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Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 14:46 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.
German State Bank KfW Accused Of Rights Violations In New Report
Germany’s state-owned development bank, KfW, is being accused of backing harmful projects in emerging markets that fail to protect human rights and silence dissent, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. A new report alleges that instead of uplifting communities, certain KfW-backed investments, often in large-scale infrastructure and energy sectors, have resulted in rights violations and environmental damage. These accusations place KfW under significant scrutiny, potentially causing reputational damage for the bank and the German government, and align with a growing international trend demanding greater accountability and stricter due diligence from development finance institutions regarding the social and environmental impact of their projects.
European Commission President Seeks Sanctions And Trade Suspension Against Israel
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking to impose sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel over the war in Gaza, as per a report in AP. This move represents a significant shift from her initial pro-Israel stance and comes amid growing international legal pressure and a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The proposal, which requires approval from EU member states, could lead to a serious deterioration in EU-Israel relations and impact diplomatic and trade ties. However, the initiative may face challenges in gaining the necessary consensus due to deep divisions among member states on policies concerning Israel.
US Lawmaker Moves To Block Ukraine Aid
US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has introduced a legislative measure aimed at halting aid to Ukraine, according to a report in RT. Greene argued that American funds should not be directed towards what she termed “foreign wars” at a time when the US national debt is approaching $37 trillion, asserting that such funds should be prioritized for domestic issues.
Netherlands Reports Full Shelters For Ukrainian Refugees
Municipalities in the Netherlands have announced that their organized reception facilities for Ukrainian refugees have reached full capacity amid a continued influx of new arrivals, according to a report in RT. This development places significant strain on public services, municipal budgets, and an already tight national housing market. The situation highlights the growing political pressure on the Dutch government to find sustainable, long-term housing solutions for the more than 100,000 Ukrainians currently residing in the country under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive.
Myanmar Man Sentenced to 7 Years Hard Labor for Criticizing Election Plan
A man in Myanmar has been sentenced to seven years with hard labor after criticizing the military-run government’s plans to hold an election in December, according to a report in AP. The conviction is reportedly the first known under a law targeting anyone who disrupts or opposes the planned elections. The sentence was for an August 25 Facebook post, which has since been removed, where the man, Nay Thway, posted a video of a robbery and criticized the government for prioritizing the election over ensuring public safety.
US Homeland Security Secretary To Meet Antwerp Mayor On Drug Smuggling
US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas is scheduled to meet with Antwerp Mayor Bart De Wever in the port of Antwerp on Tuesday to address maritime security and bilateral strategies against transnational drug smuggling, AP said in a report. De Wever has been actively engaging in international discussions to counter the significant increase in drug trafficking through northern Europe. The meeting aims to reinforce the security cooperation between the US and Belgium, focusing on the port of Antwerp, which has become a primary gateway for illegal drugs entering Europe.
Iran And IAEA Agree On New Framework For Nuclear Inspections
Iran and the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed on a new cooperation framework, a move that could lead to the resumption of nuclear inspections, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. This development aims to resolve a long-standing stalemate over monitoring that has intensified since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear deal in 2018. A successful resumption of inspections is seen as critical for the IAEA to regain ‘continuity of knowledge’ about Tehran’s nuclear activities. From a political and economic standpoint, the agreement could serve as a vital confidence-building measure, potentially de-escalating regional tensions and creating an opening for broader diplomatic negotiations.
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Interrupt Trump Dinner In DC
US President Donald Trump had his dinner at a Washington DC restaurant interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The demonstration occurred in the US capital, targeting the president amidst ongoing global activism related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel Attacks Hamas Leaders In Doha Amid Ceasefire Talks
An Israeli attack in Doha on Tuesday targeted Hamas leaders, killing at least six people in a neighborhood that houses foreign embassies and schools, according to a report in AP. The strike occurred as Hamas officials had gathered in the Qatari capital to review a US-proposed ceasefire for the ongoing conflict. The attack represents a significant escalation, directly challenging Qatar’s sovereignty and its established role as a key mediator in the region. The incident threatens to derail the fragile hostage and truce negotiations, potentially straining Israel’s diplomatic relations with Gulf nations.
