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Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 15:30 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.
US And China To Commemorate WWII Cooperation At USS Hornet Museum
A joint event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II will take place at the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum on August 30, highlighting the shared history of US and Chinese forces during the conflict, as per a report in AP. The commemoration is set to bring together guests from both nations, including scholars and descendants of military commanders who served in the China-Burma-India Theater. Family members of US General Joseph Stilwell, who was a prominent American commander in that theater, are expected to be in attendance.
European Tech Scene Sees Unicorn Boom in AI, Biotech, and Defense
Over ten European startups have achieved unicorn status—a valuation of $1 billion or more—so far this year, signaling resilience in specific sectors despite a broader global slowdown in venture capital, according to a report in TechCrunch. This growth is primarily concentrated in high-demand fields, with investors showing significant interest in biotechnology and defense technology. The most dominant area for investment, however, is artificial intelligence, reflecting a global surge in funding for AI-native companies that has positioned Europe as a key hub for innovation and high-value tech firms.
US And China To Commemorate WWII Cooperation At USS Hornet Museum
A joint event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II will take place at the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum on August 30, highlighting the shared history of US and Chinese forces during the conflict, as per a report in AP. The commemoration is set to bring together guests from both nations, including scholars and descendants of military commanders who served in the China-Burma-India Theater. Family members of US General Joseph Stilwell, who was a prominent American commander in that theater, are expected to be in attendance.
Study Finds Deforestation Caused Over Half A Million Heat-Related Deaths In 20 Years
A new study has found that deforestation in the tropics has resulted in over half a million heat-related deaths in the last 20 years, averaging 28,330 deaths annually, according to a report in The Guardian. Researchers identified that land clearance in regions like the Amazon, Congo, and Southeast Asia leads to localized temperature increases by reducing shade, diminishing rainfall, and heightening fire risks. These findings underscore the direct human cost of environmental degradation and carry significant implications for public health systems in affected countries, which face an escalating burden from heat-related illnesses. The study also adds urgency to international environmental policies, highlighting a critical gap between deforestation pledges and their effective implementation.
Regional Missile Race Intensifies As India's Focus Shifts To China
The strategic missile competition in South Asia is escalating, involving not just the historical rivalry between India and Pakistan but also a significant focus by India on China’s military advancements, Al Jazeera says in a report. This shift is driven by China’s rapid development of hypersonic missiles and the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, as well as persistent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020. In response, India has advanced its own capabilities, highlighted by the successful test of its Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology in March 2024. The dynamic creates a complex, three-way security challenge that heightens risks of miscalculation and places economic strain on the nations involved due to significant resource allocation for defense.
New Zealand Super Fund Shifts Investment Focus To Europe From US
The New Zealand Super Fund is making a strategic shift in its investment strategy, favoring European equities over those in the US, according to a report in Financial Times. This move by the highly-regarded sovereign wealth fund signals a waning confidence in the long-term outlook for American stocks, which are perceived as having high valuations, particularly due to concentration in a few large technology companies. The reallocation is a bet on European markets, which have underperformed their US counterparts for over a decade and are now seen as trading at an attractive discount. The fund’s decision highlights a broader trend of institutional investors seeking geographical diversification to mitigate risk and find better long-term value.
Study Finds Deforestation Caused Over Half A Million Heat-Related Deaths In 20 Years
A new study has found that deforestation in the tropics has resulted in over half a million heat-related deaths in the last 20 years, averaging 28,330 deaths annually, according to a report in The Guardian. Researchers identified that land clearance in regions like the Amazon, Congo, and Southeast Asia leads to localized temperature increases by reducing shade, diminishing rainfall, and heightening fire risks. These findings underscore the direct human cost of environmental degradation and carry significant implications for public health systems in affected countries, which face an escalating burden from heat-related illnesses. The study also adds urgency to international environmental policies, highlighting a critical gap between deforestation pledges and their effective implementation.
Meituan Shares Plunge Amid Escalating Chinese Delivery Price War
Meituan’s shares experienced a significant decline as competition in China’s on-demand delivery market intensifies, with rivals Alibaba and JD.com escalating a price war to capture market share, Financial Times says in a report. The battle is concentrated in the on-demand local services sector, which includes food, grocery, and instant retail delivery, where consumers expect rapid service. This heightened competition, occurring amidst a broader economic slowdown in China, is placing considerable pressure on Meituan’s profit margins and valuation. While consumers benefit from lower prices, the price war increases financial risks for investors and may negatively impact the earnings of delivery riders.
