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Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 17:45 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.
Corruption Siphons US$2 Billion From Philippine Flood Control Funds
The Philippines has lost up to 70% of government funds allocated for flood-control projects to corruption, with financial losses reaching as much as US$2 billion over the past two years, the South China Morning Post said in a report. At a Senate budget hearing on Tuesday, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto stated that the average economic losses stemming from corruption in these Public Works Department projects are estimated to range from 42.3 billion pesos (US$738 million) to 118.5 billion pesos between 2023 and 2025. Recto noted that these substantial losses are negatively impacting the nation’s economic growth.
US Tariffs To Impact Holiday Sales, Warn Hong Kong Exporters
Hong Kong exporters have raised concerns that recent US tariffs are damaging American importer confidence, potentially leading to weak sales and price inflation during the crucial Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. New tariffs, ranging from 10% to 41%, reportedly took effect on August 1 across 70 jurisdictions, impacting many Southeast Asian countries where Hong Kong firms manufacture goods destined for the US market. This development has created significant uncertainty for businesses preparing for two of the most important retail periods in the United States.
South Korean Intelligence Reports 2,000 North Korean Troop Deaths in Ukraine
South Korean intelligence estimates that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia’s war effort have been killed in Ukraine, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This development highlights the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which has reportedly seen North Korea supply Russia with significant quantities of artillery and missiles. The report also notes that defense spending across the European Union is set to reach a record high this year, a direct response to the ongoing conflict and heightened security concerns across the continent.
Burkina Faso Enacts Law Banning Homosexuality With Prison Terms And Fines
Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has unanimously passed a law that officially bans homosexuality, imposing penalties of two to five years in prison and fines for offenders, as per a report in AP. The legislation, which amends the country’s family code, was put into effect on Monday, more than a year after it was initially approved by the military government led by Captain Ibrahim Traore. This move aligns Burkina Faso with a growing number of African nations enacting similar laws and is seen as a consolidation of the ruling junta’s legislative control and a reflection of shrinking civic space in the nation.
UK Confirms Hottest Summer On Record Amid Government Pledge For More North Sea Drilling
The UK’s Met Office has confirmed that the country has just experienced its hottest summer since records began, a development that highlights the increasing impacts of climate change, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This news arrives as the UK’s governing Conservative Party announced a significant energy policy pledge. If re-elected, the party plans to authorize drilling for all remaining oil and gas reserves in the North Sea. The pledge is positioned as a move to enhance energy security but creates a notable contrast with the nation’s legally binding net-zero emissions targets for 2050, sparking debate on the future of UK climate policy.
Belgium To Announce Conditional Recognition Of Palestinian State
Belgium will move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, with an announcement planned for the United Nations General Assembly on September 9 as per a report in AP. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated the recognition is predicated on two conditions: the return of all Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from political power in the coastal enclave. This move, which has drawn a rebuke from Israel, follows similar steps by other European nations like Spain, Norway, and Ireland.
UK Long-Term Borrowing Costs Hit Highest Level Since 1998 As Pound Falls
The UK’s long-term borrowing costs have surged to their highest level since 1998 as the pound weakens, according to a report in the Financial Times. The rise in gilt yields, which represents the interest the government pays on its long-term debt, increases financial pressure on the UK government ahead of its next Budget. This development highlights the significant economic challenges facing the country, including for the opposition’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, as higher borrowing costs can impact public spending and lead to increased interest rates for households and businesses.
Hurricane Kiko Forms in the Pacific, Moves Westward
A storm in the eastern Pacific has intensified into Hurricane Kiko, a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), as per a report in AP. Located approximately 1,840 miles (2,965 kilometers) east of Hawaii on Tuesday, the hurricane is moving west at 7 mph (11 kph) and poses no immediate threat to land, leading the US Hurricane Center to issue no coastal watches or warnings. Forecasters anticipate steady strengthening over the next few days. While far from land, the storm’s path creates hazardous conditions for trans-Pacific maritime shipping and aviation, which may need to alter routes to avoid its core.
Over 1 Million Migrants Left US Workforce After Immigration Crackdown: Report
A new report indicates that over one million migrants have left the US workforce, with a notable decline in foreign-born labor participation observed between January and July, The Independent says in a report. This reduction is linked to the immigration crackdown policies from the previous Trump administration (2017-2021). The departure of these workers has created significant labor shortages, particularly impacting industries such as construction, which are now struggling to fill vacant roles and facing potential operational disruptions.
German Firm Bizerba Considers US Production Shift To Avoid Tariffs
German industrial equipment company Bizerba, which manufactures slicers for clients like Subway, is contemplating shifting some of its production to the United States to circumvent tariffs, according to a report in The New York Times. This potential move reflects a broader trend of European manufacturers re-evaluating their global supply chains in response to ongoing trade tensions, particularly the US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. The decision involves significant trade-offs, including high capital expenditure for new facilities, navigating different regulatory environments, and securing a skilled workforce in the US. This consideration also aligns with the “reshoring” or “friend-shoring” trend, where companies move production closer to end markets to enhance supply chain resilience against geopolitical risks and logistical disruptions.
