Tomiichi Murayama, Japan's Prime Minister from 1994 to 1996, is celebrated for his 1995 apology acknowledging Japan's WWII aggression. His legacy is crucial as Japan's political climate grows more conservative, emphasizing the need to uphold peace and accountability.

King Charles is set to visit the Vatican, marking the first public prayer service by a British monarch with the Pope since the Reformation. This visit, part of the 2025 Holy Year, underscores a warming relationship between the Anglican and Catholic churches, despite doctrinal differences.

Saudi Arabia is in advanced talks with the US for a defense pact akin to the US-Qatar agreement, potentially strengthening military ties amid Middle East tensions. The negotiations coincide with regional instability and could be solidified during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Washington visit, but official confirmations remain pending.

The Party of European Socialists (PES) has expelled Slovakian PM Robert Fico's Smer party for violating core European values, focusing on the rule of law and foreign policy alignments. This move highlights tensions over Fico's pro-Russian stance and alliances with far-right factions, while PES simultaneously expanded its membership with new parties from France, Serbia, and Kosovo.

A staggering 79% of the world's poor face climate hazards like extreme heat and floods, with regions in Africa and South Asia hit hardest. The urgency for climate action in poverty reduction intensifies as COP30 approaches, highlighting the need for resilient development and international support.

China has expelled nine senior military officials, including notable figures He Weidong and Miao Hua, amid Xi Jinping's intensified anti-corruption drive. This move, ahead of a significant party plenum, underscores efforts to reinforce discipline and consolidate control within the military and political spheres.

French police have detained four suspects in a plot to assassinate Vladimir Osechkin, a Russian human rights activist in France. Osechkin has been under threat since 2022 for exposing Russian prison abuses, and the arrests highlight ongoing risks to dissidents and broader concerns over Russian destabilization efforts in Europe.

The UN report reveals China's transnational repression efforts against dissidents, including harassment and forced returns, violating international human rights law. The report calls for global cooperation to protect human rights defenders and counteract these practices.

Argentine President Javier Milei grapples with economic decline and industrial crisis as his approval ratings wane ahead of the October 26 midterm elections. Despite U.S. financial backing, Milei faces criticism over corruption scandals, government spending, and political instability, prompting him to moderate his rhetoric and seek consensus.

The Israeli military's operations have devastated Gaza, causing a humanitarian crisis with 70 million tonnes of debris and widespread destruction. Key buildings have been demolished, impacting residents and businesses, while recovery efforts face monumental challenges amid international criticism.

The Dutch Supreme Court has finalized a decision mandating Russia to pay over $50 billion to former Yukos shareholders, concluding a protracted legal saga. This ruling, stemming from Yukos' 2006 nationalization, is enforceable globally against Russian assets.

Jakarta's rainwater hosts microplastic particles, raising concerns of environmental and health risks due to urban pollution. These findings highlight a global issue seen in major cities, urging systemic changes in waste management and public participation to combat pollution.

Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure intensify as Kyiv braces for more assaults, with Ukraine seeking advanced U.S. missile systems for defense. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing amid potential new weapons unveilings by Russia, while Ukraine's strategic strikes on Russian oil facilities highlight its military capabilities.

Over 170,000 injured in Gaza face dire medical needs as conflict decimates hospitals and supplies, with 400,000 surgeries required amid ongoing violence. International aid efforts are hampered, with Israeli strikes extending to Lebanon and the West Bank, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian access.

The collapse of a high-profile UK espionage case involving British nationals and China has led to criticism from intelligence officials and MPs due to lack of evidence. Despite this, MI5 insists that Chinese espionage poses a daily threat to the UK's national security, intensifying scrutiny of diplomatic ties.

The NDTV World Summit 2025 in Delhi spotlighted India's increasing global influence, with leaders like Tony Abbott lauding it as a democratic counter to China's ambitions. The event focused on India's role in geopolitics, AI, and infrastructure, emphasizing international cooperation and peace amid global conflicts.

Aid delivery to Gaza remains below the required daily level, with 653 trucks entering since October 10, despite a need for 600 trucks per day. Recent efforts saw a record 480 trucks on Wednesday, but interruptions continue amid the severe humanitarian crisis.

Japan's conservative LDP leader Sanae Takaichi skipped visiting Yasukuni Shrine during the autumn festival amid her bid to become Prime Minister. Facing coalition challenges and potential backlash from China and South Korea, Takaichi seeks new alliances to secure her premiership.

A bomb detonated outside journalist Sigfrido Ranucci's home near Rome, damaging property but causing no injuries. Authorities, including anti-mafia teams, are investigating, amid concerns for press freedom.