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In just three days, starting with Election Day on November 3, America and the world will know whether the 'midterm curse' strikes US President Donald Trump's Republican Party or whether they escape unscathed, retaining control of Congress. For viewers in India, the biggest challenge on US election night will be the time difference. When Americans head to vote, and the first results start emerging, Indians will be fast asleep.The first US polling stations are scheduled to close at 6 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 3. That translates to 4:30 am on Wednesday, November 4, in India. The final scheduled closures, in parts of Alaska, will come at 1 am Eastern Time, or 11:30 am IST.That gives Indian viewers an election-night window stretching from the early hours of Wednesday morning into late morning. But the results will not arrive all at once. Polls close in waves across the country, and the order in which states shut their polling stations will offer the first indication of how the races are shaping up.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-us-witnesses-122-gun-deaths-every-day-so-why-aren-t-shootings-dominating-the-us-election-debate-1793182457756">US Midterms 2026: US witnesses 122 gun deaths every day, so why aren't shootings dominating the US election debate?</a><h2>When will polls close? Full schedule in Indian time</h2>The first polling stations to close will be in parts of Indiana and Kentucky at 6:00 pm EST on November 3 (4:30 am IST on November 4). The next major wave will begin an hour later, at 5:30 am IST, when polls close in Georgia and several other states.Here is the schedule for every major poll-closing window, converted into Indian Standard Time:4:30 am IST (6 pm ET, November 3)Parts of Indiana and Kentucky in the Eastern Time Zone will be the first to close their polls.5:30 am IST (7 pm ET)Polls will close in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Vermont, as well as the Eastern Time Zone portions of Florida, Indiana and Kentucky. This is an important first window for viewers tracking the Georgia Senate and governor races, as well as the Florida governor contest.6 am IST (7:30 pm ET)North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia will close their polls. The Senate contests in North Carolina and Ohio will be among the races to watch, alongside the Ohio governor election.6:30 am IST (8 pm ET)This is one of the biggest poll-closing waves of the night. Polls will close in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Tennessee. The Central Time Zone portions of Florida, Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas will also close.The Maine Senate race, Michigan Senate and governor contests, and Texas Senate and governor races will enter the reporting window. Pennsylvania, a key state in the battle for the House, will also begin reporting.7 am IST (8:30 pm ET)Polls will close in Arkansas.7:30 am IST (9 pm ET)Another major group of states will close, including Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Wisconsin. The Mountain Time Zone portions of Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas will also close.Viewers should keep an eye on the Arizona governor race, the Iowa Senate and governor contests, the Minnesota and Nebraska Senate races, and the Wisconsin governor election.8:30 am IST (10 pm ET)Polls will close in Montana, Nevada and Utah, along with the Mountain Time Zone portions of Idaho and Oregon. Nevada's governor race and Oregon's governor contest will enter the reporting window.9:30 am IST (11 pm ET)California and Washington will close their polls, along with the Pacific Time Zone portions of Idaho and Oregon. This is the last major wave of closures in the contiguous United States.10:30 am IST (midnight ET, November 4)Polls will close in Hawaii and the Alaska Time Zone portion of Alaska.11:30 am IST (1 am ET, November 4)The final scheduled poll closure will come in the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone portion of Alaska.<h2>Which races should Indian viewers watch?</h2>The biggest question on election night will be which party controls the two chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. They are separate contests, and the results need not point in the same direction.The Senate races in Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Maine, Michigan, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Alaska will be among the contests to follow as the night progresses. Several governorships are also up for grabs, including in Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Arizona, Wisconsin and Nevada.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-talarico-vs-paxton-el-sayed-vs-rogers-graham-vs-andrews-key-senate-house-battles-and-the-numbers-that-could-decide-congress-1793088887141">US midterms 2026: Talarico vs Paxton, El-Sayed vs Rogers and more – Key Senate, House battles and the numbers that could decide Congress</a>The House race is more complicated. All 435 voting seats are up for election, and control of the chamber will depend on the outcome of dozens of competitive district contests across the country. The large 6:30 am IST and 7:30 am IST windows will be particularly important for tracking the House map.<h2>Why the 'midterm curse' matters for Trump</h2>Midterm elections are held halfway through a US president's four-year term. Historically, the president's party has often lost seats in Congress during these elections, making the results an important test of the administration's standing and its ability to govern.For Trump, the outcome will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress and how much room his administration has to push its legislative agenda. If Democrats gain control of either chamber, they could exercise greater oversight of the administration, influence spending and legislation, and shape congressional investigations.The House has 435 voting members, and 218 seats are required for a majority. In the Senate, 100 seats are divided into three election classes. In 2026, 34 regular Senate seats are up for election, alongside a special election in Ohio. A party generally needs 51 seats for a majority, although the vice-president can break a 50-50 tie.<h2>Polls closing does not mean results are final</h2>One of the most important things to remember while following US election coverage from India is that a poll closing time is not a result declaration. It simply means voting has ended at the scheduled time and election officials can proceed with counting and reporting.Early leads, while insightful at times, can be misleading. Some states count or report mail-in ballots at different stages from in-person votes. As a result, the first batches of votes may not reflect the final statewide picture. A candidate who leads early could lose that advantage as more ballots are counted.Viewers must also distinguish between a media projection and an official result. News organisations may call a race when their analysis indicates that the remaining uncounted votes are not enough to change the outcome. That is not the same as the state formally certifying the result.Close contests can take hours or even days to resolve. Recounts, outstanding mail ballots and narrow margins can delay a definitive outcome. Therefore, a state showing a candidate ahead is not necessarily a state that has been called.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-dead-for-years-paedophile-jeffrey-epstein-finds-mention-in-over-500-campaign-ads-texas-alone-spent-10-million-1792839624663">US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million</a><h2>When should viewers in India tune in?</h2>For those following the election live, the first alarm would need to be set for 4:30 am IST on Wednesday, November 4, when the first polls close in parts of Indiana and Kentucky.The most consequential early window will begin around 5:30 am IST and continue through 7:30 am IST, as large groups of states close their polls and key Senate, governor and House races begin reporting. By 9:30 am IST, polls will have closed across the contiguous United States. Alaska will bring the scheduled closures to an end at 11:30 am IST.But viewers should be prepared for a longer wait for the final picture. The first leads may emerge soon after polls close, but the battle for control of Congress could remain undecided well beyond the morning in India. &nbsp;

US midterm polls begin closing at 4:30 am IST on November 4, with the final scheduled closures at 11:30 am. Here is a state-wise guide to poll timings, key races and how Indian viewers can follow the results.

In just three days, starting with Election Day on November 3, America and the world will know whether the 'midterm curse' strikes US President Donald Trump's Republican Party or whether they escape unscathed, retaining control of Congress. For viewers in India, the biggest challenge on US election night will be the time difference. When Americans head to vote, and the first results start emerging, Indians will be fast asleep. The first US polling stations are scheduled to close at 6 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 3. That translates to 4:30 am on Wednesday, November 4, in India. The final scheduled closures, in parts of Alaska, will come at 1 am Eastern Time, or 11:30 am IST. That gives Indian viewers an election-night window stretching from the early hours of Wednesday morning into late morning. But the results will not arrive all at once. Polls close in waves across the country, and the order in which states shut their polling stations will offer the first indication of how the races are shaping up. Also read | US Midterms 2026: US witnesses 122 gun deaths every day, so why aren't shootings dominating the US election debate? When will polls close? Full schedule in Indian time The first polling stations to close will be in parts of Indiana and Kentucky at 6:00 pm EST on November 3 (4:30 am IST on November 4). The next major wave will begin an hour later, at 5:30 am IST, when polls close in Georgia and several other states. Here is the schedule for every major poll-closing window, converted into Indian Standard Time: 4:30 am IST (6 pm ET, November 3) Parts of Indiana and Kentucky in the Eastern Time Zone will be the first to close their polls. 5:30 am IST (7 pm ET) Polls will close in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Vermont, as well as the Eastern Time Zone portions of Florida, Indiana and Kentucky. This is an important first window for viewers tracking the Georgia Senate and governor races, as well as the Florida governor contest. 6 am IST (7:30 pm ET) North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia will close their polls. The Senate contests in North Carolina and Ohio will be among the races to watch, alongside the Ohio governor election. 6:30 am IST (8 pm ET) This is one of the biggest poll-closing waves of the night. Polls will close in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Tennessee. The Central Time Zone portions of Florida, Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas will also close. The Maine Senate race, Michigan Senate and governor contests, and Texas Senate and governor races will enter the reporting window. Pennsylvania, a key state in the battle for the House, will also begin reporting. 7 am IST (8:30 pm ET) Polls will close in Arkansas. 7:30 am IST (9 pm ET) Another major group of states will close, including Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Wisconsin. The Mountain Time Zone portions of Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas will also close. Viewers should keep an eye on the Arizona governor race, the Iowa Senate and governor contests, the Minnesota and Nebraska Senate races, and the Wisconsin governor election. 8:30 am IST (10 pm ET) Polls will close in Montana, Nevada and Utah, along with the Mountain Time Zone portions of Idaho and Oregon. Nevada's governor race and Oregon's governor contest will enter the reporting window. 9:30 am IST (11 pm ET) California and Washington will close their polls, along with the Pacific Time Zone portions of Idaho and Oregon. This is the last major wave of closures in the contiguous United States. 10:30 am IST (midnight ET, November 4) Polls will close in Hawaii and the Alaska Time Zone portion of Alaska. 11:30 am IST (1 am ET, November 4) The final scheduled poll closure will come in the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone portion of Alaska. Which races should Indian viewers watch? The biggest question on election night will be which party controls the two chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. They are separate contests, and the results need not point in the same direction. The Senate races in Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Maine, Michigan, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Alaska will be among the contests to follow as the night progresses. Several governorships are also up for grabs, including in Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Arizona, Wisconsin and Nevada. Also read | US midterms 2026: Talarico vs Paxton, El-Sayed vs Rogers and more – Key Senate, House battles and the numbers that could decide Congress The House race is more complicated. All 435 voting seats are up for election, and control of the chamber will depend on the outcome of dozens of competitive district contests across the country. The large 6:30 am IST and 7:30 am IST windows will be particularly important for tracking the House map. Why the 'midterm curse' matters for Trump Midterm elections are held halfway through a US president's four-year term. Historically, the president's party has often lost seats in Congress during these elections, making the results an important test of the administration's standing and its ability to govern. For Trump, the outcome will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress and how much room his administration has to push its legislative agenda. If Democrats gain control of either chamber, they could exercise greater oversight of the administration, influence spending and legislation, and shape congressional investigations. The House has 435 voting members, and 218 seats are required for a majority. In the Senate, 100 seats are divided into three election classes. In 2026, 34 regular Senate seats are up for election, alongside a special election in Ohio. A party generally needs 51 seats for a majority, although the vice-president can break a 50-50 tie. Polls closing does not mean results are final One of the most important things to remember while following US election coverage from India is that a poll closing time is not a result declaration. It simply means voting has ended at the scheduled time and election officials can proceed with counting and reporting. Early leads, while insightful at times, can be misleading. Some states count or report mail-in ballots at different stages from in-person votes. As a result, the first batches of votes may not reflect the final statewide picture. A candidate who leads early could lose that advantage as more ballots are counted. Viewers must also distinguish between a media projection and an official result. News organisations may call a race when their analysis indicates that the remaining uncounted votes are not enough to change the outcome. That is not the same as the state formally certifying the result. Close contests can take hours or even days to resolve. Recounts, outstanding mail ballots and narrow margins can delay a definitive outcome. Therefore, a state showing a candidate ahead is not necessarily a state that has been called. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million When should viewers in India tune in? For those following the election live, the first alarm would need to be set for 4:30 am IST on Wednesday, November 4, when the first polls close in parts of Indiana and Kentucky. The most consequential early window will begin around 5:30 am IST and continue through 7:30 am IST, as large groups of states close their polls and key Senate, governor and House races begin reporting. By 9:30 am IST, polls will have closed across the contiguous United States. Alaska will bring the scheduled closures to an end at 11:30 am IST. But viewers should be prepared for a longer wait for the final picture. The first leads may emerge soon after polls close, but the battle for control of Congress could remain undecided well beyond the morning in India.

US midterm polls begin closing at 4:30 am IST on November 4, with the final scheduled closures at 11:30 am. Here is a state-wise guide to poll timings, key races and how Indian viewers can follow the results.

US Midterms 2026 IST guide: What time do polls close and when to watch live in India?

One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, Mayon, fired a dark column of ash over thousands of metres into the sky in a "moderately explosive eruption" on Friday (October 30). The eruption lasted nearly six minutes, sending alert status up to Level 3 in Albay, according to the state seismology office. Following the eruption, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in towns and in the vicinity of Mount Mayon. In response, the country's volcano institute raised the alert level from 2 to 3 on its 0-5 scale, calling for evacuations within six kilometres (3.7 miles) of the crater.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Mayon Volcano is erupting, with its alert status raised to Level 3 in Albay, Philippines.

Residents within the designated danger zone are advised to evacuate.( VC: France Consulta) https://t.co/96UVo3VACi&mdash; Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) <a href="https://x.com/WeatherMonitors/status/2116030064429338865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>New phase of magmatic eruption</h3>The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed in its bulletin that the 3,000-metre (nearly 10,000 feet) ash column gradually moved southwest onto nearby population centres. "Mayon is in a new phase of magmatic eruption, with increased chances of lava flows and hazardous PDCs (pyroclastic density currents)... affecting the upper to middle slopes of the volcano in the immediate days to weeks," the bulletin said. It called on local officials to evacuate areas near the crater, citing the threat "due to PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards", and warned aircraft to steer clear of flying close to the mountain. Standing 2,462 metres (8,000 feet) tall in a striking, near-perfect cone shape roughly 330 kilometres southeast of Manila, Mayon is one of three Philippine volcanoes that have shown heightened activity this year, though none has produced a major eruption so far.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-s-naval-expansion-new-images-hint-at-2027-launch-for-china-s-fourth-aircraft-carrier-1793340525189">Beijing’s naval expansion: New images hint at 2027 launch for China’s fourth aircraft carrier</a>&nbsp;Back in June 2023, authorities relocated more than 12,000 people from Mayon’s lower slopes to evacuation centres as a precaution against ash and toxic gas emissions from the crater. Seismic and volcanic activity are routine occurrences in the Philippines, a consequence of its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where shifting tectonic plates meet. The country’s deadliest eruption in modern history remains Mount Pinatubo’s 1991 blast, which claimed more than 800 lives and sent an ash cloud drifting thousands of kilometres across the region.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed in its bulletin that the 3,000-metre (nearly 10,000 feet) ash column gradually moved southwest onto nearby population centres.

