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Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 20:00 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.
Irish Citizen Reportedly Injured By Police At Pro-Palestine Rally In Berlin
An Irish citizen, Kitty O’Brien, reportedly had their arm broken by police during a recent pro-Palestine rally in Berlin, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident allegedly involved an officer punching the protester, which resulted in the injury.
Swedish Fintech Klarna Makes Wall Street Debut With $15 Billion Valuation
Swedish buy now, pay later company Klarna is making its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, in a highly anticipated offering that values the firm at over $15 billion, AP says in a report. The initial public offering was priced at $40 per share, which was above the initial forecast range. This valuation makes Klarna one of the largest IPOs in 2025, which has been one of the busier years for companies going public. The public debut comes as the global Buy Now, Pay Later industry faces increased regulatory scrutiny and represents a significant valuation recovery for Klarna, which was valued at just $6.7 billion in 2022, though still below its $45.6 billion peak valuation in 2021.
Chinese s Jailed For Human Trafficking In South Africa
Several Chinese nationals have been jailed in South Africa for human trafficking after a raid on a Johannesburg factory found 91 Malawians, including 37 children, living in exploitative conditions, as per a report in BBC. The victims were discovered during the raid in what were described as appalling conditions. The convictions are a result of an investigation into forced labor involving foreign nationals, a recognized challenge in the country.
Thailand Grants Working Rights To Refugees From Myanmar
The Thai government has officially granted working rights to refugees from Myanmar, ending years of severe restrictions on their formal employment, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This policy shift is seen as a response to several pressures, including a potential shortage of labor in key sectors of Thailand’s economy, recent cuts in US aid for refugees, and ongoing international scrutiny of the country’s refugee policies. The decision, which has been welcomed by aid agencies, is expected to help refugees become self-reliant, reduce their vulnerability to exploitation, and formalize a segment of the workforce. The influx of refugees has been driven by the severe humanitarian crisis in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup.
Jihadists Executed 127 People In Niger, Human Rights Watch Says
Jihadist groups have summarily executed 127 people in Niger, with attacks including the killing of worshippers in mosques and the torching of homes, BBC said in a report citing Human Rights Watch. This escalation in violence signals a significant deterioration in the security environment, posing a direct challenge to the authority and stability of Niger’s military junta. The attacks, largely attributed to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), carry substantial political and economic implications, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and increasing regional instability. The violence underscores the security vacuum created by the post-coup withdrawal of international forces, placing further strain on state resources and deterring foreign investment in the already fragile West African nation.
South Korean Woman Acquitted 61 Years After Biting Off Attacker's Tongue
A court in South Korea has acquitted Choi Mal-ja, a woman convicted 61 years ago for biting off part of a man’s tongue during an alleged sexual assault, according to a report in The Guardian. Choi was 19 in 1964 when a 21-year-old man attacked her in the town of Gimhae, pinning her down and forcing his tongue into her mouth while blocking her nose. Her successful appeal to overturn the conviction was reportedly inspired by South Korea’s #MeToo movement, which encouraged her to seek justice for the decades-old incident.
Spain, England, and France Start World Cup Qualifying With Victories
In the opening week of the European World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, several top nations secured wins, according to a report in AP. Spain, France, and England all began their groups with victories, with Kylian Mbappé scoring for France. Veteran players also made a significant impact, as Cristiano Ronaldo contributed to Portugal’s successful start, and Luka Modrić’s Croatia took an early lead in its respective group. Every European team has now played at least one match in the qualification process for the tournament.
Head Of Mexican Megachurch Indicted On Federal Sex Trafficking Charges In New York
The longtime leader of the Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo, Naasón Joaquín García, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in New York on charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, as per a report in AP. The indictment alleges that García and five co-conspirators systematically exploited the church for decades to facilitate the sexual abuse of children and female members. This federal action comes while García is already serving a prison sentence in California following a prior conviction for sexually abusing young followers. The new charges expand his legal jeopardy, framing the alleged abuse as part of a long-running criminal enterprise with transnational implications.
Flash Floods In Indonesia Leave At Least 11 Dead And 13 Missing
Flash floods and landslides have struck Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province and the island of Bali, leaving at least 11 people dead and 13 missing as of Wednesday, AP said in a report. The disaster was triggered by torrential rains that began on Monday, causing widespread damage. Authorities reported that in the Nagekeo district of East Nusa Tenggara, three members of one family were found dead after their house was swept away, and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing.
