A devastating fire broke out at a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 16 people, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defense department. The blaze, which originated on the third floor of a seven-story building in the Mirpur area, left several others injured. Fire official Talha bin Jashim confirmed that rescue teams have recovered multiple bodies, and efforts to control the fire and complete the rescue operation continued into the evening. Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter after China, employs approximately 4 million workers in this sector, predominantly women. The industry, which generates around $40 billion annually from exports to the United States and Europe, has a troubled history of industrial accidents and fires, often attributed to inadequate safety monitoring and violations of building codes. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement in the country’s garment sector.
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France’s political crisis drags on as PM faces no-confidence vote over pension reform
France’s political landscape remains turbulent as newly reappointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu navigates a precarious path to avoid a no-confidence vote. The crisis stems from President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to reinstate Lecornu, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and the far-left France Unbowed. These parties have swiftly submitted censure motions, set for debate on Thursday, aiming to destabilize the government. While neither party holds sufficient seats to unseat Lecornu independently, their alliance with the Socialist Party and Green lawmakers could spell trouble for the prime minister. Lecornu’s immediate challenge is to secure approval for the 2026 budget, a task complicated by widespread opposition to Macron’s controversial pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. Nobel Prize-winning economist Philippe Aghion has joined calls to suspend the reform until the 2027 presidential election, arguing it would help calm the political climate. Macron’s centrist camp, lacking a majority in the National Assembly, faces mounting criticism and internal dissent. The president’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly last year led to a hung parliament and prolonged political paralysis, exacerbating France’s economic challenges, including rising poverty and a debt crisis that has alarmed EU partners and markets alike.
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Greece sees 2nd general strike this month as unions protest new labor law
ATHENS, Greece — Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Athens on Tuesday as Greece’s labor unions organized the country’s second general strike this month to oppose a contentious new labor law. The 24-hour strike caused widespread disruptions, including ferry cancellations to and from the Greek islands and reduced public transport services in the capital, leading to severe traffic congestion. Train services were entirely suspended during the strike period. The unions, representing both private sector workers and civil servants, are protesting a proposed labor law that would introduce greater flexibility in working conditions, such as extending occasional shifts to 13 hours through overtime. Critics argue that the legislation, set for a parliamentary vote on Wednesday, could expose workers to potential exploitation by employers. ADEDY, the civil servants’ umbrella union, condemned the law, stating that flexible working hours would effectively dismantle the eight-hour workday, erode work-life balance, and legitimize over-exploitation. Unions are demanding the withdrawal of the legislation, a reduction in the standard workweek from 40 to 35 hours, pay raises, and the restoration of collective bargaining agreements.
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Pope urges Italy to remain open to migrants during rite of passage visit to presidential palace
In a ceremonial meeting at Rome’s Quirinale Palace on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to Italy for its significant efforts in combating human trafficking and welcoming migrants. The event, marked by grandeur and tradition, saw the Pope escorted by the presidential horse honor guard as he met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Leo, adorned in his formal red cape and brocaded stole, praised Italy’s “generous assistance” to migrants, particularly during the 2025 Holy Year, which has drawn millions of pilgrims and tourists to the Eternal City. He urged Italy to maintain its spirit of openness and solidarity while emphasizing the importance of integrating newcomers into Italian society. This message resonates deeply in Italy, a key player in Europe’s migration debate due to its proximity to North Africa, where many smuggling operations originate. The Pope’s stance contrasts with the Italian government’s hard-line policies under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which prioritize curbing illegal migration through measures such as deportations and prosecuting smugglers. Despite these differences, the meeting highlighted the enduring and unique relationship between Italy and the Vatican, rooted in centuries of shared history and formalized by the 1929 Lateran Treaty. The event underscored the Vatican’s ongoing advocacy for compassion and integration in migration policies, even as Italy navigates its complex role in the European migration crisis.
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Pakistan police officer killed in attack by gunmen on a polio vaccine team
In a tragic incident on Tuesday, suspected militants targeted a polio vaccination team in the Matta area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwestern Pakistan, resulting in the death of a police officer assigned to protect the health workers. The attack occurred amidst a nationwide weeklong campaign aimed at immunizing 45 million children against polio. According to local police official Javed Khan, the assailants, riding a motorcycle, opened fire on the team while they were administering polio drops to children in a residential area. A search operation has been launched to apprehend the attackers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, pledging strict action against those responsible. While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion has fallen on militant factions that have historically targeted polio workers and their security escorts. Since the 1990s, over 200 polio workers and police officers have been killed in Pakistan, with militants often propagating false claims that vaccination campaigns are part of a Western conspiracy to sterilize Muslim children. Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where wild poliovirus transmission persists, according to the World Health Organization. Since January, Pakistan has reported 29 polio cases, and the ongoing campaign involves over 400,000 trained workers conducting door-to-door vaccinations.