One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, Mayon, fired a dark column of ash over thousands of metres into the sky in a "moderately explosive eruption" on Friday (October 30). The eruption lasted nearly six minutes, sending alert status up to Level 3 in Albay, according to the state seismology office. Following the eruption, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in towns and in the vicinity of Mount Mayon. In response, the country's volcano institute raised the alert level from 2 to 3 on its 0-5 scale, calling for evacuations within six kilometres (3.7 miles) of the crater.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed in its bulletin that the 3,000-metre (nearly 10,000 feet) ash column gradually moved southwest onto nearby population centres.

WATCH: Philippines' Mayon volcano erupts, sends 3,000-metre ash column into sky

China's fourth aircraft carrier, widely believed to be its first nuclear-powered one, could be launched as early as next year as Beijing builds a fleet able to project naval and air power far beyond its shores, according to US researchers, the South China Morning Post reported. A 2027 launch would coincide with the centenary of the People's Liberation Army on August 1. Beijing has previously used major military anniversaries to showcase developments in its armed forces.&nbsp;In an updated assessment on Tuesday (Oct 27), the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said satellite imagery from this month showed the vessel, commonly called the Type 004, at a construction stage similar to that of the Fujian, China's third carrier, in May 2021. The Fujian was launched about a year later, in June 2022. Analysts cautioned, however, that the Type 004's larger size, potentially more complex propulsion system and any unforeseen problems could alter its schedule. Beijing does not disclose construction timelines.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/unclassified-report-reveals-clearest-photo-of-china-s-secret-spaceplane-shenlong-1793173358345">Unclassified report reveals clearest photo of China's secret spaceplane Shenlong</a>&nbsp;The images show the ship in a dry dock at Dalian Shipyard in northeastern China, without its flight deck or island superstructure. A launch does not mean a carrier is ready for service: the Fujian was commissioned only in November last year, more than three years after launch.&nbsp;Brian Hart, deputy director of the CSIS China Power Project and a co-author of the assessment, said a launch by the end of 2027 or early 2028 would not surprise him if Fujian's timeline is followed. CSIS put the unfinished hull at about 322 metres long and 46 metres wide, though final dimensions are unclear. An anonymous imagery analyst estimated the hull at about 327 metres and said the finished ship could reach 339 metres, comparable to the largest US Navy carriers.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-empty-chair-mystery-expels-record-33-communist-party-officials-at-key-party-meeting-as-xi-jinping-tightens-grip-1793339537104">China's 'empty chair' mystery: Xi Jinping tightens grip, expels record 33 Communist party officials at key party meeting</a>&nbsp;Jim Fanell, a retired US Navy captain and former US Pacific Fleet intelligence chief, told the news outlet that the scale and speed of work at Dalian made him more convinced of a launch next year. Bradley Martin, a senior policy researcher at the Rand Corporation, also agreed it was feasible, noting China's experience with naval nuclear power. He warned that if integrating nuclear propulsion proves difficult, two to three years could pass between launch and operational readiness.&nbsp;The Type 004 is also expected to use an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. A 2025 Pentagon report said China aims to build six more carriers by 2035, potentially giving it nine. Fanell said Dalian shows China can build large carriers at two shipyards, but he considered six operational carriers by 2035 more realistic. Hart said simultaneous construction at Dalian and Jiangnan Shipyard, where the Fujian was built, was conceivable.&nbsp;James R. Holmes of the US Naval War College told SCMP that a nine-carrier fleet was feasible and would allow operations in the western Pacific and beyond. Martin said Chinese carriers would likely generate fewer aircraft missions than US ones and be vulnerable in heavily contested waters, but would give Beijing options in conflicts worldwide.

New satellite imagery suggests China’s fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, is taking shape in Dalian and could be launched by 2027, according to defence analysts. 

China's fourth aircraft carrier, widely believed to be its first nuclear-powered one, could be launched as early as next year as Beijing builds a fleet able to project naval and air power far beyond its shores, according to US researchers, the South China Morning Post reported. A 2027 launch would coincide with the centenary of the People's Liberation Army on August 1. Beijing has previously used major military anniversaries to showcase developments in its armed forces. In an updated assessment on Tuesday (Oct 27), the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said satellite imagery from this month showed the vessel, commonly called the Type 004, at a construction stage similar to that of the Fujian, China's third carrier, in May 2021. The Fujian was launched about a year later, in June 2022. Analysts cautioned, however, that the Type 004's larger size, potentially more complex propulsion system and any unforeseen problems could alter its schedule. Beijing does not disclose construction timelines. Also read: Unclassified report reveals clearest photo of China's secret spaceplane Shenlong The images show the ship in a dry dock at Dalian Shipyard in northeastern China, without its flight deck or island superstructure. A launch does not mean a carrier is ready for service: the Fujian was commissioned only in November last year, more than three years after launch. Brian Hart, deputy director of the CSIS China Power Project and a co-author of the assessment, said a launch by the end of 2027 or early 2028 would not surprise him if Fujian's timeline is followed. CSIS put the unfinished hull at about 322 metres long and 46 metres wide, though final dimensions are unclear. An anonymous imagery analyst estimated the hull at about 327 metres and said the finished ship could reach 339 metres, comparable to the largest US Navy carriers. Also read: China's 'empty chair' mystery: Xi Jinping tightens grip, expels record 33 Communist party officials at key party meeting Jim Fanell, a retired US Navy captain and former US Pacific Fleet intelligence chief, told the news outlet that the scale and speed of work at Dalian made him more convinced of a launch next year. Bradley Martin, a senior policy researcher at the Rand Corporation, also agreed it was feasible, noting China's experience with naval nuclear power. He warned that if integrating nuclear propulsion proves difficult, two to three years could pass between launch and operational readiness. The Type 004 is also expected to use an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. A 2025 Pentagon report said China aims to build six more carriers by 2035, potentially giving it nine. Fanell said Dalian shows China can build large carriers at two shipyards, but he considered six operational carriers by 2035 more realistic. Hart said simultaneous construction at Dalian and Jiangnan Shipyard, where the Fujian was built, was conceivable. James R. Holmes of the US Naval War College told SCMP that a nine-carrier fleet was feasible and would allow operations in the western Pacific and beyond. Martin said Chinese carriers would likely generate fewer aircraft missions than US ones and be vulnerable in heavily contested waters, but would give Beijing options in conflicts worldwide.

New satellite imagery suggests China’s fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, is taking shape in Dalian and could be launched by 2027, according to defence analysts.&nbsp;

Beijing’s naval expansion: New images hint at 2027 launch for China’s fourth aircraft carrier

The United Nations General Assembly has given Nepal three more years to prepare for its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category, pushing the deadline to November 24, 2029. The Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus on Friday, extending the preparatory period for both Nepal and Bangladesh.&nbsp;Nepal had asked for the extension in May, saying it needed more time to strengthen its economy, productive capacity and institutions before it loses the special support measures available to LDCs. In its request, Nepal cited changing economic and political conditions at home and abroad, geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global supply chains and possible effects on remittance inflows.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-suspends-high-altitude-trekking-over-avalanche-snowfall-risk-1793121495186">Nepal suspends high-altitude trekking over avalanche, snowfall risk</a>&nbsp;The additional time will allow Nepal to continue implementing its Smooth Transition Strategy and work on measures aimed at strengthening the economy and improving its ability to compete after graduation.&nbsp;"The additional three years are expected to allow Nepal to pursue structural and institutional reforms, strengthen productive capacity and implement its Smooth Transition Strategy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action," the Nepal Mission to the UN said on X.&nbsp;Nepal was originally due to graduate from the LDC category on November 24, 2026 following a General Assembly decision in 2021. The country had been given an exceptional five-year preparatory period instead of the usual three years, in view of the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Nepal's graduation has already been delayed once. The country first met the UN's graduation criteria in 2015 but sought a deferral in 2018, citing the impact of the 2015 earthquake and other disasters.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-on-high-alert-as-cyclone-arnab-approaches-heavy-rain-floods-expected-1793095833980">Nepal on high alert as Cyclone Arnab approaches; heavy rain, floods expected</a>&nbsp;Nepal has been classified as an LDC since 1971. The government says the latest extension will give Nepal more time to strengthen its economic foundations and prepare for the eventual loss of support measures reserved for LDCs. &nbsp;

In May, Nepal requested an extension to prepare its economy for losing LDC benefits, citing global supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and shifting remittance trends.

The United Nations General Assembly has given Nepal three more years to prepare for its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category, pushing the deadline to November 24, 2029. The Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus on Friday, extending the preparatory period for both Nepal and Bangladesh. Nepal had asked for the extension in May, saying it needed more time to strengthen its economy, productive capacity and institutions before it loses the special support measures available to LDCs. In its request, Nepal cited changing economic and political conditions at home and abroad, geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global supply chains and possible effects on remittance inflows. Also read: Nepal suspends high-altitude trekking over avalanche, snowfall risk The additional time will allow Nepal to continue implementing its Smooth Transition Strategy and work on measures aimed at strengthening the economy and improving its ability to compete after graduation. "The additional three years are expected to allow Nepal to pursue structural and institutional reforms, strengthen productive capacity and implement its Smooth Transition Strategy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action," the Nepal Mission to the UN said on X. Nepal was originally due to graduate from the LDC category on November 24, 2026 following a General Assembly decision in 2021. The country had been given an exceptional five-year preparatory period instead of the usual three years, in view of the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nepal's graduation has already been delayed once. The country first met the UN's graduation criteria in 2015 but sought a deferral in 2018, citing the impact of the 2015 earthquake and other disasters. Also read: Nepal on high alert as Cyclone Arnab approaches; heavy rain, floods expected Nepal has been classified as an LDC since 1971. The government says the latest extension will give Nepal more time to strengthen its economic foundations and prepare for the eventual loss of support measures reserved for LDCs.

In May, Nepal requested an extension to prepare its economy for losing LDC benefits, citing global supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and shifting remittance trends.

UN extends Nepal’s LDC graduation period until 2029

Veteran Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg was visibly shaken after discovering that her criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories had been broadcast live, despite her belief that the cameras were off. Goldenberg appeared on Israel's Channel 13 for an interview about her career and contribution to the country's cultural life. The conversation, however, moved towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the actress speaking openly about her disillusionment with Israel and its policies.“I really want to be able to feel happy about being Israeli again,” she said, prompting the interviewer to ask whether she had reached a point where she was no longer happy to be Israeli.“I want to be, but I no longer feel proud to be Israeli,” Goldenberg replied. When an interviewer cautioned that such remarks were “dangerous” to make on television, she responded: “I'm not saying it on air. I'm saying it quietly.”Goldenberg continued with her criticism, apparently unaware that the conversation was being broadcast. The Live TV criticism comes as Israel witnesses a hung election, with the final results showing no party with a clear majority. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud has emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party with 21. The results leave the pro-Netanyahu bloc short of a majority, while the opposition bloc secured 48 seats and Arab parties won a combined 19.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-results-final-vote-tally-made-public-new-knesset-to-be-sworn-in-on-nov-10-how-did-netanyahu-fare-1793327528882">Israel election results: Final vote tally published; new Knesset to be sworn in on Nov 10. Who won, Netanyahu's Likud or Eisenkot’s Yashar?</a><h2>'The occupation brought everything that followed'</h2>The actress, who was born in 1954, said her views had developed over several decades. Recalling the period after the 1967 war, she said it took about 10 years for her generation to recognise what she described as the “sin of the occupation”.“The occupation brought everything that followed. Everything happening now is a consequence of the occupation,” she said.Asked to explain her criticism, Goldenberg pointed to what she called “religious coercion, the settlers, Jewish terrorism, arrogance”.She also said that “a minority has the right to fight for its freedom”. One of the interviewers challenged the remark, saying this could not justify the killing of civilians, Israelis or soldiers.Goldenberg insisted that her criticism came from a deep love for Israel, not a lack of patriotism. “I am a great patriot. I love this country. It's like watching your child become something that makes you say, ‘This is not how I raised you’,” she said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-trump-endorsed-bibi-whole-tide-turned-potus-tries-to-hog-credit-for-netanyahu-s-israel-election-gains-netanyahu-bloc-ahead-after-50-counted-1793166960056">'When Trump endorsed Bibi, the whole tide turned': Trump hogs credit as Netanyahu bloc leads Israel vote after 50% counted</a><h2>Actress realises interview is still live</h2>The exchange took an unexpected turn when Goldenberg realised that the conversation she believed was taking place during a commercial break had been broadcast. “We were on air during that conversation? That's not okay,” she said, visibly distressed.Watch video here:

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfFSysgoHbK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfFSysgoHbK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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She told the interviewers she had not been informed that the cameras were still rolling and thought the programme was on a break. “I don't know what to do with this now. I'm really in shock. You didn't tell me we were on the air. I thought we were on a commercial break,” she said.Later in the interview, Goldenberg addressed viewers and apologised for the way she had expressed herself. She said she was an impulsive person who spoke with considerable passion and had not realised her comments were being broadcast.“I'm a very impulsive person, with tremendous passion when I speak. I'm all fire and flames. I didn't know we were on the air,” she said.<h2>Comments trigger mixed reactions</h2>Goldenberg's remarks drew sharply divided responses online. Some users criticised her comments as unpatriotic, while others praised her for speaking openly about her views.The actress first came to public attention as a teenager through modelling. She later gained recognition for her role in the 1978 Israeli film Ha-Lahaka, (The Troupe).Her interview has brought renewed attention to criticism of Israel's occupation and the divisions surrounding how the country's actions and policies are discussed within Israeli society.

Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg was left stunned after discovering her criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories had been broadcast live on Channel 13. She later apologised, saying she thought the cameras were off. Scroll down to watch video.