Scientists Begin Testing Bird Flu Vaccine In Seals
Scientists have begun testing a bird flu vaccine in seals, with the hope of eventually inoculating the endangered Hawaiian monk seal population if the trial is successful, according to a report in The New York Times. This effort is a response to the growing threat of the H5N1 avian flu, which has spread to numerous mammal species globally, including other marine mammals. If the vaccine trials demonstrate safety and effectiveness, veterinarians aim to use the shots to protect the wild Hawaiian monk seals, a critically endangered species, from a potentially devastating outbreak.
Denmark's Forced Contraception In Greenland Confirmed By Official Report
A government-commissioned report has officially confirmed that Danish doctors conducted a forced contraception campaign in Greenland from the 1960s to 1991, The New York Times says in a report. The investigation found that up to 4,500 women and girls, some as young as 12, had IUDs inserted, frequently without their informed consent or knowledge. The revelations, which confirm long-held grievances, have been labeled a severe breach of human rights and have reinforced a legacy of colonial-era abuses. In response to the findings, the Danish government has issued an official apology, and discussions are now underway with the Greenlandic government regarding financial compensation for the victims.
Protesters Clash With Police In Paris During 'Block Everything' Demonstrations
Protesters clashed with police in Paris on Wednesday morning, setting garbage bins on fire as a nationwide ‘Block Everything’ movement began, as per a report in AP. The demonstrations, organized in opposition to the French President’s leadership and austerity policies, aim to disrupt activity across the country. Paris police reported that 75 people had been detained by 9 a.m. as demonstrations and blockades were expected to continue throughout the day.
Ukraine Accuses Russia Of Deliberate Strike On Kyiv Government Building
Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately striking a main government building in Kyiv with a missile, according to a report in BBC. The claim refers to the period of widespread Russian missile attacks in October 2022, which targeted critical energy infrastructure and civilian areas across Ukraine, including central Kyiv. At the time, the strikes were viewed as an escalation in retaliation for an explosion on the Kerch Bridge. Russia has consistently maintained that its strikes are aimed at military and energy infrastructure, denying that it deliberately targets civilians.
Novo Nordisk Announces 9,000 Job Cuts To Sharpen Focus On Obesity Drugs
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the maker of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, announced it will cut 9,000 jobs, with 5,000 of those in Denmark, AP said in a report. The restructuring, which affects 11% of the company’s global workforce, is aimed at reducing organizational complexity and accelerating decision-making. This strategic shift is intended to strengthen the company’s focus on growth opportunities within its obesity and diabetes medication segments as it faces a more competitive market.
China Slips Back Into Deflation as Economy Shows Signs of Cooling
China’s economy has re-entered deflation as falling prices signal significant cooling, Financial Times says in a report. This economic shift comes as Beijing implements policies to rein in industrial overproduction while attempting to boost weak domestic spending. The trend is compounded by several underlying issues, including an ongoing property sector crisis, subdued consumer demand, a slowdown in global exports, and high local government debt. The return to deflation poses risks of a negative economic cycle, potentially dampening growth, increasing the real burden of debt, and reducing China’s demand for global commodities.
US Supreme Court Allows Temporary Withholding of $4 Billion in Foreign Aid
The US Supreme Court has issued an emergency stay, temporarily permitting the Trump administration to proceed with withholding approximately $4 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This decision halts a lower court’s ruling that had found the administration’s impoundment of funds to be illegal and ordered their release. The stay allows the government to disregard the lower court’s order pending a full appeal, a move with significant implications for US diplomatic relations, nations reliant on the aid, and the constitutional balance of power between the executive and legislative branches over federal spending.
Russian Glide Bomb Kills Over 20 Civilians In Eastern Ukraine
Over 20 civilians were killed in the village of Yarova in Ukraine’s Donetsk region on Tuesday after it was struck by a Russian glide bomb during a pension distribution, AP says in a report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, describing it as “frankly brutal” and urging the international community to impose additional economic sanctions to make Russia pay for its invasion. This event underscores the strategic challenge posed by Russia’s escalating use of glide bombs, which are difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to counter, and highlights the persistent targeting of civilian population centers. The attack in the heavily contested Donetsk region amplifies Ukraine’s calls for more advanced Western military aid and puts renewed political pressure on international partners to tighten sanctions regimes against Russia’s war economy.
