English

Gavin Blackburn

Romania

Thousands protest in Romania against government austerity measures

The rally was organised by the National Trade Union Bloc, made up of dozens of professional federations and comes as Romania’s government pursues measures to reduce the budget deficit.

Pakistan

At least 12 killed in suicide bombing in Islamabad, minister says

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed the attack through its leader, Omar Mukkaram Khurasani.

Turkey

Prosecutor seeks 2,352-year jail term for jailed Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu

İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure seen as a rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was arrested in March accused of running a criminal organisation, accepting bribes and extortion.

Russia

Russian court extends jail time of teenage singer over anti-war songs

Russian authorities have ramped up their crackdown on dissent and free speech since the Kremlin sent troops on an all-out invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

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Romania

Romania finds drone fragments after Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports

Breaches of Romania's airspace by drones have become more common as Russia targets Danube River ports just across the border in Ukraine.

Vatican

Vatican investigates Swiss Guard after antisemitic incident claims

Founded in 1506, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is the world’s oldest standing military corps and is charged with protecting the Pope.

Japan

Japan and China exchange barbs after PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-governing island under its control.

Belarus

Belarus threatens to seize Lithuanian trucks after border closure

Lithuania closed the two border crossings with Belarus on 29 October after meteorological balloons flying from Belarus caused repeated disruption to air traffic.

India

At least eight killed after car explodes in New Delhi, police say

Several fire engines rushed to the scene after the blast was reported near one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, the city's fire services said.

United Kingdom

BBC receives Trump letter threatening legal action over edited speech

The controversy surrounding what the BBC has called an "error of judgement" led Director General Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness to resign on Sunday.

Ukraine

Ukraine seeks to buy more Patriot air defence systems from US

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry said on Monday that Russian attacks caused more damage to its power infrastructure, resulting in scheduled blackouts in most of the country’s regions.

France

Sarkozy released from prison pending appeal after court ruling

Sarkozy became the first former French head of state in modern times to be sent to prison after his conviction for criminal conspiracy on 25 September.

USA

Trump mulls Hungary's request for relief from Russian energy sanctions

In comments on Friday, Orbán said he would present Trump with several "suggestions" for implementing an exemption.

Climate

Germany pledges support for Brazil's tropical forest protection scheme

The Tropical Forest Forever Facility seeks seeks to leverage investments into €108 billion that can be used to pay 74 developing countries for every hectare of forest they conserve.

Belgium

Taiwan's VP calls for closer EU ties in rare address in Brussels

EU member states, like most countries, have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and follow the "One China" policy.

Somalia

EU vessel reaches ship raided by Somali pirates, all 24 crew safe

Piracy off the Somali coast peaked in 2011, when 237 attacks were reported. Somali piracy in the region in 2011 cost the world’s economy €6 billion, with €138 million paid out in ransoms.

Bulgaria

Van chased by police in Bulgaria crashes, killing six migrants

Bulgaria, a Balkan country of 6.5 million, is located on what was once a major route for migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Europe, passing through Iran and Turkey.

United Kingdom

UK court jails James Bond fantasist for attempting to spy for Russia

Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, said the conviction sends "a clear message to anyone considering spying for or assisting Russia."

Latvia

Mass protest against Latvia's potential exit from Istanbul Convention

Signed by 45 countries and the European Union as of 2019, the Council of Europe treaty is meant to standardise support for women who are victims of violence, including domestic abuse.

United Kingdom

Mistakenly released UK prisoner turns himself to London prison staff

According to government figures, 262 prisoners were released in error in the year ending March 2025, a 128% increase on the previous 12-month period.

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