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Madagascar’s president, hiding in an unknown location, dissolves parliament to deepen crisis
Madagascar is embroiled in a deepening political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the National Assembly on Tuesday, a move that has escalated tensions in the Indian Ocean nation. The decision came amid a military rebellion and widespread anti-government protests, which forced Rajoelina to flee the country and seek refuge in an undisclosed location. In a statement released on the presidency’s Facebook page, Rajoelina declared the immediate dissolution of the lower house of parliament, effectively halting ongoing impeachment proceedings against him. The president’s abrupt departure followed an apparent coup attempt by an elite military unit, CAPSAT, which joined youth-led protests demanding his resignation. Rajoelina, in a late-night social media address on Monday, claimed he had relocated to a “safe place” due to fears for his life but did not disclose his whereabouts. This latest development marks the most severe political turmoil since 2009, when Rajoelina first assumed power following a military-backed coup. The current crisis stems from weeks of protests led by Gen Z groups, who have voiced grievances over chronic water and electricity shortages, widespread poverty, and alleged government corruption. Inspired by similar movements in Nepal and Sri Lanka, the protesters have called for systemic change. Rajoelina, who was reelected in 2023 amid an opposition boycott, has urged for dialogue and constitutional adherence, resisting calls for his resignation. Meanwhile, the military has undergone leadership changes, with new heads appointed for the armed forces and gendarmerie. The situation remains volatile as Madagascar grapples with its most significant political upheaval in over a decade.
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Blast kills three police officers trying to evict siblings from house in Italy
A tragic incident unfolded in northern Italy when a deliberate gas explosion at a farmhouse near Verona resulted in the deaths of three Carabinieri military police officers and left at least 15 others injured. The explosion occurred as police and firefighters were executing an eviction order for two brothers and a sister, aged in their late 50s and mid-60s, who had barricaded themselves in the property. The blast, which could be heard up to 5 kilometers away, reduced the building to rubble and caused widespread devastation. A man and a woman were arrested at the scene, while another suspect who fled was quickly apprehended. All three were hospitalized. The farmhouse had been under an eviction order due to debts accrued by the owners. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the incident as a time for grieving, noting that previous attempts to evict the siblings had been met with resistance. Mediators had been sent to negotiate with the siblings, but when Carabinieri officers arrived shortly after 3:00 AM, one of the siblings allegedly triggered the explosion. Provincial police commander Claudio Papagno described the act as ‘absolute madness,’ revealing that a gas cylinder had been ignited, directly hitting the officers. Petrol bombs were also found at the property. Among the injured were 11 Carabinieri officers, three state police officers, and a firefighter. Verona prosecutor Raffaele Tito stated that the farmhouse was in a derelict state with no electricity and described the explosion as a ‘premeditated and voluntary homicide.’ Neighbors reported that the siblings had previously threatened to ‘blow themselves up’ rather than leave the house. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto joined other political leaders in paying tribute to the fallen officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
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Document to support Gaza ceasefire deal signed at summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh
In a landmark event held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, a pivotal document supporting the Gaza ceasefire deal was signed on Monday, October 13, 2025. The agreement, mediated by Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, was formalized by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Notably, neither Israel nor Hamas were present at the signing ceremony. The summit, co-chaired by the Egyptian and US Presidents, saw participation from leaders of over 20 countries and various international organizations. President Sisi hailed the agreement as a ‘glimmer of hope’ for peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution. The summit underscored the importance of international cooperation to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire, including Israeli troop withdrawals, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas announced the release of all 20 remaining hostages, while Israel began freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The conflict has resulted in over 67,000 deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza, according to health authorities and UN-backed experts.
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Russian aerial attack hits a Ukrainian hospital, days before Zelenskyy meets Trump
In a relentless escalation of hostilities, Russian forces targeted Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, with powerful glide bombs and drones in overnight attacks. The assault struck the city’s main hospital, injuring seven people and forcing the evacuation of 50 patients, according to Oleh Syniehubov, the regional head. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is set to visit Washington this week, emphasized that the primary targets of the attack were energy facilities, though specific details were not disclosed. ‘Every day, every night, Russia strikes power plants, power lines, and our gas facilities,’ Zelenskyy stated on Telegram, underscoring the ongoing campaign to cripple Ukraine’s power supply since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This strategy has left civilians without heat and running water during harsh winters. Zelenskyy is expected to appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump for advanced long-range weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Such a move, previously avoided by Washington to prevent escalation, could heighten tensions between the U.S. and Russia. However, it may also provide leverage to push Moscow toward negotiations. Ukrainian officials and military analysts report that Ukraine’s long-range strikes are already disrupting Russian oil production and causing significant gas shortages. Zelenskyy has urged international partners, particularly the U.S. and Europe, to supply air defense systems to protect Ukraine’s vast territory. ‘The world must force Moscow to sit down at the table for real negotiations,’ he asserted.
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China’s exports of electric vehicles doubled in September as competition at home intensifies
China’s electric vehicle (EV) exports surged by 100% in September compared to the same period last year, reaching 222,000 units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. This growth underscores the aggressive expansion of Chinese automakers into international markets, particularly Europe and Southeast Asia. While the figure was slightly lower than August’s 224,000 units, it highlights the increasing reliance on overseas markets due to overcapacity and intense price competition domestically. The U.S.-based consultancy Rhodium Group noted that Chinese EV manufacturers invested more abroad than domestically in 2023, marking a significant shift since 2014. BYD, one of China’s leading EV producers, reported an 880% year-on-year sales increase in the United Kingdom, now its largest market outside China. However, domestic passenger car sales growth slowed to 11.2% in September, down from 15% in August. Chinese automakers are also diversifying their investments into the Middle East and Africa, partly in response to high tariffs imposed by the European Union, U.S., and Canada. Despite these challenges, September remains a peak sales period in China, supported by government subsidies for trade-ins of new energy vehicles, though some local governments have recently suspended such payments.