Elderly African Women Continue To Face Arduous Daily Water Collection
Across many parts of Africa, elderly women continue to endure long daily walks to collect water, a physically demanding and lifelong responsibility that persists into their final years, according to a report in AP. The issue, highlighted by the experience of individuals like Joy Okwanjire in Uganda, underscores a significant socio-economic challenge where the burden of water collection falls disproportionately on women and girls. This daily task not only leads to chronic health issues, such as back pain, for the continent’s growing elderly population but also diverts them from productive economic activities, hindering household income and broader community development.
Africa Faces Growing Crisis Over Lack Of Palliative Care For Elderly
A severe shortage of palliative and end-of-life care across Africa is creating a major health and economic crisis, according to a report in AP. As the continent experiences the world’s fastest growth in its elderly population, its healthcare systems are ill-equipped to cope, leading to immense and preventable suffering. The crisis is driven by significant barriers including prohibitive out-of-pocket medical costs, poor infrastructure, a scarcity of trained healthcare professionals, and limited access to essential pain-relief medications. This gap in care places a heavy financial and emotional burden on families, exacerbates poverty cycles, and results in the inefficient use of national healthcare resources, as terminally ill patients often occupy acute care beds needed for treatable conditions.
Houthi Rebels Detain More UN Aid Workers In Yemen
Houthi rebels in Yemen detained another group of United Nations aid workers over the weekend, escalating actions that disrupt the significant international aid economy in the region, DW says in a report. This follows a major incident in June 2024 when dozens of staff from the UN and NGOs were arrested, severely hampering operations. The targeting of aid workers creates an untenable operational environment, threatening the suspension of critical programs and the flow of international funds. For the millions of Yemenis dependent on this aid, the disruption directly impacts their survival, exacerbating food insecurity and the collapse of basic services in a country where over two-thirds of the population requires humanitarian assistance.
Man Arrested After Ramming Vehicle Into Russian Consulate In Sydney, Injuring Officer
A man has been arrested after he deliberately crashed an SUV into the gates of the Russian consulate in Sydney, Australia, according to a report in The Independent. A police officer sustained injuries during the incident, and Australian authorities have launched an investigation to determine the perpetrator’s motive.
Germany Seeks To Deepen Trade And Technology Ties With India
A senior German official is visiting India to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, defense, and technology, DW says in a report. This diplomatic effort is set against a backdrop of global trade tensions, including US tariffs first imposed during President Donald Trump’s previous term, which have prompted Germany to diversify its economic partnerships. The visit aims to build on Germany’s and the EU’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which views India as a key partner for creating resilient supply chains and balancing geopolitical influence. The discussions are expected to touch upon advancing economic collaboration, potentially providing momentum for stalled EU-India free trade negotiations.
Vietnam Marks 80th Anniversary of Independence with Major Military Parade
Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence on Tuesday with its largest military parade in decades, as thousands gathered in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square, AP says in a report. The event commemorates the day revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945, a pivotal moment that initiated a long struggle for full sovereignty. The parade serves not only to foster national pride but also to project an image of a confident and militarily capable nation, reinforcing the Communist Party’s historical narrative and signaling resolve amid ongoing regional challenges, such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The celebration’s blend of military pageantry with modern cultural elements like boba tea also reflects the nation’s evolving identity and its status as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Albania Announces Plan To Become First Cashless Society By 2030
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a plan to make the country the world’s first fully cashless society by the end of the decade, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The government’s objective is to formalize Albania’s substantial informal economy, which would potentially increase tax revenues, improve fiscal control, and help combat illicit financial activities. However, the ambition faces significant systemic challenges, including the population’s current high reliance on cash, the need for massive investment in secure digital infrastructure, and the risk of financially excluding vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those in rural areas. While the move could offer businesses increased efficiency, it would also necessitate major investment in digital payment systems. The goal is considered highly aspirational, as even global leaders in digital payments like Sweden have not completely eliminated physical currency.
UK Halts Refugee Family Reunion Applications Amid Political Pressure
The United Kingdom’s government has reportedly halted refugee family reunion applications as part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This decision comes as the ruling Conservative Party faces significant political pressure from the right-leaning Reform UK party, which has focused its platform on reducing immigration. The move is situated within a larger context of anti-immigration protests and an intensifying national debate on the issue.
Search Underway For Missing Helicopter In Indonesia's Borneo
Indonesian search and rescue teams on Tuesday continued their search for a helicopter that disappeared over the forests of Borneo with eight people on board, as per a report in AP. The Airbus BK117 D-3, owned by Eastindo Air, lost contact with air traffic control just eight minutes after taking off from Kotabaru in South Kalimantan province on Monday. The aircraft, which was en route to Palangkaraya City in Central Kalimantan, was carrying three foreign nationals—an American, a Brazilian, and one other—along with five Indonesian nationals.
Floods in Pakistan's Punjab Province Devastate Agricultural Sector
Severe flooding has destroyed agricultural communities and businesses in Pakistan’s Punjab province, the nation’s primary food-producing region, according to a report in The New York Times. The devastation in the country’s ‘breadbasket’ is fueling a humanitarian crisis and raises significant concerns for national food security, potentially leading to food inflation and increased reliance on imports. These floods, which are becoming more intense due to climate change, compound the slow recovery from the 2022 super floods and highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate future economic and social impacts.
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.
