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Companies exploiting welfare system by using residents as 'cash cows,' BBC finds
Agents try to attract people on housing benefit by using social media videos that offer free rooms and holidays.

France's government under pressure after widespread violence
Political tension grips France after rioting marred protests over the cost of living and struggling public services, Katya Adler writes.

Inside the shadowy world of anti-Putin sabotage from within Russia
Two men tell of the work they say they have been doing to support Ukrainian intelligence during the war.

Watch: Russian saboteur working for Ukraine shares reconnaissance videos
In a BBC World Service documentary, the man claims to have played a role in drone attacks on his home soil.

Home sellers cut asking prices on 3,000 properties a day
More property asking prices are being cut than at any time in 15 years, data shared with the BBC shows.

Watch: Inside Chicago's battle against the synthetic drugs flooding the US
The BBC's Quentin Sommerville reports from Chicago, where communities are battling a new wave of synthetic drugs.

'Postcode lottery' driving children's inequality in England, commissioner warns
Dame Rachel De Souza's landmark report says children are being failed by a "postcode lottery".

Burnham says youth employment and training crisis is a 'moral failure'
The UK faces "economic catastrophe" with one million young people not in work or training, the prime minister says.

Funding shortages force World Food Programme to cut aid to Gaza
The number of people helped by the UN agency in the Palestinian territory will drop by about a third - from 1.6 million to 1.1 million.

Bomb threat forces Israel to Austria flight into emergency landing
The Airbus jet landed safely in Bulgaria and all passengers and crew aboard were unharmed, officials said.

NHS bosses say smaller maternity units may have to close
The NHS Alliance said "difficult decisions" lie ahead and some maternity services may have to be consolidated.

Don't fall for this - how to protect yourself from AI scams
Trading standards officers say AI is "super-charging" existing scams through clones and fake websites.

GTA 6: Can you cheat on someone with a video game character?
Grand Theft Auto VI lets you build and nurture a romantic relationship but some say dates with a fictional character are a step too far.

BBC visits wildfire front in haze-choked Indonesia
The BBC is in central Kalimantan, where a toxic haze fuelled by wildfires is choking millions of residents.

The portraits that helped bring the lost Aberfan children home
An artist living hundreds of miles away felt compelled to help the village that lost its children.

The Papers: 'Neets crisis is moral failure' and 'Credit crunch'
PM brands Neets "crisis" a "moral failure" and cereal prices could rise in healthy food crackdown lead Monday's papers.

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Trump says suspension of Russia sanctions is to keep peace negotiations going
The US president blocked numerous sanctions on Russia two days before they were due to take effect.

EU tariffs aimed at China hitting Ukraine, steel boss says
The boss of one of Ukraine's biggest steel companies says the country has been "bundled together" in measures aimed at curbing cheap imports.

People playing loud music on buses could face £100 fine
Antisocial behaviour on buses in England could lead to fines while a new campaign is also being launched for trains. A national campaign asking rail passengers "share the carriage, not the noise" is being launched.

Cindy Crawford 'beyond heartbroken' after death of son Presley at 27
Presley Gerber's death in September is being investigated as a suspected overdose.

Major fire at Canada military base leaves four dead, dozens injured
Prime Minister Carney said military and emergency crews fought the flames throughout the night in "some of the worst conditions imaginable".

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff survives shooting in Mumbai
Video published by several news outlets shows gunmen firing multiple shots at a car while it is moving past a crowd.

Chance of storms this week as Atlantic jet stream roars into life
Gales are possible later this week as a deep low pressure system crosses the UK, but uncertainty remains whether impacts will be enough for it to be a named storm.

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Why Is Trump Criticising Zelensky And Complimenting Putin?
The BBC’s daily news podcast with episodes available Monday to Sunday at 5pm.

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

Mbeumo offers Carrick solace as Man Utd winless run goes on
Michael Carrick said he had his headphones on this week so didn't hear the noise around Manchester United, but a 1-1 draw at Leeds means it is six games without a win.

Madueke's 'anger and conviction' shows he's more than a 'finisher'
Noni Madueke may not have the role he wants at Arsenal but his winning goal against Nottingham Forest showed why he is one of Mikel Arteta's valued players.

How one rule change is altering the face of one-day cricket
One rule change has changed the face of ODI cricket. BBC Sport looks at its impact, who is benefiting and what it could mean for the future.