Hong Kong Court Grants Parental Recognition To Lesbian Couple In Landmark IVF Case
In a landmark decision, a Hong Kong court on Tuesday granted parental recognition to a lesbian couple for their son born through reciprocal in vitro fertilization, according to a report in AP. The couple, identified as B and R, underwent the procedure in South Africa in 2020, where one partner’s egg was fertilized and implanted in the other partner’s womb. This ruling sets a significant legal precedent in Hong Kong, where same-sex marriage is not recognized, and reinforces a trend of the judiciary expanding LGBTQ+ rights through court challenges. The decision is seen as putting further pressure on the government to establish a more comprehensive legal framework for same-sex partnerships and parental rights, affirming that the child’s welfare is a paramount consideration.
At Least 60 Killed In Overnight Rebel Attack In Eastern Congo
An overnight attack by the Allied Democratic Force (ADF), a rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State, has resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people in Ntoyo, eastern Congo, according to a report in AP. A local official, Col. Alain Kiwewa, stated that the attack occurred while residents were gathered for a burial and noted that the final death toll may rise as services are deployed to count the victims, many of whom were beheaded. This attack underscores the persistent threat posed by the ADF, which operates as the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), despite ongoing joint military operations against them by Congolese and Ugandan forces. The incident exacerbates the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, which is marked by widespread insecurity and civilian displacement.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Resigns Amid Violent Protests Over Social Media Ban
Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli announced his immediate resignation on Tuesday amid violent protests against government corruption and a recently imposed ban on social media platforms, as per a report in AP. The resignation followed an escalation in demonstrations where protesters set fire to the homes of some of the country’s top political leaders. In a direct response to the public outcry, the government lifted the social media ban earlier on the same day, signaling the political impact of the widespread unrest.
Nigeria's 2026 World Cup Qualification Hopes Dented After Draw With South Africa
Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in jeopardy following a 1-1 draw against South Africa in a Group C qualifier match held in Uyo, Nigeria, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The result helps South Africa maintain its lead in the group, strengthening its position for automatic qualification. For Nigeria, this marks their third consecutive draw in the campaign, following previous 1-1 results against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, leaving the Super Eagles under significant pressure to win their remaining matches to secure a direct spot.
Business Optimism for US Firms in China Hits 25-Year Low
Optimism among US firms about the five-year business outlook in China has plummeted to its lowest point since 1999, with a recent chamber of commerce survey showing only 41 percent remain optimistic, Al Jazeera says in a report. This record pessimism is attributed to a combination of escalating US-China geopolitical and trade tensions, China’s domestic economic slowdown, and increased regulatory scrutiny, including stricter anti-espionage and data security laws. The sentiment reflects deep-seated concerns about the long-term business environment, fueling a trend of ‘de-risking’ as companies diversify supply chains away from China.
Scientists Warn Against Using 'Dangerous' Climate Engineering In The Arctic
Dozens of polar scientists have warned that controversial geoengineering approaches aimed at cooling the planet are unlikely to work and pose a significant danger to the Arctic, according to a report in BBC. The warning highlights that large-scale interventions, such as those designed to manage solar radiation, could have unpredictable and severe consequences for the Arctic’s already fragile ecosystem, which is warming much faster than the global average. The scientists are urging for protection against such untested techniques, emphasizing the lack of international governance and the potential for these methods to disrupt regional climates and biodiversity without addressing the root cause of climate change.
Peru Rejects Amazon Reserve For Uncontacted Tribes, Sparking Human Rights Concerns
The Peruvian government is facing accusations of violating international human rights law after a state commission voted to reject the creation of the Yavari Mirim Indigenous reserve, as per a report in The Guardian. The decision, made after two decades of debate, prevents the protection of a 1.2 million-hectare (2.9 million-acre) area of pristine rainforest along the Brazilian border intended for some of the world’s most isolated communities. Campaigners argue the move not only endangers these uncontacted tribes but also leaves the biodiverse region vulnerable to economic interests such as illegal logging, mining, and other resource extraction activities.
Poland Downs Drones Violating Airspace Amid Russian Attack On Ukraine
Amid a widespread Russian aerial bombardment of Ukraine, Poland’s military downed drones that had breached its national airspace, AP says in a report. The incident involved an incursion from the conflict in neighboring Ukraine into the territory of a NATO member state.
Shares of Bitcoin Holding Companies Fall as Market Sentiment Sours
Publicly traded companies that have adopted a ‘crypto treasury’ strategy of holding large amounts of bitcoin on their balance sheets are experiencing a significant downturn in their stock prices, according to a report in Financial Times. This has led to a situation where the market capitalization of some of these firms has fallen below the actual market value of their cryptocurrency assets. The cooling investor sentiment is partly attributed to the January 2024 approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, which offer investors a more direct and regulated method for bitcoin exposure, reducing the appeal of these proxy companies. Despite the falling share prices and market skepticism, some of these companies have continued to raise capital to fund further bitcoin purchases.
