A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) was reported at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s Gasa district on October 29, 2026, raising concerns about sudden flooding in neighbouring Indian states. Indian authorities issued a special advisory for West Bengal’s Alipurduar district and Assam’s Dhubri district, warning of a possible sharp rise in the Sankosh River’s water level. Sirens were sounded, and residents in affected areas of Bhutan were reportedly moved to safer locations. West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon urged riverside residents in Kumargram to evacuate as a precaution. Authorities continued monitoring the situation.

Bihar Museum in Patna has secured ninth place on the World’s 100 Best Museums 2026 list, making it Asia’s highest-ranked museum and the only Indian institution featured in the ranking. The list was released by travel guide Worth a Journey. The museum, inaugurated in 2015, showcases Bihar’s rich cultural heritage through ancient sculptures, historical artefacts, coins, manuscripts and folk art. Designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki in collaboration with Opolis Architects, it has emerged as an important cultural landmark. This international recognition highlights India’s historical legacy and strengthens Bihar’s presence on the global cultural map.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attracted attention on social media on October 29, 2026, after videos reportedly showed her cuddling and holding a puppy during her visit to her constituency in Wayanad, Kerala. The affectionate interaction quickly became a talking point online, with the heartwarming moment drawing attention beyond her political engagements. Known for interacting with local residents during constituency visits, Priyanka’s latest viral appearance highlighted a lighter, personal side of the Congress leader. However, independent confirmation of the specific incident and the details of the viral footage could not be verified through available reports. 

The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for direct recruitment to State government jobs, making individuals associated with organisations seeking to change the existing political system through violent means ineligible for employment. The revised guidelines apply to government departments, public sector corporations, boards, and urban and rural local bodies. However, the government clarified that political ideology alone cannot be grounds for disqualification. Addressing concerns about potentially frivolous criminal complaints, it also stated that merely having a first information report (FIR) registered or being under police investigation will not automatically render a candidate ineligible. The changes broaden the parameters used to assess candidates’ character and eligibility for government service. (PC: X)

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said transgressions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China continue because Beijing does not recognise the McMahon Line. Speaking to reporters in Tawang on Thursday, Khandu described the current situation as normal and said Indian armed forces were guarding the border effectively. He explained that Arunachal Pradesh shares an approximately 1,200-kilometre border with Tibet, controlled by China, and that patrols from both sides sometimes cross into areas claimed by the other. These remarks marked his first comments on the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the region. The border remains undefined, contributing to recurring patrol-related transgressions, he said. (PC: The Indian Express)

US Vice President JD Vance has reportedly sent a letter to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei in an effort to revive negotiations and prevent potential American military strikes against Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal, Vance sent the letter at President Donald Trump’s direction to assess whether Washington and Tehran could narrow their differences and avert a possible military campaign. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had received the letter but had not yet responded. The diplomatic outreach comes less than a week before the US congressional midterm elections, as Trump continues warning of renewed military action. US officials have reportedly described a potential operation as a “short but intense” campaign in the coming weeks. (PC: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused foreign entities of interfering in Israel’s elections and bribing voters to favour Arab parties, describing the alleged “Ra’amgate affair” as an “earthquake” and an attack on democracy. In a statement posted under Likud’s banner, he demanded an immediate investigation by Shin Bet and the police. Likud also opposed cooperation between Zionist parties and Arab-led Ra’am and the Joint List, warning against forming a government with their support. Early projections placed Netanyahu’s bloc at approximately 53 seats and the opposition at 48 in the 120-member Knesset. Arab-led parties were projected to win around 19 seats, potentially influencing coalition negotiations, with 61 seats required for a majority. (PC: News18)

As Cyclone Arnab weakened while moving inland, a second weather system intensified into a low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system was likely to move west-northwest and develop into a well-marked low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea and adjoining regions within 72 hours. However, officials had not forecast whether it would strengthen into another cyclone, and no cyclone warning had been issued. Meanwhile, Arnab weakened into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha on Thursday morning. The remnant system was expected to continue moving north and gradually lose strength. (PC: IMD)

Qatar on Thursday denied allegations of interfering in Israel’s elections by allegedly funding efforts to influence Arab voters, accusing Israeli politicians of conducting a disinformation campaign. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the country should not be used as a scapegoat for certain politicians’ political failures. The denial follows a probe by Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, into suspected foreign funding intended to influence voting in Arab communities and increase turnout. With 90% of votes counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc was leading with approximately 53–54 seats, while the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot was expected to win 48. Neither side had secured the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. Arab parties collectively won 19 seats. (PC: Reuters)

CCTV footage has revealed the sequence of events in an alleged murder plot in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Priya Sharma and her alleged partner, gym trainer Pratap Singh, have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill her husband, Shashank Kantharia. On October 26, Priya was seen leaving their Vasundhara home before Pratap allegedly entered and stabbed Shashank while he was sleeping. Neighbours chased and caught Pratap as he fled. Shashank was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Police suspect the alleged affair and Shashank’s plans to move out motivated the attack.