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Last Updated:September 30, 2025, 19:15 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.
Pakistan Test-Fires Fatah-4 Long-Range Cruise Missile
Pakistan’s army announced it successfully test-fired the Fatah-4, a long-range cruise missile aimed at strengthening the country’s conventional missile arsenal, AP said in a report. The surface-to-surface missile has a range of 750 kilometers (470 miles) and is equipped with advanced avionics and modern navigation systems. The weapon is described as capable of evading enemy air defenses by navigating through terrain, though the military did not specify where the test was conducted.
Scientists Warn of Worsening Droughts as Amazon's 'Flying Rivers' Weaken
Widespread droughts withering crops in Peru, intensifying fires in the Amazon, and hampering hydroelectric power in Ecuador are being linked to the weakening of ‘flying rivers,’ according to a report in AP. Scientists explain these ‘flying rivers’ are massive, invisible flows of atmospheric moisture transported from the Atlantic, a process heavily reliant on the Amazon rainforest’s trees releasing water vapor. As deforestation continues, this biological ‘pump’ becomes less effective, reducing rainfall further inland. The report highlights growing concerns among scientists about the Amazon approaching a critical ‘tipping point,’ beyond which large areas could irreversibly transform into a drier, savanna-like ecosystem, with severe consequences for regional water security, energy grids, and global climate regulation.
South Korea Elevates Cyber Threat Level Over Hacking Concerns
South Korea’s national intelligence service has elevated the country’s cyber threat alert level from “attention” to “caution” amid fears of increased hacking attempts, The Guardian said in a report. The decision on Monday was driven by concerns that threat actors could exploit system vulnerabilities during ongoing recovery work related to a major fire at a private data center in 2022. That historical incident at the SK C&C facility, which hosts services for major tech companies, paralyzed essential digital platforms like Kakao and Naver, causing significant economic and social disruption and highlighting the fragility of the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Cameroon President Paul Biya Absent As Presidential Campaigning Begins
As campaigning for Cameroon’s presidential election began this weekend, incumbent President Paul Biya is notably absent, having left for a ‘private trip to Europe,’ according to a report in France 24. The 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982 and is the world’s oldest head of state, is seeking an eighth term in the upcoming October 12 polls. His office did not provide further details on his whereabouts or the duration of his trip, creating uncertainty as the election period commences.
China Hosts E-Commerce Summit To Bolster Sino-Foreign Trade
The 2025 Cross-Border E-Commerce Annual Meeting was held on September 27 in Zhuhai-Hengqin, China, focusing on new avenues for Sino-foreign economic and trade cooperation, according to a report in AP. The event, themed “New Start, New Space, New Opportunities,” gathered participants at the Zhuhai Convention & Exhibition Center to discuss key topics including air logistics and cross-border supply chains. The meeting aimed to explore new ideas, models, and opportunities to advance the development of the cross-border e-commerce sector.
Sudan Conflict Escalates With Proliferation Of Surface-To-Air Missiles And Drones
The conflict in Sudan has seen a significant escalation with the introduction of advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles and deadly drones, on its battlefields, The Washington Post said in a report. Experts note that fighters from both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) now possess anti-aircraft weapons, including what appears to be a Chinese-made surface-to-air missile system, that could threaten civilian and humanitarian air traffic. The proliferation includes military-grade drones reportedly supplied by Iran to the SAF and other systems allegedly provided by the UAE to the RSF. This development challenges the SAF’s previous air superiority, complicates international peace efforts, and raises concerns about regional stability due to the risk of weapons trafficking.
Ukrainian Man Arrested In Poland Over 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions
A Ukrainian national, identified as Volodymyr Z., has been detained in Poland on a European arrest warrant as a suspect in the September 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany, AP said in a report. The arrest is a significant development in the ongoing German investigation, which has focused on a sailing yacht named ‘Andromeda’ allegedly used by a pro-Ukrainian group for the sabotage. While Ukraine has consistently denied any state involvement, the arrest increases diplomatic pressure on Kyiv and highlights the vulnerability of critical international energy infrastructure. Sweden and Denmark previously concluded their own investigations into the sabotage in 2024 without assigning blame.