Veteran Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg was visibly shaken after discovering that her criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories had been broadcast live, despite her belief that the cameras were off. Goldenberg appeared on Israel's Channel 13 for an interview about her career and contribution to the country's cultural life. The conversation, however, moved towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the actress speaking openly about her disillusionment with Israel and its policies. “I really want to be able to feel happy about being Israeli again,” she said, prompting the interviewer to ask whether she had reached a point where she was no longer happy to be Israeli. “I want to be, but I no longer feel proud to be Israeli,” Goldenberg replied. When an interviewer cautioned that such remarks were “dangerous” to make on television, she responded: “I'm not saying it on air. I'm saying it quietly.” Goldenberg continued with her criticism, apparently unaware that the conversation was being broadcast. The Live TV criticism comes as Israel witnesses a hung election, with the final results showing no party with a clear majority. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud has emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party with 21. The results leave the pro-Netanyahu bloc short of a majority, while the opposition bloc secured 48 seats and Arab parties won a combined 19. Also read | Israel election results: Final vote tally published; new Knesset to be sworn in on Nov 10. Who won, Netanyahu's Likud or Eisenkot’s Yashar? 'The occupation brought everything that followed' The actress, who was born in 1954, said her views had developed over several decades. Recalling the period after the 1967 war, she said it took about 10 years for her generation to recognise what she described as the “sin of the occupation”. “The occupation brought everything that followed. Everything happening now is a consequence of the occupation,” she said. Asked to explain her criticism, Goldenberg pointed to what she called “religious coercion, the settlers, Jewish terrorism, arrogance”. She also said that “a minority has the right to fight for its freedom”. One of the interviewers challenged the remark, saying this could not justify the killing of civilians, Israelis or soldiers. Goldenberg insisted that her criticism came from a deep love for Israel, not a lack of patriotism. “I am a great patriot. I love this country. It's like watching your child become something that makes you say, ‘This is not how I raised you’,” she said. Also read | 'When Trump endorsed Bibi, the whole tide turned': Trump hogs credit as Netanyahu bloc leads Israel vote after 50% counted Actress realises interview is still live The exchange took an unexpected turn when Goldenberg realised that the conversation she believed was taking place during a commercial break had been broadcast. “We were on air during that conversation? That's not okay,” she said, visibly distressed. Watch video here:

Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg was left stunned after discovering her criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories had been broadcast live on Channel 13. She later apologised, saying she thought the cameras were off. Scroll down to watch video.

'Was that on air?': Israeli actress Chelli Goldenberg says she's 'no longer proud to be Israeli', realises interview is live | Watch video

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wrapped up a major political gathering this week by expelling a record 33 officials, with an unprecedented number of empty seats at the meeting indicating the scale of the purges under Xi Jinping. The expulsions took place at this week's fifth plenum, an annual gathering of the party's top leadership. This week's gathering was attended by 279 of the full and alternate members of the CCP’s Central Committee, compared to the 376 members named in 2022. As a result, over 25 per cent of the original cohort were absent, many due to purges, marking the highest number of “empty chairs” at the plenum in modern Chinese history. The excluded members were Zhang Youxia, the former second-in-command to China’s leader in the military hierarchy, and Ma Xingrui, the former party secretary for Xinjiang. “More empty seats underscore the plenum’s focus on Xi’s vision of strict internal discipline,” said Neil Thomas, a senior fellow at the Asia Society think tank, said in a post on social media platform X.<h3>Xi rooting out corruption since 2012</h3>This week's Communist Party plenum centred on a single theme: party governance. Since taking power in 2012, Xi has made rooting out corruption within the party a defining priority, but that campaign has intensified sharply in recent years, taking out officials at the very top of both the party and the military, and fueling speculation that anti-corruption enforcement doubles as a mechanism for removing political rivals or punishing disloyalty. Xi himself seems increasingly impatient with what he views as eroding discipline inside the party, which holds unchecked authority over Chinese state and society. He remarked earlier this year that the party must root out its “sick trees,” describing the anti-corruption drive as a fight with no endpoint. The toll has been especially visible within the Central Military Commission, the body overseeing the People’s Liberation Army, which once held seven members but has been whittled down by successive purges to just two: Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the military’s top anti-corruption official. This week, Zhang was elevated to the Politburo, the Communist Party’s highest decision-making body, making him the sole military figure now sitting at that level of leadership.

The excluded members were Zhang Youxia, the former second-in-command to China’s leader in the military hierarchy, and Ma Xingrui, the former party secretary for Xinjiang.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wrapped up a major political gathering this week by expelling a record 33 officials, with an unprecedented number of empty seats at the meeting indicating the scale of the purges under Xi Jinping. The expulsions took place at this week's fifth plenum, an annual gathering of the party's top leadership. This week's gathering was attended by 279 of the full and alternate members of the CCP’s Central Committee, compared to the 376 members named in 2022. As a result, over 25 per cent of the original cohort were absent, many due to purges, marking the highest number of “empty chairs” at the plenum in modern Chinese history. The excluded members were Zhang Youxia, the former second-in-command to China’s leader in the military hierarchy, and Ma Xingrui, the former party secretary for Xinjiang. “More empty seats underscore the plenum’s focus on Xi’s vision of strict internal discipline,” said Neil Thomas, a senior fellow at the Asia Society think tank, said in a post on social media platform X. Xi rooting out corruption since 2012 This week's Communist Party plenum centred on a single theme: party governance. Since taking power in 2012, Xi has made rooting out corruption within the party a defining priority, but that campaign has intensified sharply in recent years, taking out officials at the very top of both the party and the military, and fueling speculation that anti-corruption enforcement doubles as a mechanism for removing political rivals or punishing disloyalty. Xi himself seems increasingly impatient with what he views as eroding discipline inside the party, which holds unchecked authority over Chinese state and society. He remarked earlier this year that the party must root out its “sick trees,” describing the anti-corruption drive as a fight with no endpoint. The toll has been especially visible within the Central Military Commission, the body overseeing the People’s Liberation Army, which once held seven members but has been whittled down by successive purges to just two: Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the military’s top anti-corruption official. This week, Zhang was elevated to the Politburo, the Communist Party’s highest decision-making body, making him the sole military figure now sitting at that level of leadership.

The excluded members were Zhang Youxia, the former second-in-command to China’s leader in the military hierarchy, and Ma Xingrui, the former party secretary for Xinjiang.

China's 'empty chair' mystery: Xi Jinping tightens grip, expels record 33 Communist party officials at key party meeting

Ilhan Omar’s ex-husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom the feds claim is her brother, described himself as a "gay man" in an academic paper published earlier this year. This revelation could make things worse for Omar, who is already under the scanner amid allegations that she married him in 2009 to help him obtain legal immigration status.&nbsp;"As a gay man of the East African diaspora, my fieldwork was never neutral," he states in a paper titled, "Out in the Field: Notes on Researching Queer Violence in Kenya", published in The Open Review Journal in August this year. Elmi is a doctoral researcher at the University of Bristol, and the piece was first cited by the Daily Caller.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/feds-obtain-dna-evidence-that-could-prove-ilhan-omar-married-her-brother-1792470549843">Feds obtain DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar married her brother: Report</a>&nbsp;According to The New York Post, Elmi came to Minnesota in 2009 to live with Omar and her first husband Ahmed Hirsi. A source told the outlet that one of Hirsi's friends said that Elmi roamed around in "tight female clothing, which is heavily frowned upon in the Somali community." He also described him as an "extremely feminine Somali guy".Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ilhan-omar-breaks-silence-over-alleged-marriage-to-her-brother-1792647466354">Ilhan Omar breaks silence over alleged marriage to her brother; Trump thinks it's 'really good answer'</a>&nbsp;Omar's then husband told his friend that he was his wife's "brother" who had come from London. Hirsi further said that Omar married Elmi "to get him papers and that [Hirsi] was only Islamically married to her," according to the source. Omar and Elmi got divorced in 2017, five years after he left Minnesota.<h2>DNA evidence that Omar married her brother</h2>Omar is being investigated for immigration fraud. If it is proven, she could face denaturalisation and deportation. President Donald Trump has often repeated the claim that she married her brother. In 2016, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security also found evidence of the wrongdoing, according to the New York Times. The case could not move forward as the five-year statute of limitations had run out.&nbsp;Ilhan Omar maintains that she did not commit any such fraud. Homeland Security Investigations had searched Omar’s Washington, DC, home on October 12. Later, it was announced that the Feds had obtained DNA evidence that proved she married her brother. Meanwhile, her lawyers have said there is "no legitimate basis for any suggestion that she has violated any law concerning her citizenship status."

Ilhan Omar's ex-husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, called himself “a gay man” in a scientific paper published in August 2026. Omar is being accused of marrying her brother for immigration purposes. Her first husband also told his friend that Elmi was her brother.   

Ilhan Omar’s ex-husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom the feds claim is her brother, described himself as a "gay man" in an academic paper published earlier this year. This revelation could make things worse for Omar, who is already under the scanner amid allegations that she married him in 2009 to help him obtain legal immigration status. "As a gay man of the East African diaspora, my fieldwork was never neutral," he states in a paper titled, "Out in the Field: Notes on Researching Queer Violence in Kenya", published in The Open Review Journal in August this year. Elmi is a doctoral researcher at the University of Bristol, and the piece was first cited by the Daily Caller. Also Read: Feds obtain DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar married her brother: Report According to The New York Post, Elmi came to Minnesota in 2009 to live with Omar and her first husband Ahmed Hirsi. A source told the outlet that one of Hirsi's friends said that Elmi roamed around in "tight female clothing, which is heavily frowned upon in the Somali community." He also described him as an "extremely feminine Somali guy". Also Read: Ilhan Omar breaks silence over alleged marriage to her brother; Trump thinks it's 'really good answer' Omar's then husband told his friend that he was his wife's "brother" who had come from London. Hirsi further said that Omar married Elmi "to get him papers and that [Hirsi] was only Islamically married to her," according to the source. Omar and Elmi got divorced in 2017, five years after he left Minnesota. DNA evidence that Omar married her brother Omar is being investigated for immigration fraud. If it is proven, she could face denaturalisation and deportation. President Donald Trump has often repeated the claim that she married her brother. In 2016, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security also found evidence of the wrongdoing, according to the New York Times. The case could not move forward as the five-year statute of limitations had run out. Ilhan Omar maintains that she did not commit any such fraud. Homeland Security Investigations had searched Omar’s Washington, DC, home on October 12. Later, it was announced that the Feds had obtained DNA evidence that proved she married her brother. Meanwhile, her lawyers have said there is "no legitimate basis for any suggestion that she has violated any law concerning her citizenship status."

Ilhan Omar's ex-husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, called himself “a gay man” in a scientific paper published in August 2026. Omar is being accused of marrying her brother for immigration purposes. Her first husband also told his friend that Elmi was her brother. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ilhan Omar's alleged brother and ex-husband calls himself a 'gay man' in academic paper - 'extremely feminine Somali guy'

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has thrown Trump's own words back at him, offering to walk through a metal detector if the president will sit for a lie detector. "I'll go through a metal detector if you'll sit for a lie detector... My first question, Epstein. Second question, did you win the 2020 election?" El-Sayed said in response to Trump's comment that the candidate should go through metal detectors if elected.The sharp retort caps a week in which Trump has repeatedly attacked El-Sayed, a Democrat who could make history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.Watch video:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Sen. candidate @AbdulElSayed (D-MI) responds to Trump's comment that he should go through metal detectors if elected: &quot;I'll go through a metal detector if you'll sit for a lie detector... My first question, Epstein. Second question, did you win the 2020 election?&quot; https://t.co/uSRN1f7Pqg&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://x.com/cspan/status/2115976984472006877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump's 'metal detector' remark</h2>On Sunday (Oct 25), at a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, Trump compared US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to 9/11 attackers. Likening voting against the Democrat to the actions of Michigan native ​Todd Beamer and others who fought back against the Flight 93 hijackers, the POTUS said, "Twenty-five years later, Michigan needs to stand up and fight, just like Todd did, to stop a jihadist from walking into ​the Capitol."Trump added that if El-Sayed wins, "he would be the only senator that will have to go through a metal detector before he's allowed to go in the Senate."<h2>POTUS calls El-Sayed's Black and Jewish voters 'crazy'</h2>More recently, on Thursday (Oct 29) during a rally in South Carolina, Trump criticised El-Sayed' voters, singling out Black and Jewish voters who support him, and labelling them "crazy.""When we find some of the things he said were horrible, if you're Black or if you're Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you're crazy. Okay, you're crazy," Trump said at the rally. "You're crazy anyway," he added of El-Sayed's supporters.The remarks, delivered hundreds of miles from Michigan, highlighted Republican efforts to make El-Sayed a central target in political contests beyond the state. Trump's attack on Black and Jewish supporters appeared to revive a 2024 strategy of stoking ethnic tensions to undermine support for Democrats.&nbsp;

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed fired back at US President Donald Trump's metal detector comment, offering to walk through one if the president sits for a lie detector. "My first question, Epstein. Second question, did you win the 2020 election?"

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has thrown Trump's own words back at him, offering to walk through a metal detector if the president will sit for a lie detector. "I'll go through a metal detector if you'll sit for a lie detector... My first question, Epstein. Second question, did you win the 2020 election?" El-Sayed said in response to Trump's comment that the candidate should go through metal detectors if elected. The sharp retort caps a week in which Trump has repeatedly attacked El-Sayed, a Democrat who could make history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. Watch video:

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed fired back at US President Donald Trump's metal detector comment, offering to walk through one if the president sits for a lie detector. "My first question, Epstein. Second question, did you win the 2020 election?"

WATCH: Abdul El-Sayed turns Trump's insult into savage Epstein challenge: ‘Metal detector for me, lie detector for you’

In top stories today Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of using malicious efforts to remain in power following his claim that Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to “steal” Tuesday’s election. This follows the prime minister’s coalition losing its parliamentary majority. Netanyahu, along with his allies, called on the internal security service, Shin Bet, to probe into alleged vote buying and other discrepancies in Palestinian communities in Israel, supposedly funded by foreign groups. However, the leader of the main opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot, accused Netanyahu and his Likud party of attempting to derail the election results.In other big news of the day, A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has raised concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India, prompting the Government of India to issue a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning that water levels could rise sharply along the Sankosh River.Moving on, Veteran Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart, known for playing the iconic Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise and Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek Series, has died at the age of 86. According to his longtime spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak, Stewart died after a brief struggle with "Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.”Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Yemen’s armed forces say they are investigating reports that Houthi forces used projectiles suspected of containing toxic substances in the southwestern province of Taiz, resulting in suspected cases of poisoning and suffocation among civilians and resistance fighters.&nbsp;

Yemeni army investigating reports of Houthi use of toxic gases in Taiz

Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an intra-UT terror financing module in Shopian district following an investigation into suspected financial networks allegedly linked to terrorist activities, leading to the arrest of 10 terrorist associates.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shopian-police-bust-let-trf-linked-financing-module-with-ties-to-inmates-in-jails-1793340191620">READ MORE</a>

Shopian Police bust LeT/TRF-linked financing module with ties to inmates in jails

Iran is seeking to shorten the implementation period of a proposed agreement with the United States from 7 days to 4, as mediators discuss holding a meeting in Turkey before November 4 to avert renewed military confrontation, reported &nbsp;Al Arabiya English.

