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Last Updated:September 29, 2025, 18:40 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.
Sudan Issues Flood Warning For Provinces Along Nile River
Sudan’s irrigation ministry has issued a ‘red alert’ for potential floods in five provinces along the Nile River, as per a report in AP. The warning, which remained in effect on Monday, was prompted by rising water levels in the Blue and White Nile tributaries. The ministry urged residents in the provinces of Khartoum, River Nile, White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile to take precautions, citing a potential threat to agricultural lands and houses.
China Sentences 11 To Death In Myanmar Crime Hub Crackdown
A Chinese court has sentenced 11 members of a crime family to death for their role in operating a hub for gambling, drugs, and large-scale online scams in a Myanmar border town, as per a report in BBC. The sentencing is the culmination of a major crackdown by China on cross-border crime syndicates operating out of Laukkai in Myanmar’s northern Shan State. These groups, including the notorious Ming, Bai, Wei, and Liu families, ran vast ‘pig butchering’ scam centers that often used trafficked labor to defraud Chinese citizens. The action follows ‘Operation 1027,’ a military offensive launched in late 2023 by an alliance of ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, which also aimed to dismantle these criminal enterprises and led to the repatriation of tens of thousands of suspects to China.
Trial Opens For Former Mali PM Jailed By Military Rulers
The trial of a former prime minister of Mali has commenced after he was jailed by the ruling military junta for a ‘solidarity’ post on social media, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This development occurs as Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has secured a five-year term as president following the adoption of a new constitution. The junta has also indefinitely postponed elections, which were previously scheduled for February 2024, further delaying the promised transition back to civilian rule and consolidating the military’s control over the West African nation.
Pakistan Reports Two New Polio Cases In Southern Sindh Province
Pakistan has reported two new polio cases in young girls in the southern Sindh province, bringing the national total to 29 since January, according to a report in AP. The new cases, found in the cities of Badin and Thatta, represent a blow to the nation’s polio eradication program. Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries where the wild poliovirus is still endemic, with challenges like vaccine hesitancy and cross-border transmission complicating efforts to stop its circulation.
US Renews $675,000 in Demining Aid to Cambodia
The United States will provide a new grant of $675,000 for essential demining programs in Cambodia, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh announced, as per a report in AP. This funding reaffirms US support despite previous uncertainty regarding foreign aid budgets. Cambodia continues to deal with the legacy of conflicts that ended in 1998, with an estimated 4 to 6 million land mines and other unexploded ordnance still contaminating its countryside. Since 1979, these remnants of war have caused over 19,000 deaths and injured approximately 45,000 people. The renewed aid is crucial for Cambodia’s national goal of becoming mine-free by 2025, which would enable safer use of land for agriculture and development.
Gold Prices Surge Amid US Shutdown Fears and Strong Central Bank Buying
Gold prices are experiencing a significant rally, driven by investor anxiety over a potential US government shutdown, which is fueling a flight to safe-haven assets, according to a report in the Financial Times. The upward price movement is further intensified by what the report describes as dual ‘aggressor’ bids, indicating strong and proactive purchasing from both global central banks and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This combination of political uncertainty in the US and robust institutional demand underscores gold’s role as a hedge against economic and geopolitical instability.
US Faces Government Shutdown As Trump Meets Congressional Leaders
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders in an effort to pass a spending bill and prevent a partial government shutdown set to start this Wednesday, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The deadline requires an agreement on an appropriations bill to fund federal agencies, without which hundreds of thousands of ‘non-essential’ government workers would be furloughed. A shutdown poses risks to the US economy, with potential negative impacts on GDP growth and financial market stability, and could disrupt a wide range of public services. The situation echoes a previous 35-day shutdown during the Trump administration in 2018-2019, highlighting the potential for prolonged political disputes over budget and policy issues.
