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Last Updated:September 25, 2025, 16:15 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.
Former French President Sarkozy Convicted In Libya Campaign Finance Case
A Paris court has found former French President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty on a key charge concerning the illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from the former Libyan government of Moammar Gadhafi, as per a report in AP. While he was convicted on one primary charge, the court acquitted him on three others in the long-running case. The court has not yet announced a sentence for the conviction. This verdict marks another significant legal defeat for Sarkozy, who was previously convicted in two separate corruption and illegal campaign spending cases.
New Zealand 'Golden Visa' Easing Draws Top Applicants From US, China, Hong Kong
Applications for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa have nearly tripled since new, relaxed rules were introduced in April to stimulate the country’s flagging economy, as per a report in The Guardian. Investors from the US, China, and Hong Kong are the leading applicants for the scheme, which now features lower effective investment thresholds, no English-language requirement, and a significantly reduced physical presence requirement of 13 weeks over four years. The policy aims to attract ‘active’ investment into New Zealand businesses, moving away from previous schemes that favored passive investments like property, a move that runs counter to a global trend of tightening or abolishing such visa programs.
World Shares Mostly Lower After Wall Street Rally Loses Steam
World shares were mostly lower on Thursday, with European and Asian indexes declining after overnight losses on Wall Street stalled a recent rally, according to a report in AP. In early European trading, Germany’s DAX, the CAC 40 in Paris, and Britain’s FTSE 100 all posted losses. This followed a session in Asia where Japan’s Nikkei 225 recovered from earlier losses. Meanwhile, futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average pointed to a slightly higher open in the US, while oil prices edged lower.
Singapore Executes Malaysian Man For Drug Trafficking, Marking 11th This Year
Singapore executed Malaysian national Datchinamurthy Kataiah on Thursday for drug trafficking, bringing the total number of executions in the city-state this year to 11, as per a report in AP. Kataiah, who was arrested in 2011 for trafficking approximately 45 grams of heroin, was hanged despite renewed international calls for Singapore to abolish capital punishment. The execution highlights the stark contrast between Singapore’s strict anti-drug laws, which mandate the death penalty for trafficking over 15 grams of heroin, and the recent move by its neighbor, Malaysia, to abolish the mandatory death penalty for similar crimes. The event has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations who continue to pressure Singapore over its use of capital punishment.
South Korean Parliament Votes To Legalize Tattooing By Non-Medical Professionals
South Korea’s Assembly has passed a bill to permit tattooists to operate without a medical license, a move that legalizes the profession for tens of thousands of artists who have been working in the shadows for decades, as per a report in AP. The bill, referred to as the Tattooist Act, passed with a unanimous 195-0 vote, ending a restriction that made South Korea the only industrialized nation to require a medical license for tattooing. This legislative change is expected to establish a new, regulated industry, which could improve public health and safety standards, generate tax revenue, and formally recognize the skills of South Korean tattoo artists. The new law overturns a long-standing policy that had been maintained despite growing public acceptance and previous failed legislative attempts, which were often blocked by opposition from medical associations citing health risks.
Trump Demands Investigation Into Alleged Sabotage At UN
US President Donald Trump stated that the Secret Service is investigating ‘three very sinister events’ that occurred at the United Nations headquarters in New York, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incidents specifically mentioned by the President include malfunctions with an escalator and a teleprompter, which he characterized as potential ‘sabotage’. Trump’s call for an investigation follows these technical issues experienced during his time at the international venue.
US Stands Alone At UN Climate Summit Amid Renewed Pledges
The United States found itself isolated on the world stage regarding climate policy during a UN summit in New York on Wednesday, according to a report in The New York Times. While numerous countries presented plans to accelerate their commitments to cutting greenhouse-gas emissions, the US administration under President Donald Trump did not participate, making its absence conspicuous. This development positions the US apart from the global consensus on increasing climate action.
Tropical Storm Ragasa Causes Flooding In China, Moves Toward Vietnam
A weakened Tropical Storm Ragasa is moving west along China’s southern coast toward Vietnam after causing significant flooding in the economic hub of Guangdong province, according to a report in AP. In the Guangdong city of Yangjiang, the storm damaged over 10,000 trees, submerged streets, and affected nearly half a million households. The storm, which is now forecast to hit Vietnam, previously caused fatalities in Taiwan and the Philippines earlier in the week.
