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Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 12:00 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.
Ukraine Deploys Drones For Critical Frontline Resupply Missions
Ukrainian forces are increasingly using drones to deliver vital supplies to troops in frontline trenches, bypassing hazardous ground routes, according to a report in The Washington Post. This logistical tactic has become crucial in the grinding trench warfare, where traditional resupply is often under constant fire. The drones deliver a range of essential items directly to isolated positions, including food, water, medical kits, batteries, and ammunition. This adaptation of civilian technology not only boosts troop morale and effectiveness but also marks a significant evolution in ‘last-mile’ military logistics, potentially influencing future military doctrines and driving further advancements in drone technology.
Israel Says It Killed Longtime Hamas Military Spokesman
The Israeli military has claimed it killed Abu Obaida, the longtime spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, in a strike in Gaza City on Saturday, according to a report in The Washington Post. Abu Obaida, a nom de guerre for the public face of the Al-Qassam Brigades for nearly two decades, was allegedly killed as part of Israel’s broader operation targeting Hamas leadership. As of the report’s publication, the claim has not been independently confirmed, nor has Hamas issued a statement on the matter. The potential death of the prominent spokesperson is seen as a significant development in the ongoing information war between the two sides.
UK Fintechs Explore Acquiring US Banks To Accelerate Licensing
Prominent UK financial technology companies, including Revolut and Starling, are exploring the acquisition of nationally chartered US banks to accelerate their expansion into the American market, according to a report in the Financial Times. This strategy aims to circumvent the complex and protracted de novo charter application process with US regulators like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the FDIC. By purchasing an existing bank, these fintechs would gain immediate access to a federal banking license and FDIC-insured deposit-taking capabilities. This shift from previous strategies, such as partnerships or seeking specialized licenses, reflects a desire for greater autonomy, direct control over product offerings, and a more direct competitive stance against established US financial institutions. The move could intensify competition in the US digital banking sector and presents a new supervisory challenge for regulators overseeing non-traditional owners of regulated banks.
Chinese Mining Firm Accused of Covering Up Toxic Spill in Zambia
A Chinese-owned mining company in Zambia faces accusations of covering up the scale of a significant toxic spill containing cyanide and arsenic into a major river. The incident has reportedly polluted the Kafue River, a critical water source for millions, sparking health concerns and impacting local livelihoods reliant on fishing and agriculture. This event increases pressure on the Zambian government to enforce environmental regulations on foreign investors and highlights broader concerns about the environmental and social practices of Chinese mining operations across Africa, potentially impacting Zambia-China bilateral relations.
Israeli Strikes Kill 17 Palestinians In Gaza
Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed 17 Palestinians since Tuesday morning, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The new casualties come amid an ongoing, severe humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating some of the dead were among people seeking food aid. organizations have repeatedly warned of severe food insecurity and conditions nearing famine in parts of the Gaza Strip. The continued hostilities and civilian casualties heighten international scrutiny on Israel and exacerbate the challenges for humanitarian aid operations attempting to function in the region.
Organized Extortion Rackets Suffocate Cape Town's Economy
Pervasive extortion rackets are severely impacting Cape Town’s economy and threatening entire industries, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. These organized crime syndicates, sometimes referred to as the ‘construction mafia,’ have expanded beyond the construction sector to systematically target infrastructure, logistics, and retail across South Africa. The ongoing situation, which has worsened over several years, is causing multi-billion rand losses annually and deterring both domestic and foreign investment. Efforts by law enforcement to combat the problem have been significantly stymied by long-standing internal challenges within the South African Police Service, including infighting and a lack of coordinated strategy, which undermines the state’s ability to protect businesses.
Gold Price Vaults Past $3,500 To New Record High
The price of gold has surged past $3,500 per ounce to a new record high, a move attributed to market reaction over proposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump, according to a report in the Financial Times. This new peak surpasses the previous record set in April. The market’s reaction is being driven by investor flight to safe-haven assets amid concerns that the potential protectionist measures could escalate global trade tensions, disrupt supply chains, and increase economic uncertainty.
Trump Family-Linked World Liberty Token Declines On Trading Debut
The World Liberty ($WLFI) digital token, which backs the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial, fell in value on Monday, its inaugural day of trading, according to a report in Reuters. The venture is a decentralized finance platform that also includes a stablecoin. Despite the token’s initial decline, the Trump family has reportedly earned approximately $500 million from the project, an estimate based on the company’s terms, transaction analysis, and public deals.
