BBC News

Zelensky says Ukraine has right to defend itself after Trump calls refinery strikes a 'disgrace'
EU leaders rally around Ukraine's president after new criticism from Donald Trump, who says Zelensky is "more difficult to work with than Putin".

Watch: BBC follows Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi pushing Russia back on frontline
Kyiv says it has recaptured 277 sq km (106 square miles) of territory in the eastern Donbas region in recent months

Man killed by tiger may have had medical records breached by NHS staff
William Chapman, 24, was mauled to death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, on Saturday.

Palestinians and US journalist injured by Israeli settlers in West Bank harvest attack
The BBC sees masked settlers attack Palestinians trying to harvest olives, amid a surge in similar incidents.

Nurse stole £750k from 99-year-old woman for cosmetic surgery and home improvements
Rebecca Louise Burwood saw the vulnerable victim "as her nanna" but stole to fund her lifestyle.

Watch: Did Tesla really just unveil a flying car?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased the vehicle at a facility owned by his SpaceX company, which helped develop the model.

Police feared Andrew would delay search by saying King owned his home, documents show
Legal records have emerged which show why police wanted to search the royal's home and what they were looking for.

'Well-known' man asks court to stop publication of sexual offence allegation
The unnamed individual asks London's High Court to prevent the publication of "serious allegations".

Norwegian teen 'hitman' jailed over UK murder plot
Johannes Natland, 19, travelled to West Yorkshire to carry out a "hit" in March last year.

Woman says she was left 'bewildered and confused' by alleged Russell Brand assault
The 51-year-old faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault, all of which he denies.

Inside Ukrainian offensive pushing Russia back - with Starlink playing a key role
The BBC joins Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi as it regains crucial territory in the Donbas, but optimism has been dampened by souring relations with President Trump.

The Olympic sprinter now bedbound for 22 hours a day
Beth Dobbin ran for Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Five years on, she is largely bedbound after being diagnosed with ME, a devastating illness for which there is no cure.

Street Fighter movie is 'made by fans for fans' - but can it KO the critics?
Cast members Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji and Callina Liang discuss the latest video game adaptation.

'People call them pervert glasses': Blind users fear backlash over smart tech
Concerns about the use of smart glasses are having an affect on visually-impaired users.

Your child didn't get a party invite - here’s what to do
This very common scenario can be sad for little ones but there are ways you can help them.

The hero dinner lady who died saving five children in the Aberfan disaster
As coal slurry engulfed the school, the dinner lady threw her body on five children, protecting them.

Weekly quiz: Which star is lending his voice to Gromit?
How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

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Pope pictured for first time since surgery as he says Mass at makeshift altar in hospital
The pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer after having surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday.

Catherine says nature can help children's emotional growth
The Princess of Wales launches a project encouraging a greater emphasis on children learning from nature.

Police assess Palestine Action post by national security adviser's wife
Downing Street says Sarah Helm, the wife of Jonathan Powell, "does not represent the government in any capacity".

British father fined for causing his two-year-old son's death in Cyprus hotel fall
Joshua Foster "lost control" of his son while showing him the view of a water park from a window.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs moved to low-security facility in Pennsylvania
The decision to move the rap mogul while he is serving out his 50-month sentence was made with 'safety and security in mind'.

Ex-top official Robbins reaches settlement with government over sacking
Sir Olly Robbins was sacked as the top civil servant in the Foreign Office over the vetting of Lord Mandelson.

Former Sale Sharks player Hyron Andrews dies ahead of new club's Champions Cup match
Hyron Andrews dies at his Johannesburg Lions' team hotel before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle on Saturday.

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Wildfire: A Warning from the Midlands
What can we learn from wildfires that destroyed 38 homes in the Midlands in August 2026?

Former Sale Sharks lock Andrews dies at team hotel in La Rochelle
Hyron Andrews dies at his Johannesburg Lions' team hotel before their Champions Cup match at La Rochelle on Saturday.

Do Manchester City have any grounds to win their appeal?
Manchester City face "substantial hurdles" to overcome if they are to have any chance of winning their appeal after being found guilty of breaking the Premier League's financial rules, a leading lawyer has told BBC Sport.

Does Scott's Disney+ exit unmask wider issue in coverage of women's game?
Alex Scott's sudden departure from her Disney+ presenter role reveals a pressing challenge for broadcasters of women's football.

