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Last Updated:October 07, 2025, 18:30 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.
German Opposition Leader Sparks Debate On Return To Conscription
German Opposition Leader Friedrich Merz has reignited a political debate by suggesting a return to military conscription, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Merz, who leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is challenging the current government coalition’s stance, which opposes the reintroduction of mandatory service. The proposal comes as Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, face persistent recruitment shortages. This debate is unfolding in the context of Germany’s “Zeitenwende” (turning point) policy, which has significantly increased defense spending since 2022, and as other European nations also reconsider conscription. Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011, but did not legally abolish it.
Building Under Construction Partially Collapses In Central Madrid
A building under construction in central Madrid has partially collapsed, prompting a response from firefighters and emergency services, as per a report in AP. A search is underway for missing people at the site, where firefighters confirmed that “several floors” have collapsed. Police are also present at the scene.
Activists Ask Australian Court For Genocide Ruling On Gaza In Protest Case
In a legal challenge against New South Wales police, the Palestine Action Group has asked the state’s supreme court to rule that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, according to a report in The Guardian. The activist group, along with Jews Against Occupation, is contesting the police’s opposition to a proposed protest march from Sydney’s Hyde Park to the Opera House. The activists argue that a judicial finding of genocide would establish the necessary “seriousness and urgency” for the demonstration to be legally protected and proceed.
Slovakia Approves Deal With US To Build New Nuclear Reactor
Slovakia’s government has approved a multi-billion-dollar agreement with the United States to build a new nuclear reactor, AP said in a report. Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that the new reactor will be constructed at the existing nuclear plant in Jaslovské Bohunice. The facility is planned to have an output of over 1,000 megawatts and will be fully owned by the state.
Youth Voter Apathy Looms Over Cameroon Election Amid Biya's Expected Rule Extension
Many of Cameroon’s young voters are expressing indecision about participating in the country’s election, driven by widespread frustration with the political and economic situation, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This sentiment of voter apathy is set against the backdrop of President Paul Biya, 92, being widely expected to extend a rule that has already lasted over 42 years. Contributing factors to the youth’s disillusionment include the persistent Anglophone separatist crisis, severe economic hardship marked by high unemployment, a fragmented political opposition, and a lack of significant electoral reforms, all of which diminish confidence in the democratic process.
Pope Leo XIV To Visit Turkey And Lebanon On First Papal Trip
The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first foreign trip, visiting Turkey from November 27-30 and Lebanon from November 30-December 2, as per a report in AP. The trip is described as a symbolically important gesture to both Christians and Muslims and follows a travel plan previously considered by his predecessor, Pope Francis. A key part of the visit will be a pilgrimage to Iznik, Turkey, to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicea, a foundational event in Christianity.
Global Markets Mostly Advance As Japan's Benchmark Sets Another Record
Global shares were mostly higher on Tuesday, with Japan’s benchmark index inching up to a new record, according to a report in AP. In Europe, France’s CAC 40 saw a slight gain as investors looked for bargains following recent losses. The market movement came amid continued political instability in France, marked by the fourth ministerial resignation in over a year for President Emmanuel Macron’s government. Meanwhile, Germany’s DAX experienced a minor decline, and Britain’s FTSE 100 remained nearly unchanged.
FIFA Accuses Malaysia Of Forging Eligibility For Foreign-Born Players
FIFA has formally accused Malaysia of forging documents for foreign-born players to make them eligible for the national team, as per a report in BBC. The alleged forgery was reportedly an attempt to circumvent FIFA’s eligibility regulations, often referred to as the ‘grandfather rule,’ which dictates a player’s connection to a country through birth or residency. If the accusations are proven, the Football Association of Malaysia could face significant sanctions, including substantial fines, points deductions in qualification campaigns, and potential bans from future international tournaments, which would carry severe financial and reputational implications.
