Germany Gen Z Protests: 100,000 Take To Streets As Riots Break Out In Some Cities

Supermarkets Across Europe Hit By Suspected Cyberattack Targeting Refrigeration Systems

Deutsche Welle — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 23:44:49 +0530

Supermarkets in Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Sweden reported anomalies in their freezer systems on Monday in an apparent cyberattack similar to one in France three weeks ago in which unidentified malign actors were accused of having hijacked refrigeration systems — setting them to defrost and spoiling fresh and frozen foods.

In Monday's incident, Swedish supermarket chains ICA and Coop said "a limited number" of shops had been hit, with ICA spokeswoman Helena Johansson saying the company is "looking into what has happened and the scale of it."

"Fridges and freezers have either stopped working entirely or have been partially impaired," Coop spokesman Carlos Cancino told the French AFP news agency. He noted that six of roughly 800 Coop stores in Sweden had been impacted, adding, "I haven't received any information that this is a cyberattack."

Dutch supermarket chain Ahold Delhaize on Monday said an overnight "IT incident" had hit freezers in several of its stores in Belgium and Luxembourg.

In Ireland, public broadcasterer RTE reported that 13 supermarkets had been impacted.

Chains Carrefour, Intermarche and Spar were targeted as well, with Carrefour's Belgium spokesman Mich Vergauwen saying, "It's a cyberattack… There's no other reason."

Belgium's prosecutor's office opened a criminal investigation into the attack, the Reuters news agency quoted a spokesperson as saying.

'A deliberate attempt to disrupt European food supplies'

European Commissioner ‌for Agriculture and ‌Food Christophe Hansen on Monday called the attacks "a deliberate attempt to disrupt Europe's food supplies," stating that ⁠while "food security is not currently at risk, ‌the food waste and ⁠impact on businesses ⁠are real."

"These incidents ‌show that cyberattacks can disrupt services, affect businesses and directly affect ⁠citizens’ daily lives" added a Commission spokesperson.

How are hackers getting into supermarket refrigeration systems?

As on October 12, Monday's disruption prompted the discarding of spoiled products and again raised concerns about food security.

The ICA Kvantum branch in Sjobo in southern Sweden said temperatures in their systems were remotely dialed up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Sweden's National Cybersecurity Center boss John Billow told the Reuters news agency on Monday that his department is investigating.

"We have in recent weeks... identified that we have quite a lot of exposed ⁠operational technology devices in Sweden that we have been clear about the necessity to update or patch," he added.

That "exposed operational technology" includes everything from refrigerators and heating systems to security cameras, alarm networks and an expanding ‌range of devices that were once largely mechanical but are now often monitored and controlled remotely, creating new opportunities for cybercriminals as they seek to exploit security vulnerabilities.

Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

US Midterm Elections 2026: How Will They Impact Donald Trump And His Presidency?

ABP Live News — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 19:10:10 +0530

By Shivam Gupta

The main polling day for the 2026 US midterm elections is November 3. The elections are being seen as a test of US President Donald Trump's political standing and will have a significant bearing on the functioning of the American government and Congress.

What Is The Current Composition Of The US Congress?

The US Congress, or Parliament, has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In the 100-member Senate, the Republican Party currently holds 53 seats, while the Democrats have 45. Two independent senators are also members of the Democratic caucus.

In the 435-member House of Representatives, Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats have 214. One member is an independent, while two seats are vacant.

What Are Midterm Elections?

The US President serves a four-year term. Elections held two years after the presidential election are known as midterm elections.

The last US presidential election was held in November 2024, when Donald Trump was elected President. He took office in January 2025, and his four-year term is due to end in January 2029.

Which Positions Are Contested In Midterm Elections?

The House of Representatives has 435 members, and elections are held for all its seats every two years.

The Senate has 100 members, each elected for a six-year term. Elections are held for roughly one-third of its seats every two years.

In the 2026 midterm elections, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate are being contested.

The results will determine which political party holds a majority in Congress and how much political support the President has to implement his policies.

How Do Midterm Elections Affect The President?

Midterm elections are not limited to choosing members of Congress. Their results also have a direct impact on the President and the functioning of his administration.

The outcome can influence the President's political strength, policy agenda and the direction of the final two years of his term.

Why Are Congressional Elections Important For The President?

