Hundreds of thousands of people protested across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania and Belgium on Saturday over rising living costs, housing, education and government policies. France reported nearly 1,000 arrests as police used tear gas, water cannon and batons to control clashes. Italy deployed an additional 500 soldiers in Milan following last weekend’s violence. In Barcelona, around 100 people were arrested after shops were looted and fires broke out. Police also used tear gas in Rome, Turin and Brussels. Meanwhile, Portugal saw protests demanding affordable housing, while Albanian students called for lower tuition fees and the prime minister’s resignation. (PC: India Today)

Actor Naseeruddin Shah has expressed support for protesting students at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), alleging political pressure following the BJP’s electoral victory in West Bengal. The institute has defended its disciplinary action, citing campus violence and safety concerns. According to an SRFTI report, incidents included vandalism, the alleged assault of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera and damage to his office. The institute suspended 6 students for a year and halted classes until November 13. BJP leader Rahul Sinha called for an investigation into Shah’s remarks, while filmmaker Payal Kapadia also backed the protesting students. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 12 years of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, October 25, during its 139th episode. He described the journey as being like a pilgrimage, saying it had helped him recognise the contributions of ordinary citizens across India. Modi thanked listeners for their support and highlighted stories of people working for society and the country. The programme began on October 3, 2014, and has provided a platform to share community initiatives and individual achievements. The latest episode also highlighted citizens’ contributions and local initiatives.  (PC: News18)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refused to disclose the name and version of the software used to detect errors in voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), citing trade secrets and commercial confidentiality under the RTI Act. In its October 16 reply to activist MA Mujeeb Ayyub, the commission said no new software was developed or purchased for the exercise. It also said electoral registration officers make decisions on voter inclusion or exclusion based on facts and records. The response comes amid criticism and allegations of irregularities in the voter roll revision process. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch fresh strikes against Iran as early as Sunday, October 25, while leaving room for a diplomatic agreement. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Saturday, Trump said military action remained possible but that a deal with Tehran could also be reached. He questioned whether Iran would honour any agreement and said Washington wanted to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran denied reports that it had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade, according to Iranian media reports. (PC: India Today)

Nearly 1,000 people were arrested across France on Saturday as mass protests over rising living costs and poor school conditions ended in clashes. France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 410,000 people joined demonstrations, while unions put the figure at 800,000. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris, Lyon and other cities. Protesters set barricades on fire in Marseille and damaged property in Bordeaux. Around 70,000 police officers were deployed to prevent widespread violence. Two people were seriously injured, officials said. Authorities said the unrest remained less severe than last weekend’s riots, which caused extensive damage. (PC: BBC)

Elon Musk on October 25, 2026, accused Ukraine’s military of violating Starlink’s terms of service by using the satellite internet system for offensive drone strikes. He said SpaceX had closed the loophole that allegedly enabled such use. The accusation came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Starlink and its military counterpart, Starshield, had returned to required operating speeds following more than a week of restrictions. The disruption reportedly affected frontline communications, drone operations and logistics. The episode has intensified tensions between Kyiv and Washington amid disagreements over military support and efforts to end the war. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed aerial manoeuvres over Varanasi on October 25, 2026, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to witness the Air Force Day Aerial Display. The event, titled “Wings Over Ganges,” is being held at Namo Ghat to commemorate the IAF’s 94th anniversary. The programme features spectacular performances by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Display Team. Aircraft including Rafale, Tejas and Su-30MKI fighter jets are also participating, showcasing India’s aviation capabilities, precision flying and coordination among the armed forces. 

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and airports on October 24, 2026, escalating regional tensions. The group said it targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery and other strategic infrastructure. Saudi authorities reported debris from intercepted missiles in Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest cities. However, the Houthis denied targeting either city. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles. Separately, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government reported Houthi missile attacks on coast guard installations in Aden, raising fears of wider conflict. (PC: 

Iran on October 24, 2026, warned that any renewed military attack by the United States and Israel could trigger a wider regional conflict. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi declared that Iran would seek victory in what he called an “apocalyptic war.” Iranian military officials also stated that US warships would not be allowed to enter the Persian Gulf. The warnings came amid reports that Washington was considering fresh airstrikes. Tehran has threatened retaliation against Gulf countries and strategic infrastructure, raising concerns about regional security, shipping routes and global energy supplies. (PC: AP)