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The final vote count in Israeli elections puts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party at the forefront with the highest number of 27 seats, but his bloc secured only 53 seats, 8 short of the majority mark of 61 in the Knesset.&nbsp;&nbsp;The opposition bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu as the premier bagged 48 seats, according to official Central Elections Committee (CEC) figures released on Thursday after all votes had been counted.&nbsp;The Arab parties won a record-breaking combined total of 19 seats.&nbsp;The official vote count was announced amid a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) investigation into suspicions that foreign entities funnelled money into Israel to influence voter turnout in the Arab sector.The official vote count announced on Thursday included the remaining double-envelope ballots, which were the last to be counted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ra-amgate-an-earthquake-arab-parties-want-islamisation-of-israel-says-netanyahu-1793270521942">‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu</a><h2>Likud performs better than pre-poll projections, Yashar falls short</h2>&nbsp;Most TV channel polls before the elections showed Likud receiving significantly fewer seats, while the other parties in Netanyahu’s bloc were projected to gain more.The polling before the elections had shown the opposition bloc in the lead, and Yashar was projected to be the largest party in the Knesset.However, Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar is projected to enter the Knesset with 21 seats, while B’Yachad, led by Naftali Bennett, is expected to enter with 12 seats.&nbsp;Yair Golan’s Democrats party is expected to enter the Knesset with eight seats, and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu with seven.&nbsp;The prospect of a unity government involving Netanyahu and Eisenkot remains possible, though Eisenkot had previously rejected serving under Netanyahu, even ruling out a rotation government arrangement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/koi-sharam-hoti-hai-pakistani-lawmaker-maulana-fazlur-rehman-mocks-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-over-munir-s-iran-visit-1793296966069">‘Koi sharam hoti hai?’: Pakistani lawmaker mocks Khawaja Asif over Munir’s Iran visit</a>&nbsp;The political deadlock, if unresolved, could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations.The president is required to consult the Knesset factions before deciding who receives the task of forming a government.&nbsp;Members of the Arab parties have called to do whatever is possible to prevent Netanyahu from remaining in office.&nbsp;<h2>Yoav Gallant calls for ‘Jewish, Zionist, national unity govt’</h2>&nbsp;Former defence minister Yoav Gallant called for the establishment of a broad Jewish, Zionist national unity government, warning against forming a coalition dependent on parties that do not recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-will-celebrate-piyush-goyal-says-india-will-have-strong-comparative-advantage-after-us-trade-deal-1793278798694">‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal</a>&nbsp;“Unity, not dependence. Now is the time to establish a Jewish, Zionist, national unity government,” Gallant said.“Personal and political considerations must not lead to the formation of a government dependent on parties that do not recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people,” he added.

The prospect of a unity government involving Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot remains possible, though the Yashar leader had previously rejected serving under Netanyahu. Arab parties have called to do whatever is possible to prevent Netanyahu from remaining in office.

The final vote count in Israeli elections puts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party at the forefront with the highest number of 27 seats, but his bloc secured only 53 seats, 8 short of the majority mark of 61 in the Knesset. The opposition bloc seeking to replace Netanyahu as the premier bagged 48 seats, according to official Central Elections Committee (CEC) figures released on Thursday after all votes had been counted. The Arab parties won a record-breaking combined total of 19 seats. The official vote count was announced amid a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) investigation into suspicions that foreign entities funnelled money into Israel to influence voter turnout in the Arab sector. The official vote count announced on Thursday included the remaining double-envelope ballots, which were the last to be counted. Also Read: ‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu Likud performs better than pre-poll projections, Yashar falls short Most TV channel polls before the elections showed Likud receiving significantly fewer seats, while the other parties in Netanyahu’s bloc were projected to gain more. The polling before the elections had shown the opposition bloc in the lead, and Yashar was projected to be the largest party in the Knesset. However, Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar is projected to enter the Knesset with 21 seats, while B’Yachad, led by Naftali Bennett, is expected to enter with 12 seats. Yair Golan’s Democrats party is expected to enter the Knesset with eight seats, and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu with seven. The prospect of a unity government involving Netanyahu and Eisenkot remains possible, though Eisenkot had previously rejected serving under Netanyahu, even ruling out a rotation government arrangement. Also Read: ‘Koi sharam hoti hai?’: Pakistani lawmaker mocks Khawaja Asif over Munir’s Iran visit The political deadlock, if unresolved, could ultimately lead to another election, although the parties may still reach an agreement through coalition negotiations. The president is required to consult the Knesset factions before deciding who receives the task of forming a government. Members of the Arab parties have called to do whatever is possible to prevent Netanyahu from remaining in office. Yoav Gallant calls for ‘Jewish, Zionist, national unity govt’ Former defence minister Yoav Gallant called for the establishment of a broad Jewish, Zionist national unity government, warning against forming a coalition dependent on parties that do not recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Also Read: ‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal “Unity, not dependence. Now is the time to establish a Jewish, Zionist, national unity government,” Gallant said. “Personal and political considerations must not lead to the formation of a government dependent on parties that do not recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people,” he added.

The prospect of a unity government involving Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot remains possible, though the Yashar leader had previously rejected serving under Netanyahu. Arab parties have called to do whatever is possible to prevent Netanyahu from remaining in office.

All votes counted, Netanyahu’s Likud emerges as biggest party with 27 seats; majority eludes both blocs

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Thursday (Oct 29) that the United States’ “carrot-and-stick approach” would not influence Tehran, reiterating that progress towards peace talks depended on the acceptance of Iran’s seven conditions.&nbsp;“Iran’s conditions have been repeatedly and clearly stated to the mediators. The carrot-and-stick approach does not affect Iran,” Ghalibaf wrote on X. “Progress can only be achieved once Iran's seven conditions have been agreed upon.”&nbsp;His remarks came after a report that mediators had warned Iran that US airstrikes could resume unless Tehran agreed to nuclear concessions. In return, Washington would reportedly lift some sanctions and its naval blockade of Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hegseth-fires-top-military-planner-in-latest-purge-as-trump-weighs-fresh-iran-strikes-report-1793285780269">Hegseth fires top military planner in latest purge as Trump weighs fresh Iran strikes: Report</a><h2>Iran receives Vance’s letter amid push for talks</h2>Amid efforts to revive negotiations, Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported on Thursday that Tehran had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance but had yet to respond.&nbsp;Tasnim reported that “Iran has received the letter but has not yet responded”, while Fars cited a source familiar with the matter for a similar account.&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Vance had sent the letter to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei at the direction of President Donald Trump. The move was aimed at restarting negotiations and preventing further US strikes.&nbsp;According to the newspaper, the letter and subsequent contacts between officials from the two countries focused on establishing a possible framework for negotiations rather than setting out specific terms for a peace agreement.&nbsp;The diplomatic efforts come amid a war that began on February 28, when US-Israeli strikes on Iran killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders.<h2>Iran says tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz</h2>Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces said at least three oil tankers had caught fire after striking mines while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The claim came a day after the US military said it had cleared key routes through the waterway.&nbsp;The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said three tankers had exploded and caught fire over the previous 24 hours while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised southern route through the strait.&nbsp;According to the IRGC, the vessels had “switched off all their radar and navigation systems” and ignored warnings from the Iranian navy.

Iran has insisted that peace talks depend on acceptance of its seven conditions as reports emerge of a letter from JD Vance and Iranian claims that oil tankers struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Thursday (Oct 29) that the United States’ “carrot-and-stick approach” would not influence Tehran, reiterating that progress towards peace talks depended on the acceptance of Iran’s seven conditions. “Iran’s conditions have been repeatedly and clearly stated to the mediators. The carrot-and-stick approach does not affect Iran,” Ghalibaf wrote on X. “Progress can only be achieved once Iran's seven conditions have been agreed upon.” His remarks came after a report that mediators had warned Iran that US airstrikes could resume unless Tehran agreed to nuclear concessions. In return, Washington would reportedly lift some sanctions and its naval blockade of Iran. Also Read: Hegseth fires top military planner in latest purge as Trump weighs fresh Iran strikes: Report Iran receives Vance’s letter amid push for talks Amid efforts to revive negotiations, Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported on Thursday that Tehran had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance but had yet to respond. Tasnim reported that “Iran has received the letter but has not yet responded”, while Fars cited a source familiar with the matter for a similar account. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Vance had sent the letter to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei at the direction of President Donald Trump. The move was aimed at restarting negotiations and preventing further US strikes. According to the newspaper, the letter and subsequent contacts between officials from the two countries focused on establishing a possible framework for negotiations rather than setting out specific terms for a peace agreement. The diplomatic efforts come amid a war that began on February 28, when US-Israeli strikes on Iran killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders. Iran says tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces said at least three oil tankers had caught fire after striking mines while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The claim came a day after the US military said it had cleared key routes through the waterway. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said three tankers had exploded and caught fire over the previous 24 hours while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised southern route through the strait. According to the IRGC, the vessels had “switched off all their radar and navigation systems” and ignored warnings from the Iranian navy.

Iran has insisted that peace talks depend on acceptance of its seven conditions as reports emerge of a letter from JD Vance and Iranian claims that oil tankers struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran says US ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach will not work as Tehran receives Vance’s letter amid push for talks

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman mocked Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif as he took a jibe at him in the National Assembly over Army Chief Asim Munir’s participation in a high-level regional security meeting in Iran, and questioned why the defence minister was not attending the talks.Fazl raised the issue during his address to the National Assembly on Wednesday, referring to a meeting in Tehran attended by Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alongside senior officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.&nbsp;“A defence pact is taking shape in Iran, a meeting is under way (there), and the defence minister is sitting here,” Fazl said, drawing laughter from his fellow lawmakers and desk-thumping in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ra-amgate-an-earthquake-arab-parties-want-islamisation-of-israel-says-netanyahu-1793270521942">‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu</a><h2>‘The interior minister is required there as well?’</h2>&nbsp;The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl leader then went on to point out Naqvi’s presence in the Tehran meeting, and asked, “The interior minister is required there as well?”Maulana Fazlur Rehman then turned Khawaja Asif’s own words against him, repeating a phrase the defence minister had previously used to taunt Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;“There is your respect and stature — koi sharam hoti hai, koi haya hoti hai (have some shame, show some modesty),” he said, again triggering laughter in the National Assembly even as Asif sat with a sombre expression.&nbsp;Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan shared a clip of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s speech on X, and it soon went viral.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">جناب خواجہ آصف صاحب بھی تشریف فرما ہیں۔ وزیرِ دفاع!

 دفاعی معاہدہ ایران میں ہو رہا ہے، میٹنگ ہو رہی ہے، دفاعی وزیر یہاں بیٹھا ہوا ہے، خارجہ وزیر یہاں بیٹھا ہوا ہے۔ وہاں بھی وزارتِ داخلہ کی ڈیوٹی ہوتی ہے؟ اپنی عزت و مقام، کوئی شرم ہوتی ہے، کوئی حیا ہوتی ہے۔امیر جےیوآئی کا قومی اسمبلی میں خطاب
#مولاناکی_للکار 
#عوام_کاسامناکرو
#سنسرڈ_پارلیمنٹ_نامنظور
#حلف_سےوفاداری_نبھاؤ
#جمھوریت_میں_زباں_بندی_کیوں&mdash; Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) <a href="https://x.com/juipakofficial/status/2115448055734652955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ally-fla-vio-bolsonaro-arrives-in-miami-with-family-after-fleeing-brazil-1793204345550">Trump ally Flávio Bolsonaro arrives in Miami with family after fleeing Brazil</a>&nbsp;Rehman’s comments have put the spotlight back on the unequal balance of power between Pakistan’s civilian government and its powerful military leadership, at times involving decisions on national security and foreign policy.Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a prominent Pashtun (Pathan) cleric-turned-politician from Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;<h2>Asif responds, denies defence pact being negotiated in Tehran</h2>&nbsp;Asif responded in the National Assembly on Thursday and denied that a defence pact was being negotiated in Tehran. He said the discussions had nothing to do with Pakistan’s defence or any related matter. He argued that Munir had assumed a role focused on maintaining peace and dialogue following the military conflict with India last year.The meeting in Tehran brought together Munir, Naqvi, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, alongside senior Iranian officials, to discuss regional security and cooperation.The talks took place under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in August.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-will-celebrate-piyush-goyal-says-india-will-have-strong-comparative-advantage-after-us-trade-deal-1793278798694">‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal</a>&nbsp;A joint statement issued after the talks said the participants had agreed to continue their dialogue to strengthen cooperation among the four regional countries, particularly on peace and security.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also called for greater regional unity, saying closer cooperation among Muslim nations would help address shared challenges and external pressure.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s comments have put the spotlight back on the unequal balance of power between Pakistan’s civilian government and its powerful military leadership, at times involving decisions on national security and foreign policy.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman mocked Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif as he took a jibe at him in the National Assembly over Army Chief Asim Munir’s participation in a high-level regional security meeting in Iran, and questioned why the defence minister was not attending the talks. Fazl raised the issue during his address to the National Assembly on Wednesday, referring to a meeting in Tehran attended by Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alongside senior officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. “A defence pact is taking shape in Iran, a meeting is under way (there), and the defence minister is sitting here,” Fazl said, drawing laughter from his fellow lawmakers and desk-thumping in the House. Also Read: ‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu ‘The interior minister is required there as well?’ The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl leader then went on to point out Naqvi’s presence in the Tehran meeting, and asked, “The interior minister is required there as well?” Maulana Fazlur Rehman then turned Khawaja Asif’s own words against him, repeating a phrase the defence minister had previously used to taunt Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “There is your respect and stature — koi sharam hoti hai, koi haya hoti hai (have some shame, show some modesty),” he said, again triggering laughter in the National Assembly even as Asif sat with a sombre expression. Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan shared a clip of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s speech on X, and it soon went viral.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s comments have put the spotlight back on the unequal balance of power between Pakistan’s civilian government and its powerful military leadership, at times involving decisions on national security and foreign policy.

‘Koi sharam hoti hai?’: Pakistani lawmaker Maulana Fazlur Rehman mocks defence minister Khawaja Asif over Munir’s Iran visit

The 2026 US midterm elections could reshape Congress and influence Washington’s approach to Ukraine aid, NATO, Israel, tariffs and China, leaving six global capitals watching the outcome closely.

The 2026 US midterm elections could reshape Congress and influence Washington’s approach to Ukraine aid, NATO, Israel, tariffs and China, leaving six global capitals watching the outcome closely.