Rahm sacrifices £75m to secure exit from LIV Golf
Jon Rahm sacrifices a reported $100m (£75m) still owed to him by LIV Golf to secure his exit from the league.

Al Jazeera

UK PM adviser’s wife expresses ‘support’ for Palestine Action
Police reviewing social media post by writer Sarah Helm, wife of Burnham's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

How Iran messaging highlights cost of war ahead of US midterm elections
Through statements in English, Iranian officials are emphasising gas prices and issues with the US economy.

Ukraine president targets Trump, Putin at EU summit
President Zelenskyy warned Russia’s ambitions extend beyond eastern Ukraine, saying its drone attack threaten NATO.

US records 4,410 measles cases as outbreak grows
The CDC reports 451 hospitalisations nationwide as health officials expand vaccination efforts.

Ukraine advances in occupied Donetsk as Trump hands Putin diesel deal
Ukraine’s 'Operation Vivaldi' reclaimed more occupied territory in Donetsk during a week when Trump sided with Russia.

Real Madrid demand resignation of La Liga chief after Goebbels comparison
La Liga President Javier Tebas under fire for comparing Real Madrid TV channel to Nazi Germany's Minister of Propaganda.

Pope Leo to make public appearance Sunday, first since cancer surgery
After undergoing surgery this week, pope can now 'carry out normal activities ​with full independence', say doctors.

Sally Rooney can’t sell her books in UK over support for Palestine Action
We asked students what they think.

Iran’s president condemns environmental impact of war in Middle East
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has decried the ecological damage caused by conflict in the Middle East

Spain to appeal to CAS after FIFA penalty for Islamophobic chants
Spain appeals to Court of Arbitration for Sport following FIFA sanctions for fans' behaviour during Egypt friendly.

Latest poll shows Bolsonaro maintaining edge over Lula in Brazil run-off
Experts still consider race a toss up despite slate of polls showing right-wing senator leading left-wing president.

The artisanal miners behind Nigeria’s lithium boom
Nasarawa is at the heart of Nigeria’s lithium boom, where artisanal miners hope to benefit from the clean energy race.

Indian protest leaders detained ahead of flag march in New Delhi
India's Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke and student leader Neha Bora were detained ahead of a flag march.

Division in Lebanon over Hezbollah’s confiscated explosives
Hezbollah said explosives were to be used against Israel but political figures and some analysts fear assassinations.

EU rallies in support of Ukraine amid Trump standoff
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy asks EU leaders for extra $79bn to help fight Russia next year.

Manchester Utd have ‘moved on’ from Martinez outburst, says Carrick
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says club have 'moved on' from Lisandro Martinez blast before Leeds trip.

Gaza malnutrition and starvation at ‘catastrophic’ levels: Health Ministry
About 67 percent of Gaza's population projected to face crisis-level food insecurity or worse through the end of 2026.

Qatar announces ‘massive’ solar plant project in Lebanon
Sheikh Mohammed also discussed Israeli 'violations' in Lebanese territory with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

How Israeli firm’s ‘zero-click’ malware attack poses global security risk
A new ‘zero-click’ hack uses ads to target victims without any action needed on their part. 

Qatar FM calls for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Qatar’s prime minister and minister of foreign affairs has reaffirmed his country’s support for Lebanon.

Can Russia help ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Russia has close ties with the Taliban and is courting Islamabad, but analysts say its leverage remains uncertain.

Ethiopia announces instalment of interim government in Tigray
After military pushed back TPLF uprising, PM Abiy Ahmed promises free elections within six months.

Jerusalem Daily: Israeli settlers burn Palestinian olive groves
Israeli settlers carry out violent pogroms on Palestinian olive groves in the towns of Abu Falah and Turmus Ayya.

Palestinians, US journalist attacked in West Bank pogrom: What we know
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives and severely beat Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine.

Spain punished by FIFA for Islamophobic chants during Egypt friendly
Spain sanctioned by FIFA after incidents at Espanyol's stadium in Barcelona, which staged the friendly with Egypt.

Global Times

Xi stresses prioritizing ecological conservation, pursuing green development
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to unswervingly follow the path of prioritizing ecological conservation and pursuing green ...

