Youth-led protests against rising living costs and public spending cuts turned violent in several German cities on Saturday, with shops looted in Frankfurt. Clashes were also reported in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg, where police used water cannon to disperse crowds. Protesters threw stones, bottles and fireworks at emergency workers, while several shops had their windows smashed. Police made multiple arrests in Frankfurt and seized 2 weapons after a suspect was detained. The demonstrations, organised by Gen Z regelt, also opposed cuts to education, healthcare and social services, as well as compulsory military service. Thousands had joined peaceful rallies earlier. (PC: BBC)

Nearly 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across central Delhi ahead of the INDIA bloc’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday. The Opposition plans to march from near Connaught Place to Ramlila Maidan, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The parties expect around 10 lakh participants, while police have planned for a crowd of nearly 50,000. Around 250 CCTV cameras, drones and barricades have been arranged for security. Traffic restrictions will remain in place from 10 am to 5 pm. The BJP has criticised the protest, calling it an attack on democratic institutions. (PC: HT)

Kolkata is set to welcome its first Royal Bengal tiger at the Harinalaya Mini Zoo near Eco Park in New Town. West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon announced that a tiger will be brought from Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri by the beginning of 2027. The enclosure has already been prepared, and the official transfer process has started. The 17-acre mini zoo, established in 2022, currently houses animals including zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses and crocodiles. Initially, only one tiger is planned. The move aims to expand wildlife attractions for visitors during the upcoming New Year season. 

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its owner Rupert Murdoch and two reporters. The case concerned a 2025 report alleging that a letter bearing Trump’s name appeared in an album prepared for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003. Trump denied writing the letter and accused the newspaper of publishing false and defamatory information. Judge Darrin Gayles ruled that Trump failed to establish actual malice, a legal requirement in defamation cases involving public figures. The dismissal with prejudice means the lawsuit cannot be refiled. (PC: Getty Images)

The bodies of all six people killed in a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on October 30 have been recovered, according to the district administration. The private helicopter, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, crashed near Chai village in the Joshimath area while travelling from Badrinath to Dehradun. The deceased included pilot Himanshu Sabharwal and five pilgrims from Karnataka. Difficult mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions hampered the recovery operation. The bodies were taken to a community health centre in Jyotirmath and arrangements were made to transport them to AIIMS Rishikesh for post-mortem examinations. 

The INDIA bloc is organising its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march in Delhi on November 1, culminating in a major rally at Ramlila Maidan against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged participants travelling from different states to support local traders by shopping at small businesses during the festive season. His appeal follows concerns raised by traders’ associations that the rally could disrupt commercial activities and cause significant financial losses. Gandhi maintained that protests and shopping could go together, encouraging visitors to support Delhi’s markets during Diwali preparations. (PC: NDTV)

The INDIA bloc is organising its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march in Delhi on November 1, culminating in a major rally at Ramlila Maidan against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged participants travelling from different states to support local traders by shopping at small businesses during the festive season. His appeal follows concerns raised by traders’ associations that the rally could disrupt commercial activities and cause significant financial losses. Gandhi maintained that protests and shopping could go together, encouraging visitors to support Delhi’s markets during Diwali preparations. (PC: HT)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke met Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Delhi on October 31, thanking her for supporting the organisation’s youth-led protests. Dipke expressed solidarity with the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. However, he clarified that CJP would not formally participate, maintaining its independent and politically neutral identity. Banerjee praised the activists’ efforts and invited them to organise programmes in West Bengal. The opposition rally will demand accountability from the Election Commission. (PC: PTI)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described US Vice President JD Vance’s letter seeking dialogue with Tehran as a positive step towards diplomacy. Speaking to Al Jazeera on October 31, Araghchi said Iran had reviewed the communication but ruled out immediate direct talks with Washington. He warned that another outbreak of war remained possible, stressing that Iranian forces were prepared for all scenarios. Meanwhile, an Iranian delegation travelled to Qatar for discussions through mediators. Tehran is also reviewing proposals concerning its nuclear programme and has set conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)

The Delhi government has introduced strict winter pollution-control measures from November 1, 2026, to improve air quality. Non-Delhi-registered petrol and diesel vehicles below BS-VI emission standards are prohibited from entering the capital until January 31, 2027, with exemptions for electric, CNG and emergency vehicles. Dust-generating outdoor construction and demolition activities are also banned during this period, except for specified essential infrastructure projects. Additionally, government and private offices must implement 50% work-from-home arrangements, while authorised parking charges will double. Authorities will use AI surveillance and number-plate recognition cameras to monitor violations and enforce the restrictions. (PC: The Hindu)