Schools Reopen In M23-Affected Eastern DRC Amid Ongoing Conflict
The new school year has commenced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with schools reopening even in conflict-torn eastern regions affected by the M23 rebel group, as per a report in France 24. This development is notable as it is the first school year to begin since the M23 seized large parts of North and South Kivu provinces. Despite the ongoing instability and fears that classrooms would remain shut, pupils have started returning to school in these areas. The reopening of essential services like schools under the de facto administration of a rebel group carries significant political implications, challenging the DRC government’s sovereignty while the M23 attempts to project an image of stability in the territories it controls.
Gaza Aid Flotilla With Greta Thunberg Departs From Barcelona
A flotilla of approximately 20 boats carrying aid supplies and activist Greta Thunberg has departed from the port of Barcelona with the stated goal of challenging Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, as per a report in BBC. The initiative aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the region, where the UN reports a severe and ongoing crisis, and to draw global attention to the blockade that Israel has enforced since 2007, citing security concerns. The presence of Thunberg is expected to generate significant international media coverage, creating a diplomatic and public relations challenge for Israel regarding its response to the vessels. This event follows historical precedents of similar aid flotillas attempting to breach the blockade.
Australian Leaders Condemn Anti-Immigrant Protests With Neo-Nazi Links
Tens of thousands of people have participated in anti-immigrant demonstrations across Australia, prompting condemnation from the nation’s leaders, according to a report in The New York Times. The political implications are significant as the presence of speakers linked to neo-Nazi groups at some of these events has heightened concerns about the rise of extremism and its potential impact on Australia’s social cohesion and multicultural policies. The government’s condemnation underscores the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with combating hate speech, as the events place a spotlight on public anxieties surrounding immigration, which extremist elements appear to be exploiting.
US and Indian VCs Form Over $1 Billion Alliance for Deep Tech Startups
An alliance of eight major US and Indian venture capital and private equity firms has committed to deploying over $1 billion to fund India’s growing deep tech sector, according to a report in TechCrunch. This strategic initiative aims to fuel innovation in areas based on significant scientific or engineering breakthroughs, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of deepening US-India economic ties in critical and emerging technologies and aligns with the Indian government’s push to develop its domestic R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Protests In Indonesia Escalate Over Lawmaker Perks
Indonesia is experiencing its most violent protests in more than 20 years, with demonstrations continuing despite a security crackdown that has resulted in several deaths, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The widespread public anger was triggered by the approval of lavish financial perks and allowances for members of parliament, which are seen as excessive and unjust. The sustained unrest poses a significant challenge to the government’s stability and public trust, raising concerns about political destabilization and the state of civil liberties.
Germany Criticizes EU Remarks On Potential Ukraine Troop Deployment
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has dismissed reported comments from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine, calling them premature, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. In a separate development, the Ukrainian government has condemned the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) after the bloc, which includes Russia and China, did not mention the war in Ukraine in the closing statement of its recent summit.
Trump Claims India Offered Zero Tariffs On US Goods Amid Trade Tensions
US President Donald Trump has claimed that India offered to eliminate all tariffs on American goods, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This assertion, which has not been publicly confirmed by the Indian government, comes amid ongoing trade friction and US concerns over New Delhi’s significant purchases of Russian oil. The claim follows US trade actions against India, although reports of a recent blanket 50 percent tariff on Indian goods are unverified and likely refer to more targeted measures. A potential zero-tariff deal would represent a major shift in trade relations, which have historically been marked by disputes over Indian protectionism and US retaliatory measures.
Verdict Phase Begins in Election Conspiracy Trial of Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro
The verdict and sentencing phase in the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro began on Tuesday, where he faces charges for allegedly attempting to stage a coup and overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, AP says in a report. Bolsonaro, who was defeated by current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has consistently denied the allegations, claiming the trial is politically motivated. This legal challenge follows a separate ruling in June 2023 by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court, which found Bolsonaro guilty of abusing his power and declared him ineligible to run for public office until 2030.
Iran Faces Diplomatic Deadline Over Nuclear Program And Sanctions
Iran is confronting a critical diplomatic deadline in late September to reach an agreement on its nuclear program with Western powers or risk facing renewed UN sanctions, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This comes after negotiations to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have been stalled since August 2022. In response to the 2018 US withdrawal from the deal and subsequent sanctions, Iran has escalated its nuclear activities, including enriching uranium to higher purities. The potential “snapback” of UN sanctions remains a contentious issue, as its invocation is legally disputed, but the threat adds significant pressure on Tehran to find a diplomatic resolution.
Leaders Arrive In Beijing For WWII Anniversary Parade
Leaders from several countries have arrived in Beijing to attend a massive military parade hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two following Japan’s surrender, according to a report in Reuters. The event was held in the Chinese capital on September 1, 2025.
