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Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 15:15 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.
Lawsuit Erupts Over Cancelled $8.5M Russian Elite Cruise Amid Crypto Scandal
A lawsuit has been filed by a Russian-owned travel agency against Ponant, a luxury cruise line owned by the French billionaire Pinault family, after an $8.5 million polar cruise for Russian elites was abruptly cancelled, the Financial Times says in a report. The trip’s collapse is linked to a ‘crypto scandal’ following the arrest of a payments chief associated with a cryptocurrency exchange, which was allegedly used to process funds for the voyage. The incident highlights the significant business and compliance risks for Western companies dealing with Russian clients amid extensive international sanctions, and it underscores the growing scrutiny on cryptocurrencies as a potential channel for evading these financial restrictions.
AI Fakes and Misinformation Circulate Online Following Afghanistan Quake
A significant amount of misinformation, including fake and AI-generated images, has been spreading on social media following the devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan that killed over 1,400 people in 2023, Deutsche Welle said in a report. Fact-checkers are actively debunking viral claims that depict exaggerated damage or scenes from unrelated disasters. This proliferation of synthetic media during a crisis highlights a growing challenge for humanitarian organizations, as it can misdirect aid, undermine trust in official appeals, and impede relief efforts. The situation also places increased pressure on media and fact-checking groups to rapidly counter false narratives, protecting the integrity of information in disaster zones.
Putin Meets North Korea's Kim In Beijing For Bilateral Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have commenced bilateral talks in Beijing, according to a report in AP. The two leaders held their formal meeting at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse. This followed their joint attendance at an event in the Chinese capital celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Kremlin noted that Putin and Kim traveled from a formal reception to the negotiations together in the same vehicle.
Former Columbia President Nemat Shafik Appointed UK Prime Minister's Chief Economic Adviser
Nemat Shafik, who resigned as president of Columbia University, has been appointed as the chief economic adviser to Britain’s prime minister, The New York Times says in a report. Her departure from the US university, effective August 2, 2024, followed significant criticism over her handling of widespread pro-Palestinian campus protests in the spring of 2024. In her new high-level government role, Shafik will advise on UK economic policy amidst challenges such as high inflation and post-Brexit adjustments.
Thailand's Acting Government Seeks To Dissolve Parliament
Thailand’s acting government is moving to dissolve the parliament after a rival candidate secured the backing of a key political bloc, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The proposed dissolution requires the formal approval of the Thai king. If the king grants the request, it would trigger new general elections in the country.
Sánchez Warns Western Double Standards On Gaza And Ukraine Undermine Global Standing
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has warned that Europe and the West’s double standards regarding the wars in Ukraine and Gaza risk damaging their global credibility, according to a report in The Guardian. Sánchez described the international response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza as a ‘failure’ and one of the ‘darkest episodes’ of the 21st century. He also stated that the US under Donald Trump was trying to end the post-second world war, rules-based global order. The remarks were made ahead of a scheduled meeting in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Israel Launches New Spy Satellite To Enhance Middle East Surveillance
Israel has successfully launched a new spy satellite designed to bolster its strategic surveillance capacity throughout the Middle East, AP says in a report. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the satellite will strengthen Israel’s intelligence-gathering abilities, referencing a past operation where 12,000 images were collected over Iran. The launch is part of Israel’s long-standing ‘Ofek’ satellite program and is seen as a crucial asset for monitoring regional threats, particularly from Iran and its proxies, reinforcing the nation’s technological edge in regional intelligence.
Floods In An Indian State Kill 30 And Submerge 1,400 Villages
At least 30 people have died and more than 354,000 have been affected by severe flooding in an Indian state, with ongoing rescue efforts underway, according to a report in BBC. The floods, described as the worst since 1988, have completely submerged approximately 1,400 villages, leading to widespread displacement and a significant humanitarian crisis as authorities work to reach those stranded.
Israeli Drones Drop Grenades Near UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon
Israeli drones dropped four grenades near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Tuesday as they were clearing roadblocks near the Israeli border, according to a report in AP. While no one was injured in the incident, the peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, described it as ‘one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets’ since the cessation of hostilities in November. The Israeli military had not provided an immediate comment on the attack.
UN Chief Praises Papua New Guinea For 'Bold Climate Action'
During the first-ever visit by a serving United Nations secretary-general to Papua New Guinea, António Guterres congratulated the South Pacific island nation for its global leadership role on climate change, according to a report in AP. The visit on Wednesday comes as the nation prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its independence from Australia on September 16. Guterres also highlighted that Papua New Guinea has taught the world the “art of forging consensus through dialogue” since becoming an independent state.
