US President Donald Trump has ruled out an American military strike on Iran on Sunday, October 25, amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said there would be no strike that day, easing immediate fears of renewed attacks. His statement came a day after he suggested the US could launch fresh military action or reach an agreement with Iran. Trump has insisted that any deal must prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, but uncertainty remains over whether Washington will resume military operations in the coming days. (PC: News18)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a political controversy in Patna after responding to a man in the audience with the remark, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the comment and demanded accountability. However, the man, identified as Santosh Kumar, later claimed his full statement was misunderstood. He said he had meant that Modi would not leave office unless there was a public revolt. Kumar was reportedly beaten by Congress supporters and removed from the venue. The incident triggered a fresh exchange between the BJP and Congress. (PC: NDTV)

October was once a favourite month for many in North India, bringing cooler evenings, festive shopping, cricket matches and the excitement of Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali. However, rising air pollution has changed how people experience the season. In an article published on October 25, 2026, Abhishek Asthana reflects on how October has shifted from a time of comfort and celebration to a period marked by concerns over air quality. He recalls childhood memories of street food, neighbourhood cricket and festive evenings. While the air was not always clean, he argues that pollution has become a much greater concern today. (PC: HT)

Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh turned violent, prompting the Centre to deploy around 250 Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. Local residents and community groups oppose the proposed 11,200 MW project over concerns about displacement, environmental damage and the loss of ancestral land. Protesters have also questioned the survey process and demanded meaningful consultation with affected communities. The unrest reportedly involved damage to government offices, vehicles and properties linked to political leaders. The deployment aims to help maintain law and order as tensions continue over the controversial hydropower project. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has said he needs to stop killing Iranian leaders to determine whom Washington can negotiate with. Speaking at a campaign rally in Georgia, Trump claimed that several levels of Iran’s leadership had been eliminated in US-Israeli airstrikes. The attacks killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was reportedly seriously injured. Trump reiterated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and suggested further military action remained possible. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that renewed war would not change Tehran’s policies, as tensions between the countries continued. (PC: NDTV)

Elon Musk has said SpaceX restricted Ukraine’s Starlink service after accusing its military of violating usage rules through offensive drone strikes. The announcement came as Ukrainian officials reported that connectivity had stabilised following more than a week of problems. Musk said Starlink, a commercial internet service, was not authorised for offensive attacks, while denying responsibility for issues involving Starshield, a separate system controlled by the US government. Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov questioned Musk’s claim, saying Starlink-equipped drones faced speed limits and could not operate inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that connection speeds had improved. (PC: BBC)

Brazilian voters are heading to the polls on October 25 for a closely contested presidential runoff between left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro narrowly led the first round on October 4, securing 47% of votes against Lula’s 45%. With nearly 159 million eligible voters, the outcome could reshape Brazil’s domestic and foreign policies. Lula promises to continue social welfare programmes, while Bolsonaro advocates tougher crime policies and has pledged to pardon his imprisoned father, former president Jair Bolsonaro. The election could also influence Brazil’s relationship with the United States. (PC: The Guardian)

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on October 24, demanding government accountability and an independent inquiry into the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. Organised by the October Council, which represents families of victims and former hostages, the demonstration took place three days before Israel’s October 27 general election. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, joined protesters calling for political change. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has rejected demands for an independent state commission, proposing instead a politically appointed inquiry. Opinion polls indicated a closely contested election, with neither major bloc projected to secure a parliamentary majority. 

Europe witnessed widespread protests on October 24–25, 2026, as demonstrators in France, Albania, Italy, Spain and Portugal raised concerns over rising living costs, housing affordability, education and government policies. In France, police arrested nearly 1,000 people amid clashes, while authorities reported hundreds of thousands attending demonstrations nationwide. In Albania, police used tear gas and rubber bullets during anti-government protests. Italy reported arrests and detentions following clashes in several cities. Meanwhile, housing protests intensified in Spain and Portugal, where soaring rents and eviction policies fuelled public anger. Authorities increased security deployments as demonstrations continued. 

Thousands of people protested against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Organised by the October Council, a group representing families of victims and hostages, the rally called for an independent state commission to investigate how the attack was allowed to happen. The demonstration came just 3 days before Israel’s general election. Netanyahu’s government has rejected calls for an independent inquiry and proposed a commission involving politicians instead. Opposition leaders have opposed the plan, arguing that an independent investigation is necessary to establish accountability.  (PC: X)