China Approves Nature Reserve At Disputed South China Sea Shoal
China has approved the construction of a national nature reserve at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Island and is also claimed by the Philippines, AP says in a report. A notice from China’s State Council on Wednesday confirmed the project, stating its purpose is to maintain biodiversity and stability, with the reserve’s size to be detailed later. The move comes after China seized de facto control of the shoal following a 2012 naval standoff and despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, a ruling Beijing rejects.
Hong Kong Emerges As Major Fundraising Hub For EV Sector After Listing Reforms
Listing reforms by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) have positioned the city as a significant fundraising hub for the new energy sector, according to a report in South China Morning Post. A government official, Salina Yan Mei-mei, stated that there has been an active stream of listings from electric vehicle makers, EV supply chain companies, energy storage, and hydrogen energy firms. These developments are part of a broader effort to promote Hong Kong as a green finance hub by leveraging reforms designed to attract specialist technology companies and capitalize on the growth of the region’s vast EV ecosystem.
EU Gives Final Approval To Law Slashing Food And Fast Fashion Waste
The European Union has formally approved new legislation designed to slash food waste and address the environmental consequences of the fast fashion sector, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The law establishes legally binding targets for member states to achieve by 2030, requiring a 10% reduction in food waste from processing and manufacturing and a 30% per capita reduction in retail and households. For the textile industry, the measures are set to enforce greater environmental accountability, primarily through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which will make brands financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection and recycling. This legislation is a key component of the EU’s broader European Green Deal and its push towards a circular economy.
Singapore to Acquire Four Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft From US
Singapore will acquire four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States to bolster its maritime defence capabilities, South China Morning Post says in a report. The decision was confirmed by Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, following a meeting in Washington with the US Secretary of Defense. The procurement aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and counter submarine threats, with the new P-8A aircraft set to replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s aging fleet of Fokker 50s, which have been operational since 1993.
Pacific Island Leaders Call for "Ocean of Peace" Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Leaders of the 18-nation Pacific Islands Forum, meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, have issued a call for the region to be an “ocean of peace,” urging respect for their sovereignty, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The summit, which endorsed a Fiji-backed statement on regional cohesion and climate action, is taking place amid heightened great power competition between China and Western allies. This rivalry has intensified following a 2022 security pact between China and the Solomon Islands, prompting concerns from nations like Australia and the US about Beijing’s growing influence in the strategically vital region.
US Firms In China Report Record Pessimism Amid Tensions
American companies operating in China are more pessimistic about their five-year business outlook than ever before, with only 41 per cent expressing optimism, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This figure is almost half the rate recorded in 2021 and is attributed to rising geopolitical uncertainties, fierce local competition, and China’s persistent economic slowdown, as detailed in a new survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
EU to Establish Regional Firefighting Hub in Cyprus Amid Climate Change Concerns
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in her annual address that a proposal will be made to set up a regional firefighting hub in Cyprus, as per a report in AP. This initiative aims to bolster the region’s capacity to fight major wildfires, which are becoming more severe due to climate change, and will also offer assistance to Middle Eastern countries. The move aligns with the EU’s strategy to expand its Civil Protection Mechanism and leverages Cyprus’s strategic location. The establishment of the hub is expected to enhance Cyprus’s role in regional disaster management, bring investment into related infrastructure, and foster greater cooperation on environmental and security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ukraine's Nuclear Sites Face Ongoing Threat of Radiation Disaster
The continued war in Ukraine presents a daily risk of a radiation disaster, as numerous nuclear sites across the country remain vulnerable to military strikes, according to a report in The New York Times. These sites include four active nuclear power plants, research reactors, and radioactive waste storage facilities. Officials have reported that one research laboratory near the front lines, identified as the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology, has already been struck dozens of times. While not capable of a Chernobyl-scale meltdown, damage to such facilities or to spent fuel storage could scatter radioactive materials, leading to localized contamination, severe environmental damage, and a major humanitarian crisis with significant geopolitical implications.
