- Wednesday, 29 October 2025
BBC
Qantas profits soar back after record Covid losses
Qantas has announced half-year profits of more than A$1bn ($683m; £566m) in a dramatic turnaround of the airline's fortunes since last year. It comes after the company lost more than A$7bn during the pandemic when Australia imposed strict travel rules.
Japan aims to raise age of consent from 13
A panel of the Japanese Justice Ministry has proposed raising the age of consent from 13 to 16. It forms part of a wider overhaul of Japan's laws on sex crimes after multiple rape acquittals in 2019 caused an outcry.
36 killed as deadly storms hit Brazilian cities
Authorities in the Brazilian state of São Paulo say at least 36 people have been killed in heavy flooding and landslides, forcing some cities to cancel annual Carnival celebrations. The video showed neighbourhoods under water, flooded motorways and debris left after houses were swept away.
India's top cricket selector quits after TV sting
The chairman of India's cricket selection committee has resigned following a sting operation by a local television channel. Chetan Sharma, a former top cricketer, was caught on camera making startling allegations about the selection process and certain players
New Zealanders forced to swim to safety amid floods
Residents have been forced to swim to safety from flooded homes in New Zealand after Cyclone Gabrielle lashed the country's north.
India transgender couple's 'tears of joy' for baby
A transgender couple from the southern Indian state of Kerala, whose pregnancy photos made global news, welcomed their baby with "tears of joy". Ziya Paval said her partner Zahad had given birth to the baby on Wednesday morning.
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Huge earthquake in south-east Turkey kills more than 500
A powerful earthquake has hit a wide area in south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing more than 500 people and trapping many others. The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.
Huge Turkey earthquake kills more than 100
A powerful earthquake has hit a wide area in south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing more than 100 people and trapping many others. The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.
How beavers are reviving wetlands
We are losing wetlands three times faster than forests, according to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. When it comes to restoring them to their natural state there is one hero with remarkable powers - the beaver.
Obituary: Pervez Musharraf
The political career of Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's most recent military ruler, was defined by its extremes. After seizing power in a 1999 coup, Musharraf went on to survive numerous assassination attempts - finding himself on the front line of the struggle between militant Islam and the West.
Tennis star Kyrgios admits assaulting ex-girlfriend
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend but avoided a criminal conviction. The 27-year-old's guilty plea in a Canberra court came after his lawyers failed to have the charge dismissed on mental health grounds.
Apple sales in biggest fall since 2019
Apple sales dropped at the end of 2022 as shoppers squeezed by the rising cost of living cut back their purchases. Sales at the iPhone giant fell 5% in the three months to December compared with the same period in 2021.
Bobi breaks world record for oldest dog ever
A 30-year-old Portuguese dog has been named the world's oldest ever by Guinness World Records - beating a record that stood for a century. Bobi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo - a breed that has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Avian flu spills over from birds to mammals in UK
The largest-ever outbreak of bird flu is spilling over into mammals, including otters and foxes in the UK. Figures released to the BBC show the virus has led to the death of about 208 million birds around the world and at least 200 recorded cases in mammals.
Schools and trains hit by French pension age strike
A nationwide strike is underway in France in a second wave of protests against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Eight big unions are taking part in the strike, which is disrupting schools, public transport and oil refineries.