China adds 40 technologies in AI, biomedicine and PV for export controls in draft revised catalog in 'necessary step' to safeguard national security
China on Friday published a draft revision of its catalog of technologies prohibited and restricted for export, adding 40 technologies ...

Chinese FM slams Japan's growing nuclear ambitions after Takaichi hints at exceptions to non-nuclear principles
Relevant remarks once again exposed the Japanese authorities' growing nuclear ambitions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, ...

Philippines' hype of Chinese ambassador's remarks is an upgrade of undermining bilateral relations: expert
The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday refuted the "selective quotation and overinterpretation" of the Chinese envoy's recent remarks by ...

'Forced labor' in Xinjiang's salmon industry, too? The New York Times has lost it: Global Times editorial

No bullying the small, no blackmail by the small: China's South China Sea rule
Ding Duo

Why Takaichi's remarks about nuclear-powered submarines are so dangerous
Global Times

Why has 'China Haul' become new buzzword on social media worldwide?
and foreign visitors are arriving in China with empty suitcases and returning home with bags full of Chinese goods. What is behind this trend? British YouTuber Elliot Page offered a glimpse of the appeal with a shopping vlog filmed in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. Exploring ...

Kindergarten head sentenced to life imprisonment for adding toxic substances to food served to children, staff
Chinese navy hospital ship arrives in Cote d'Ivoire on medical mission

Chinese navy hospital ship arrives in Cote d'Ivoire on medical mission
Kindergarten head sentenced to life imprisonment for adding toxic substances to food served to children, staff

China to host global governance forum from Oct. 23 to 25
China will host the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiongan) from Oct. 23 to 25 in Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, according to the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign ... US anti-war activists begin trip to see China beyond Western media narratives As the US anti-war organization CodePink embarks on a 12-day trip to China to explore the country's revolutionary history and its high-tech infrastructure and development, Medea Benjamin, the group's co-founder, ... 'T. rex of fungi': Chinese scientists discover giant new fungal family in Yunnan Province Deep in the forests of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, scientists have discovered a giant fungus that can stand half a meter tall and weigh than two kilograms. But its ...

US anti-war activists begin trip to see China beyond Western media narratives
China to host global governance forum from Oct. 23 to 25 China will host the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiongan) from Oct. 23 to 25 in Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, according to the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign ... As the US anti-war organization CodePink embarks on a 12-day trip to China to explore the country's revolutionary history and its high-tech infrastructure and development, Medea Benjamin, the group's co-founder, ... 'T. rex of fungi': Chinese scientists discover giant new fungal family in Yunnan Province Deep in the forests of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, scientists have discovered a giant fungus that can stand half a meter tall and weigh than two kilograms. But its ...

'T. rex of fungi': Chinese scientists discover giant new fungal family in Yunnan Province
China to host global governance forum from Oct. 23 to 25 China will host the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiongan) from Oct. 23 to 25 in Xiongan New Area, north China's Hebei Province, according to the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign ... US anti-war activists begin trip to see China beyond Western media narratives As the US anti-war organization CodePink embarks on a 12-day trip to China to explore the country's revolutionary history and its high-tech infrastructure and development, Medea Benjamin, the group's co-founder, ... Deep in the forests of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, scientists have discovered a giant fungus that can stand half a meter tall and weigh than two kilograms. But its ...

2026 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference kicks off in Tianjin
C919's average daily flights per aircraft approaching Airbus A320's level: report

C919's average daily flights per aircraft approaching Airbus A320's level: report
2026 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference kicks off in Tianjin

Four Chinese authorities urge over 30 major automakers to strengthen testing, curb misleading marketing
Four Chinese authorities held talks with than 30 major automakers on Thursday to strengthen oversight of vehicle design and testing during research and development, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said on Friday.

Smart manufacturing takes center stage at Canton Fair, with global partners co-creating next-gen tech
Super crowded. This would be the first impression when walking into the Service Robots zone at the 140th Canton Fair, before even looking at the latest smart products. Visitors waited ... Anhui pledges stronger support for CXMT as China accelerates chip development East China's Anhui Province has pledged stronger support for leading Chinese memory chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), as the province seeks to expand its integrated circuit industry, strengthen technological innovation ... Chinese official investigation finds branded infant diapers do not contain toxic chemical formamide A multi-agency Chinese investigation has found no formamide in infant diapers, ending months of public concern after some media reports claimed the toxic chemical was present in a few popular ...