Suriname Pledges To Protect 90% Of Its Forests, Exceeding Global Goals
Suriname has pledged to permanently protect 90% of its tropical forests, a move that far surpasses the global ’30×30′ conservation goal, according to a report in AP. The announcement was made during Climate Week in New York City by Foreign Minister Melvin W.J. Bouva on behalf of President Chan Santokhi’s government. This commitment is considered one of the most ambitious ever made by an Amazonian nation, given Suriname already has one of the world’s highest percentages of forest cover. The pledge calls for legal recognition and enforcement to safeguard the forests.
North Korea And China Foreign Ministers Agree To Deepen Ties
During a meeting in Beijing on Sunday, the foreign ministers of North Korea and China agreed to deepen their bilateral relations and jointly resist hegemonism or unilateralism, AP said in a report. This diplomatic engagement follows a summit held about three weeks prior between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which both leaders pledged mutual support and enhanced cooperation, signaling a strengthening strategic alignment between the two countries in opposition to US influence in the region.
Former Trump Advisor Calls Hezbollah A Legitimate Political Party In Lebanon
American investor Tom Barrack, a past advisor to Donald Trump, has described Hezbollah as a “legitimate political party” within Lebanon, a status he claims makes resolving the ongoing conflict with Israel difficult, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This statement represents a personal observation, as Barrack holds no official US government position. The US government officially designates Hezbollah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The group’s dual role as an armed militia and a political party with a significant bloc in the Lebanese parliament is a central factor in regional instability and complicates diplomatic efforts, particularly amid escalating cross-border attacks against Israel.
Singapore Denies Entry To Hong Kong Activist Nathan Law
Singapore has denied entry to prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law, the Financial Times said in a report. Law, a former student leader of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, currently has political asylum in the UK. The denial of entry occurs in the context of a bounty issued by Hong Kong authorities in July 2023 for his arrest under the Security Law, accusing him and other overseas activists of offenses such as ‘collusion with foreign forces’.
Dozens Arrested At Pro-Palestine Protest Outside UK Labour Conference
Police in Liverpool have arrested dozens of protesters on suspicion of supporting the group Palestine Action, according to a report in The Guardian. The arrests occurred on Sunday outside the Labour party conference, where approximately 100 people had gathered silently holding signs with messages such as “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” as stated by the protest organization Defend Our Juries.
One Dead, 12 Soldiers Injured in Ecuador Fuel Subsidy Clash
A violent clash erupted on Sunday in an Andean community north of Quito, Ecuador, between law enforcement authorities and Indigenous people protesting the government’s decision to end a fuel subsidy, as per a report in AP. The confrontation resulted in the death of one civilian protester and left 12 soldiers injured. Following the incident, both the military and the national Indigenous organization leading the demonstrations have traded blame for the violence. Ecuador’s ministries of Defense and Interior had not immediately acknowledged the protester’s death.
Cartel Leader 'La Diabla' Arrested In Mexico For Allegedly Selling Newborns To US Couples
A cartel leader identified as Martha Alicia Mendez Aguilar, known as ‘La Diabla’, has been arrested in Juarez, Mexico, for allegedly running a human trafficking ring that sold newborn babies to US couples for approximately $13,000 each, as per a report in The Independent. The arrest, which took place on September 2, was reported by the US Office of the Director of Intelligence on September 28.
Guinea to Hold First Post-Coup Presidential Election on December 28
Guinea will hold its first presidential election since a 2021 military coup on December 28, 2025, according to a presidential decree read on state television, AP says in a report. The announcement on Saturday follows a Supreme Court decision validating a recent constitutional referendum, a move that could potentially allow the country’s leader, Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, to run for president. This development places Guinea, one of several West African nations in the ‘coup belt’ under military rule, at a critical juncture, with the election’s outcome poised to impact regional stability and Guinea’s international relations, including potential sanctions or the restoration of foreign aid.
Protests in Peru Against President Boluarte Leave 19 Injured
Protests have again erupted in Peru, resulting in 19 injuries as demonstrators rally against President Dina Boluarte’s administration, according to a report in Al Jazeera. While a significant number of young people are involved, the protests include a wide range of citizens angered by widespread corruption, issues with the pension system, and a surge in organized crime. The demonstrations are a continuation of unrest that began when Boluarte took office in December 2022 following the impeachment of then-President Pedro Castillo, with protesters maintaining their core demands for her resignation, the closure of Congress, and the calling of early general elections.