Israeli Airstrike In Gaza Kills 11, Including Children
An Israeli airstrike on a family home in Gaza has resulted in 11 fatalities, including children, amid ongoing attacks in the early hours of the morning, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The Israeli military’s operations are reportedly targeting central and southern Gaza. These actions are occurring as global condemnation over the escalating violence and civilian casualties continues to rise.
Drone Sightings Force Closure Of Denmark's Aalborg Airport, Following Incidents In Copenhagen And Oslo
Denmark’s Aalborg airport was temporarily closed for several hours early Thursday due to unauthorized drones in its airspace, according to a report in The Guardian. The incident follows similar disruptions that halted flights at airports in Copenhagen and Oslo just days earlier. Danish national police stated that the drones over Aalborg followed a similar pattern to the previous incursions. The closure also impacted military operations, as Aalborg airport serves as a dual-use civilian airport and military base.
Large Sinkhole Disrupts Traffic and Power in Bangkok
A large sinkhole on a busy street in Bangkok, Thailand, has caused significant disruption by pulling down power lines and leaving vehicles teetering on the edge of the crater, according to a report in BBC. The collapse immediately impacted traffic and local utilities, prompting wider concerns about the stability of the city’s aging underground infrastructure. The incident highlights potential economic and business disruptions linked to infrastructure vulnerabilities, which are often exacerbated by extensive urban development and heavy monsoon rains.
South Korea Says North Korea Operates Four Uranium Enrichment Facilities
A top South Korean official from the Unification Ministry has stated that North Korea is operating a total of four uranium enrichment facilities to build nuclear weapons, AP says in a report. This assessment indicates that the country has multiple covert atomic plants in addition to the widely known site near Pyongyang. The development comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to call for a rapid expansion of his country’s nuclear program and has recently reiterated that he would not use the weapons as a negotiating point in response to overtures by US President Donald Trump.
Unauthorized Drones Disrupt Four Danish Airports Including Military Base
Drone activity was detected overnight near four Danish airports, including the dual-use civil-military Aalborg Airport, leading to a several-hour suspension of flights, as per a report in AP. While authorities stated there was no threat to the public, they were unable to neutralize the drones. The event highlights significant security and economic implications, as such incidents disrupt air traffic and raise national security concerns. This aligns with a broader pattern of unexplained drone sightings near critical infrastructure in Europe, suggesting potential foreign reconnaissance activities aimed at probing the defense capabilities of NATO member states.
Bali Hospital Denies Organ Theft After Australian's Body Returned Without Heart
A hospital in Bali has denied allegations of organ theft following the death of an Australian man on the Indonesian resort island, according to a report in The Guardian. The body of Queensland man Byron Haddow, who was found dead in a villa’s plunge pool earlier this year, was repatriated to Australia without his heart. The incident has led Australian officials to demand answers from Indonesian authorities regarding the circumstances of the missing organ, creating a point of diplomatic tension between the two nations.
EU to Begin Phased Rollout of New Biometric Border Checks From October
The EU’s new biometric registration system for visitors will begin a ‘phased rollout’ from October, with full enforcement possibly delayed for up to nine months to prevent travel chaos, according to a report in The Guardian. Although new biometric registration kiosks are set to open in the UK within two weeks at significant transport hubs like the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel, and Eurostar—costing operators tens of millions of pounds—border officials will have the discretion to relax the rules. This flexibility is intended to alleviate potential queues at ports as travellers adapt to the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Southern Yemeni Leader Calls For Two-State Solution
The leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi, has advocated for a two-state solution, arguing it is the best path to stability for the war-torn country, according to a report in The Guardian. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Zubaidi, who is also the Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council, stated that the reality on the ground is already one of two states, both militarily and economically. He warned that there is currently no prospect of dislodging the Iran-backed Houthis from power in the north through military action like bombing and that the path to a comprehensive political settlement is blocked.
