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Last Updated:September 25, 2025, 20:30 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.
South Korean Workers Arrested In US Immigration Raid At Georgia Factory
South Korean workers arrested in a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a factory linked to Hyundai and LG in Georgia have voiced anger over their detention, as per a report in The New York Times. Some of the arrested individuals stated that while they entered the US under “murky circumstances,” which likely involved visa irregularities, they had always planned to return to South Korea. The raid highlights growing scrutiny over labor practices in the booming electric vehicle (EV) supply chain in the US state, a major hub for South Korean investment. The incident raises concerns about potential reputational damage for Hyundai and LG, workforce stability in the region, and the complexities of US visa programs for temporary foreign labor.
German Opposition Leader Backs Using Frozen Russian Assets For Ukraine Aid
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition CDU party, has called on Europe to utilize frozen Russian assets to fund a €140 billion loan for Ukraine, a move intended to “massively raise the costs” of Russia’s aggression, Financial Times says in a report. This stance represents a significant escalation from the current G7 agreement, which only uses the profits generated from the frozen funds, not the principal assets themselves. Merz’s call places political pressure on Germany’s ruling coalition, which has so far been cautious about the outright seizure of sovereign assets due to legal concerns and the potential impact on financial stability.
Iran Likely Conducted Undeclared Missile Test, Satellite Photos Show
Iran has likely conducted an undeclared missile test at its Imam Khomeini Spaceport, an analysis of recent satellite photographs showing scorch marks on a circular launch pad indicates, as per a report in AP. While Tehran has not officially acknowledged the launch, which reportedly took place last week, it underscores the nation’s ongoing efforts to advance its weapons program despite international pressure. The specific type of missile is not confirmed, but the launch site has been used for previous satellite launches, which often use technology similar to that of long-range ballistic missiles, raising international concerns.
Palestinian President States Hamas Will Have No Role In Governing Post-War Gaza
Speaking to the UN General Assembly via video, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza after the war and must surrender its weapons, as per a report in AP. Abbas also asserted that the Palestinian people “reject” the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. During his address, he accused Israel of waging a “war of genocide, destruction, starvation and displacement” against Palestinians in Gaza.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 17 Palestinians Amid Growing Ceasefire Pressure
Israeli strikes targeting houses and tents in central and southern Gaza on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians, including ten children and three women, according to a report in AP. The attacks occurred amid growing international calls for a ceasefire and after several European nations recently recognized a Palestinian state, a move condemned by Israeli leadership. Concurrently, the United Nations has issued warnings that the closure of key border crossings is severely threatening humanitarian aid efforts and exacerbating the crisis in the region.
Australian Mother Urges Global Social Media Age Restrictions At UN
Following her daughter’s suicide, which she attributes to cyberbullying, Australian mother Emma Mason addressed the United Nations, calling for global implementation of social media age restrictions, according to a report in Fox News. Her appeal comes as nations worldwide, including the UK and several US states, follow Australia’s lead in proposing or enacting stricter online safety laws. This growing legislative pressure has significant business implications for social media giants like Meta and TikTok, which are now compelled to invest in and trial age verification technologies, facing increased regulatory scrutiny and potential legal challenges across various jurisdictions. While Australia’s push is driven by its strong Online Safety Act 2021, a comprehensive, mandatory age verification law is still in development, reflecting a broader international debate balancing child protection with user privacy and data rights.
Germany Accuses Russia of Tracking Military-Use Satellites, Announces €35 Billion Space Investment
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that two Russian Luch-Olymp reconnaissance satellites are actively tracking a pair of IntelSat satellites utilized by the German armed forces, as per a report in AP. Speaking at a space conference in Berlin on Thursday, Pistorius highlighted the threat posed by Russia and China in space. In response to these and other challenges, he announced a significant strategic investment of €35 billion ($41 billion) into Germany’s space programs over the next five years to bolster the nation’s capabilities and resilience in the domain.
Saudi Arabia Freezes Commercial And Residential Rents In Riyadh For Five Years
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered a five-year freeze on all commercial and residential rental prices in the capital, Riyadh, in response to rapid price hikes, as per a report in AP. The move is a direct reaction to significant rent inflation, with some segments seeing over 20-30% year-on-year growth, driven by the kingdom’s post-pandemic economic rebound and major development projects under the Vision 2030 initiative. This policy, which includes fines of up to a year’s rent for violators, aims to stabilize the cost of living to attract foreign talent and businesses. While offering immediate relief to tenants, the freeze caps potential income for landlords and could discourage new investment in rental property development, potentially impacting long-term housing supply.