The US system of governance is based on the separation of powers among three main branches:

Legislature: Congress
Executive: The President and his administration
Judiciary: Federal courts and the Supreme Court

Congress is responsible for making laws, approving government spending and overseeing the activities of the executive branch.

The President may want to implement policies and fulfil electoral promises, but often needs Congress's support to do so. New legislation generally has to be passed by Congress. The legislature also plays an important role in decisions related to the budget and government expenditure.

If the President's party holds a majority in Congress, it may be easier for the administration to advance its agenda. However, if the opposition gains a majority in either chamber, the President could face difficulties in passing legislation, taking budget-related decisions and implementing policies.

How Do Midterm Elections Serve As A Report Card On The President?

During the first two years of a President's term, voters assess the administration based on its decisions, economic policies, foreign policy, inflation, employment and other issues.

If voters are satisfied with the President's performance, his party may secure relatively better results in the midterm elections. However, a decline in the President's popularity can lead to his party losing seats in Congress.

Generally, a higher presidential approval rating is associated with fewer electoral losses for the President's party. At present, Trump's popularity is at one of its lowest levels, according to various surveys.

Why Does The President's Party Usually Lose Seats In Midterm Elections?

Dissatisfaction with the party in power, opposition to government decisions and a desire for change can influence election results.

Of the 22 midterm elections held between 1938 and 2022, the President's party lost seats in the House of Representatives in 20. American voters often use midterm elections to send a message to the party in power.

If the President's party loses its majority in either or both chambers of Congress, it can become more difficult for the administration to implement its agenda.

The opposition can block proposed legislation, while budget and government spending decisions may face political deadlock. Congress can also step up investigations and oversight of the President's administration.

The President may then have to negotiate and reach compromises with opposition parties. If the opposition secures a majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate, it gains greater power to challenge the President's policies.

However, a change in control of Congress does not mean that the President loses his constitutional powers. He continues to head the executive branch throughout his term.

Do Midterm Election Results Predict Next Presidential Election?

A loss for the President's party in the midterm elections does not necessarily mean that it will lose the next presidential election.

History shows no fixed relationship between midterm election results and the outcome of the subsequent presidential contest.

Between 1952 and 2012, the incumbent President's party lost seats in the House of Representatives in 13 midterm elections. In seven of those cases, the party managed to retain the White House in the next presidential election, while it lost the presidency in six.

The economy, the popularity of candidates, national and international circumstances, and issues that matter to voters play important roles in the next presidential election.

Why Are The Midterm Elections Important For Trump?

The results will determine how much influence Trump's party has in Congress during the final two years of his presidency.

If the Republican Party manages to retain its majorities in both chambers, Trump may find it relatively easier to push forward his agenda.

However, if the Democratic Party secures a majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate, the Trump administration could face several political challenges. Passing legislation, taking budget-related decisions and advancing administrative policies may become more difficult.

Therefore, the 2026 midterm elections are not just about choosing members of Congress. They will also shape the political direction of the remaining years of Trump's presidency.

'Ball Is In US Court': Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Can Reopen In 2 Days If America Meets Its Demands

Sneha — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 16:27:23 +0530

Iran is considering a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States agrees to its conditions, the country's Foreign Ministry has said. Tehran had previously proposed a one-week timeline for reopening the strategically important waterway.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the shorter timeline as a sign of Iran's willingness to engage diplomatically, saying the country could restore security in the strait and resume negotiations within a short period if its demands were met.

"The possibility of implementing this plan in two days is another indication of Iran's good-faith approach. We have stated that, if Iran's demands are met, it would be possible to restore security to the Strait of Hormuz and resume the negotiating process within a short period," he said, as per AFP news agency.

Baghaei added that the exchange of messages between the two sides was continuing through mediators.

Iran Says Ball Is In US Court

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Baghaei accused Washington of failing to pursue diplomacy and instead undermining diplomatic efforts over the past two years.

"The ball is now in the US's court and Iran's demands are entirely clear and logical," he said, adding that Tehran would judge the prospects of reaching an agreement based on Washington's actions rather than its statements, Al Jazeera reported.

What Is Iran's Proposal To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz?

