially impacting Poland’s international standing and its relationship with the EU. The case also brings into focus the practical implications of the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, questioning the balance between border enforcement and the protection of human dignity and access to aid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