Beer & Blackpool beach was how British players bonded - Pulis
BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains what Spurs will get from their team-bonding trip to Spain, and how differently managers built team morale in his day.

Inside British number one Kartal's remarkable comeback
Six months ago, Sonay Kartal could not brush her teeth without "being in agony" - now she's the British number one after three events back from a long-term back injury.

Cardinals upset Rams as Eagles lose - five things from NFL week six
Week six in the NFL produced some unlikely heroes as the Arizona Cardinals pulled off a huge upset while the Philadelphia Eagles suffered another loss.

'Not in our DNA' - will 3v3 change the future of English football?
Changes have been implemented by the FA from this season with under-7s dropping from playing 5v5 to 3v3 in England - could it help to change the DNA of English football?

Al Jazeera

US President Donald Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israeli election
US President Donald Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israeli election

Pope greeted by crowds in first major appearance since lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo pledges a gradual return to duties in an address to the Catholic faithful in St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Lula and Bolsonaro spar in Brazil’s fiery first presidential run-off debate
Brazil's president and his opponent lob a barrage of attacks on each other in debate a week before the October 25 vote.

‘It broke my heart’: Limoges residents reel after town hall fire
Residents in Limoges, France, are expressing shock and anger after protests saw their 140-year-old town hall set ablaze.

AI giant Anthropic commits 5% of shares to ‘public benefit’ fund
Claude creator says fund could be used for donations to NGOs and 'direct distributions to specific populations'.

Trump defends Russian sanctions relief, lashes out at Zelenskyy
US president accuses Ukrainian leader of not wanting to end the war, as Zelenskyy speaks with Washington envoys.

Fast-moving grass fire caused Canada’s military base tragedy
Fast-moving grass fire caused Canada’s military base tragedy

Ukraine launches over 1,000 drones at Russia, setting oil facilities ablaze
The air strike, one of Ukraine's largest in the war, comes amid rising tensions between Kyiv and Washington.

Kenya confirms eighth Ebola case amid widening regional outbreak
Kenyan health authorities say latest patient was likely exposed to the country's first Ebola case.

Kinship and surveillance: The return of Somali piracy
Somalia’s piracy crackdown leaves coastal fishermen struggling to survive.

Iran war live: US issues Middle East security alert; Yemen fighting flares
US embassies in the Middle East have issued a security alert for Americans as fighting in Yemen continues to ramp up.

Flight from Israel makes emergency landing in Bulgaria after bomb threat
Crew of Austrian Airlines flight OS82 decides to land in Sofia after receiving bomb threat, Bulgarian authorities say.

Protesters disrupt Ben-Gvir event forcing him off stage
Israeli protesters disrupted a Tel Aviv university event featuring far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Venezuela opposition renews support for Maria Corina Machado as leader
The exiled Nobel laureate has petitioned for new elections in Venezuela and for the country to allow her return.

Alberta independence referendum: Will separatists survive a loss?
Alberta’s independence movement faces likely defeat, but history suggests losing a referendum may not end the fight.

Macron condemns violence after riots lead to looting and mass arrests
French President Emmanuel Macron says protesters who attacked government buildings need to pay for their crimes.

Fire engulfs Albania’s Supreme Court as protests enter fifth day
Offices at the Supreme Court in Tirana were set ablaze as anti-government protests continue.

‘Anger and shame’: Macron denounces France’s nationwide rioting, looting
President Macron promises to increase security, but stops short of announcing a state of emergency or curfew.

What’s behind Europe’s youth protests?
What's behind Europe's youth protests?

India’s crackdown on cockroaches, critics and cameras
A government at war with its critics - from young protesters to the media.

How will Europe deal with youth-led protests?
Demonstrations are spreading across the continent.

Clarence Seedorf calls out genocide in first Corinthians press conference
Clarence Seedorf says football must be kept in perspective while genocides and conflicts continue around the world.

Russia’s war on Ukraine ‘must be brought to an end’, Zelenskyy says
Ukraine's president says communication between Washington and Kyiv 'virtually nonstop', despite a spat with Trump.

GCC condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as Yemen fighting intensifies
Gulf ministers urge action against Houthis as fighting displaces more than 233,000 people across Yemen.