Lufthansa To Cut 4,000 Jobs By 2030 Using AI And Digitalization
Lufthansa Group announced plans to eliminate 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030, with most of the cuts affecting its operations in Germany, AP said in a report. The airline group will leverage artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the consolidation of work among its member airlines to achieve these reductions. This strategic move to enhance efficiency comes as the company reports strong demand for air travel and forecasts stronger profits in the coming years, indicating the job cuts are a proactive measure to optimize its long-term cost structure rather than a response to financial distress.
UK Shadow Chancellor Signals Potential Tax Hikes Citing Global Instability
UK Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has signaled that potential tax rises would be necessary under a Labour government, stating that the “world has changed,” according to a report in the Financial Times. Speaking ahead of the Labour party conference, Reeves attributed the need for fiscal tightening to significant global economic shifts, including ongoing wars that disrupt supply chains, increased government borrowing costs, and the impact of trade tariffs from the administration of US President Donald Trump. The statements frame a potential policy direction for the party ahead of a general election, citing the UK’s fiscal challenges amid a strained global economic outlook.
AstraZeneca Plans Direct NYSE Listing While Retaining London Presence
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced plans for a direct listing of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange, a move that will replace its current American Depositary Receipts traded on the Nasdaq, according to a report in The Guardian. The company, which is the second-largest firm on the FTSE 100, confirmed it will maintain its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and keep its headquarters in Cambridge. This decision is interpreted as a strategic effort to increase visibility among US investors and access deeper capital pools. The move comes amid a wider trend of UK-listed firms exploring US listings, putting continued pressure on London to implement reforms to enhance its market’s competitiveness.
Thailand's New Prime Minister Pledges Economic, Diplomatic, and Constitutional Action
Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, outlined his government’s key policy priorities to lawmakers, focusing on the economy, foreign policy, and constitutional reform, according to a report in AP. He pledged to tackle the country’s economic challenges, use diplomacy to resolve the long-standing border conflict with Cambodia, and initiate a process to draft a new, more democratic constitution to replace the charter enacted under military rule in 2017.
Government Drone Strike in Haiti Kills Eight Children
A drone strike by the Haitian government targeting a gang leader has killed at least eight children, according to a report in The Washington Post. The intended target of the anti-gang operation reportedly escaped without injury. Following the incident, the Haitian government has remained silent, prompting demands for an investigation and accountability from the victims’ families.
Court Dismisses Central American Bank's Claim Against Former President
A court has dismissed a legal claim by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) against former president Dante Mossi, according to a report in The Washington Post. The bank had accused Mossi of attempting to undermine its credit rating after he was informed his term would not be renewed. Mossi left the presidency in December 2023, a departure reportedly linked to disagreements over the bank’s lending policies and governance.
Singapore Hosts Global Dialogue on Standardizing Digital Platform Work Data
The first Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work has commenced in Singapore, co-hosted by the nation’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Labour Organization (ILO), AP says in a report. The conference convenes over 150 policymakers, statisticians, platform operators, and researchers from more than 20 countries to address significant data gaps and establish common measurement frameworks for the global gig economy. This initiative is expected to have major economic and business implications, as standardized data could inform new evidence-based regulations on worker classification and social protections. For digital platform operators, this may lead to increased transparency requirements and influence business models, while improved data could strengthen the position of labor unions and worker advocates in negotiations for better pay and conditions.
Asian Shares Trade Higher After Wall Street Snaps Losing Streak
Asian shares were mostly higher on Monday, tracking gains from Wall Street which broke a three-day losing streak to trim its losses for the previous week, as per a report in AP. Investors are looking ahead to a week of significant economic data, including the release of China’s factory data on Tuesday and the Bank of Japan’s quarterly Tankan business sentiment survey on Wednesday. In the US, upcoming jobs data will be a key focus for markets, alongside a potential government shutdown, though the article notes such political impasses have had limited market impact in the past. US futures and oil prices also edged higher in early Monday trading.