From Kyiv to Beijing: Why the world is watching US midterm elections 2026

While US President Donald Trump is facing heat over the protracted Iran war, the purge within the Pentagon is intensifying. At a time when the US is hinting at fresh strikes on Iran, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has sacked yet another top general.Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, who has served as the director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2025, has now been shown the door.Now, let’s take a brief look at his background. He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1994. Prior to his current role, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division, which is one of the US Army’s most agile and combat-ready forces. In the past, he has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple occasions.Sylvia has also received multiple military awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and six Bronze Star Medals.But why was this officer fired? According to reports, he was accused of misconduct for leaking classified information related to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war. He reportedly failed three polygraph tests about sharing classified information with the press.Earlier in October, Trump took a rather hard line on such leaks.Now, in September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-military-crisis-explodes-berserk-hegseth-fires-yet-another-top-general-1793294426063/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-military-crisis-explodes-berserk-hegseth-fires-yet-another-top-general-1793294426063/embed</a>Since Hegseth started his tenure less than two years ago, at least 26 generals and admirals have reportedly resigned or been pushed out.To begin with, General Charles Brown, who was serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired. Hegseth had earlier hit out at his focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in the military.On the very same day, Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti was also sacked.In November last year, the then Air Force chief, General David Allvin, also resigned amid reports that Hegseth planned to push him out.At the peak of the Iran war in April, US Army Chief General Randy George was removed. According to reports, his refusal to block the promotion of senior officers, despite sustained pressure from Hegseth, created a rift, leading to his exit.In the same month, Navy Secretary John Phelan also got the axe after Hegseth reportedly told Trump that he was not a team player. The delay in developing the Trump-class warships also reportedly played a role in his ouster.Most recently, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll also resigned. He was allegedly miffed at Hegseth for firing generals responsible for modernising the Army.With growing criticism over the scale of the military purge and the handling of the Iran war, it is clear that the pressure on Hegseth is set to escalate.

In September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent.

While US President Donald Trump is facing heat over the protracted Iran war, the purge within the Pentagon is intensifying. At a time when the US is hinting at fresh strikes on Iran, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has sacked yet another top general. Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, who has served as the director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2025, has now been shown the door. Now, let’s take a brief look at his background. He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1994. Prior to his current role, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division, which is one of the US Army’s most agile and combat-ready forces. In the past, he has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple occasions. Sylvia has also received multiple military awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and six Bronze Star Medals. But why was this officer fired? According to reports, he was accused of misconduct for leaking classified information related to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war. He reportedly failed three polygraph tests about sharing classified information with the press. Earlier in October, Trump took a rather hard line on such leaks. Now, in September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-military-crisis-explodes-berserk-hegseth-fires-yet-another-top-general-1793294426063/embed Since Hegseth started his tenure less than two years ago, at least 26 generals and admirals have reportedly resigned or been pushed out. To begin with, General Charles Brown, who was serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired. Hegseth had earlier hit out at his focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in the military. On the very same day, Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti was also sacked. In November last year, the then Air Force chief, General David Allvin, also resigned amid reports that Hegseth planned to push him out. At the peak of the Iran war in April, US Army Chief General Randy George was removed. According to reports, his refusal to block the promotion of senior officers, despite sustained pressure from Hegseth, created a rift, leading to his exit. In the same month, Navy Secretary John Phelan also got the axe after Hegseth reportedly told Trump that he was not a team player. The delay in developing the Trump-class warships also reportedly played a role in his ouster. Most recently, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll also resigned. He was allegedly miffed at Hegseth for firing generals responsible for modernising the Army. With growing criticism over the scale of the military purge and the handling of the Iran war, it is clear that the pressure on Hegseth is set to escalate.

In September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent.

Gravitas | American military crisis explodes as Hegseth fires yet another top general

Turkey’s ambassador to India has urged the two countries to deepen ties, declaring that they are “too large to be subordinates and far too strategically vital to remain strangers”. Speaking at a reception marking the 103rd National Day of the Republic of Türkiye, Ali Murat Ersoy said the relationship was now defined by “strategic pragmatism”. He highlighted the resumption of foreign-office consultations in April after a four-year gap, describing it as “a vital turning point towards sustained dialogue”. “Over the past 12 months, Ankara and New Delhi have focused on building steady, enduring channels of dialogue, step by quiet step,” he said. “This commitment to continued engagement proves that the momentum between our two capitals is anchored in maturity and strategic foresight.” Mr Ersoy pointed to bilateral trade of between $7.5bn and $10bn a year and called on both sides to build “corridors of shared vision” in climate technology, cinema, and digital and physical connectivity. He also invoked the spirit of Diwali, Dussehra and Karwa Chauth, saying the festivals reminded people of the need to “burn away our inner voices of doubt, ego and discord”. The event was attended by Alpana Dubey, Joint Secretary (South Europe) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, as chief guest. India had not sent a government representative to the previous year’s national-day reception, a decision widely seen as reflecting irritation over Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Thursday’s presence of an MEA official marked a return to the usual diplomatic practice. In her remarks, Ambassador Dubey congratulated Turkey on its National Day and noted that both countries were "civilisational states" and G20 members. She described economic cooperation as “an important pillar” of the relationship, observing that Indian companies were present in Turkey and Turkish firms were benefiting from India’s growth. “Bilateral trade is fairly diversified, but there is good scope to further strengthen economic engagement, which is presently far below its potential,” she said. She highlighted opportunities for collaboration in global value chains linking Asia and Europe, as well as continued exchanges in education, culture and people-to-people contacts. Madam Dubey also stressed the need to combat terrorism. “We firmly believe that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations poses a great threat to international peace and security, and India stands strong and determined to convey a message of zero tolerance for terrorism,” she said. She expressed hope that the two governments would continue to advance “win-win” bilateral exchanges. Relations between New Delhi and Ankara have been strained in recent years, primarily over Turkey’s close ties with Pakistan, including repeated references to the Jammu and Kashmir issue at the United Nations and its support for Islamabad during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;

Mr Ersoy pointed to bilateral trade of between $7.5bn and $10bn a year and called on both sides to build “corridors of shared vision” in climate technology, cinema, and digital and physical connectivity. 

Turkey’s ambassador to India has urged the two countries to deepen ties, declaring that they are “too large to be subordinates and far too strategically vital to remain strangers”. Speaking at a reception marking the 103rd National Day of the Republic of Türkiye, Ali Murat Ersoy said the relationship was now defined by “strategic pragmatism”. He highlighted the resumption of foreign-office consultations in April after a four-year gap, describing it as “a vital turning point towards sustained dialogue”. “Over the past 12 months, Ankara and New Delhi have focused on building steady, enduring channels of dialogue, step by quiet step,” he said. “This commitment to continued engagement proves that the momentum between our two capitals is anchored in maturity and strategic foresight.” Mr Ersoy pointed to bilateral trade of between $7.5bn and $10bn a year and called on both sides to build “corridors of shared vision” in climate technology, cinema, and digital and physical connectivity. He also invoked the spirit of Diwali, Dussehra and Karwa Chauth, saying the festivals reminded people of the need to “burn away our inner voices of doubt, ego and discord”. The event was attended by Alpana Dubey, Joint Secretary (South Europe) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, as chief guest. India had not sent a government representative to the previous year’s national-day reception, a decision widely seen as reflecting irritation over Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Thursday’s presence of an MEA official marked a return to the usual diplomatic practice. In her remarks, Ambassador Dubey congratulated Turkey on its National Day and noted that both countries were "civilisational states" and G20 members. She described economic cooperation as “an important pillar” of the relationship, observing that Indian companies were present in Turkey and Turkish firms were benefiting from India’s growth. “Bilateral trade is fairly diversified, but there is good scope to further strengthen economic engagement, which is presently far below its potential,” she said. She highlighted opportunities for collaboration in global value chains linking Asia and Europe, as well as continued exchanges in education, culture and people-to-people contacts. Madam Dubey also stressed the need to combat terrorism. “We firmly believe that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations poses a great threat to international peace and security, and India stands strong and determined to convey a message of zero tolerance for terrorism,” she said. She expressed hope that the two governments would continue to advance “win-win” bilateral exchanges. Relations between New Delhi and Ankara have been strained in recent years, primarily over Turkey’s close ties with Pakistan, including repeated references to the Jammu and Kashmir issue at the United Nations and its support for Islamabad during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

Mr Ersoy pointed to bilateral trade between $7.5bn and $10bn a year and called on both sides to build “corridors of shared vision” in climate technology, cinema, and digital and physical connectivity.&nbsp;

Turkish ambassador Ali Murat Ersoy says India and Turkey ‘cannot remain strangers’

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a “real genius”, revealing that Moscow is in close contact with the billionaire over satellite technology. Speaking at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday (Oct 28), Putin discussed Russia’s satellite internet project, Rassvet, and the need to coordinate its operations with Musk’s Starlink network.“He’s a genius, a real genius,” Putin said of Musk, according to a BBC translation. “We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr Musk.”<h2>Why Russia wants to coordinate with Starlink</h2>Putin said communication with Musk was important to prevent satellites operated by the two networks from interfering with one another in orbit.“We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard,” he said.Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has launched roughly 13,000 satellites, according to the company. Russia’s Rassvet network, by comparison, has only a couple of dozen satellites currently in orbit, according to online satellite trackers.The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as “Russia’s Starlink alternative”, adding that the project “marks only the country’s first steps in this field”.<h2>Starlink’s role in the Ukraine war</h2>Musk’s satellite network has played a significant role in Ukraine’s war effort, helping the country maintain communications as Russian forces advance. However, Ukrainian military forces experienced sudden Starlink connectivity problems last week, with Musk acknowledging that SpaceX had deliberately disrupted the service.Putin’s remarks come amid signs of renewed engagement between Washington and Moscow, even as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its five-year mark.US President Donald Trump recently announced a deal with Russia to import diesel to help ease soaring fuel prices linked to the US war with Iran ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. His administration also waived certain sanctions against Russia.Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff described Putin as a “humanitarian” after a US citizen was released from Russian custody.Musk, who was born in South Africa before moving to the United States, has emerged as a prominent political ally and financial supporter of Trump and other Republican politicians. His companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, are based in the US, most operating from California and Texas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Elon Musk a “real genius”, revealing close contact over satellite technology as Moscow develops Rassvet, its alternative to Starlink.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a “real genius”, revealing that Moscow is in close contact with the billionaire over satellite technology. Speaking at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday (Oct 28), Putin discussed Russia’s satellite internet project, Rassvet, and the need to coordinate its operations with Musk’s Starlink network. “He’s a genius, a real genius,” Putin said of Musk, according to a BBC translation. “We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr Musk.” Why Russia wants to coordinate with Starlink Putin said communication with Musk was important to prevent satellites operated by the two networks from interfering with one another in orbit. “We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard,” he said. Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has launched roughly 13,000 satellites, according to the company. Russia’s Rassvet network, by comparison, has only a couple of dozen satellites currently in orbit, according to online satellite trackers. The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as “Russia’s Starlink alternative”, adding that the project “marks only the country’s first steps in this field”. Starlink’s role in the Ukraine war Musk’s satellite network has played a significant role in Ukraine’s war effort, helping the country maintain communications as Russian forces advance. However, Ukrainian military forces experienced sudden Starlink connectivity problems last week, with Musk acknowledging that SpaceX had deliberately disrupted the service. Putin’s remarks come amid signs of renewed engagement between Washington and Moscow, even as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its five-year mark. US President Donald Trump recently announced a deal with Russia to import diesel to help ease soaring fuel prices linked to the US war with Iran ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. His administration also waived certain sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff described Putin as a “humanitarian” after a US citizen was released from Russian custody. Musk, who was born in South Africa before moving to the United States, has emerged as a prominent political ally and financial supporter of Trump and other Republican politicians. His companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, are based in the US, most operating from California and Texas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Elon Musk a “real genius”, revealing close contact over satellite technology as Moscow develops Rassvet, its alternative to Starlink.

Putin cosying up to Trump loyals? Russian Prez calls Musk ‘genius’, reveals they are in ‘close’ contact

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s top military planner, Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, from his role as director of strategy, plans and policy on the US Joint Staff, NBC Washington reported on Wednesday, citing a defence official. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed strikes on Iran, adding to a wider shake-up of senior military leadership under his administration.&nbsp;Sylvia previously commanded the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and led a unit in Iraq. No reason was given for his removal.&nbsp;A Joint Staff spokesperson initially issued a statement that appeared to confirm Sylvia’s departure but later withdrew it. The spokesperson subsequently said: “Out of respect for the servicemember and the ongoing personnel process, we will not comment further.”<h3>Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran</h3>Sylvia’s removal comes as Trump considers further military action against Iran after next Tuesday’s US midterm elections.&nbsp;“We may do another little Epic Fury,” Trump said last week, referring to the US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February that triggered the eight-month-long war. He did not specify when another attack might take place.&nbsp;Neither Washington nor Tehran has carried out major attacks on land-based targets since early September. Instead, the conflict has increasingly involved strikes on commercial vessels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-will-celebrate-piyush-goyal-says-india-will-have-strong-comparative-advantage-after-us-trade-deal-1793278798694">‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal</a>&nbsp;<h3>Trump administration’s purge of senior military officials</h3>Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump and Hegseth have overseen a sweeping shake-up of the US military leadership. Nearly two dozen senior military and civilian defence officials have reportedly been fired, forced to retire or removed from their positions.&nbsp;Among them was General Charles “CQ” Brown, whom Trump dismissed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 2025 without publicly explaining the decision. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has also been among the senior figures affected by the administration’s changes.&nbsp;Other departures have included the heads of the US Navy and Coast Guard, the director of the National Security Agency, the US Air Force’s vice chief of staff, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO and three senior military lawyers.&nbsp;Hegseth has defended the changes, arguing that the president has the authority to choose the military leaders he wants. Democratic lawmakers, however, have raised concerns that the departures could undermine the traditionally non-partisan role of the US military.&nbsp;Last month, Hegseth said the administration had reduced the number of generals and admirals by 20 per cent, describing the move as an effort to improve “accountability”.&nbsp;He suggested the cuts targeted officers who did not support his push to prioritise war-fighting over what he called the “woke” policies of previous administrations. Hegseth described the reductions as an “accomplishment”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed a top military planner amid a wider military leadership shake-up as President Donald Trump weighs fresh strikes on Iran.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s top military planner, Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, from his role as director of strategy, plans and policy on the US Joint Staff, NBC Washington reported on Wednesday, citing a defence official. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed strikes on Iran, adding to a wider shake-up of senior military leadership under his administration. Sylvia previously commanded the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and led a unit in Iraq. No reason was given for his removal. A Joint Staff spokesperson initially issued a statement that appeared to confirm Sylvia’s departure but later withdrew it. The spokesperson subsequently said: “Out of respect for the servicemember and the ongoing personnel process, we will not comment further.” Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran Sylvia’s removal comes as Trump considers further military action against Iran after next Tuesday’s US midterm elections. “We may do another little Epic Fury,” Trump said last week, referring to the US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February that triggered the eight-month-long war. He did not specify when another attack might take place. Neither Washington nor Tehran has carried out major attacks on land-based targets since early September. Instead, the conflict has increasingly involved strikes on commercial vessels. Also Read: ‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal Trump administration’s purge of senior military officials Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump and Hegseth have overseen a sweeping shake-up of the US military leadership. Nearly two dozen senior military and civilian defence officials have reportedly been fired, forced to retire or removed from their positions. Among them was General Charles “CQ” Brown, whom Trump dismissed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 2025 without publicly explaining the decision. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has also been among the senior figures affected by the administration’s changes. Other departures have included the heads of the US Navy and Coast Guard, the director of the National Security Agency, the US Air Force’s vice chief of staff, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO and three senior military lawyers. Hegseth has defended the changes, arguing that the president has the authority to choose the military leaders he wants. Democratic lawmakers, however, have raised concerns that the departures could undermine the traditionally non-partisan role of the US military. Last month, Hegseth said the administration had reduced the number of generals and admirals by 20 per cent, describing the move as an effort to improve “accountability”. He suggested the cuts targeted officers who did not support his push to prioritise war-fighting over what he called the “woke” policies of previous administrations. Hegseth described the reductions as an “accomplishment”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed a top military planner amid a wider military leadership shake-up as President Donald Trump weighs fresh strikes on Iran.