Iran has said its revised seven-stage proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz can be implemented within two days if the United States agrees to Tehran's conditions. The plan, which was earlier proposed with a one-week timeline, remains the basis for indirect negotiations between the two countries, Baghaei said.

Baghaei described the shorter timeline as a demonstration of Iran's goodwill and willingness to pursue diplomacy, while stressing that the next steps would depend on Washington's response.

Russia Builds Massive Radar In Kaliningrad, Could Monitor Almost All Of Europe

Deutsche Welle — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 14:43:46 +0530

Reported by: Ben Fajzullin in Riga

The Kremlin is getting closer to opening its 'new eye' on Europe. Construction of a towering radar complex is almost complete in Russia's highly militarized exclave of Kaliningrad, according to reports.

From above, the three radiating arms of the sprawling facility, each more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) long, look like some sort of alien lifeform has left its mark on an otherwise undisturbed stretch of forested nature reserve. You could actually compare it to a landing platform or launch pad for Moscow's massive intelligence-gathering network.

While Russia has not confirmed it is building the structure, security expert Vaidotas Malinionis said the radar will be so big, it will be able to see beyond the earth's curvature. The retired commander from Lithuania told DW the over-the-horizon (OTH) radar network near Gvardeysk will have a surveillance range of about 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), allowing Russia to peer into almost every corner of Europe, as well as right across Ukraine.

The system would reportedly allow Russia to intercept satellite communications and detect aircraft movements and ballistic missiles.

"The goal and the purpose of this radar is observation of long-distance targets and early warning capabilities. We still don't know if it is operationally capable of doing that, but it is definitely being constructed right now," Malinionis added.

Mass surveillance system

The British newspaper The Times reports that the systems are primarily intended for the detection and jamming of electronic signals, citing the Finnish-Polish space and defense technology company ICEYE.

"They would be able to use it in offensive operations, to get more information about specific targets," explained Malinionis.

"And if they were able to get an early warning about the movement of NATO troops, in the case of an invasion on NATO's eastern frontier, then they would gain more time for decision-making."

Speaking to DW from the shores of the Baltic Sea, Latvian geopolitical analyst Evija Djatkovica warned there is a significant downside for NATO to this old Soviet technology being revived when it comes to the increased use of new tech in the warfare of today.

"It will help Russia close existing loopholes in detecting low-flying objects, making the rapidly developing integration of drones into regional defense doctrines less effective," she claimed.

Electronic warfare hub

The Times report goes on to say that ICEYE defense company sees Russia's expansion of its OTH radar system as proof that Kaliningrad is being developed into a hub for advanced military sensors and electronic warfare systems.

"The new radar signals an intensifying contest between Russia and NATO for military supremacy and control of the Kaliningrad region," Djatkovica underlined.

"This is a potentially dangerous situation, since further militarization on both sides could be expected and, at some point, a preemptive strike becomes an option to deny the other side an unacceptable advantage over the region,” she warned.

Russia has already alerted NATO it would be ready to resort to nuclear weapons if the Western alliance attempted to blockade Kaliningrad. The potential flashpoint and Russian outpost is situated on the Baltic Sea, wedged between NATO member states Poland and Lithuania– on the very doorstep of the alliance's eastern flank.

The exclave is only 200 kilometers from west to east and 100 kilometers from north to south. However, from what Malinionis asserted, Russia's smallest federal region or oblast packs a punch.

"According to some sources, they have the capability to deploy up to 100 nuclear warheads in Kaliningrad. And some sources say they have already started deploying some there – although that is yet to be confirmed," the former commander pointed out.

ICEYE claims to have discovered another large circular antenna complex some 50 kilometers west of Gvardeysk, near the city of Chernyakhovsk, according to the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). More than 20 signal and electronic warfare facilities are reportedly peppered throughout the Kaliningrad region.

Satellite images also reveal new shelters for fighter jets at the Kaliningrad-Chkalovsk military airfield, according to the FAZ report. Other images show launch pads at the mobile S-400 surface-to-air missile site in Baltiysk, meaning the systems could well be operational.

"These factors clearly depict the strategic importance of territories around Kaliningrad for both Russia and NATO," said Djatkovica. "For Russia, among other things, Kaliningrad's geographic position and nuclear arsenal stationed there allow it to project threats against most European capitals."