Japan Faces Lawsuit Over Thyroid Cancer Cases Linked To Fukushima Disaster
A lawsuit has been initiated against the Japanese government by residents who developed thyroid cancer following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, as per a report in The New York Times. This legal challenge contests the government’s official position, which denies a link between the cancers and radiation from the plant’s meltdowns. The dispute stems from findings of the ongoing Fukushima Health Management Survey, which has identified hundreds of thyroid tumors in people who were children at the time of the accident. Japanese officials, supported by international bodies like the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), argue the high number of cases is a result of a ‘screening effect’ or ‘over-diagnosis’ from intensive testing, not radiation exposure. The lawsuit seeks to establish a causal link and gain compensation, highlighting a significant erosion of public trust and carrying major implications for Japan’s public health policy and the global nuclear energy sector’s safety protocols.
Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Shooting Lava 330 Feet From Summit Crater
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano resumed erupting on Tuesday, September 2, firing lava fountains 330 feet (100 meters) into the sky from its Halemaʻumaʻu summit crater, according to a report in The Guardian. This event marks the 32nd distinct eruptive episode since the current period of activity began in December 2020. All lava from this eruption has been contained within the summit crater inside Hawaii Volcanoes Park, posing no direct threat to nearby communities or infrastructure. However, the eruption is releasing volcanic gases, which can form ‘vog’ (volcanic smog) and may affect air quality in downwind areas.
Trump Accuses Xi Of Conspiring Against US With Putin And Kim
US President Donald Trump accused his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping of conspiring against the United States with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to a report in BBC. The accusation followed a large-scale military parade in China, which was attended by both Putin and Kim, marking a significant public display of unity among the three nations.
UK Warned That Student Crackdown Could Harm Local Economies
The UK government has been warned that a crackdown on international students could negatively impact the economies of struggling cities, according to a report in The Guardian. The warning comes as the Home Office is contacting tens of thousands of overseas students to inform them they will be removed from the UK if they overstay their visas. The university sector, which relies on international students for approximately a quarter of its income, is considered a crucial part of the local economy in cities such as Leicester and Hull, and a reduction in student numbers could have significant financial consequences.
Real Estate Crisis And High Unemployment Challenge Chinese Growth
Despite reporting positive GDP growth, China’s economy is contending with a severe, prolonged real estate crisis and high unemployment rates, according to a report in The Japan Times. The property sector’s downturn, which escalated with the court-ordered liquidation of Evergrande in January 2024 and a winding-up petition against Country Garden in February 2024, continues to weigh on the economy. Concurrently, high youth unemployment remains a major concern, even after a revised calculation methodology was introduced in late 2023. These underlying weaknesses are dampening consumer confidence and pose a risk to global economic stability by potentially reducing China’s demand for international goods and impacting foreign direct investment.
Osaka Rated Most Powerful Japanese City Outside Tokyo For Fifth Consecutive Year
Osaka has maintained its position as the most powerful Japanese city outside of the capital, Tokyo, for the fifth consecutive year, as per a report in The Japan Times. The city’s top ranking is attributed to high scores in its economic performance and the strength of its tourist attractions. This sustained success is further bolstered by Osaka’s role as the host of the upcoming World Expo 2025, an event expected to significantly boost its economy and international profile. The consistent ranking underscores Osaka’s status as a major economic and tourism hub, reinforcing its appeal for investment and visitors.
London Bullion Market To Pilot Digital Gold Trial
A pilot program for digital gold is being launched in the London bullion market by the World Gold Council, a market development group for the mining industry, according to a report in Financial Times. The initiative is designed to transform physical gold into a more dynamic asset by tokenizing it, likely on a distributed ledger technology platform. This would enable owners to move beyond passively holding the metal for price appreciation and instead use it for profitable applications such as lending to earn yield or as collateral for loans. The trial is part of a broader trend of tokenizing real-world assets and is expected to enhance liquidity, improve transferability, and reinforce London’s position as a leading global hub for precious metals by modernizing its market infrastructure.
Film On Gaza Tragedy 'The Voice Of Hind Rajab' Premieres In Venice
A new documentary titled “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which chronicles the final hours of a 6-year-old girl killed in Gaza, has premiered at the Venice Film Festival, as per a report in AP. The film documents the January 2024 incident where Hind Rajab was trapped in a bullet-riddled car with her deceased family members. Audio from her call for rescue, which has since been widely circulated, forms a central part of the documentary. The incident also involved the death of two paramedics dispatched to save her, whose ambulance was allegedly targeted. The film’s debut highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the use of art to document the human impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with expectations that it will influence global public opinion and renew scrutiny on the protection of civilians in war zones.
Commodity Giant Vitol Returned $20 Billion to Senior Staff in Three Years
Privately-owned commodity trading giant Vitol has returned $20 billion to its senior staff over the past three years, making it one of the world’s most profitable companies, according to a report in the Financial Times. As a privately-held ‘commodity house’, Vitol is not subject to public disclosure requirements, contributing to its secretive reputation. The significant returns, distributed through dividends and profit-sharing to its employee-shareholders, come amid a period of extreme volatility in global energy markets, where traders have capitalized on price fluctuations and supply disruptions to secure record profits.