Hegseth fires top military planner in latest purge as Trump weighs fresh Iran strikes: Report

Dramatic scenes unfolded in Albania’s parliament on Thursday (Oct 29) as opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and flares, turning a parliamentary session into a confrontation over growing anti-government protests and demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.&nbsp;The lawmakers disrupted a vote attended by Rama, banging on desks and throwing objects, including water bottles, towards the prime minister. They gathered near the podium with photographs of protesters allegedly injured by police and banners supporting student demonstrators.&nbsp;“Rama resign!” the opposition MPs chanted.

The disruption comes amid renewed demonstrations in the capital, Tirana, where students have taken to the streets since mid-October to demand greater support for education and call for Rama’s resignation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-economy-set-for-7-35-growth-in-july-september-oil-price-volatility-poses-risks-finance-ministry-1793275766761">India’s economy set for 7.35% growth in July-September; oil price volatility poses risks: Finance Ministry</a>&nbsp;The protests began in May over a controversial luxury coastal development linked to US President Donald Trump’s family. The project, backed by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, triggered months of largely peaceful demonstrations over the summer. The movement has since broadened into a wider anti-corruption campaign.&nbsp;Demonstrators have distanced themselves from political parties and carried signs accusing both Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha of corruption.&nbsp;Clashes between protesters and police, along with attacks on government buildings, have left more than 350 people injured, including numerous police officers. Dozens of demonstrators have also been detained.&nbsp;Parliament witnessed similar scenes last week when opposition lawmakers attempted to disrupt a vote, leading to a scuffle. Setting off flares inside the chamber is not unprecedented, with such incidents occurring on previous occasions.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: A mass brawl erupted in Armenia’s parliament on October 29 between ruling party and opposition lawmakers.

The clash began after a ruling party MP mocked opposition leader Narek Karapetyan’s family over a proposal to establish a “ministry to satisfy all women.” https://t.co/EKhCpyHedW&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2115737682068287720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Government imposes fines for violent demonstrations</h3>Rama has blamed “foreign actors” for the unrest and accused Russia and Iran of spreading online misinformation.&nbsp;The government has introduced fines of up to 500,000 leks, equivalent to around 5,500 euros, for people participating in demonstrations that turn violent, even if they do not personally engage in violence. The penalty is substantial compared with Albania’s average monthly pre-tax salary of 930 euros.&nbsp;Rama has governed Albania since 2013 and won a fourth term last year. The protests, which initially focused on the coastal resort development, have evolved into a broader challenge to his government, with demonstrators demanding action against corruption and his resignation.

Dramatic scenes erupted in Albania’s parliament as opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and flares, turning the chamber into a scene of chaos amid mounting anti-government protests and calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Dramatic scenes unfolded in Albania’s parliament on Thursday (Oct 29) as opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and flares, turning a parliamentary session into a confrontation over growing anti-government protests and demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. The lawmakers disrupted a vote attended by Rama, banging on desks and throwing objects, including water bottles, towards the prime minister. They gathered near the podium with photographs of protesters allegedly injured by police and banners supporting student demonstrators. “Rama resign!” the opposition MPs chanted.

Dramatic scenes erupted in Albania’s parliament as opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and flares, turning the chamber into a scene of chaos amid mounting anti-government protests and calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Dramatic scenes unfold in Albanian parliament as lawmakers set off flares, smoke bombs amid anti-government protests

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday (Oct 29) demanded “clarification” over what caused the train collision that killed at least 69 people. This comes as questions emerge over why rail traffic resumed after an automatic control system failed. Sanchez visited the crash site in Castilla-La Mancha on Wednesday and pledged to establish exactly what went wrong. The government has declared three days of mourning for the victims.“We are working day and night not only to support the victims’ families, but also to establish every last detail of this tragedy and strengthen safety measures to ensure it never happens again,” Sanchez said.The collision occurred near Urda when a Renfe train struck the rear of a stationary Iryo train on the high-speed line linking Madrid and Seville.<h2>Minister questions decision to resume traffic</h2>Transport Minister Oscar Puente said an automatic control system had failed along a 69-kilometre stretch of track, forcing trains to stop. The control centre subsequently decided to resume traffic, a decision he described as “inexplicable”.The Renfe train travelled 25 kilometres before hitting the Iryo train. Puente said the control centre “had more than enough time to verify the error, and they did not fix it”.Emergency workers have been using cranes to clear the wreckage, while sniffer dogs and thermal drones search for victims.<h2>Passengers recall moments of impact</h2>Survivors described being thrown around as the trains collided. Josimar Medina, a 31-year-old Peruvian tourist, recalled waking up in the air.“I woke up and I was in the air,” he said.Pablo Mejia, 42, suffered a head injury after changing seats shortly before the crash. He described seeing passengers and luggage scattered through the wreckage.“There was a very strong hit... a lot of people on the floor, on top of each other, seats ripped out, suitcases, a lot of chaos,” he said.“I think I’ve been born again,” Mejia added.<h2>Relatives search for information</h2>A school in Urda, about 130 kilometres south of Madrid, has been set up to help relatives seeking news. Red Cross psychologist Carmen Garcia said “long and hard hours” lay ahead, while parish priest Jose Miguel Fernandez described some relatives as “nervous and desperate”.Sanchez said families should receive “compensation, at least in material terms” for “this terrible tragedy”. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are expected to visit injured passengers at a hospital in Toledo.The collision is Spain’s second deadly high-speed rail accident this year. A crash in Andalusia in January killed 46 people. Train drivers also began a previously scheduled strike on Thursday to “defend rail safety”.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has demanded answers after a train collision killed 69 people, as questions mount over a decision to resume rail traffic following an automatic control system failure.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday (Oct 29) demanded “clarification” over what caused the train collision that killed at least 69 people. This comes as questions emerge over why rail traffic resumed after an automatic control system failed. Sanchez visited the crash site in Castilla-La Mancha on Wednesday and pledged to establish exactly what went wrong. The government has declared three days of mourning for the victims. “We are working day and night not only to support the victims’ families, but also to establish every last detail of this tragedy and strengthen safety measures to ensure it never happens again,” Sanchez said. The collision occurred near Urda when a Renfe train struck the rear of a stationary Iryo train on the high-speed line linking Madrid and Seville. Minister questions decision to resume traffic Transport Minister Oscar Puente said an automatic control system had failed along a 69-kilometre stretch of track, forcing trains to stop. The control centre subsequently decided to resume traffic, a decision he described as “inexplicable”. The Renfe train travelled 25 kilometres before hitting the Iryo train. Puente said the control centre “had more than enough time to verify the error, and they did not fix it”. Emergency workers have been using cranes to clear the wreckage, while sniffer dogs and thermal drones search for victims. Passengers recall moments of impact Survivors described being thrown around as the trains collided. Josimar Medina, a 31-year-old Peruvian tourist, recalled waking up in the air. “I woke up and I was in the air,” he said. Pablo Mejia, 42, suffered a head injury after changing seats shortly before the crash. He described seeing passengers and luggage scattered through the wreckage. “There was a very strong hit... a lot of people on the floor, on top of each other, seats ripped out, suitcases, a lot of chaos,” he said. “I think I’ve been born again,” Mejia added. Relatives search for information A school in Urda, about 130 kilometres south of Madrid, has been set up to help relatives seeking news. Red Cross psychologist Carmen Garcia said “long and hard hours” lay ahead, while parish priest Jose Miguel Fernandez described some relatives as “nervous and desperate”. Sanchez said families should receive “compensation, at least in material terms” for “this terrible tragedy”. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are expected to visit injured passengers at a hospital in Toledo. The collision is Spain’s second deadly high-speed rail accident this year. A crash in Andalusia in January killed 46 people. Train drivers also began a previously scheduled strike on Thursday to “defend rail safety”.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has demanded answers after a train collision killed 69 people, as questions mount over a decision to resume rail traffic following an automatic control system failure.

What caused Spain train collision that killed 69? PM Sanchez demands ‘clarification’

Tel Aviv: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for a full investigation into allegations of irregularities linked to the country’s recent elections, stressing that anyone found responsible must be held accountable under the law.&nbsp;Speaking on Thursday, October 29, at an event at the President’s Residence honouring the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Small Business Loan Fund, Herzog described the moment as sensitive and said the integrity of elections was a fundamental democratic value.&nbsp;Herzog said he had spoken with Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg and Shin Bet chief David Zini, and was closely following developments in the investigation into allegations published earlier in the morning.&nbsp;“The evidence and the allegations must be fully investigated, and those responsible must be arrested and held accountable according to the full extent of the law,” Herzog said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ra-amgate-an-earthquake-arab-parties-want-islamisation-of-israel-says-netanyahu-1793270521942">‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;The president, however, cautioned against holding an entire community responsible for the alleged actions of individuals, emphasising that Arab citizens had the democratic right to vote and participate in public life.&nbsp;His remarks come as Israel navigates the aftermath of a closely contested election, with questions surrounding the allegations adding to an already sensitive political atmosphere. The claims remain allegations and must be established through the investigation.&nbsp;Herzog also urged political leaders to prioritise the country’s interests as the process of forming the next government approaches.&nbsp;He said he would meet representatives of all Knesset factions once the official election results were received, ahead of consultations next week.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ally-fla-vio-bolsonaro-arrives-in-miami-with-family-after-fleeing-brazil-1793204345550">Trump ally Flávio Bolsonaro arrives in Miami with family after fleeing Brazil</a>&nbsp;Calling on political leaders to look beyond their immediate interests, Herzog said the central question should be what is best for the country.&nbsp;On the other hand, the election count continues to leave Israel facing a complicated path towards forming its next government.&nbsp;&nbsp;Current projections put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc at 53 seats, against 48 for the opposition, while Arab-led parties account for the remaining 19 seats.&nbsp;&nbsp;With 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, coalition negotiations are likely to be decisive.&nbsp;&nbsp;The evolving numbers also differ from the initial exit-poll estimates, underlining why provisional counts must be distinguished from final results.

President Isaac Herzog cautioned against holding an entire community responsible for the alleged actions of individuals, emphasising that Arab citizens had the democratic right to vote. He also urged leaders to prioritise the country’s interests in the process of forming the next government.

Tel Aviv: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for a full investigation into allegations of irregularities linked to the country’s recent elections, stressing that anyone found responsible must be held accountable under the law. Speaking on Thursday, October 29, at an event at the President’s Residence honouring the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Small Business Loan Fund, Herzog described the moment as sensitive and said the integrity of elections was a fundamental democratic value. Herzog said he had spoken with Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg and Shin Bet chief David Zini, and was closely following developments in the investigation into allegations published earlier in the morning. “The evidence and the allegations must be fully investigated, and those responsible must be arrested and held accountable according to the full extent of the law,” Herzog said. Also Read: ‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu The president, however, cautioned against holding an entire community responsible for the alleged actions of individuals, emphasising that Arab citizens had the democratic right to vote and participate in public life. His remarks come as Israel navigates the aftermath of a closely contested election, with questions surrounding the allegations adding to an already sensitive political atmosphere. The claims remain allegations and must be established through the investigation. Herzog also urged political leaders to prioritise the country’s interests as the process of forming the next government approaches. He said he would meet representatives of all Knesset factions once the official election results were received, ahead of consultations next week. Also Read: Trump ally Flávio Bolsonaro arrives in Miami with family after fleeing Brazil Calling on political leaders to look beyond their immediate interests, Herzog said the central question should be what is best for the country. On the other hand, the election count continues to leave Israel facing a complicated path towards forming its next government. Current projections put Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political bloc at 53 seats, against 48 for the opposition, while Arab-led parties account for the remaining 19 seats. With 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, coalition negotiations are likely to be decisive. The evolving numbers also differ from the initial exit-poll estimates, underlining why provisional counts must be distinguished from final results.

President Isaac Herzog cautioned against holding an entire community responsible for the alleged actions of individuals, emphasising that Arab citizens had the democratic right to vote. He also urged leaders to prioritise the country’s interests in the process of forming the next government.

Israel President Herzog calls for probe into election allegations, warns against blaming Arab community

Airlines will remove nearly 700,000 seats from China-Japan routes and cancel more than 5,000 flights this winter as a political dispute, now almost a year old, continues to depress tourism, according to aviation data provider OAG (Official Airline Guide). News outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that for the winter season, which runs from October 25 to March 27, carriers have allocated a combined 2,871,270 seats, down from 3,554,167 in the same period last year. The same airlines offered 3,889,781 seats in the six months just ended, more than a million above the coming winter's total, though summer is traditionally busier. OAG chief analyst John Grant told SCMP the decline reflects "the power of geopolitics on the aviation industry".&nbsp;Based on information from 22 carriers, airlines are planning 12,613 flights for the next six months. That is 5,208 fewer than in the summer season and 5,433 fewer than a year earlier. Chinese carriers are making the deepest cuts, while Japanese airlines have barely changed their schedules. Compared with last winter, Air China has cut 60,898 seats, China Eastern Airlines 111,260 and China Southern Airlines 82,575. In flights, Air China has removed 909, China Eastern 1,185 and China Southern 511. All Nippon Airways, by contrast, has kept all 1,848 of its flights.&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 mass cancellations began in November 2025, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo could deploy military forces if a conflict broke out in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing issued a travel warning that month urging Chinese citizens to avoid Japan, and several Chinese airlines offered full refunds on Japan-bound bookings. China had previously been Japan's largest source of overseas tourists.&nbsp;Tensions may be further strained by joint exercises this month in which Japanese and US forces rehearsed anti-ship strikes and mobile missile deployments in Kyushu and Japan's southwestern islands. The drills are seen as preparation to challenge Beijing's ability to control surrounding waters in a Taiwan conflict.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/china-man-turns-arguing-into-a-business-at-rs-2-681-he-ll-argue-on-your-behalf-with-no-time-limit-1793159814408">China man turns arguing into a business: At Rs 2,681, he'll argue on your behalf with no time limit | VIDEO</a>&nbsp;Yoichiro Sato, a professor at Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University, tols SCMP low-cost airlines could maintain capacity for the remaining tourism market, but fares on major routes would probably rise. This, he said, would increase travel costs for Japanese technicians and engineers who service Japan-built manufacturing equipment used by Chinese customers.&nbsp;

Airlines cut nearly 700,000 seats and 5,000 flights between China and Japan this winter as geopolitical tensions and travel warnings continue to hurt tourism.

