Former Miss Switzerland Beatrice Keul has accused US President Donald Trump of raping her in a New York hotel in 1993, according to a report released by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. Keul, who was 24 at the time, alleged that Trump assaulted her at the Plaza Hotel, leaving her bleeding and bruised. She also claimed he had promised to help secure her US visa and admission to New York University before the alleged incident. The White House has denied the allegations, calling the report politically motivated. The claims have not been established in court. (PC: NDTV)

A limited ceasefire has begun in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and a planned civilian evacuation on Friday. Residents have faced severe shortages of food, water and electricity, with some reportedly cooking garden weeds to survive. Ukrainian officials and Russia’s Defence Ministry said the truce was being observed. The agreement, which the White House said was secured through US First Lady Melania Trump’s mediation, is expected to remain in place until November 1. Kyiv estimates up to 6,000 people, including 200 children, remain in Oleshky and surrounding areas, amid fears over evacuation safety. (PC: BBC)

At least 4 to 5 people were injured after a BMW was deliberately driven into a group in Neustadt am Rübenberge, near Hanover in northern Germany, shortly before midnight on October 26. Police said the victims suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe. A nearby police patrol intervened to prevent further harm, and officers fired shots at the vehicle during the incident. The occupants of the BMW fled the scene and remained at large on Tuesday. Initial information suggests those involved knew each other. Police are investigating the incident, while the motive remains unclear.  (PC: NDTV)

Israelis are voting in a closely contested election shaped by national security, democracy and military service. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, according to recent polling. Neither political bloc is projected to secure the 61 seats needed for a parliamentary majority, raising the possibility of lengthy coalition talks. Opposition parties have criticised Netanyahu over the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and his judicial reform plans. Netanyahu has defended his security record and highlighted ties with US President Donald Trump. The election could determine Israel’s political direction for years. (PC: BBC)

Brazil’s left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s election victory has complicated US President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand Washington’s influence across Latin America. Lula, who won a fourth term, campaigned on defending Brazil’s sovereignty and opposing what he described as US interference. Trump had been closer to Lula’s rival, Flávio Bolsonaro, and criticised the election result while claiming he had not backed either candidate. Brazil’s economic strength, rare earth mineral reserves and independent payment system remain key issues in US-Brazil relations. Despite recent diplomatic improvements, disagreements over trade, regional security and technology could create fresh tensions. (PC: BBC)

Israel is preparing to hold its first parliamentary election since the October 7, 2023, attack that plunged the Middle East into turmoil. The vote will test Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s grip on power, as centrist rivals promise a political shift. Polling is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, with results expected to begin emerging after exit polls are broadcast on state media. Although an initial picture could emerge within hours of polls closing, forming a government may take considerably longer if no party or alliance secures a parliamentary majority. The final tally is expected by October 30, while official results are scheduled for publication on November 4. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump on Monday, October 26, said Brazil’s presidential election appeared “rigged” and “corrupt” after leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term by defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Trump offered no evidence to support his allegations, describing the election as a “terrible look for the world”. Asked whether he would intervene, he replied that he was running the United States, not Brazil. Although Trump said he had not endorsed a candidate, he had publicly promoted former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has refused to concede and called for the results to be annulled, while a Brazilian official expressed confidence Washington would recognise Lula’s victory.

Around 7.3 million eligible voters are set to vote in Israel’s general election on October 27, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking another term. His Likud-led right-wing coalition faces a challenge from an opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Opinion polls suggest neither side is likely to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Smaller parties could therefore play a decisive role in forming the next government. The election comes amid public debate over security failures, the cost of living, military service exemptions and Netanyahu’s leadership following years of conflict. (PC: News18)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday blamed social media for “damaging our democracies” as France faces renewed cost-of-living protests ahead of its presidential election, six months away. Visiting Marseille City Hall, briefly occupied by protesters on October 17, he condemned the looting and vandalism, insisting such incidents must “never” happen again. Macron said authorities must address legitimate public expectations while maintaining order. Officials acknowledged security and intelligence failures and prepared a robust operation for planned weekend demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported 1,435 arrests, 267 injured police officers and gendarmes, and 150 injured protesters, including three seriously. The unrest began with student protests over education conditions before widening. (PC: AFP)

Saudi Arabia has stressed the importance of opening channels for negotiations to prevent further escalation amid threats of possible US strikes on Iran. Riyadh said talks involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan with Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday aimed to prevent escalation and create conditions for an agreement. Discussions were expected to cover Israel’s policies, Lebanon and ongoing US military operations targeting Iran. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that there would be no strike that day, while considering whether to reach an agreement with Tehran or “finish them off”. Iran said diplomacy remained possible, with spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirming indirect messages between Washington and Tehran while criticising US demands. (PC: AP)