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Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 18:45 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.
UK Launches Defence Industrial Strategy With £250 Million Investment
The UK government is set to launch a new defence industrial strategy, initiating the plan with an investment of £250 million, according to a report in the Financial Times. This initial funding is allocated to five specific deals across Britain, with the dual objective of strengthening domestic defence capabilities and boosting local economic growth. The strategy aims to enhance the UK’s industrial base to support its commitments to alliances like NATO and AUKUS while also contributing to the government’s regional development goals by creating skilled jobs and fostering innovation.
Israel Imposes Travel Ban On Spanish Ministers Amid Escalating Gaza Dispute
Israel has imposed a travel ban on two left-wing Spanish ministers in response to heightened criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez regarding Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023, as per a report in AP. Sánchez announced his government was implementing new measures aimed at pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The Spanish leader stated that Israel’s military actions were not self-defense, escalating the diplomatic tensions between the two nations which have been strained since Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state in May 2024.
Scrutiny Mounts Over Japan's $550 Billion Investment Pledge to US
Japan is reportedly examining the details of a $550 billion investment pledge to the US, searching for potential loopholes after the commitment was recently characterized as a “blank checkbook” for President Donald Trump, The Japan Times says in a report. This characterization, reportedly made over the weekend, has prompted increased scrutiny of the terms and conditions of the massive financial commitment between the two nations. The focus of the examination is to ensure the investment aligns with Japan’s own strategic and economic interests.
Kazakhstan President Proposes Reversing Key Democratic Reforms
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed a significant reversal of political reforms that were introduced following the widespread unrest in 2022, according to a report in The Times of India. The new proposals aim to scrap the ability for independent candidates to run for office and to abolish the Senate, the parliament’s upper house. This would shift the country back to a party-list electoral system and a unicameral legislature, changes that would consolidate the power of the ruling Amanat party. These proposed measures, which undo recent efforts to increase political pluralism, will undergo a period of consultation before a planned referendum in 2027.
Oman Announces Hajj 2026 Registration Dates and Process
Oman is set to open registration for the 1447 AH (2026) Hajj season from September 23 to October 8, 2025, according to a report in The Times of India. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs announced that citizens and residents aged 18 and older can apply through the official online portal, www.hajj.om. This digital approach aligns with broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to streamline pilgrim management. The selection of pilgrims will be an automatic process determined by the national quota allocated to Oman by Saudi authorities, with applicants to be notified of their status via SMS in October and November.
EU Member States At Odds Over Climate Targets Ahead Of UN Deadline
European Union member states remain at loggerheads over crucial climate crisis commitments, with a leaked draft negotiating text showing no sign of agreement on new targets, according to a report in The Guardian. The disagreement between the European Commission and key member states comes just weeks before a UN-set deadline for countries to submit their updated climate action plans, known as ly Determined Contributions (NDCs). This internal wrangling imperils the prospect of the EU presenting a strong, unified position ahead of the Cop30 climate summit in November 2025 and raises concerns about the bloc’s role as a global climate leader.
Police in Nepal Open Fire on Anti-Government Protesters, Killing Eight
Police in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, opened fire on anti-government demonstrators, resulting in eight fatalities and several injuries, AP said in a report. The incident involved a confrontation between police forces and protesters who were demonstrating against the government.
Al-Qaida Affiliate Sets Fuel Trucks Ablaze In Mali Blockade
An al-Qaida affiliated group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM), set fire to fuel tankers in Mali’s southern Sikasso region over the weekend, as per a report in AP. The attack on trucks arriving from Ivory Coast is part of a broader economic blockade announced by the militants to ban fuel imports and tighten their control over the nation’s economy. This action directly challenges the Malian military junta’s authority and threatens to disrupt vital regional trade routes, potentially causing severe fuel shortages and exacerbating the country’s economic and humanitarian situation.
Munich Auto Show Highlights EV Push As European Carmakers Face Existential Threats
The Munich Auto Show has opened with a significant focus on electric vehicles (EVs) amid warnings from industry leaders about existential threats facing Europe’s automotive sector, according to a report in France 24. The primary challenges stem from intense competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, high energy and raw material costs, and the immense capital required for the green transition mandated by EU regulations. Compounding these issues are the impacts of the US Inflation Reduction Act, which draws investment away from Europe, and recent political turmoil in France, which has increased borrowing costs and created market instability.