Iran seeks to shorten peace plan to four days as mediators discuss Turkey meeting

Air pollution from smoke emitted by months of wildfires across Indonesia caused 3,560 deaths in the vast Southeast Asian archipelago in September alone, according to a new scientific report.&nbsp;

Fire pollution killed 3,560 people in Indonesia in September: report

A dangerous glacial lake has burst in the Laya region of Bhutan’s Gasa district, triggering a severe flash flood. The incident is expected to affect not only Bhutan but also border areas of West Bengal and Assam. A red alert has been issued across large parts of Alipurduar district.

Glacial Lake Bursts in Bhutan, Raises Flood Fears in Bengal, Assam

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has raised concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India.

In top stories today Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of using malicious efforts to remain in power following his claim that Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to “steal” Tuesday’s election. This follows the prime minister’s coalition losing its parliamentary majority. Netanyahu, along with his allies, called on the internal security service, Shin Bet, to probe into alleged vote buying and other discrepancies in Palestinian communities in Israel, supposedly funded by foreign groups. However, the leader of the main opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot, accused Netanyahu and his Likud party of attempting to derail the election results. In other big news of the day, A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has raised concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India, prompting the Government of India to issue a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning that water levels could rise sharply along the Sankosh River. Moving on, Veteran Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart, known for playing the iconic Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise and Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek Series, has died at the age of 86. According to his longtime spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak, Stewart died after a brief struggle with "Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.” Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has raised concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India.

Latest News India and World LIVE: Netanyahu accused of using unfair means in election, glacial lake outburst in Bhutan, and more

The votes of 10 US states will decide on Tuesday (Nov 3) if curbing data centre development in their communities is needed to power the AI boom, as growing local resistance meets the need, news agency Reuters reported. Ohio, one of the country's fastest-growing data centre markets, is the focal point. Ballotpedia, a non-partisan research group, says no state has more related measures: 21 proposals in more than a dozen jurisdictions will appear on the ballot.&nbsp;Nationwide, voters in 38 local jurisdictions will consider at least 41 measures to delay, prohibit or tighten requirements on data centres, the large facilities that supply computing power for AI applications. Most states require petition drives or other proof of public support to qualify a measure, so the tally reflects opposition across the political spectrum.&nbsp;Jessica Baker, an organiser with the advocacy group Conserve Ohio, told Reuters that Democrats and Republicans alike back bans on certain facilities. "We all want the same thing," she said. Worries about electricity and water use are driving the push, she said. Even if developers generate their own power through gas turbines or nuclear reactors, many residents do not want the sites nearby, fearing health risks to children such as asthma.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-pound-iran-after-midterms-report-claims-short-operation-coming-amid-trump-s-hints-at-another-epic-fury-1793175188090">US plans to pound Iran after midterms? Report claims ‘short operation’ coming, amid Trump's hints at another Epic Fury</a>&nbsp;Restrictions in Ohio would more likely redirect projects than end them, Baron Fung, who oversees IT infrastructure research at Dell'Oro Group told Reuters. Developers could shift demand to other sites, he said. The industry already contends with years-long waits for grid connections and rising construction costs.&nbsp;Growth suggests local opposition has not meaningfully slowed the sector. John McWilliams, head of data centre insights at Cushman &amp; Wakefield, said US capacity under construction rose 48 per cent, measured in gigawatts, from December 2025 to June 2026. Projects are still moving forward in areas without friction, he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-kyiv-to-beijing-why-the-world-is-watching-us-midterm-elections-2026-1793294298761">From Kyiv to Beijing: Why the world is watching US midterm elections 2026</a>&nbsp;In Sunbury, near Columbus, a measure banning data centres that use more than 25 megawatts could derail Amazon's proposed US$2 billion project. Amazon public policy lead Shannon Kellogg appeared on local television in October to answer questions ahead of the vote.&nbsp;In the same report, an Amazon spokesperson declined to say whether the measures would affect expansion plans. The spokesperson said the company wants to build facilities that support jobs and generate millions in tax payments, and that its commitment to host communities will not change regardless of any single outcome.

Voters in 10 US states will decide on local ballot measures to curb or regulate data centre development as communities push back against the rapid AI infrastructure boom. 

The votes of 10 US states will decide on Tuesday (Nov 3) if curbing data centre development in their communities is needed to power the AI boom, as growing local resistance meets the need, news agency Reuters reported. Ohio, one of the country's fastest-growing data centre markets, is the focal point. Ballotpedia, a non-partisan research group, says no state has more related measures: 21 proposals in more than a dozen jurisdictions will appear on the ballot. Nationwide, voters in 38 local jurisdictions will consider at least 41 measures to delay, prohibit or tighten requirements on data centres, the large facilities that supply computing power for AI applications. Most states require petition drives or other proof of public support to qualify a measure, so the tally reflects opposition across the political spectrum. Jessica Baker, an organiser with the advocacy group Conserve Ohio, told Reuters that Democrats and Republicans alike back bans on certain facilities. "We all want the same thing," she said. Worries about electricity and water use are driving the push, she said. Even if developers generate their own power through gas turbines or nuclear reactors, many residents do not want the sites nearby, fearing health risks to children such as asthma. Also read: US plans to pound Iran after midterms? Report claims ‘short operation’ coming, amid Trump's hints at another Epic Fury Restrictions in Ohio would more likely redirect projects than end them, Baron Fung, who oversees IT infrastructure research at Dell'Oro Group told Reuters. Developers could shift demand to other sites, he said. The industry already contends with years-long waits for grid connections and rising construction costs. Growth suggests local opposition has not meaningfully slowed the sector. John McWilliams, head of data centre insights at Cushman & Wakefield, said US capacity under construction rose 48 per cent, measured in gigawatts, from December 2025 to June 2026. Projects are still moving forward in areas without friction, he said. Also read: From Kyiv to Beijing: Why the world is watching US midterm elections 2026 In Sunbury, near Columbus, a measure banning data centres that use more than 25 megawatts could derail Amazon's proposed US$2 billion project. Amazon public policy lead Shannon Kellogg appeared on local television in October to answer questions ahead of the vote. In the same report, an Amazon spokesperson declined to say whether the measures would affect expansion plans. The spokesperson said the company wants to build facilities that support jobs and generate millions in tax payments, and that its commitment to host communities will not change regardless of any single outcome.

Voters in 10 US states will decide on local ballot measures to curb or regulate data centre development as communities push back against the rapid AI infrastructure boom.&nbsp;

AI boom meets ballot backlash: 10 US states to vote on data center restrictions

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Atlanta, US, to join G20 foreign ministers on Friday (October 30) for a two-day meeting. The meeting will focus on energy, supply chains and keeping sea lanes open, issues that weigh heavily on India’s oil, LNG and fertiliser imports. On the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers meeting, Jaishankar will also attend a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. The US Department of State has convened the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, running from October 30 to 31, 2026. It is being hosted by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Midtown Atlanta. The core focus of the talks centres on the G20's economic mission, economic security, supply chains, freedom of navigation, energy and food security, and major geopolitical crises (such as Ukraine and the Middle East). &nbsp;Top diplomats from G20 nations are participating, including Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.<h3>Key attendees of the meeting</h3>According to a list released by a State Department spokesperson, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is among the heads of delegation, while China is sending Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu rather than Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is also attending the event. Other heads of delegation of different countries include Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi, Australia’s Wong, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkiye’s Hakan Fidan, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Canada’s Anita Anand, South Korea’s Cho Hyun, France’s Jean-Noel Barrot, Germany’s Johann Wadephul, Indonesia’s Arramantha Nasir, Mexico’s Roberto Velasco, Argentina’s Pablo Quirno and Burundi’s Edouard Bizimana for the African Union. Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi will be present at the event. The list names Ed Miliband as Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. On the sidelines of the G20 gathering, a Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting involving the United States, India, Australia, and Japan is taking place to discuss Indo-Pacific strategy, technology, AI, and critical minerals. Following the meeting, Jaishankar is set to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from November 1 to 4. Trump is to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Trump National Doral in Miami on December 14-15. Last time, the Quad foreign ministers met in New Delhi on May 26.

The US Department of State has convened the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, running from October 30 to 31, 2026. It is being hosted by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Midtown Atlanta.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Atlanta, US, to join G20 foreign ministers on Friday (October 30) for a two-day meeting. The meeting will focus on energy, supply chains and keeping sea lanes open, issues that weigh heavily on India’s oil, LNG and fertiliser imports. On the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers meeting, Jaishankar will also attend a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. The US Department of State has convened the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, running from October 30 to 31, 2026. It is being hosted by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Midtown Atlanta. The core focus of the talks centres on the G20's economic mission, economic security, supply chains, freedom of navigation, energy and food security, and major geopolitical crises (such as Ukraine and the Middle East). Top diplomats from G20 nations are participating, including Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. Key attendees of the meeting According to a list released by a State Department spokesperson, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is among the heads of delegation, while China is sending Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu rather than Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is also attending the event. Other heads of delegation of different countries include Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi, Australia’s Wong, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkiye’s Hakan Fidan, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Canada’s Anita Anand, South Korea’s Cho Hyun, France’s Jean-Noel Barrot, Germany’s Johann Wadephul, Indonesia’s Arramantha Nasir, Mexico’s Roberto Velasco, Argentina’s Pablo Quirno and Burundi’s Edouard Bizimana for the African Union. Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi will be present at the event. The list names Ed Miliband as Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. On the sidelines of the G20 gathering, a Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting involving the United States, India, Australia, and Japan is taking place to discuss Indo-Pacific strategy, technology, AI, and critical minerals. Following the meeting, Jaishankar is set to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from November 1 to 4. Trump is to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Trump National Doral in Miami on December 14-15. Last time, the Quad foreign ministers met in New Delhi on May 26.

The US Department of State has convened the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, running from October 30 to 31, 2026. It is being hosted by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Midtown Atlanta.

Jaishankar joins G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Atlanta for two-day talks

A bride in Istanbul has given "being swept off the feet" a new, very literal meaning, as her pre-wedding photoshoot on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait took an unexpected turn. The dream wedding photoshoot nearly turned into a scene straight out of Pixar's "Up" after powerful winds caught a bunch of giant balloons the bride was holding and appeared to lift her off the ground.The dramatic moment was captured on video and is being widely shared on social media. The clip shows the bride struggling to keep her balance as she poses with an oversized balloon bouquet during a pre-wedding photoshoot on October 26.<h2>What happened?</h2>A pre-wedding shoot was reportedly taking place along the Bosphorus waterfront in Istanbul, Turkey, when a sudden gust of wind caught the balloons the bride was holding. Within seconds, the decorations became difficult to control, pulling the bride towards a nearby seawall.Watch the viral video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Her wedding photos almost turned into an airborne search-and-rescue operation 😂

Writer: Sol
https://t.co/fX8Esm5HjC&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2115921617524285947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the footage, she appears to be dragged along as the balloons tug at her, with the situation briefly looking as though she could be carried into the air. A photographer rushed to grab her, stopping her from being pulled further towards a nearby building.Thankfully, the bride escaped without any reported injury and was able to complete the photoshoot.<h2>Bride's balloon mishap leaves social media amused</h2>The unexpected scene quickly caught the attention of social media users, many of whom compared the incident to the animated film 'Up', in which a house is lifted into the sky by thousands of balloons.Others joked that the bride was determined not to let go of her elaborate balloon bouquet, despite the wind threatening to turn the photoshoot into an airborne adventure.The clip has drawn attention for the sudden change from a carefully planned wedding moment to an unexpected struggle against the elements.

A bride's pre-wedding photoshoot in Istanbul nearly turned into an airborne adventure when strong winds caught her giant balloon bouquet and dragged her towards the seawall. A photographer stepped in, and the dramatic moment is now making waves online. Watch video.

A bride in Istanbul has given "being swept off the feet" a new, very literal meaning, as her pre-wedding photoshoot on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait took an unexpected turn. The dream wedding photoshoot nearly turned into a scene straight out of Pixar's "Up" after powerful winds caught a bunch of giant balloons the bride was holding and appeared to lift her off the ground. The dramatic moment was captured on video and is being widely shared on social media. The clip shows the bride struggling to keep her balance as she poses with an oversized balloon bouquet during a pre-wedding photoshoot on October 26. What happened? A pre-wedding shoot was reportedly taking place along the Bosphorus waterfront in Istanbul, Turkey, when a sudden gust of wind caught the balloons the bride was holding. Within seconds, the decorations became difficult to control, pulling the bride towards a nearby seawall. Watch the viral video here:

A bride's pre-wedding photoshoot in Istanbul nearly turned into an airborne adventure when strong winds caught her giant balloon bouquet and dragged her towards the seawall. A photographer stepped in, and the dramatic moment is now making waves online. Watch video.

The Pentagon on Thursday (Oct 29) said it has sacked Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, a high-ranking army strategist serving on the Pentagon’s joint staff, after allegations that he disclosed classified information to the public. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the dismissal in a statement on social media, but refrained from taking Sylvia's name.&nbsp;“Following an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information,” Parnell wrote. “To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further comment will be made regarding the individual or the circumstances of this action.”&nbsp;However, it has now come to light that the fired officer admitted to have leaked classified information about Ukraine and Iran to two reporters from separate outlets over a one-year period, reported Axios, citing an internal report of the investigation shared with it.&nbsp;Sylvia made the admissions on video after failing multiple polygraph tests during the investigation, reported the media house.&nbsp;The report further says that Sylvia communicated with reporters through the encrypted messaging application Signal and met a journalist in person at a Silver Diner in Arlington, Virginia. The meeting came after the journalist's access to Pentagon was revoked.&nbsp;The journalist was reportedly working on a book and met Sylvia twice for which the officer had not sought any clearance or informed the Pentagon’s public affairs office. A senior Pentagon official speaking to Reuters said, “The extent of his leaking became so critical that Secretary Hegseth took immediate action and fired Sylvia in order to protect national security. Urgent action was needed and could not wait another second."&nbsp;However, a colleague of Sylvia told the Washington Post that the general had denied allegations of leaking classified information but acknowledging he had previously communicated with members of the press.&nbsp;

The report further says that Sylvia communicated with reporters through the encrypted messaging application Signal and met a journalist in person.