European Companies Signal Interest In Ukraine's Reconstruction
European companies are increasingly signaling interest in future reconstruction projects in Ukraine, with many referencing the opportunity in recent earnings calls, according to a report in the Financial Times. The potential for private sector involvement is significant, with a World Bank-led assessment in February 2024 estimating the total cost of recovery at $486 billion over a decade. This corporate interest is bolstered by initiatives like the EU’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility and the development of war risk insurance mechanisms designed to de-risk private investment. However, while planning and due diligence are underway, large-scale investment remains cautious due to the ongoing conflict and security risks, with the opportunity largely contingent on improved security and governance frameworks.
New Zealand Super Fund Shifts Investment Focus To Europe From US
The New Zealand Super Fund is making a strategic shift in its investment strategy, favoring European equities over those in the US, according to a report in Financial Times. This move by the highly-regarded sovereign wealth fund signals a waning confidence in the long-term outlook for American stocks, which are perceived as having high valuations, particularly due to concentration in a few large technology companies. The reallocation is a bet on European markets, which have underperformed their US counterparts for over a decade and are now seen as trading at an attractive discount. The fund’s decision highlights a broader trend of institutional investors seeking geographical diversification to mitigate risk and find better long-term value.
Iranian Officials Protest Partial Return Of UN Nuclear Inspectors
The partial return of inspectors from the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Iran has been met with protests from some officials in Tehran, The Guardian says in a report. These officials claim the readmission breaches Iranian law, likely referencing a 2020 act that mandated reduced international oversight. Senior Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi sought to address the backlash by clarifying that the inspectors would not be visiting sites recently damaged in incidents Iran attributes to Israel and the US, and that discussions regarding access to these locations have not yet occurred.
Regional Missile Race Intensifies As India's Focus Shifts To China
The strategic missile competition in South Asia is escalating, involving not just the historical rivalry between India and Pakistan but also a significant focus by India on China’s military advancements, Al Jazeera says in a report. This shift is driven by China’s rapid development of hypersonic missiles and the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, as well as persistent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020. In response, India has advanced its own capabilities, highlighted by the successful test of its Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology in March 2024. The dynamic creates a complex, three-way security challenge that heightens risks of miscalculation and places economic strain on the nations involved due to significant resource allocation for defense.
Paris Extends Public Swimming In Seine River For Two More Weeks
Paris has extended its trial of public swimming in designated areas of the Seine River for an additional two weeks until mid-September, The New York Times says in a report. The move follows a century-long prohibition on swimming in the river due to severe health risks from pollution. This development is the result of a multi-billion euro, decades-long cleanup effort, which included major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving water quality. The project was initially spurred by the city’s hosting of open-water swimming events for the 2024 Olympic Games, and the successful trial is seen as a validation of the investment, potentially boosting tourism and serving as a model for other cities revitalizing urban waterways.
Regional Missile Race Intensifies As India's Focus Shifts To China
The strategic missile competition in South Asia is escalating, involving not just the historical rivalry between India and Pakistan but also a significant focus by India on China’s military advancements, Al Jazeera says in a report. This shift is driven by China’s rapid development of hypersonic missiles and the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, as well as persistent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020. In response, India has advanced its own capabilities, highlighted by the successful test of its Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology in March 2024. The dynamic creates a complex, three-way security challenge that heightens risks of miscalculation and places economic strain on the nations involved due to significant resource allocation for defense.
Paris Extends Public Swimming In Seine River For Two More Weeks
Paris has extended its trial of public swimming in designated areas of the Seine River for an additional two weeks until mid-September, The New York Times says in a report. The move follows a century-long prohibition on swimming in the river due to severe health risks from pollution. This development is the result of a multi-billion euro, decades-long cleanup effort, which included major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving water quality. The project was initially spurred by the city’s hosting of open-water swimming events for the 2024 Olympic Games, and the successful trial is seen as a validation of the investment, potentially boosting tourism and serving as a model for other cities revitalizing urban waterways.