UNICEF Report Finds Obesity Overtakes Underweight in Children Globally
Obesity has likely become more common than being underweight among school-aged children and adolescents worldwide, a significant global health shift, as per a report in Reuters. A new report from UNICEF, based on an analysis of data from 2000 to 2022, attributes this trend to the proliferation of ‘increasingly unhealthy food environments’ globally. This development signals a ‘double burden of malnutrition,’ where overnutrition is now a critical challenge alongside undernutrition, placing immense future strain on public health systems and posing a threat to several UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ivory Coast's Former First Lady Simone Gbagbo Cleared to Contest the Presidency
Ivory Coast’s former first lady, Simone Gbagbo, has been cleared to contest the 2025 presidential election after a 2018 presidential pardon restored her political rights, as per a report in BBC. The pardon from President Alassane Ouattara nullified a 2015 conviction for undermining state security related to the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. Gbagbo, who is a vice-president of the African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), is now positioned to run against Ouattara, whose potential bid for a fourth term is controversial following his contested 2020 third-term victory.
Australia To Spend $1.1 Billion On Stealthy, Long-Range Underwater Attack Drones
Australia is set to spend $1.1 billion (AU$1.7 billion) on dozens of locally developed, stealthy ‘Ghost Shark’ underwater attack drones, with the first units to be delivered in January of next year. Defense Minister Richard Marles announced the five-year contract with Sydney-based Anduril Australia, a subsidiary of a US defense tech firm. The investment in these Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs) is a key part of the AUKUS security pact’s goal to develop advanced shared military capabilities. This move enhances Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities and deterrence posture amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, while also providing a significant boost to the nation’s domestic defense industry.
Serbia And England Hold Post-Match Press Conferences After World Cup Qualifier
Following their World Cup qualifier match in Belgrade on September 9, the national football teams of Serbia and England held separate press conferences, Reuters said in a report. The event featured media availability with Serbia’s coach, Dragan Stojkovic, and the head coach of the England team. The press conferences took place after the conclusion of the match as part of the standard post-game protocol.
Extreme Heat Poses High Risk to 2026 World Cup Venues, Report Finds
A new study has identified extreme heat as a significant threat to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 10 of the 16 host venues in the US, Mexico, and Canada facing a “very high risk” of extreme heat stress, according to a report in Reuters. The “Pitches in Peril” report, compiled by Football for the Future, Common Goal, and climate analytics firm Jupiter Intelligence, highlights potential health risks for players and fans. The findings present operational and financial challenges for FIFA and host cities, including the need for enhanced cooling infrastructure and potential match rescheduling, similar to measures taken at past events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The report underscores the growing importance of climate adaptation in planning major global sporting events.
Asian Shares Mostly Rise, Cheered By Wall Street Rally
Most Asian stock markets advanced on Wednesday, buoyed by a record-setting rally on Wall Street which increased optimism for potential US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, as per a report in AP. In morning trading, Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.5%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.2%, South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.3%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7%. In contrast, the Shanghai Composite was nearly unchanged, edging down less than 0.1%, reflecting ongoing uncertainty despite the positive regional sentiment.
Honduras Defeats Nicaragua 2-0 to Lead World Cup Qualifying Group C
Honduras defeated Nicaragua 2-0 to take the lead in Group C of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying stage, as per a report in AP. Second-half goals from Rommel Quioto in the 47th minute and Alexy Vega in the 90th minute secured the win for Honduras in Tegucigalpa. The victory places Honduras at the top of the group with six points after two matches, boosting their campaign to qualify for what would be their fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously appeared in 1982, 2010, and 2014.
US Congressional Panel Releases Redacted Jeffrey Epstein 'Birthday Book'
A US congressional panel has released a redacted copy of an alleged “birthday book” linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, as per a report in BBC. The document, understood to be a contact list or directory rather than a personal diary, was released as part of ongoing legislative oversight into Epstein’s network. This development follows the broader unsealing of court documents in early 2024 from a lawsuit involving Ghislaine Maxwell. The release by the congressional panel is aimed at increasing public transparency and could provide new information for investigations into the full scope of Epstein’s activities and associates.