The Pentagon on Thursday (Oct 29) said it has sacked Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, a high-ranking army strategist serving on the Pentagon’s joint staff, after allegations that he disclosed classified information to the public. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the dismissal in a statement on social media, but refrained from taking Sylvia's name. “Following an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information,” Parnell wrote. “To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further comment will be made regarding the individual or the circumstances of this action.” However, it has now come to light that the fired officer admitted to have leaked classified information about Ukraine and Iran to two reporters from separate outlets over a one-year period, reported Axios, citing an internal report of the investigation shared with it. Sylvia made the admissions on video after failing multiple polygraph tests during the investigation, reported the media house. The report further says that Sylvia communicated with reporters through the encrypted messaging application Signal and met a journalist in person at a Silver Diner in Arlington, Virginia. The meeting came after the journalist's access to Pentagon was revoked. The journalist was reportedly working on a book and met Sylvia twice for which the officer had not sought any clearance or informed the Pentagon’s public affairs office. A senior Pentagon official speaking to Reuters said, “The extent of his leaking became so critical that Secretary Hegseth took immediate action and fired Sylvia in order to protect national security. Urgent action was needed and could not wait another second." However, a colleague of Sylvia told the Washington Post that the general had denied allegations of leaking classified information but acknowledging he had previously communicated with members of the press.

The report further says that Sylvia communicated with reporters through the encrypted messaging application Signal and met a journalist in person.

Fired US general admits to have leaked Iran and Ukraine info, failed multiple polygraph tests: Report

Norway's tourism authority has turned President Donald Trump's insult into a marketing campaign, using his derogatory comment about the country to show off the beauty of its bathrooms. On Sunday (Oct 25) Trump, while venting his anger at not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, had called Norway a "shithouse country" at a rally, adding that he did not want migrants from the Nordic state."We heard some noise about the 'sh**house country'. Well, what we can say, we do have some of the most spectacular toilets in the world. With Love, Visit Norway," the tourism agency said in a Facebook post.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261029/image-1793258679200.png"><figcaption>Image credit: Visitnorway/Facebook</figcaption></figure>It added pictures of some of the elegant latrines it boasts, with the headline "Meet the world's most beautiful (s**t houses) toilets."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/he-was-born-retired-with-3-kids-and-2-mortgages-baby-born-with-a-moustache-video-goes-viral-watch-1792822472580">'Already tired of his 9-to-5': Baby born with a moustache becomes internet sensation, video goes viral | Watch</a>"Norway make shit houses great again!" it wrote, in an apparent dig at Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. "These toilets are worth a visit, both when you really have to go, and when you don't."<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261029/image-1793261148035.png"><figcaption>Image credit: Visitnorway Website</figcaption></figure><h2>Scenic loos, golden seats</h2>The pictures showed one restroom at the bottom of a hill overlooking a fjord. Others are situated next to a river or with various breathtaking panoramas in the country renowned for its rugged countryside."If you are a mere mortal like us and can't afford a gold-plated toilet seat, the Golden loo on the island Senja is the next best thing," the website reads.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261029/image-1793261222489.png"><figcaption>Image credit: Visitnorway Website</figcaption></figure>That's a nod to a famous 18-karat solid gold working toilet sculpture titled 'America', created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, which was famously offered to the Trump White House in 2017, though Trump never owned or installed it. The artwork later sold at Sotheby's for $12.1 million in November 2025.<figure class="image"><img src="https://www.guggenheim.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/installation-maurizio-cattelan-america-ph003.jpg" alt="An installation view of Maurizio Cattelan’s &quot;America&quot; at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York."><figcaption>Image credit: Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation</figcaption></figure><h2>How did Trump insult Norway</h2>Speaking at a rally in Michigan, Trump let rip an insult at the scenic nation, which he believes deprived him of his heart's desire: the Nobel prize. Speaking ahead of next week's US midterm elections, he declared, "Frankly, Norway sucks. Norway has become a shithouse country, actually."Trump said he would welcome immigrants from certain countries but not Norway "because I didn't get the Nobel Prize." This year's peace prize, awarded by a Norwegian committee, went to South African judge and rights defender Navi Pillay.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pov-when-on-your-last-nerve-robot-dances-to-avoid-a-fine-in-front-of-moscow-cop-video-goes-viral-watch-1793250907630">'POV: When on your last nerve': Robot 'dances to avoid a fine' in front of Moscow cop; video goes viral | Watch</a><h2>Oslo unfazed by Trump's remark</h2>However harsh, Trump's comments had little impact in Norway. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide responded by maintaining that the government has no role in the Nobel peace prize. "He (Trump) knows very well that the Nobel Committee is independent. We have reminded him of that, in case anyone is wondering, and that is still the case," he said.&nbsp;

Norway's tourism authority turned President Donald Trump's insult into a genius toilet humour-rich marketing campaign. Using the POTUS's "shithouse country" comment to show off its "most beautiful toilets", the agency did this!

Norway's tourism authority has turned President Donald Trump's insult into a marketing campaign, using his derogatory comment about the country to show off the beauty of its bathrooms. On Sunday (Oct 25) Trump, while venting his anger at not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, had called Norway a "shithouse country" at a rally, adding that he did not want migrants from the Nordic state. "We heard some noise about the 'sh**house country'. Well, what we can say, we do have some of the most spectacular toilets in the world. With Love, Visit Norway," the tourism agency said in a Facebook post. Image credit: Visitnorway/Facebook It added pictures of some of the elegant latrines it boasts, with the headline "Meet the world's most beautiful (s**t houses) toilets." Also read | 'Already tired of his 9-to-5': Baby born with a moustache becomes internet sensation, video goes viral | Watch "Norway make shit houses great again!" it wrote, in an apparent dig at Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. "These toilets are worth a visit, both when you really have to go, and when you don't." Image credit: Visitnorway Website Scenic loos, golden seats The pictures showed one restroom at the bottom of a hill overlooking a fjord. Others are situated next to a river or with various breathtaking panoramas in the country renowned for its rugged countryside. "If you are a mere mortal like us and can't afford a gold-plated toilet seat, the Golden loo on the island Senja is the next best thing," the website reads. Image credit: Visitnorway Website That's a nod to a famous 18-karat solid gold working toilet sculpture titled 'America', created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, which was famously offered to the Trump White House in 2017, though Trump never owned or installed it. The artwork later sold at Sotheby's for $12.1 million in November 2025. Image credit: Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation How did Trump insult Norway Speaking at a rally in Michigan, Trump let rip an insult at the scenic nation, which he believes deprived him of his heart's desire: the Nobel prize. Speaking ahead of next week's US midterm elections, he declared, "Frankly, Norway sucks. Norway has become a shithouse country, actually." Trump said he would welcome immigrants from certain countries but not Norway "because I didn't get the Nobel Prize." This year's peace prize, awarded by a Norwegian committee, went to South African judge and rights defender Navi Pillay. Also read | 'POV: When on your last nerve': Robot 'dances to avoid a fine' in front of Moscow cop; video goes viral | Watch Oslo unfazed by Trump's remark However harsh, Trump's comments had little impact in Norway. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide responded by maintaining that the government has no role in the Nobel peace prize. "He (Trump) knows very well that the Nobel Committee is independent. We have reminded him of that, in case anyone is wondering, and that is still the case," he said.

Norway's tourism authority turned President Donald Trump's insult into a genius toilet humour-rich marketing campaign. Using the POTUS's "shithouse country" comment to show off its "most beautiful toilets", the agency did this!

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has raised concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India, prompting the Government of India to issue a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning that water levels could rise sharply along the Sankosh River.The outburst was reported on Thursday (Oct 29) evening at Shintaphu Lake, located below Wakila Mountain in Lungo, Laya Gewog, in Bhutan's Gasa district. Sirens were sounded to alert people living near riverbanks, while residents in the affected area were reportedly moved to safer ground.Besides Assam's Dhubri district, alerts have been issued across parts of North Bengal, including the Darjeeling hills and Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts.Shintaphu Lake is among Bhutan's 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. An official from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) said a water-level monitoring station was located at Taktsimakhang, but no alert had been triggered there at the time of the initial reports. The extent of the outburst and its downstream impact remained unclear.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-arnab-makes-landfall-on-andhra-coast-storm-surge-alert-in-place-1793154844614">Cyclone Arnab makes landfall on Andhra coast</a><h2>What is a glacial lake outburst flood?</h2>A GLOF occurs when water stored in a lake formed by melting glaciers is suddenly released, often after a natural barrier fails or is breached. The resulting surge can travel rapidly through mountain valleys, carrying debris and damaging settlements, roads, bridges and farmland.Shintaphu Lake lies within Bhutan's Punatsangchhu River basin. The river is known as the Sankosh after it enters India, making a sudden release of water a potential concern for downstream communities.<h2>India issues special flood advisory</h2>In response to the situation, India has warned that a flash flood in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu River could trigger a sudden rise in water levels in Alipurduar district of West Bengal and Dhubri district of Assam.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261030/image-1793335914827.jpeg"></figure>Authorities have issued alerts across parts of North Bengal, including the Darjeeling hills, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in Tufanganj and Boxirhat in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district, along the Sankosh River near the Assam border, while residents are being alerted about the potential threat.

Meanwhile, BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, also issued a critical public safety alert for residents living along the Sankosh River. In a post on X, Bista wrote, "A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported at Lemthang in Bhutan. The overflowing water from the lake is flowing downwards through the Mofu River towards the Sunkosh River. Therefore, everyone living in the catchment areas of the Sunkosh River and all its connected tributaries have been informed to move to a safe distance immediately to protect their lives."

According to the advisory, floodwater was expected to reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours. Authorities in both districts have been urged to closely monitor the situation and take necessary precautionary measures.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/charging-points-in-india-train-coaches-to-be-switched-off-between-11pm-to-5am-here-s-why-1793165172438">Charging points in Indian trains to be switched off between 11pm to 5am. Here's why</a><h2>West Bengal minister urges evacuation</h2>West Bengal Forest Minister and Kumargram MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon urged residents living along the Sankosh River in Alipurduar district to move to safer locations.In a video message posted on Facebook, Oraon warned that a surge of water could reach the river in Kumargram within the next one to one-and-a-half hours. He appealed to residents to evacuate as a precaution and cooperate with the administration.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported at Lemthang in Bhutan. The overflowing water from the lake is flowing downwards through the Mofu River towards the Sunkosh River. 

Therefore, everyone living in the catchment areas of the Sunkosh River and all its connected tributaries have been informed to move to a safe distance immediately to protect their lives.

Everyone in our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region are requested to stay alert.&mdash; Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) <a href="https://x.com/RajuBistaBJP/status/2115875077174796672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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"Everyone in our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region are requested to stay alert," he also added.The Sankosh flows from Bhutan into India and supports communities across parts of northern West Bengal and adjoining Assam. A sudden rise in its water level could threaten riverside settlements, livestock, farmland and infrastructure. Authorities are monitoring the situation as they assess the movement of floodwater and the potential risk to downstream communities.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Monks being evacuated after the flood warning presumably in Punakha. https://t.co/qULz1czOFH&mdash; Abir Ghoshal (@abirghoshal) <a href="https://x.com/abirghoshal/status/2115865434142736607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>A history of devastating GLOFs</h2>In October 1994, Bhutan witnessed one of the most devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disasters along the Punatsang Chhu Valley, Punakha. The partial outburst or collapse of the moraine dam at Lugge Tsho (Luggye Lake), located in the Lunana region of Gasa Dzongkhag, triggered the flood. Roughly 18 million cubic meters (about 18 billion litres) of water rushed down into the river system, cascading down the Pho Chhu and Punatsangchhu valleys, travelling about 100 kilometres to reach Punakha in under five hours. At least 21 people were killed in the surge that swept away homes, livestock (yaks and cattle) and extensive agricultural land. The historic Punakha Dzong fortress also suffered severe structural damage when the floodwaters undermined its perimeter walls.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A glacial lake outburst flood at Bhutan's Shintaphu Lake has prompted India to issue a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning of a sharp rise in water levels along the Sankosh River. All you need to know.

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has raised concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India, prompting the Government of India to issue a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning that water levels could rise sharply along the Sankosh River. The outburst was reported on Thursday (Oct 29) evening at Shintaphu Lake, located below Wakila Mountain in Lungo, Laya Gewog, in Bhutan's Gasa district. Sirens were sounded to alert people living near riverbanks, while residents in the affected area were reportedly moved to safer ground. Besides Assam's Dhubri district, alerts have been issued across parts of North Bengal, including the Darjeeling hills and Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. Shintaphu Lake is among Bhutan's 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. An official from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) said a water-level monitoring station was located at Taktsimakhang, but no alert had been triggered there at the time of the initial reports. The extent of the outburst and its downstream impact remained unclear. Also read | Cyclone Arnab makes landfall on Andhra coast What is a glacial lake outburst flood? A GLOF occurs when water stored in a lake formed by melting glaciers is suddenly released, often after a natural barrier fails or is breached. The resulting surge can travel rapidly through mountain valleys, carrying debris and damaging settlements, roads, bridges and farmland. Shintaphu Lake lies within Bhutan's Punatsangchhu River basin. The river is known as the Sankosh after it enters India, making a sudden release of water a potential concern for downstream communities. India issues special flood advisory In response to the situation, India has warned that a flash flood in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu River could trigger a sudden rise in water levels in Alipurduar district of West Bengal and Dhubri district of Assam. Authorities have issued alerts across parts of North Bengal, including the Darjeeling hills, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in Tufanganj and Boxirhat in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district, along the Sankosh River near the Assam border, while residents are being alerted about the potential threat.

A glacial lake outburst flood at Bhutan's Shintaphu Lake has prompted India to issue a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning of a sharp rise in water levels along the Sankosh River. All you need to know.

India issues flood advisory for West Bengal and Assam after Bhutan's Shintaphu glacial lake outburst

The Trump administration has launched a criminal probe in California centred on claims that thousands of noncitizens are enlisted to vote in the state, issuing subpoenas to election officials as part of the effort. The development comes just days before the US midterm elections in which the president’s party is expected to see major losses. Donald Trump has long described California’s elections as “corrupt” and “rigged”, and his administration has recently escalated efforts to cast doubt on election results long before voting has even concluded. Staff in the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder's office confirmed that some of its employees received grand jury subpoenas.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opposition-accuses-netanyahu-of-undermining-election-results-as-coalition-loses-majority-1793327250772">Opposition accuses Netanyahu of undermining election results as coalition loses majority</a><h3>No place for threats and intimidation&nbsp;</h3>Dean Logan, who heads the Los Angeles County registrar’s office, pushed back in a statement, noting that courts have repeatedly upheld that election officials are acting within the law, and that “threats and intimidation have no place in elections.” “At every step, the US Department of Justice has taken a confrontational, adversarial approach,” Logan said. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise," Logan added. This week, the Orange County Registrar of Voters also received a subpoena in the context of a criminal investigation. The office confirmed that the federal grand jury subpoenas demanded “unredacted voter registration information” for 77 possible registrants.

Donald Trump has long described California’s elections as “corrupt” and “rigged”, and his administration has recently escalated efforts to cast doubt on election results long before voting has even concluded.