Private World War II Museums In Japan Face Survival Crisis
Private World War II museums across Japan are facing a severe struggle for survival, raising concerns among experts about the potential loss of invaluable historical documents and artifacts, according to a report in The Japan Times. These institutions, often founded by veterans or their families, are grappling with multiple challenges including an aging volunteer base, succession issues, declining public interest among younger generations, and a lack of consistent funding. Unlike larger national institutions, these private museums depend heavily on donations and visitor fees, making them financially vulnerable. Experts warn that their closure would not only result in the dispersal or deterioration of unique primary source materials like personal diaries and letters but also lead to the loss of diverse, grassroots perspectives on the war, which are crucial for historical education and research.
Asian Markets Decline Amid US Slump And Japanese Political Uncertainty
Asian financial markets experienced a downturn on Wednesday, following a similar decline in US stocks, as political instability in Japan weighed on investor sentiment, as per a report in AP. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index shed 0.2% to 42,222.36 amid growing uncertainty over the future of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s leadership. This follows recent by-election defeats for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which has eroded public confidence and fueled internal party challenges.
France Issues Arrest Warrants For Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad Over 2012 Journalist Killings
French judges have issued arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and six senior officials on charges of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a report in The New York Times. The warrants stem from a targeted bombardment in February 2012 on a makeshift media center in Homs, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of American journalist Marie Colvin and French photographer Rémi Ochlik. This legal action, initiated under the principle of universal jurisdiction, represents a significant step in holding the Syrian regime accountable for atrocities. While the immediate arrest of a sitting head of state is highly improbable, the warrants serve to further isolate Assad diplomatically, restrict his international travel, and reinforce the legal precedent for prosecuting grave international crimes in national courts.
Activists Urge Mexican Soccer Fans To End Homophobic Chant Ahead Of 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, LGBTQ+ activists in Mexico are now directly appealing to soccer fans to cease using a homophobic chant commonly heard during national team matches, as per a report in AP. This move comes after years of failed attempts by Mexico’s soccer federation to curb the slur, which has resulted in significant financial penalties from FIFA, including fines during the 2022 World Cup. The chant, an offensive slur, has persisted despite these sanctions, raising concerns about Mexico’s image and potential for more severe penalties as it prepares to co-host the international tournament.
Over 7,300 Afghans to Be Resettled in UK After Data Breach, NAO Report Finds
More than 7,300 Afghans are expected to be resettled in the UK as a result of a major government data breach, according to a report in The Guardian. The resettlement follows an accidental leak by a Ministry of Defence official in 2022 that exposed the details of 18,700 Afghans who had worked for the British government, prompting the creation of a new relocation route. A new Audit Office report highlights the resettlement figure and notes that the government is unable to calculate the exact cost of its response, raising doubts about an earlier estimate of £850m.
UK Officials Report Rise In Smuggled High-Potency Cannabis From California
A significant trend of illegally smuggling highly potent, California-grown marijuana into the United Kingdom is being fueled by high demand, as per a report in The New York Times. Officials state that large quantities of this cannabis, often branded as ‘Cali Weed’, are being transported on passenger flights. The product is notable for its high THC concentration, often exceeding 20-30%, which makes it popular on the UK’s illicit market and commands premium prices. This international smuggling operation presents challenges for both UK law enforcement, which must interdict the trafficking, and public health officials, who are concerned about the risks associated with unregulated, high-potency cannabis.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Reportedly Kill 105 Palestinians, Including Aid Seekers
At least 105 Palestinians, including children, journalists, and 32 aid seekers, were killed in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli military operations, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The casualties occurred as Israel continues its military push in areas including Gaza City. The deaths of those seeking humanitarian assistance highlight the severe challenges in distributing aid and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, which has seen escalating civilian casualties and international scrutiny.
US ICE Reactivates Surveillance Contract With Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reactivated a contract with Israeli spyware firm Paragon, which provides advanced mobile exploitation tools, TechCrunch said in a report. The renewal gives the US agency continued access to technology that can aid in tracking individuals for immigration enforcement. This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of the commercial spyware industry, including a 2023 executive order from the Biden administration that restricted US government use of such tools if they pose a national security risk, and the earlier blacklisting of other Israeli firms like NSO Group. The contract highlights the ongoing use of advanced surveillance technology by government agencies for domestic enforcement.
US Court Bars Google From Exclusive Search Deals In Antitrust Ruling
In a significant antitrust ruling, a US District Court has imposed remedies on Google that prevent it from entering or maintaining exclusive distribution deals for its core products, including Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and its AI model, Gemini, TechCrunch says in a report. The decision, delivered by Judge Amit P. Mehta, stops short of the structural breakup sought by the Department of Justice but fundamentally alters Google’s multi-billion dollar strategy of paying device makers like Apple to be the default search engine. This ruling stems from the remedies phase of a trial where Google was found to have illegally maintained a monopoly in the search market in a September 2023 verdict. The decision is expected to create significant market opportunities for rival search engines like Microsoft Bing and DuckDuckGo by forcing more competition for default placement on smartphones and browsers.