Health Warning Issued As Drug-Resistant 'Nightmare Bacteria' Infections Rise Globally
A significant health warning has been issued due to the increasing global prevalence of drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria,” such as Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), according to a report in The Independent. Public health officials are concerned about the shift from infections primarily acquired in healthcare settings to broader community transmission, driven by asymptomatic individuals who are unrecognized carriers. This trend is placing immense pressure on healthcare systems, leading to higher treatment costs, increased mortality, and limiting the safety of routine medical procedures. The situation highlights a critical and urgent need for investment in the research and development of new antibiotics and rapid diagnostic tools, as the current pharmaceutical pipeline is considered insufficient to combat the evolving threat.
Violet Affleck Advocates for Global Public Health Protections at the UN
Violet Affleck delivered a plea at the United Nations for enhanced global public health measures, according to a report in The Independent. Citing a personal experience with a post-viral condition she contracted in 2019, Affleck advocated for increased protections, such as better air quality and support for those with long-term illnesses. Her address called for greater political and financial commitment from governments and global bodies for research, prevention, and support systems for post-viral syndromes like Long COVID, as well as for strengthening future pandemic preparedness.
Iran Sees Highest Number of Executions in Three Decades, NGOs Report
Iran has executed more people this year than in any single year over the past three decades, as per a report in The Independent. Human rights groups have characterized this surge as a ‘mass killing campaign’ intended to suppress dissent and instill fear, particularly following the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protests that began in 2022. While protest-related charges like ‘enmity against God’ have led to capital punishment, a significant number of executions are for drug-related offenses, which disproportionately affect ethnic minorities. This trend has prompted strong condemnation from international bodies, including the United Nations, amid consistent reports of unfair trials and a lack of due process in the Iranian judicial system.
Apple Warns Of Halting EU Shipments, Calls For Changes To Digital Markets Act
Apple has called for the European Commission to amend its Digital Markets Act (DMA), warning that the company could stop shipping some products and services to the 27-country bloc if changes are not made, as per a report in The Guardian. The iPhone maker argues that the legislation, which aims to increase competition, is leading to a worse experience for its users, exposing them to security risks, and disrupting the seamless integration of its products. This recent escalation follows Apple’s decision to delay the launch of its new “Apple Intelligence” AI features in the EU, citing regulatory uncertainties stemming from the DMA.
UAE Diplomatic Adviser Addresses Role In Middle East And Sudan Conflicts
In an interview, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, addressed the nation’s foreign policy and its role in regional conflicts, as per a report in NPR. Gargash outlined the UAE’s official position, which emphasizes de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and humanitarian aid. His comments come amid ongoing allegations from international bodies that the UAE is providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s civil war, claims which the UAE consistently denies. The interview takes place as the UAE navigates the complexities of the Gaza conflict, which has strained the Abraham Accords, by balancing diplomatic ties with Israel while calling for a ceasefire and providing significant aid to Gaza.
US Deports Six West Africans To Togo Amid Legal Challenge
The United States has deported six West Africans to Togo, bypassing a legal challenge the individuals had initiated against Ghana for previously agreeing to accept them, according to a report in BBC. The deportees had taken legal action specifically against Ghana, challenging that country’s agreement to receive them from the US. By redirecting the deportation to Togo, US authorities proceeded with the removal despite the ongoing legal dispute concerning the originally intended destination.
Asian Shares Mostly Higher; Bank of Japan Minutes Signal Potential Rate Hike
Asian shares were mixed on Thursday, with major markets mostly posting gains despite overnight losses on Wall Street, as per a report in AP. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.3% to 45,768.68, recovering from earlier losses after minutes from the Bank of Japan’s July meeting were released. The minutes indicated that policymakers were inclined to raise interest rates if the economy and prices improve, signaling a potential shift in the country’s long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy. In other regional markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index saw a modest gain of 0.1%.
Leaders Of Smaller Nations Voice Concerns At UN General Assembly
On the second day of the 2025 UN General Assembly’s General Debate, leaders from various smaller nations took the stage to articulate their positions on critical global topics, according to a report in AP. The session provided a platform for voices that often do not capture major international headlines, with one leader emphasizing that the value and sovereignty of small states are not defined by their size. These discussions are a key forum for these nations to address urgent issues impacting them, such as climate change, economic vulnerability, and the need for equitable global development and financing.
