At least 17 people died and 25 were injured in a stampede during a Hindu festival in Kolkata, India. The crowd rushed forward after an announcement during rainfall at a religious pavilion, causing people to fall and get crushed.
Key Facts
The stampede happened at a Durga Puja festival pavilion in north Kolkata, West Bengal.
Among the dead was a seven-year-old girl.
Police said the stampede was caused by heavy crowds and commotion after rain began.
Officials identified six bodies so far and took injured people to hospitals.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed sorrow and announced compensation for victims' families.
The government is providing medical help to the injured, said Interior Minister Amit Shah.
Stampedes are common at large Indian events due to poor safety and crowd control.
Previous incidents include a 2023 stampede killing 30 at Kumbh Mela and a 2024 stampede killing 121 in Uttar Pradesh.
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Sarah Helm, wife of the UK prime minister’s national security adviser, will face no police action after posting a message on social media that mentioned support for the banned protest group Palestine Action. The police reviewed the post and decided it did not break any laws or encourage illegal activity.
Key Facts
Sarah Helm is the wife of Jonathan Powell, the UK prime minister’s national security adviser.
Helm posted on X (formerly Twitter) mentioning support for Palestine Action, a banned protest group.
Palestine Action is banned in the UK since July 2025, with support or membership punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The Metropolitan Police assessed Helm’s post and found it did not meet the legal criteria for a crime.
No further police investigation will take place regarding Helm’s post.
The UK government said Helm’s views are personal and not those of the government.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism called for an investigation but acknowledged spouses can hold their own views.
The case relates to previous concerns about public support for Palestine Action from well-known individuals.
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Police in Albania used rubber bullets against antigovernment protesters in Tirana, where clashes have lasted five days. The protests involve students and other groups demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, citing issues such as education problems, unemployment, and corruption.
Key Facts
Protests have continued for five days in Tirana, the capital of Albania.
Students joined the antigovernment protests, increasing their size and intensity.
Protesters threw stones, petrol bombs, and fireworks, and set fires to cars and bins.
Police used tear gas, water cannons, batons, and, for the first time, rubber bullets during these protests.
Nine protesters and four police officers needed medical treatment after the clashes.
A total of 167 people were arrested, and 132 police officers were injured.
Seven police officers faced suspension for possible misuse of power during the events.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in his fourth term, refused to resign and blamed opposition parties for inciting violence.
Protesters demand better education, jobs, and are against alleged government corruption.
The unrest has spread to other cities like Durres, where protesters also caused damage and blocked roads.
The wider movement includes opposition to a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump.
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At least 17 people died and many were injured in a crowd crush during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, India. The incident happened when sudden rain caused people to rush for shelter, leading to panic and a stampede.
Key Facts
The crowd crush happened during the Hindu festival of Durga Puja in Kolkata.
Sudden rainfall caused people to push and rush for shelter, resulting in the stampede.
At least 17 people died, including a seven-year-old girl.
Twenty-five people are receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
Six of the deceased have been identified by officials.
West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have confirmed the incident and the support efforts.
Stampedes at large religious events are common in India due to poor crowd management and safety measures.
A similar deadly crowd crush in 2022 caused 121 deaths at a Hindu festival in Uttar Pradesh.
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Hundreds of people protested outside the office of Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, asking him to resign. They are unhappy because the city was not well prepared for winter after many power outages caused by Russian attacks.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Demonstrators want Mayor Vitali Klitschko to quit his job.
The reason for protests is Kyiv’s poor preparation for the winter season.
Russian strikes have caused power outages affecting millions.
The lack of electricity is a major problem for people during winter.
The protests happened outside the mayor’s office building.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges due to the conflict with Russia.
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President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have had a tense relationship recently, affecting US support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. As relations with the US worsen, Ukraine is turning more to the European Union for help, especially for air defense.
Key Facts
President Trump and President Zelenskyy have disagreements that affect US-Ukraine relations.
Zelenskyy criticized a deal made between Washington and Moscow.
Trump accused Zelenskyy of not following an "energy ceasefire" Trump announced on his own.
US military aid has been crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Poor relations between Trump and Zelenskyy could threaten continued US support.
Ukraine is now asking the European Union for more help to defend against attacks.
Zelenskyy specifically requested more air defenses from the EU.
Experts discussed Ukraine’s reliance on the EU and the challenges it faces amid these political tensions.
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A Reform UK party candidate told an undercover reporter that Muslims cannot be British and suggested putting asylum seekers into "concentration camps." The party has started investigations after racist remarks by some members were revealed in a televised undercover report.
Key Facts
A Reform UK MP candidate described himself as "hardline about Islam" and said Muslims cannot be both Muslim and British.
The same candidate said asylum seekers crossing the Channel should be placed in "concentration camps."
Other Reform members were caught using racist language, calling black children "animals" and saying some areas were "infested" with Asian families.
Reform UK says it has improved vetting but admits not all individuals who hold inappropriate views are caught beforehand.
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, is Muslim and described himself as a “British Muslim patriot.”
Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor, resigned after racist comments about Asian homeowners and population limits were exposed.