Iran Executes Man Accused Of Spying For Israel Amid Nuclear Tensions
Iran announced on Monday the execution of a man, Bahman Choobiasl, accused of spying for Israel, continuing what is described as its largest wave of executions in decades, according to a report in AP. The execution comes shortly after the Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors passed a resolution criticizing Tehran’s lack of cooperation regarding its nuclear program. Human rights organizations have noted a significant increase in capital punishment, with over 853 executions recorded in 2023. This act is seen as a signal of defiance against international pressure and is expected to further strain diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations, while also serving as a domestic deterrent.
Polish Skier Completes Historic No-Oxygen Ski Descent Of Mount Everest
Polish skier Andrzej Bargiel has made history by successfully climbing Mount Everest and skiing down from the summit without the use of supplemental oxygen, as per a report in The Independent. He completed the feat on his third attempt, navigating the perilous ‘death zone’ above 8,000 meters and the treacherous Khumbu Icefall during his descent. This achievement sets a new benchmark in high-altitude mountaineering, as it is the first time an athlete has combined a no-oxygen ascent with a full ski descent of the world’s highest peak. While others have previously skied from the summit with oxygen or climbed without it, Bargiel is the first to accomplish both in a single expedition, an achievement that has drawn attention for its potential impact on sponsorships and equipment innovation within extreme sports.
AstraZeneca To Overhaul US Listing To Attract More Investors
UK-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca intends to overhaul its US stock listing to attract a wider base of American investors, according to a report in Financial Times. The plan involves transitioning from its current structure of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) to a direct listing of its ordinary shares. This strategic move is aimed at increasing the liquidity of its stock in the US and providing investors with more direct ownership, potentially lowering trading costs and simplifying corporate governance participation. By enhancing its access to the deep US capital markets, AstraZeneca seeks to secure more robust funding for its research and development pipeline and future growth initiatives.
US Ambassador To Israel To Visit Egypt For Talks On Gaza War
US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew is scheduled to make a rare visit to Cairo for high-level talks with Egyptian officials, according to a report in The New York Times. The discussions are expected to center on de-escalating tensions between Israel and Egypt, which have intensified following Israel’s military operations in Rafah and its control of the Gazan side of the Rafah crossing. Key topics will include the ongoing Gaza war, efforts to revive stalled ceasefire negotiations, and addressing the severe humanitarian crisis by finding ways to reopen crucial aid corridors. The visit highlights US diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and manage the strained relationship between its two key allies.
Singapore Denies Entry To Exiled Hong Kong Activist Nathan Law
Singaporean authorities have barred exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law from entering the country, citing that his presence “would not be in national interests,” BBC said in a report. The decision is seen as a reflection of Singapore’s foreign policy of prioritizing domestic stability and its diplomatic and economic relationship with China. Law, who was granted political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2021, is wanted by Hong Kong authorities under the Security Law. The move is also viewed as a restriction on the international mobility of Hong Kong dissidents and a signal of the limited space for political activism on issues sensitive to Beijing within Southeast Asia.
UN Meeting on Rohingya Aid Lacks Refugee Representation
World leaders are convening at a United Nations conference to discuss aid for Rohingya refugees, but no one from the world’s largest refugee settlement in Bangladesh is attending the meeting, according to a report in The New York Times. The conference aims to address assistance for the over 900,000 Rohingya residing in the Kutupalong-Balukhali camp complex in Cox’s Bazar. This exclusion occurs despite UN principles, like the Global Compact on Refugees, which advocate for the meaningful participation of affected populations. The situation is compounded by persistent funding shortfalls for humanitarian appeals and a stalemate in repatriation efforts to Myanmar, raising concerns about the effectiveness and legitimacy of policies formulated without direct input from the refugees themselves.