Airlines will remove nearly 700,000 seats from China-Japan routes and cancel more than 5,000 flights this winter as a political dispute, now almost a year old, continues to depress tourism, according to aviation data provider OAG (Official Airline Guide). News outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that for the winter season, which runs from October 25 to March 27, carriers have allocated a combined 2,871,270 seats, down from 3,554,167 in the same period last year. The same airlines offered 3,889,781 seats in the six months just ended, more than a million above the coming winter's total, though summer is traditionally busier. OAG chief analyst John Grant told SCMP the decline reflects "the power of geopolitics on the aviation industry". Based on information from 22 carriers, airlines are planning 12,613 flights for the next six months. That is 5,208 fewer than in the summer season and 5,433 fewer than a year earlier. Chinese carriers are making the deepest cuts, while Japanese airlines have barely changed their schedules. Compared with last winter, Air China has cut 60,898 seats, China Eastern Airlines 111,260 and China Southern Airlines 82,575. In flights, Air China has removed 909, China Eastern 1,185 and China Southern 511. All Nippon Airways, by contrast, has kept all 1,848 of its flights. Also read: Unclassified report reveals clearest photo of China's secret spaceplane Shenlong The mass cancellations began in November 2025, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo could deploy military forces if a conflict broke out in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing issued a travel warning that month urging Chinese citizens to avoid Japan, and several Chinese airlines offered full refunds on Japan-bound bookings. China had previously been Japan's largest source of overseas tourists. Tensions may be further strained by joint exercises this month in which Japanese and US forces rehearsed anti-ship strikes and mobile missile deployments in Kyushu and Japan's southwestern islands. The drills are seen as preparation to challenge Beijing's ability to control surrounding waters in a Taiwan conflict. Also read: China man turns arguing into a business: At Rs 2,681, he'll argue on your behalf with no time limit | VIDEO Yoichiro Sato, a professor at Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University, tols SCMP low-cost airlines could maintain capacity for the remaining tourism market, but fares on major routes would probably rise. This, he said, would increase travel costs for Japanese technicians and engineers who service Japan-built manufacturing equipment used by Chinese customers.

Airlines cut nearly 700,000 seats and 5,000 flights between China and Japan this winter as geopolitical tensions and travel warnings continue to hurt tourism.

How geopolitics collapsed China-Japan air travel: 700,000 seats cut this winter

Farmers are a key voting group for Republicans in the ongoing US midterm election in 2026; however, their votes could be on the line, with the Iran war and President Trump’s tariff and trade wars driving up production costs along with diesel and fertiliser prices. The Trump administration has been coming out with financial assistance packages and projects for farmers in hopes of raising the electorate in next week’s midterm elections. In farm-heavy states such as Ohio, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, Republican candidates for the House and Senate are running into surprisingly close contests this midterm cycle. Several have pushed back against the Trump administration and lawmakers in Washington, urging action on farmers’ climbing expenses. While Trump secured 69 per cent of the rural vote in 2024, newer polling suggests that this voting bloc has grown dissatisfied with how things have gone for them since he took office. Meanwhile, a few developments in the 2026 midterm cycle have been as unexpected as Republican vulnerability in America’s farm heartland. In 2024, Trump carried Ohio by 11 points, Iowa by 13, Kansas by 16, and Nebraska by 20, and yet Republican Senate candidates in all four states now face unexpectedly competitive races, as farmers question whether his policies have actually helped the rural economy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rejects-trump-bid-to-block-california-from-counting-20-000-mail-ballots-of-alleged-non-citizens-1793238238076">US judge rejects Trump bid to block California from counting 20,000 mail ballots of alleged non-citizens</a><h3>US-China trade</h3>The roots of that doubt trace back to the US-China trade rupture. Between March 2025 and February 2026, the breakdown in trade relations cost American agriculture nearly $15 billion in exports, roughly $1.2 billion each in Iowa and Illinois, with Kansas and Nebraska losing between $500 million and $900 million. Before the trade war, nearly 28 per cent of all US soybean production was shipped to China, making the crop especially exposed when Beijing retaliated against American tariffs. Washington has since moved to repair the damage. In November, Trump struck a deal with Xi Jinping committing China to buy at least 25 million metric tons of soybeans annually through 2028, and a follow-up summit added a pledge of at least $17 billion in broader agricultural purchases. By mid-October, Chinese state buyers had booked large new rounds of soybean cargoes, pushing purchases for the 2026-27 marketing year toward roughly 15 million metric tons against a 25-million-ton target. Yet analysts note the politics of timing may matter more than the economics. China’s renewed buying spree, arriving just ahead of the midterms, has been read in Washington as a deliberate demonstration of Beijing’s leverage over American farmers. And despite the recovery, Chinese soybean purchases fell 73 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, with only a partial rebound so far in 2026, leaving many farmers in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska unconvinced that the deal arrived in time, or in full enough measure, to repair the rural vote Republicans are counting on.&nbsp;

Republican candidates for the House and Senate are running into surprisingly close contests this midterm cycle. Several have pushed back against the Trump administration and lawmakers in Washington, urging action on farmers’ climbing expenses.

Farmers are a key voting group for Republicans in the ongoing US midterm election in 2026; however, their votes could be on the line, with the Iran war and President Trump’s tariff and trade wars driving up production costs along with diesel and fertiliser prices. The Trump administration has been coming out with financial assistance packages and projects for farmers in hopes of raising the electorate in next week’s midterm elections. In farm-heavy states such as Ohio, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, Republican candidates for the House and Senate are running into surprisingly close contests this midterm cycle. Several have pushed back against the Trump administration and lawmakers in Washington, urging action on farmers’ climbing expenses. While Trump secured 69 per cent of the rural vote in 2024, newer polling suggests that this voting bloc has grown dissatisfied with how things have gone for them since he took office. Meanwhile, a few developments in the 2026 midterm cycle have been as unexpected as Republican vulnerability in America’s farm heartland. In 2024, Trump carried Ohio by 11 points, Iowa by 13, Kansas by 16, and Nebraska by 20, and yet Republican Senate candidates in all four states now face unexpectedly competitive races, as farmers question whether his policies have actually helped the rural economy. Also read: US judge rejects Trump bid to block California from counting 20,000 mail ballots of alleged non-citizens US-China trade The roots of that doubt trace back to the US-China trade rupture. Between March 2025 and February 2026, the breakdown in trade relations cost American agriculture nearly $15 billion in exports, roughly $1.2 billion each in Iowa and Illinois, with Kansas and Nebraska losing between $500 million and $900 million. Before the trade war, nearly 28 per cent of all US soybean production was shipped to China, making the crop especially exposed when Beijing retaliated against American tariffs. Washington has since moved to repair the damage. In November, Trump struck a deal with Xi Jinping committing China to buy at least 25 million metric tons of soybeans annually through 2028, and a follow-up summit added a pledge of at least $17 billion in broader agricultural purchases. By mid-October, Chinese state buyers had booked large new rounds of soybean cargoes, pushing purchases for the 2026-27 marketing year toward roughly 15 million metric tons against a 25-million-ton target. Yet analysts note the politics of timing may matter more than the economics. China’s renewed buying spree, arriving just ahead of the midterms, has been read in Washington as a deliberate demonstration of Beijing’s leverage over American farmers. And despite the recovery, Chinese soybean purchases fell 73 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, with only a partial rebound so far in 2026, leaving many farmers in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska unconvinced that the deal arrived in time, or in full enough measure, to repair the rural vote Republicans are counting on.

Republican candidates for the House and Senate are running into surprisingly close contests this midterm cycle. Several have pushed back against the Trump administration and lawmakers in Washington, urging action on farmers’ climbing expenses.

US midterm elections 2026: Why are farm belt seats, China's agriculture working group suddenly in play for polls?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the Ra’amgate affair is an “earthquake” and accused foreign entities of interfering in the electoral process and bribing voters in favour of Arab parties. Ra’amgate refers to the allegations of vote-buying involving the Arab party Ra’am during Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election.&nbsp;Israel’s Central Elections Committee ordered an investigation into allegations of foreign funding into Tuesday’s voting. CEC Chair Justice Noam Sohlberg asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Tuesday’s election.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Serious suspicions have been brought to my attention regarding improper influence on the elections — exerted through funding provided by foreign entities acting against Israeli interests,” Sohlberg wrote to Shin Bet.Sohlberg has asked Shin Bet to present the findings of the investigation within a week.Netanyahu called on the Zionist parties to reject any tie-up with Arab parties after allegations of foreign funding of polls.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">הודעת הליכוד: 

פרשת רע״מגייט היא רעידת אדמה. גנבו את הבחירות בישראל!

הדברים של השופט סולברג על מעורבות של גורמים זרים שהתערבו ושיחדו מצביעים לטובת המפלגות הערביות הם טלטלה חסרת תקדים. 

מדובר בפיגוע בדמוקרטיה שמטרתו להוביל להשתלטות זרה על הכנסת, לאיסלאמיזציה של ישראל, ולהפלת שלטון הימין כדי להוביל לנסיגה ותבוסת צה״ל בכל הזירות - ובראשן איראן.

אחרי שהתברר שגורמים זרים ניסו להשתלט על הכנסת ברור שאסור לאף מפלגה ציונית לשתף פעולה עם רע״מ והמשותפת, להחליף את יו״ר הכנסת באמצעות קולות שנקנו במזומן, ולהקים ממשלה מסוכנת לישראל. 

אנו דורשים לפעול מייד ובכל האמצעים הקיימים בידי השב״כ והמשטרה כדי לחקור את הפשעים הללו.&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2115722110601486351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ally-fla-vio-bolsonaro-arrives-in-miami-with-family-after-fleeing-brazil-1793204345550">Trump ally Flávio Bolsonaro arrives in Miami with family after fleeing Brazil</a>&nbsp;Netanyahu said in a post on X, “The Ra’amgate affair is an earthquake. They stole the elections in Israel! The judge Solberg’s statements about the involvement of foreign entities that interfered and bribed voters in favour of the Arab parties are an unprecedented shock. This is an attack on democracy whose purpose is to lead to a foreign takeover of the Knesset, the Islamization of Israel, and the overthrow of right-wing rule in order to lead to the retreat and defeat of the IDF in all arenas – and primarily Iran.”&nbsp;<h2>‘No Zionist party should cooperate with Ra’am and Joint List’</h2>&nbsp;“After it was revealed that foreign entities tried to take over the Knesset, it is clear that no Zionist party should cooperate with Ra’am and the Joint List, replace the Knesset Speaker through votes bought for cash, and form a government that is dangerous to Israel. We demand to act immediately and with all means available to the Shin Bet and the police to investigate these crimes,” Netanyahu added.&nbsp;Israel’s incumbent Finance Minister and Chairman of the Religious Zionism Party Bezalel Smotrich called for interrogation of the heads of the Arab parties. Smotrich said, “The suspicion of election interference with foreign Islamist money is a litmus test for the State of Israel. The heads of the Arab parties must be interrogated by the Shin Bet today. The State of Israel will not be sold to radical Islam with terrorist money.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Arrest Arab party bosses,’ says Ben Gvir</h2>&nbsp;Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir called for the arrest of the Arab party bosses and alleged involvement of money from Qatar.“The Shin Bet must order, already this morning, the arrest of the heads of the Arab parties suspected of involvement in Qatari money, and of all other suspects in the affair, including figures in the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots, insofar as there is a legal basis for their arrest,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-what-would-ramaswamy-s-win-mean-for-the-indian-diaspora-1793215021238">US Midterms 2026: What would Ramaswamy’s win mean for the Indian diaspora</a>&nbsp;Opposition bloc leader Gadi Eisenkot however, cautioned against using the investigation to delay the inauguration of the new Knesset.The Gadi Eisenkot-led bloc doesn’t have the votes to form a government on its own, but would be above the requisite 61 seats if it partners with the two Arab parties, or forms a minority government with their support.&nbsp;<h2>Four arrested for allegedly bribing voters</h2>&nbsp;Four men were arrested this morning and are being interrogated by the Lahav 433 major crimes unit on suspicion of involvement in an alleged scheme to bribe voters, police say.The scheme is the same one that led police to arrest three southern Bedouin men at dawn on Tuesday, election day, for allegedly planning to pay off people to vote for Ra’am, according to police.Ra’am has identified the men as party activists and denied the allegations.It is unclear if the incident is connected to the Shin Bet investigation into alleged election interference by a foreign entity.

Israel’s Central Elections Committee ordered an investigation into allegations of foreign funding into October 27 voting. CEC Chair Justice Noam Sohlberg asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Tuesday’s election. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the Ra’amgate affair is an “earthquake” and accused foreign entities of interfering in the electoral process and bribing voters in favour of Arab parties. Ra’amgate refers to the allegations of vote-buying involving the Arab party Ra’am during Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election. Israel’s Central Elections Committee ordered an investigation into allegations of foreign funding into Tuesday’s voting. CEC Chair Justice Noam Sohlberg asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Tuesday’s election. “Serious suspicions have been brought to my attention regarding improper influence on the elections — exerted through funding provided by foreign entities acting against Israeli interests,” Sohlberg wrote to Shin Bet. Sohlberg has asked Shin Bet to present the findings of the investigation within a week. Netanyahu called on the Zionist parties to reject any tie-up with Arab parties after allegations of foreign funding of polls.

Israel’s Central Elections Committee ordered an investigation into allegations of foreign funding into October 27 voting. CEC Chair Justice Noam Sohlberg asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Tuesday’s election.&nbsp;

‘Ra’amgate an earthquake. Arab parties want Islamisation of Israel,’ says Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump was interrupted by a protester shouting about his links to Jeffrey Epstein during a campaign rally in Ohio on Wednesday (Oct 28), prompting the president to subsequently defend his past association with the late convicted sex offender.The protester, identified as activist and comedian Robert Potylo, who uses the name Robby Roadsteamer online, sang a song accusing Trump of having travelled on Epstein’s notorious plane nicknamed 'Lolita Express' as the president addressed supporters in Chillicothe, Ohio. The crowd responded with boos before security personnel escorted him out of the venue.Potylo also shouted insults at Trump, calling him “Butterscotch shitler” and “Pumpkin spice pedo” (an apparent nod to Trump's orange-ish skin tone, often attributed to self-tanners, bronzers, and makeup). He later posted footage of the confrontation on X, describing it as the uncut video of his removal from the rally.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gross-negligence-or-something-else-doj-epstein-files-release-faces-fresh-scrutiny-after-investigation-spots-unexplained-gaps-and-redactions-1793263212839">'Gross negligence' or something else? DOJ Epstein files release faces fresh scrutiny after investigation spots unexplained gaps and redactions</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Singing The Epstein Plane to Trump at his rally tonite! The raw footage. With the cops pulling me out! (Uncut) https://t.co/NxsvXNZiEp&mdash; Robby Roadsteamer (@RobbyRoadsteame) <a href="https://x.com/RobbyRoadsteame/status/2115606388286058764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Trump revisits claim he expelled Epstein</h2>Seemingly prompted by the heckler, Trump later in the rally speech sought to address his links with the convicted sex trafficker Epstein. Repeating his previous claims, he told the crowd that he had thrown the financier out of his Mar-a-Lago club years ago because he considered him a “whack job”.“I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago,” Trump said, adding that he had been “totally exonerated” in connection with Epstein.The president also sought to associate Epstein with his opponent party, saying that the paedophile was a registered Democrat, and dismissed the protesters as “sick, weak people” and “paid protesters”. Trump has repeatedly said he severed ties with Epstein. Epstein, who faced federal sex-trafficking charges involving minors, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide.Trump has not been charged with a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex-trafficking activities, and the appearance of his name in Epstein-related records, by itself, does not establish criminal wrongdoing.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-s-best-friend-epstein-trump-accused-of-rape-by-ex-miss-switzerland-beatrice-keul-alleges-trump-raped-her-in-1993-democrats-report-1793069124230">Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993</a><h2>Epstein controversy shadows midterm campaign</h2>The interruption came as Trump campaigned in Ohio for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The rally was part of a broader effort to support Republicans in the state, including Senator Jon Husted.Trump’s handling of the Epstein records has faced scrutiny, with the issue continuing to surface at public appearances. At the Ohio rally, the president used the heckler’s reference to Epstein to reiterate his account of their past relationship and reject suggestions of wrongdoing.Potylo has previously disrupted appearances by Trump allies. In 2024, he heckled former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon after Bannon was released from prison. "When's the next insurrection?" Potylo had asked. "Can we storm the Burger King after this?"The latest interruption added Epstein to the list of issues raised by protesters at Trump’s campaign events in the final stretch before the midterms.

