UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife, Marie-France Van Heel, hosted a Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street in London on October 27, 2026. The event celebrated Diwali and recognised the cultural contributions of communities observing the festival in Britain. The reception included a traditional candle-lighting ceremony, reflecting Diwali’s symbolism of light triumphing over darkness. The gathering also highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and community participation in British society. Hosting the celebration at the Prime Minister’s official residence continued the tradition of marking the festival at Downing Street. (PC: ANI)

Former Miss Switzerland contestant Beatrice Keul has accused US President Donald Trump of raping her at New York’s Plaza Hotel in 1993, according to a report released by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee. Keul alleged that Trump and Jeffrey Epstein offered assistance with her US visa and university admission before the alleged assault. She claimed the incident left her bruised and bleeding. The report examines alleged connections between Trump, Epstein and a beauty pageant. The White House rejected the accusations, calling them false and politically motivated. Trump has not been charged over Keul’s allegations. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their bravery during a cockpit attack on September 30. Machchhar was seriously injured when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Two off-duty pilots subsequently helped secure the aircraft’s safe landing in Saudi Arabia. UAE leaders praised the crew’s courage and professionalism in protecting passengers. (PC: X)

Cyclone Arnab brought heavy rainfall and destructive winds to coastal Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, October 28, uprooting trees, submerging roads and disrupting electricity supplies. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned residents to remain indoors as the cyclone’s landfall process approached completion. Coastal winds reached 125–135 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 150 kmph. Several areas experienced waterlogging and transport disruptions, while authorities monitored vulnerable coastal settlements and arranged evacuations. The storm affected districts including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety advisories as severe weather continued. 

A Bengaluru woman named Sowpika alleged that a man secretly recorded her while travelling on the Namma Metro near Kadugodi Road in Whitefield around 4:30 pm. She confronted him and demanded to see his phone, but he allegedly refused and fled. Sowpika shared a video of the confrontation on Instagram, expressing distress over the incident and urging people to help identify the man. She said she had lodged an official complaint with metro authorities, who promised to follow up within seven days. She also planned to file a police complaint. 

Delhi Police has registered at least 40 First Information Reports (FIRs) over protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls since October 10. Police teams are examining CCTV footage, mobile recordings and social media videos to identify demonstrators and alleged organisers. The protests, involving student groups, youth organisations and women’s organisations, demanded the withdrawal of SIR and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The cases include alleged violations of prohibitory orders, vandalism and obstruction of public servants. Police have also arrested four occupants of a vehicle allegedly carrying wooden sticks near Connaught Place. (PC: The Hindu)

Polling stations have closed in Israel’s general election after a high voter turnout, with exit polls expected shortly and preliminary results due on Wednesday. All 120 seats in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, are being contested. No single party has ever won an outright majority, making coalition talks crucial to forming the next government. The election is the country’s first legislative vote since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Opinion polls released before voting closed suggested a close contest between the two leaders. (PC: BBC)

Cyclone Arnab is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, between 2 am and 4 am on Wednesday. The storm is likely to bring sustained winds of 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. Andhra Pradesh authorities have evacuated 84,396 people to 290 shelters and placed disaster response teams, the Navy and Coast Guard on alert. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been reported at 161 locations across the state. At least 21 flights and 50 trains have been cancelled. Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand are also under weather alerts. (PC: HT)

Counting of votes for 28 Legislative Council seats across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka began at 8 am on October 27. Polling for the biennial elections was held on October 23, with results expected by Tuesday evening. Uttar Pradesh saw counting for 11 seats, while Bihar had 8 seats at stake. Maharashtra had 5 seats, with 182 candidates in the contest, and Karnataka had 4 seats. The process also faced allegations of irregularities in Bihar, where Jan Suraaj candidate Divya Jyoti questioned the handling of election documents. The Election Commission is overseeing the counting process. (PC: HT)

Israel’s October 27 election could leave the country facing another political deadlock, even if Benjamin Netanyahu or his challenger Gadi Eisenkot wins the most seats. Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has 120 seats, and a government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers. Neither political bloc has a clear path to a majority, according to recent polling. Eisenkot’s opposition alliance may need support from Arab parties to form a government, but he has ruled out aligning with them. Netanyahu could also struggle to secure enough support. If no bloc forms a government, Israel may face fresh elections in 2027. (PC: News18)