This is where the gargantuan radar comes into play, according to her. "Because of the radar's long reach, other European regions from North to West will also become more exposed to Russia's surveillance and military actions."

Motivation for the West

She sighed, saying the good news is that every escalatory step that Russia takes, with repercussions for European countries even further away from its borders, the more the whole continent takes Moscow seriously as a direct threat.

"Russia's malign signals should motivate the West to keep up with rearmament, which, in turn, will make NATO and Europe's collective deterrence more credible."

Djatkovica used the example of Poland, which has been transforming its offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea into NATO surveillance infrastructure.

In another step towards integrating newer technologies, German arms producer Rheinmetall is building Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites in conjunction with the firm ICEYE. They beam down precise pictures of troop movements and enemy positions, even at night or in bad weather.

The images will be used on NATO's eastern flank and by the Bundeswehr brigade stationed in Lithuania. The first SAR satellites are set to be launched into orbit on a SpaceX rocket in early 2027.

Malinionis agreed that adaptation is the most important lesson to be learnt for European leaders in times of Russian aggression. But he had another point to make. "There is also one disadvantage for this new Russian radar. Because it's so huge, it's a pretty easy target!"

(Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.)

Florida Disaster: Plane Crashes Onto Road in US, All Nine People on Board Die

ABP News Bureau — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 09:35:52 +0530

Two major weather and aviation incidents have been reported in the United States. In Florida, a devastating plane crash occurred when an aircraft came down in the middle of a road, triggering a powerful explosion and fire. The impact left a deep crater, with aircraft debris scattered across the roadway. All nine people aboard the plane reportedly died. The incident was captured on a car’s dashboard camera, showing the aircraft suddenly descending and crashing near a passing vehicle. Flames continued to burn even after the crash, while the condition of people who may have been present on the road remained unclear. Authorities have ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, Arizona witnessed severe flash flooding, particularly around Sedona. Fast-flowing water inundated roads, submerged vehicles and entered several homes. As conditions worsened, authorities instructed residents in affected areas to evacuate. Some people were reportedly trapped inside their houses, prompting emergency teams from neighbouring areas to join rescue operations. Officials warned residents against driving through flooded roads or going near rivers and streams. The weather department also warned of further heavy rainfall and the possibility of additional flash floods.

Florida Crash: Plane Crashes Onto Road in US, All Nine People on Board Die

ABP News Bureau — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 09:30:49 +0530

A devastating aircraft crash has been reported in Florida, United States, after a plane reportedly came down in the middle of a road, triggering a powerful explosion and a fire. According to the report, nine people were on board the aircraft, and all nine have died. The impact left a deep crater on the road, while debris from the aircraft was scattered across the area. Flames erupted immediately after the crash, drawing the attention of nearby residents and passersby. The incident created panic as people witnessed the aircraft falling onto the roadway and exploding. Visuals from the scene showed extensive debris, damage to the road and signs of a major fire. However, it remains unclear whether anyone on the ground was injured or affected by the crash. Authorities have ordered an investigation to establish how the aircraft crashed and what caused the explosion. The exact circumstances behind the incident have not yet been confirmed. Investigators are continuing their work as details emerge about the tragedy that claimed nine lives.

Ukraine, Russia Report Cyberattack On Emergency Apps After Users Get False Threat Alerts Amid War

ABP Live News — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 08:03:46 +0530

Ukraine's air raid alert application was apparently hacked on Sunday, triggering a series of false warnings, including a radiation threat in the capital Kyiv, prompting the country's authorities to urge residents to remain calm and rely on official sources for information. Russia later reported a "massive cyberattack" on its own emergency app, resulting in the circulation of false information about an alleged threat to the public.

The Ukrainian Air Force alerted users to the suspected interference through a message on Telegram, saying: "The Air Alarm application has probably been subjected to hostile interference. There is no radiation threat! Stay calm and follow our updates on our channel."

The Ukrainian Central Intelligence Agency also confirmed a failure in the application and advised people to consult alternative sources to verify information about potential air strikes, BBC reported.

The alerts, issued in Ukrainian, began at around 10.47 pm local time (8.47 pm GMT), with red-level air raid warnings apparently sent across the country. Additional notifications in Kyiv reported a radiation threat, followed by warnings of a nuclear alert, a chemical attack and street fighting, the BBC report said.