Explosions In Lithuanian Capital As Gas-Laden Train Catches Fire
Powerful explosions were reported in the suburbs of Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, on Wednesday after several rail cars loaded with liquefied gas caught fire, as per a report in AP. Authorities confirmed one person was injured, and large columns of smoke were visible across the city, leading officials to warn residents in the affected area to remain indoors. Lithuania’s Interior Minister, Vladislavas Kondratovičius, stated that an initial investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
Hong Kong Lawmakers Reject Same-Sex Partnership Bill
Hong Kong’s legislature on Wednesday voted down a bill that would have legally recognized same-sex partnerships, marking a significant setback for the city’s LGBTQ+ movement, according to a report in AP. The proposed legislation, which offered limited rights and was not for full marriage equality, was a direct response to a 2023 Court of Final Appeal ruling that mandated the government to create such a legal framework. The rejection by the legislature, now composed largely of pro-establishment members, highlights a strong conservative consensus and creates tension with the judiciary. This decision could negatively affect Hong Kong’s image as a global financial hub and its capacity to attract and retain diverse international talent, as it contrasts with the diversity and inclusion policies of many multinational corporations.
Suspect in German Festival Attack Convicted of Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison
A 27-year-old Syrian man, identified as Issa Al H., has been convicted of murder and membership in the Islamic State group by a state court in Germany, AP said in a report. He was sentenced to life in prison for a knife attack that killed three people at a festival in the city of Solingen on August 23, 2024. The attack occurred during the city’s 650th-anniversary celebrations at a “Festival of Diversity.” The defendant was arrested a day after the incident.
Three Migrants Die, At Least Three Missing in English Channel Crossing Attempts
Three migrants died overnight while attempting to cross the perilous English Channel from northern France to Britain, according to a report in AP. Authorities in the Pas-de-Calais region also stated that at least three other migrants are believed to be missing at sea following a separate attempted crossing. During the second incident, rescue teams were able to salvage one person from the water.
UK To Place Warning Signs On French Beaches To Deter Asylum Seekers
The UK’s Home Office is endorsing a publicity campaign targeting asylum seekers in northern France with posters and leaflets near beaches around Calais and Dunkirk, according to a report in The Guardian. The signs, written in English and French, will warn individuals that they are risking their lives, being deceived by smuggling gangs, and face the possibility of being returned under a new “one in, one out” policy framework. This initiative, which refugee organisations have dismissed as a ‘gimmick’, is linked to the UK’s Illegal Migration Act 2023, which aims to deter irregular arrivals.
Video Alleging Threats to French Churches Debunked as Staged
A video that recently gained traction on social media platform X, shared by English-speaking accounts, has been debunked as a staged fabrication, according to a report in France 24. The clip, which falsely depicted a group of Muslims threatening to burn down the Notre-Dame Cathedral and other churches in France, was analyzed and found to be a deliberate piece of disinformation. The individuals in the video were not making genuine threats but were part of a manufactured scenario intended to incite prejudice. This incident highlights a growing trend of staged or AI-generated content being used to create false narratives and stoke social tensions.
China's Dominance Grows In Unconfirmed Power Of Siberia 2 Gas Deal With Russia
Russia is seeking to finalize the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline deal with China to replace significant energy revenue lost from European markets following its war in Ukraine, according to a report in AP. Despite Russian pronouncements of an agreement, the deal remains murky and unconfirmed by Beijing, which is reportedly driving a hard bargain on pricing. China’s leverage is strengthened by its own rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity and a potential slowdown in economic growth, which may temper its immediate need for large-scale fossil fuel imports. The situation highlights Russia’s growing economic dependence on China and underscores Beijing’s dominant position in the bilateral relationship.
Israeli-Russian Academic Elizabeth Tsurkov Freed After 903 Days In Captivity
Israeli-Russian academic and Princeton student Elizabeth Tsurkov has been released after 903 days in captivity in Iraq, according to a report in The Guardian. US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Tsurkov, who was kidnapped by the Iran-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah in early 2023, was ‘tortured for many months’ and is now safe at the American Embassy in Iraq. In his statement, President Trump also called on Hamas to release hostages it is holding.
Three Migrants Die Attempting To Cross English Channel From France
Three migrants died overnight while attempting to cross the perilous English Channel from northern France, and at least three others are believed to be missing from a separate attempt, AP said in a report. According to the Pas-de-Calais department’s prefecture, the three deceased individuals were trying to reach Britain. In a different incident, rescue teams managed to save one person after their boat met with an accident, but three other migrants from that vessel are now considered missing at sea.
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.