Philippine Legislators Implicated in Flood-Control Corruption Inquiry
In a nationally televised Senate Blue Ribbon committee inquiry in the Philippines, construction company owners Pacifico and Sarah Discaya provided sworn testimony alleging widespread corruption, according to a report in AP. The couple identified at least 17 members of the House of Representatives and various public works officials, claiming they were forced to pay substantial kickbacks to secure government contracts for lucrative flood-control projects. The explosive testimony is part of a formal investigation into corruption within the country’s public works sector.
Ryan Routh To Stand Trial For Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt
The trial for Ryan Routh, accused of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, is scheduled to begin on Monday, according to a report in BBC. Routh, who has pleaded not guilty and will represent himself in court, was arrested in June 2016 at a Las Vegas rally for then-presidential candidate Trump after he allegedly tried to grab a police officer’s gun. The case has faced significant delays over the years due to ongoing evaluations of Routh’s mental competency to stand trial. Routh had initially pleaded guilty to federal charges following the incident but later sought to withdraw that plea, leading to the current trial.
Indonesian President Fires Key Ministers After Deadly Protests
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a significant Cabinet reshuffle, dismissing five ministers including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a globally respected technocrat, AP said in a report. The move comes in response to deadly protests that have erupted across the country, fueled by public anger over proposed parliamentary perks amidst a rising cost-of-living crisis. The dismissal of Indrawati, a former World Bank managing director known for fiscal prudence, raises concerns among investors about Indonesia’s future economic policy and stability, marking a significant early challenge for President Subianto’s administration, which took office in October 2024.
Police in Nepal Kill 10 Protesters During Social Media Ban Demonstration
At least 10 people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kathmandu, Nepal, after police opened fire on protesters outside the nation’s parliament on Monday, as per a report in AP. The demonstration was organized in opposition to a recent government ban on social media platforms. Doctors from three separate hospitals—Bir Hospital, Civil Hospital, and KMC hospital—confirmed the fatalities, corroborating the total death toll.
Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Returns From Exile To Face Prison Time
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Bangkok on Monday, ending a 15-year self-imposed exile to avoid jail time for corruption, AP said in a report. His return from Dubai comes as the Pheu Thai party, with which he is aligned, is attempting to form a government, fueling speculation about a potential political deal with the conservative establishment. Thaksin faces immediate arrest to serve sentences for several convictions handed down in his absence, though his return coincides with a parliamentary vote for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, following a political deadlock since the May 2023 general election.
Teenager Kills Two Officers in Attack on Turkish Police Station
A 16-year-old high-school student attacked a police station in Izmir, Turkey, with a shotgun on Monday, killing two police officers, AP said in a report. According to Izmir province Governor Suleyman Elban, two other police officers and one civilian were also wounded in the attack, which took place in the city’s Balcova district. The assailant was arrested at the scene, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive for the attack.
World Aquatics To Pay $4.6 Million Settlement To Athletes In Antitrust Case
World Aquatics announced it will establish a $4.6 million fund to settle a legal dispute with swimmers who competed in the independent Swimming League (ISL), as per a report in AP. The settlement resolves an antitrust lawsuit filed in 2018 against the governing body, then known as FINA, which had threatened to ban athletes for participating in the non-sanctioned professional series. The fund will compensate swimmers who had signed contracts for an ISL event in 2018 and for the league’s inaugural 2019 season, closing a significant legal challenge that questioned the monopoly of international sports federations.
ICC Set For Landmark In Absentia Hearing Against Fugitive Warlord Joseph Kony
The Criminal Court (ICC) is set to present evidence in its first-ever in absentia hearing to confirm charges against fugitive Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader Joseph Kony, as per a report in AP. Kony faces numerous counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and sexual enslavement, for his role in the LRA’s campaign of terror, which originated in northern Uganda and later spread to neighboring countries. This landmark procedural step for the ICC allows prosecutors to establish if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial should Kony ever be apprehended. While Kony remains at large and the LRA’s operational capacity is significantly diminished, the hearing is seen as a symbolic step towards justice for victims and a test of the court’s ability to handle cases involving elusive fugitives.
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.
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.