President Donald Trump faced merciless heckling over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein at an Ohio campaign rally. Among other things, he was called a "pumpkin spice paedo". Watch the video below.

US President Donald Trump was interrupted by a protester shouting about his links to Jeffrey Epstein during a campaign rally in Ohio on Wednesday (Oct 28), prompting the president to subsequently defend his past association with the late convicted sex offender. The protester, identified as activist and comedian Robert Potylo, who uses the name Robby Roadsteamer online, sang a song accusing Trump of having travelled on Epstein’s notorious plane nicknamed 'Lolita Express' as the president addressed supporters in Chillicothe, Ohio. The crowd responded with boos before security personnel escorted him out of the venue. Potylo also shouted insults at Trump, calling him “Butterscotch shitler” and “Pumpkin spice pedo” (an apparent nod to Trump's orange-ish skin tone, often attributed to self-tanners, bronzers, and makeup). He later posted footage of the confrontation on X, describing it as the uncut video of his removal from the rally. Also read | 'Gross negligence' or something else? DOJ Epstein files release faces fresh scrutiny after investigation spots unexplained gaps and redactions

President Donald Trump faced merciless heckling over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein at an Ohio campaign rally. Among other things, he was called a "pumpkin spice paedo". Watch the video below.

'Pumpkin spice paedo': Trump mercilessly heckled for travelling aboard Epstein's plane Lolita Express | Watch video

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has told a gathering of ASEAN defence ministers that New Delhi stands ready to share practical counter-terrorism experience gained through decades of confronting cross-border threats, and after Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday, Rajnath Singh said India’s expertise was “not theoretical classroom knowledge” but “an experience hard-earned on the ground”. He described every Indian strategy as having been tested, refined and proven in real-world operations.&nbsp;He pointed to Operation Sindoor as a decisive demonstration of India’s “proactive, battle-tested doctrine”, in which terrorist infrastructure was dismantled and a “non-negotiable red line” enforced against state-sponsored terror. Terrorism, he stressed, “knows no borders”, and India was prepared to strengthen collective capabilities through joint exercises, capacity-building programmes and intelligence sharing. Operation Sindoor was India's counter terror operation inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-us-defence-ministers-set-for-bilateral-talks-in-philippines-1793113751704">India and US defence ministers set for bilateral talks in Philippines</a>&nbsp;Counter-terrorism remains a priority under the ADMM-Plus framework. India and Malaysia are co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024–2027 cycle.&nbsp;Indian Defence minister reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN centrality and a “secure, open, inclusive, resilient and rule-based Indo-Pacific”. He said India’s engagement with ASEAN was long-term and rooted in shared interests, mutual respect and practical cooperation. He recalled that the second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur last October had reaffirmed commitment to the defence and security elements of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026–2030.&nbsp;The ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including India, China, the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Russia and New Zealand.&nbsp;Maritime cooperation featured prominently. India has designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and is conducting the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise. Rajnath Singh said India was a “steadfast practitioner” of international maritime law, not merely a preacher of its tenets. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, during which it has escorted thousands of merchant vessels and thwarted dozens of high-seas hijackings, protecting commercial shipping regardless of flag or nationality.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-raises-concerns-over-us-f-16-upgrades-for-pakistan-in-defence-talks-with-hegseth-1793182601155">India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raises concerns over US F-16 upgrades for Pakistan in defence talks with Hegseth</a>&nbsp;India’s emphasis on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation and overflight, he said, “is not directed against any country” but is intended to safeguard the collective interests of all regional stakeholders who depend on open sea lanes. India continues to position itself as a “reliable net security provider” in the Indian Ocean Region and wider Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;Minister Singh also proposed the creation of a dedicated defence “Youth Bridge” to strengthen India-ASEAN people-to-people connectivity, promote digital innovation and support capacity building. He said empowering youth aligned with the theme of “Youth, Peace and Security” and was essential for a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Counter-terrorism remains a key priority under ADMM-Plus, with India and Malaysia co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024–2027 cycle.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has told a gathering of ASEAN defence ministers that New Delhi stands ready to share practical counter-terrorism experience gained through decades of confronting cross-border threats, and after Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday, Rajnath Singh said India’s expertise was “not theoretical classroom knowledge” but “an experience hard-earned on the ground”. He described every Indian strategy as having been tested, refined and proven in real-world operations. He pointed to Operation Sindoor as a decisive demonstration of India’s “proactive, battle-tested doctrine”, in which terrorist infrastructure was dismantled and a “non-negotiable red line” enforced against state-sponsored terror. Terrorism, he stressed, “knows no borders”, and India was prepared to strengthen collective capabilities through joint exercises, capacity-building programmes and intelligence sharing. Operation Sindoor was India's counter terror operation inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack. Also read: India and US defence ministers set for bilateral talks in Philippines Counter-terrorism remains a priority under the ADMM-Plus framework. India and Malaysia are co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024–2027 cycle. Indian Defence minister reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN centrality and a “secure, open, inclusive, resilient and rule-based Indo-Pacific”. He said India’s engagement with ASEAN was long-term and rooted in shared interests, mutual respect and practical cooperation. He recalled that the second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur last October had reaffirmed commitment to the defence and security elements of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026–2030. The ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including India, China, the United States, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Russia and New Zealand. Maritime cooperation featured prominently. India has designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and is conducting the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise. Rajnath Singh said India was a “steadfast practitioner” of international maritime law, not merely a preacher of its tenets. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, during which it has escorted thousands of merchant vessels and thwarted dozens of high-seas hijackings, protecting commercial shipping regardless of flag or nationality. Also read: India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raises concerns over US F-16 upgrades for Pakistan in defence talks with Hegseth India’s emphasis on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation and overflight, he said, “is not directed against any country” but is intended to safeguard the collective interests of all regional stakeholders who depend on open sea lanes. India continues to position itself as a “reliable net security provider” in the Indian Ocean Region and wider Indo-Pacific. Minister Singh also proposed the creation of a dedicated defence “Youth Bridge” to strengthen India-ASEAN people-to-people connectivity, promote digital innovation and support capacity building. He said empowering youth aligned with the theme of “Youth, Peace and Security” and was essential for a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Counter-terrorism remains a key priority under ADMM-Plus, with India and Malaysia co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024–2027 cycle.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offers battle-tested counter-terror expertise from Operation Sindoor to ASEAN partners

In a span of 10 months, US duplicity towards Latin America came into full display. A president was captured in a military raid in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and taken to New York in January to face narcotics charges. In October, a defeated presidential candidate facing a money-laundering investigation back home in Brazil was welcomed into the US along with his family, despite a court order requiring him to surrender his passports. The stark contrasts in the fates of Nicolas Maduro and Flavio Bolsonaro are the latest in a long series of US interventions in Latin America, where Washington has repeatedly tried to influence the region’s political direction.<h2>Maduro: 'The kingpin of a narcotics organisation’&nbsp;</h2>First, the facts. Nicholas Maduro was portrayed as the kingpin of a narcotics organisation that, in the American telling, operated as a cartel. The Cartel of the Suns is a term used for years to describe alleged drug-trafficking networks involving Venezuelan military and government officials. But it doesn't necessarily represent a coherent, hierarchical cartel comparable to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel or Colombia’s Cali cartel. At best, it is a loose network of officials and criminal interests. That distinction matters, particularly when the label is used as a broad stroke to justify extraordinary military action.After the US military raid on Venezuela's presidential complex on the night of January 3, President Donald Trump made clear that control over the country’s oil was central to his administration’s plans. Washington has since secured an agreement giving US interests significant influence over Venezuelan oil production. So it's not just about bringing a president to justice: it is also about gaining access to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, in a country where the oil industry was nationalised in the 1970s and the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), &nbsp;became central to the socialist government's budget.&nbsp;<h2>Flavio: The boy with a silver spoon</h2>Cut to Brazil. Flavio is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump admirer whose right-wing populism, hostility towards the Left and emphasis on law and order echoed the politics of the first Trump administration. The former army captain came to power in 2019 after a campaign marked by an anti-establishment message. A stabbing attack during the campaign turned him into a symbol of political victimhood among his supporters.There were major changes to Brazil’s economy under Bolsonaro. His administration introduced privatisation of Eletrobras in 2022, the sale of Petrobras's fuel-distribution subsidiary BR Distribuidora in 2019, and concessions covering airports, ports, railways and roads. These opened further opportunities for private and foreign investment.Bolsonaro also clashed with Brazil’s cultural establishment. He attacked what he described as the excessive sexualisation of Carnival - the most important festive season of Brazil - and criticised cultural funding. His politics combined social conservatism, hostility towards progressive causes and a militarised approach to public security.He promised to clean up Brazil, from raids in the country’s favelas to a supposedly uncompromising war on crime. He militarised the police, which showed excessive brutality during his term in power.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lula-wins-fourth-term-the-rise-of-lula-s-political-army-1793169350798/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/lula-wins-fourth-term-the-rise-of-lula-s-political-army-1793169350798/embed</a><h2>Cracking down on political opponents didn't help Bolsonaro</h2>During Bolsanaro's term in office, the cases against his predecessor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, continued. The former president had been convicted in cases like the Operation Car Wash, a triplex apartment in Guarujá and a ranch in Atibaia, amid allegations of benefits connected to corruption involving Petrobras. But in 2021, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court annulled the convictions because the court in Curitiba that had handled the cases lacked jurisdiction. The ruling restored Lula’s eligibility to contest elections, which he won.&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro’s own legal troubles mounted in the past few years. In 2023, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court ruled him ineligible to stand for office until 2030 over his abuse of political power and misuse of the media in attacking Brazil’s electoral system during his term in power. In 2025, the Supreme Federal Court convicted him of participating in a coup plot intended to prevent Lula from taking office after the 2022 election, and sentenced him to 27 years in prison.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>Flavio's rise was allegedly helped from outside&nbsp;</h2>By 2026, Bolsonaro's son Flavio emerged as the principal presidential candidate for the Bolsonaro camp. The long-serving senator became the standard-bearer for the Brazilian right. There have been allegations of American support for the Bolsonaro political camp, including claims about money, intelligence and the power of US technology companies to influence social-media algorithms. Washington’s political sympathies towards the Bolsonaro camp were made clear when Flavio met Trump at the Oval Office.&nbsp;Aided by his political base and a polarised electorate, Flavio came remarkably close to the presidency. In the first round on 4 October, he secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes against Lula’s 45.16 per cent, forcing a run-off on October 25. Lula’s supporters mobilised at the grassroots level, including through street demonstrations and online campaigning, ending in a remarkable reversal. Lula won 51.79 per cent of the valid vote against Flavio’s 48.21 per cent in the run-off.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-s-flavio-bolsonaro-flees-to-us-after-presidential-election-defeat-to-lula-1793127266337">Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro flees to US after presidential election defeat to Lula</a><h2>Venezuela: Ruled from Washington when all else failed</h2>Venezuela had been governed by the socialist movement founded by Hugo Chávez since 1999. Maduro’s removal has not dismantled that political system, but placed it under extraordinary American pressure and influene. Maduro’s former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, became interim president after the US captured him. She is now working with Washington on economic and political arrangements. The Trump administration has recognised her government, restored diplomatic relations and negotiated greater American access to Venezuelan oil. The irony is striking: Washington removed Maduro but chose to work with his former allies rather than immediately transfer power to the opposition. Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado has now returned to Venezuela after spending months in hiding before escaping abroad in December 2025.&nbsp;<h2>What post-election developments for Flavio tell us about American approach to Latin America</h2>Following his defeat on 25 October, Flavio Bolsonaro was ordered by Brazil Supreme Federal Court to surrender his passports as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering and foreign-exchange offences. The inquiry involves lawyer and businessman Willer Tomaz. Flavio was ordered not to communicate with Tomaz. &nbsp;There's also a probe into financial links involving banker Daniel Vorcaro, and funding associated with a film about Jair Bolsonaro.&nbsp;Despite all this, Flavio and members of his family obtained US visas and travelled to Florida after the election. He left Brazil in defiance of the order to surrender his passports.&nbsp;How was he able to travel without passport?That is the power of American “democracy”.That is the power of regime-change attempts.And that is why the question of US duplicity towards Latin America won't go away.&nbsp;Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. &nbsp;

Nicholas Maduro’s capture by the US and Flavio Bolsonaro’s flight to Florida expose a sharp reality of US interventions in Latin America. America wants Venezuela’s oil, and seeks to help Brazil’s right-wing political camp.

