New York City’s mayoral race is in its final stage, with voting set for November 4. A RealClearPolitics poll average shows Democrat Zohran Mamdani leading by 14.7 points over independent Andrew Cuomo. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails far behind. Mamdani, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has gained support for his plans on free childcare, rent freeze, and public transport. More than 734,000 people voted early, four times the 2021 figure. Current mayor Eric Adams is not running after earlier controversies. The winner will lead the country’s largest city for the next four years.

BJP West Bengal delivered a viral jab at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's congratulatory post for India's Women's World Cup victory. After Banerjee praised the team on X, writing "the entire nation is incredibly proud," BJP retweeted with "OMG they were playing till 12! But you had told them to be home by 8!" referencing her controversial advice urging women not to venture out late following assault incidents. The comment quickly went viral with memes and witty reactions. Banerjee's earlier statement came after an Odisha student's gang rape in Paschim Bardhaman district, when she advised female boarders to follow hostel rules. The final ended at 12:30 a.m., with India defeating South Africa by 52 runs.(PC: BCCI & CNBC TV18)

A devastating avalanche on Nepal's Mount Yalung Ri killed five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides Monday, with five others injured at the base camp situated at 4,900 meters altitude. Deteriorating weather conditions and snowstorms prevented rescue helicopters from reaching the site, forcing ground teams to proceed on foot. Four injured climbers were evacuated to nearby villages as search operations continue. Mount Yalung Ri, standing at 5,600 meters, is considered ideal for beginner climbers. The tragedy occurred during autumn climbing season when hundreds visit Nepal's smaller peaks between monsoon rains and winter onset. Authorities haven't confirmed victims' nationalities. Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, faces ongoing concerns about climber safety. (PC: X)

The US Treasury Department sanctioned dual Indian-Mexican national Anil Bhardwaj, his wife Indu Rani, three associates, and 16 companies for operating a sophisticated human smuggling organization from Cancun, Mexico. Bhardwaj's HSO smuggled thousands of undocumented migrants from Europe, Middle East, South America, and Asia into America using yachts, marinas, and the Tapachula-Cancun-Mexicali corridor. The organization also engaged in drug trafficking, bribery, and money laundering, generating thousands of dollars per individual while receiving support from Sinaloa Cartel operatives. OFAC designated India-based Veena Shivani Estates, Michigantap Hospitality restaurant, VVN Buildcon, and five other companies for facilitating criminal activities. All property and interests in the US are now blocked. (PC: NDTV)

Sudan's Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, confirmed close coordination with India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure the release of abducted Indian national Adarsh Behera. The 36-year-old Odisha resident from Jagatsinghpur district was kidnapped by rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Al Fashir and reportedly taken to RSF stronghold Nyala in South Darfur. Eltom revealed MEA had previously contacted Sudan regarding another Indian enduring "extremely difficult conditions" for over 500 days. Sudan's civil war between government forces and RSF paramilitary has raged since April 2023, killing thousands and displacing millions. Over 36,000 civilians recently fled Kordofan region as fighting intensifies around strategic locations connecting Darfur with Khartoum. (PC: X & NPR)

Diplomatic representatives from seven nations including Japan, Indonesia, Denmark, Australia, United Kingdom, Bhutan, and South Africa attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Arrah, Bihar, during a two-day visit to study BJP's election campaign strategies. The delegation observed mass participation and grassroots door-to-door campaigning while meeting senior BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Vinod Tawde. They visited BJP State Headquarters in Patna, studying the party's organization, communication strategy, and election management system. Bihar elections occur in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. The contest features NDA versus Mahagathbandhan, with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj contesting all 243 seats independently.(PC:X)

India’s women’s cricket team celebrated their first-ever ODI World Cup title with a special moment on Sunday night. After beating South Africa by 52 runs, the players gathered at the DY Patil Stadium to sing their long-awaited team song. Jemimah Rodrigues revealed that the anthem was created four years ago and was meant to be shared only after winning a world title. The lively chant, “Team India, Team India…,” went viral after BCCI posted the video. The victory marked a historic milestone for Indian women’s cricket, celebrating unity, pride, and a dream finally fulfilled. 

Canada has rejected nearly 74% of Indian student visa applications in August 2025, government data shows. The drop comes as Ottawa tightens visa checks to stop fraud and limit temporary migration. Rejections for Indian applicants have more than doubled since 2023, when only 32% were denied. The number of Indian students applying also fell from 20,900 to just 4,515. Canada’s immigration office says stricter rules and higher financial proof are now required. Indian officials said Canada has long benefited from Indian talent. Universities across Canada report fewer Indian students enrolling in recent years. (PC: NDTV)

Police are investigating if Anthony Williams, 32, accused of stabbing passengers on a Cambridgeshire train, is connected to other knife attacks. Williams faces 11 charges of attempted murder, two for carrying knives, and one for causing harm. One possible link under probe is the stabbing of a 14-year-old in London on Friday. The BBC obtained an image of Williams in a barber’s shop the night before the train attack. A train worker remains in critical but stable condition. Footballer Jonathan Gjoshe was also injured. Huntingdon Station, closed since Saturday’s attack, has now reopened as police continue their inquiries. (PC: BBC)

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur recreated MS Dhoni’s iconic World Cup pose at the Gateway of India on Monday. A day after leading India to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title, she was seen holding the trophy at the famous Mumbai monument. The win ended India’s long wait for an ICC title, after heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017. Harmanpreet said the moment marked “the start of something big” and promised to make winning a habit. She thanked her team and fans, calling the victory a result of years of belief, struggle and destiny. (PC: India Today)