Paris Extends Public Swimming In Seine River For Two More Weeks
Paris has extended its trial of public swimming in designated areas of the Seine River for an additional two weeks until mid-September, The New York Times says in a report. The move follows a century-long prohibition on swimming in the river due to severe health risks from pollution. This development is the result of a multi-billion euro, decades-long cleanup effort, which included major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving water quality. The project was initially spurred by the city’s hosting of open-water swimming events for the 2024 Olympic Games, and the successful trial is seen as a validation of the investment, potentially boosting tourism and serving as a model for other cities revitalizing urban waterways.
Paris Extends Public Swimming In Seine River For Two More Weeks
Paris has extended its trial of public swimming in designated areas of the Seine River for an additional two weeks until mid-September, The New York Times says in a report. The move follows a century-long prohibition on swimming in the river due to severe health risks from pollution. This development is the result of a multi-billion euro, decades-long cleanup effort, which included major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving water quality. The project was initially spurred by the city’s hosting of open-water swimming events for the 2024 Olympic Games, and the successful trial is seen as a validation of the investment, potentially boosting tourism and serving as a model for other cities revitalizing urban waterways.
Malawi Faces Critical Tuberculosis Drug Shortage After Aid Cuts
Malawi is on the verge of a public health crisis, with health officials warning that national supplies of tuberculosis (TB) drugs will be depleted by the end of September following aid cuts from the US, UK, and other donor countries, according to a report in The Guardian. The impending shortage threatens to reverse a decade of significant progress, during which the country successfully reduced TB cases by 40%. Clinics are now being forced to ration essential drugs and testing, putting current patients at risk of treatment failure and drug resistance, and jeopardizing a public health program heavily reliant on international funding.
Hedge Fund Investment in Insurance Threatens Market Stability, Warns Munich Re
Global reinsurance giant Munich Re has voiced concerns over the growing influx of private capital from hedge funds into the insurance sector, Financial Times says in a report. This “insurance binge” is primarily channeled into Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS), such as catastrophe bonds, which transfer risks like natural disasters to capital market investors. While these instruments offer hedge funds diversification and attractive yields, Munich Re warns that this capital could prove volatile. The reinsurer fears that a major catastrophic event could trigger a rapid withdrawal of these funds, leading to a sudden capacity shortage and instability in the pricing of essential catastrophe coverage.
Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Planting Landmines in Disputed Border Areas
Thailand has formally accused Cambodia of planting new landmines in contested border territories, significantly raising tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The accusation follows deadly border clashes that occurred last month and jeopardizes the fragile peace in the region, which is historically centered around a dispute over the Preah Vihear temple. The alleged use of landmines poses a severe threat to civilians and could undermine regional stability and mediation efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Half of US Voters Believe Israel is Committing Genocide in Gaza, Poll Finds
A recent Quinnipiac University poll reveals that half of US voters believe Israel is committing an act of genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, Al Jazeera says in a report. The survey also indicates significant opposition to current US policy, with six out of 10 voters against sending additional military aid to Israel. This sentiment reflects a notable division in American public opinion regarding the ongoing conflict and its handling by the US government.
Asian Shares Mixed As Tech Earnings Influence Global Markets
Global stock markets showed varied performance on Thursday, with Asian shares mixed while US futures were also varied, according to a report in AP. This followed a session on Wall Street where the S&P 500 was lifted to another all-time high, with market sentiment influenced by a highly positive earnings report from chipmaker Nvidia that was released after the previous day’s market close. In China, shares in domestic chipmaker Cambricon Technologies surged 7.1%, making it the highest-priced stock on the Shanghai exchange by nominal share price.
Japanese Town Proposes Two-Hour Daily Smartphone Limit For All Residents
Officials in Toyoake, a town in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, have drafted an ordinance urging all residents to limit their daily smartphone use to two hours, according to a report in The Guardian. The proposed measure, which targets both adults and children, aims to tackle growing concerns about online addiction and sleep deprivation linked to excessive screen time. The initiative has reportedly sparked a backlash from some local residents, who view the proposal as an infringement on individual freedom.
Rheinmetall Opens Europe's Largest Munitions Plant in Germany
German arms maker Rheinmetall opened Europe’s largest munitions facility in northern Germany on Wednesday, a development NATO chief Mark Rutte described as key to bolstering Western defenses, according to a report in France 24. The new plant is a direct response to depleted allied stockpiles due to the war in Ukraine and aims to significantly increase Europe’s strategic autonomy in defense production. The facility is projected to produce 350,000 artillery shells annually by 2027, directly supporting NATO’s readiness and providing a sustainable supply of critical ammunition for Ukraine.