Entire Ukrainian Family Killed In Russian Drone Strike
An entire family, consisting of two parents and their two young sons, was killed after a Russian drone struck their home in Ukraine’s Sumy region, as per a report in BBC. Ukrainian officials stated that rescuers recovered the bodies from the ruins of the destroyed house. This event highlights the ongoing threat to civilians from Russia’s persistent drone campaign, which frequently targets residential areas. The Sumy region, located on Ukraine’s northeastern border with Russia, has been subjected to consistent cross-border attacks since the 2022 full-scale invasion.
BBC Investigation Unmasks Europe-Wide Dog Fighting Network After Online Mistake
An undercover investigation by the BBC’s Spotlight team has successfully unmasked a sophisticated, Europe-wide dog fighting network, BBC says in a report. The breakthrough in the investigation came after perpetrators made a significant “online blunder” in their digital communications, which provided the journalists with the necessary entry point to infiltrate and expose the clandestine operation. The report highlights the international scale of the criminal enterprise, which spans multiple European nations and coordinates its illegal activities online, presenting a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies across the continent and raising questions about the role of online platforms in facilitating such crimes.
US To Return 120 Iranians Detained For Illegal Entry
Iranian state television has reported that 120 of its citizens, who were detained in the United States for illegal entry, are slated to be returned to Iran, according to a report in AP. The original announcement from Tehran did not provide a timeline or further details on the circumstances of their detention.
Tata Steel Reportedly Bought Slabs From Rival To Navigate Past US Tariffs
Tata Steel previously purchased steel slabs from its rival, British Steel, in a strategic move to navigate US trade policies from Donald Trump’s first presidential term, according to a report in The Guardian. The unusual transaction involved slabs from British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, which was under UK government receivership at the time of the sale (2019-2020), being supplied to Tata’s operations in South Wales. The move was an attempt to manage the impact of US Section 232 steel tariffs, which were later modified into a tariff-rate quota system for allies like the UK rather than being fully eliminated. British Steel is now owned by China’s Jingye Group.
Two-Year-Old Girl Chosen As Nepal's New Living Goddess
In Kathmandu, Nepal, a two-year-old girl, Aryatara Shakya, was installed as the new Royal Kumari, or living goddess, worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, AP said in a report. The ceremony, which involved her being carried from her home to the Kumari Ghar palace, took place on Tuesday during Dashain, Nepal’s most significant Hindu festival. Shakya, chosen from the Shakya caste of the Newar community, replaces her predecessor who has reached puberty, as tradition dictates the Kumari must be a pre-pubescent girl.
South Africa To Appeal FIFA Ruling On World Cup Qualifier Forfeiture
The South African Football Association plans to appeal a FIFA ruling that overturned its 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Lesotho to a 3-0 default loss for fielding an ineligible player, AP says in a report. The judgment was made because South Africa fielded Mothobi Mvala, who was under an automatic one-match suspension. This decision has significant implications for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as it has knocked South Africa from the top position in its group with only two qualifying rounds remaining. The association claims it was not given an opportunity to present a legal argument before the ruling was made.
UK's NHS Removes Report On First-Cousin Marriage After Public Backlash
The UK’s Health Service (NHS) has withdrawn a controversial report that discussed the social “benefits” of first-cousin marriage after it prompted a fierce public backlash, as per a report in Fox News. The document, reportedly produced by the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was heavily criticized for its framing, which was perceived as downplaying the significant, medically established genetic risks associated with the practice. These risks include a two-to-three times higher probability of offspring inheriting recessive genetic disorders. The removal of the report has intensified the public debate in the UK regarding the balance between cultural sensitivity and the unambiguous communication of evidence-based health warnings.
Future of Czech-Led Ammunition Initiative for Ukraine in Doubt
The future of a critical Czech Republic-led initiative that sources ammunition for Ukraine from around the globe is in doubt, according to a report in The New York Times. The program, crucial in addressing Kyiv’s artillery shortages, faces a potential shutdown if the opposition party ANO 2011, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, wins the next election as polls suggest. While Babiš has not explicitly vowed to end the program, his rhetoric questioning the extent of military aid to Ukraine has created significant uncertainty about its continuation. A halt to the initiative, which has secured funding for hundreds of thousands of shells, could severely impact Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and signal a crack in European solidarity.