Hong Kong Reopens After World's Most Powerful Cyclone Ragasa
Hong Kong has resumed international flights and reopened businesses, transport services, and some schools after being brought to a standstill for 36 hours by Cyclone Ragasa, according to a report in Reuters. The powerful tropical cyclone, described as the world’s most powerful this year, lashed the financial hub starting Tuesday after previously sweeping through the northern Philippines. The city’s rapid reopening followed the widespread shutdown that had halted most public and commercial activity.
Kremlin Dismisses Trump's 'Paper Tiger' Comment, Cites Ukraine Efforts
The Kremlin dismissed a comment from US President Donald Trump in which he described Russia as a “paper tiger,” as per a report in The Guardian. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by stating that Russia is a bear, not a tiger, and “there is no such thing as a paper bear.” Peskov also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin values President Trump’s efforts to find a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The exchange was reported in the context of President Trump’s separate claim that he was a victim of “triple sabotage at the UN.”
Protests Erupt In India's Ladakh Region Amid Statehood Demands
Protesters demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards clashed with police in India’s strategic Ladakh region, according to a report in The New York Times. The incident is part of a wider movement that has gained momentum since Ladakh was separated from Jammu & Kashmir and turned into a federally administered Union Territory in 2019. Demonstrators are calling for the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to protect their unique culture, land rights, and fragile Himalayan ecosystem from potential overdevelopment. This internal unrest raises political and security concerns for India’s central government, as it unfolds in a geopolitically sensitive area where India has been in a prolonged military standoff with China since 2020.
Australia Lobbies Turkey For Cop31 Hosting Rights In New York
Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, appeared with Turkey’s first lady, Emine Erdoğan, at an environmental event in New York as negotiations over hosting rights for the Cop31 summit intensify, as per a report in The Guardian. Bowen, who is in the US for the UN General Assembly, is actively lobbying Turkey to withdraw its competing bid for the 2026 conference. The diplomatic effort aims to secure the hosting rights for Australia and Pacific nations, with the decision-making process described as coming ‘down to the wire’.
China Seeks Counsel From Ray Dalio Amid Global Debt Concerns
Billionaire investor and Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio has been meeting with top officials in Beijing to provide counsel on navigating major global economic risks, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The discussions come as China works to manage its own domestic debt challenges, particularly in the property sector, while also observing the rapid increase in US government borrowing. Dalio’s advice, reportedly based on his recognized framework for handling large debt crises, is being sought by Chinese leaders as they navigate a delicate economic path.
Xi Jinping Urges Social Stability And Cultural Integration In Xinjiang
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated the need to maintain social stability and advance the Sinicisation of religions in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Speaking after hearing reports from the regional Communist Party committee and government during a visit on Wednesday, Xi emphasized promoting cultural integration. The visit, which began on Tuesday, also marks the 70th anniversary of the autonomous region’s establishment.
Alibaba Integrates Nvidia AI Robotics Tools On Its Cloud Platform
Chinese tech firm Alibaba Group and US semiconductor giant Nvidia have announced a collaboration to integrate Nvidia’s embodied AI development toolkit into Alibaba’s cloud platform, South China Morning Post says in a report. This partnership grants Alibaba Cloud users access to advanced tools for robotics and automation, including data processing and model training. The move is seen as a strategic way for Nvidia to expand its software presence in the Chinese market amidst US export controls on advanced AI hardware. For Alibaba, it enhances its AI service offerings, potentially accelerating innovation in China’s manufacturing and logistics sectors by providing developers with a robust, cloud-based platform for creating sophisticated robotic applications.
UN Event Urges Action To Protect Palestinian Children In Conflict
Diplomats convened at a United Nations event to address the protection of Palestinian children, emphasizing that “war has rules” under Humanitarian Law, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The discussion highlighted the severe impact of the conflict, including unprecedented casualties, injuries, widespread malnutrition, and profound psychological trauma, as documented by UN agencies. The event served as a platform to push for greater adherence to international norms designed to protect civilians, particularly children, and to exert diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. The scale of the crisis has raised significant questions about the enforcement of international law and the credibility of multilateral efforts to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
MNCs Turn To AI As Geopolitical Tensions Drive Up Costs: Survey
A new survey shows three in five multinational companies are adopting artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing to counter expected cost increases driven by geopolitical uncertainties, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The Standard Chartered survey found that about 62% of senior executives predict their costs will increase by 5% to 14% over the next three to five years. These cost concerns are particularly strong among companies in the ASEAN region, which are facing financial pressure from supply chain issues.