False Radiation, Nuclear And Chemical Threat Alerts

The first notification received by users in Kyiv read: "Radiation threat. Radiation threat declared in Kyiv."

A minute later, a message in Russian appeared, stating: "Hi! There will be a nuclear alert across Ukraine. Don't worry, it's Oreshnik flying".

At 10.49 pm, another alert warned of a possible chemical attack in Kyiv, telling residents not to go outside. A separate notification at the same time claimed street fighting was taking place in the capital and issued a similar warning.

ALSO READ: WHO Report Flags Healthcare Inequality In Bangladesh, Millions Struggle To Afford Treatment

A series of all-clear messages followed at 11.53 pm, with individual notifications declaring each of the previously reported threats over.

In a separate Telegram post, the Ukrainian Central Intelligence Agency said the radiation hazard signal had also been broadcast through loudspeaker systems in the Lviv region. It stressed that there was no radiation threat.

Regional officials also sought to reassure residents. Svitlana Onyshchuk, governor of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, said the situation in the region was calm after the application issued a red-level air raid alert there between 10.50 pm and 11.57 pm, BBC reported.

Vinnytsia regional head Natalya Zabolotna said the application had been targeted in a cyberattack. She also cautioned people against clicking on links in the messages, warning that they could be phishing attempts.

Ukraine Advises Residents To Rely On Official Alerts

Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation, which supports the Air Alert application, said the service had apparently been compromised and was temporarily disabled for maintenance.

The ministry urged residents to activate emergency notifications on their smartphones to continue receiving state-issued distress signals.

The country's Centre for Countering Disinformation also advised people to pay attention to air raid sirens, enable smartphone notifications and rely only on official information sources if the application stopped working.

ALSO READ: Trump Speaks To Netanyahu As US Weighs Fresh Iran Strikes: Report

Russia Also Reports Cyberattack On Emergency App

A few hours after the false alerts were reported in Ukraine, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said its own application had been hit by what it described as "a massive cyberattack," BBC reported.

The ministry said the attack had resulted in "fake information to the public", but did not provide further details. Russian state media also offered no additional information.

Ukrainian news outlet UNN reported that the breach had sent false warnings of a nuclear threat to users in Russia.

Atesh, a Ukrainian partisan group operating in Russian-held territory, also claimed on Telegram that the Russian application had been hacked. It shared a screenshot of a purported emergency alert instructing users to stock up on provisions for three weeks and seek shelter in basements. The screenshot, which has not been independently verified, also contained obscene language.

The incidents took place shortly before a localised ceasefire in Ukraine's front-line Kherson region was due to end at 11 pm on Sunday. The arrangement, which began last Tuesday, was intended to allow civilians to evacuate the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky.

Fighting had continued in other parts of Ukraine during the ceasefire period.

9 Killed After Business Jet Nosedives, Erupts Into Massive Fireball In Florida Neighbourhood | Video

ABP Live News — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 06:51:41 +0530

A business jet carrying nine people crashed into a neighbourhood in Greenacres, Florida, on Sunday, erupting into a massive fireball just feet away from homes and a busy roadway. All nine people on board were killed, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

Duffy said the aircraft crashed in Palm Beach County at 12:50 pm, describing the incident as a "horrific tragedy". The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is sending a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with the investigation, the Associated Press reported.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries among people on the ground.

"It was a cataclysmic plane crash," DeSantis told reporters at the scene. "It looked like a missile going down and left a big crater on the side of the road."

Dramatic footage captured by people inside passing vehicles showed the Bahamas-bound Learjet 60 plunging from the sky before slamming into the ground and exploding. The impact left a crater near the road, with flames engulfing the wreckage and thick black smoke billowing over the area.

BREAKING: New footage captures the aircraft crash in Greenacres, Florida. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft that crashed is a business jet. https://t.co/pMEsJerhgZ
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) November 1, 2026

What Happened Before The Learjet Crashed?

The aircraft had taken off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to the Bahamas, according to the FAA. Authorities had not immediately identified those on board or established what caused the crash, AP reported.

Air traffic control recordings and flight-tracking data indicate that the jet was flying east at 35,000 feet when the pilots reported turbulence, icing and precipitation. They requested permission to climb another 2,000 feet.