Gaza bodybuilders find solace in strongman competition among the ruins
Bodybuilders in Gaza are finding solace in testing their strength during a competition surrounded by rubble.

Global Times

China's GDP expands 4.6% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026, on track to meet pre-set annual growth target
China's GDP expands 4.6% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026, landing well within annual growth target

Exclusive: Easing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles would send a dangerous signal to the world: Nihon Hidankyo's representative
In recent years, a series of developments in Japan's nuclear and security policies have raised serious concerns internationally. The only ...

China's Central Archives opens over 5,000 Long March items to mark 90th anniversary
China's Central Archives opened than 5,000 Long March-related archival items to the public on Monday to mark the 90th ...

Macron vows legal action against perpetrators of violence in France protests
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday vowed legal action against those responsible for violence during protests across the country on ...

The Takaichi government is increasingly resembling an extremist cult: Global Times editorial

When 'strategic partner' means different things in Washington and New Delhi
Global Times

GT Voice: India should move beyond deficit anxiety as trade with China rises
Global Times

Liangzhu forum opens, highlights heritage conservation, int'l cooperation
The fourth Liangzhu Forum opened Sunday in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, to discuss challenges in cultural heritage conservation and paths to deepen international cooperation. The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the discovery of the Liangzhu ruins. Themed "Bridging the Past and the ...

Chinese medical team provides free consultations in southern Cameroon
Researchers identify world's 1st known juvenile fossil of Huphsuchus dating back around 247 mln years in C. China's Hubei

Researchers identify world's 1st known juvenile fossil of Huphsuchus dating back around 247 mln years in C. China's Hubei
Chinese medical team provides free consultations in southern Cameroon

Four of the PLA Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships conduct rare live-fire exercise: state media report
State broadcaster CCTV News reported on Saturday on a rare live-fire drill involving four of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships. ... Beijing tackles rapid aging as capital expected to become super-aged society by 2035 Beijing is expected to become a super-aged society by 2035, with one-third of its population aged 60 or older. To address this trend, the Chinese capital has stepped up efforts ... China's space station marks new 'harvest season,' aims to grow two generations of rice in orbit for first time China's space station has welcomed a new "autumn harvest," with astronauts collecting, sowing and storing a new batch of rice experiment samples last week, marking further progress in research on ...

Beijing tackles rapid aging as capital expected to become super-aged society by 2035
Four of the PLA Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships conduct rare live-fire exercise: state media report State broadcaster CCTV News reported on Saturday on a rare live-fire drill involving four of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships. ... Beijing is expected to become a super-aged society by 2035, with one-third of its population aged 60 or older. To address this trend, the Chinese capital has stepped up efforts ... China's space station marks new 'harvest season,' aims to grow two generations of rice in orbit for first time China's space station has welcomed a new "autumn harvest," with astronauts collecting, sowing and storing a new batch of rice experiment samples last week, marking further progress in research on ...

China's space station marks new 'harvest season,' aims to grow two generations of rice in orbit for first time
Four of the PLA Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships conduct rare live-fire exercise: state media report State broadcaster CCTV News reported on Saturday on a rare live-fire drill involving four of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 071 amphibious dock landing ships. ... Beijing tackles rapid aging as capital expected to become super-aged society by 2035 Beijing is expected to become a super-aged society by 2035, with one-third of its population aged 60 or older. To address this trend, the Chinese capital has stepped up efforts ... China's space station has welcomed a new "autumn harvest," with astronauts collecting, sowing and storing a new batch of rice experiment samples last week, marking further progress in research on ...

DeepSeek unveils faster, cheaper AI model, with improved performance
2026 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference kicks off in Tianjin

2026 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference kicks off in Tianjin
DeepSeek unveils faster, cheaper AI model, with improved performance

Canton Fair helps companies expand in BRI markets through partnerships, tailored solutions
At Wandisplay Technology's booth, an Indonesian buyer spent several minutes testing the company's app and checking the accuracy of a new smart wristband before placing an order for 2,000 units on the spot.

China railway passenger trips hit record high in first three quarters
China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 percent year on year, the highest for the period, according to the China ... China's dynamic adjustments to its tech export management in step with shifting global trends China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday issued a notice seeking public comments on draft adjustments to its Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export, adding a total of ... 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 ...