Anhui pledges stronger support for CXMT as China accelerates chip development
Smart manufacturing takes center stage at Canton Fair, with global partners co-creating next-gen tech Super crowded. This would be the first impression when walking into the Service Robots zone at the 140th Canton Fair, before even looking at the latest smart products. Visitors waited ... East China's Anhui Province has pledged stronger support for leading Chinese memory chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), as the province seeks to expand its integrated circuit industry, strengthen technological innovation ... Chinese official investigation finds branded infant diapers do not contain toxic chemical formamide A multi-agency Chinese investigation has found no formamide in infant diapers, ending months of public concern after some media reports claimed the toxic chemical was present in a few popular ...

Chinese official investigation finds branded infant diapers do not contain toxic chemical formamide
Smart manufacturing takes center stage at Canton Fair, with global partners co-creating next-gen tech Super crowded. This would be the first impression when walking into the Service Robots zone at the 140th Canton Fair, before even looking at the latest smart products. Visitors waited ... Anhui pledges stronger support for CXMT as China accelerates chip development East China's Anhui Province has pledged stronger support for leading Chinese memory chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), as the province seeks to expand its integrated circuit industry, strengthen technological innovation ... A multi-agency Chinese investigation has found no formamide in infant diapers, ending months of public concern after some media reports claimed the toxic chemical was present in a few popular ...

Long-table banquet held in Lanxi, E China's Zhejiang to mark upcoming Double Ninth Festival
Elderly people attend a long-table banquet in Yanggang Village of Lanxi, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 15, 2026. Funded by kind-hearted people, the banquet held on Thursday was attended by ... Chinese Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen performs in Vienna, Austria Chinese Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen (2nd R) performs in Vienna, Austria, Oct. 15, 2026. Shanghai program opens new literary horizons for international writers While taking part in a writing program in Shanghai, US writer Cleo Qian told the Global Times during an exclusive interview that she has welcomed the opportunity to meet international ...

Chinese Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen performs in Vienna, Austria
Long-table banquet held in Lanxi, E China's Zhejiang to mark upcoming Double Ninth Festival Elderly people attend a long-table banquet in Yanggang Village of Lanxi, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 15, 2026. Funded by kind-hearted people, the banquet held on Thursday was attended by ... Chinese Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen (2nd R) performs in Vienna, Austria, Oct. 15, 2026. Shanghai program opens new literary horizons for international writers While taking part in a writing program in Shanghai, US writer Cleo Qian told the Global Times during an exclusive interview that she has welcomed the opportunity to meet international ...

Shanghai program opens new literary horizons for international writers
Long-table banquet held in Lanxi, E China's Zhejiang to mark upcoming Double Ninth Festival Elderly people attend a long-table banquet in Yanggang Village of Lanxi, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 15, 2026. Funded by kind-hearted people, the banquet held on Thursday was attended by ... Chinese Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen performs in Vienna, Austria Chinese Huangmei Opera artist Han Zaifen (2nd R) performs in Vienna, Austria, Oct. 15, 2026. While taking part in a writing program in Shanghai, US writer Cleo Qian told the Global Times during an exclusive interview that she has welcomed the opportunity to meet international ...

6th Fanhua Chinese Film Festival opens in Florence, showcasing contemporary Chinese cinema
The sixth edition of the FanHua Chinese Film Festival opened in Florence, Italy, on the evening of October 14 local time, attracting than 400 guests from local cultural, academic and Chinese communities.

Master player brings new vitality to traditional shadow puppetry in NE China's Liaoning
When yak milk meets coffee on China's Tibetan plateau

When yak milk meets coffee on China's Tibetan plateau
Master player brings new vitality to traditional shadow puppetry in NE China's Liaoning

Svoboda.org

Турецкая группа могла устроить диверсию на Starlink по заказу России
В Германии задержали двух подозреваемых

Папа римский призвал Путина прекратить огонь ради жителей Алёшек
Ватикан и Кремль договорились взаимодействовать по вопросам гуманитарной помощи

Украинцы в России получили большие сроки по делу о взрывах в Мелитополе
От 25 лет до пожизненного заключения

Минюст объявил "иноагентами" певицу Наоко и музыканта "Стоптайм"
В реестр также внесли движение "Малиновый Клин – Независимая Кубань"

