Saudi Arabia’s execution of 2 Bangladeshi nationals over alleged “immoral acts” inside a mosque in Mecca has sparked outrage in Bangladesh and beyond. Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar were executed on October 14, according to Saudi media reports. However, authorities have not publicly detailed their alleged offences or disclosed information about their trials. Bangladesh’s government said it learned of the executions through media reports and has sought an explanation from Riyadh. Nazrul’s family questioned the fairness of the proceedings, saying they received no prior notice. The case has raised concerns over transparency, due process and consular notification. (PC: India Today)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the United States and Israel for regional insecurity and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, urging neighbouring countries to resolve disputes through diplomacy and establish a joint security arrangement without foreign forces. Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi described the war and economic blockade as the principal sources of insecurity. Lavrov’s visit comes as Moscow seeks to mediate the conflict, with talks between Tehran and Washington stalled. The West Asia war began in February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite an April ceasefire and a June memorandum of understanding, tensions around the strategic waterway have continued. (PC: Reuters)

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has warned that the government could declare a state of emergency if necessary to contain violent protests and looting affecting several parts of France. According to France 24, Lecornu made the remarks on Monday after a crisis meeting, pledging to restore public order while keeping emergency measures under consideration. He indicated that localised curfews would currently be a more appropriate response to the unrest. “I am absolutely determined to restore order. If needed, I will impose a state of emergency,” he said, adding that curfews appeared better suited to the situation France might face. The headline also reports that 2,500 people have been held amid the protests. (PC: X)

Violent protests across France have left historic buildings and businesses damaged, with fires destroying much of Limoges town hall and engulfing Lyon’s tourist office. In Paris, protesters set vehicles and kiosks alight, smashed shopfronts and looted stores. In Marseille, demonstrators broke into the city hall and damaged a bust of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic. The protests began over rising fuel prices, living costs and declining public services, although most demonstrators were peaceful. Authorities have acknowledged difficulties controlling the unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has authorised local mayors to introduce partial curfews to protect residents and businesses. (PC: BBC)

A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, moments after he spoke about death and the value of life. Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was conducting the service at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil on Saturday. The crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him on the head. Worshippers rushed to help and called an ambulance, but he was declared dead that day. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death. The cause of the crucifix falling remains unclear. (PC: India Today)

France will impose partial curfews in selected areas after violent riots over the weekend led to more than 2,400 arrests, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday. The unrest began with student protests over the cost of living before spreading into wider demonstrations and clashes with police. Lecornu promised full transparency in the investigation and announced a major operation to identify those involved in the violence. He blamed far-left groups and criminal elements for the disorder. Curfews will target specific locations, including transport hubs and symbolic sites, rather than covering all of Paris. Marseille has also restricted public gatherings.   (PC: X)

French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s resignation following widespread riots and looting across France, as protests over rising living costs and poor public services continue to fuel unrest across Europe.   At least 2,400 people were arrested in France after violent clashes damaged businesses and public buildings. Macron has ordered a review of security failures and called for new policing measures.   Protests have also spread to Italy, Portugal and Belgium, with demonstrators demanding affordable housing, higher wages and better public services. In Albania, protesters are targeting alleged corruption and unemployment, adding to pressure on European governments. (PC: India Today)

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has admitted that police “lost control” in some cities during a weekend of riots and looting. He blamed a lack of preparation and offered to resign, but President Emmanuel Macron asked him to stay. More than 500,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against the high cost of living. Demonstrations turned violent in several areas, with buildings set on fire and shops looted. Disorder continued in Paris on Sunday, where police arrested more than 350 people. The French cabinet is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the unrest. (PC: BBC)

An Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna made an emergency landing in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Sunday, October 18, after a reported bomb threat. Flight OS82, an Airbus A320, was carrying 51 passengers and 6 crew members when the threat was reported near the Bulgarian-Romanian border. The Bulgarian Air Force deployed a MiG-29 fighter jet to escort the aircraft to Sofia airport, according to reports citing Bulgarian authorities. The plane landed safely, and passengers were taken off the aircraft. Austrian Airlines said a security search was underway and passengers would be rebooked after the inspection. Authorities have launched an investigation. (PC: India Today)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States and Israel against renewed military action, declaring that Iran has “unfinished jobs too.” Responding to US President Donald Trump’s post endorsing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of upcoming elections, Araghchi said Iran had emerged “even stronger” the last time Washington issued an ultimatum to “finish the job.” In a post on X, he challenged both countries to try again, writing: “Want to try your luck again? Be our guest. But be careful; we have unfinished jobs too.” His remarks followed Netanyahu’s pledge to “eliminate the Iranian threat,” amid renewed concerns over potential conflict involving Tehran, Washington and Israel. (PC: X)