US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran faced “decision time”, as he weighed negotiating a deal with Tehran or resuming military attacks. Trump claimed Washington controlled the Strait of Hormuz and said Iran wanted an agreement to reopen the strategic waterway, but questioned whether Tehran would honour its commitments. He described rising US petrol prices as a small price to pay to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump also said Iranian nuclear sites were under surveillance and warned that Washington was prepared to respond to suspicious activity. Ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, he has hinted at renewed strikes and deployed additional military assets towards the Persian Gulf. (PC: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv on X on Sunday, October 25, two days before Israel’s October 27 election. The image showed a massive mushroom cloud above a densely populated city and accompanied statements by commentator Yuval Blumberg warning of an “existential threat” from Iran. Netanyahu argued that Israel had two more years with US President Donald Trump in office to address the threat. The post drew sharp criticism from political opponents, with two party leaders accusing Netanyahu of using fear to influence voters ahead of the election. The controversy intensified debate over security and electoral messaging.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 80, won an unprecedented fourth presidential term on Sunday, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The surprise result defied opinion polls and bucked a broader right-wing surge across Latin America. Lula, who governed Brazil from 2003 to 2011 and returned to power in 2022, overcame voter concerns about rising prices, corruption scandals and his government’s performance. Flavio, who led the first round, sought to revive his father’s far-right political movement. Despite Lula’s victory, his next term will bring significant challenges, including a conservative Congress and economic pressures that could complicate his policy agenda and governance. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has ruled out an American military strike on Iran on Sunday, October 25, amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said there would be no strike that day, easing immediate fears of renewed attacks. His statement came a day after he suggested the US could launch fresh military action or reach an agreement with Iran. Trump has insisted that any deal must prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, but uncertainty remains over whether Washington will resume military operations in the coming days. (PC: News18)

Tensions escalated at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi on Saturday as police removed protesting students from outside Gate No. 7. Four students have been on a hunger strike for 13 days, demanding the restoration of student union elections. The protest, which began on October 12, intensified amid controversy over campus graffiti reading “Free Kashmir” and “Release Sharjeel Imam”. The BJP questioned Congress MP Imran Masood’s visit to support the protesters, triggering a political row. The university condemned the graffiti and shifted classes online, citing safety concerns. Heavy police deployment continued as students inside the campus raised slogans. (PC: India Today)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a political controversy in Patna after responding to a man in the audience with the remark, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the comment and demanded accountability. However, the man, identified as Santosh Kumar, later claimed his full statement was misunderstood. He said he had meant that Modi would not leave office unless there was a public revolt. Kumar was reportedly beaten by Congress supporters and removed from the venue. The incident triggered a fresh exchange between the BJP and Congress. (PC: NDTV)

October was once a favourite month for many in North India, bringing cooler evenings, festive shopping, cricket matches and the excitement of Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali. However, rising air pollution has changed how people experience the season. In an article published on October 25, 2026, Abhishek Asthana reflects on how October has shifted from a time of comfort and celebration to a period marked by concerns over air quality. He recalls childhood memories of street food, neighbourhood cricket and festive evenings. While the air was not always clean, he argues that pollution has become a much greater concern today. (PC: HT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked US President Donald Trump for stronger public support ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. According to reports, Netanyahu spoke with Trump twice in 3 days and sought additional endorsements as opinion polls showed his coalition trailing the opposition. Three major Israeli television polls projected Netanyahu’s bloc to win around 50 seats in the 120-member Knesset, below the 61 needed for a majority. Trump had already publicly endorsed Netanyahu, warning that his defeat could affect US-Israel relations. The White House has not publicly commented on the reported requests for further support. (PC: News18)

Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh turned violent, prompting the Centre to deploy around 250 Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. Local residents and community groups oppose the proposed 11,200 MW project over concerns about displacement, environmental damage and the loss of ancestral land. Protesters have also questioned the survey process and demanded meaningful consultation with affected communities. The unrest reportedly involved damage to government offices, vehicles and properties linked to political leaders. The deployment aims to help maintain law and order as tensions continue over the controversial hydropower project. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has said he needs to stop killing Iranian leaders to determine whom Washington can negotiate with. Speaking at a campaign rally in Georgia, Trump claimed that several levels of Iran’s leadership had been eliminated in US-Israeli airstrikes. The attacks killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, was reportedly seriously injured. Trump reiterated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and suggested further military action remained possible. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that renewed war would not change Tehran’s policies, as tensions between the countries continued. (PC: NDTV)