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Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 17:45 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