Labour party chair Bridget Phillipson criticized Reform leader Nigel Farage for failing to address racism within the party.
The undercover footage and investigation were conducted by ITV and will be broadcast soon.
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New research shows almost all homes destroyed in New South Wales during the 2019-2020 bushfires were within 100 metres of flammable plants. This supports the current safety maps but warns that as climate change worsens fire risks, greater distances between homes and vegetation may be needed.
Key Facts
During the 2019-2020 black summer bushfires, 94% of destroyed homes in NSW were less than 100 metres from flammable vegetation.
The 100 metre buffer zone is used in official maps to identify homes most at risk of bushfires.
More than 3,000 homes were lost across Australia in those fires, with 33 people dead and nearly 3 billion native animals affected.
Bushfire danger ratings combine weather factors like temperature, wind, and dryness to show fire risk levels.
On days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger, homes farther than 100 metres from vegetation also burned.
Researchers warn that with global heating, current safety distances might not be enough to protect homes.
NSW Rural Fire Service says homes in high-risk areas should be built to stronger fire standards.
Some people living in bushfire-prone areas were not aware of the fire risk around their homes.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to join U.S.-led talks to try to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. This comes after President Trump delayed new sanctions against Russia just before they were supposed to start.
Key Facts
President Zelensky expressed willingness to negotiate through talks led by the United States.
President Trump paused Russian sanctions days before they were scheduled to begin.
The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing for several years.
Zelensky shared his message on the social platform X (formerly Twitter).
The U.S. is playing a key role in trying to mediate the conflict.
The stalled sanctions were part of efforts to pressure Russia in the war.
Zelensky said Ukraine is counting on the U.S. to continue the negotiation process.
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Jewish Americans have strong feelings about Israel’s upcoming elections, which are seen as a vote on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The community in the U.S. is divided by politics, religion, and age, especially after recent conflicts like the Hamas attack in October 2023 and the war in Gaza.
Key Facts
Israel’s elections this month are closely watched by Jewish Americans.
The vote is seen as a test of support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Recent conflicts, including the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, have heightened emotions.
The war in Gaza also influences opinions within the community.
Jewish Americans are split along political lines, with differing views based on religion and generation.
The political divisions affect reactions from protests to political campaigns in the U.S.
This election is seen as important for both Israel’s future and its relationship with Jewish Americans.
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A group of European diplomats visiting the West Bank was attacked by masked Israeli settlers while assessing violence during the olive harvest season. Belgium called for Israel to hold the attackers responsible, while Israeli officials condemned the violence but also questioned some details of the incident as investigations continue.
Key Facts
The attack happened in Taybeh, a mainly Christian village near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Diplomats from Belgium, France, Poland, and the Catholic Church were targeted by masked settlers who threw stones.
A car belonging to Belgium’s consulate had its window smashed, and a French mayor was physically assaulted.
Belgium’s foreign minister said Israel must protect Palestinians, diplomats, and journalists, and end impunity for violent settlers.
Israel’s Defense Forces condemned the violence but noted no soldiers were present during the attack and said the visit was not coordinated with them.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office called for caution in judging the incident and suggested it might be part of a wider campaign to damage Israel’s reputation.
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and to understand the full circumstances.
The French mayor said settlers beat him with iron bars and kicked him, criticizing the Israeli government’s tolerance of settler violence.
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Israeli drone attacks killed at least six Palestinians in different parts of the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire that started a year ago. The Gaza Health Ministry reports thousands of Palestinians have been killed or injured since the ceasefire began in October 2025, and many children have also been affected.
Key Facts
At least six Palestinians died in Israeli drone strikes across northern, central, and southern Gaza on Saturday.
The attacks happened in areas including Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah.
Since the ceasefire started on October 10, 2025, 1,511 Palestinians have been killed and 5,375 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Since the war began in October 2023, 74,469 Palestinians have been killed and 175,492 injured.
UNICEF reports that over 340 children have died since the ceasefire began, with many more injured and displaced.
About 800,000 children in Gaza remain displaced, living in tents or unsafe buildings as winter approaches.
About 65% of Gaza is controlled or restricted by Israeli forces, forcing 2.1 million people into a smaller area.
Over 1.4 million Palestinians in Gaza are expected to face severe food shortages for the rest of the year.
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Israeli settler militants attacked European diplomats and Palestinian farmers in the West Bank, injuring three people and damaging a diplomatic vehicle. The attackers tried to stop Palestinians from harvesting olives on their land, during a time of frequent violent incidents in the area.
Key Facts
The attack occurred in Taybeh, a town in the occupied West Bank, during the olive harvest.
Bernard Baudoux, a French mayor, and the archbishop of Cambrai were among those assaulted.
The attackers shouted “Vive la France” and some carried clubs.
Settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers, including an elderly woman and a man who needed stitches.
The group included European diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland, and the Belgian mission’s armored car was damaged.
There have been over 170 attacks by settlers since late September, causing deaths, injuries, and damage to olive trees.
Palestinian leaders say this represents an escalation in violence against their communities.
