Hundreds of people protested outside Poland's Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw on Friday amid a growing political crisis. The dispute began after judges suspended the court's president, Bogdan Swieczkowski, and his deputy. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government says it is trying to restore judicial independence after years of political interference under the former Law and Justice (PiS) government. However, PiS leaders have called the move illegal. President Karol Nawrocki, an ally of PiS, returned early from a foreign trip. Police arrested three people during the protests. The crisis has raised fresh concerns over the rule of law.  

The United States has approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine in a $2.1 billion deal. The missiles will be funded by European allies and Canada, with no US funds involved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the decision but warned that deliveries could take several years. He urged Washington to speed up supplies as Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Recent Russian strikes left around 200,000 households in the Dnipro region without electricity. Ukraine is facing a shortage of Patriot missiles as demand rises worldwide.  

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is open to calls for a formal apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade. His comments come as King Charles continues his nine-day Caribbean tour. Burnham has offered structured talks with countries affected by slavery but ruled out financial reparations. Barbados and Jamaica welcomed his statement. However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposed an apology, saying Britain had already expressed regret. Caribbean nations have renewed calls for an apology and reparations. King Charles is also expected to address the issue at the Commonwealth meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.  

A five-star hotel in Bengaluru has said that the cause of a swimming pool incident that killed two foreign guests is yet to be established. The victims, from Germany and Slovakia, were staying at Conrad Hotel. A US national and an Indian pool attendant were also injured while trying to rescue them. Both are out of danger. The hotel said it is cooperating with the police investigation. The German guest was brought dead to Manipal Hospital, while the Slovakian guest died despite medical treatment. A complaint has been filed alleging negligence in pool maintenance.

India A recovered from a dramatic batting collapse to finish Day 1 of the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A at 291/7 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 31. Captain Dhruv Jurel led the recovery with an unbeaten 99 off 155 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes. Devdutt Padikkal contributed 80, while Sai Sudharsan scored 41. India A slipped to 160/6 after losing crucial wickets in quick succession. Jurel then built important partnerships with Manav Suthar and Akash Deep, who remained unbeaten on 25. New Zealand's Fraser Sheat claimed four wickets. (PC: BCCI)

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit officially assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retired after approximately 43 years of service. Previously serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit brings nearly four decades of military experience and over 3,500 flying hours across more than 20 aircraft types. An accomplished fighter pilot and experimental test pilot, he has participated in major operations, including Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor. His appointment comes as India continues strengthening air defence, modernisation and indigenous military capabilities. (PC: ANI)

A shocking attack took place at Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, on October 31. A 21-year-old man allegedly entered a classroom during lessons and attacked two Class 10 students with a power saw, leaving one girl critically injured. The second student was wounded while attempting to save her classmate. The accused, identified as Hemanth alias Dummu, fled but was later arrested at Dharmavaram railway station. Both victims were rushed to Anantapur Government General Hospital. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered priority medical treatment and strict legal action against the accused. (PC: ITG)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the INDIA bloc’s symbolic public impeachment proceedings in New Delhi on October 31. Kharge accused Kumar of undermining democracy through alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and claimed that eligible voters were being deprived of their voting rights. He argued that such actions amounted to an attack on the Constitution and said Kumar should face serious consequences, including a treason trial. The opposition also demanded his removal, alleging political bias and electoral manipulation. (PC: X)

An umbrella body of Meitei organisations, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), organised a massive rally in Imphal on October 31, demanding Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s resignation over continued violence and failure to protect indigenous people. Thousands participated following the killing of three Meitei men in a militant ambush. Protesters also demanded the termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo militant groups. The United Naga Council endorsed the rally. Police barricades prevented protesters from approaching key government offices. Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. (PC: PTI)

A shocking incident at Sanskriti Model School in Panchkula, Haryana, left a six-year-old kindergarten girl seriously injured after an eight-year-old Class 3 student allegedly attacked her with stones and a flower pot on October 28. CCTV footage reportedly showed the boy repeatedly hitting her, banging her head against a desk and continuing the assault even after she lost consciousness. The girl was initially taken to a local hospital before being referred to PGIMER Chandigarh for treatment. Police have launched an investigation and are questioning the boy's parents and school management. Haryana's Education Minister has ordered a committee probe into the incident.