The Trump administration has launched a criminal probe in California centred on claims that thousands of noncitizens are enlisted to vote in the state, issuing subpoenas to election officials as part of the effort. The development comes just days before the US midterm elections in which the president’s party is expected to see major losses. Donald Trump has long described California’s elections as “corrupt” and “rigged”, and his administration has recently escalated efforts to cast doubt on election results long before voting has even concluded. Staff in the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder's office confirmed that some of its employees received grand jury subpoenas. Also read: Opposition accuses Netanyahu of undermining election results as coalition loses majority No place for threats and intimidation Dean Logan, who heads the Los Angeles County registrar’s office, pushed back in a statement, noting that courts have repeatedly upheld that election officials are acting within the law, and that “threats and intimidation have no place in elections.” “At every step, the US Department of Justice has taken a confrontational, adversarial approach,” Logan said. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise," Logan added. This week, the Orange County Registrar of Voters also received a subpoena in the context of a criminal investigation. The office confirmed that the federal grand jury subpoenas demanded “unredacted voter registration information” for 77 possible registrants.

Donald Trump has long described California’s elections as “corrupt” and “rigged”, and his administration has recently escalated efforts to cast doubt on election results long before voting has even concluded.

Trump administration launches criminal probe into alleged illegal voting by noncitizens in California

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc has secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of the 61 needed for a parliamentary majority, as the Central Elections Committee published the final results of the national election on Friday (Oct 30).Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party with 21. The results leave the pro-Netanyahu bloc short of a majority, while the opposition bloc secured 48 seats and Arab parties won a combined 19.The newly elected 26th Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10. The results will be formally submitted to President Isaac Herzog on November 4, after the completion of checks into possible errors and other enquiries.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-trump-endorsed-bibi-whole-tide-turned-potus-tries-to-hog-credit-for-netanyahu-s-israel-election-gains-netanyahu-bloc-ahead-after-50-counted-1793166960056">'When Trump endorsed Bibi, the whole tide turned': Trump hogs credit as Netanyahu bloc leads Israel vote</a><h2>Israel Elections 2026: Full seat distribution</h2>According to the final tally reported by The Times of Israel, B’Yachad secured 12 seats, while the Joint List won 11. The Democrats and Ra’am each secured eight seats.Yisrael Beytenu, United Torah Judaism and Otzma Yehudit won seven seats apiece, while Shas and Religious Zionism secured six each.Three electoral lists failed to cross Israel’s 3.25 per cent threshold: The Reservists, with 2.7 per cent of the vote; People of Israel, with 1.7 per cent; and Charedi Public, with 0.2 per cent.Voter turnout stood at 77.9 per cent, with 5,716,665 votes cast.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-2026-netanyahu-leads-but-falls-short-of-majority-with-85-of-ballots-counted-arab-parties-could-hold-key-1793220123388">Israel election 2026: Netanyahu leads but falls short of majority</a>

Israel's Central Elections Committee has published the final tally of votes in the 2026 elections. Likud has emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, but can Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc form a government? Here's all you need to know.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc has secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, falling short of the 61 needed for a parliamentary majority, as the Central Elections Committee published the final results of the national election on Friday (Oct 30). Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, followed by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party with 21. The results leave the pro-Netanyahu bloc short of a majority, while the opposition bloc secured 48 seats and Arab parties won a combined 19. The newly elected 26th Knesset is scheduled to be sworn in on November 10. The results will be formally submitted to President Isaac Herzog on November 4, after the completion of checks into possible errors and other enquiries. Also read | 'When Trump endorsed Bibi, the whole tide turned': Trump hogs credit as Netanyahu bloc leads Israel vote Israel Elections 2026: Full seat distribution According to the final tally reported by The Times of Israel, B’Yachad secured 12 seats, while the Joint List won 11. The Democrats and Ra’am each secured eight seats. Yisrael Beytenu, United Torah Judaism and Otzma Yehudit won seven seats apiece, while Shas and Religious Zionism secured six each. Three electoral lists failed to cross Israel’s 3.25 per cent threshold: The Reservists, with 2.7 per cent of the vote; People of Israel, with 1.7 per cent; and Charedi Public, with 0.2 per cent. Voter turnout stood at 77.9 per cent, with 5,716,665 votes cast. Also read | Israel election 2026: Netanyahu leads but falls short of majority

Israel's Central Elections Committee has published the final tally of votes in the 2026 elections. Likud has emerged as the largest party with 27 seats, but can Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc form a government? Here's all you need to know.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of using malicious efforts to remain in power following his claim that Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to “steal” Tuesday’s election. This follows the prime minister’s coalition losing its parliamentary majority. Netanyahu, along with his allies, called on the internal security service, Shin Bet, to probe into alleged vote buying and other discrepancies in Palestinian communities in Israel, supposedly funded by foreign groups. However, the leader of the main opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot, accused Netanyahu and his Likud party of attempting to derail the election results. “It’s already clear that Likud and Netanyahu have embarked on a coordinated, organised campaign seeking to delegitimise the results of the election,” Eisenkot claimed in a video message.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mushroom-murderer-erin-patterson-loses-appeal-against-triple-murder-convictions-as-court-rules-sentence-was-too-lenient-1793317362717">Australian mushroom murderer Erin Patterson loses appeal against triple murder convictions as court rules sentence was too lenient</a><h3>Israel’s president criticises Netanyahu</h3>Government officials, including police and members of the election committee, moved swiftly to distance themselves from the prime minister’s claims. Israel’s president also criticised Netanyahu directly, saying his remarks had “tarnished an entire community.” On Wednesday late evening, Netanyahu shared a Likud statement online that characterised the alleged violations as “an attack on democracy whose purpose is to lead to a foreign takeover of the Knesset, the Islamisation of Israel, and the overthrow of right-wing rule”. Tuesday’s elections left Netanyahu’s far-right coalition without a parliamentary majority after four years in government. But the main Jewish-led opposition bloc also fell short of a majority, handing decisive power to two Arab Israeli parties, the Joint List and Ra’am. When final results were confirmed early Friday local time, Netanyahu’s bloc had secured 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while the rival bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot took 48. The remaining 19 seats went to the Joint List and Ra’am, the strongest showing on record for Arab Israeli parties, a community that accounts for roughly one-fifth of Israel’s population. &nbsp;

Netanyahu, along with his allies, called on the internal security service, Shin Bet, to probe into alleged vote-buying and other discrepancies in Palestinian communities in Israel, supposedly funded by foreign groups. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of using malicious efforts to remain in power following his claim that Arab Israeli parties used foreign backing to “steal” Tuesday’s election. This follows the prime minister’s coalition losing its parliamentary majority. Netanyahu, along with his allies, called on the internal security service, Shin Bet, to probe into alleged vote buying and other discrepancies in Palestinian communities in Israel, supposedly funded by foreign groups. However, the leader of the main opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot, accused Netanyahu and his Likud party of attempting to derail the election results. “It’s already clear that Likud and Netanyahu have embarked on a coordinated, organised campaign seeking to delegitimise the results of the election,” Eisenkot claimed in a video message. Also read: Australian mushroom murderer Erin Patterson loses appeal against triple murder convictions as court rules sentence was too lenient Israel’s president criticises Netanyahu Government officials, including police and members of the election committee, moved swiftly to distance themselves from the prime minister’s claims. Israel’s president also criticised Netanyahu directly, saying his remarks had “tarnished an entire community.” On Wednesday late evening, Netanyahu shared a Likud statement online that characterised the alleged violations as “an attack on democracy whose purpose is to lead to a foreign takeover of the Knesset, the Islamisation of Israel, and the overthrow of right-wing rule”. Tuesday’s elections left Netanyahu’s far-right coalition without a parliamentary majority after four years in government. But the main Jewish-led opposition bloc also fell short of a majority, handing decisive power to two Arab Israeli parties, the Joint List and Ra’am. When final results were confirmed early Friday local time, Netanyahu’s bloc had secured 53 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, while the rival bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot took 48. The remaining 19 seats went to the Joint List and Ra’am, the strongest showing on record for Arab Israeli parties, a community that accounts for roughly one-fifth of Israel’s population.

Netanyahu, along with his allies, called on the internal security service, Shin Bet, to probe into alleged vote-buying and other discrepancies in Palestinian communities in Israel, supposedly funded by foreign groups.&nbsp;

Opposition accuses Netanyahu of undermining election results as coalition loses majority

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro's brief claim that he was the country's rightful "president-elect, was, in fact, a ChatGPT-generated error, said a close ally of the right-wing leader on Thursday (Oct 29). Explaining why the controversial phrase appeared in a letter that was later deleted and revised, Paulo Figueiredo, a right-wing influencer and podcast host who acts as an unofficial spokesperson for the Bolsonaro family in the United States, said OpenAI's ChatGPT had incorporated an outdated draft while helping prepare the letter.In a post on X, Figueiredo maintained that the error did not change Flavio Bolsonaro's position that Brazil's recent election was illegitimate.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flavio-bolsonaro-lands-in-the-us-as-he-flees-after-election-loss-lula-slams-him-for-sneaking-out-of-brazil-1793160607243">Flavio Bolsonaro lands in the US as he flees after election loss; Lula slams him for 'sneaking out' of Brazil</a><h2>What is the controversy around Flavio Bolsonaro's claim?</h2>The Brazilian senator, son of Jair Bolsonaro, had sparked a political controversy on Wednesday (Oct 28) by describing himself as Brazil's rightful "president-elect" and alleging, without evidence, that Sunday's runoff election had been affected by fraud. He lost the contest to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by more than four million votes.About an hour after posting the letter on social media, Bolsonaro deleted it and uploaded a revised version, replacing "president-elect" with "leader of Brazil."<h2>AI allegedly brought back an earlier draft</h2>The sudden change triggered speculation among Brazilian political observers. Figueiredo subsequently attributed the discrepancy to the use of artificial intelligence during the drafting process.According to Figueiredo, the letter had gone through several versions and included inputs from multiple people. Bolsonaro's younger brother, former Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, had sought ChatGPT's assistance in preparing its final version. However, the chatbot allegedly inserted an earlier draft of the letter and an outdated version of Brazil's coat of arms."When generating the document, AI ended up including an earlier version of the text, in which Flavio presented himself as the true 'president-elect'," Figueiredo wrote on X. He said the errors were spotted only after he had circulated the letter among journalists.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flavio-bolsonaro-claims-he-is-brazil-s-elected-president-after-fleeing-to-us-trump-says-he-won-t-get-involved-1793224385997">Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved'</a><h2>“President-elect”</h2>Figueiredo said Bolsonaro eventually chose the word "leader" for legal and moral reasons. He also played down the incident, saying those involved found the mistake "hilarious" and describing the subsequent changes to the letter as "nothing major."Despite the correction, Figueiredo insisted that the senator's position on the election remained unchanged. "In the end, the essential is expressed precisely by Flavio: these elections were illegitimate, he does not recognise the result, and he will continue fighting to restore democracy in Brazil," he said.<h2>Growing political isolation</h2>The controversy comes as Flavio Bolsonaro faces mounting political and legal challenges. The senator arrived in Miami on Wednesday after fleeing Brazil, having refused to comply with a Supreme Court order to surrender his passports as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering. He denies any wrongdoing.His declaration that he was the country's rightful "leader" has also failed to attract backing from key figures within his political camp, leaving him increasingly isolated. Meanwhile, Lula's victory has been recognised by Brazil's federal electoral court, international leaders and election observers, as well as Bolsonaro's own political party.

Duped by AI? A close ally of Flavio Bolsonaro says a ChatGPT-generated error was behind the senator's brief claim that he was Brazil's rightful "president-elect."

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro's brief claim that he was the country's rightful "president-elect, was, in fact, a ChatGPT-generated error, said a close ally of the right-wing leader on Thursday (Oct 29). Explaining why the controversial phrase appeared in a letter that was later deleted and revised, Paulo Figueiredo, a right-wing influencer and podcast host who acts as an unofficial spokesperson for the Bolsonaro family in the United States, said OpenAI's ChatGPT had incorporated an outdated draft while helping prepare the letter. In a post on X, Figueiredo maintained that the error did not change Flavio Bolsonaro's position that Brazil's recent election was illegitimate. Also read | Flavio Bolsonaro lands in the US as he flees after election loss; Lula slams him for 'sneaking out' of Brazil What is the controversy around Flavio Bolsonaro's claim? The Brazilian senator, son of Jair Bolsonaro, had sparked a political controversy on Wednesday (Oct 28) by describing himself as Brazil's rightful "president-elect" and alleging, without evidence, that Sunday's runoff election had been affected by fraud. He lost the contest to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by more than four million votes. About an hour after posting the letter on social media, Bolsonaro deleted it and uploaded a revised version, replacing "president-elect" with "leader of Brazil." AI allegedly brought back an earlier draft The sudden change triggered speculation among Brazilian political observers. Figueiredo subsequently attributed the discrepancy to the use of artificial intelligence during the drafting process. According to Figueiredo, the letter had gone through several versions and included inputs from multiple people. Bolsonaro's younger brother, former Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, had sought ChatGPT's assistance in preparing its final version. However, the chatbot allegedly inserted an earlier draft of the letter and an outdated version of Brazil's coat of arms. "When generating the document, AI ended up including an earlier version of the text, in which Flavio presented himself as the true 'president-elect'," Figueiredo wrote on X. He said the errors were spotted only after he had circulated the letter among journalists. Also read | Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved' “President-elect” Figueiredo said Bolsonaro eventually chose the word "leader" for legal and moral reasons. He also played down the incident, saying those involved found the mistake "hilarious" and describing the subsequent changes to the letter as "nothing major." Despite the correction, Figueiredo insisted that the senator's position on the election remained unchanged. "In the end, the essential is expressed precisely by Flavio: these elections were illegitimate, he does not recognise the result, and he will continue fighting to restore democracy in Brazil," he said. Growing political isolation The controversy comes as Flavio Bolsonaro faces mounting political and legal challenges. The senator arrived in Miami on Wednesday after fleeing Brazil, having refused to comply with a Supreme Court order to surrender his passports as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering. He denies any wrongdoing. His declaration that he was the country's rightful "leader" has also failed to attract backing from key figures within his political camp, leaving him increasingly isolated. Meanwhile, Lula's victory has been recognised by Brazil's federal electoral court, international leaders and election observers, as well as Bolsonaro's own political party.

Duped by AI? A close ally of Flavio Bolsonaro says a ChatGPT-generated error was behind the senator's brief claim that he was Brazil's rightful "president-elect."