Беспилотники атаковали предприятие под Сургутом, в 2500 км от Украины
Возможно, это Сургутский ЗСК

Суд в Омске заочно арестовал антивоенного блогера Великого
Его обвиняют в участии в легионе "Свобода России"

Журналисты установили имена более 280 тысяч погибших военных РФ
Среди них более 20 тысяч мобилизованных

Путин предоставил гражданство РФ иностранным сотрудникам RT
Всего в гражданство принят 21 человек

Зеленский принял участие в работе саммита ЕС
Лидеры ЕС заверили, что не будут ослаблять санкции против России

Пять иностранных компаний переданы под управление ветерана "Ахмата"
Это Марат Мирхайдаров

Гражданин РФ экстрадирован в США из Швеции по делу об обходе санкций
Александр Суворов предстал перед судом

Атака беспилотников: аэропорты Москвы были закрыты всю ночь
Под атакой были Рязань и Ярославль

Россия атаковала запад Украины. Луцк остался без электроснабжения
В Умани повреждён многоэтажный дом

Трамп вновь раскритиковал Зеленского и удары по российским НПЗ
Он также заявил, что США временно приостановили поставки союзникам боеприпасов

В Украине станут последовательнее защищать права человека
Президент Украины подписал новую национальную стратегию

Британия может поставить Украине дополнительные ракеты Storm Shadow
Официально британское правительство об этом не сообщало

Наводнение в Стамбуле: погибли три человека, 2700 эвакуированы
Мощные ливни, прошедшие накануне в Стамбуле и окрестностях, вызвали наводнение. По сообщениям властей, погибли не менее трёх человек, среди них четырнадцатилетний подросток. Ещё четверо считаются пропавшими без вести. Как подтвердил 15 октября министр внутренних дел Турции Мустафа Чифтчи, более 2700 жителей Стамбула оказались отрезаны водой от внешнего мира, их эвакуировали из затопленных домов. Во многих районах города прервалось движение, улицы залиты водой, спасатели передвигаются по ним...

Суд в России приговорил к 6,5 годам телепродюсера Капитолину Аверину
Приговор назначили по статье о публичных призывах к терроризму

В ЕС высказываются за усиление помощи Украине и давления на Россию
В частности, к усилению финансовой помощи призвал канцлер ФРГ

Российским срочникам хотят разрешить служить в пожарных частях МЧС
Госдума одобрила законопроект в первом чтении

Africanews

DR Congo bans activities of 13 political parties linked to Joseph Kabila as opposition cries repression
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government has banned the activities of 13 political parties, including the PPRD of former president Joseph Kabila. Presented as a national security measure, the decision has divided the political class and reignited debate over democratic pluralism in the country.

Rights group says eastern Libyan authorities are carrying out executions
Human Rights Watch says the military has killed an estimated 31 people since late August, with at least 50 other people at risk.

Ethiopian gains in Tigray risk wider war with Eritrea, analyst warns
Ethiopia’s military advances in northern Tigray do not spell an end to the conflict but have the potential to increase the risk of war with neighboring Eritrea, an analyst with knowledge of the region has warned

Africa overtakes Europe in Catholic population as global mumbers reach 1.422 billion
Africa now has more Catholics than Europe. The Vatican’s latest statistics put Africa’s Catholic population at 288 million, slightly ahead of Europe’s 287 million.

Vatican releases first images of Pope Leo XIV since his surgery
Doctors says the 71-year-old pontiff is showing steady improvement since having part of his right lung removed on Tuesday.

South African pastor, wife arrested after 200 found in suspected illegal rehab centre
Police in South Africa have arrested a pastor and his wife after a raid on a church-run rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga province revealed shocking living conditions.

Belgium: Pumpkimania festival takes over Groot-Bijgaarden Castle
Foxes, owls and deer made from pumpkins have taken over Groot-Bijgaarden Castle near Brussels. The Pumpkimania festival features a 772kg giant, pumpkin boat rides and Halloween activities until 1 November.

South Africa: Rescuing and relocating wild honeybees in Cape Town
A father-and-son team at the Cape Honeybee Conservancy have moved over 250 wild bee colonies from urban locations since 2018.

