Violent protests across France have left historic buildings and businesses damaged, with fires destroying much of Limoges town hall and engulfing Lyon’s tourist office. In Paris, protesters set vehicles and kiosks alight, smashed shopfronts and looted stores. In Marseille, demonstrators broke into the city hall and damaged a bust of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic. The protests began over rising fuel prices, living costs and declining public services, although most demonstrators were peaceful. Authorities have acknowledged difficulties controlling the unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has authorised local mayors to introduce partial curfews to protect residents and businesses. (PC: BBC)

Eight Indian-American candidates are contesting key races ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026. The candidates are seeking positions in Congress, state legislatures, governorships and local offices across the country. Prominent names include Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for Ohio governor, and Democratic lawmakers Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal, who are seeking re-election to the House of Representatives. Other candidates include Amish Shah in Arizona, Pia Dandiya in Florida and Saritha Komatireddy in New York. The elections will determine control of Congress and serve as a major political test for President Donald Trump. (PC: X)

A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, moments after he spoke about death and the value of life. Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was conducting the service at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil on Saturday. The crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him on the head. Worshippers rushed to help and called an ambulance, but he was declared dead that day. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death. The cause of the crucifix falling remains unclear. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai Police arrested 3 men accused of firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff’s car within 24 hours of the attack. The incident took place around 7 pm on Sunday as Shroff was leaving a football club in Mumbai. The attackers fled on a motorcycle, later abandoned near Andheri West railway station. Investigators formed around 20 special teams and tracked the suspects using technical inputs. After learning they were travelling by train towards Rajasthan, Mumbai Crime Branch alerted Rajasthan Police. Kota Police detained the 3 men aboard the Pune-Jaipur Superfast Express on Monday. Police said they planned to escape to Nepal. (PC: NDTV)

A stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed 19 people and injured 35 on October 17. The tragedy occurred during heavy rain as a large crowd gathered at the venue. Reports point to overcrowding, limited entry and exit routes, inadequate crowd management and an announcement warning of a possible pandal collapse as factors behind the panic. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered an investigation into the incident, including the role of organisers and security personnel. Seven people have been arrested, while questions remain over safety arrangements and emergency response.   (PC: India Today)

France will impose partial curfews in selected areas after violent riots over the weekend led to more than 2,400 arrests, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday. The unrest began with student protests over the cost of living before spreading into wider demonstrations and clashes with police. Lecornu promised full transparency in the investigation and announced a major operation to identify those involved in the violence. He blamed far-left groups and criminal elements for the disorder. Curfews will target specific locations, including transport hubs and symbolic sites, rather than covering all of Paris. Marseille has also restricted public gatherings.   (PC: X)

A Delhi magistrate on Monday extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das by 2 days. The duo had been sent to Tihar Jail for 5 days on October 14 after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar by scaling locked gates. The site was recently removed from the list of designated protest venues. The leaders had gathered to unfurl the national flag and raise slogans. CJP has alleged that authorities are delaying proceedings to prevent their release. The party continues to oppose the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.    (PC: X)

India’s Nishad Kumar won gold in the men’s T47 long jump at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Monday, October 19, with a best effort of 7.11 metres. The victory took India’s medal tally to 11, including 4 gold medals. Nishad, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist in high jump, made an impressive start in the long jump event. Uzbekistan’s Omadbek Khasanov secured silver with 6.99 metres, while Sri Lanka’s Mohammadu Safran won bronze with 6.55 metres. Nishad’s gold added to India’s growing medal haul at the continental para-sports competition in Japan. (PC: X)  

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is under scrutiny after 3 assailants opened fire at actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai on October 18. Two alleged gang operatives claimed responsibility on social media. US-based Anil Pandit reportedly took responsibility for the attack and is suspected of coordinating with overseas handlers. Investigators are examining encrypted messaging apps, foreign-made weapons and links between suspected handlers and local shooters. The network has also been linked to attacks targeting Bollywood celebrities, businessmen and politicians. US authorities have charged several alleged associates under Operation Hard Ball, highlighting the gang’s international reach and organised criminal operations. (PC: HT)  

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, October 19, appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as chairman of the senior men's selection committee. Former India spinner Ramesh Powar has also joined the five-member panel following Ajit Agarkar's exit. Ojha's appointment is based on seniority, as he has played the most Test matches among the committee members. The panel now includes Ojha, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Powar. The Cricket Advisory Committee unanimously recommended Powar after a selection process. The BCCI also acknowledged Agarkar's contribution during his tenure, which began in July 2023.   (PC: India Today)