Britain May Already Be At War With Russia, Former MI5 Chief Says
Britain may already be engaged in a form of war with Russia, driven by the significant depth and intensity of cyber-attacks, sabotage, and other hostile activities orchestrated by Moscow, according to a report in The Guardian. The assertion comes from Eliza Manningham-Buller, the former Director General of MI5 who led the agency two decades ago. Her comments align with the analysis of Russia expert Fiona Hill, who previously argued that Moscow is at war with the West. This state of conflict is defined as ‘hybrid warfare,’ characterized by non-conventional tactics targeting critical national infrastructure and seeking to cause destabilization, rather than a traditional military confrontation.
AI Giants Compete To Build 'World Models' In Race For Superintelligence
Major tech firms including Google DeepMind, Meta, and Nvidia are now focused on developing ‘world models’—AI systems that understand the physical world—in a strategic race toward creating superintelligence, as per a report in the Financial Times. This initiative marks a significant business strategy shift beyond current large language models (LLMs), aiming to create AI that can understand causality and predict outcomes. Google DeepMind is building on its Dreamer series, Meta is advancing its V-JEPA architecture, and Nvidia provides the critical GPU hardware and simulation platforms. This development has significant implications for robotics and autonomous systems, is driving demand for high-performance computing infrastructure, and raises questions about AI safety and alignment.
New Zealand Faces Political Backlash Over Decision Not To Recognize Palestinian Statehood
New Zealand’s decision not to recognize Palestinian statehood has drawn dismay from opposition parties, Palestinian groups, and a former prime minister, who argue the move places the country on the wrong side of history, as per a report in The Guardian. The criticism follows earlier statements from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who had suggested that recognition was only a matter of time, creating expectations that were not met. The decision places New Zealand’s policy in contrast with the 157 of 193 UN member countries that have recognized a Palestinian state.
European Defence Tech Fund Grows Tenfold Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Reflecting a surge in investor appetite for defence technology amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe, venture capital firm Expeditions is on track to close its second fund at €150 million, according to a report in Financial Times. This represents a tenfold increase from its first fund of €15 million, underscoring the significant market shift driven by events such as Russia’s war in Ukraine. The growth in funding signals a broader trend of capital flowing into European startups developing dual-use technologies, as the continent seeks to bolster its strategic autonomy and defence capabilities.
Transnistria Remains A Russian Stronghold And Flashpoint In Moldova
The breakaway region of Transnistria in eastern Moldova remains a significant Russian stronghold, posing a direct challenge to Moldova’s sovereignty and its aspirations for European Union integration, Deutsche Welle says in a report. The region hosts approximately 1,500 Russian troops, officially designated as peacekeepers since a 1992 conflict, who also guard a large Soviet-era ammunition depot. Despite not being officially recognized by any UN member state, including Russia, Transnistria receives substantial political and economic support from the Kremlin. The situation is a major impediment to Moldova’s EU accession talks, which began in late 2023, and creates a persistent zone of instability on the EU’s border and near Ukraine, serving as a tool for Russia to exert geopolitical leverage in Eastern Europe.
Man Wrongfully Deported To El Salvador Transferred Back To US Detention Facility
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man from El Salvador who was wrongfully deported from the United States, has been returned to the country and is now being held in a Pennsylvania detention facility, The Independent says in a report. His return to US soil allows him to continue his legal challenge against the original deportation order from within the US.
Renewed Protests in Madagascar Over Chronic Power and Water Shortages
Hundreds of protesters, primarily youth, confronted security forces in Madagascar’s capital on Saturday amid ongoing public anger over chronic blackouts and water cuts, France 24 said in a report. The demonstrations, which follow a recent protest that led to clashes and looting, are directed at the government of President Andry Rajoelina. The unrest is fueled by the persistent failures of the state-owned utility JIRAMA, which is plagued by a financial crisis, and growing public frustration over the administration’s unfulfilled promises to reform the energy and water sectors. These service failures and the resulting civil unrest pose a significant challenge to President Rajoelina’s government, which secured a controversial re-election in late 2023, and negatively impact Madagascar’s economic activity and investment climate.
