WORLD

Housing costs, education and austerity fuel protests across Europe

Demonstrations in France, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Portugal have highlighted growing frustration over affordability and public services, while students in Albania have joined protests demanding action on corruption.

Australia opens national youth survey to shape new government strategy

Seven days to reopen Hormuz? Iran puts the ball in Trump's court as US standoff deepens

France protests escalate as Macron rejects minister’s resignation, students block Louvre

France protests turn violent as Paris reports 855 arrests, fresh clashes erupt

Police arrested more than 2,000 people nationwide after demonstrations over rising living costs and school conditions escalated into clashes, looting and fires. Fresh tensions erupted in Paris on Oct 18 as President Emmanuel Macron called for calm.

EU offers Canada associate membership as Trump threatens tariffs over move

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the EU’s first associate member, while US President Donald Trump has warned of heavy tariffs or reduced trade with Europe if he considers the move hostile.

Iranian missile strikes US-contracted vessel near Strait of Hormuz

Four drones and at least one missile reportedly targeted the vessel, leaving crew members with minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Trump gets new power to impose 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers

US House clears sweeping Russia-Iran sanctions bill, opening the door to punitive tariffs on major buyers such as India and China.

Trump plans $2.8 billion Israel arms sale with 40,000 heavy bombs

The package includes 20,000 MK-84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, renewing scrutiny over the use of powerful US-made munitions in Gaza.

Mecca drone attack foiled as Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of 450 strikes

Saudi air defences intercepted a drone south of Mecca, while the Houthis denied targeting the holy city and accused Riyadh of intensifying airstrikes across Yemen.