Duped by ChatGPT? Bolsonaro ally blames AI for Flavio's bizarre 'president-elect' claim after election defeat to Lula

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance said on Thursday that it had been hit by a major hack, prompting the freezing of more than $2.5 billion in an attempt to prevent the assets from being stolen. The company, which is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volumes, also announced the suspension of trading on certain products. Despite the incident, Binance sought to reassure its customers, saying, "User funds are completely safe."&nbsp;However, several experts suggested that a massive amount of cryptocurrency may have been stolen. "It does look like a hack on Binance," said former Binance chief Changpeng Zhao, who no longer leads the company but remains its majority shareholder. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, which issues the USDT cryptocurrency, said his company had frozen approximately $1.6 billion related to a potential Binance exchange hack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mushroom-murderer-erin-patterson-loses-appeal-against-triple-murder-convictions-as-court-rules-sentence-was-too-lenient-1793317362717">Australian mushroom murderer Erin Patterson loses appeal against triple murder convictions as court rules sentence was too lenient</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are aware of differing figures circulating publicly regarding the amount frozen, including references to $1.8 billion.

For clarity, the current verified total frozen is $2.54 billion. This figure may continue to increase as our teams work closely with law enforcement, issuers, blockchain intelligence firms and industry partners to trace and freeze additional assets.

We will only share confirmed figures and will provide further updates as more verified information becomes available.&mdash; Binance (@binance) <a href="https://x.com/binance/status/2115947325617299903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said his company had frozen more than $800 million in USDC. USDT and USDC are both ‘stablecoins’, digital currencies designed to maintain a value linked to a traditional currency, in this case, the US dollar. Hours before Binance officially confirmed the attack, several industry observers had reported that hackers had managed to gain access to the platform.&nbsp;Some observers suggested the incident could become the biggest cyberattack of its kind, potentially surpassing the $1.5 billion stolen from the Bybit platform in February 2025. That attack was attributed to hackers affiliated with North Korea. Following the news, Bitcoin prices dropped by more than three percent. Blockchain security firm Blockaid said it was examining approximately $3.3 billion in suspicious outflows across Ethereum, Arbitrum and Avalanche, adding further scrutiny to the incident.&nbsp;According to its website, Binance has more than 335 million registered users worldwide. Cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance allow users to buy, sell and trade digital assets.

Binance reports a major crypto hack, with over $2.5 billion in assets frozen by Tether and Circle as Bitcoin prices fall more than 3%

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance said on Thursday that it had been hit by a major hack, prompting the freezing of more than $2.5 billion in an attempt to prevent the assets from being stolen. The company, which is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volumes, also announced the suspension of trading on certain products. Despite the incident, Binance sought to reassure its customers, saying, "User funds are completely safe." However, several experts suggested that a massive amount of cryptocurrency may have been stolen. "It does look like a hack on Binance," said former Binance chief Changpeng Zhao, who no longer leads the company but remains its majority shareholder. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, which issues the USDT cryptocurrency, said his company had frozen approximately $1.6 billion related to a potential Binance exchange hack. Also Read: Australian mushroom murderer Erin Patterson loses appeal against triple murder convictions as court rules sentence was too lenient

Binance reports a major hack as more than $2.5 billion in crypto assets are frozen, while Bitcoin prices fall over 3% following the news

An appeal by Australian murderer Erin Patterson to overturn her triple murder convictions has been dismissed, with an appeals court ruling that her crimes were so serious that she should remain in prison for life without the possibility of parole. Patterson, 52, was found guilty last July following a jury trial that attracted international attention over the unusual method of murder. She served death cap mushrooms hidden inside portions of beef wellington at a family lunch in July 2023, killing three people.&nbsp;However, Patterson maintained that her triple murder convictions were a ‘miscarriage of justice’, asking the Court of Appeal in Victoria state to either release her or order a retrial. The court ‘dismissed’ her application, ruling that there were insufficient grounds for a new trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-preparing-to-strike-iran-again-top-us-military-commander-briefs-white-house-report-1793313141059">Is Trump preparing to strike Iran again? Top US military commander briefs White House: Report</a><h2>What is the case?</h2>The Australian mother was sentenced to three life terms for murdering three people, including her estranged husband's parents. She also received a 25-year sentence for attempting to murder a fourth guest, the local pastor, who survived after spending weeks in hospital.&nbsp;Initially, Patterson was handed a non-parole period of 33 years, meaning she would have been in her 80s before becoming eligible for release. In August, her lawyers presented seven grounds of appeal, seeking to overturn the convictions and potentially secure a retrial.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, three appeals court judges ruled on Friday that her crimes were so ‘extraordinarily cold and calculated’ that she deserved to spend the rest of her life behind bars. “In all the circumstances, after anxious consideration, we have concluded that the case involved such shocking criminality that it is inappropriate to fix a non-parole period,” said Justice Stephen McLeish. The court also overturned Patterson's non-parole period, meaning the 52-year-old is now expected to spend the rest of her life in prison.

Erin Patterson's appeal against her triple murder convictions is dismissed by a Victorian court, which rules her crimes warrant life imprisonment without parole

An appeal by Australian murderer Erin Patterson to overturn her triple murder convictions has been dismissed, with an appeals court ruling that her crimes were so serious that she should remain in prison for life without the possibility of parole. Patterson, 52, was found guilty last July following a jury trial that attracted international attention over the unusual method of murder. She served death cap mushrooms hidden inside portions of beef wellington at a family lunch in July 2023, killing three people. However, Patterson maintained that her triple murder convictions were a ‘miscarriage of justice’, asking the Court of Appeal in Victoria state to either release her or order a retrial. The court ‘dismissed’ her application, ruling that there were insufficient grounds for a new trial. Also Read: Is Trump preparing to strike Iran again? Top US military commander briefs White House: Report What is the case? The Australian mother was sentenced to three life terms for murdering three people, including her estranged husband's parents. She also received a 25-year sentence for attempting to murder a fourth guest, the local pastor, who survived after spending weeks in hospital. Initially, Patterson was handed a non-parole period of 33 years, meaning she would have been in her 80s before becoming eligible for release. In August, her lawyers presented seven grounds of appeal, seeking to overturn the convictions and potentially secure a retrial. However, three appeals court judges ruled on Friday that her crimes were so ‘extraordinarily cold and calculated’ that she deserved to spend the rest of her life behind bars. “In all the circumstances, after anxious consideration, we have concluded that the case involved such shocking criminality that it is inappropriate to fix a non-parole period,” said Justice Stephen McLeish. The court also overturned Patterson's non-parole period, meaning the 52-year-old is now expected to spend the rest of her life in prison.

52-year-old Erin Patterson loses her appeal against triple murder convictions as court rules her crimes warrant life imprisonment without parole

Australian mushroom murderer Erin Patterson loses appeal against triple murder convictions as court rules sentence was too lenient

The top US military commander in the Middle East briefed President Donald Trump on Thursday on potential military options for Iran, as Washington considers whether to resume major combat operations, according to US officials and people familiar with the meeting, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, attended the White House meeting alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. Other Cabinet members also participated, with discussions covering additional topics, according to people with knowledge of the gathering.&nbsp;The meeting followed a White House session on Wednesday in which the military officials met with Vice President JD Vance, one of the people said. The discussions come amid reports that Trump administration officials have told Arab Gulf states to prepare for a short, intense military campaign after the US midterm elections. The publication has also reported that Vance has engaged one of Iran's most powerful hard-line figures in an effort to revive peace negotiations. Trump hinted at the possibility of renewed military action during a rally last week, saying: “We may do another little Epic Fury,” referring to the major US and Israeli bombing campaign conducted in the spring. “Or they’ll agree.”<h2>Rare meeting raises questions about military action</h2>Cooper rarely briefs Trump in person, making Thursday's meeting notable as the administration weighs its next steps toward Tehran. The admiral last met with Trump in July, when the president, Hegseth and Caine held discussions aboard Air Force One in Delaware. A Pentagon spokesperson and a spokesperson for US Central Command declined to comment on the latest meeting.&nbsp;The White House discussions have raised concerns among some lawmakers that the administration could soon resume hostilities with Iran. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat who said he had previously received briefings on some of the classified military planning, criticised the potential plans as ‘insane’. “It will lead to devastating escalation and the likely destruction of our commitment to the rule of law,” Murphy said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/you-are-disgusting-put-yourself-in-shape-you-look-like-hell-trump-explodes-at-reporter-after-question-about-cancelling-kansas-rally-1793312406740">'You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell!': Trump explodes at reporter after question about cancelling Kansas rally</a><h2>Iran warns of retaliation</h2>Iran has threatened to attack a broad range of US and Gulf country targets across the region if Washington launches another strike, according to public statements and private diplomatic communications. Tehran has also resumed producing ballistic missiles using stockpiled components in underground facilities and increased efforts to target US personnel in the Middle East. These developments have added to concerns over the potential consequences of renewed military operations and the risk of a wider regional confrontation.<h2>Pentagon strengthens Middle East defenses</h2>The Pentagon has spent recent weeks preparing for a possible new bombing campaign, moving additional air defenses, ammunition and other supplies to the Middle East. It has also relocated some troops away from bases considered vulnerable to potential attacks, The Wall Street Journal has reported. The US Army is moving an additional Patriot missile-defense battery to Israel to strengthen the country's defenses against incoming missiles.

President Trump receives a briefing on Iran strike options as US military leaders assess renewed combat operations, regional retaliation risks and missile defenses

The top US military commander in the Middle East briefed President Donald Trump on Thursday on potential military options for Iran, as Washington considers whether to resume major combat operations, according to US officials and people familiar with the meeting, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal. Adm. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, attended the White House meeting alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. Other Cabinet members also participated, with discussions covering additional topics, according to people with knowledge of the gathering. The meeting followed a White House session on Wednesday in which the military officials met with Vice President JD Vance, one of the people said. The discussions come amid reports that Trump administration officials have told Arab Gulf states to prepare for a short, intense military campaign after the US midterm elections. The publication has also reported that Vance has engaged one of Iran's most powerful hard-line figures in an effort to revive peace negotiations. Trump hinted at the possibility of renewed military action during a rally last week, saying: “We may do another little Epic Fury,” referring to the major US and Israeli bombing campaign conducted in the spring. “Or they’ll agree.” Rare meeting raises questions about military action Cooper rarely briefs Trump in person, making Thursday's meeting notable as the administration weighs its next steps toward Tehran. The admiral last met with Trump in July, when the president, Hegseth and Caine held discussions aboard Air Force One in Delaware. A Pentagon spokesperson and a spokesperson for US Central Command declined to comment on the latest meeting. The White House discussions have raised concerns among some lawmakers that the administration could soon resume hostilities with Iran. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat who said he had previously received briefings on some of the classified military planning, criticised the potential plans as ‘insane’. “It will lead to devastating escalation and the likely destruction of our commitment to the rule of law,” Murphy said. Also Read: 'You are disgusting. Put yourself in shape. You look like hell!': Trump explodes at reporter after question about cancelling Kansas rally Iran warns of retaliation Iran has threatened to attack a broad range of US and Gulf country targets across the region if Washington launches another strike, according to public statements and private diplomatic communications. Tehran has also resumed producing ballistic missiles using stockpiled components in underground facilities and increased efforts to target US personnel in the Middle East. These developments have added to concerns over the potential consequences of renewed military operations and the risk of a wider regional confrontation. Pentagon strengthens Middle East defenses The Pentagon has spent recent weeks preparing for a possible new bombing campaign, moving additional air defenses, ammunition and other supplies to the Middle East. It has also relocated some troops away from bases considered vulnerable to potential attacks, The Wall Street Journal has reported. The US Army is moving an additional Patriot missile-defense battery to Israel to strengthen the country's defenses against incoming missiles.

Trump received a military briefing on Iran as US officials weigh renewed strikes, reinforce Middle East defenses and assess Tehran’s threats of retaliation

Is Trump preparing to strike Iran again? Top US military commander briefs White House: Report

A Russian drone struck a busy railway platform in Ukraine’s city of Dnipro on Thursday, killing at least 14 people and injuring others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as 'horrific' and called for stronger action from Kyiv’s international allies. The strike occurred as Russia and Ukraine maintained a fragile local ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky, where residents have faced months of shortages of food, water and medicine. Despite the truce entering its third day, local officials reported that at least 20 people had been killed and more than 70 injured in attacks across Ukraine.&nbsp;Zelensky said the Dnipro railway station was hit on a platform where a regular commuter train and a regular passenger train were standing. By Thursday afternoon, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Oleksandr Ganzha reported that the death toll had risen to 14, with another 14 people wounded. Six of the injured were in severe condition with multiple shrapnel wounds.&nbsp;An 11-year-old boy was among those injured, while one man had both legs amputated, according to the governor. Zelensky described the strike as horrific and insisted that sanctions against Moscow and its war machine must not be eased for as long as this Russian war continues. Images released by Ukrainian emergency services showed bodies on the platform, rescuers assisting victims and two passenger trains that had been burnt out, with shattered windows. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed outrage over the attack and stressed the need for far more than a localised ceasefire such as the one in Oleshky.<h2>EU calls for greater pressure on Russia</h2>European Union Council President Antonio Costa called for increased pressure on Moscow following what he described as a cruel and devastating series of Russian strikes against civilians. "The EU will continue to increase the pressure on Russia and to support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved," he added. "We call on all our international partners to do the same."&nbsp;Russia has targeted trains with drones since the early days of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, destroying hundreds of locomotives and killing several railway workers. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted three jet-powered drones during one daytime attack, but a fourth evaded its defences and struck the station. Following the Dnipro attack, Zelensky renewed his criticism of an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease certain US sanctions on Russia, allowing Moscow to release diesel onto global markets.&nbsp;"How many such terrorist strikes has Russia carried out against our people since sanctions were lifted on some Russian oligarchs and the energy sector, instead of de-escalating," he asked. "It is important that America does not remain silent about the killings, this is very important," Zelensky added in a separate statement. Local officials reported that at least six other people had been killed in separate Russian attacks elsewhere in Ukraine.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-trump-says-black-and-jewish-voters-supporting-abdul-el-sayed-are-crazy-1793307015679">US midterms 2026: Trump says Black and Jewish voters supporting Abdul El-Sayed are 'crazy' | WATCH</a><h2>Two teenagers killed in Chernigiv attack</h2>An attack on the city centre of Chernigiv, north of Kyiv, killed two 15-year-old girls and injured nearly two dozen other people, including four children, according to Dmytro Bryzhynsky, head of the city’s military administration. In the central city of Kremenchuk, a drone struck a multi-storey residential building, killing three people and injuring several others, including a six-year-old child, the local governor said.<h2>Fragile ceasefire and peace talks</h2>Zelensky said on Wednesday that it would be a huge success if the local ceasefire in Oleshky, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, enabled the evacuation of stranded residents. Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet US envoys next month to discuss possible ways to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. However, no firm dates for the talks have been announced.&nbsp;Previous rounds of negotiations have failed to bring the two sides closer to an agreement. Russia is demanding additional territory in eastern Ukraine, alongside sweeping military and political restrictions on Kyiv. Ukraine and its allies argue that surrendering territory to Moscow would amount to capitulation and leave the country vulnerable to future Russian attacks.