China Boosts Belt and Road Funding with Focus on Central Asia
Investment and construction contracts under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reached a combined US$124 billion in the first half of the year for the 150 participating nations, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The surge in funding shows a strategic pivot towards Central Asia, with a particular focus on metals and mining projects. Analysts suggest this move is a precautionary measure by Beijing to secure access to critical natural resources in response to potential escalatory trade restrictions from the United States, thereby safeguarding its supply chains against geopolitical pressures.
Severe Flooding In Kashmir Amid Widespread South Asian Monsoons
Prolonged monsoon rains have triggered severe flooding across South Asia, with the disputed Kashmir region experiencing significant devastation, according to a report in AP. The intense rainfall has resulted in at least 65 deaths and the displacement of hundreds in Kashmir, while the broader regional death toll in countries like Pakistan has surpassed 800 since late June. The ongoing natural disaster is placing considerable strain on governmental resources for disaster management and relief. In response to the crisis, India has released water from overflowing dams and swollen rivers to manage the pressure on its water infrastructure, which affects low-lying border regions.
Chinese Envoy Criticizes US Plan For Sweeping Visa Rule Changes
China’s ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, has cautioned against undermining people-to-people relations following a proposal by the US administration for a sweeping revamp of visa rules targeting foreign students, scholars, and media, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The US administration justifies the proposed changes by citing national security risks, such as intellectual property theft and espionage. Speaking at an event commemorating US-China cooperation in World War II, Xie urged for bringing the two nations’ people closer rather than creating hostility. The proposal occurs within the context of intensifying strategic competition and is seen as a move that could further strain diplomatic ties, potentially curbing academic exchanges and prompting reciprocal actions against media personnel.
Japan Urges China To Curb AI Videos Mocking Wartime Emperor
Japan has officially requested that the Chinese government address a surge of artificial intelligence-generated videos on Chinese social media that mock wartime Emperor Hirohito, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Tokyo has warned that these clips, described as ‘inappropriate,’ risk further damaging the already strained relationship between the two nations. The increase in these videos comes as China prepares for a military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II.
US Imposes 50% Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil Purchases
The US, under President Donald Trump, has put 50% tariffs on India into effect as a measure to pressure the country over its continued purchasing of Russian oil, The Guardian says in a report. In response to the new trade barrier, an official from India’s commerce ministry indicated that the government will encourage its exporters to diversify their trade relationships, targeting markets such as China and the Middle East to mitigate the impact of the US tariffs.
German Cabinet Backs Voluntary Military Service To Boost Troop Numbers
The German cabinet has officially backed a new voluntary military service model, a move that creates a framework for the potential reintroduction of conscription, as per a report in BBC. This decision supports the defence minister’s objective to expand the Bundeswehr from its current size of 182,000 soldiers to 260,000 by the early 2030s, a substantial increase of nearly 43%. The policy marks a significant reversal of Germany’s 2011 decision to suspend compulsory military service and is a direct consequence of the changed European security landscape following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This strategic pivot aligns with Germany’s ‘Zeitenwende’ (turning point) policy, aimed at modernizing the military and boosting defense spending to meet NATO commitments, thereby strengthening its role in European collective security.
Denmark And Greenland Apologize For Forced Inuit Contraception Legacy
Denmark and Greenland have issued an official apology for their roles in the historic mistreatment and forced contraception of Inuit women and girls, some dating back to the 1960s, according to a report in AP. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that while the past cannot be changed, “we can take responsibility,” while Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede called it “a dark chapter in our history.” The apology follows a lawsuit filed by nearly 150 Inuit women seeking compensation for the program, known as the ‘Spiral Campaign’, where intrauterine devices were implanted, often without consent.
Pope Francis Calls For End To 'Collective Punishment' In Gaza
During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis demanded on Wednesday that Israel cease the “collective punishment” and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, as per a report in AP. He made an appeal for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the 22-month-long conflict amid reports of preparations by Israel for a new military offensive. The Pope’s address to thousands in the Vatican was reportedly interrupted by applause.