Ethiopia appoints interim Tigray government after TPLF ouster
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced Friday the establishment of an interim administration in the northern Tigray region, which has been controlled by rebels who have clashed with federal forces in recent weeks

Kenya on high alert as Ebola outbreak in DR Congo fuels border fears
Kenya is on high alert as it races to contain Ebola! Linked to a deadly outbreak in the DRC, the virus has reportedly claimed one life in Kenya, with two cases recorded. At the Ugandan border, screenings are intensifying, with travelers undergoing temperature checks and handwashing measures.

Chinese navy ship brings free care and medicines to Abidjan
A Chinese Medical ship with a crew of 376 arrived at the port of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Thursday and began offering free medical consultations and medicines to local residents

Russian missiles spark huge factory fires in Ukraine’s Odesa and Zaporizhzhia
Russian strikes ignited massive fires at businesses in Odesa and Zaporizhzhia as President Zelensky met European leaders for talks.

Pix of the Day, 16 October, 2026 - Across the world
Pix of the Day, 16 October, 2026 - Across the world

Italy: Nationwide air traffic control issues disrupt flights at Rome airport
Flight delays and cancellations disrupted Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Friday 16 October after a fault in the data-transmission network supporting Italy’s nationwide air traffic control system.

Western Sahara: Polisario front challenges UN Envoy as MINURSO mandate vote nears
With just two weeks to go before the vote on extending MINURSO’s mandate, tensions are rising over Western Sahara.

Turkey: Divers uncover treasures from 4,700-year-old shipwreck
Underwater archaeologists in Turkey have discovered 4,400–4,700-year-old amphorae off Kekova Island, near Antalya. Believed to come from an Early Bronze Age shipwreck, the vessels could offer rare insights into ancient seafaring and trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.

US State Secretary calls for de-escalation by Ethiopia and Eritrea
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday, urging dialogue under a peace deal agreed between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2018.

At least 10 students die as Ebola outbreak spreads in DR Congo
At least 10 students have died from Ebola in Ituri Province, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, authorities said Thursday

Zambia elected for three-year term on UN Human Rights Council
President Hakainde Hichilema described it as an endorsement of the country's commitment to protecting human rights.

South African president lifts police chief's precautionary suspension
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola will resume his duties on Monday after he was cleared of charges that he broke public finance rules.

US issues new Iran-related sanctions against 16 individuals, 11 entities
The United States on Thursday issued a new round of Iran-related sanctions, targeting 16 individuals and 11 entities, including financial institutions, currency exchange firms and energy and trading companies.

Sudan: Burhan writes to Trump over truce, peace initiative
In September, the U.S. refused to grant Burhan a visa to attend the U.N. General Assembly meetings, a move seen as punishment for Burhan's reservations about Washington's easefire proposal

Al-Qaeda and IS rivalry sparks fierce fighting across Sahel
Rival jihadist factions in the Sahel have clashed on an unprecedented scale in recent weeks. On Monday, the Islamic State in the Sahel Province said it had killed more than 400 fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM four days earlier.

Ukraine unveils flying ambulance drone that could save lives in minutes
A Ukrainian company has demonstrated an unusual new battlefield rescue system: a drone capable of carrying a wounded soldier inside an enclosed cabin. Developed by SkyFall, the aircraft, named StarGate, was filmed taking off, flying and landing with a person on board.

IMF raises Africa growth outlook, warns of shrinking aid
The International Monetary Fund raised its growth forecast for sub-Saharan Africa to 4.5% this year and its Africa Director Zeine Zeidane praised the continent's resilience.

Turkey: Worst rainfall in 80 years unleashes deadly floods near Istanbul
Torrential rain has turned streets into rivers near Istanbul, overturning vehicles and cutting off power. At least 3 people have died and 5 remain missing as emergency crews clear the wreckage.

DR Congo protests Formula One's 'indefensible' decision to race in Rwanda
Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner sharply criticised Formula One's plans to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda, saying it would help “polish the image of an authoritarian leader.”

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo spreads to new province bordering CAR
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly spread to North Ubangi, at the border with the Central African Republic, making it the eighth Congolese province affected by the virus.

Albania: Violent protests rock Tirana for third straight day
Fires burn in central Tirana as protesters throw stones and police respond with tear gas and water cannon. Student-led demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation enter their third day.

