Nearly 1,000 people were arrested across France on Saturday as mass protests over rising living costs and poor school conditions ended in clashes. France’s Interior Ministry estimated that 410,000 people joined demonstrations, while unions put the figure at 800,000. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris, Lyon and other cities. Protesters set barricades on fire in Marseille and damaged property in Bordeaux. Around 70,000 police officers were deployed to prevent widespread violence. Two people were seriously injured, officials said. Authorities said the unrest remained less severe than last weekend’s riots, which caused extensive damage. (PC: BBC)

Elon Musk on October 25, 2026, accused Ukraine’s military of violating Starlink’s terms of service by using the satellite internet system for offensive drone strikes. He said SpaceX had closed the loophole that allegedly enabled such use. The accusation came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Starlink and its military counterpart, Starshield, had returned to required operating speeds following more than a week of restrictions. The disruption reportedly affected frontline communications, drone operations and logistics. The episode has intensified tensions between Kyiv and Washington amid disagreements over military support and efforts to end the war. (PC: Reuters)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed fresh attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and airports on October 24, 2026, escalating regional tensions. The group said it targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco facility in Yanbu, the Rabigh oil refinery and other strategic infrastructure. Saudi authorities reported debris from intercepted missiles in Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest cities. However, the Houthis denied targeting either city. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted two ballistic missiles. Separately, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government reported Houthi missile attacks on coast guard installations in Aden, raising fears of wider conflict. (PC: 

Iran on October 24, 2026, warned that any renewed military attack by the United States and Israel could trigger a wider regional conflict. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi declared that Iran would seek victory in what he called an “apocalyptic war.” Iranian military officials also stated that US warships would not be allowed to enter the Persian Gulf. The warnings came amid reports that Washington was considering fresh airstrikes. Tehran has threatened retaliation against Gulf countries and strategic infrastructure, raising concerns about regional security, shipping routes and global energy supplies. (PC: AP)

More than 4 lakh people marched across France on October 24 against rising living costs, economic inequality and cuts to public services. Clashes erupted in Paris as police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse protesters near the end of the march. Some demonstrators threw objects and fireworks at officers. Violence was also reported in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and other cities. France deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s looting. The Interior Ministry estimated 4.1 lakh protesters, while trade unions put turnout at nearly 8 lakh. Authorities reported arrests nationwide. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia said debris from 2 intercepted ballistic missiles fell in areas around Mecca and Medina on Saturday, October 24. The missiles were launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement, according to the Saudi Civil Defence agency. Debris was reported in Wadi Mughamas outside Mecca, as well as locations in Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh. No casualties were reported in the statement. The incident followed a Saudi safety warning covering 4 western provinces. The Houthis separately claimed attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities, including sites in Riyadh and Yanbu, as regional hostilities intensified. (PC:  NDTV)

Indian-American political donors have given significantly more money to Republicans than Democrats ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections, despite voters from the community showing a preference for Democratic candidates.   A review of Federal Election Commission filings found that 11 prominent Indian-American donors contributed around $10.8 million to Republican committees and groups, compared with $3.3 million to Democratic causes.   Palantir executive Shyam Sankar was among the major Republican donors, while venture capitalist Vinod Khosla emerged as a leading supporter of Democrats, contributing about $2.1 million.   The findings highlight a gap between political donations by wealthy Indian-Americans and voting preferences within the wider community. A survey found that 66% of Indian-American respondents favoured Democratic Senate candidates, compared with 18% for Republicans. However, the donor figures cover only selected individuals and do not represent the entire community. (PC: The Indian Express)

Israeli forces have demolished homes and businesses in Hebron in the occupied West Bank, displacing hundreds of Palestinian families, local officials say. The operation began on Friday after 2 Palestinian gunmen killed 2 Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint and injured 3 others. The gunmen were also killed. Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari said more than 1,000 people had been displaced, while other local officials reported at least 200 families affected. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said buildings linked to the attackers would be destroyed. The Palestinian Authority urged urgent international action to prevent further displacement as tensions rise ahead of Israel’s election. (PC: BBC)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed attacks on several Saudi Arabian airports and oil facilities, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport and a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu. The group also said it targeted the Rabigh oil refinery, crude oil pumping stations, the East-West Pipeline, Najran airport and an airbase in Khamis Mushait. Saudi authorities have not confirmed whether the reported targets were hit. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted 2 ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu and Taif. The attacks come amid escalating fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. (PC: India Today)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a pre-cyclone watch for Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26. The system may move towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts by October 28. The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha between October 27 and 29. The storm, if formed, will be named Arnab. Authorities are monitoring the system and preparing for possible severe weather along the eastern coast. (PC: HT)