Son Of Boko Haram Founder Reportedly Arrested In Chad For Leading ISWAP Cell
The son of Mohamed Yusuf, the late founder of Boko Haram, has reportedly been arrested by authorities in Chad for allegedly leading a terrorist cell linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), France 24 says in a report. This arrest is considered a significant tactical victory for regional counter-terrorism efforts, which involve the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). However, the political implication is nuanced; while the capture disrupts a specific cell, ISWAP has a resilient and decentralized command structure capable of replacing leaders. The group, which split from Boko Haram in 2016, has become the dominant jihadist force in the Lake Chad Basin by establishing rudimentary governance in areas it controls, a different strategy from Boko Haram’s indiscriminate violence. The event highlights Chad’s critical role as a security partner in the region and the persistent economic and security threats extremist groups pose within its borders.
Nvidia Revenue Jumps 56% On Robust AI Demand
US-based chip designer Nvidia announced a 56% year-over-year revenue jump in its most recent fiscal quarter, propelled by sustained, robust global demand for its AI processors, according to a report in Financial Times. This growth has positioned Nvidia as one of the world’s most valuable companies, though its market capitalization remains dynamic and has recently fluctuated with other tech giants. The surge in demand for Nvidia’s technology is accelerating AI development globally but also presents significant challenges, including intensifying competition from rivals like AMD and Intel, ongoing US export controls affecting the Chinese market, and growing concerns over the increased energy consumption of data centers required to power the AI boom.
Enhanced Games Files $800 Million Antitrust Lawsuit Against World Aquatics and WADA
The Enhanced Games, an Olympic-style event that does not conduct drug testing, has filed an $800 million antitrust lawsuit in a New York federal court against several major sports organizations, as per a report in AP. The lawsuit names World Aquatics, USA Swimming, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as defendants, accusing them of orchestrating an illegal campaign to intimidate athletes into boycotting the event. The filing seeks both monetary damages and an injunction to halt what it describes as anti-competitive threats, which include warnings that participants could be banned from traditional competitions like the Olympics.
Climate Change Made Mediterranean Wildfires More Fierce, Study Finds
Climate change has exacerbated the intensity of massive wildfires across the eastern Mediterranean, a new study by World Weather Attribution released Thursday found, AP says in a report. The research concluded that scorching temperatures and reduced rainfall, driven by climate change, made the recent fires in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus burn with 22% more intensity. These blazes resulted in 20 fatalities, forced the evacuation of 80,000 people, and scorched over 1 million hectares of land, marking one of Europe’s most destructive wildfire seasons on record.
Russia Proposes Nuclear Plant In Niger In Strategic Challenge To France
Russia has proposed building a nuclear power plant in Niger, a strategic move aimed at increasing its influence in Africa and challenging France’s historical ties to the region, according to a report in BBC. The proposal, made through Russia’s state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom, comes after the July 2023 coup in Niger significantly weakened the nation’s diplomatic and military ties with France. While the immediate construction of the plant is considered unlikely, the offer itself serves as a powerful symbolic gesture of Niger’s shifting alliances. This development further diminishes French influence in the Sahel and impacts its strategic interests in Niger’s significant uranium sector, while simultaneously expanding Russia’s geopolitical footprint in a resource-rich area.
Military Helicopter Rescues People From Collapsing Building in India Amid Floods
A military helicopter rescued people from the roof of a collapsing building amid severe flooding in India, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The rescue took place during the country’s annual monsoon season, which regularly causes widespread flooding and necessitates large-scale disaster relief operations. The Indian armed forces are frequently deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response in areas made inaccessible by such events.
Alexander Isak Named In Sweden Squad For World Cup Qualifiers Despite Club Inactivity
Striker Alexander Isak has been included in Sweden’s 24-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, despite not playing for his club Newcastle this season as he seeks a transfer, AP says in a report. Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson acknowledged that Isak’s situation is “not perfect” and that the player has not been training with his team. However, Tomasson expressed his happiness with Isak’s desire to join the national squad, calling him a “huge player.”
Denmark Summons Top US Diplomat Over Alleged Greenland Influence Operation
Denmark has officially summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen to address allegations of a US-led influence operation within Greenland, as per a report in BBC. The reported aim of this operation was to infiltrate Greenlandic society and encourage its separation from the Kingdom of Denmark. This diplomatic incident underscores the heightened geopolitical significance of Greenland and the Arctic, an autonomous Danish territory with a notable independence movement. The summons signals a serious point of friction between the two NATO allies, stemming from US strategic interests in the region, which were previously highlighted during a 2019 offer by the US to purchase the island.