A Russian drone attack on Dnipro railway station killed 14 people and injured others as Zelensky demanded tougher sanctions and stronger international action

A Russian drone struck a busy railway platform in Ukraine’s city of Dnipro on Thursday, killing at least 14 people and injuring others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as 'horrific' and called for stronger action from Kyiv’s international allies. The strike occurred as Russia and Ukraine maintained a fragile local ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky, where residents have faced months of shortages of food, water and medicine. Despite the truce entering its third day, local officials reported that at least 20 people had been killed and more than 70 injured in attacks across Ukraine. Zelensky said the Dnipro railway station was hit on a platform where a regular commuter train and a regular passenger train were standing. By Thursday afternoon, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Oleksandr Ganzha reported that the death toll had risen to 14, with another 14 people wounded. Six of the injured were in severe condition with multiple shrapnel wounds. An 11-year-old boy was among those injured, while one man had both legs amputated, according to the governor. Zelensky described the strike as horrific and insisted that sanctions against Moscow and its war machine must not be eased for as long as this Russian war continues. Images released by Ukrainian emergency services showed bodies on the platform, rescuers assisting victims and two passenger trains that had been burnt out, with shattered windows. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed outrage over the attack and stressed the need for far more than a localised ceasefire such as the one in Oleshky. EU calls for greater pressure on Russia European Union Council President Antonio Costa called for increased pressure on Moscow following what he described as a cruel and devastating series of Russian strikes against civilians. "The EU will continue to increase the pressure on Russia and to support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved," he added. "We call on all our international partners to do the same." Russia has targeted trains with drones since the early days of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, destroying hundreds of locomotives and killing several railway workers. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted three jet-powered drones during one daytime attack, but a fourth evaded its defences and struck the station. Following the Dnipro attack, Zelensky renewed his criticism of an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease certain US sanctions on Russia, allowing Moscow to release diesel onto global markets. "How many such terrorist strikes has Russia carried out against our people since sanctions were lifted on some Russian oligarchs and the energy sector, instead of de-escalating," he asked. "It is important that America does not remain silent about the killings, this is very important," Zelensky added in a separate statement. Local officials reported that at least six other people had been killed in separate Russian attacks elsewhere in Ukraine. Also Read: US midterms 2026: Trump says Black and Jewish voters supporting Abdul El-Sayed are 'crazy' | WATCH Two teenagers killed in Chernigiv attack An attack on the city centre of Chernigiv, north of Kyiv, killed two 15-year-old girls and injured nearly two dozen other people, including four children, according to Dmytro Bryzhynsky, head of the city’s military administration. In the central city of Kremenchuk, a drone struck a multi-storey residential building, killing three people and injuring several others, including a six-year-old child, the local governor said. Fragile ceasefire and peace talks Zelensky said on Wednesday that it would be a huge success if the local ceasefire in Oleshky, brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump, enabled the evacuation of stranded residents. Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet US envoys next month to discuss possible ways to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. However, no firm dates for the talks have been announced. Previous rounds of negotiations have failed to bring the two sides closer to an agreement. Russia is demanding additional territory in eastern Ukraine, alongside sweeping military and political restrictions on Kyiv. Ukraine and its allies argue that surrendering territory to Moscow would amount to capitulation and leave the country vulnerable to future Russian attacks.

A Russian drone strike on a Dnipro railway station killed 14 people, Zelensky condemns the attack and demands tougher sanctions on Moscow

14 killed in Russian drone attack on Dnipro train station platform, Zelensky condemns ‘horrific’ strike

President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, saying Black and Jewish voters who support him are ‘crazy’ during a rally in South Carolina. “When we find some of the things he said were horrible, if you’re Black or if you’re Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you’re crazy. Okay, you’re crazy,” Trump said at the rally. “You’re crazy anyway,” Trump added of El-Sayed supporters.&nbsp;Trump’s remarks, delivered hundreds of miles from Michigan, highlighted Republican efforts to make El-Sayed a central target in political contests beyond the state. El-Sayed could make history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.During his speech, Trump repeated allegations linking El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood, saying the candidate is ‘definitely Muslim Brotherhood’. El-Sayed has disavowed the Islamist political movement and denied allegations that he or his family has ties to the organisation.&nbsp;The latest comments followed Trump's remarks at a Michigan rally last weekend, where he criticized Jewish voters who support the Democratic candidate. “I cannot understand how anybody who’s Jewish can even think about voting for this guy,” Trump said at the time. Trump also said anyone who is Jewish and supports El-Sayed should be ashamed of themselves.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-several-injured-after-eu-peacekeeping-helicopter-crashes-in-bosnia-during-routine-training-1793304755583">Four dead, several injured after EU peacekeeping helicopter crashes in Bosnia during routine training</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump:

If you're Black or if you're Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul El-Sayed, you're crazy. https://t.co/XyhlBgjS4z&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2115859305777729748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Michigan Senate race draws national attention</h2>El-Sayed’s candidacy has become a focus of Republican criticism as the Michigan Senate race develops. His potential election would make him the first Muslim elected to the Senate. Republicans have sought to use concerns surrounding El-Sayed's political positions and alleged associations to challenge his appeal among voters, including communities that have traditionally supported Democrats. His Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, has attempted to build support among voters who did not back El-Sayed in the Democratic primary. Those groups include Black voters in and around Detroit and Jewish voters.

Donald Trump calls Black and Jewish voters who support Abdul El-Sayed 'crazy', renewing attacks on the Michigan Democratic Senate candidate and his alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood

President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, saying Black and Jewish voters who support him are ‘crazy’ during a rally in South Carolina. “When we find some of the things he said were horrible, if you’re Black or if you’re Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you’re crazy. Okay, you’re crazy,” Trump said at the rally. “You’re crazy anyway,” Trump added of El-Sayed supporters. Trump’s remarks, delivered hundreds of miles from Michigan, highlighted Republican efforts to make El-Sayed a central target in political contests beyond the state. El-Sayed could make history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. During his speech, Trump repeated allegations linking El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood, saying the candidate is ‘definitely Muslim Brotherhood’. El-Sayed has disavowed the Islamist political movement and denied allegations that he or his family has ties to the organisation. The latest comments followed Trump's remarks at a Michigan rally last weekend, where he criticized Jewish voters who support the Democratic candidate. “I cannot understand how anybody who’s Jewish can even think about voting for this guy,” Trump said at the time. Trump also said anyone who is Jewish and supports El-Sayed should be ashamed of themselves. Also Read: Four dead, several injured after EU peacekeeping helicopter crashes in Bosnia during routine training Watch the video here

Trump calls Black and Jewish voters supporting Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed ‘crazy’, renewing attacks on the Senate candidate at a rally

A helicopter belonging to the European Union peacekeeping force in Bosnia crashed in the country’s north on Thursday, killing four personnel and injuring 11 others, according to a statement from the force. The Italian CH-47 Chinook crashed during routine training in an area near the town of Brcko. The EU force, known as EUFOR, said the injured personnel were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. The Klix news portal published photographs of the wreckage, showing the helicopter largely destroyed on a lawn. EUFOR said a thorough and complete investigation was underway and that further information would be released later. It also said that no civilian infrastructure, property, or vehicles were damaged, and there were no injuries to civilians.<h2>Four personnel dead after helicopter crash</h2>A spokesman for Brcko hospital said three of the 15 people aboard the helicopter were killed in the crash, while a fourth person died after being taken to the hospital. "Twelve people were brought to our hospital. Unfortunately, a fourth person died from his injuries in hospital," said the spokesman, Salih Ibrahimbegovic.&nbsp;The injured personnel were receiving medical treatment, with their condition reported as stable by EUFOR. Several images showed the helicopter wreckage lying on flat, grassy terrain at Gorica, near Brcko. An earlier statement from the force also confirmed that "no civilian infrastructure, property, or vehicles were damaged, and there were no injuries to civilians".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-house-republicans-launch-probe-into-alleged-plot-involving-dan-sullivan-namesake-in-alaska-senate-race-1793303347071">US midterms 2026: House Republicans launch probe into alleged plot involving Dan Sullivan namesake in Alaska Senate race</a><h2>Watch the moment when Italian CH-47 Chinook crashed</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Footage of the moment an Italian Ch-47 Chinook crashed during an EUFOR training exercise in Gorice, Bosnia. https://t.co/RBl5eUeWih&mdash; OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/2115914909070598408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>EUFOR peacekeeping mission in Bosnia</h2>EUFOR’s 1,200-soldier mission took over from NATO in 2004. Its responsibilities include helping maintain security and overseeing the military provisions of the peace agreement that ended the 1992–95 war in Bosnia. The mission operates under a United Nations Security Council mandate. According to EUFOR’s website, the current force includes several hundred troops from 24 European states. The circumstances surrounding Thursday’s helicopter crash remain under investigation, with EUFOR saying further information would be provided as it becomes available.

Four personnel were killed and 11 injured after an Italian CH-47 Chinook helicopter belonging to EUFOR crashed during routine training near Brcko, Bosnia

A helicopter belonging to the European Union peacekeeping force in Bosnia crashed in the country’s north on Thursday, killing four personnel and injuring 11 others, according to a statement from the force. The Italian CH-47 Chinook crashed during routine training in an area near the town of Brcko. The EU force, known as EUFOR, said the injured personnel were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. The Klix news portal published photographs of the wreckage, showing the helicopter largely destroyed on a lawn. EUFOR said a thorough and complete investigation was underway and that further information would be released later. It also said that no civilian infrastructure, property, or vehicles were damaged, and there were no injuries to civilians. Four personnel dead after helicopter crash A spokesman for Brcko hospital said three of the 15 people aboard the helicopter were killed in the crash, while a fourth person died after being taken to the hospital. "Twelve people were brought to our hospital. Unfortunately, a fourth person died from his injuries in hospital," said the spokesman, Salih Ibrahimbegovic. The injured personnel were receiving medical treatment, with their condition reported as stable by EUFOR. Several images showed the helicopter wreckage lying on flat, grassy terrain at Gorica, near Brcko. An earlier statement from the force also confirmed that "no civilian infrastructure, property, or vehicles were damaged, and there were no injuries to civilians". Also Read: US midterms 2026: House Republicans launch probe into alleged plot involving Dan Sullivan namesake in Alaska Senate race Watch the moment when Italian CH-47 Chinook crashed

A European Union peacekeeping helicopter crashed near Brcko, Bosnia, killing four personnel and injuring 11 during routine training

Four dead, several injured after EU peacekeeping helicopter crashes in Bosnia during routine training

Pakistan's human rights record has often come under criticism at international forums. Now, a new report by Britain-based advocacy group Insight UK has highlighted what it describes as the systematic persecution of Hindus in Pakistan.&nbsp;The report was launched before the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus in London. According to the report, demographic changes serve as a stark indication of the situation in Pakistan.&nbsp;It pointed out that Hindus accounted for nearly 17 per cent of the population in the area that now comprises Pakistan in 1901. Their share stood at 14.6 per cent in 1941, according to the census, but has reportedly fallen to less than two per cent today.&nbsp;The advocacy group also claimed that more than 1,000 women and girls from Hindu and Christian communities are abducted every year, forcibly converted to Islam and often married to their captors.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindu-population-in-pakistan-plummets-from-14-6-before-partition-to-under-2-1793294411654/embed&nbsp;The report further flagged the alleged promotion of anti-Hindu bias in Pakistani school textbooks, arguing that prejudice begins at an early age.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-high-risk-of-violence-france-to-deploy-70-000-police-ahead-of-halloween-protests-1793303104606">‘Very high risk of violence’: France to deploy 70,000 police ahead of Halloween protests</a>&nbsp;Hindus have also faced violence in Pakistan on several occasions, including during Partition and in the aftermath of wars with India. The report also cited several attacks on Hindu temples in Karachi, Larkana and other parts of Sindh.&nbsp;In response to these concerns, Insight UK urged the British government to raise minority protection standards in its discussions with Islamabad. It also called on the UK to allocate a portion of its aid to human rights organisations in Pakistan.&nbsp;The group further demanded periodic official reports documenting the socio-economic conditions of religious minorities in Pakistan and called for asylum pathways for those seeking protection.

A report by Britain-based advocacy group Insight UK has alleged systematic persecution of Hindus in Pakistan and urged the UK government to strengthen minority protections, support human rights organisations and provide asylum pathways.

Pakistan's human rights record has often come under criticism at international forums. Now, a new report by Britain-based advocacy group Insight UK has highlighted what it describes as the systematic persecution of Hindus in Pakistan. The report was launched before the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus in London. According to the report, demographic changes serve as a stark indication of the situation in Pakistan. It pointed out that Hindus accounted for nearly 17 per cent of the population in the area that now comprises Pakistan in 1901. Their share stood at 14.6 per cent in 1941, according to the census, but has reportedly fallen to less than two per cent today. The advocacy group also claimed that more than 1,000 women and girls from Hindu and Christian communities are abducted every year, forcibly converted to Islam and often married to their captors. https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindu-population-in-pakistan-plummets-from-14-6-before-partition-to-under-2-1793294411654/embed The report further flagged the alleged promotion of anti-Hindu bias in Pakistani school textbooks, arguing that prejudice begins at an early age. Also Read: ‘Very high risk of violence’: France to deploy 70,000 police ahead of Halloween protests Hindus have also faced violence in Pakistan on several occasions, including during Partition and in the aftermath of wars with India. The report also cited several attacks on Hindu temples in Karachi, Larkana and other parts of Sindh. In response to these concerns, Insight UK urged the British government to raise minority protection standards in its discussions with Islamabad. It also called on the UK to allocate a portion of its aid to human rights organisations in Pakistan. The group further demanded periodic official reports documenting the socio-economic conditions of religious minorities in Pakistan and called for asylum pathways for those seeking protection.

A report by Britain-based advocacy group Insight UK has alleged systematic persecution of Hindus in Pakistan and urged the UK government to strengthen minority protections, support human rights organisations and provide asylum pathways.

Hindu population in Pakistan plummets from 14.6% before Partition to under 2% | Gravitas

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