In a span of 10 months, US duplicity towards Latin America came into full display. A president was captured in a military raid in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and taken to New York in January to face narcotics charges. In October, a defeated presidential candidate facing a money-laundering investigation back home in Brazil was welcomed into the US along with his family, despite a court order requiring him to surrender his passports. The stark contrasts in the fates of Nicolas Maduro and Flavio Bolsonaro are the latest in a long series of US interventions in Latin America, where Washington has repeatedly tried to influence the region’s political direction. Maduro: 'The kingpin of a narcotics organisation’ First, the facts. Nicholas Maduro was portrayed as the kingpin of a narcotics organisation that, in the American telling, operated as a cartel. The Cartel of the Suns is a term used for years to describe alleged drug-trafficking networks involving Venezuelan military and government officials. But it doesn't necessarily represent a coherent, hierarchical cartel comparable to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel or Colombia’s Cali cartel. At best, it is a loose network of officials and criminal interests. That distinction matters, particularly when the label is used as a broad stroke to justify extraordinary military action. After the US military raid on Venezuela's presidential complex on the night of January 3, President Donald Trump made clear that control over the country’s oil was central to his administration’s plans. Washington has since secured an agreement giving US interests significant influence over Venezuelan oil production. So it's not just about bringing a president to justice: it is also about gaining access to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, in a country where the oil industry was nationalised in the 1970s and the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), became central to the socialist government's budget. Flavio: The boy with a silver spoon Cut to Brazil. Flavio is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump admirer whose right-wing populism, hostility towards the Left and emphasis on law and order echoed the politics of the first Trump administration. The former army captain came to power in 2019 after a campaign marked by an anti-establishment message. A stabbing attack during the campaign turned him into a symbol of political victimhood among his supporters. There were major changes to Brazil’s economy under Bolsonaro. His administration introduced privatisation of Eletrobras in 2022, the sale of Petrobras's fuel-distribution subsidiary BR Distribuidora in 2019, and concessions covering airports, ports, railways and roads. These opened further opportunities for private and foreign investment. Bolsonaro also clashed with Brazil’s cultural establishment. He attacked what he described as the excessive sexualisation of Carnival - the most important festive season of Brazil - and criticised cultural funding. His politics combined social conservatism, hostility towards progressive causes and a militarised approach to public security. He promised to clean up Brazil, from raids in the country’s favelas to a supposedly uncompromising war on crime. He militarised the police, which showed excessive brutality during his term in power. https://www.wionews.com/videos/lula-wins-fourth-term-the-rise-of-lula-s-political-army-1793169350798/embed Cracking down on political opponents didn't help Bolsonaro During Bolsanaro's term in office, the cases against his predecessor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, continued. The former president had been convicted in cases like the Operation Car Wash, a triplex apartment in Guarujá and a ranch in Atibaia, amid allegations of benefits connected to corruption involving Petrobras. But in 2021, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court annulled the convictions because the court in Curitiba that had handled the cases lacked jurisdiction. The ruling restored Lula’s eligibility to contest elections, which he won. Jair Bolsonaro’s own legal troubles mounted in the past few years. In 2023, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court ruled him ineligible to stand for office until 2030 over his abuse of political power and misuse of the media in attacking Brazil’s electoral system during his term in power. In 2025, the Supreme Federal Court convicted him of participating in a coup plot intended to prevent Lula from taking office after the 2022 election, and sentenced him to 27 years in prison. Also read: Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved' Flavio's rise was allegedly helped from outside By 2026, Bolsonaro's son Flavio emerged as the principal presidential candidate for the Bolsonaro camp. The long-serving senator became the standard-bearer for the Brazilian right. There have been allegations of American support for the Bolsonaro political camp, including claims about money, intelligence and the power of US technology companies to influence social-media algorithms. Washington’s political sympathies towards the Bolsonaro camp were made clear when Flavio met Trump at the Oval Office. Aided by his political base and a polarised electorate, Flavio came remarkably close to the presidency. In the first round on 4 October, he secured 47.03 per cent of valid votes against Lula’s 45.16 per cent, forcing a run-off on October 25. Lula’s supporters mobilised at the grassroots level, including through street demonstrations and online campaigning, ending in a remarkable reversal. Lula won 51.79 per cent of the valid vote against Flavio’s 48.21 per cent in the run-off. Also read: Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro flees to US after presidential election defeat to Lula Venezuela: Ruled from Washington when all else failed Venezuela had been governed by the socialist movement founded by Hugo Chávez since 1999. Maduro’s removal has not dismantled that political system, but placed it under extraordinary American pressure and influene. Maduro’s former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, became interim president after the US captured him. She is now working with Washington on economic and political arrangements. The Trump administration has recognised her government, restored diplomatic relations and negotiated greater American access to Venezuelan oil. The irony is striking: Washington removed Maduro but chose to work with his former allies rather than immediately transfer power to the opposition. Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado has now returned to Venezuela after spending months in hiding before escaping abroad in December 2025. What post-election developments for Flavio tell us about American approach to Latin America Following his defeat on 25 October, Flavio Bolsonaro was ordered by Brazil Supreme Federal Court to surrender his passports as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering and foreign-exchange offences. The inquiry involves lawyer and businessman Willer Tomaz. Flavio was ordered not to communicate with Tomaz. There's also a probe into financial links involving banker Daniel Vorcaro, and funding associated with a film about Jair Bolsonaro. Despite all this, Flavio and members of his family obtained US visas and travelled to Florida after the election. He left Brazil in defiance of the order to surrender his passports. How was he able to travel without passport? That is the power of American “democracy”. That is the power of regime-change attempts. And that is why the question of US duplicity towards Latin America won't go away. Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Nicholas Maduro’s capture by the US and Flavio Bolsonaro’s flight to Florida expose a sharp reality of US interventions in Latin America. America wants Venezuela’s oil, and seeks to help Brazil’s right-wing political camp.

Maduro in handcuffs, Flavio in Florida: The US duplicity in Latin America on a president and a wannabe president

The US Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files is facing renewed scrutiny after a CBS News investigation identified references to classified material and gaps in document numbering that may point to records missing from the public release. The findings raise questions about the completeness of the disclosure process and come just a week before the November 3 US midterms, where US President Donald Trump's party faces the challenge of retaining control of the US House of Representatives. Furthermore, it comes on the heels of a report by the House Judiciary Committee Democrats, which lays out what they call "the case against Donald Trump emerging in the Epstein Files and DOJ's desperate efforts to cover it up". The report calls for an independent special counsel to investigate the president, Attorney General Todd Blanche's alleged conflicts of interest, and the Justice Department's reluctance to share evidence with state and foreign law enforcement.Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously said the DOJ was not withholding Epstein records on national security grounds. Yet documents reviewed by CBS News indicate that the Office of the Deputy Attorney General received material labelled as classified in March 2025. An email from the FBI’s National Security Classification Operations Unit also referred to three documents that “remain classified”. Their contents and the reasons for their classification remain unclear.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/don-s-best-friend-epstein-trump-accused-of-rape-by-ex-miss-switzerland-beatrice-keul-alleges-trump-raped-her-in-1993-democrats-report-1793069124230">Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993</a><h2>Document numbers reveal gaps</h2>According to the DOJ, it collected approximately six million pages related to Epstein. However, the so-called Epstein file dump, till date, consists of only around three million files. In January, the department confirmed that after reviewing the material for duplication, legal privilege and relevance, its total production under the Epstein Files Transparency Act had reached nearly 3.5 million pages.CBS analysed the numbering systems attached to the released records, including Bates numbers used to organise documents in legal proceedings. Its review found gaps in sequences associated with financial records, bank documents and emails.One example involved a collection of roughly 4,500 images of checks linked to Epstein’s accounts. The analysis identified 66 apparently missing check images. CBS also found gaps in an earlier numbering sequence covering emails involving Epstein, his associates, assistant Lesley Groff and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell.However, gaps in numbering do not, by themselves, establish why records were removed. Some email exchanges may have been excluded as duplicates during processing, while mistakes are another possible explanation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-allege-desperate-efforts-to-cover-up-trump-s-involvement-in-jeffrey-epstein-sex-crimes-release-50-page-report-1793079539061">Democrats allege 'desperate efforts to cover up' Trump's involvement in Jeffrey Epstein sex crimes, release 50-page report</a><h2>DOJ faces questions over withheld material</h2>The department has maintained that material not released falls into categories including duplicate records, privileged documents and material unrelated to Epstein or the cases covered by the law. Its public explanation also cites legal restrictions designed to protect victims and other sensitive information. However, notably, a shameful debacle the DOJ had to face earlier this year included the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-files-debacle-doj-exposes-nude-victims-in-catastrophic-file-dump-but-remembers-to-redact-trump-s-face-1770021222053">release of nude photos of victims, including minors</a>, even as all instances of US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-photo-vanishes-from-epstein-files-then-reappears-doj-claims-it-was-deleted-out-of-an-abundance-of-caution-sparks-cover-up-claims-1766368755262">Donald Trump's face were removed from the Epstein files dump</a>.Former US attorney Barbara McQuade questioned the apparent gaps in financial records, telling CBS that such records were not a permissible category for removal under the law. "It's the reason you have Bates numbers, so you notice something like that," she said.Journalist Katie Phang has separately sued the DOJ, seeking further disclosures and an explanation of redactions and removals. She is also asking the court to appoint a special master to review the files. The DOJ, as per the report, is appealing rulings made in Phang's favour.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>"If it wasn't intentional, then was it gross negligence? Were you just lazy? If it was intentional, then I think there's [expletive] there that they don't want people to see," Phang told CBS News. "My speculation runs an entire spectrum of reaction — but at the end of the day it just makes the DOJ look bad," Phang told CBS. &nbsp;<h2>Mistakes or malicious errors? When DOJ accepted removing photos of Trump ally</h2>The DOJ has acknowledged errors in its handling of the files, including the removal and subsequent restoration of a photograph of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visiting Epstein’s island in 2012. Notably, the image contradicted Lutnick's claim about his contact with the paedophile.For now, the central question remains whether the unexplained gaps reflect duplication, processing errors or records that should have been disclosed but were hidden from the public.

A CBS News investigation has identified references to classified material and gaps in the released Epstein files, raising fresh questions about the US Justice Department’s transparency. Here's all you need to know about the latest Trump DOJ-Epstein files controversy.

The US Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files is facing renewed scrutiny after a CBS News investigation identified references to classified material and gaps in document numbering that may point to records missing from the public release. The findings raise questions about the completeness of the disclosure process and come just a week before the November 3 US midterms, where US President Donald Trump's party faces the challenge of retaining control of the US House of Representatives. Furthermore, it comes on the heels of a report by the House Judiciary Committee Democrats, which lays out what they call "the case against Donald Trump emerging in the Epstein Files and DOJ's desperate efforts to cover it up". The report calls for an independent special counsel to investigate the president, Attorney General Todd Blanche's alleged conflicts of interest, and the Justice Department's reluctance to share evidence with state and foreign law enforcement. Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously said the DOJ was not withholding Epstein records on national security grounds. Yet documents reviewed by CBS News indicate that the Office of the Deputy Attorney General received material labelled as classified in March 2025. An email from the FBI’s National Security Classification Operations Unit also referred to three documents that “remain classified”. Their contents and the reasons for their classification remain unclear. Also read | Trump accused of 'brutal' rape by ex-Miss Switzerland; Beatrice Keul alleges 'Don's best friend' Epstein facilitated assault in 1993 Document numbers reveal gaps According to the DOJ, it collected approximately six million pages related to Epstein. However, the so-called Epstein file dump, till date, consists of only around three million files. In January, the department confirmed that after reviewing the material for duplication, legal privilege and relevance, its total production under the Epstein Files Transparency Act had reached nearly 3.5 million pages. CBS analysed the numbering systems attached to the released records, including Bates numbers used to organise documents in legal proceedings. Its review found gaps in sequences associated with financial records, bank documents and emails. One example involved a collection of roughly 4,500 images of checks linked to Epstein’s accounts. The analysis identified 66 apparently missing check images. CBS also found gaps in an earlier numbering sequence covering emails involving Epstein, his associates, assistant Lesley Groff and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. However, gaps in numbering do not, by themselves, establish why records were removed. Some email exchanges may have been excluded as duplicates during processing, while mistakes are another possible explanation. Also read | Democrats allege 'desperate efforts to cover up' Trump's involvement in Jeffrey Epstein sex crimes, release 50-page report DOJ faces questions over withheld material The department has maintained that material not released falls into categories including duplicate records, privileged documents and material unrelated to Epstein or the cases covered by the law. Its public explanation also cites legal restrictions designed to protect victims and other sensitive information. However, notably, a shameful debacle the DOJ had to face earlier this year included the release of nude photos of victims, including minors, even as all instances of US President Donald Trump's face were removed from the Epstein files dump. Former US attorney Barbara McQuade questioned the apparent gaps in financial records, telling CBS that such records were not a permissible category for removal under the law. "It's the reason you have Bates numbers, so you notice something like that," she said. Journalist Katie Phang has separately sued the DOJ, seeking further disclosures and an explanation of redactions and removals. She is also asking the court to appoint a special master to review the files. The DOJ, as per the report, is appealing rulings made in Phang's favour. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million "If it wasn't intentional, then was it gross negligence? Were you just lazy? If it was intentional, then I think there's [expletive] there that they don't want people to see," Phang told CBS News. "My speculation runs an entire spectrum of reaction — but at the end of the day it just makes the DOJ look bad," Phang told CBS. Mistakes or malicious errors? When DOJ accepted removing photos of Trump ally The DOJ has acknowledged errors in its handling of the files, including the removal and subsequent restoration of a photograph of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visiting Epstein’s island in 2012. Notably, the image contradicted Lutnick's claim about his contact with the paedophile. For now, the central question remains whether the unexplained gaps reflect duplication, processing errors or records that should have been disclosed but were hidden from the public.

A CBS News investigation has identified references to classified material and gaps in the released Epstein files, raising fresh questions about the US Justice Department’s transparency. Here's all you need to know about the latest Trump DOJ-Epstein files controversy.

'Gross negligence' or something else? DOJ Epstein files release faces fresh scrutiny after investigation spots unexplained gaps and redactions

The United States has spent over $47 billion so far in its war with Iran. This number is more than 25% higher than the Defense Department's estimate in July, revealed a Pentagon data obtained by Reuters news agency. The Pentagon has, however, not yet responded on the estimate and has not made it public.&nbsp;According to Reuters report that cites Pentagon data, more than $29 billion of this cost is required ​to replace expended munitions used in the conflict. While over $6 billion would be needed to replace military equipment ​and so-called "platform losses," which include the loss of aircraft including many drones lost during the war," the report further added.&nbsp;<h2>What earlier report by inspector general of the Defense Department said?</h2>&nbsp;Notably, the inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report released mid September had said that the conflict with Iran led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry.&nbsp;“Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report.&nbsp;Though, much of the information was reported earlier, the Pentagon inspector general’s report was more comprehensive in terms of the conflict’s costs in American lives, taxpayer dollars and physical damage.&nbsp;According to some experts, it is going to take US three years to replenish advanced missiles and defensive missile interceptors to prewar levels.&nbsp;The Defense Department’s inspector general's report that the US is running low on munitions was, however denied by &nbsp;Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.&nbsp;US president Donald Trump too lashed out at the report saying the U.S. is “producing more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History. They are being delivered on a daily basis to our Forces in the Middle East and beyond.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over $6 billion would be needed to replace military equipment ​and so-called "platform losses," which include the loss of aircraft.

The United States has spent over $47 billion so far in its war with Iran. This number is more than 25% higher than the Defense Department's estimate in July, revealed a Pentagon data obtained by Reuters news agency. The Pentagon has, however, not yet responded on the estimate and has not made it public. According to Reuters report that cites Pentagon data, more than $29 billion of this cost is required to replace expended munitions used in the conflict. While over $6 billion would be needed to replace military equipment and so-called "platform losses," which include the loss of aircraft including many drones lost during the war," the report further added. What earlier report by inspector general of the Defense Department said? Notably, the inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report released mid September had said that the conflict with Iran led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry. “Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report. Though, much of the information was reported earlier, the Pentagon inspector general’s report was more comprehensive in terms of the conflict’s costs in American lives, taxpayer dollars and physical damage. According to some experts, it is going to take US three years to replenish advanced missiles and defensive missile interceptors to prewar levels. The Defense Department’s inspector general's report that the US is running low on munitions was, however denied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. US president Donald Trump too lashed out at the report saying the U.S. is “producing more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History. They are being delivered on a daily basis to our Forces in the Middle East and beyond.”

Over $6 billion would be needed to replace military equipment ​and so-called "platform losses," which include the loss of aircraft.