Three Scientists Win Nobel Prize In Physics For Quantum Tunneling Research
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday for their foundational research into quantum mechanical tunneling, as per a report in AP. The laureates’ work, conducted at institutions including the University of California, Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and Yale, is critical to the advancement of quantum information science. Their discoveries underpin superconducting quantum computing, a key area of investment for major technology firms, and have enabled the development of highly sensitive quantum sensors used in medicine and materials science. This recognition highlights the economic and strategic importance of fundamental physics research in the global race to develop practical quantum technologies.
Houthis Detain 9 More UN Staff As Part Of Yemen Crackdown
Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have detained nine more employees of the United Nations, bringing the total number of detained UN workers to 53 since 2021 as part of a long-running crackdown, AP said in a report. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed the latest detentions in a statement but gave no details about their circumstances or timing. Dujarric stated that the ongoing crackdown has impeded the UN’s ability to operate and deliver critical humanitarian aid in Yemen.
Scientists Warn of More Frequent Marine Heatwaves off UK and Irish Coasts
New research shows that the unprecedented marine heatwave of 2023 was in line with climate modelling, and scientists now warn such events will become more frequent off the UK and Irish coasts, according to a report in The Guardian. The study indicates there is a 10% chance that similar extreme ocean temperatures could occur each year. The 2023 heatwave, described as ‘unheard of,’ raised significant concerns about the survival of marine life, including fish, shellfish, and kelp, in the affected waters, threatening local ecosystems and fishing industries.
Israeli Hostage's Family Advocates For Release Of Hamas Video, Sparking Debate
The family of Israeli hostage Evyatar David is publicly advocating for the widespread viewing of a video released by Hamas that shows his suffering, a move that starkly contrasts with calls from some within Israel to censor such footage, as per a report in the Financial Times. The article highlights the strategic use of these videos by Hamas as a form of psychological warfare intended to exert pressure on the Israeli government and create societal divisions. This internal Israeli debate over media strategy underscores the immense political and emotional pressure on the government to secure the release of captives, with the family believing that global exposure is crucial to generating international diplomatic pressure for their loved ones’ release.
Cautious Calm In Aleppo After Clashes Between Syrian Forces And Kurdish Fighters
A cautious calm was reported in neighborhoods of Aleppo, Syria, on Tuesday morning after overnight clashes between Syrian security forces and Kurdish fighters, according to a report in AP. The violence, which reflects growing tensions between the Damascus government and Kurdish authorities, reportedly began when the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces targeted government security checkpoints. According to Syria’s state-run SANA news agency, the attack resulted in the death of one security force member and injured others.
Emerging Market Stocks Experience Biggest Rally In 15 Years
The surge in emerging market stocks is attributed to a confluence of factors, including market anticipation of US Federal Reserve rate cuts, which has put downward pressure on the dollar. Additionally, improved economic outlooks in several large emerging economies and signs that inflation is peaking in these regions are boosting investor confidence and raising expectations for local monetary policy easing.
One Killed, Several Injured In Clashes Between Syrian Forces And SDF In Aleppo
One member of Syria’s internal security forces was killed and at least three others were injured during clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The incident, which also resulted in civilian injuries, occurred in the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. These areas, while within government-held territory, are largely administered by SDF-affiliated local councils, leading to frequent tensions over control. Such localized conflicts underscore the persistent fragility of regional stability in northern Syria and the potential for escalation, which can impact broader political and economic dynamics in the conflict-ridden country.
Thousands Remain Missing In Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
Since the war began, thousands of people in Gaza are still missing, leaving families in a state of prolonged anguish as they search for clues about their loved ones, as per a report in AP. The case of Mohammad al-Najjar, who is searching for his 23-year-old son Ahmad after they were separated during an Israeli bombing in Deir al-Balah, exemplifies the suffering of many. Search and recovery efforts are described as an ‘enormous task’ and are severely hampered by the extensive destruction of infrastructure, ongoing hostilities, and a lack of heavy equipment. This situation creates significant challenges for humanitarian organizations and complicates future efforts for accountability and documentation of casualties.