Guatemala Says It Is Willing To Receive Hundreds Of Deported Children From US
Guatemala is prepared to receive about 150 unaccompanied minors of all ages from the United States each week, its president announced, The Guardian says in a report. This statement follows a recent incident where a US federal judge halted the deportation of 10 Guatemalan children who were already on a plane, responding to an emergency appeal. The children were subsequently returned to the custody of the US Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Activists Block Melbourne Wharf To Protest Arms Exports To Israel
Activists blocked access to a wharf in Melbourne, Australia, on September 1, protesting the country’s role in supplying military components to Israel, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The direct action is part of a global movement targeting the supply chains of defense companies amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the Australian government states it does not export whole weapons systems, it acknowledges that Australian-made components are used in military hardware like the F-35 fighter jets operated by Israel. The protest aims to disrupt port logistics and increase political and economic pressure on the Australian government to reconsider its defense export policies.
Putin Claims 'Understandings' Reached With Trump On Ending Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed to have reached “understandings” with US President Donald Trump on how to end the war in Ukraine, BBC said in a report. Putin’s assertion, which has not been publicly confirmed by President Trump or his administration, introduces significant political implications for US foreign policy and the Western coalition. During his remarks, Putin also defended Russia’s invasion, reiterating the Kremlin’s narrative that blames the conflict on the West. The claim is viewed as a move that could create uncertainty for Ukraine’s future military and financial support and test the unity of the NATO alliance’s strategy regarding the war.
Kathryn Bigelow's New Film 'A House of Dynamite' Tackles Geopolitical Tensions
Director Kathryn Bigelow debuted her new political thriller, “A House of Dynamite,” at its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, AP says in a report. The film’s plot centers on the White House’s response to an imminent missile strike on the US from an unidentified aggressor. The film’s theme taps into current geopolitical anxieties, reflecting real-world concerns over the modernization of nuclear arsenals by several global powers and the challenge of attributing state-sponsored hybrid attacks. In a statement, Bigelow noted that the contemporary danger from nuclear weapons has escalated significantly since the Cold War era.
Sudan Landslide in Darfur Reportedly Kills Over 1,000
The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) has reported that a landslide following heavy rains has buried a village in Sudan’s Darfur region, killing more than 1,000 people, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The armed group has issued an appeal to the United Nations for help in recovering bodies from the disaster site. This natural disaster exacerbates the severe humanitarian crisis in Darfur, which is already devastated by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict severely restricts access for independent observers and aid organizations, making independent verification of the death toll, which was reported by an involved party, extremely difficult.
US Reportedly Suspends Most Visas For Palestinian Passport Holders
The US has reportedly suspended the issuance of most visas to holders of Palestinian Authority passports, according to a report in BBC. The move follows the denial of visas to a Palestinian delegation scheduled to attend a United Nations meeting in New York. This suspension is expected to create significant obstacles for Palestinians seeking to travel to the US for business, education, or family reasons and could hamper the Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic efforts at global forums like the UN.
ECB Head Warns Of US Fed Intervention Risk As China, India, Russia Hold Summit
The head of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, is concerned that any intervention by US President Donald Trump’s administration into the Federal Reserve could present a global economic risk, BBC says in a report. The report also highlights a summit held on September 1 between China, India, and Russia, with analysis from Dr. Yu Jie of Chatham House on its geopolitical significance and discussions around a new development bank. Additionally, the article notes President Trump’s claims that Ethiopia’s recently inaugurated hydro-project was financed with American funds.
Belgian Government Divided On Palestine Recognition And Sanctions Against Israel
Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter announced an intention for the country to recognize the state of Palestine and impose 12 sanctions on Israel this month, according to a report in Al Jazeera. However, this position is not yet a unified government policy, as Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has clarified that the government has ‘not yet decided’ on the matter, indicating internal divisions. The proposed move follows similar recognitions of Palestine by other European nations like Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024, and comes amid ongoing international legal pressure on Israel.
Venezuelan President Maduro Threatens 'Republic In Arms' In Response To US Military Presence
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated he is prepared to declare a ‘republic in arms’ should US forces launch an attack on Venezuela, Al Jazeera says in a report. Maduro’s threat is a response to the United States’ continued military deployment in the Caribbean, an operation the US government describes as targeting Latin American drug cartels. The Venezuelan government views the military presence as a direct provocation, further escalating the already tense relationship between the two nations.
Sudan Landslide Reportedly Kills Over 1,000 In Rebel-Held Area
More than 1,000 people were killed in a landslide in western Sudan on Sunday, according to a rebel group that controls the area, The Guardian said in a report. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM) stated the landslide destroyed an entire village in the Marra Mountains, leaving only a single survivor. This event exacerbates the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where ongoing conflict already limits access for aid. The report’s casualty figures have not been independently verified, highlighting the significant political implications and challenges of obtaining accurate information from remote, conflict-affected regions, which complicates international disaster response and assessments of regional stability.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 31 as Genocide Accusations Mount
Israeli strikes across Gaza on Monday killed at least 31 people amid accusations of genocide from a group of international scholars, which Israel denies, as per a report in AP. The airstrikes and shelling occurred as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza City, the territory’s largest city. The situation is described as a ‘double threat of war and starvation’ for the civilian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In a related development, an aid flotilla departed from Barcelona, Spain, aiming to deliver aid directly by sea after a delay.
