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Last Updated:September 22, 2025, 12:00 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.
UK Fintech Tide's Growth Driven By Indian Small Business Market
UK-based financial technology company Tide now serves over 1.6 million micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide, with its Indian operations being a primary driver of this growth, according to a report in TechCrunch. Since its launch in India in late 2020, the company has acquired more than 800,000 customers in the country, representing over half of its global user base. This rapid market penetration, which underpins the company’s sustained unicorn valuation first achieved in 2021, highlights the significance of India’s large and digitizing small business sector for international fintech firms seeking to scale their operations globally.
Over 150 UK Aid Groups Report Threats From Far-Right Protesters
Over 150 lawyers, refugee NGOs, and human rights organizations in the UK are being ‘pressured into silence’ by far-right and anti-migrant protesters, with some receiving credible death and rape threats, The Guardian says in a report. The intimidation has forced at least two NGOs that support asylum seekers to close their offices over safety concerns. These groups have been assisting individuals facing removal to France under current government policies, with the threats coming amid a contentious political climate surrounding the Labour Party’s proposed ‘one in, one out’ asylum scheme.
Japan To Reject Palestinian State Recognition Amid US Concerns
Japan will not support the recognition of a Palestinian state at a United Nations meeting next week, citing concerns it could harm relations with the US, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. The decision from Tokyo diverges from the position of several other US allies, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and France, which have indicated they will back the move for formal recognition. Japan’s stance is reportedly influenced by a desire to avoid friction with the administration of US President Donald Trump and a belief that such a move could exacerbate the situation in the Middle East.
UK Explores Waiving Visa Fees For Top Global Talent
The UK government is considering a proposal to eliminate visa fees for highly skilled individuals who have graduated from top global universities. This initiative, being explored by the Prime Minister’s team, aims to bolster the UK’s competitiveness in the global race for talent by reducing financial and administrative barriers. The plan would likely build upon the existing High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route launched in 2022 and aligns with the UK’s broader post-Brexit strategy to attract specific skilled workers. This potential policy shift is notably different from current US immigration trends, which are characterized by high fees, strict visa caps, and long processing times, potentially making the UK a more attractive destination for top international professionals and innovators.
Thousands Evacuate in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Approaches
Thousands are evacuating in the northern Philippines as a super typhoon, with winds exceeding 185 km/h, approaches the region before an expected trajectory towards southern China, according to a report in BBC. Philippine disaster agencies have activated their highest alert levels, coordinating mass evacuations and prepositioning relief supplies in vulnerable northern provinces. The powerful storm poses a significant threat of catastrophic damage, including flash floods, landslides, and severe destruction to infrastructure and agriculture, which could impact the nation’s food supply. meteorological agencies are monitoring the typhoon, which is also expected to bring torrential rain and strong winds to southern China’s coastal regions later in the week, potentially disrupting major shipping lanes and industrial operations.
New World Screwworm Case Confirmed In Mexico Near US Border
Mexico’s national agricultural health service, SENASICA, confirmed a new case of New World screwworm in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, a location less than 70 miles from the US-Mexico border, Reuters said in a report. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledged the detection and stated it is analyzing the information to “pursue all options.” The re-emergence of this flesh-eating parasite, previously eradicated from North America, poses a significant economic threat to the US livestock industry and wildlife. The development is expected to trigger heightened biosecurity measures, including increased border inspections and potential trade restrictions on live animals from the affected regions in Mexico to prevent its spread into the United States.
Evenepoel Wins Third Straight World Time-Trial Title in Rwanda
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel won his third successive individual time-trial title at the Road Cycling World Championships in Rwanda on Sunday, surging past Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar in the final stretch, according to a report in France 24. This is Evenepoel’s third consecutive win in the discipline, following victories in 2022 and 2023. The event in Kigali was held ahead of the full UCI Road World Championships, which Rwanda is scheduled to host in 2025, marking the first time the event will take place on the African continent.
Tropical Storm Narda Forms In Pacific Waters South Of Mexico
Tropical Storm Narda has formed in the offshore waters south of Mexico, prompting advisories from meteorological agencies like the US Hurricane Center, AP says in a report. The storm, defined by sustained winds between 39-73 mph, is projected to bring heavy rainfall, which could cause flash floods and mudslides in coastal states. The formation of the storm poses an immediate risk to maritime and fishing industries in the region, requiring vessels to alter course or seek harbor. Additionally, the tourism sector in coastal destinations faces potential disruptions, while local and national emergency services in Mexico have been placed on high alert to coordinate preparedness and response efforts.
South Korean Opposition Leader Open To Nuclear Freeze Deal With North Korea
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae Myung has indicated a willingness to accept a deal with North Korea to freeze its nuclear program, a departure from the current government’s policy, according to a report in BBC. Lee, the head of the main opposition Democratic Party, stated his desire is to restore trust with Pyongyang. His comments refer to a type of agreement similar to the one proposed during the failed 2019 Hanoi Summit between then-US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This position contrasts with the current administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, which prioritizes complete denuclearization before any significant engagement or sanctions relief.
Tulip Siddiq Fears 'Fake' Documents May Be Used In Bangladesh Corruption Trial
UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has voiced concerns that prosecutors in Bangladesh may use ‘fake’ documents to secure a conviction against her in an ongoing corruption trial, according to a report in The Guardian. Siddiq, who is being tried in absentia, made the statement after images of a Bangladeshi national identity card and passport, allegedly in her name, were published in both UK and Bangladeshi newspapers. The former City minister claims these documents are not hers and fears they will be tendered as evidence in the legal proceedings against her.
US Colleges Increasingly Recruit Elite Runners From Rural Kenya
US colleges are increasingly recruiting elite distance runners from rural Kenya, particularly from high-altitude regions in the Rift Valley, to strengthen their track and field and cross country teams, The Washington Post said in a report. This trend provides Kenyan athletes with significant opportunities for higher education and economic advancement for their families, though they often face challenges with cultural assimilation and complex visa processes. The recruitment surge, which involves a network of intermediaries, raises concerns in Kenya about a potential ‘brain drain’ of athletic talent. It also puts pressure on the NCAA to adapt its regulations, especially concerning international athletes and the complexities introduced by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation policies.
Rhino Poaching Slows In South Africa But One Still Killed Daily
South Africa marked World Rhino Day with reports of slowing rhino poaching rates, though the country still loses approximately one rhino every 24 hours to the illegal trade, as per a report in AP. While this is a decrease from peak years, the persistent threat necessitates costly and secretive security measures at game reserves, including high-tech tactics like AI surveillance and DNA forensics under initiatives like ‘Operation Rhino’. The continued poaching impacts South Africa’s vital wildlife tourism sector and requires extensive international cooperation to dismantle the transnational criminal networks fueled by demand for rhino horn, primarily in some Asian markets.
Kim Jong Un Urges US to Drop Denuclearization Demands, Recalls Trump Summits
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated he has “good memories” of US President Donald Trump and urged Washington to abandon its denuclearization demands as a prerequisite for resuming diplomacy, according to a report in AP. Speaking to North Korea’s parliament on Sunday, Kim also declared he has no intention of resuming dialogue with South Korea, a key US ally that had previously helped facilitate summits between Kim and Trump during the American president’s first term. This statement reaffirms Pyongyang’s position of not negotiating its nuclear arsenal while signaling a potential opening for talks contingent on a significant shift in US policy.
