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)

The Muslim World League has strongly condemned missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Madinah regions, describing them as a violation of the sanctity of Islam’s holy sites. Saudi authorities said air defences intercepted 2 ballistic missiles, with debris falling in areas including Makkah, Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh. The League’s Secretary-General, Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, said the attacks risked hurting the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. He reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect holy sites and civilians. The incidents come amid rising regional tensions and continued Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.  (PC: The Telegraph)

Authorities in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have stepped up preparations as a developing storm over the Bay of Bengal threatens coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the system to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before reaching the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. Winds may reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph. Odisha has deployed around 60 ODRAF teams, 17 NDRF teams and 225 fire service teams. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in 5 districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. Fishermen have been advised to return to shore.

Elon Musk has accused Ukraine’s military of violating Starlink’s terms of service by allegedly using the satellite internet system for offensive drone strikes. Musk said the loophole had been closed the previous week. The allegation came as Ukraine confirmed that Starlink and its military version, Starshield, had returned to normal operating speeds after more than a week of restrictions. Ukrainian officials said the limits had disrupted military operations, including efforts to intercept Russian attack drones. Kyiv has maintained that it does not use Starlink for long-range attacks on Russian territory. Neither Musk nor the US government has publicly accepted responsibility for the restrictions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Thousands of people took to the streets across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania on Saturday, protesting rising living costs, housing shortages, education and government policies. In France, police reported nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide as clashes broke out in several cities. Officers used tear gas and other measures to disperse crowds. In Italy, security was tightened after violence during earlier demonstrations. Albania witnessed fresh anti-government protests, while housing concerns drove rallies in Spain and Portugal. Police also dismantled a protest camp in Lisbon. The demonstrations have increased pressure on European governments to address economic hardship and public anger.  (PC: NDTV)

Iran claimed on Sunday that its air defences shot down a US drone near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, amid rising tensions with Washington. US warships are preparing for possible strikes, with sailors loading weapons and readying aircraft aboard the USS George Washington carrier strike group. President Donald Trump said the US could launch another attack or reach an agreement with Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran said it remained open to negotiations through Pakistan. Regional tensions also escalated as Saudi Arabia intercepted Houthi missiles and a cruise missile aimed at its territory, while Yemen reported attacks on Aden. (PC: The Indian Express)

Hundreds of thousands of people protested across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania and Belgium on Saturday over rising living costs, housing, education and government policies. France reported nearly 1,000 arrests as police used tear gas, water cannon and batons to control clashes. Italy deployed an additional 500 soldiers in Milan following last weekend’s violence. In Barcelona, around 100 people were arrested after shops were looted and fires broke out. Police also used tear gas in Rome, Turin and Brussels. Meanwhile, Portugal saw protests demanding affordable housing, while Albanian students called for lower tuition fees and the prime minister’s resignation. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch fresh strikes against Iran as early as Sunday, October 25, while leaving room for a diplomatic agreement. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Saturday, Trump said military action remained possible but that a deal with Tehran could also be reached. He questioned whether Iran would honour any agreement and said Washington wanted to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran denied reports that it had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade, according to Iranian media reports. (PC: India Today)