China's dynamic adjustments to its tech export management in step with shifting global trends
China railway passenger trips hit record high in first three quarters China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 percent year on year, the highest for the period, according to the China ... China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday issued a notice seeking public comments on draft adjustments to its Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export, adding a total of ... 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 ...

Smart manufacturing takes center stage at Canton Fair, with global partners co-creating next-gen tech
China railway passenger trips hit record high in first three quarters China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 percent year on year, the highest for the period, according to the China ... China's dynamic adjustments to its tech export management in step with shifting global trends China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday issued a notice seeking public comments on draft adjustments to its Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export, adding a total of ... 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 ...

Powerlifter Cui Zhe wins China's 1st gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games
Cui Zhe claimed China's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the women's 41kg para powerlifting event with a best lift of 120kg. Highlights of Amsterdam Marathon Participants run during the Amsterdam Marathon in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 18, 2026. In pics: flower decoration themed on 2026 APEC "China Year" in Shenzhen In pics: flower decoration themed on 2026 APEC "China Year" in Shenzhen

Highlights of Amsterdam Marathon
Powerlifter Cui Zhe wins China's 1st gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games Cui Zhe claimed China's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the women's 41kg para powerlifting event with a best lift of 120kg. Participants run during the Amsterdam Marathon in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 18, 2026. In pics: flower decoration themed on 2026 APEC "China Year" in Shenzhen In pics: flower decoration themed on 2026 APEC "China Year" in Shenzhen

In pics: flower decoration themed on 2026 APEC "China Year" in Shenzhen
Powerlifter Cui Zhe wins China's 1st gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games Cui Zhe claimed China's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the women's 41kg para powerlifting event with a best lift of 120kg. Highlights of Amsterdam Marathon Participants run during the Amsterdam Marathon in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 18, 2026. In pics: flower decoration themed on 2026 APEC "China Year" in Shenzhen

How did a wartime Chinese rallying slogan become a US Marines motto – and still echoes in today's exchanges?
In a recent address, US President Donald Trump made an unusual point of mentioning a Chinese term: "Gung Ho ('gong he' in Putonghua)."

Chinese, international buyers gather at ceramic expo in China's 'porcelain capital'
Master player brings new vitality to traditional shadow puppetry in NE China's Liaoning

Master player brings new vitality to traditional shadow puppetry in NE China's Liaoning
Chinese, international buyers gather at ceramic expo in China's 'porcelain capital'

Svoboda.org

Россия минувшей ночью снова атаковала Киев
Погибла 21-летняя девушка, есть раненые

Турция получит часть российского дизеля по соглашению с США
Об этом заявил министр энергетики Турции

Трамп поддержал Нетаньяху на предстоящих в Израиле выборах
Они состоятся 27 октября

Эммануэль Макрон обратился к нации после масштабных протестов
Он осудил насилие и призвал к диалогу

Зеленский в интервью NBC ответил, выстоит ли Украина без поддержки США
Он провёл разговор со Стивом Уиткоффом и Джаредом Кушнером.

В Донецке пророссийского певца задержали за "символику сатанизма"
Он признал вину и обещал утилизировать футболку

Пожар на военной базе в Канаде: 7 погибших, десятки раненых
Официально о причинах не сообщалось

В Литве предотвратили попытку поджога оборудования для Starlink
Премьер связал попытку с действиями России

В Литве предположительно упал и взорвался беспилотник
Неопознанный объект летел со стороны Польши

Рубио: Starshield Украине недоступен, Starlink США не замедляли
Он также прокомментировал отказ Трампа ввести "санкции Грэма"

Россия вновь атаковала Ровно. В Запорожье и Полтаве погибли люди
Под ударами вновь были объекты энергетики

Во Франции задержали более 1000 человек. Сгорела мэрия Лиможа
Протесты переросли в беспорядки

Массированный удар по Петербургу: горят нефтебазы, склады, дата-центр
Есть погибший и пострадавшие

Подросток 16 лет отправлен в СИЗО после провокации спецслужб
Он думал, что переписывается с РДК, на самом деле – с ФСБ

Во Франции протесты против дороговизны переросли в беспорядки
Сотни демонстрантов задержаны в разных городах страны

Папа римский покинул больницу спустя 4 дня после операции
У него был диагностирован рак лёгкого

Осуждённый по делу "Сети" Василий Куксов вышел на свободу
Он провёл в заключении девять лет

Главу фонда против наркотиков арестовали за связи с саентологами
Ей может грозить от 2 до 6 лет колонии

Зеленский: скорость Starlink в Украине ограничена, в ЕС - нет
По его словам, это намеренная операция

Из-за обмеления Нижней Тунгуски в Эвенкии начался дефицит продуктов
В поселке Тура люди провели в очереди два дня

Africanews

DR Congo: Ebola outbreak deepens mental health crisis amid stigma and conflict
The World Health Organization has warned that it could surpass the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, which erupted more than a decade ago and killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa.