Iran war has cost US over $47 billion so far, reveals Pentagon data: Report

The mortal remains of former Bangladesh Air Force Flight Lieutenant Tahsif Souri was recovered from the Turag river on Wednesday (Oct 28), a day after he was reported missing. Constable Md Rakib, who was on duty at the river police control room, confirmed the recovery to news outlet The Daily Star.&nbsp;Lt Souri had come to public attention in connection with a video purportedly showing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country by aircraft on August 5, 2024. He was reportedly the person who recorded the footage. Later in November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted PM Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding her guilty of "crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. Ever since she fled the country on August 5, 2024, the 78-year-old has been living in India.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dhaka-raises-sheikh-hasina-s-planned-address-with-indian-envoy-1785777329967">Dhaka raises Sheikh Hasina’s planned address with Indian envoy</a>&nbsp;According to Constable Rakib, a river police team retrieved the body from the Tongi Bandar Ghat area after information was received through the national emergency helpline 999. The mortal remains were later reportedly taken to the morgue of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka for an autopsy, he said.&nbsp;Police established the officer's identity after examining his mobile phone and wristwatch. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Constable Rakib said it will be known only after the autopsy report is available.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sheikh-hasina-warns-of-deep-sense-of-insecurity-among-bangladesh-s-minorities-in-durga-puja-message-1792002462112">Sheikh Hasina warns of 'deep sense of insecurity' among Bangladesh's minorities in Durga Puja message</a>&nbsp;Bangladeshi news outlet's have quoted Lt Souri's cousin Moshfeka Jahan, whose Facebook post has gone viral, “My brother was killed. Was his crime simply sharing Hasina's escape video, recorded by a colleague? He was forced into retirement, mentally harassed, and reportedly followed by intelligence agents. Was his patriotism his crime?”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Themortal remains of former Bangladesh Air Force Flight Lieutenant Tahsif Souri, who reportedly filmed Sheikh Hasina leaving the country, has been recovered from the Turag River in Dhaka.

The mortal remains of former Bangladesh Air Force Flight Lieutenant Tahsif Souri was recovered from the Turag river on Wednesday (Oct 28), a day after he was reported missing. Constable Md Rakib, who was on duty at the river police control room, confirmed the recovery to news outlet The Daily Star. Lt Souri had come to public attention in connection with a video purportedly showing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country by aircraft on August 5, 2024. He was reportedly the person who recorded the footage. Later in November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced ousted PM Hasina to death. The decision comes after finding her guilty of "crimes against humanity”. The tribunal noted that she ordered killings and also mentioned that she incited violence during the uprising in the country in 2024. Ever since she fled the country on August 5, 2024, the 78-year-old has been living in India. Also read: Dhaka raises Sheikh Hasina’s planned address with Indian envoy According to Constable Rakib, a river police team retrieved the body from the Tongi Bandar Ghat area after information was received through the national emergency helpline 999. The mortal remains were later reportedly taken to the morgue of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka for an autopsy, he said. Police established the officer's identity after examining his mobile phone and wristwatch. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Constable Rakib said it will be known only after the autopsy report is available. Also read: Sheikh Hasina warns of 'deep sense of insecurity' among Bangladesh's minorities in Durga Puja message Bangladeshi news outlet's have quoted Lt Souri's cousin Moshfeka Jahan, whose Facebook post has gone viral, “My brother was killed. Was his crime simply sharing Hasina's escape video, recorded by a colleague? He was forced into retirement, mentally harassed, and reportedly followed by intelligence agents. Was his patriotism his crime?”

The&nbsp;mortal remains of former Bangladesh Air Force Flight Lieutenant Tahsif Souri, who reportedly filmed Sheikh Hasina leaving the country, has been recovered from the Turag River in Dhaka.

Former Bangladesh Air Force officer linked to Sheikh Hasina’s evacuation video found dead in Turag River

Israel’s post-election uncertainty has intensified following allegations of suspected foreign interference, illegal funding and election bribery, triggering sharp reactions from senior political leaders as parties struggle to secure a parliamentary majority. The controversy comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc remains short of the numbers needed to form a government, with Arab-led parties emerging as potentially decisive players in coalition negotiations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-israel-s-anti-defection-laws-and-how-could-they-shape-post-poll-coalition-strategy-wion-explains-1793072633642">What are Israel’s anti-defection laws and how could they shape post-poll coalition strategy? WION Explains</a><h2>Foreign interference probe triggers political reactions</h2>Israel’s Central Elections Committee chairman, Noam Sohlberg, has reportedly directed Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspected foreign funding and election bribery involving foreign actors. The Shin Bet has been given one week to submit its findings, according to information shared about the order.&nbsp;The allegations include suspicions that Muslim Brotherhood-linked money may have been channelled into Israel to boost voter turnout in the Arab sector. These claims have not been established as proven wrongdoing.&nbsp;National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the immediate arrest of Arab party leaders suspected of involvement in alleged Qatari funding, where legally justified. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that Arab party leaders be questioned by the Shin Bet, describing the allegations as a test for Israel.&nbsp;Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman called the reported intervention a “dramatic and unprecedented event” and urged law enforcement agencies to establish the facts swiftly. The allegations have added to tensions over Arab political representation, but investigators have yet to establish whether the suspected funding violated Israeli law.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-from-peres-to-netanyahu-how-exit-polls-have-got-it-wrong-before-1793166660857">Israel election: From Peres to Netanyahu, how exit polls have got it wrong before</a><h2>Likud alleges election fraud</h2>Separately, Netanyahu’s Likud party alleged that the election had been “stolen” by Arab parties, citing claims of bribery, intimidation and other irregularities. The allegations have been disputed, and claims of widespread electoral fraud must be distinguished from individual complaints and ongoing investigations. Any conclusion will depend on evidence gathered by the relevant authorities.<h2>Latest election projections: Arab parties hold the key</h2>With most votes counted, the emerging parliamentary picture remains inconclusive. Latest projections put Netanyahu’s bloc at around 53 seats, the Jewish-led opposition at 48 and Arab-led parties at 19 in the 120-member Knesset. These are provisional figures, with outstanding ballots still to be accounted for. Neither bloc has reached the 61 seats required for a majority.&nbsp;&nbsp;The main challenge now is political. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot and other Jewish opposition figures face a choice over whether to seek support from Arab-led parties, while some leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, have expressed opposition to such cooperation.Arab parties could therefore play a decisive role in determining whether an alternative government can be formed. Other possibilities include a broader political arrangement or prolonged negotiations.<h2>What happens next? Coalition arithmetic takes centre stage</h2>The emerging parliamentary picture remains inconclusive. Provisional projections put Netanyahu’s bloc at around 53 seats, the Jewish-led opposition at 48 and Arab-led parties at 19 in the 120-member Knesset. Neither side has reached the 61 seats required for a majority. These figures remain subject to verification against the latest official count.&nbsp;The central question now is whether the Jewish-led opposition, associated with Gadi Eisenkot and other leaders seeking an alternative to Netanyahu, can overcome its internal differences to form a government. One possibility is an understanding between Netanyahu’s bloc and elements of the opposition. Another is cooperation between the Jewish-led opposition and Arab-led parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel.&nbsp;However, the latter option remains contentious. Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, have expressed reservations about relying on Arab parties unless their positions and demands, particularly those linked to the Palestinian issue, are addressed.A meeting of the Jewish-led opposition bloc scheduled for Thursday could therefore prove crucial. The discussions are expected to test whether the parties can agree on a common approach to government formation and whether cooperation with Arab factions is politically acceptable.Arab-led parties could hold the balance of power, but their role will depend on negotiations, policy demands and the willingness of other parties to accept their support.

Israel’s post-election deadlock has deepened as the Shin Bet is asked to investigate suspected foreign funding and election bribery. Netanyahu’s bloc has around 53 seats, the opposition 48 and Arab-led parties 19, leaving all sides short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.

Israel’s post-election uncertainty has intensified following allegations of suspected foreign interference, illegal funding and election bribery, triggering sharp reactions from senior political leaders as parties struggle to secure a parliamentary majority. The controversy comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc remains short of the numbers needed to form a government, with Arab-led parties emerging as potentially decisive players in coalition negotiations. Also Read: What are Israel’s anti-defection laws and how could they shape post-poll coalition strategy? WION Explains Foreign interference probe triggers political reactions Israel’s Central Elections Committee chairman, Noam Sohlberg, has reportedly directed Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate suspected foreign funding and election bribery involving foreign actors. The Shin Bet has been given one week to submit its findings, according to information shared about the order. The allegations include suspicions that Muslim Brotherhood-linked money may have been channelled into Israel to boost voter turnout in the Arab sector. These claims have not been established as proven wrongdoing. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the immediate arrest of Arab party leaders suspected of involvement in alleged Qatari funding, where legally justified. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that Arab party leaders be questioned by the Shin Bet, describing the allegations as a test for Israel. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman called the reported intervention a “dramatic and unprecedented event” and urged law enforcement agencies to establish the facts swiftly. The allegations have added to tensions over Arab political representation, but investigators have yet to establish whether the suspected funding violated Israeli law. Also Read: Israel election: From Peres to Netanyahu, how exit polls have got it wrong before Likud alleges election fraud Separately, Netanyahu’s Likud party alleged that the election had been “stolen” by Arab parties, citing claims of bribery, intimidation and other irregularities. The allegations have been disputed, and claims of widespread electoral fraud must be distinguished from individual complaints and ongoing investigations. Any conclusion will depend on evidence gathered by the relevant authorities. Latest election projections: Arab parties hold the key With most votes counted, the emerging parliamentary picture remains inconclusive. Latest projections put Netanyahu’s bloc at around 53 seats, the Jewish-led opposition at 48 and Arab-led parties at 19 in the 120-member Knesset. These are provisional figures, with outstanding ballots still to be accounted for. Neither bloc has reached the 61 seats required for a majority. The main challenge now is political. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot and other Jewish opposition figures face a choice over whether to seek support from Arab-led parties, while some leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, have expressed opposition to such cooperation. Arab parties could therefore play a decisive role in determining whether an alternative government can be formed. Other possibilities include a broader political arrangement or prolonged negotiations. What happens next? Coalition arithmetic takes centre stage The emerging parliamentary picture remains inconclusive. Provisional projections put Netanyahu’s bloc at around 53 seats, the Jewish-led opposition at 48 and Arab-led parties at 19 in the 120-member Knesset. Neither side has reached the 61 seats required for a majority. These figures remain subject to verification against the latest official count. The central question now is whether the Jewish-led opposition, associated with Gadi Eisenkot and other leaders seeking an alternative to Netanyahu, can overcome its internal differences to form a government. One possibility is an understanding between Netanyahu’s bloc and elements of the opposition. Another is cooperation between the Jewish-led opposition and Arab-led parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel. However, the latter option remains contentious. Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, have expressed reservations about relying on Arab parties unless their positions and demands, particularly those linked to the Palestinian issue, are addressed. A meeting of the Jewish-led opposition bloc scheduled for Thursday could therefore prove crucial. The discussions are expected to test whether the parties can agree on a common approach to government formation and whether cooperation with Arab factions is politically acceptable. Arab-led parties could hold the balance of power, but their role will depend on negotiations, policy demands and the willingness of other parties to accept their support.

Israel’s post-election deadlock has deepened as the Shin Bet is asked to investigate suspected foreign funding and election bribery. Netanyahu’s bloc has around 53 seats, the opposition 48 and Arab-led parties 19, leaving all sides short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.

Israel election: Foreign interference allegations spark political row as coalition deadlock continues

A video surfaced on social media showing healthcare workers singing and dancing at an Ebola treatment centre in the DR Congo after the last patient completely recovered and departed from the hospital. Meanwhile, the latest Ebola outbreak traces back to the Doctors Without Borders-run centre in Mongbwalu. The viral video shows healthcare workers dancing together with the last patient who was completely cured of the virus. Meanwhile, the deadly outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has now crossed 10,000 cases with almost 5,000 lives lost across four African countries.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DR Congo’s doctors expected to fight ebola are busy dancing Lingala 🙌🙌 https://t.co/KTrA8hbSjT&mdash; Brian The Mixologist🌼 (@brianmixologist) <a href="https://x.com/brianmixologist/status/2114719256306724957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The latest Ebola outbreak traces back to the Doctors Without Borders-run facility in Mongbwalu. Driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, it has now pushed past 10,000 cases and claimed close to 5,000 lives across four African nations. First detected in mid-May, the outbreak has gone on to become the Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest and deadliest on record, overtaking even the 2018-2020 epidemic. As of early October, the country had recorded a crude case fatality ratio of roughly 48 per cent, nearly one in every two confirmed cases proving fatal.&nbsp;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><h3>Ebola virus to engulf the world like a pandemic?</h3>Kenya confirmed its first case earlier this month after a man who had travelled from Congo via Uganda died in Nairobi, with the country’s total eventually climbing to nine cases. Nigeria followed last week, becoming the fourth African nation to report an infection. After Africa, France is the only country to have been confirmed as a case of Ebola in this outbreak, after a doctor returned from DR Congo in June. Meanwhile, amid rising concern about the virus, a top health expert has warned that Ebola will spread like COVID and could reach the UK if all continents don’t take required action. Ebola was first identified in the DR Congo back in 1976, and the country is now experiencing the 17th outbreak of the disease. The current Ebola outbreak is of the Bundibugyo strain, which kills between 21 per cent and 50 per cent of those infected. People who contract it typically face muscle aches, high temperature, headache and sore throat, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus spreads through direct exposure to bodily fluids, blood or vomit from infected individuals, for instance, or contact with the bodies of those who have died from it. No treatment currently exists, though researchers at Oxford University are racing to develop a vaccine that could be deployed should the outbreak escalate further. &nbsp;

The latest Ebola outbreak traces back to the Doctors Without Borders-run facility in Mongbwalu. Driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, it has now pushed past 10,000 cases and claimed close to 5,000 lives across four African nations.

A video surfaced on social media showing healthcare workers singing and dancing at an Ebola treatment centre in the DR Congo after the last patient completely recovered and departed from the hospital. Meanwhile, the latest Ebola outbreak traces back to the Doctors Without Borders-run centre in Mongbwalu. The viral video shows healthcare workers dancing together with the last patient who was completely cured of the virus. Meanwhile, the deadly outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus has now crossed 10,000 cases with almost 5,000 lives lost across four African countries.

The latest Ebola outbreak traces back to the Doctors Without Borders-run facility in Mongbwalu. Driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, it has now pushed past 10,000 cases and claimed close to 5,000 lives across four African nations.

