Guinea’s upcoming presidential election, scheduled for December, has ignited widespread criticism due to the exorbitant deposit required for candidates. Aspiring leaders must pay 875 million Guinean francs ($100,000) to participate, a move that has left many citizens and analysts stunned. This election marks a pivotal moment as the country transitions from military rule to civilian governance under a new constitution. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, is eligible to run but has yet to confirm his candidacy. The deposit, nearly identical to the previous election’s 800 million francs, has been criticized as a barrier to broader political participation. Political analyst Kabinet Fofana remarked, ‘This amount is huge and adds to the growing criticism of the election’s direction.’ Candidates who secure over 5% of the vote in the first round will have their deposit refunded. However, critics argue that the high fee favors wealthy individuals or those with state connections. Presidential candidate Faya Millimono highlighted the dramatic increase in deposits over the years, noting that it was only 50 million francs until 2005. The electoral body has also imposed a campaign spending limit of 40 billion francs ($4.6 million) per candidate, further narrowing the field. Despite these hurdles, 50 party candidates and 16 independents have been approved. Notably absent from the provisional list are major opposition parties, including the Rally of the People of Guinea and the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea, though they still have time to register. Guinea’s election unfolds without key figures like former President Alpha Condé and former Prime Minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, both living in exile. The high costs and restrictive measures have raised concerns about the election’s fairness and inclusivity.
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Hit TV series and song go viral across the Strait
The highly acclaimed TV series ‘Silent Honor,’ which dramatizes the real-life exploits of Communist Party of China undercover agents in Taiwan, has captured the hearts of audiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Alongside this, a viral song adapted from the remarks of a political figure from Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party has further fueled patriotic fervor. The series and song have not only entertained but also sparked discussions about national identity and unity. This cultural phenomenon underscores the deep-rooted connections and shared heritage between the people of mainland China and Taiwan, fostering a sense of collective pride and solidarity.
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Watch: Public reacts as part of the White House is demolished
In a significant development at the heart of Washington, D.C., the demolition of the White House East Wing has sparked a wave of public reactions. The BBC conducted interviews with individuals in the vicinity of the iconic residence to gauge their sentiments about the ongoing construction project. The East Wing, a historic section of the White House, is being dismantled to pave the way for a new ballroom, a move that has elicited a spectrum of emotions from locals and visitors alike. While some expressed nostalgia and concern over the loss of a piece of American history, others welcomed the modernization, viewing it as a necessary step to enhance the functionality of the presidential residence. The project underscores the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing progress, a debate that continues to resonate in the public discourse.
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Roadside bombing kills 3 police officers in northwest Pakistan
A devastating roadside bomb attack targeted a police vehicle in Hangu, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, on Friday. The explosion claimed the lives of a city police chief and two junior officers, according to local officials. The attack occurred as the officers were en route to a police station that had been assaulted less than an hour earlier, said Adam Khan, the local police chief. No further details were provided. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, attributing it to the Pakistani Taliban, a group closely allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which regained power in Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring Pakistani Taliban militants who conduct cross-border attacks, a claim Kabul denies. In a separate operation on the same day, Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in the Tank district, killing eight Pakistani Taliban militants, as stated in a military release. This surge in violence comes just ahead of a second round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in Istanbul. The talks, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, follow an initial meeting in Doha on October 19, which aimed to address cross-border violence and establish a monitoring mechanism. Meanwhile, all border crossings between the two nations remain closed since October 13 due to recent clashes, significantly impacting trade. In another incident, insurgents in Pakistan’s Balochistan province kidnapped 13 construction workers in the Khuzdar district, according to local police.
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Dubai firefighters scale Burj Khalifa in less than an hour to set Guinness World Record
In a remarkable display of endurance and professionalism, three Emirati firefighters from the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have etched their names in history by scaling the 159 floors of the Burj Khalifa in just 52 minutes and 30 seconds. Wearing full firefighting gear weighing 15 kilograms, the trio braved extreme heat, limited oxygen, and physical fatigue to achieve this extraordinary feat, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The challenge, which took place on October 24, 2025, was not merely a test of physical strength but also a demonstration of Dubai’s firefighters’ readiness to tackle emergencies in skyscrapers. The final stages of the climb were particularly grueling, with gravity and the oppressive heat inside their suits adding to the difficulty. The firefighters underwent rigorous daily training, including endurance exercises and realistic simulations, to prepare for the challenge. Guinness-certified observers meticulously documented the event, ensuring compliance with official standards. No medical incidents were reported, thanks to thorough preparation and supervision. The achievement has inspired pride and motivation among DCD personnel, showcasing their ability to face any challenge at great heights. Earlier, viral social media videos of the firefighters training in full uniform had already garnered widespread admiration, with many viewing them as a source of inspiration for the UAE community.