Russian Drone Strike Kills Family Of Four In Ukraine's Sumy Region
A Russian drone strike killed a family of four, including a couple and their two young children, in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region on Tuesday, according to a report in France 24. Ukrainian officials confirmed the details of the overnight attack on the residential area. In a separate announcement, Moscow’s defense ministry reported that its forces had repelled what it termed a ‘massive’ Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s southern Volgograd region.
At Least 8 Killed In Car Bombing At Pakistan Security Headquarters
At least eight people were killed and several others were wounded after militants detonated a car bomb outside a headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary Frontier Corps in the southwestern city of Quetta on Tuesday, AP said in a report. According to authorities, four attackers first exited the vehicle and engaged the troops in an intense shootout before the vehicle was detonated. Local residents reported that the blast was powerful enough to be heard from miles away, and emergency services were dispatched to the scene.
Former Kherson Mayor Details Russian Occupation And Captivity After Release
Volodymyr Mykolaienko, the former mayor of Kherson, has spoken about the Russian occupation of his city and his subsequent imprisonment, Deutsche Welle says in a report. Mykolaienko was held captive for over two years after being captured by Russian forces in March 2022 and was recently released as part of a prisoner exchange. In his account, he described the conditions of his imprisonment in Russia and the tactics used during the occupation of the Ukrainian city. His testimony provides a firsthand perspective on the illegal detention of Ukrainian officials and civilians, a practice documented by international observers as a component of Russia’s strategy in occupied territories.
AUKUS Submarine Pact Reportedly Secure Despite Ongoing Pentagon Review
The AUKUS submarine pact will reportedly proceed as planned following a Pentagon review, with a Nikkei Asia report indicating the Trump administration will retain the original $368bn timeline, according to The Guardian. This plan includes the US selling three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia starting in 2032. However, a US official contradicted these claims, stating the security pact review initiated in June is still underway. Despite the conflicting information, Australian officials have expressed confidence that the deal is secure.
China Acted As Both Peace Broker And Arms Supplier In Past Cambodia-Thailand Conflict
While publicly calling for an end to the Cambodia-Thailand border war in July of a peak conflict year, China had secretly supplied rockets and artillery shells to Cambodia just weeks earlier, according to a report in The New York Times citing Thai intelligence documents. The report details China’s dual role during the deadly conflict over the Preah Vihear temple, which saw significant clashes between 2008 and 2011. The article highlights the apparent contradiction between China’s role as a public peace broker and its actions as a clandestine arms supplier to one side of the dispute.
Trump Considering Supplying Ukraine With Long-Range Missiles, Says Vice President Vance
US Vice President J D Vance has stated that President Donald Trump is considering supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, a move that comes as a Ukrainian defense official suggests more Western weapons could compel Moscow to enter peace talks, according to a report in BBC. The discussion of providing additional long-range capabilities, such as more ATACMS missiles, follows previous US provisions of the weapon system to Ukraine, which is currently facing intense Russian pressure.
UK Blogger Arrested Over Anti-Hamas Post, Released Without Charge
A blogger in the UK, Pete North, was detained and questioned for several hours by North Yorkshire Police for posting an anti-Hamas meme, as per a report in Fox News. He was subsequently released without any charges being filed. North claimed that the arresting officers seemed unaware of the details of the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel. The incident highlights the ongoing debate in the UK surrounding free speech, online content laws, and the police’s approach to social media posts concerning international conflicts.
Trump Administration Bans 'Climate Change' Term At Energy Department
The administration of US President Donald Trump has issued a directive to employees at the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), forbidding the use of terms like ‘climate change’ and ‘green’ in official communications, as per a report in TechCrunch. The instruction, sent via email last week by a political appointee, also reportedly included a longer list of discouraged phrases such as ’emissions reduction’ and ‘decarbonization’. This move reflects a broader policy to downplay climate change and is consistent with similar actions taken during Trump’s first presidential term (2017-2020). The directive raises concerns about its impact on the scientific integrity and communication of the agency, which is tasked with advancing renewable energy and efficiency solutions.
Ukrainian Hospital Delivers Advanced Neurosurgery for War Injuries
Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, Ukraine, a facility with a history of treating wounded soldiers dating back to the Crimean War of the 1850s, is now playing a crucial role in the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to a report in NPR. The hospital’s neurosurgeons are on the front line of medical care, treating a high volume of complex brain and spinal injuries resulting from shrapnel and blast trauma. Located in a strategic city that serves as a primary medical hub for those evacuated from active combat zones, the hospital’s advanced capabilities are vital for saving lives and reducing long-term disability for both military personnel and civilians, showcasing the resilience and adaptation of Ukraine’s healthcare system under wartime pressure.