VIDEO: Healthcare workers celebrate as last patient leaves a DRC Ebola centre

Two sisters were allegedly shot dead by their brother at their residence in Pakistan’s Karachi in the Drigh Road area on Wednesday (Oct 28), police were quoted in the news outlet The Dawn. The incident, which police linked to the women's use of social media, falls within the jurisdiction of the Shah Faisal Colony police.&nbsp;Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fida Husain Janwari told Dawn that the victims, Sobia, 25, and Hira, 20, were gunned down inside their house in New Rehmanabad. The suspect has been identified as their brother, Rehan.&nbsp;According to the SSP, the initial investigation suggests the suspect had earlier warned his sisters against using TikTok, which appears to be a possible motive behind the double murder.&nbsp;The suspect fled the scene after the killings, and efforts are underway to arrest him, the senior officer said. He added that the alleged killer has a criminal record, having been arrested several times and sent to jail in connection with criminal cases. The bodies were moved to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for medico-legal formalities.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-shehzad-bhatti-pakistani-influencer-at-the-centre-of-india-s-cross-border-terror-investigation-1786967414818">Who is Shehzad Bhatti? Pakistani influencer at the centre of India's cross-border terror investigation</a>&nbsp;In a separate incident, a watchman was shot dead, and two labourers were wounded in an armed attack on an under-construction building in the Garden area of Karachi.&nbsp;Soldier Bazaar police said two armed men riding a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire on Jumani Square, which is being built on Nishter Road near Alibhai Auditorium. Three people suffered critical injuries and were taken to the Civil Hospital Karachi, where Aslam, 30, was pronounced dead on arrival.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-rock-kabul-as-afghanistan-blames-pakistan-for-airstrikes-as-tensions-escalate-1773685349894">Explosions rock Kabul as Afghanistan blames Pakistan for airstrikes as tensions escalate</a>&nbsp;Police said Aslam was the watchman of the building. The injured labourers were identified as Shahid Ali, 25, and Shakir Ali, 28. In a statement, police said the incident appeared to be related to extortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two sisters were shot dead in Karachi over social media usage. According to police, the initial investigation suggests the suspect had earlier warned his sisters against using TikTok.

Two sisters were allegedly shot dead by their brother at their residence in Pakistan’s Karachi in the Drigh Road area on Wednesday (Oct 28), police were quoted in the news outlet The Dawn. The incident, which police linked to the women's use of social media, falls within the jurisdiction of the Shah Faisal Colony police. Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fida Husain Janwari told Dawn that the victims, Sobia, 25, and Hira, 20, were gunned down inside their house in New Rehmanabad. The suspect has been identified as their brother, Rehan. According to the SSP, the initial investigation suggests the suspect had earlier warned his sisters against using TikTok, which appears to be a possible motive behind the double murder. The suspect fled the scene after the killings, and efforts are underway to arrest him, the senior officer said. He added that the alleged killer has a criminal record, having been arrested several times and sent to jail in connection with criminal cases. The bodies were moved to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for medico-legal formalities. Also read: Who is Shehzad Bhatti? Pakistani influencer at the centre of India's cross-border terror investigation In a separate incident, a watchman was shot dead, and two labourers were wounded in an armed attack on an under-construction building in the Garden area of Karachi. Soldier Bazaar police said two armed men riding a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire on Jumani Square, which is being built on Nishter Road near Alibhai Auditorium. Three people suffered critical injuries and were taken to the Civil Hospital Karachi, where Aslam, 30, was pronounced dead on arrival. Also read: Explosions rock Kabul as Afghanistan blames Pakistan for airstrikes as tensions escalate Police said Aslam was the watchman of the building. The injured labourers were identified as Shahid Ali, 25, and Shakir Ali, 28. In a statement, police said the incident appeared to be related to extortion.

Two sisters were shot dead in Karachi over social media usage. According to police, the initial investigation suggests the suspect had earlier warned his sisters against using TikTok.

Two sisters shot dead by brother over social media use in Pakistan

Latest News Today Live Updates: With 90 per cent of votes counted, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc has 53 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc has 48. Arab-led parties have surged to 19 seats, leaving the political battle finely balanced as the country awaits the final results. Israel Police have rejected claims of election fraud made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, as vote counting shows a closely contested political battle.Russia claimed to have downed the vast majority of 613 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow and the surrounding region overnight between Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29The United States is preparing for the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress and shape the legislative agenda during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.At least 68 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a southbound Renfe AVE train rear-ended a stationary Iryo high-speed train in Spain’s central Toledo province. Initial findings point to a possible signalling system failure, manual traffic control and human error, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed.In Kolkata, a police investigation has attributed the deadly Durga Puja stampede to congestion at the exit gate of a north Kolkata pandal, where women reportedly gathered to protect their outfits and makeup from heavy rainfall. In Noida, customers of Punjab National Bank’s Greater Noida branch have alleged a fraud involving ₹12 crore. All employees at the branch have reportedly been suspended following the allegations.Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold

"Thirteen people were killed in a Russian attack on Dnipro. At least five more were wounded," Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Oleksandr Ganzha said on Telegram, while the state Ukrainian Railways operator said a Russian drone had hit a platform at the Dnipro station where a train headed for Zaporizhzhia stood parked.

At least 13 killed in Russian attack on Ukraine train station

Russia downed ​most of 613 ‌drones heading towards ​Moscow ​overnight, Mayor Sergei ⁠Sobyanin ​said on ​Telegram. While in Ukraine, ​Russia ​attacked Kharkiv, the ‌country's ⁠second biggest city, damaging an ​educational ​institution, ⁠Mayor Ihor ​Terekhov said ​on ⁠Telegram.

Ukraine sends drones towards Moscow, Russia strikes Kharkiv

Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee raised questions over the transparency of the investigation and sought an impartial probe into the roles of the organisers.

Bengal durga puja stampede: Abhishek Banerjee demands arrest of top functionaries

Israel's far-right national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called for the arrest of Israeli Arab leaders whose parties made strong gains in this week's election, citing unproven accusations of foreign funding."Israel's security agency Shin Bet must order, already this morning, the arrests of the heads of Arab parties suspected of involvement in Qatari money," he wrote on X.The parties could be kingmakers after neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor the opposition bloc secured a majority. Ben Gvir pointed to claims that the parties took money from Qatar, the Gulf powerbroker that has channels to Hamas.

Ben Gvir calls for arrest of Arab party leaders over unproven Qatari funding claims

Hong Kong leader John Lee has apologised for last year's deadly fire that killed 168 people, after a report found the government "partially responsible" for the disaster. Housing Minister Winnie Ho resigned following the inquiry into the November 26 fire at Wang Fuk Court, the world's deadliest residential blaze since 1980.The report said four government bodies should bear part of the responsibility, with the Housing Bureau bearing a greater share. Authorities have filed charges, including manslaughter, against seven individuals and two companies, and arrested at least 35 people.

Hong Kong leader apologises for deadly fire that killed 168; housing minister resigns

The Centre has assured the Delhi High Court that no demolition would be carried out at the Race Course Masjid until the Delhi Waqf Board's representation is decided, with the government promising a decision within four weeks. However, the court declined to grant relief to worshipper Syed Ahmed Saud seeking permission to offer namaz at the mosque.Justice Anish Dayal also heard arguments over the petitioner's locus standi. The mosque, located inside the Race Course Club near the PM's residence, has existed since before Independence and is a notified Waqf property. The matter is listed for December 16.

Centre assures Delhi HC no demolition at Race Course Masjid until Waqf Board representation decided

Israeli Central Elections Committee Chair Justice Noam Sohlberg has asked Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Tuesday's election, with findings sought within a week.The move follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Arab parties had "stolen" the election using bribery and threats.Projections show Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc winning 53 seats, short of the 61 needed for a majority, while the opposition bloc is projected at 48 and Arab parties at 19. All eyes are on whether the anti-Netanyahu bloc can bring Arab parties on board to form a government.

Israeli election committee chief asks Shin Bet to probe foreign interference allegations

Norway's tourism authority has 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 href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/make-shit-houses-great-again-norway-hits-back-at-trump-s-insult-with-genius-level-toilet-humour-nobel-snub-1793258485086">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261029/image-1793258539441.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)"></figure>

'Make shit houses great again': Norway hits back at Trump's insult with genius level toilet humour

After chairing a Cabinet meeting through a hybrid mode on Thursday (Oct 29th) morning, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will be visiting cyclone-hit regions in the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District later in the day. Naidu is visiting the region after he wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, seeking Central assistance for cyclone damage, citing the 70,000 hectares of cultivated land that has been inundated by the intense rainfall that pounded the region.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-arnab-70-000-hectares-of-crops-flooded-in-andhra-cm-naidu-to-meet-farmers-1793261656439">Read more here</a>

Cyclone Arnab: 70,000 hectares of crops flooded in Andhra; CM Naidu to meet farmers

The United States has fired its top military planner, The Atlantic reported Wednesday, in a surprise shake-up as President Donald Trump appears to be preparing to resume large-scale strikes against&nbsp;Iran.Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia was removed this week from his role as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the magazine reported, citing unidentified defense department officials. Sylvia's ouster would be the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the military since Trump returned to power a year ago.Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said last month that the United States has slashed the number of its generals and admirals by 20 per cent, in a move he said is aimed at “accountability.”

US fires top army general in latest ouster

A vessel has caught on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, north of the Omani coast, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported after receiving information from the master of a third-party vessel in the area.&nbsp; The status of the crew is ‘unknown’ as of yet, and no damage assessment has been carried out at present.&nbsp; “UKMTO has received a report of an incident occurring in the Strait of Hormuz, 9NM north of Khasab, Oman. The Master of a third-party vessel has reported sighting another vessel on fire. The status of the crew is unknown. There is no damage assessment or environmental impact report at present,” the UKMTO’s warning system noted.&nbsp;

UKMTO says ship seen ablaze in Strait of Hormuz off Oman coast 

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would stay out Brazil's post-election turmoil after Flavio Bolsonaro, who fled to the United States after losing, declared himself the true Brazilian leader."Well I'm not going to make a comment about that, but I know that we gave him a pass to come into the country, so we'll see," Trump told reporters when asked about right-wing ally Bolsonaro's statement

Trump says 'won't get involved' after Bolsonaro claims Brazil presidency

Australia is considering purchasing missile interceptors developed for Israel's Iron Dome as it seeks to rapidly build an air defence shield, officials said&nbsp;

Australia considers Iron Dome-style missile shield

Pakistan briefly closed its airspace to Taiwanese cargo and passenger flights, Taiwan said Thursday, suspecting China of being behind the unprecedented move. "We suspect definitely China was behind this," Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi told AFP after confirming that Pakistan had closed and reopened its airspace to Taiwanese airlines

Taiwan says Pakistan briefly closed airspace to Taiwanese flights

The impact of Cyclone Arnab has been widely felt across Gajapati district, where continuous rainfall since Wednesday has triggered a flood-like situation in the Mahendratanaya River basin.&nbsp; Floodwaters have entered several areas, including Baghasala, Bhinnala and Bapuji Peinth in Goshani block, disrupting daily life in the district. Persistent rainfall has raised water levels in rivers and streams, inundating agricultural fields and entering villages at several places. Waterlogging has been particularly severe in parts of Goshani block, raising concerns among locals.&nbsp;

Cyclone Arnab triggers flooding in Gajapati

Armed men shot dead an Indigenous activist who defended families displaced by violence in Mexico, authorities said

Armed men kill Indigenous activist in Mexico

Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged people who he said 'want to protect democracy and the Constitution' to join the ‘Chalo Delhi Ramlila March’ scheduled for November 1, calling it a movement to “save democracy”, stop “vote theft” and protect the Constitution. &nbsp;In a video message shared in a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the march is aimed at stopping vote theft, stressing that it was not associated with any one political party. “Chalo Dilli Ramlila March, it is a march to save democracy, to stop vote theft, to save the Constitution. This is not a march of any one political party; it is a march of the soul of India. All the people who are fed up with Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Gyanesh Kumar, all the people who want to save democracy, who want to protect the Constitution, you all come,” he said.

"Will walk together to protect democracy": Rahul Gandhi calls on people to join November 1 march against 'Vote Chori'

Leaders of the INDIA bloc are preparing for a public impeachment programme against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with a meeting being held on Wednesday at the residence of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to discuss preparations for the programme. The meeting was attended by Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Meira Kumar, Jairam Ramesh, Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi, along with Mahua Manjhi, John Brittas, Derek O'Brien, RJD leader Abhay Sinha and Samajwadi Party leader Harendra Malik, among others.

INDIA bloc leaders meet at Kharge’s residence to plan public impeachment programme against CEC

There is "no such thing as a holy war: only peace is holy", Pope Leo XIV said, adding that everyone must look to rebuild peace everywhere, not prepare for more wars. He also appealed to all as the threat of renewed conflict looms over West Asia and the Eastern European region.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;“We must rebuild peace everywhere, not prepare for more wars. &nbsp;War can never be waged in the name of God. &nbsp;For us believers, “to fight in the name of religion means attacking religion itself” (Magnifica Humanitas, 223). There is no such thing as a holy war: only peace is holy,” Pope Leo XIV said during his message at the International meeting ‘unarmed and disarming peace’.&nbsp;

"No such thing as holy war, only peace is holy": Pope Leo XIV as threat of renewed conflict looms over West Asia, Europe

A ship on fire has been reported in the Strait of Hormuz, British maritime agency UKMTO said on Thursday, without providing details of the cause of the blaze or any casualties

Ship on fire in Strait of Hormuz: maritime agency

All employees of Punjab National Bank’s (PNB) Accher branch in Greater Noida have been suspended after a group of farmers alleged that more than ₹12 crore was fraudulently transferred from their savings accounts and fixed deposits (FDs), police said&nbsp;

PNB Greater Noida branch customers allege ₹12 crore fraud, all employees suspended

The United States government has officially banned imports from three major Chinese genomics companies due to their alleged involvement in human rights abuses and the forced labour of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China's Xinjiang region

US bans imports from Chinese genomics companies over forced labour concerns

Protests erupted outside Spain’s Transport Ministry in Madrid following a deadly high-speed train collision that killed 68 people and injured more than 100. Around 500 demonstrators demanded Transport Minister Óscar Puente’s resignation. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/batons-tear-gas-nazi-symbols-far-right-protesters-clash-with-riot-police-demand-minister-s-resignation-over-spain-train-collision-1793242045512">READ MORE</a>

Far-right protesters clash with riot police, demand minister’s resignation over Spain train collision

Israel’s election count shows Netanyahu’s bloc at 53 seats, while police reject fraud claims. Russia reports intercepting Ukrainian drones, while Spain investigates a deadly train crash. In India, a probe examines a Kolkata stampede, and PNB customers allege a ₹12 crore fraud in Greater Noida.

Latest News Today Live Updates: With 90 per cent of votes counted, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc has 53 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc has 48. Arab-led parties have surged to 19 seats, leaving the political battle finely balanced as the country awaits the final results. Israel Police have rejected claims of election fraud made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, as vote counting shows a closely contested political battle. Russia claimed to have downed the vast majority of 613 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow and the surrounding region overnight between Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29 The United States is preparing for the November 3 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress and shape the legislative agenda during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term. At least 68 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a southbound Renfe AVE train rear-ended a stationary Iryo high-speed train in Spain’s central Toledo province. Initial findings point to a possible signalling system failure, manual traffic control and human error, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed. In Kolkata, a police investigation has attributed the deadly Durga Puja stampede to congestion at the exit gate of a north Kolkata pandal, where women reportedly gathered to protect their outfits and makeup from heavy rainfall. In Noida, customers of Punjab National Bank’s Greater Noida branch have alleged a fraud involving ₹12 crore. All employees at the branch have reportedly been suspended following the allegations. Stay with us for more latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold

Israel’s election count shows Netanyahu’s bloc at 53 seats, while police reject fraud claims. Russia reports intercepting Ukrainian drones, while Spain investigates a deadly train crash. In India, a probe examines a Kolkata stampede, and PNB scam

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