Renewables Surpass Coal As World's Top Electricity Source
Renewable energy has become the largest source of electricity globally, surpassing coal in a historic shift driven primarily by developing countries, according to a report in BBC. The think tank study highlights that while developing nations are leading in clean energy adoption, the US and the European Union have a slower transition rate with a continued high reliance on fossil fuels. This divergence in energy strategy, fueled by the rapid expansion of solar and wind power, is reshaping the world’s energy landscape.
World Bank Warns US Tariffs Could Slow South Asia's Growth In 2026
The World Bank has warned that higher US tariffs on Indian goods will negatively impact South Asia’s economic growth, with the region’s growth rate projected to slow to 5.8% in 2026 from an expected 6.6% in 2025, according to a report in Reuters. The forecast, which covers countries including India and Bangladesh, suggests that while government spending will shield the region’s economy in the current year, the effects of the tariffs will become more pronounced later. The warning highlights the vulnerability of export-dependent economies in South Asia to protectionist trade policies from major economic partners.
2025 Nobel Prize In Physics To Be Announced On Tuesday
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is set to announce the winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday, October 7, the second award of the annual Nobel week, as per a report in AP. The announcement follows Monday’s award for Physiology or Medicine. As background, the 2023 physics prize was previously awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for their work on attosecond light pulses.
UK Study Links Cuisine To Greater Tolerance Of Immigrants
A new study conducted in the UK has found a link between eating international food and increased social tolerance, according to a report in The Guardian. The research revealed that individuals who frequently consume a variety of international cuisines are less likely to perceive immigrants as ‘cultural or economic threats.’ This finding is presented against a historical backdrop of diverse culinary influences in the UK. The study’s implications suggest that supporting diverse food businesses and promoting cultural food festivals could serve as effective strategies for public policy, potentially fostering social cohesion and countering anti-immigrant sentiment, thereby highlighting the social value of the food and hospitality industry beyond its direct economic contribution.
Man Charged With Vandalism At New Zealand Foreign Minister's Home
Police in New Zealand have charged a man who allegedly used a crowbar to smash a window at the Auckland home of Foreign Minister Winston Peters during a protest, according to a report in The Guardian. Peters confirmed the incident on Monday, calling the perpetrator a “disgusting coward” after his home was vandalized and a sign was left on his door. The event is noted as a rare act of violence targeting a politician’s home in the country, prompting concerns about security for public officials.
Indonesia's Rizki Juniansyah Sets World Record To Win Weightlifting Gold
Indonesian weightlifter Rizki Juniansyah secured a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Forde, Norway, setting a new world record in the clean and jerk with a 204 kg lift in the 79 kg weight class, according to a report in Reuters. Juniansyah’s performance earned him the top spot on the podium, ahead of silver medalist Ri Chong Song of North Korea and bronze medalist Abdelrahman Younes of Egypt. Contrary to the initial report, Juniansyah is not a reigning Olympic champion but is recognized as a prominent rising talent in the sport. The victory occurred in a non-Olympic weight class, underscoring his elite strength in the international competitive landscape.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Visit North Korea in Highest-Level Visit Since 2019
China’s Premier Li Qiang will lead a government delegation to North Korea from Thursday to Saturday in what will be the highest-level visit by a Chinese official since 2019, AP said in a report. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that the visit is to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of North Korea’s ruling party. The trip underscores China’s long-standing position as the North Korean government’s most significant ally and primary source of support.
Argentina Tightens Sorghum Export Rules To Boost China Trade
Argentina’s Agriculture Secretariat has issued new, stricter grading rules for sorghum exports to bolster its trade relationship with China, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The resolution, which sets minimum test weights and limits impurities, aims to secure a larger share of the Chinese market, a role previously dominated by the US before retaliatory tariffs were imposed during the US-China trade war. This strategic alignment with China’s food security goals could increase export revenue for Argentina but also risks creating new trade tensions with the US, which may view the move as a further shift in geopolitical and economic allegiances in South America.
UN Chief Warns Women Remain Excluded From Peace Talks Amid Rising Violence
Twenty-five years after a landmark UN resolution demanded equal participation for women in peace efforts, the United Nations chief stated that women remain far too often absent from negotiations, AP says in a report. This exclusion persists amid a rise in sexual violence against women and girls. The head of the UN women’s agency noted that 676 million women currently live within 50 kilometers of deadly conflicts, which is the highest number recorded since the 1990s, highlighting the severe and escalating risks faced by women in conflict zones globally.
