23 October 2026

Daily Brief · 25 stories
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World

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World

Magnitude seven earthquake strikes Tibet, with damage picture initially unclear

A magnitude 7 earthquake struck Tibet at 8:33pm Bangladesh time on 22 October, with its centre about 10 kilometres below the surface near Nagqu. Initial reports did not establish casualties or damage. China’s earthquake authorities activated a level-II emergency response, according to state media cited by AFP.

World

International Criminal Court wins EU rights award amid US sanctions

The European Parliament awarded its 2026 Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court on 22 October. The decision supports the court as US sanctions threaten its work. Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted its role in international justice, while ICC President Tomoko Akane welcomed the recognition of judicial independence.

World

Suu Kyi speaks to son after more than five years

Aung San Suu Kyi’s son said he spoke with her on 22 October for the first time in more than five years. Kim Aris later told AFP that they discussed family matters and that she sounded fairly healthy. He stressed that one conversation did not amount to regular family access.

World

France restricts weekend protests; Thursday student march later permitted

French authorities announced protest bans and route restrictions on 22 October ahead of demonstrations planned for Saturday. Marseille and Lyon banned Saturday rallies, while Paris limited the weekend march’s route. A separate student protest in Paris, initially prohibited on Thursday, was later allowed to proceed, according to Reuters.

World

Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes as diplomatic efforts continue

Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes overnight on 21–22 October as diplomatic efforts continued. Russian missiles damaged Kyiv’s metro infrastructure, and Ukrainian officials reported civilian deaths and injuries. Russian officials said Ukrainian drones approached Moscow and hit the Lipetsk area. The attacks followed US envoy Steve Witkoff’s talks with Vladimir Putin.

World

Iran claims seven vessels hit and warns US over Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on 22 October that four vessels were hit during oil transfers in the Persian Gulf and three more struck mines near Hormuz. The force warned US regional bases could be targeted if Washington continued facilitating disputed shipping routes. The initial reports did not independently confirm the damage claims.