Nvidia To Invest $500 Million In Armenian AI Factory
Nvidia is planning a $500 million investment to build an artificial intelligence “factory” in Armenia, which will function as a large-scale data center for intensive AI computation, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The project is positioned as a significant economic boost for Armenia, expected to create high-value jobs, attract further investment, and solidify its reputation as a regional tech hub. This move addresses global concerns about a growing digital divide, where advanced AI capabilities are concentrated in a few wealthy nations. The investment is also anticipated to drive demand for specialized AI and data science skills within Armenia, fostering development in the local education system and providing new career opportunities for its technology talent pool.
Nepal Defeats West Indies Academy To Secure Historic T20 Series Win
Nepal’s cricket team defeated the West Indies Academy by a record 90 runs in Sharjah to clinch their Twenty20 series with one match remaining, AP says in a report. The victory on Monday follows another historic win for Nepal in the first match of the series. Career-best scores in the 60s from Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora propelled Nepal to a total of 173-6. In response, the West Indies Academy was bowled out for 83 runs in 17.1 overs, securing a landmark series win for the associate nation against the development squad of a top-tier cricketing country.
Mauricio Hoyos Seriously Injured in Shark Attack off Costa Rica
Mauricio Hoyos sustained serious injuries to his head, face, and arms after being attacked by a shark near Costa Rica’s remote Cocos Island on Saturday, according to a report in AP. Costa Rica’s Fire Department rescued Hoyos and undertook a 36-hour journey to transport him from the island, which is located about 340 miles (550 kilometers) off the Pacific coast. He was successfully transferred to a hospital in the capital, San Jose, on Monday for medical treatment.
Eleven Arrested In Serbia Over Hate Crimes In France And Germany
Serbian police have arrested 11 nationals accused of inciting hatred in France and Germany through acts targeting religious sites, including placing pigs’ heads near mosques and defacing Jewish sites, The Guardian said in a report. The arrests come as French prosecutors investigate probable foreign interference behind a recent series of provocative acts targeting both Jewish and Muslim locations amid heightened tensions over the war in Gaza. French officials have previously stated they were investigating Russia’s role in destabilization operations aimed at stoking social division in France.
Australia Eases Heritage Protections For Woodside Gas Project Extension
The Australian government agreed to weaken proposed protections for Indigenous rock art of world heritage significance from Woodside’s North West Shelf gas development, according to a report in The Guardian. The decision came after the energy company argued that the original, stricter conditions could force a shutdown of the major gas export plant. According to a government document, the change was approved by Environment Minister Murray Watt, allowing the extension of one of the world’s largest gas developments to continue its operating life until 2070.
Asian Markets Mixed Amid US Shutdown Fears And Weak China Data
Asian shares showed mixed results on Tuesday as investor sentiment was dampened by the possibility of a US government shutdown and new data indicating persistent economic weakness in China, according to a report in AP. Japan’s Nikkei 225 registered a decline, while markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai posted gains. The market caution was driven by concerns over a potential US government shutdown, which was later temporarily averted, and was compounded by lackluster factory activity data from China for September, reflecting the impact of ongoing trade tensions with the US on the world’s second-largest economy.
Israeli Soldiers Detain Palestinian Children In West Bank On Spying Allegations
Israeli soldiers were filmed detaining two Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on accusations of spying, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The incident, captured on video, highlights what human rights organizations describe as a pattern of detentions of Palestinian minors in the region. The city of Hebron is noted as a frequent flashpoint, and such events often lead to international scrutiny over the treatment of minors under military occupation and adherence to international law.
Aide To German MEP Convicted Of Spying For China
A German court has convicted Jian Guo, a former aide to a prominent far-right Member of the European Parliament, on charges of spying for China, AP says in a report. Guo, a German citizen, was found to have passed sensitive information regarding negotiations and decisions within the EU Parliament to Chinese intelligence services over a period spanning from September 2019 until his arrest in April 2024. The conviction highlights existing concerns across Europe about Chinese espionage targeting political institutions and adds to diplomatic tensions between Germany and China.