Global Solar And Wind Growth Outpaces Electricity Demand This Year
Global solar and wind power generation has outpaced the growth in electricity demand in the first half of the year, with renewables collectively generating more power than coal for the first time on record, according to a report in AP. The analysis by energy think tank Ember shows that global solar generation increased by a record 31% during this period, while wind generation grew by 7.7%. This surge in renewable energy production met the entirety of the world’s new electricity demand, signaling a potential turning point in the global transition away from fossil fuels, despite ongoing challenges in markets like the US.
North Korea's Wildlife Nears Extinction Amid Economic Crisis, New Study Warns
A new study warns that North Korea’s large mammals, including tigers, leopards, and bears, are being hunted to the brink of extinction, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. Research published in the journal Biological Conservation indicates that the country’s forests are undergoing a rapid ecological decline. This collapse is reportedly driven by a combination of severe economic desperation among the populace, lucrative black markets for wildlife products, and state-backed exploitation aimed at securing revenue.
JPMorgan Replaces New York-Based European Banking Head Amid EU Regulatory Pressure
JPMorgan has appointed Paris-based Matthieu Wiltz and London-based Conor Hillery as the new co-heads for its European banking operations, according to a report in Financial Times. They replace Filippo Gori, who had been performing the role from New York, a practice facing increased scrutiny from European regulators post-Brexit. The leadership change is seen as a direct response to demands from the European Central Bank for senior management to be physically located within the EU to ensure local oversight and substance. Gori will continue in his senior position as co-head of global banking for the Wall Street firm, shifting his focus to overarching global strategy.
Trump Announces 25 Percent Tariff On Imported Medium And Heavy Trucks
US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all imported medium and heavy-duty trucks, a move that aligns with his long-standing “America First” trade policy, according to a report in Al Jazeera. It is currently unclear whether the new tariff will apply to trading partners under agreements like the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The policy is expected to increase costs for US trucking and logistics companies, potentially leading to higher consumer prices, while creating a potential advantage for domestic truck manufacturers. The announcement also raises the possibility of retaliatory tariffs from affected nations, which could impact global trade dynamics.
Andean Community Orders Peru to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining and Mercury Trafficking
The Andean Community, a South American trade bloc, ruled on Monday that member state Peru is failing to meet its commitments to curb illegal gold mining and mercury trafficking, AP said in a report. The decision supports Indigenous groups who have stated their Amazon rivers and food supplies are being contaminated. The bloc, which also includes Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia, has ordered Peru to urgently reform its laws, seize mining machinery, and end the extensions of a controversial registry for informal miners.
French Socialists Exclude Hard-Left Allies In Push For New Government
Amid France’s deepening political crisis, the Socialist Party has called on President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a new prime minister from the left bloc, but is pointedly excluding the hard-left France Unbowed party from its appeal, France 24 says in a report. A senior Socialist official’s omission of France Unbowed is being seen as a signal of a new, more moderate alliance forming on the left. This public distancing highlights significant internal fractures within the broader ‘New Popular Front’ (NFP) left-wing coalition, which includes both parties, and underscores the strategic and ideological tensions affecting the alliance’s cohesion as it navigates the political uncertainty following snap elections.
Evangelical Christianity Experiences Significant Growth In France
Amid a general decline in traditional religion in France, Evangelical Christianity is experiencing significant growth, with the number of believers now estimated at one million, France 24 says in a report. The movement is expanding at a rate of approximately one new church every ten days, a trend highlighted by nearly 90 rallies held across the country this past weekend. This growth is partly attributed to the decline of traditional Catholicism and immigration from regions with vibrant evangelical communities. The increasing visibility of the movement is raising new discussions about its place within France’s strict secular framework, known as laïcité, and its potential future influence on the nation’s social and political landscape.