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The $500m slugger who is taking Canada to the World Series
In a moment charged with emotion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ star first baseman, fought back tears as his team secured a historic victory over the Seattle Mariners, advancing to the World Series for the first time in 32 years. The Canadian-born, Dominican Republic-raised slugger, who recently signed a record-breaking $500 million contract—the third-largest in Major League Baseball (MLB) history—has been instrumental in Toronto’s postseason success, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in the division series. Guerrero Jr., affectionately known as ‘Vladdy Jr,’ has vowed to bring the championship ring home to his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., a baseball Hall of Famer who never won a World Series during his illustrious career. ‘My personal goal is to win a World Series and give the ring to my dad,’ Guerrero Jr. said in an interview with Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated. The Blue Jays are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, in a highly anticipated match-up between the defending champions and the underdogs. The Dodgers are led by Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose $700 million deal made headlines worldwide, while the Blue Jays are anchored by Guerrero Jr., whose $500 million contract earlier this year symbolized his commitment to Canada’s sole MLB team. Guerrero Jr.’s journey to this moment has been years in the making, with fans celebrating his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to Toronto both on and off the field. As the Blue Jays prepare for the World Series, the entire country has rallied behind them, with fans flooding the streets in celebration and even interrupting hockey games to announce the team’s victory. The emotional snapshot of Guerrero Jr. fighting back tears after the win against Seattle has gone viral, capturing the culmination of a father-son dream and a journey that has inspired a nation.
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China launches Long March 5 carrier rocket to deploy new satellite
In a significant milestone for China’s space program, the Long March 5 carrier rocket was successfully launched on the evening of October 23, 2025, from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. The mission, orchestrated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), deployed the Communications Technology Demonstrator 20 satellite into its designated orbit. This satellite, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, aims to test advanced multi-band high-speed communication technologies. The Long March 5 rocket, designed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, featured an extended fairing measuring 18.5 meters, making it the tallest rocket ever produced in China. This launch marks China’s 66th space mission of the year and the 602nd flight of the Long March series, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in space exploration and technology.
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We won’t accept a stolen vote, Cameroon opposition leader tells BBC
Cameroon’s opposition leader, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself the winner of the 12 October presidential election, challenging the official results yet to be announced. In an interview with the BBC, Bakary, 76, a former government minister who broke ties with President Paul Biya, 92, asserted that his team had compiled data from polling stations, leaving no doubt about his victory. He vowed not to accept a ‘stolen vote’ and urged his supporters to defend their ballots. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) dismissed Bakary’s claims as illegal, stating that only the Constitutional Council can announce official results. Bakary, undeterred, insisted that the law permits his declaration and challenged the ruling party to disprove his claims. The delayed announcement of results has heightened tensions in Cameroon, a nation already grappling with separatist conflicts in Anglophone regions and Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North. The election outcome could determine whether Biya, the world’s oldest president, retains his 43-year grip on power.
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EU accuses Meta and TikTok of breaching transparency rules
The European Union has announced that Meta and TikTok have failed to meet their transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), potentially exposing both companies to substantial fines. The investigation, launched in 2024, revealed that the platforms did not provide adequate access to data for researchers and made it difficult for users to report illegal content or challenge moderation decisions. The EU’s executive vice president for tech sovereignty, Henna Virkunnen, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and allow public scrutiny. The inquiry also found that Meta’s Instagram and Facebook employed ‘dark patterns’—deceptive interface designs—that hindered the reporting of harmful content, such as child exploitation or terrorist material. The European Commission described these practices as ‘confusing and dissuading,’ potentially rendering them ineffective. Meta and TikTok have been given the opportunity to respond to the findings, but if found guilty, they could face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue, amounting to billions of dollars. Meta has disputed the findings but expressed willingness to continue discussions with the EU, while TikTok has called for clarity on reconciling the DSA’s transparency requirements with the EU’s stringent privacy regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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Defective block grant scheme firm hit by cyber attack
A significant cyber attack has targeted Jennings O’Donovan, an engineering firm collaborating with Ireland’s Housing Agency on a scheme to assist homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks. The breach, described as ‘concerning’ by officials, potentially exposed sensitive personal data, including addresses, contact details, and photographs of affected properties. The Housing Agency confirmed the incident was isolated to the firm and is actively working to notify impacted applicants. Charles Ward TD, a representative of the 100% Redress Party, emphasized the need for transparency, urging affected families to receive clear information about the compromised data and protective measures being implemented. The defective block issue has plagued thousands of homes, primarily in Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo, and Sligo, where water-absorbing minerals in bricks have caused structural failures, necessitating demolition. The Housing Agency is coordinating with Jennings O’Donovan to investigate the breach and has informed the Data Protection Commissioner and local authorities. Affected individuals are being advised to await direct communication from the agency, as those not contacted are not impacted by the incident.