Humanoid Robots Display Skills And Challenges At Greek Showcase
At a showcase in Ancient Olympia, Greece, humanoid robots performed tasks such as playing soccer, shadow-boxing, and shooting arrows, AP says in a report. Despite these demonstrations, the event underscored the significant challenges facing the field, including jerky movements and the need for frequent battery changes. Experts and creators at the event debated when robots will be capable of complex, everyday tasks, noting the scarcity of useful training data and the large gap between the robots’ physical abilities and the sophisticated reasoning of modern AI. The display also highlighted geopolitical dynamics, with China being keen to showcase its robotic advancements while the US is reportedly less so.
Bolivian Presidential Hopeful Rodrigo Paz Pitches 'Capitalism For All' Amid Economic Crisis
Centrist Bolivian presidential candidate Rodrigo Paz is attempting to build a broad coalition of voters by proposing a “capitalism for all” platform to address the country’s economic and political crisis, according to a report in AP. His strategy involves promising to continue social spending programs, similar to those of the previous left-wing government, while simultaneously committing to tackling the nation’s significant fiscal deficit. In an interview, Paz, who presents himself as a moderate, has reportedly resisted clarifying the specific policies behind his ambiguous “neither right nor left” rhetoric, which aims to appeal to a diverse electorate disillusioned with traditional political divides.
Over 14,000 US-Bound Migrants Have Reversed Course South
A report from the governments of Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica indicates a significant ‘reverse flow’ of migration, with over 14,000 individuals, mostly Venezuelan, turning back from their journey to the United States, AP said in a report. This trend is attributed to the stringent immigration and asylum policies implemented under US President Donald Trump. These migrants, having fled the crisis in their home country, are now encountering a US border that is significantly less open to asylum-seekers, forcing them to reverse their northward migration and creating new humanitarian and logistical challenges for transit countries.
Pregnant Woman And Unborn Baby Killed In Gaza City Assault
A pregnant woman and her unborn baby were reportedly killed amid an Israeli military assault in Gaza City, an event that highlights the ongoing chaos and forced displacement of residents, Al Jazeera said in a report. This incident occurs within the broader context of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have been ongoing since October 2023. The operations in densely populated urban areas have led to significant civilian casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis, drawing intense scrutiny from the United Nations and human rights organizations. Such events increase international pressure on Israel regarding its adherence to humanitarian law and contribute to ongoing legal proceedings at the Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Criminal Court (ICC).
UK to Evacuate Children from Gaza, Condemns Israeli Aid Restrictions
The UK is working to evacuate critically ill children from Gaza for specialist treatment in British hospitals, with the first arrivals expected in the coming weeks, AP said in a report. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated he was “outraged” by Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid, which he described as a “manmade famine.” Alongside the evacuation plans, Lammy announced an additional £15 million ($20 million) for medical assistance for Gaza and the surrounding region.
Scientists Study Aftermath Of Jasper Wildfire To Inform Future Strategies
Scientists in Canada are conducting research in the area of Jasper Park affected by the 2022 Chetamon Mountain wildfire to understand post-fire recovery and inform future fire management policies, according to a report in The New York Times. The research, a collaborative effort involving various government agencies and academic institutions, focuses on the ecological impact of the blaze, which burned approximately 6,000 hectares. These findings are considered critical for developing climate change adaptation strategies and improving community preparedness, especially following Canada’s record-breaking 2023 wildfire season and the growing recognition of integrating traditional Indigenous fire stewardship practices.
Spanish PM Unveils Climate Action Plan After Deadly Wildfires
Following deadly wildfires in August that killed four people, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a 10-point plan to prepare the country for the climate emergency, according to a report in The Guardian. Sánchez stated that the scale of the fires, which required the largest emergency deployment in Spain’s history, demonstrates the urgent need to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and directly challenged climate change deniers.
Afghan s Arrive In Germany Amidst Immigration Policy Shift
Dozens of Afghan nationals have arrived at Hanover Airport in Germany after navigating significant bureaucratic hurdles, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This event occurs amidst a notable shift in German policy towards stricter immigration controls, creating a tension between fulfilling specific humanitarian commitments—such as those to vulnerable Afghans under programs established after 2021—and the government’s general aim to reduce irregular migration. The arrival highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghans seeking refuge and the complex internal dynamics of Germany’s immigration policy, which seeks to simultaneously manage new arrivals while honoring past obligations.
