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. 

Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has recalled the frightening moments of an assault that left him fearing for his life. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, he said he was hit hard on the head and drifted in and out of consciousness.   He described scenes of panic and passengers screaming after the cockpit door opened. Machchhar also praised his colleague for taking control of the aircraft during the emergency. He said the pilot’s quick action helped save the day. The captain added that he would remember his colleague’s bravery for the rest of his life.  

French President Emmanuel Macron has said there is “no place for violence” after protests over falling education standards and the rising cost of living turned violent across France.   Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said around 550,000 people joined the protests, including 110,000 in Paris. About 400 people were arrested, and 60 police officers were injured. Two officers were taken to hospital unconscious.   Protesters damaged public buildings in several cities. A tourism office in Lyon was set on fire, while town halls in Lille, Marseille and Limoges faced damage or arson. Shops were also looted in several cities.  

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions against Russia, drawing criticism from US lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions were approved by Congress and signed into law in September. Trump said suspending some measures was in the US national interest.   Zelensky called the decision unfortunate and said the sanctions could have put pressure on Russia to end the war. He also reported Russian attacks on 15 Ukrainian energy facilities, causing power cuts. At least nine people were killed and around 60 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine over 24 hours, Ukrainian authorities said.