World News, 29 October 2026

Syria says French jihadist killed in shootout with government forces

In a statement carried by state television, security forces in Idlib said a patrol observed ‘an armed group leaving the French camp... in violation of the agreement that prohibits exiting [the site] with weapons’

Serbia’s students demand resignations in police, judiciary as they prepare to take power

The Students’ List movement swept the parliamentary election on October 25, 2026 against Vucic’s right-wing Serbian Progressive Party, which has ruled unchallenged for 14 years

Flávio Bolsonaro calls himself 'leader of Brazil' after election loss

The defeated presidential candidate says he will lead the opposition from the US.

The rise of industrial tourism in China

Industrial tours showcase showcase innovation and manufacturing prowess to instil national pride, while presenting STEM as a sustainable career option for the youth

Watch: VHS tapes and computers handed to police as Thomas Markle is investigated

The BBC's Jonathan Head is in Cebu, reporting from outside the home where Markle resided.

Palestinian President says hopes for peace talks with new Israeli government

With almost all ballots counted from Israel's pivotal election, neither the bloc of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor the opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot looked able to secure a majority in parliament.

Israel piles pressure on Arab parties as Netanyahu seeks government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for an investigation into allegations of fraud but cautioned against stigmatising the entire Arab Israeli community, who voted at unprecedented rates

Reported by 3 outlets: NDTV, Hindustan Times. What we know so far: 3 reports

Bangladesh's tribunal sentences Awami League leader to death

A three-member tribunal led by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury and comprising Justices Md. Manjurul Bashid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir delivered the verdict

Rock collapse kills two in Turkey's Cappadocia, local media reports

One of the regions famous rock formations, known as "fairy chimneys", reportedly collapsed outside an open-air museum.

Albania opposition disrupts parliament session after violent street protests

Members of the Opposition Democratic Party of Albania also blocked access to the podium when a law on the Central Bank was being voted on.

Philippine police obtain warrant to search Thomas Markle's devices

Images of child sexual abuse allegedly belonging to Meghan Markle's father had reportedly been found in his former home in the Philippines.

Pope Leo’s Argentina visit brings renewed scrutiny of clergy abuse scandals

Victims have expressed frustration over the Vatican’s silence on church proceedings involving priests convicted in criminal courts

Record number of purges as Xi emphasises 'party discipline' at China political gathering

Xi's anti-corruption campaign has become "an effort to consolidate and maintain authority", observers say.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will resign February 7, nine months early

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has announced her resignation effective February 7

Alaska governor orders probe into Democratic campaign's alleged links to same-name candidate

The Republican governor was responding to allegations in the New York Times that Democrats recruited a spoiler candidate, Dan Sullivan.

Netanyahu's bloc leading Israel election but short of majority, partial results show

With 93% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's Likud party and its allies are set to win 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

Reported by 3 outlets: NDTV, The Hindu. What we know so far: 3 reports

U.K. PM Andy Burnham's trip to India could take place soon: British Envoy

India and the U.K. are aiming to double bilateral trade to around $120 billion by 2030

Carney to push for closer ties at Canada-EU summit in Montreal

The term "associate member" is reportedly off the table as officials discuss deeper economic and defence ties.

Spain train crash puts its high-speed rail safety record under scrutiny | Explained

Authorities have so far blamed both system issues and human error for the accident which claimed 68 lives; Until this year, Spain had not witnessed such fatal incidents on its dedicated high-speed lines since the network opened in 1992

Day after Spain train accident, rescuers search crash site for survivors

Rescue teams use cranes, dog teams in search for survivors of fatal crash; death toll stands at 68

'I live with a ghost' - inside the haunted homes attracting bargain hunters

Properties where someone has died in tragic circumstances can have big reductions in price.

Hong Kong's Housing Minister resigns after fire investigation finds inadequate oversight

During the investigation, an independent committee found that the Housing Bureau's independent checking unit failed in its duties supervising the maintenance work

How could Israel break election deadlock? Here are four scenarios

With more than 90% of votes counted, all signs point to an impasse.

Why it matters The most likely outcome may be new elections. (BBC News)

Audio reveals exchanges between control centre and drivers before deadly Spain train crash

The recordings appear to show one high-speed train was given clearance to move even though another up ahead had stalled.