Former US Official's Gun Gifts To New Zealand Violated Local Laws
During a visit to New Zealand, former Trump administration official Kash Patel gave the country’s police and intelligence chiefs gifts of 3D-printed replica pistols that were illegal to possess under local laws, as per a report in AP. The inoperable plastic pistols, which were part of display stands, were surrendered by the officials and destroyed. The incident highlights New Zealand’s strict gun control regime, which was significantly strengthened following the 2019 Christchurch shootings. The original report, which incorrectly identified Patel as the FBI Director, also noted that he caused discomfort with separate remarks about China.
Journalist Lally Weymouth Of The Washington Post's Graham Family Dies At 82
Lally Weymouth, a senior associate editor at The Washington Post and daughter of the paper’s late publisher Katharine Graham, has died at 82 in her Manhattan home from pancreatic cancer, AP said in a report. Weymouth carved out her own journalistic career, becoming known for securing interviews with prominent and often controversial world leaders, including Iraq’s Saddam Hussein and Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi. Her passing represents a significant moment for The Washington Post, marking the loss of a direct link to its historic leadership under the Graham family, and for foreign policy journalism, where her style of gaining direct access to isolated global figures was a hallmark of a distinct era in reporting.
Thailand Appeals Court Upholds Royal Defamation Sentence For Lawmaker
An appeals court in Thailand on Tuesday upheld a prison sentence for royal defamation against Chonthicha Jangrew, a lawmaker from the progressive Move Forward Party, for a speech delivered four years ago, according to a report in AP. The court granted Jangrew bail set at 150,000 baht ($4,600), allowing her to retain her parliamentary seat for now as she plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. If bail had been denied, she would have been immediately removed from her position as a Member of Parliament.
Paraguay's Transgender Women Face Displacement Amid Lack Of Legal Rights
In Paraguay, one of Latin America’s most conservative countries, transgender women face systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence that compel them to leave their hometowns for safety, as per a report in AP. The exclusion is reinforced by political and religious conservatism, resulting in an absence of legal protections such as a gender identity law. Consequently, violence against the community often goes unrecorded, and many individuals are pushed into precarious situations, with shelters run by advocacy groups offering one of the few sources of safety.
Colombian Foreign Minister Renounces US Visa as Tensions Escalate
Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Rosa Villavicencio, has renounced her US visa to protest an unspecified decision by the US State Department, according to a report in AP. The move on Monday highlights escalating diplomatic tensions between the US and Colombia, with the war in Gaza cited as a key point of friction. The Colombian Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the renunciation but did not specify the type of visa Villavicencio held, stating only that it was not interested in diplomatic visas.
Women in Gaza Report Sexual Exploitation in Exchange for Survival Necessities
Amid the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, women are reporting instances of sexual exploitation where they are promised food, money, or work in exchange for sexual interactions, according to a report in AP. This form of exploitation, often termed ‘survival sex,’ is reportedly on the rise as the ongoing conflict has dismantled economic and social support systems, leaving women and children exceptionally vulnerable. Aid organizations on the ground warn that reported cases represent only ‘the tip of the iceberg’ due to intense social stigma and the challenges of reporting in a conflict zone. The situation presents significant political and operational implications, undermining the integrity of humanitarian aid delivery and increasing pressure on international donors to implement more stringent oversight and gender-based violence prevention programs.
China's Factory Activity Shrinks For Sixth Consecutive Month
China’s official factory activity showed a contraction for the sixth straight month in September, the longest such slump since 2019, according to a report in AP. The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved slightly to 49.8, but remained below the 50-point threshold that separates contraction from expansion, reflecting the impact of ongoing trade tensions. In contrast, a private sector PMI survey from the firm RatingDog indicated expansion, with its index rising to 51.2 from 50.5 in August.
Pro-Russians Allege Fraud in Past Moldova Election with Disputed Footage
In the aftermath of Moldova’s November 2023 local elections, where the ruling pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured a significant victory, pro-Russian actors are now circulating footage online allegedly proving voter fraud, according to a report in France 24. The report notes that an analysis of the video reveals multiple elements that cast significant doubt on its authenticity. This disinformation effort is seen as part of a broader campaign to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions and its pro-European trajectory, which was reinforced by the election results.