France: Paris, Lyon and Marseille count the cost after violent protests
Streets littered with broken glass, burnt bicycles and debris greeted residents in France on Sunday 18 October, following demonstrations that left extensive damage across Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Pope Leo XIV thanks faithful for prayers at first appearance since surgery
Pope Leo XIV thanked the thousands of faithful in the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday for their prayers while he was hospitalised earlier this week.

Russia: Huge flames and smoke rise over St Petersburg after drone strikes
Huge plumes of black smoke billowed over St Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, on Sunday, 18 October, as a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack sparked fires at industrial and logistics facilities. Russian officials said 126 drones had been intercepted in the surrounding region.

IMF annual meeting: Developing nations need greater digital connectivity
An AI boom is lifting technology-exporting economies. But rising energy costs and climate disasters are pushing many developing nations into debt distress. Greater digital connectivity would allow them to benefit from tech advances.

Cameroon's opposition MRC elects its first female president, Tiriane Noah
Cameroon’s main opposition MRC elected a new party president on Saturday, Tiriane Balbine Noah. She replaces Maurice Kamto and becomes the first woman to lead the party.

Smashed storefronts, burned buildings: France wakes up to aftermath of violent protests
France woke up Sunday to devastated streets after clashes between police and protesters, mass looting and fires erupted nationwide as marches against rising costs of living degenerated into "extreme" violence.

Nigeria's Army Chief of Staff visits troops in Borno after deaths of 15 soliders
The Nigerian Army Chief of Staff is visiting troops stationed in the northeast of the country, a few days after jihadists killed fifteen soldiers in the region.

Sudanese gold miners describe deadly airstrike that killed 72
Sudanese miners injured in a deadly airstrike along the border with Egypt last week have been describing how the incident unfolded.

DRC accuses ex-president Kabila of planning 'general attack' on the country
Officials in DR Congo are accusing former president Joseph Kabila of planning a general attack on the country. Kabila on Monday joined forces with the rebel M23 to head a new outfit , taking a more direct role in the insurgency ravaging eastern DRC.

Egypt's President Sisi will step down when term expires in 2030
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says he’ll leave office when his term expires in 2030. Making the announcement on Saturday, Sisi described the matter as “completely settled.”

Senegal's Macky Sall withdraws from race for UN top job
Senegal’s former President Macky Sall is pulling out of the race to lead the United Nations. Saturday's announcement comes one day after an informal straw poll by UN Security Council members saw all seven candidates receive at least one veto.

Frontline workers in DRC receive Ervebo vaccine amid growing Ebola outbreak
Frontline workers in DR Congo received the Ervebo vaccine on Friday as the country’s worst ever Ebola outbreak continues to spread. Ervebo is effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola. Authorities hope it will offer some protection against the Bundibugyo strain driving the current outbreak.

All seven candidates to lead UN receive Security Council veto in informal poll
All seven candidates to lead the United Nations received a vote of "discourage," effectively a veto, from a permanent UN Security Council member in the latest informal poll, a diplomat said Friday.

Iran denies being behind Houthi attacks as Aden airport hit
Iran has denied any involvement in an escalation of attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi targets. The international airport in Yemen’s interim capital Aden was struck by two missiles late on Friday, the second such incident in less than two weeks.

Ex-fighters in Ethiopia's Tigray region register for reintegration programme
Hundreds of former fighters in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region have been signing up for a government programme to help them return to civilian life.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints first woman-led government
Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints the members of his country's new government, led for the first time in its history by a woman prime minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

Kenya confirms third Ebola case as health officials race to contain outbreak
Kenya has confirmed its third Ebola case, raising concerns over the spread of the deadly virus across East Africa. The Health Ministry says the latest patient is a 65-year-old woman and a close relative of the country’s first two cases. She had been in quarantine since October 6.

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.