A historic town hall in Limoges, France, has suffered extensive damage after a fire broke out during violent protests over the rising cost of living. Built in 1883, the landmark was described as “largely lost” by local officials after its roof collapsed and around two-thirds of its exterior was destroyed. Local prefect Maurice Barate called the incident a deliberate act of arson. More than 500,000 people joined demonstrations across France on Saturday, with around 400 arrests reported. Violence and attacks on public buildings were reported in several cities, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons in Paris.  

Four service members have died and dozens of others have been seriously injured in a major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. The fire broke out at around 4 pm local time on Saturday at one of Canada’s busiest military training bases. Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for the country’s military. The fire has been contained, but rescue teams remain at the scene to prevent further flare-ups. Defence officials said there were no initial indications of terrorist involvement. Investigations into the cause are underway. (PC: BBC)

France witnessed widespread violence on October 17 as nationwide protests against rising living costs, inflation and declining public services escalated into clashes with police. Around 550,000 people participated, according to the Interior Ministry, while organisers estimated 800,000. Nearly 1,800 people were arrested, and more than 500 police officers and emergency personnel were injured. Shops were looted in Paris, Marseille and other cities, while Limoges’ historic town hall was severely damaged by fire. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence. The unrest began with student grievances over poor school conditions and teacher shortages. 

France faced widespread damage on Sunday after protests over rising fuel prices, living costs and poor public services turned violent in several cities. Around 550,000 people joined Saturday’s demonstrations, most of which were peaceful, while police arrested about 1,800 people. Rioters set vehicles and buildings on fire, looted shops and clashed with police in Paris, Marseille and Lille. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, the interior ministry said. The Retail and Trade Federation reported damage to around 1,500 shops and retailers. Fires also damaged public buildings in Lyon and Limoges. (PC: BBC)

Protests over rising living costs and declining public services turned violent across France on Saturday, with more than 1,200 people arrested and 150 police officers injured. Around 550,000 people took to the streets nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, according to the Interior Ministry. Demonstrators and masked groups clashed with police, while shops were looted and buildings set ablaze in several cities. In Limoges, a fire severely damaged the historic town hall, while Lyon’s tourist office also caught fire. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and vowed legal action against those responsible. The protests began over school conditions before expanding into wider economic grievances. 

A delegation of European diplomats was attacked by masked Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, prompting Belgium to demand accountability. The diplomats, from Belgium, France, Poland and the Catholic Church, were visiting the Christian village of Taybeh near Ramallah to assess repeated settler attacks on Palestinians during the olive harvest. Belgium said a consulate car’s window was smashed, while French mayor Bernard Baudoux was reportedly assaulted. Israel’s military condemned the violence and launched an investigation. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office urged caution, saying the available footage did not establish the full sequence of events or individual responsibility. (PC: BBC)

Noida Police have registered a case against 2 identified X users and other unidentified accounts for allegedly spreading false claims that YouTuber Dhruv Rathee had been arrested. The posts circulated on October 16, claiming that Rathee was taken into custody over his videos. Police clarified that he had not been arrested by Noida Police and described the claims as false and misleading. The case was registered at Sector 39 police station under Sections 197 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. Police said the posts could create panic and disturb law and order, and urged users to verify information before sharing it. (PC: X)

Protests have erupted across several countries as people express anger over rising living costs, housing prices, education funding and public services. In France, demonstrations over fuel prices and education cuts have drawn large crowds, while Belgium has seen student protests over rising university fees. Thousands marched in Portugal over low wages and unaffordable housing. Italy and Albania have also witnessed protests over economic pressures and education conditions. In the United States, rallies targeted President Donald Trump, while demonstrations in India focused on alleged voter-list irregularities. The protests reflect growing public frustration with government policies and economic inequality. (PC: NDTV)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend a new package of sanctions against Russia, calling the move a reward for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sanctions, introduced under the Lindsey Graham Act, were intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Trump justified the suspension by citing US national interests and the need to assess economic consequences. Zelenskyy warned that easing pressure could encourage further Russian aggression as Moscow intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He urged continued international support and stronger measures to deter Russia. (PC: Getty Images)

Violent unrest erupted across France on October 17, 2026, as thousands protested rising living costs, fuel prices and deteriorating public services. In Marseille, demonstrators broke into the town hall and damaged furniture, while protesters in Lyon set a tourism office on fire. In Lille, the mayor’s office was vandalised, and police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Paris. The demonstrations also reflected anger over teacher shortages, poor school infrastructure and alleged police brutality. More than 600 protests were planned nationwide, increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government ahead of the 2027 presidential election.