US midterm victories have intensified pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Democrats capturing both chambers of Congress and several Israel-critical candidates winning seats. Israeli opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of damaging the country’s bipartisan support in Washington, already strained by the Gaza war and joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, while three New York candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani won House seats, advocating an end to US military aid to Israel. However, the progressive camp remains divided, and several pro-Israel candidates also secured victories. A Democratic-controlled Congress could increase scrutiny through hearings, oversight and budgetary measures. (PC: Ind Today)

The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year service extension for the 75% of Agniveers who would otherwise leave the armed forces after completing their initial four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme. Chief of Defence Staff General Subramani announced the decision on Wednesday, describing it as an “important day” for Agniveers and the armed forces. The extension introduces a second engagement period, creating an additional pathway for continued military service. Under the original scheme, launched in 2022, only 25% of Agniveers were eligible for permanent absorption into the military after four years. The latest approval marks a significant change to the scheme’s original service structure. (PC: PTI)

Polish Ambassador to India Piotr Antoni Świtalski has said the 2026 US midterm results demonstrate that “democracies work”, while calling for stronger strategic ties between Warsaw and Washington. Reacting to the Democrats’ victory, which saw them take control of both chambers of Congress from Republicans, he expressed hope that the United States would use its global influence to help resolve ongoing international conflicts. His remarks followed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s October 21-23 visit to India, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders discussed expanding bilateral trade from around $6 billion to $10 billion and strengthening cooperation in defence, AI, semiconductors, green technology and critical minerals. (PC: Times Now)

US Senator Abdul El-Sayed, who became the country’s first Muslim senator after winning Michigan’s Senate race, has family ties to Karnataka through his wife, Dr Sarah Jukaku. Sarah is the granddaughter of JH Shamsuddin Jukaku, a prominent lawyer, educator and politician from Bhatkal who served as deputy finance minister in the erstwhile Mysore State government in 1958. He was also elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly in 1946 and later represented Honnavar in the Mysore Legislative Assembly. Sarah’s father, nephrologist Dr Jukaku S Tayeb, moved to the US in the 1980s. Sarah met El-Sayed at the University of Michigan, and they married in May 2006. (PC: AP)

Republican candidate Bo French has lost the Texas Railroad Commission election to Democratic candidate Jon Rosenthal in the November 3, 2026 US midterm elections. French faced widespread criticism after posting a photograph of South Asian students celebrating at the University of Texas football game and suggesting that Americans were being displaced by foreigners. His remarks triggered strong backlash from Indian-American communities, students and several Republican leaders. Rosenthal declared victory, stating that voters had rejected divisive politics. The result also ends decades of Republican control over the powerful Texas oil and gas regulatory commission. (PC: Reuters)

Indian-American Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has secured her sixth consecutive term representing Washington's 7th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026 US midterm elections. Born in Chennai, Jayapal defeated Republican candidate Nirav Sheth in the Seattle-area constituency. Her victory comes weeks after India's ambassador to the US criticised her remarks questioning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of India's electoral rolls, describing them as unacceptable interference in India's internal affairs. Jayapal had expressed concerns about reported voter deletions and called for free and fair elections. Her re-election ensures her continued presence in US Congress and advocacy on immigration and healthcare. (PC: X)

Billionaire Elon Musk reportedly contributed nearly $500 million to Republican political campaigns during the 2026 US midterm election cycle, becoming the largest individual political donor. More than $276 million was donated since July, primarily through his America PAC and the Republican Senate Leadership Fund. The funding aimed to support Republican candidates in competitive Senate and House races. However, Democrats secured control of both congressional chambers in the November 3 elections. Following the Republican defeat, Musk joked on X that his election-interfering space lasers had failed. His massive political spending has renewed debate over billionaire influence in American elections. (PC: Reuters)

Democrats scored a historic victory in the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, capturing control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. The party flipped several traditionally Republican seats, including victories in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa and South Carolina. The results represent a significant setback for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Voter dissatisfaction over rising living costs, inflation, tariffs and the Iran war reportedly contributed to the Republican losses. The Democratic victory gives the party greater power to challenge Trump's policies and scrutinise his administration during the remaining two years of his presidency. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court on November 4 issued notice to the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a petition challenging Section 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. The provision grants the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners immunity from civil and criminal proceedings for actions performed in their official capacity, even after retirement. Filed by activist and lawyer Arun Kumar Agrawal, the petition argues that such blanket protection is unconstitutional and prevents accountability for alleged misconduct. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant sought responses from the concerned authorities. (PC: India Today)

The 2026 US midterm elections have delivered a series of historic victories, with Black, Indigenous, Latina and LGBTQ candidates breaking long-standing barriers in American politics. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of the United States, winning in Georgia. Deb Haaland made history as the first Native American woman elected governor, while Gina Hinojosa became Texas' first Latina governor. In the Senate, Peggy Flanagan became the first Native American woman elected to the chamber, while Chris Pappas became the first openly gay man elected senator. Abdul El-Sayed also became the first Muslim American elected to the Senate. (PC: X)