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Last Updated:September 06, 2025, 12:45 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.
Vatican To Canonise First Millennial Saint In Digital Outreach Push
The Catholic Church is preparing to canonise Carlo Acutis, a London-born Italian teenager who died in 2006, as its first millennial saint in a move with significant strategic implications, as per a report in The Guardian. Acutis, nicknamed ‘God’s Influencer’ for building websites to spread Catholic doctrine, had the final requirement for sainthood met with the approval of a second miracle in May 2024. His canonisation represents a key part of the Vatican’s strategy to engage with youth by endorsing digital platforms for evangelization, potentially leading to increased investment in online faith formation and outreach programs.
Iran Converts Suspected Mass Grave Site Into A Parking Lot
Satellite imagery shows that Iranian authorities are constructing a parking lot over Lot 41 at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran, a site long believed to be a mass grave for thousands killed in executions following the 1979 revolution, as per a report in AP. Human rights groups and families of the victims assert the site contains the remains of political prisoners, particularly from the 1988 massacres. This development is viewed by international observers and human rights organizations as part of a systematic effort by the Iranian government to destroy physical evidence of past atrocities, thereby hindering accountability and denying families a place to mourn.
Displaced Bedouin Families In Southern Syria Face Uncertainty Amid Ongoing Conflict
Displaced Bedouin families in Syria’s southern Daraa province are facing dire living conditions after being evacuated from their villages over a month ago, according to a report in AP. In the town of Abtaa, multiple families are housed in single classrooms of a school building, with women and children sleeping inside while men stay in the courtyard due to a lack of privacy. The displacement is a result of ongoing conflict, and the families remain in limbo amid unresolved tensions between the Syrian government and Druze authorities.
Families in Philippines Seek Justice for Victims of Duterte-Era 'War on Drugs'
Families in the Philippines continue to seek justice for the victims of the ‘war on drugs’ campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which international organizations estimate resulted in over 30,000 deaths, according to a report in France 24. The Criminal Court (ICC) is actively investigating the situation for alleged crimes against humanity. While the ICC’s investigation was affirmed after a government appeal was rejected in 2023, the current Philippine administration does not cooperate with the probe. Contrary to some reports, former President Duterte has not been arrested, but the pursuit of accountability by victims’ families continues through cooperation with the international court.
Chinese State Media Pulls Candid Video Of Xi And Putin
Chinese state media has removed a widely shared video showing a candid conversation between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, according to a report in Al Jazeera. In the footage, the two leaders discussed living to 150. The video was initially circulated but was later pulled by Chinese outlets after permission for its broadcast was reportedly revoked. Despite its removal in China, the video had already been disseminated globally by other broadcasters and on social media.
US Senator Marco Rubio Vows to 'Blow Up' Foreign Crime Groups
During a visit to Ecuador, US Senator Marco Rubio issued a strong warning to transnational criminal organizations, stating the US would “blow up” these groups if required, BBC said in a report. The statement was made as he announced new US measures to support Ecuador in its ongoing fight against rampant gang violence and drug trafficking. This declaration signals a potentially more aggressive US posture against crime in Latin America, reinforcing support for Ecuador’s government, which declared an “internal armed conflict” against 22 criminal gangs in early 2024.
German Musician Canceled From Festivals For Supporting Gaza Hostages
German musician David Hermlin has reportedly been canceled from several European jazz festivals after expressing support for the remaining hostages in Gaza, Fox News says in a report. Hermlin stated that the cancellations occurred after he wore a pin advocating for the hostages’ release and engaged with pro-Palestinian activists at a festival. The incident is part of a broader trend where artists and cultural figures face professional repercussions due to their stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting increased political polarization within European cultural venues.
