Indian-born politician Nithya Raman has scripted history by winning the Los Angeles mayoral election, becoming the first South Asian mayor of the United States’ second-largest city. The 45-year-old Democratic Socialist defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November 3 election, securing approximately 52% of the votes. Bass conceded defeat on November 5 and congratulated Raman. Born in Kerala, India, Raman previously served on the Los Angeles City Council. Her campaign focused on affordable housing, homelessness, public transport, police reform and improving city services. Her victory marks a significant milestone for Indian-origin representation in American politics. (PC: AP)

France has conferred the prestigious Knight of the National Order of Merit (Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite) on renowned Indian cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, founder and chairman of Narayana Health. The honour was presented by the French Consulate General in Bengaluru on November 5, 2026, recognising his support to the French community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Shetty and Narayana Health provided vaccination initiatives and logistical assistance to the French Consulate and French residents. French Consul General Marc Lamy praised his generosity, describing his contribution as a symbol of solidarity and India-France friendship. (PC: X)

France has conferred the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit) on renowned Indian cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, founder and chairman of Narayana Health. The honour was presented by the French Consulate General in Bengaluru on November 5, 2026, recognising his support to the French community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Shetty and Narayana Health provided vaccination initiatives and logistical assistance to the French Consulate and French residents. Established in 1963, the award is France’s second-highest national distinction after the Legion of Honour. Dr Shetty expressed gratitude for the recognition. (PC: X)

India-born politician Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, marking a historic political victory. The 45-year-old progressive Democrat secured approximately 52% of the vote against Bass's 48%, becoming the first South Asian to lead America's second-largest city. Born in Kerala, Raman previously served as a Los Angeles City Council member and gained recognition for her work on homelessness and urban development. Her campaign focused on affordable housing, improving public services, tackling homelessness and police reforms. Her victory comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games. (PC: AP)

India is in the final stages of negotiations to expand its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal with the Philippines, as deliveries under their 2022 agreement near completion. The proposed deal could involve approximately five additional missile systems and nearly 60 missiles, valued at $700 million to $800 million. This would significantly exceed the previous $375 million agreement. The Philippines is strengthening its military capabilities and coastal defences amid rising tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has expressed interest in additional missiles, while Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed that Manila shared requirements with India to customise the systems for local conditions. (PC: Money Control)

Indian-origin Naresh Bhatt, 39, has admitted in a Virginia court that he used a saw to dismember his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, but denied murdering her. Testifying in his own defence, Bhatt claimed his 28-year-old wife died by suicide after apparently consuming pills and a highly poisonous insecticide. He said he found her unconscious beside their bed and attempted to resuscitate her for approximately an hour before moving her to the bathroom. He also admitted trying to separate her legs and conceal and dispose of her remains. Mamta was last seen in July 2024, and her body has never been found. Bhatt is facing trial over her disappearance. (PC: X/@fox5dc)

Abdul El-Sayed’s historic victory in the 2026 US midterm elections has sparked celebrations in Karnataka’s coastal town of Bhatkal. El-Sayed, who defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, becomes the first Muslim to enter the US Senate. His wife, Dr Sarah Jukaku, has family roots in Bhatkal, making the victory particularly special for her relatives. Sarah’s family praised El-Sayed’s humility, honesty and commitment to public service, drawing comparisons with her grandfather, former Mysore minister Jukaku Shamsuddin. The family described the victory as a moment of immense pride and hope for inclusive leadership. (PC: NDTV)

Democrats won 84 of the 100 US congressional districts with the largest Indian-American populations in the 2026 midterm elections, according to an analysis of election results and Census data. The party also flipped six seats previously held by Republicans, whose tally fell to 15. Democratic dominance was strongest in California, where the party secured 19 of the 20 districts on the list. It also won every qualifying seat in New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, while Republicans retained nine of 13 such districts in Texas. The results broadly reflected Indian-American voters’ reported preference for Democrats, with an October survey finding 62% planned to support Democratic House candidates. (PC: AP)  

India’s LPG imports from West Asia have risen sharply over the past two months as Gulf suppliers increasingly use ship-to-ship transfers to move cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz. Imports from the UAE averaged 565,315 tonnes monthly in September-October, up 240% from March-August, while Kuwait’s supplies rose 248%. Qatar’s average monthly shipments also more than doubled. Meanwhile, US LPG imports fell 36% as Gulf deliveries recovered. However, India’s overall LPG imports remain below pre-war levels, with October volumes at 1.52 million tonnes against 2.03 million tonnes in February. Analysts warn that renewed conflict could disrupt supplies, increasing reliance on costlier imports and domestic production. (PC: X)  

The United States has imposed sanctions on Indian businessman Suniel Kumar Sharma, his wife Jaspreet Preeti Shahid and nine entities over alleged assistance to Iran in evading oil-related restrictions. The US Treasury accused the couple of operating an unauthorised maritime registration network since at least 2014, issuing fraudulent ship registrations and certifications that allowed vessels transporting Iranian petroleum to use flags without the concerned countries’ approval. Some vessels allegedly operated on behalf of Iran’s military and its proxies. The action falls under President Donald Trump’s Operation Economic Outcast, targeting Iran’s oil revenues. The sanctions freeze their assets under US jurisdiction and prohibit American entities from conducting business with them. (PC: NDTV)