Young Indian Americans are increasingly developing political identities distinct from those of older generations ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and YouGov survey found that Indian Americans aged 18–29 had shifted back towards Democrats, while those over 50 moved in the opposite direction. Younger voters are prioritising affordability, healthcare, environmental issues, social justice and immigrant rights over inherited political affiliations or US-India relations. A Tufts University survey found 65 per cent of Americans aged 18–29 ranked living costs, inflation and healthcare among their top concerns, while 43 per cent reported no party affiliation. Experts highlight growing political engagement and generational diversity within the diaspora. (PC: AFP)

Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, prompting Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to strengthen preparations ahead of its expected landfall on October 28. The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Yanam by Wednesday forenoon, bringing sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph. Authorities are stepping up evacuations, closing educational institutions in vulnerable areas and mobilising rescue teams to protect residents and minimise damage. At 2:30 am on Tuesday, the cyclone was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal and had moved west-northwestwards at 25 kmph during the preceding six hours. (PC: PTI)

China said on Monday that it was strictly abiding by relevant agreements and understandings with India, conducting routine border patrols to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maintain stability. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks after India highlighted recurring friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Ministry of External Affairs had said such tensions typically arise when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns in border areas. Beijing’s response followed comments by Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who said face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops had occurred at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh and that the situation remained ongoing. Both sides emphasised differing accounts of border activities. (PC: The Indian Express)

Twenty-one Indian news publishers have challenged the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, in the Supreme Court, warning that it could threaten press freedom, investigative journalism and confidential sources. The court is scheduled to hear the petition filed by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) on October 27, 2026. The group includes Mukesh Ambani’s Network18, Gautam Adani’s NDTV, the Indian Express and Times Internet. According to a confidential court filing reviewed by Reuters, publishers remain concerned that the law lacks an explicit journalistic exemption, unlike frameworks in the European Union, Singapore and Britain. The association said government assurances on press freedom were insufficient without written protections for journalists. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump on Monday, October 26, said Brazil’s presidential election appeared “rigged” and “corrupt” after leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a fourth term by defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Trump offered no evidence to support his allegations, describing the election as a “terrible look for the world”. Asked whether he would intervene, he replied that he was running the United States, not Brazil. Although Trump said he had not endorsed a candidate, he had publicly promoted former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has refused to concede and called for the results to be annulled, while a Brazilian official expressed confidence Washington would recognise Lula’s victory.

India has renewed its call for comprehensive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, urging permanent members to exercise veto powers with restraint rather than for “narrow political expediency”. Addressing the UN in New York, India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, called for early, time-bound text-based negotiations covering membership categories, regional representation, Council size, working methods and veto powers. He cited 331 vetoes on approximately 200 resolutions throughout the organisation’s history and highlighted informal “de facto vetoes” that can block proposals without formal votes. Aligning with the Common African Position, India insisted that all permanent members of a reformed Council must enjoy equal rights and responsibilities, including veto powers.

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees in India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada as it seeks to control workforce costs while increasing investment in artificial intelligence. The time-limited programme could cover approximately 60,000 employees, more than a quarter of the company’s global workforce, Reuters reported. Microsoft said the offer applies to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across the four countries. Employees are expected to receive details of the programme within hours of the announcement. The initiative allows eligible staff to leave the company voluntarily with support, as the technology giant balances workforce expenses against its expanding AI infrastructure spending. (PC: X)

Around 7.3 million eligible voters are set to vote in Israel’s general election on October 27, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking another term. His Likud-led right-wing coalition faces a challenge from an opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Opinion polls suggest neither side is likely to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Smaller parties could therefore play a decisive role in forming the next government. The election comes amid public debate over security failures, the cost of living, military service exemptions and Netanyahu’s leadership following years of conflict. (PC: News18)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has told the Supreme Court that it has not amended Form 6, used by first-time voters to register. In an affidavit filed on Monday, the poll body said the additional declaration introduced during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a separate document. It helps applicants link their details with earlier voter lists, including records of their parents or grandparents. The ECI acknowledged that displaying the declaration alongside Form 6 online could create confusion. It said the 2 documents were separated online from October 21. The Commission also defended its decision-making process. (PC: News18)

Five people were killed and one was injured in a shooting at Hotel Bilas Inn in Guwahati, Assam, on Monday night. The firing took place around 9 pm in the Bora Service area, police said. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting followed a dispute over the hotel’s lease agreement between the owner and the person who leased the property. Four of the victims belonged to the same family, while the fifth was from their village. The injured person is receiving medical treatment. Police arrested the accused within an hour and seized the licensed pistol allegedly used in the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. (PC: India Today)