Organiser

Forest fires in Indonesia are sending smoke and haze toward Singapore, raising concerns just as the city prepares to host its Formula One Grand Prix. Race organisers are drawing up contingency plans in case air quality deteriorates further. The annual night race draws huge international attention, and a repeat of the region's severe haze episodes could force changes to the event or affect drivers and spectators.

The US-led Board of Peace has announced that UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, will have no role in Gaza going forward. The statement marks a significant decision about the administration of humanitarian aid and services in the territory, and is likely to draw strong reactions from the UN, Palestinian representatives and humanitarian organisations.

An internal Hamas election for the movement's leadership in Gaza has ended in deadlock after a large number of blank ballots were cast, leaving no clear winner. The outcome highlights divisions within the organisation over who should lead its Gaza wing, and it remains unclear when a new vote might be held or how the impasse will be resolved.

The head of World News Day has warned that news organisations must remain relevant to their audiences or society as a whole will struggle. The comments come as part of the annual World News Day initiative, which highlights the value of journalism. The warning underscores concerns within the industry about declining trust, financial pressures and the challenge of connecting with the public in a changing media landscape.

A US judge has overturned a White House media ban imposed under Donald Trump, ruling against the administration's attempt to exclude certain news organisations from access. The decision is being widely reported by major outlets including BBC News and is drawing significant attention, with many seeing it as a key test of press freedom and the limits of presidential control over media access.

Donald Trump has launched a sharply critical attack on the United Nations during one of its flagship international gatherings, according to BBC News. The remarks, delivered at the organisation's own major world meeting, amount to a public rebuke of the institution on its home stage. The speech is drawing wide attention and reaction from diplomats and observers worldwide.

Five television networks that make up the White House press pool have suspended their coverage of presidential events. The coordinated walkout by pool members is an unusual escalation in tensions between the administration and major news organisations, and it immediately drew attention as questions swirled over what prompted the move and how long it will last.

A major East Coast storm has disrupted the sports schedule across the region, with leagues and teams moving or cancelling events as severe weather hits. Games and competitions in several cities have been affected, with organisers postponing fixtures and adjusting calendars. The disruptions are drawing wide attention as fans follow updates on which events will go ahead.

Thousands of people marched in cities across France to demand stronger action on climate change. One demonstrator summed up the mood, saying she wished more people had turned out 'after the summer we've just had', a reference to recent heatwaves and extreme weather. Organisers and participants are pressing the French government for more ambitious emissions reductions and adaptation measures.

Human Rights Watch says reconstruction agreements for Syria are being drawn up without adequate human rights safeguards. The organisation warns that rebuilding efforts risk overlooking protections for residents, including those displaced or dispossessed during the conflict. It is calling on governments and donors involved in Syria's reconstruction to embed rights protections into the deals.

Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games have released the initial details of the triathlon courses. The announcement gives the first official picture of where the swim, bike and run legs will take place when triathlon comes to LA28. Further course details and venue specifics are expected to follow as planning continues toward the 2028 Games.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico are preparing to sue Donald Trump over a ban restricting their access to the White House. The legal challenge marks an escalation in the ongoing dispute between the administration and major news organisations over press access, with the outlets arguing the exclusion is unlawful. The move has drawn widespread attention to questions of press freedom in the United States.

The FBI has confirmed a cyber security incident connected to the hacking group ShinyHunters. Details about the scope of the breach and which organisations or data were affected have not yet been made public. ShinyHunters is a group previously linked to large-scale data thefts involving major companies, and the confirmation is drawing attention from security watchers awaiting further official information.

International election observers are set to follow up on suspected election fraud in Sweden, according to Swedish broadcaster TV4. The observers will monitor and investigate allegations surrounding the electoral process. The development is drawing attention internationally as Sweden's elections have traditionally been regarded as well-organised and free from large-scale irregularities.

The race to select the next UN secretary-general is under way, with candidates framed as needing to be a 'mediator-in-chief' for a divided world. Commentary on the contest argues it highlights the multiple crises confronting the United Nations, from wars to institutional gridlock, as member states weigh who can restore the organisation's diplomatic clout.

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to enshrine the country's neutrality in the Constitution. The bid aimed to make permanent neutrality a constitutional obligation, limiting the government's room to co-operate with other countries on security matters. The outcome means Switzerland's long-standing neutrality remains a matter of policy rather than constitutional law, leaving Bern flexibility in how it engages with partners and international organisations.

Housing protesters have set up a camp in central Madrid following a large demonstration over the city's housing situation. The action comes amid growing frustration in Spain over rising rents and limited affordable housing, and the camp is intended to keep pressure on authorities after the march. Further details about organisers, numbers and demands were not immediately reported.

The 140th Canton Fair's Phase 3 will run from October 31 to November 4, 2026, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Under the official theme 'Better Life', this phase focuses on fashion, textiles, footwear, bags, food and related consumer goods, drawing international buyers and suppliers ahead of the event.

A new publication, 'The Economics of Open-Weight Inference', examines the costs and financial trade-offs of running open-weight AI models. It looks at how deploying freely downloadable model weights compares economically with using closed, API-based services, a question of growing importance for companies and developers deciding how to build on AI systems. Details of the publication's specific findings were not available.

Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's deputy attorney general, defended the White House's ban on certain media outlets, saying press access is 'a privilege, not a right'. The remarks drew criticism from press freedom advocates who argue the administration is punishing unfavourable coverage by restricting journalists' access to the president.

A growing debate is underway about why Gen Z shows signs of political apathy and what role universities should play in encouraging civic engagement. Commentators point to disaffection with institutions and barriers to participation among young voters, arguing that colleges can counter this through civic education, campus programming and opportunities for students to practise democratic involvement. The question of how to re-engage young people in politics is drawing attention from educators and civic organisations alike.