Gianni Infantino chairs FIFA Council meeting as critics push to oust him
It is the first time he faces the 37-members since he was forced to drop his secretive and divisive World Cup sell-off plan.

Houthis struck Riyadh airport 20 times in October, Saudi-led coalition says
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have struck Riyadh’s King Khalid international airport 20 times since the start of October. A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition said the attacks involved 10 drones, four ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and two unidentified projectiles.

Phase-1 trial of Ebola vaccine gets underway in Uganda
Scientists in the southern Ugandan city of Masaka are conducting a phase I trial of a candidate vaccine against the deadly Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BDBV), a strain for which no licensed vaccine or effective treatment currently exists.

US wants to see Senegal’s debt restructuring completed within a year
A top US Treasury official highlighted Dakar's case as an example of improvements in sovereign debt restructuring.

Africa CDC probes missing millions meant for ebola response
Africa CDC chief Dr. Jean Kaseya says more than $700 million in donor funding for Ebola response in the DRC cannot be traced

UK: Harry and Meghan make high-profile comeback six years after royal exit
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the public eye in Britain. The couple greeted crowds, met children and visited community projects in Nottingham, the city where they first appeared together after their engagement in 2017.

HRW calls for greater access to Tigray region to ensure civilian protection
International NGO Human Rights Watch is calling for greater access to Ethiopia's Tigray region to better protect the population. The organisation says the renewed fighting between federal forces and Tigrayan rebels has cost lives and access to vital services.

School feeding programme supports children and local farmers in CAR
The World Food Programme says more than 250,000 children receive meals in 335 schools across the country.

Indonesia's skies turn apocalyptic orange as smoke blankets Singapore
Apocalyptic orange skies engulf Palangkaraya in Indonesia, while Singapore's famous Marina Bay Sands nearly disappears behind thick smoke. Months of wildfires have triggered an air pollution crisis across Southeast Asia.

UK: Frieze London blurs the lines between art, gaming and reality
Visitors to Frieze London in the UK are becoming part of the artworks themselves, climbing a giant interactive spider, entering virtual worlds and taking part in installations that turn spectators into participants.

Africa Energy Week: Energy deals must deliver jobs and growth, participants say
Participants at Africa Energy Week in Cape Town are calling for greater efforts to ensure the vast resources of the African continent deliver industrial growth and provide much-needed employment as deals worth billions of dollars have already been struck at the five-day event.

Kenya hikes fuel prices amid higher import costs linked to Middle East conflict
Rising fuel prices are having a negative impact on household budgets and sectors including transport, agriculture, and construction.

Pakistan: Classrooms reduced to rubble in deadly school disaster, at leat 32 pupils killed
A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan, on Thursday 15 October, killing at least 32 pupils and a teacher. Officials said the roof was structurally weak and had been overloaded by construction work. The school’s owner was arrested and an investigation launched.

Somalia announces parliamentary and presidential elections for 2027
Somalia announced on Thursday that parliamentary and presidential elections would be held next year, despite an increasingly fractured political landscape and worries over mounting instability.

Pix of the Day, 15 October, 2026 - Across the world
Pix of the Day, 15 October, 2026 - Across the world

At least six dead after 5-storey building collapses in Cairo
Emergency crews in the Egyptian capital Cairo have recovered the bodies of six people, including three children, after the collapse of a five-storey building.

New embezzlement charge against Cameroon football chief Eto'o
In a complaint filed at the Special Criminal Court of Yaoundé, the Association of Amateur Clubs of Cameroon (ACFAC) claims Eto'o accepted public funds ostensibly to pay for expenses already covered by the organizers of friendly matches Cameroon played against Russia and Mexico in 2023

UK threatens Eritreans with total visa ban over migrant return policy
The announcement comes after Asmara abruptly withdrew returns cooperation earlier this year.

Rise in femicides in Cameroon spurs protests and demands for better laws
Nearly 70 women were killed in Cameroon this year for reasons related to their gender, according to the Ministry of Women's Affairs. The rise of these killings has sparked protests and calls for government action.

Mauritius extends curfew after protests turn violent
Mauritius extended a curfew on Wednesday over roughly a third of the island after rare violent protests saw almost 100 people arrested

Burkina Faso's military leader launches new football championship
The "Sovereignty League" tournament will feature 20 teams representing all the country's regions and aims to expand high-level football beyond major cities.