Father Of Slain Pakistani Teen Seeks Justice As Murder Suspect Appears In Court
The father of Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer who was fatally shot at her family home in Islamabad in June, has called for a speedy trial following the latest court hearing in the high-profile case, as per a report in AP. Syed Yousaf Hassan made the statement after attending the hearing for the suspect, who allegedly shot his daughter and stole her phone after she rejected his friendship request. The accused has denied the charges brought against him.
Microsoft to Provide Free Windows 10 Security Updates in Europe After Consumer Pressure
Following pressure from a consumer advocacy group, Microsoft will offer one year of free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) without requiring them to enable Windows Backup, according to a report in The Verge. This policy change, confirmed by the Euroconsumers group, removes a condition that could have pushed users toward paid OneDrive storage upgrades. The concession applies only within the EEA as the October 14, 2025, end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches. Consumers in other regions must still either enable Windows Backup, pay a $30 fee for the year, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points to receive the additional year of security support.
Apple Delays AI And Other Feature Launches In EU Citing DMA Risks
Apple will not release its new “Apple Intelligence,” “iPhone Mirroring,” and enhanced “SharePlay Screen Sharing” features in the EU this year, attributing the delay to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to a report in TechCrunch. The company stated that the DMA’s interoperability requirements would force it to compromise user privacy and data security, leading to a “worse experience” for customers. Apple was designated a “gatekeeper” under the DMA, which became fully enforceable in March 2024, and is already subject to non-compliance investigations by the European Commission.
BBC and Global News Agencies Launch Film Demanding Journalist Access to Gaza
The BBC, along with other major global news organizations including Reuters, CNN, and The Associated Press, has released a collective film urging Israel to lift its restrictions on independent access for foreign journalists to the Gaza Strip, as per a report in BBC. Israel has largely barred independent entry since October 2023, citing security concerns for the ongoing policy. The media coalition argues that the current system, which primarily allows for brief, escorted tours with the Israeli military, prevents comprehensive and independent reporting on the conflict and the humanitarian situation. The film highlights the necessity of press freedom and the dangers faced by local Palestinian journalists who have been the main source of on-the-ground information.
Australian Film Altered In China To Remove Same-Sex Couple
An Australian film has been censored for its release in China, with a scene featuring a same-sex couple digitally altered to show a heterosexual couple, as per a report in BBC. The incident is consistent with China’s media censorship policies, which frequently target and remove LGBTQ+ themes from both domestic and imported media. This censorship highlights the economic influence of China’s large film market, which often pressures international studios to alter content to gain access, raising concerns about artistic integrity and the representation of diverse communities.
AP And Reuters Demand Israel Explain Journalist Deaths In Gaza Conflict
The top editors of The Associated Press and Reuters, Julie Pace and Alessandra Galloni, have issued a joint demand for the Israeli government to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of journalists in Gaza, citing a strike last month that killed journalists, according to a report in AP. The news agencies are urging Israel to provide accountability and take concrete steps to protect media personnel covering the ongoing conflict. This demand highlights the broader issue of journalist safety, as dozens have been killed since the conflict began, prompting widespread calls from international press freedom organizations for investigations and adherence to international humanitarian law.
US President Donald Trump Demands UN Inquiry Into Alleged Sabotage
US President Donald Trump has called for an official inquiry into a series of technical issues at the United Nations, which he described as “sabotage” and “a real disgrace,” as per a report in BBC. The incidents reportedly involved a malfunctioning escalator and a teleprompter failure during his time at the international body’s headquarters. The demand publicly highlights political friction between the Trump administration and the multilateral organization, framing operational glitches as potentially deliberate acts.
Russian Warplanes Intercepted Near Alaska for Ninth Time This Year
US fighter jets intercepted four Russian warplanes flying near Alaska on Wednesday in the ninth such incident this year, AP said in a report. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) noted it was the third intercept in the past month and that the Russian formation included two Tu-95 strategic bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets. The aircraft operated within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone but did not enter sovereign US or Canadian airspace.
Korean Workers Arrested In US Immigration Raid At Hyundai Supplier Factory
Korean workers have been arrested in a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a factory reported to be a supplier for Hyundai, according to a report in The Independent. The detained individuals described being handcuffed and chained before being transferred to what they called a poorly maintained detention facility. This event places further scrutiny on the labor practices within Hyundai’s US supply chain, which has previously faced allegations regarding undocumented labor. The raid highlights the reputational and operational risks for the automotive company and fuels the ongoing debate in the US over workplace immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on both workers and corporations.
UEFA Moves Toward Vote To Suspend Israel From European Soccer Over Gaza War
European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, is moving toward a vote to suspend the Israel Football Association over the war in Gaza, as per a report in AP. This potential action follows a sustained campaign by the Palestinian Football Association for sanctions against Israel. The development comes shortly after the FIFA Congress referred a similar suspension request for a legal assessment. A suspension by UEFA would bar Israeli national and club teams from all European competitions, a measure with historical precedents such as the past suspensions of Russia and South Africa for political and humanitarian reasons.
