BBC News Briefing

21 October, 2025

Alex Binley

Hello. In a historic day for Japan, the country's parliament has elected its first female prime minister. We'll bring you everything you need to know about former heavy metal drummer and ex-TV host Sanae Takaichi. Elsewhere, diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams assesses what the future could hold for Hamas. And take a look at two new species discovered deep beneath Australia's waves.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Sanae Takaichi makes history as Japan's first female prime minister

A woman with short black hair, wearing red lipstick and a blue suit and pears, smiles widely. She is holding the hands of two people on either side of her, and they raise their hans in the air.

Takaichi is known for her deeply conservative views. Credit: Getty Images

Sanae Takaichi may have only just begun celebrating being appointed Japan's first female PM, but she already has her work cut out. From fixing a sluggish economy and uniting a divided ruling party to navigating a rocky US-Japan relationship, she faces issues that have seen off some of her predecessors. Takaichi is the country's fourth prime minister in five years - find out why Japan's PMs change so often here. And while the 64-year-old is breaking new ground in a male-dominated society, there are concerns that she will not advance women's rights. "If you look into her political beliefs... she rather perpetuates the patriarchal system," one young student told the BBC.

Sanae Takaichi: From heavy metal drummer to TV host, just who is Japan's 'Iron Lady'?

'Womenomics': The election of Japan's first female PM shows what's possible for the country's girls to achieve, writes presenter Mariko Oi.

Economy: Japanese people are struggling with the cost of living and inflation is at a historic high. Here's what's in Takaichi's in tray.

WORLD HEADLINES

The head and shoulders of a woman with long blonde hair are seen. She is wearing a blue patterned, sleeveless top and speaking into two microphones. People can be seen standing behind her

'Giuffre would see Andrew giving up titles as victory'

The ghostwriter of Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir says the prince's "life is being eroded" by "his past behaviour".

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A mand and woman both wear dark clothes. They are stood by a car with a crowd around them and are kissing. The man has short grey hair and the woman has long brown hair

French ex-president Sarkozy begins jail term

He will serve five years for conspiring to fund his election campaign with money from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Read more >

An aerial shot shows the crashed remains of a yellow funicular in a narrow street.

Lisbon funicular crash report reveals failings

Portuguese investigators said a cable that broke, causing the crash that killed 16, had never been certified for passenger use.

Report's findings >

A man with short brown, curly hair wears a navy blue shirt and smiles at the camera. He is sat in front of a window and a car park can be seen outside.

US chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies

The popular chess player's family announced his "unexpected" death just two weeks before his 30th birthday.

More on his life >

A crane stands next to a large white building part of which has been demolished. There is a high, black metal fence in front of the building and lots of trees surround it

White House ballroom building begins

Parts of the East Wing have been demolished as work starts on Donald Trump's $250m (£186m) ballroom.

Take a look >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Analysis: Questions about what the Palace knew about the scandals won’t go away. Will it release any more information?

Football: Maccabi Tel Aviv says it won't accept any ticket allocation from Aston Villa should the ban on its supporters be overturned.

Grooming gangs: Two abuse survivors have resigned from their roles overseeing the national grooming gang inquiry.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Will Hamas give up control of Gaza?

Many Palestinians and Israelis doubt Hamas is willing to step back from a political role. Credit: Getty Images

How does a group that has governed Gaza for almost 20 years - ruling two million Palestinians with an iron rod and fighting Israel in repeated wars - suddenly lay down its arms and relinquish control, as required by Trump's 20-point peace plan? While two years of war have diminished Hamas, it's far from spent, writes Paul Adams. He examines what the group's future could hold.

Find out