US President Donald Trump has said he would continue pursuing his agenda even if Democrats take control of one or both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. In an interview with CBS News before polls closed, Trump described his veto power as his “ultimate power” and welcomed the nickname “Mr. Veto”. He said he was prepared to block Democratic legislation and expected lawmakers to eventually negotiate. Trump also cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Slaughter, which allowed him to remove Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter. He argued that the decision had significantly expanded presidential authority over executive branch agencies.

Democrats have flipped their first Senate seat in the 2026 US midterm elections, with former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper defeating Republican Michael Whatley. Early returns also show Democrats leading in several Republican-held House districts, raising concerns among GOP campaign officials. All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships are being contested. Democrats need three House gains and a net four Senate seats to take control of both chambers. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority. The election is viewed as a referendum on President Donald Trump amid rising living costs and public opposition to the war against Iran. A Democratic victory could constrain Trump's agenda and trigger investigations. (PC: Radar Online)

India has retained its position as Asia’s second most represented higher education system, with 34 new entrants in the 2027 QS Asia University Rankings. However, 71 per cent of its ranked universities slipped, including all six of its highest-ranked institutions. IIT Delhi remained India’s top-ranked university at 66th, down from 59th, while IISc Bengaluru fell from 64th to 79th. Delhi University dropped out of the top 100 to 106th. Meanwhile, Manipal Academy of Higher Education entered the top 200 at 195th, and Chandigarh University reached 104th. India’s representation has grown over 13-fold since 2016, reaching 325 institutions, with strong performance in research publications per faculty. (PC: X)

  Democrat Pia Dandiya has won Florida’s 22nd Congressional District seat, defeating Republican candidate Casey Askar in the US midterm elections. A former school principal, Dandiya secured victory in the newly redrawn district, which was considered favourable to Republicans. Her win marks a notable development in the congressional contest, where former President Donald Trump had backed mid-decade redistricting efforts to strengthen his party’s position in the House of Representatives. Askar had also pledged to work with Trump if elected. Dandiya’s victory adds to the growing representation of Indian-American politicians in US electoral politics. (PC: X)    

The Ladakh administration has ordered the Desert Flower School, founded by climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, to suspend all activities until the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court delivers its final verdict in a pending case involving the institute.The directive applies to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), which runs the school in Phyang, Leh. The legal dispute concerns the administration’s cancellation of land allotted to HIAL, measuring 1,076 kanals and one marla approximately 134.5 acres and 270 square feet. The administration’s order seeks to maintain the status quo until the court reaches a final decision.  

  Political deadlock in Israel continues following the October 27 parliamentary elections, with neither bloc securing a majority in the 120-member Knesset. In a 70-minute meeting in Herzliya on Tuesday, five opposition leaders agreed to back former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government and replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. The meeting brought together Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Yair Golan and Avigdor Liberman. According to Al Jazeera, they agreed to immediately coordinate efforts to establish a national emergency government. Eisenkot’s bloc secured 48 seats in the election. However, opposition leaders remained divided over cooperation with Arab-led parties, leaving the question of how to secure a governing majority unresolved.  

Millions of Americans are voting in the US midterm elections to decide which party will control Congress for the final 2 years of President Donald Trump’s term. All polling stations across the country have opened, with results expected later on Tuesday. Republicans currently hold majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Democrats are hoping to win enough seats to take control of both chambers. A Democratic victory could limit Trump’s legislative agenda and give the party greater power to investigate his administration. The election is being closely watched as a major test of Trump’s presidency. (PC: BBC)

Seven passenger flights across Europe have been targeted by suspected bomb threats, prompting security checks at airports in Italy, Spain, Poland and Bulgaria. Two Ryanair flights from Dublin and Lisbon were inspected after landing in Rome, while a Manchester-to-Murcia flight was evacuated in Spain. A London Heathrow flight heading to Warsaw was diverted to Modlin Airport. Bulgarian authorities also reported threats against 2 flights arriving in Sofia. No explosives were found on any of the inspected aircraft. The UK government described the incidents as “malicious hoax threats”. Authorities are working together to determine whether the incidents were connected. (PC: X)

Seven passenger flights across Europe have been targeted by suspected bomb threats, prompting security checks at airports in Italy, Spain, Poland and Bulgaria. Two Ryanair flights from Dublin and Lisbon were inspected after landing in Rome, while a Manchester-to-Murcia flight was evacuated in Spain. A London Heathrow flight heading to Warsaw was diverted to Modlin Airport. Bulgarian authorities also reported threats against 2 flights arriving in Sofia. No explosives were found on any of the inspected aircraft. The UK government described the incidents as “malicious hoax threats”. Authorities are working together to determine whether the incidents were connected. (PC: BBC)

Iran has unveiled a massive billboard in Tehran carrying the message “We will kill Trump”, openly threatening US President Donald Trump amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Displayed at the busy Enghelab Square on November 3, the billboard shows Trump behind prison bars with his head bowed. Another nearby display depicts Trump, US Vice-President JD Vance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Steve Witkoff with bloodied faces. Crowds gathered at the square, waving red flags and demanding revenge for the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. (PC: News18)