Trump Administration Seeks 10% Stake In Lithium Americas
The administration of US President Donald Trump has requested a 10% equity stake in Lithium Americas (North America) Corp., a Canadian-headquartered mining company developing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada, as per a report in TechCrunch. This request was reportedly prompted after the company, which has an existing supply and investment deal with General Motors, sought a minor alteration to a loan repayment period. The Thacker Pass project is the largest known lithium deposit in the US and is considered crucial for the domestic electric vehicle battery supply chain. The move signals a potential US government strategy to take direct ownership in critical mineral assets to enhance supply chain security.
Seychelles Begins Early Voting Amid Concerns Over Drug Crisis and Environment
Early voting for the presidential and parliamentary elections commenced in Seychelles on Thursday, with ballots being distributed to the nation’s outer islands, as per a report in AP. Voters in the tourism-dependent island nation, which is Africa’s smallest country, are choosing their next government amid significant public concern over a pervasive drug crisis, environmental threats to its marine ecosystems, and government corruption. The election serves as a critical test for the incumbent administration of President Wavel Ramkalawan, who is seeking to retain his post after his historic victory in 2020.
US Lawmaker Calls For New Global Economic Rules To Reflect China's Rise
US Representative Adam Smith, speaking in Shanghai on Thursday, stated his support for renegotiating the rules governing the global economy, according to a report in AP. At the conclusion of a five-day visit to China, the Washington state Democrat told the city’s mayor that while the US-led post-World War II order has been beneficial for many nations, including China, it must be updated to account for the changed global landscape. Smith specifically noted that the rise of countries like China, India, and Brazil necessitates this re-evaluation.
US Lawmaker Calls For Renegotiating Global Economic Rules
During a visit to Shanghai, US Representative Adam Smith stated that the post-World War II global economic order needs to be updated to reflect the current economic landscape, as per a report in AP. Speaking to the mayor of Shanghai at the conclusion of a five-day trip to China, Smith, a Democrat from Washington, acknowledged that while the existing US-led system has benefited many nations including China, “things have changed.” He specifically mentioned the economic rise of not only China but also other major economies like India and Brazil as a key reason for the need to renegotiate the rules governing the global economy.
Study Claims Instagram's Teen Safety Tools Are Largely Ineffective
A new study has found that many of Instagram’s safety features for teenagers are failing, with 30 out of 47 tools reviewed being ‘substantially ineffective or no longer exist,’ as per a report in BBC. The research indicates that despite the platform’s stated safety measures, content related to suicide is still accessible to teen accounts. These findings add to the mounting pressure on Instagram’s parent company, Meta, which is already facing multi-state lawsuits in the US and potential federal legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) over its platforms’ alleged negative impact on youth mental health.
China's London 'Super-Embassy' Plan Sparks Espionage Fears
China’s proposal to build a large new embassy near the Tower of London has sparked significant anger and espionage fears within the UK, according to a report in The Washington Post. The proposed site’s proximity to critical national telecommunications infrastructure, including major fiber optic cables, has led to concerns from security officials about the potential for increased intelligence gathering and surveillance activities. Beijing has dismissed these allegations as “slander,” but the controversy arises amid a backdrop of deteriorating UK-China diplomatic relations and heightened warnings from UK intelligence agencies about Chinese state-sponsored espionage. This new proposal follows a previous, unsuccessful attempt by China to establish a “super-embassy” at a different London location, which was rejected in 2022 due to local opposition and security concerns.
UK Visa Costs For Workers Reach 'Trump-Like' Levels, Experts Say
The total cost for international workers in the UK has escalated to tens of thousands of pounds, a figure that includes visa fees, mandatory annual health surcharges, and charges for dependants over the typical five-year path to settlement, the Financial Times says in a report. Advisers have drawn parallels between the high financial barrier and the restrictive immigration policies of the previous Trump administration. The costs are driven by recent policy changes, including a significant increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge to £1,035 per adult annually and a higher minimum salary threshold for skilled workers. Experts warn these costs could rise even further if the government extends the qualification period for permanent residency, potentially impacting the UK’s competitiveness in attracting global talent and exacerbating labor shortages for businesses.
South Korea's Government Proposes Extending Presidential Term Limits
The South Korean government is pushing for a constitutional amendment to extend the presidential term from the current single five-year limit to a maximum of eight years, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This proposed reform would not apply to the current president, Yoon Suk-yeol, and is intended for future leaders. South Korea’s single-term presidency was established in its 1987 constitution as a key democratic safeguard following decades of authoritarian rule.
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.