Rift Over Palestinian Statehood Deepens Tension Between U.S. and France
A diplomatic rift between the U.S. and France has deepened after the French government publicly challenged Washington’s claim that its intention to recognize a Palestinian state had derailed Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The dispute highlights a growing friction between the two Western allies over Middle East policy. The U.S. maintains that a Palestinian state should emerge from a direct, negotiated settlement, a stance clashing with the approach of several European nations, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which formally recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024 to advance a two-state solution. This public disagreement could introduce further complexity to the stalled ceasefire efforts mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
US to Host Next G20 Summit at Trump's Doral Golf Club
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States will host the next Group of 20 (G20) summit at his Trump Doral golf resort in Florida, as per a report in AP. Trump described the location as the “best” for the high-stakes international gathering and insisted that his family’s business “will not make any money on it.” This decision follows a similar plan during his first term, when he intended to host the G7 summit at the same venue but ultimately reversed the decision after facing bipartisan criticism over potential conflicts of interest.
China's Belt and Road Initiative Shift to Benefit Hong Kong, HSBC Says
Hong Kong is set to play a larger role in mainland China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the program shifts its focus towards green development, digital transformation, and trade-corridor connectivity, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Citing an analysis from HSBC, the report notes that Hong Kong’s established strengths in green finance and its status as the world’s largest offshore yuan hub position it to capitalize on the BRI’s move towards more private sector-led projects. This evolution in the 12-year-old initiative is creating new opportunities for Hong Kong to act as a key financial and services gateway for China’s expanding economic network.
Chinese EV Makers Struggle To Meet 2025 Break-Even Target Amid Price War
Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) makers, including Nio, Xpeng, and Zeekr, face an uphill battle to achieve their 2025 break-even goals as a severe discount war in China shows no signs of abating, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Although these companies reported narrower losses in the second quarter, driven by discounts that encouraged more buyers, the sustained price competition continues to threaten their path to profitability. The firms will need to intensify their efforts in the coming quarters to stay on track financially amid the challenging market conditions.
Argentine Authorities Charge Couple Over Nazi-Looted Painting
Authorities in Argentina have charged a couple with hiding a valuable Nazi-looted painting that had not been seen publicly for 80 years, as per a report in The New York Times. The artwork, ‘Portrait of a Lady’ by the 18th-century Italian painter Giuseppe Ghislandi (also known as Fra Galgario), was identified after journalists spotted it in an online real estate listing. The discovery is a significant development in the ongoing international effort to recover cultural property stolen during the Nazi era. This case highlights the legal and reputational risks for the global art market and collectors dealing with pieces that have gaps in their ownership history, particularly from 1933-1945. It also underscores Argentina’s historical role as a post-war haven for Nazi fugitives and their assets, and the country’s current cooperation in addressing this legacy.
Tesla Sales In Europe Decline Sharply Amid Hostile Market Conditions
Tesla’s sales have entered a steep decline in the European market, with new registrations in the key market of Germany plunging in early 2024, according to a report in The Washington Post. The downturn is attributed to several factors, including the abrupt end of German EV subsidies, intensified competition from European automakers like Volkswagen and Chinese brands such as BYD. Additionally, a growing consumer backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s public political statements is reportedly impacting brand perception and purchasing decisions.
US Energy CEO Criticizes Offshore Wind, Climate Change Ahead Of Europe Trip
Chris Wright, CEO of the major US oil and gas services company Liberty Energy, has publicly criticized the offshore wind sector and described climate change as “not incredibly important,” according to a report in The New York Times. These statements were made shortly before his scheduled trip to Europe, where he intends to promote American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The comments highlight a divide between the fossil fuel industry’s advocacy and the stated climate goals of European nations, which are seeking US LNG for energy security while also pursuing a transition to renewable sources.
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian in Occupied West Bank amid Surging Violence
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank amid what is described as a surge in violence, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident occurs against a backdrop of intensified Israeli military operations since October 2023, which include frequent arrests of Palestinians and land confiscations. These developments are reportedly eroding the viability of a two-state solution as settlement expansion continues in the territory, which has been considered occupied under international law since 1967.