Viral Claim of Macron's Luxury Bunker Debunked as Russian Disinformation
A viral social media claim that French President Emmanuel Macron is building a €150 million luxury bunker for a potential ‘World War III’ has been debunked as fake news, according to a report in France 24. The false report, which claimed to have proof from the French Ministry of Finances’ anti-money laundering service, Tracfin, is believed to be a product of ‘Storm-1516,’ a Russian covert influence network. The disinformation campaign is seen as an attempt to undermine Macron’s leadership, particularly his assertive stance on supporting Ukraine, by exploiting public anxieties about global conflict and aiming to sow internal discord within France and its allies.
Maduro Seeks Papal Intervention For Peace Amid US Military Operations
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Monday that he has requested papal intervention to help maintain peace and stability in the South American nation, according to a report in AP. In his statement, Maduro said he sent a letter seeking help, but misidentified the current pontiff, Pope Francis, as “Pope Leo XIV.” The appeal comes as the US military continues counter-narcotics operations in waters off Venezuela, which Maduro characterized as an “armed conflict” with cartels, escalating diplomatic rhetoric with Washington. The request places the Vatican in a delicate diplomatic position, given that previous mediation efforts in Venezuela’s protracted political and economic crisis have yielded limited results.
Residents Of Israeli Kibbutz Grapple With Return Nearly A Year After Hamas Attack
Nearly a year after the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, residents of the Holit kibbutz in southern Israel are contemplating a return to their community, as per a report in The Guardian. The Israeli government has announced that the community can go back, but for survivors like Shir Matias, whose parents were murdered in the attack, the decision is fraught with emotional difficulty. Despite government-led reconstruction and enhanced security measures in the Gaza envelope, the raw memories of the violence and persistent psychological trauma present a significant barrier for those considering moving back.
President Trump Orders Approval Of 211-Mile Alaska Mining Road Project
US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the approval of the 211-mile Ambler Road project in an Alaskan wilderness to facilitate the mining of copper, cobalt, and gold, according to a report in The Guardian. The project had been approved during President Trump’s first term but was subsequently blocked by the administration of former President Joe Biden. The decision to halt the project was based on an analysis that found it would threaten wildlife, including caribou, and negatively impact Alaska Indigenous tribes who depend on the area for hunting and fishing.
Russia Considers Year-Round Military Conscription To Bolster Forces
Russia’s parliament is drafting a law to enable military conscription throughout the year, moving away from the previous spring and autumn cycles, according to a report in The Washington Times. The information, disclosed by British military officials, suggests the change is intended to create a more continuous and flexible intake of new recruits. This would allow Russia to maintain a steadier replenishment of personnel to sustain its overall military strength, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues. By ensuring a constant supply of conscripts for domestic roles, the military can free up more professional contract soldiers for deployment to active combat zones.
Ukraine's Battlefield Innovations Draw Global Military And Investor Focus
Ukraine has become a global focal point for battlefield innovation, drawing intense interest from international militaries and investors for its expertise in drone and anti-air warfare, according to a report in The Washington Times. The country’s rapid development of cost-effective First-Person View (FPV) and AI-enabled drones, alongside sophisticated, layered air defense strategies, is prompting shifts in global military doctrine. This surge in innovation, highlighted by an investor event in Lviv, has also fueled a burgeoning domestic defense tech industry, with startups creating combat-proven systems that are now attracting significant venture capital.
Fire At Jaipur Hospital Kills At Least Six Patients
At least six patients have died after a fire broke out at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, a major state-run facility in Jaipur, India, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The fire reportedly started in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and local police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
Exiled Bangladesh Opposition Leader Tarique Rahman Announces Plan To Return For Elections
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh ist Party (BNP) who has been in self-imposed exile in London since 2008, has announced his plan to return to Bangladesh to participate in landmark elections, BBC says in a report. Rahman, who is considered the de facto leader of the BNP, faces multiple criminal convictions in Bangladesh, including a life sentence for his role in a 2004 grenade attack. These convictions legally bar him from contesting elections, and he would face immediate arrest upon his return.
