Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked US President Donald Trump for stronger public support ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. According to reports, Netanyahu spoke with Trump twice in 3 days and sought additional endorsements as opinion polls showed his coalition trailing the opposition. Three major Israeli television polls projected Netanyahu’s bloc to win around 50 seats in the 120-member Knesset, below the 61 needed for a majority. Trump had already publicly endorsed Netanyahu, warning that his defeat could affect US-Israel relations. The White House has not publicly commented on the reported requests for further support. (PC: News18)

India and the European Union are accelerating efforts to finalise their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before the end of 2026, with signing expected around December 17–18 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated Brussels visit. The European Commission has proposed a fast-track approval process to avoid delays caused by translating the agreement into 24 official EU languages. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is expected to visit Brussels to resolve procedural issues. The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, expand market access and strengthen investment ties. If approved and signed on schedule, it could become operational in early 2027. 

More than 1,300 people were arrested across France on Saturday as hundreds of thousands joined protests over rising living costs and poor school conditions. The Interior Ministry estimated 410,000 participants, while trade unions put the turnout at 800,000. Police deployed around 70,000 officers nationwide and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds in Paris, Lyon and other cities. Protesters set barricades on fire in Marseille and damaged property in Bordeaux. Authorities said 53 police officers were injured. Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, officials said the violence was less severe than last weekend’s unrest, which saw widespread looting and arson. (PC: BBC)

India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia as regional tensions rise following multiple missile and drone attacks. Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 2 drones within 12 hours. The Indian Embassy urged citizens to follow local laws and warned against filming or sharing information about missile interceptions and impact sites, which could lead to legal consequences. Air India and Air India Express flights to Riyadh and Dammam remain suspended until November 7, while services to Jeddah are suspended until October 31. Indian officials are also assisting travellers affected by flight disruptions. (PC: News18)

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal praised the Indian diaspora in Germany for its law-abiding conduct, contrasting it with violence reported during protests in parts of Europe. Speaking at a community interaction in Berlin during his official visit, Goyal said Indians abroad were known for avoiding vandalism and public disturbances. He also urged established members of the Indian community to support students arriving in Germany, particularly those from financially weaker backgrounds. Goyal highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals to their host countries. His visit also focused on strengthening India-Germany cooperation in trade, investment, manufacturing and emerging technologies. (PC: News18)

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken wanted Indian gangsters Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Kaushik into custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. The arrests took place on October 22 following inputs from Indian agencies, reports said. Bhau, whose real name is Himanshu Ritoliya, is wanted in multiple cases, including murder, attempted murder and extortion. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him in August 2023. Kaushik, also known as Neeraj Faridpuria, faces more than 25 criminal cases, according to reports. Haryana's Special Task Force is coordinating with US authorities to secure their return to India through legal procedures. (PC: X)

The Centre has praised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reduced taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to lower airline costs. The state has cut VAT on aviation fuel from 29% to 16% at Chennai airport and to 1% at other airports. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu welcomed the decision, saying cooperation between the Centre and states is important to make air travel more affordable. The move comes amid rising crude oil prices and pressure on airlines. Lower fuel costs could improve regional connectivity, though any reduction in ticket prices will depend on airlines. (PC: India Today)

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has triggered a political controversy after saying Pakistan’s efforts to raise the Kashmir issue internationally are helping protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla on Saturday, Abdullah questioned the Centre’s intentions towards Kashmiris and asked whether people could expect justice from New Delhi. The BJP strongly criticised his remarks, calling them pro-Pakistan and seditious. BJP leaders demanded a public apology and accused Abdullah of supporting Pakistan’s narrative. Abdullah’s comments have renewed political tensions over Kashmir’s identity, security and relations between India and Pakistan. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have directed their governments to strengthen bilateral cooperation, targeting $100 billion in trade and $50 billion in mutual investments by 2030. Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar shared the details in an interview with Russian news agency TASS. Their discussions took place during the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. Cooperation includes trade, commerce and skilled labour mobility. India has also proposed establishing training institutions jointly with Russia to prepare skilled workers for Russian industries, strengthening economic and employment ties between both countries. (PC: Reuters)

Haryana gangster Himanshu Bhau, also known as Himanshu Ritoliya, and his associate Neeraj Kaushik, alias Neeraj Faridpuria, were reportedly detained in Las Vegas, United States, on October 22, 2026. The operation involved US law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following inputs from Haryana’s Special Task Force. Bhau is wanted in India in multiple cases involving murder, kidnapping, extortion and organised crime. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him in August 2023. Indian authorities are coordinating with US agencies to secure their return to India for legal proceedings.