Oxford English Dictionary Adds 12 New Caribbean Words
The Oxford English Dictionary has officially added 12 new words from Caribbean English to its lexicon, a move that provides validation for the region’s linguistic heritage, as per a report in AP. The new additions, publicly recognized on Wednesday, include food terms like ‘pholourie’ and ‘cou-cou’, as well as descriptive phrases such as ‘carry-go-bring-come’, an expression for gossip that dates back to 1825. This inclusion is part of the OED’s broader, ongoing strategy to document the full spectrum of English usage worldwide and reflects a growing academic movement to legitimize regional dialects and creole languages.
Indian Court Rejects X's Free Speech Argument, Upholds Government Takedown Powers
A court in India has dismissed a legal challenge from X (formerly Twitter) against the Indian government’s authority to issue content removal orders, TechCrunch says in a report. The social media company had sued the government over takedown directives issued through a centralized portal, arguing they impinged on free speech. The court’s ruling rejects X’s position and upholds the government’s powers, which are primarily derived from Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. This decision is a significant legal setback for the platform in a key market and reinforces a strict regulatory precedent for all technology companies operating in India.
Ukraine And Syria Restore Diplomatic Relations
Ukraine and Syria have re-established diplomatic relations following discussions centered on cooperation and mutual respect, Al Jazeera says in a report. This development reverses a diplomatic break from June 2022, when Kyiv severed ties with Damascus after President Bashar al-Assad’s government recognized the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, two Russian-backed territories in eastern Ukraine. The move to restore relations is seen as part of Syria’s broader effort to normalize its international standing.
Ugandan Opposition Leader Bobi Wine Cleared To Run Against President Museveni In 2026
Ugandan opposition leader and singer-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, has been cleared to run against incumbent President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 election, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This development sets the stage for a rematch of the contentious 2021 election, which was marred by allegations of fraud and violence. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh elected term after past constitutional amendments removed presidential term and age limits. While Wine’s clearance is a formal step, his party and supporters reportedly continue to face government pressure, including arrests and restrictions on political activities, raising concerns among international observers about the fairness of the upcoming electoral process.
France Argues Palestinian Statehood Recognition Undermines Hamas, Countering US View
A French official has defended the ongoing diplomatic push for UN recognition of a Palestinian state, countering criticism from Donald Trump that such a move rewards Hamas for its October 7 attacks. French official Pascal Confavreux stated that recognizing a Palestinian state is a strategic blow to Hamas, not a gift. The French argument posits that formalizing a path to statehood through the two-state solution framework empowers the internationally-recognized Palestinian Authority, thereby undermining Hamas’s political influence and its narrative of armed conflict.
Stablecoin Issuer Circle Explores Reversible Transactions In Departure From Crypto Norms
Stablecoin issuer Circle is examining the possibility of introducing ‘reversible’ transactions for its USDC stablecoin to offer recourse in cases of fraud or disputes, according to a report in Financial Times. The company’s president stated the move is intended to align the digital currency sector more closely with traditional finance by providing consumer protection mechanisms similar to chargebacks. This development marks a significant departure from the core crypto principle of immutable transactions. While such a feature could enhance regulatory acceptance and attract institutional users concerned about security, it also raises questions about centralization and challenges the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem’s reliance on transaction finality.
Vanuatu Seeks UN Vote To Counter Fossil Fuel Industry Influence
The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu is working to secure a UN vote that would turn a landmark international court ruling on climate change into political action against the fossil fuel industry, according to a report in The Guardian. This initiative, led by Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu, follows a unanimous advisory opinion from the Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2023. That ruling, which Vanuatu spearheaded, clarified that all states have a legal obligation under international law to protect the climate and prevent further harm. The proposed UN vote aims to translate this legal opinion into concrete political commitments from member states to address the climate crisis by countering the influence of fossil fuel companies.
