Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad are preparing to return home to vote in the October 27 election, which could determine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future. The Fly&Vote initiative estimates that around 67,000 expatriates may travel to Israel to cast their ballots. Israel generally does not allow citizens living overseas to vote by post or at embassies, requiring most to vote in person. Many returning voters oppose Netanyahu’s leadership and hope for a change in government. However, the actual number of returning voters and their political preferences remain uncertain, and the election is expected to be closely contested. (PC: The Telegraph)

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken wanted Indian gangsters Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Kaushik into custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. The arrests took place on October 22 following inputs from Indian agencies, reports said. Bhau, whose real name is Himanshu Ritoliya, is wanted in multiple cases, including murder, attempted murder and extortion. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him in August 2023. Kaushik, also known as Neeraj Faridpuria, faces more than 25 criminal cases, according to reports. Haryana's Special Task Force is coordinating with US authorities to secure their return to India through legal procedures. (PC: X)

Elon Musk has spent more than $442 million supporting Republican candidates and political groups ahead of the US midterm elections, according to a News18 report. The spending highlights the billionaire’s growing role in American politics as Republicans seek to strengthen their position in Congress. Musk, the world’s richest person, has previously supported Republican causes and backed Donald Trump. His financial contributions have made him a major political donor, drawing attention to the influence of wealthy individuals on election campaigns. The midterm elections will determine control of Congress and could shape the direction of the Trump administration’s policies. (PC: News18)

Protests across France turned tense as tens of thousands of people took to the streets, with police firing tear gas in Lyon and Marseille. In Bordeaux, demonstrators tore boards from shops and built barricades. Interior Minister said 135 people had been arrested nationwide. Police in Paris also seized weapons and gas masks. However, the demonstrations have not yet caused the widespread chaos seen during previous protests. Authorities banned several marches and imposed restrictions following last weekend’s riots and looting, which led to more than 2,700 arrests. Rainy weather also helped police maintain control, though tensions could rise after nightfall. (PC: BBC)

Police have arrested another accused in the Tiger Shroff shooting case from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Pranjal Thakran, 22, a resident of Sonipat, Haryana, was arrested during a joint operation by the Mumbai and Indore crime branches on Saturday. He allegedly played a key role in the attack and supplied weapons used in the crime. The arrest comes nearly a week after motorcycle-borne assailants fired five to six rounds at a car in Mumbai’s Juhu area on October 18. Shroff escaped unhurt, while his driver and a vlogger were injured. Police will question Thakran about the alleged conspiracy and his links to other suspects. (PC: HT)

The Centre has praised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reduced taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to lower airline costs. The state has cut VAT on aviation fuel from 29% to 16% at Chennai airport and to 1% at other airports. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu welcomed the decision, saying cooperation between the Centre and states is important to make air travel more affordable. The move comes amid rising crude oil prices and pressure on airlines. Lower fuel costs could improve regional connectivity, though any reduction in ticket prices will depend on airlines. (PC: India Today)

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah has triggered a political controversy after saying Pakistan’s efforts to raise the Kashmir issue internationally are helping protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a party workers’ convention in Baramulla on Saturday, Abdullah questioned the Centre’s intentions towards Kashmiris and asked whether people could expect justice from New Delhi. The BJP strongly criticised his remarks, calling them pro-Pakistan and seditious. BJP leaders demanded a public apology and accused Abdullah of supporting Pakistan’s narrative. Abdullah’s comments have renewed political tensions over Kashmir’s identity, security and relations between India and Pakistan. (PC: The Indian Express)

Odisha has been placed on high alert as a potential cyclone threatens the state, prompting authorities to close educational institutions in 5 southern districts on October 28 and 29. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain closed as a precaution. The India Meteorological Department has warned of a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal, with a possible landfall near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast around October 28. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to prepare for evacuations and keep rescue teams ready. Authorities are also advising fishermen to avoid the sea. (PC: The Indian Express)

The United States is reducing staff at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates following intelligence warnings of alleged Iranian plots targeting American personnel. A memo sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 23 said Iran had significantly increased efforts to target US personnel, with some suspected plots reaching advanced stages. US officials also cited threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The embassies will remain open under restricted operations, while staff in these 4 countries have not been ordered to leave. (PC: X)

Indian-origin British chess player Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest female International Master (IM) at the age of 11, breaking a record held by Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar since 1988.   Bodhana achieved the milestone after defeating Sweden’s Woman International Master Viktoria Johansson at the European Women’s Chess Club Cup in Budva, Montenegro, on Friday. The victory secured her third and final IM norm and helped her cross the required 2,400 rating mark. She scored 5.5 points from 7 games while playing on the top board for her team, She Plays to Win Lionesses. Bodhana is now among the 10 youngest players to achieve the title. (PC: The Hindu)