Elon Musk has said SpaceX restricted Ukraine’s Starlink service after accusing its military of violating usage rules through offensive drone strikes. The announcement came as Ukrainian officials reported that connectivity had stabilised following more than a week of problems. Musk said Starlink, a commercial internet service, was not authorised for offensive attacks, while denying responsibility for issues involving Starshield, a separate system controlled by the US government. Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov questioned Musk’s claim, saying Starlink-equipped drones faced speed limits and could not operate inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that connection speeds had improved. (PC: BBC)

Thousands of voter ID cards were reportedly found scattered along the bank of the Narmada River in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh, triggering a political controversy. The discovery has raised questions about how the electoral identity documents reached the riverbank and whether proper safeguards were followed. The Congress has demanded that a First Information Report (FIR) be registered and that the incident be investigated. Authorities will need to establish the origin of the cards, how they were discarded and whether any electoral rules were violated. The incident has renewed concerns over the handling and security of voter identification documents.   The cards were reportedly found during a riverbank cleanliness drive. Police have received a complaint and directed an investigation. (PC: India Today)

Brazilian voters are heading to the polls on October 25 for a closely contested presidential runoff between left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro narrowly led the first round on October 4, securing 47% of votes against Lula’s 45%. With nearly 159 million eligible voters, the outcome could reshape Brazil’s domestic and foreign policies. Lula promises to continue social welfare programmes, while Bolsonaro advocates tougher crime policies and has pledged to pardon his imprisoned father, former president Jair Bolsonaro. The election could also influence Brazil’s relationship with the United States. (PC: The Guardian)

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on October 24, demanding government accountability and an independent inquiry into the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. Organised by the October Council, which represents families of victims and former hostages, the demonstration took place three days before Israel’s October 27 general election. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, joined protesters calling for political change. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has rejected demands for an independent state commission, proposing instead a politically appointed inquiry. Opinion polls indicated a closely contested election, with neither major bloc projected to secure a parliamentary majority. 

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and filmmaker Payal Kapadia have expressed solidarity with students protesting at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) over alleged campus violence. Shah criticised the BJP government in West Bengal, alleging that students demanding accountability were facing disciplinary action, surveillance and threats of eviction from hostels. Kapadia also raised concerns about student safety and the alleged lack of action against those accused of attacking students. The protesters are demanding Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s resignation. Academic activities remain suspended, with film-making and video classes halted until November 13 amid the ongoing dispute. 

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment after his team suffered consecutive defeats against India in the five-match T20I series. India secured both matches by four wickets, taking a 2-0 lead. Walter said New Zealand performed well for nearly 80% of both games but failed to capitalise on crucial opportunities. He also highlighted fielding mistakes and a no-ball that proved costly. Despite the setbacks, Walter praised his players’ efforts, including Glenn Phillips’ batting and Mitchell Santner’s bowling. New Zealand will aim to bounce back in the third T20I in Wellington. (PC: ANI)

Europe witnessed widespread protests on October 24–25, 2026, as demonstrators in France, Albania, Italy, Spain and Portugal raised concerns over rising living costs, housing affordability, education and government policies. In France, police arrested nearly 1,000 people amid clashes, while authorities reported hundreds of thousands attending demonstrations nationwide. In Albania, police used tear gas and rubber bullets during anti-government protests. Italy reported arrests and detentions following clashes in several cities. Meanwhile, housing protests intensified in Spain and Portugal, where soaring rents and eviction policies fuelled public anger. Authorities increased security deployments as demonstrations continued. 

The Congress on October 25 demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, dissolution of the state Assembly and fresh elections amid renewed violence. Party leader Saptagiri Ulaka accused the state and central governments of failing to restore peace and protect civilians. He cited the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians and subsequent protests across five districts. Congress also demanded time-bound investigations into killings and arson, freedom of movement, rehabilitation of displaced families and an inclusive peace process. The ethnic conflict, which began in May 2023, has killed over 300 people. (PC: Reuters)

India and the European Union are accelerating efforts to finalise their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before the end of 2026, with signing expected around December 17–18 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated Brussels visit. The European Commission has proposed a fast-track approval process to avoid delays caused by translating the agreement into 24 official EU languages. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is expected to visit Brussels to resolve procedural issues. The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, expand market access and strengthen investment ties. If approved and signed on schedule, it could become operational in early 2027. 

Tension arose in Hyderabad’s Old City early Sunday after an egg was allegedly thrown near a Goddess Durga idol immersion procession around 2 am in the Madannapet police station area. The incident triggered protests by devotees, local residents and Hindu organisations, who demanded strict action against those responsible. Police registered a case under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerning deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. One suspect was detained, and CCTV footage is being examined. Police said the situation was peaceful and urged people not to spread rumours as investigations continued.