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Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 08:45 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.
Tropical Storm Tapah Makes Landfall In Southern China, Forcing Evacuations And School Closures
Tropical Storm Tapah made landfall in southern China on Monday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people and causing significant disruptions, according to a report in AP. In the economic hub of Guangdong province, more than 200,000 people were evacuated, as confirmed by the provincial department of emergency management. Authorities also halted some train and ferry services and cancelled flights, while schools were closed as a precautionary measure against the storm.
Hong Kong Considers Same-Sex Partnership Bill Amid Fierce Resistance
Following decades of activism and successful court challenges for spousal rights, a bill to introduce same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong is now facing significant resistance and a challenging legislative vote, AP says in a report. The proposed law, which would offer some legal recognition but stop short of full marriage equality, is being considered while many same-sex couples in the city continue to marry overseas to gain legal status. The outcome of the vote is viewed as a critical test for the government, with potential implications for Hong Kong’s international reputation and its competitiveness as a global financial hub seeking to attract diverse talent.
Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests Kill 19
Nepal’s government lifted a ban on major social media platforms on Tuesday, a day after violent street protests in the capital, Kathmandu, left at least 19 people dead, as per a report in AP. The ban, which blocked access to platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube, had been imposed the previous week. The decision to reverse the ban followed a massive protest rally on Monday where police opened fire on demonstrators. In the aftermath of the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned late Monday during an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Health Of Former Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Worsening In Custody, Son Says
The health of Myanmar’s detained former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is reportedly worsening in military custody, with her son Kim Aris stating she is suffering from severe gum problems, vomiting, and dizziness, leaving her unable to eat, according to a report in The Japan Times. She has been held by the military since it seized power in a 2021 coup that deposed her elected government. The military junta has reportedly denied requests for her to be seen by an external doctor, instead arranging for a prison department doctor to treat her. Her condition raises significant political implications, as her fate is closely watched by the international community and her declining health could intensify pressure on the ruling junta and galvanize the pro-democracy resistance movement.
US Visa Wait Times Expected To Increase Under New State Department Rule
A new US State Department rule requiring most would-be travelers to undergo an in-person visa interview in their home country is expected to further extend wait times, which can already exceed a year in some locations, as per a report in The New York Times. This policy is a re-emphasis of a post-9/11 requirement and a tightening of interview waivers that were expanded during the pandemic. The existing delays are primarily attributed to a massive backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic combined with a surge in travel demand. The extended wait times are anticipated to have significant economic implications, potentially deterring international tourists, students, and business travelers, which could negatively impact the US tourism, education, and business sectors.
China's Renewable Energy Investment Poised To Halt Global Fossil Fuel Growth
China’s massive investment in renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and batteries, is on track to end the era of global growth in fossil fuel consumption, according to a report in The New York Times. The research suggests that this surge in green energy deployment, driven by China’s manufacturing dominance, is significant enough to cause the demand for coal, oil, and natural gas to peak and then decline globally. While China continues to rely on coal for its own energy security, its outsized contribution to renewable capacity is accelerating the worldwide energy transition, creating significant economic implications for fossil fuel-exporting nations and shifting geopolitical dynamics around energy and trade.
US And European Officials Discuss New Sanctions On Russia
US and European officials held a meeting at the US Treasury Department on Monday evening to discuss further economic pressure on Russia, as per a report in AP. According to a source familiar with the discussions, the talks included the possibility of new sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil purchases. The source also indicated that US officials communicated that President Donald Trump is prepared to take significant actions to end the ongoing war.
US Defense Secretary Visits Puerto Rico Amid Increased Military Operations In The Caribbean
US Defense Secretary Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Caine made an unannounced visit to Puerto Rico on Monday as the US escalates its military operations targeting drug cartels in the Caribbean, according to a report in AP. Their arrival follows the recent deployment of hundreds of US Marines to the island for what officials have described as a training exercise. The increased military presence has reportedly sparked some local opposition, reflecting historical tensions over US military activities in the territory.
USA, Mexico, and Canada Secure Automatic Berths for 2026 World Cup
The United States, Mexico, and Canada have secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as co-hosts, Reuters said in a report. This tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will mark the first time the event features an expanded 48-team format, a significant increase from the 32 teams in previous editions. The expansion to 104 total matches presents substantial economic implications for the 16 host cities through tourism and infrastructure development. While the three host nations have automatic entry, the qualification process for the remaining 45 spots is currently underway across global confederations, which benefit from an increased number of available slots.
North Korea Announces Final Test Of New Solid-Fuel ICBM Engine
North Korea’s state media announced the successful completion of the ninth and final ground test for a new solid-fuel ICBM engine, an event supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, according to a report in AP. The engine, built with carbon fiber, reportedly produces 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, a significant power level aimed at creating a viable nuclear threat to the continental US. This development is a key part of Pyongyang’s strategic shift towards solid-fuel systems, which are more mobile and quicker to launch than liquid-fuel missiles, thereby increasing their survivability and complicating US and allied defense strategies. The completion of ground tests indicates the engine is likely ready for integration into a missile for flight testing, further heightening regional tensions and raising questions about the effectiveness of the international sanctions regime.
Spanish PM Announces Proposed Arms Embargo Against Israel
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a proposal for a complete arms embargo on Israel, citing a need to ‘stop the Gaza genocide’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The proposed embargo is part of a package of nine measures that must be approved by the Spanish cabinet and then ratified by parliament before it can be formally imposed. While Spain is not a primary military supplier to Israel, the move carries significant political and symbolic weight, further straining diplomatic relations following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state in May 2024. The action aligns with recent proceedings at the Court of Justice and adds to growing international pressure on Israel regarding its military operations in Gaza.
US Ends Joint Effort With Europe To Fight Foreign Disinformation
The United States government has ended its international agreements with European countries that were established to jointly fight disinformation campaigns originating from hostile states, the Financial Times said in a report. These collaborative efforts were specifically targeted at countering influence operations from Russia, China, and Iran. The termination of this coordinated approach means European allies, who continue to bolster their own measures like the Digital Services Act, may now face an increased burden in managing state-sponsored propaganda and information warfare.
India And Israel Sign Investment Deal To Bolster Economic Ties
India and Israel have signed a new investment framework agreement to deepen economic and technological cooperation, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in cybersecurity and defense, Al Jazeera said in a report. The memorandum of understanding was formalized during a visit by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to New Delhi, where he was welcomed by his Indian counterpart. The agreement aims to facilitate and promote bilateral investments across various sectors, building on an already robust strategic partnership that has expanded beyond defense to include technology, agriculture, and water management in recent years. This move is expected to increase Israeli foreign direct investment in India and foster joint ventures in advanced fields.
Pret A Manger Writes Down Value By A Third Citing Economic Headwinds
Pret A Manger has written down its value by one-third from the £1.5 billion price JAB Holding Company paid for it in 2018, as per a report in Financial Times. The coffee and sandwich chain attributed the significant impairment charge to a combination of adverse economic factors. These include a general “global economic gloom” that has suppressed consumer spending, rising employer tax burdens in the UK, and the impact of higher interest rates, which increases borrowing costs and dampens investment.
