Canadian-American voice actor Eric Bauza, known for bringing iconic Looney Tunes characters to life, has died at the age of 46. His family announced his sudden death in a statement shared on Instagram on Sunday. Bauza voiced Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety and several other popular animated characters. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, he died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. A three-time Children’s and Family Emmy Award winner, Bauza also worked on Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Coyote vs. Acme. His death marks a loss for animation fans worldwide. (PC: NBC News)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat in snap parliamentary elections after a student-led movement secured a major victory, according to preliminary results. The Student List was projected to win 52.9% of the vote, while Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party received 1.72 million votes, against the students’ 2.2 million. Turnout reached 69.34%, one of the highest levels in years. Celebrations erupted in Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, with crowds chanting “victory” and setting off fireworks. The movement emerged after a railway station canopy collapse killed 16 people in Novi Sad in 2024, triggering nationwide anti-corruption protests.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat in snap parliamentary elections after a student-led movement secured a major victory, according to preliminary results. The Student List was projected to win 52.9% of the vote, while Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party received 1.72 million votes, against the students’ 2.2 million. Turnout reached 69.34%, one of the highest levels in years. Celebrations erupted in Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, with crowds chanting “victory” and setting off fireworks. The movement emerged after a railway station canopy collapse killed 16 people in Novi Sad in 2024, triggering nationwide anti-corruption protests.

The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata has defended its decision to rusticate 6 students for a year, saying the action followed allegations of vandalism, defacement and physical assault, not peaceful protests. The statement came a day after veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed solidarity with the students and accused the BJP of targeting people who oppose its policies. The institute said it respects peaceful dissent while enforcing disciplinary rules. The ongoing dispute has disrupted academic activities, with classes suspended since September 28. Students have also demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera amid the campus controversy. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a special MP/MLA court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday in a 2018 criminal defamation case over remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The court cited a lack of evidence while delivering its verdict. BJP leader Vijay Mishra filed the complaint on August 4, 2018, over Gandhi’s comments at a campaign rally in Bengaluru during the Karnataka Assembly elections. Gandhi appeared in court for the verdict. He had surrendered and received bail in February 2024. The case involved witness statements and legal challenges over a voice sample before the final hearing. (PC: India Today)

Brazil’s left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won a fourth term in office, defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely fought run-off election. The 80-year-old leader secured just under 52% of the vote and thanked supporters in São Paulo for defending Brazilian democracy. Flávio, who won the first round, called the result “inexplicable” and demanded its annulment. Lula’s victory bucks a wider regional trend towards right-wing leaders in Latin America. Flávio’s father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a sentence under house arrest over a coup plot following his defeat in the previous presidential election. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran against attacking Israel ahead of the country’s October 27 national elections, threatening a “disproportionate” military response. Speaking beside an Arrow missile defence system in Jerusalem, he said Tehran would face far stronger blows than it could imagine. Potential escalation routes include attacks by Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, direct missile strikes, cyber operations and disruptions to maritime traffic. Any confrontation could prompt Israeli retaliation, draw in the United States and threaten regional stability and energy markets. Netanyahu’s warning also carries domestic political significance, reinforcing his security credentials amid electoral uncertainty, although its influence on voters remains unclear.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran faced “decision time”, as he weighed negotiating a deal with Tehran or resuming military attacks. Trump claimed Washington controlled the Strait of Hormuz and said Iran wanted an agreement to reopen the strategic waterway, but questioned whether Tehran would honour its commitments. He described rising US petrol prices as a small price to pay to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump also said Iranian nuclear sites were under surveillance and warned that Washington was prepared to respond to suspicious activity. Ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, he has hinted at renewed strikes and deployed additional military assets towards the Persian Gulf. (PC: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv on X on Sunday, October 25, two days before Israel’s October 27 election. The image showed a massive mushroom cloud above a densely populated city and accompanied statements by commentator Yuval Blumberg warning of an “existential threat” from Iran. Netanyahu argued that Israel had two more years with US President Donald Trump in office to address the threat. The post drew sharp criticism from political opponents, with two party leaders accusing Netanyahu of using fear to influence voters ahead of the election. The controversy intensified debate over security and electoral messaging.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, won an unprecedented fourth presidential term on Sunday, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The surprise result defied opinion polls and bucked a broader right-wing surge across Latin America. Lula, who governed Brazil from 2003 to 2011 and returned to power in 2022, overcame voter concerns about rising prices, corruption scandals and his government’s performance. Flavio, who led the first round, sought to revive his father’s far-right political movement. Despite Lula’s victory, his next term will bring significant challenges, including a conservative Congress and economic pressures that could complicate his policy agenda and governance. (PC: Reuters)