UPDATED: Oct 26, 2026 23:02 ISTThis news broadcast covers key domestic and international developments, beginning with Mumbai's air quality crisis as the Air Quality Index reached 322, surpassing Delhi. The report examines factors behind the pollution surge, including construction dust, vehicular emissions, and delayed sea breezes, alongside the Bombay High Court's observations on enforcement.

In national politics, the programme tracks developments ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, focusing on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks targeting Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav over Muslim representation, SP-Congress seat-sharing discussions, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statements on law and order under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Additional domestic reports detail Rahul Gandhi's legal relief in a Sultanpur court defamation case and security concerns regarding extortion and shootings in Punjab.

Globally, the coverage examines Israel's general elections surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the political fallout from student protests in Serbia following the Novi Sad railway canopy collapse, and consumer complaints over display and hinge issues on Apple's foldable iPhone Duo. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSLula's Brazil Win, Israel Polls, US Midterms: What Global Votes Mean for IndiaOn News Track, Maria Shakeel examines the geopolitical implications for India following key political battles across Brazil, Israel, and the United States.

In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has secured another term, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro in a closely contested runoff election. The report highlights India's potential to deepen bilateral trade towards thirty billion dollars by 2030, strengthen BRICS cooperation, and champion reforms in international institutions.

Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an electoral challenge from Gadi Eisenkot amid regional tensions involving Iran, though strategic defense and technology ties with New Delhi are expected to retain bipartisan backing. In the United States, upcoming midterm elections test Donald Trump and congressional control, potentially reshaping trade tariffs and H-1B visa policies.

Panelists Felipe Ferrazu, Saul Satka, Alexander Slater, and Dr. Tara Kartha analyze domestic polarization, foreign interference perceptions, and diplomatic balancing strategies for New Delhi across these shifting global arenas.Elections in Brazil, Israel, and US: What Global Shifts Mean for IndiaPolitical battles in Brazil, Israel, and the United States are poised to impact global equations and foreign policy calculations for New Delhi.

In Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured another presidential term, presenting opportunities to expand bilateral trade toward a thirty billion dollar target by 2030 and deepen cooperation within BRICS. Meanwhile, Israel's elections test Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, with critical strategic pillars like defence, intelligence, agriculture, and technology hanging in the balance alongside wider West Asian stability.

In Washington, the upcoming US midterm elections could determine congressional control and influence trade policies, tariffs, and H-1B visas relevant to Indian professionals and businesses. Across Latin America, West Asia, and the United States, New Delhi faces the challenge of protecting national interests, navigating diplomatic shifts, and turning evolving international political developments into domestic economic opportunities.Brazil Election Results: 'Brazilian democracy is still alive and well', says Allan LichtmanIn an in-depth discussion on key global election developments, the show examines the historic victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the Brazilian presidential election.

Lula secured a comeback win with 51.79% of the vote against far-right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, who challenged the voter turnout. Political analyst and American University distinguished professor Allan Lichtman notes that Brazil's election counters the right-wing wave across Latin America, stating that 'Brazilian democracy is still alive and well, and likely to survive into the future.' Lichtman also emphasizes the outcome as a major blow to Donald Trump ahead of the American midterm elections, highlighting that voter mobilization and grassroots engagement played a decisive role in the outcome.

Former Brazilian diplomat Paulo Antonio Pereira Pinto joins the panel to discuss Brazil's defense of democratic values and sovereignty, along with the growing diplomatic importance of India and the Global South in the evolving geopolitical landscape.Vote Deletion Row, SIR Revision Debate And Battle Over Electoral TransparencyA debate on the Special Intensive Revision process examines opposing perspectives on voter roll revisions, deletions, and electoral integrity across multiple states. One side raises concerns over arbitrary voter deletions prior to elections, questioning procedural changes regarding voter forms and demanding transparency from electoral authorities while highlighting widespread public demonstrations.

In contrast, the counter-perspective maintains that voter list revisions have historical precedent across decades and address duplicate, shifted, deceased, and absentee entries rather than causing disenfranchisement. The discussion centres on appellate mechanisms for voter restoration, consensus in official filings before the apex court, and differing views regarding whether electoral disputes reflect legitimate democratic concerns or political reactions following electoral losses.

The exchange underscores the ongoing dispute over institutional credibility, electoral processes, and upcoming state polls.