Israel’s foreign minister said police are investigating, but claimed diplomats risk attacks by civilians when traveling in the West Bank without protection.
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John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, made an emotional speech about his commitment to Scottish independence, motivated by his 15-year-old son’s future. He emphasized that Scotland is a nation, not a region like Manchester, and announced plans to expand public control of bus services and new measures against misogyny and racism.
Key Facts
John Swinney spoke emotionally about his personal reasons for supporting independence.
He said Scotland should be an independent nation, not treated like a city or region such as Manchester.
Swinney responded indirectly to a speech by Andy Burnham, who supports more powers for Scottish regions.
Swinney confirmed plans to expand a £2 bus fare cap across more of Scotland by April.
The Scottish government aims to take control of the bus network by the end of this parliamentary term.
New laws will make misogyny a specific criminal offense in Scotland.
Additional funding will support community groups fighting racism.
Swinney plans to remain First Minister and lead the SNP into the 2031 Scottish Parliament elections.
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A fast-moving wildfire in southern California burned six homes and injured two firefighters. The fire spread quickly due to strong winds called Santa Ana winds, forcing 16,000 residents to evacuate, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Key Facts
Six homes were destroyed or damaged by the wildfire.
Two firefighters suffered heat-related injuries and were taken to the hospital.
The wildfire started in San Clemente and spread to San Juan Capistrano.
Winds of 50-70 mph caused the fire to move quickly.
About 6,000 homes were under mandatory evacuation, affecting 16,000 people.
Fire containment was at 5% after crews worked overnight.
Nearby, the Henderson fire burned over 3,000 acres and was 35% contained.
Power outages affected over 118,000 customers across California as a precaution to prevent new fires.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked people to support new U.S. sanctions on Russia after President Donald Trump paused these sanctions. The sanctions aim to limit Russia’s ability to fund its war against Ukraine, but Trump said pausing them was in the U.S. national interest.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy urged support for the Lindsey Graham Act, which would impose new sanctions on Russia.
President Trump signed an executive order delaying these sanctions just before a legal deadline.
The sanctions target Russian officials, banks, and a secret fleet of tankers keeping Russian energy exports flowing.
Zelenskyy expressed hope Trump will work to stop Russian attacks and end the war.
Russian attacks recently killed at least four people in Ukraine and caused damage to energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy’s team is trying to organize a meeting including Zelenskyy, President Trump, and Russian President Putin.
There were unexpected internet restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the Starshield satellite system, which supports their military communications.
U.S. lawmakers criticized Trump’s decision, saying it helps Russia and ignores congressional support for the sanctions.
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The article says terrorist groups and cartels in Venezuela are making money by smuggling important minerals. These minerals are being sold to buyers in China, and the corruption of the Venezuelan government helps this happen.
Key Facts
Terrorist groups and cartels operate in Venezuela.
These groups fund themselves through smuggling critical minerals.
The minerals are sold to buyers in China.
The Venezuelan government is said to be corrupt and allows this smuggling.
The article calls on the Trump administration to respond to this issue.
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A 71-year-old man named Steven Hamilton was attacked and killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing by Lake Apopka in Florida. His death is the second fatal alligator attack in Florida this year, and officials are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
Steven Hamilton was attacked around 5 p.m. while fishing at Lake Apopka near Orlando, Florida.
The alligator was about 12 feet long.
Other alligators in the water made rescue efforts difficult.
Hamilton’s body was found about two hours after the attack.
This is the second fatal alligator attack in Florida in 2026.
Since 1948, alligators have killed 34 people in Florida.
Authorities are investigating with help from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The alligator responsible was captured and killed by wildlife trappers.
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Pope Leo returned to the Vatican after lung cancer surgery in Rome and said he felt much better. He plans to resume some duties soon and is scheduled for a trip to Latin America in about three weeks.
Key Facts
Pope Leo had surgery to remove part of his right lung due to adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer.
The surgery took place at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
Four days after surgery, the pope was discharged and returned to the Vatican.
He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and met with senior aides during his recovery.
Pope Leo celebrated mass in a hospital chapel while recuperating.
He will perform the traditional Angelus blessing publicly soon after returning.
A major trip to Latin America is planned for mid-November, about three weeks after his surgery.
Pope Leo was born in Chicago, USA, but has lived many years in South America and holds Peruvian citizenship.
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Alberta, a Canadian province rich in oil, is voting on whether to start the legal process for a future separation from Canada. This move reflects growing frustration in Alberta over federal government policies, especially those related to energy and pandemic measures.
Key Facts
Alberta has the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves.
Alberta voters are deciding whether to begin the process toward a separation referendum, not to leave Canada immediately.
Premier Danielle Smith supports staying in Canada but called the vote due to rising separatist support.
Support for separation has grown from about 1-2% historically to around 23% recently.
Pandemic restrictions and the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests increased separatist feelings in Alberta.
Separatist activists have used social media to organize and raise money.
Some separatist leaders have ties or sympathies with international political movements and conspiracy beliefs.
Federal leader Mark Carney supports Alberta’s oil industry and policies to expand oil markets, gaining unusual support in the province.
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