- Wednesday, 29 October 2025
BBC
New Zealand tightens visa rules amid 'unsustainable' migration
New Zealand has tightened work visa rules in response to "unsustainable" migration levels, say authorities. Low-skilled applicants now have to fulfil English-language requirements and are allowed to stay on for three years - down from five previously.
Israel says it has recovered body of a hostage from Gaza
Israel's military says it has recovered the body of a man taken hostage and held in Gaza, in an overnight raid on Khan Yunis. Elad Katzir was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on 7 October.
Gaza hospital in ruins after two-week Israeli raid
Israel's military says it has pulled out of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City after a two-week military operation that has destroyed much of the hospital complex. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), troops "killed terrorists" and found "numerous weapons and intelligence documents" in the area.
Seven dead after Car bomb tears Syrian market
At least seven people have been killed in a car bombing which targeted a busy market in northern Syria. Several more were injured when the explosion tore through the central market of the town of Azaz in Aleppo province, near the Turkish border.
Syria says Israeli strikes kill nearly 40 near Aleppo
At least 36 people have been killed in air strikes near the Syrian city of Aleppo, reports say. Syria's state news agency cited a military source as saying Israeli strikes hit several sites at 01:45 on Friday (22:45 GMT Thursday).
Russia shuts down UN tracking of N Korea sanctions
Russia has shut down a panel of UN experts that have for years monitored sanctions against North Korea. The panel last week said it was probing reports that Russia violated rules by buying North Korean weapons like ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.
Climate change could affect timekeeping, study says
Climate change is affecting the speed of the Earth's rotation and could impact how we keep time, a study says.
Divers recover bodies in Baltimore bridge collapse waters
The bodies of two people have been recovered from a red pickup truck, which was underwater where the Baltimore bridge collapsed. Eight construction workers were on the bridge when a ship struck it, plunging them into the waters below.
Fears of disruption to global supply chains after Baltimore bridge crash
Fears have been raised of significant disruption to global supply chains after a container ship crashed into a bridge in the US city of Baltimore.
Lost power, mayday call and crash before Baltimore bridge collapse
Six people - all believed to be members of a road crew working on the bridge - are presumed dead due to the water temperature and time that has passed. The US Coast Guard said in the late evening on Tuesday that it had concluded the men had died and intended to suspend its massive search and rescue effort, which had been complicated by cold and cloudy weather.
Japan to sell fighter jets in break from Pacifism
Japan's cabinet has approved the export of new fighter jets it is developing with the UK and Italy, in the latest move away from its pacifist policies. It eased arms export rules to allow the jets to be sold to countries that Japan has signed defence pacts with, and where there is no ongoing conflict.
Israel cancels Washington meeting after UN Gaza ceasefire vote
Israel has cancelled a meeting in Washington after the US declined to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, which also called for the release of all hostages, followed several failed attempts at similar measures since the 7 October attacks.
Indians celebrate festival of colours Holi
Millions of Indians are celebrating Holi, known as the festival of colours, at home and abroad. The festival celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Abductors release more than 280 Nigerian pupils
More than 280 Nigerian pupils abducted in the north-western town of Kuriga earlier this month have been released "unharmed", officials say.
Eight dead as tanker capsizes off Japan coast
Eight sailors have died after a South Korean-flagged tanker overturned off the west coast of Japan. One other person was found in a non-life-threatening condition while two others remain missing, Japan's coast guard said.
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