Thousands of people protested against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Organised by the October Council, a group representing families of victims and hostages, the rally called for an independent state commission to investigate how the attack was allowed to happen. The demonstration came just 3 days before Israel’s general election. Netanyahu’s government has rejected calls for an independent inquiry and proposed a commission involving politicians instead. Opposition leaders have opposed the plan, arguing that an independent investigation is necessary to establish accountability.  (PC: X)

The Muslim World League has strongly condemned missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Madinah regions, describing them as a violation of the sanctity of Islam’s holy sites. Saudi authorities said air defences intercepted 2 ballistic missiles, with debris falling in areas including Makkah, Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh. The League’s Secretary-General, Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, said the attacks risked hurting the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. He reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect holy sites and civilians. The incidents come amid rising regional tensions and continued Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.  (PC: The Telegraph)

More than 1,300 people were arrested across France on Saturday as hundreds of thousands joined protests over rising living costs and poor school conditions. The Interior Ministry estimated 410,000 participants, while trade unions put the turnout at 800,000. Police deployed around 70,000 officers nationwide and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds in Paris, Lyon and other cities. Protesters set barricades on fire in Marseille and damaged property in Bordeaux. Authorities said 53 police officers were injured. Although most demonstrations remained peaceful, officials said the violence was less severe than last weekend’s unrest, which saw widespread looting and arson. (PC: BBC)

India and the European Union are working to finalise a free trade agreement (FTA) by December, with a signing ceremony expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Brussels around December 17 or 18. The European Commission has proposed a fast-track approval process to avoid delays caused by translating the agreement into 24 official EU languages. The deal’s negotiations were concluded in January 2026, and both sides are now working on procedural approvals. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is expected to visit Brussels to resolve pending issues. If signed on schedule, the agreement could become operational in early 2027. (PC: HT)

Authorities in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have stepped up preparations as a developing storm over the Bay of Bengal threatens coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the system to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before reaching the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. Winds may reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph. Odisha has deployed around 60 ODRAF teams, 17 NDRF teams and 225 fire service teams. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in 5 districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. Fishermen have been advised to return to shore.

India’s PV Sindhu lost to South Korea’s world No. 1 An Se Young in the women’s singles final of the French Open 2026 on Sunday. Sindhu started strongly, winning the opening game 21-16, but An Se Young fought back to take the second game 21-11 and the decider 21-12. The match lasted three games, with the South Korean extending her winning record against Sindhu to 11-0. The victory also secured An Se Young’s third consecutive French Open title. Despite the defeat, Sindhu put up a strong fight against the top-ranked player in world badminton. (PC: NDTV Sports)

India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia as regional tensions rise following multiple missile and drone attacks. Saudi air defences reportedly intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 2 drones within 12 hours. The Indian Embassy urged citizens to follow local laws and warned against filming or sharing information about missile interceptions and impact sites, which could lead to legal consequences. Air India and Air India Express flights to Riyadh and Dammam remain suspended until November 7, while services to Jeddah are suspended until October 31. Indian officials are also assisting travellers affected by flight disruptions. (PC: News18)

Elon Musk has accused Ukraine’s military of violating Starlink’s terms of service by allegedly using the satellite internet system for offensive drone strikes. Musk said the loophole had been closed the previous week. The allegation came as Ukraine confirmed that Starlink and its military version, Starshield, had returned to normal operating speeds after more than a week of restrictions. Ukrainian officials said the limits had disrupted military operations, including efforts to intercept Russian attack drones. Kyiv has maintained that it does not use Starlink for long-range attacks on Russian territory. Neither Musk nor the US government has publicly accepted responsibility for the restrictions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday criticised the BJP over allegations of theft involving donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Speaking in Patna, Kharge invoked Lord Ram and said he should punish those who allegedly misused wealth donated in his name. The case has triggered a political dispute, with the Congress demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the temple trust’s finances. Kharge also criticised the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, describing the opposition to it as a “second war of independence”. He urged people in Bihar to support a wider movement against the exercise. (PC: HT)

Thousands of people took to the streets across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania on Saturday, protesting rising living costs, housing shortages, education and government policies. In France, police reported nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide as clashes broke out in several cities. Officers used tear gas and other measures to disperse crowds. In Italy, security was tightened after violence during earlier demonstrations. Albania witnessed fresh anti-government protests, while housing concerns drove rallies in Spain and Portugal. Police also dismantled a protest camp in Lisbon. The demonstrations have increased pressure on European governments to address economic hardship and public anger.  (PC: NDTV)