According to the AP report, the aircraft then entered a steep descent, with its rate of descent reportedly increasing from 10,000 feet per minute to 20,000 feet and eventually 30,000 feet per minute. The rapid descent pushed the aircraft beyond its design limits.

Minutes before the crash, the pilot reported ice accumulating on the jet and turbulence that was jolting it by as much as 700 feet, according to recordings captured by LiveATC.net.

"We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence," the pilot told air traffic controllers.

However, conditions deteriorated rapidly. As the aircraft began losing altitude, the pilot declared an emergency and issued distress calls.

"We're descending 8,000 – mayday, mayday - we're descending 10,000 feet per minute," the pilot radioed.

"We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute," the pilot said in another transmission, before adding: "We're going to crash into the ground."

The jet then banked sharply to the right before hitting the ground.

600 Residents Evacuated From Nearby Mobile Home Community

The crash occurred in Greenacres, a city of around 45,000 people located about seven miles southwest of West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach County authorities began evacuating around 600 people from a nearby mobile home community as federal agencies prepared to investigate the incident. The road near the crash site was also closed until further notice, AP reported.

The region was experiencing heavy rainfall on Sunday, with the National Weather Service issuing a flood watch due to excessive rain through Monday afternoon.

Jim Reynolds, a spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, confirmed that the aircraft was a private jet but could not immediately provide details about its passengers.

Investigators are yet to establish the cause of the crash or identify those who were on board.

Indian-American woman fights unlikely battle in former KKK county in US mid-term elections

PTI — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 04:30:01 +0530

Cumming, Georgia (US), Nov 2 (PTI): In an affluent part of Georgia state, where Ku Klux Klan once ruled the roost and racism was a way of life, an Indian-American woman is fighting an unlikely local leadership election -- because she wanted to stand up to her “bully” Republican opponent and leave behind a better world for children.

Shuchita Patel, a Democrat, is running for Forsyth County Commissioner’s post in the November 3 mid-term elections. With just two days to go, she set out on Sunday morning to knock on doors of voters, reminding them that she is in the race.

Patel is the first Indian-American to run for office in Forsyth County, which is laden with a dark history of racial violence and lynching that led to White residents and supremacist KKK gangs forcibly driving out virtually the entire Black population in 1912, turning the county into an all-white region for much of the 20th century.

Just the fact that Patel, the US-born daughter of Indian immigrant parents, is running for office -- against an opponent who has been elected unopposed for 16 years -- is a reminder of how much Forsyth and indeed America have changed over decades. But the mid-term elections are also a reminder of how deeply America is divided over the cult-like adulation for President Donald Trump on the one side and the near hatred for him on the other.

The mid-term elections will determine the composition of the two-chamber Congress, which is akin to India’s parliament. At stake on November 3 are all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and 37 seats in the 100-member Senate. Along with those polls, many states will also elect their governors as well as a host of local body leaders such as county commissioners and heads of school boards.

Most opinion polls are predicting that Trump’s Republican Party will lose control of the House of Representatives, and might even lose the Senate because of anger over broken promises, high cost of groceries, petrol, healthcare, and frustration with politics.

“To be clear, I strongly believe in supporting our transgender neighbours and constituents. I want to protect our immigrant community. But no one cares about pronouns, no one cares about immigration, no one cares about whether someone is illegal or not if they can’t pay for their groceries,” said Patel, 40, in an interview in the back of a car as we drove to a poor neighbourhood of largely Latino migrants for canvassing.

“We are reaching a boiling point in the country as a whole. There are the elites, the ruling class, the Epstein class … that is truly 1 per cent that is wealthy, and there is the rest of us,” she said.

While the anger against the Trump administration is expected to turn many traditionally Republican states against the party, Georgia is not one of them. It remains solidly ruby red, the colour of the Republican Party.

Forsyth County, barely an hour’s drive from mid-town Atlanta, the state capital, still remains predominantly white, with about 61 per cent of the population of 2.8 lakhs. But what is remarkable is that from a mere 200 residents in 2000, the Indian community has grown to about 48,000 people, comprising about 16 per cent of the total Forsyth population.

Not a very encouraging statistic for Patel, who belongs to a minority.

Still, Patel, an accountant by profession, believes she stands a good chance. After all, she says, whichever party candidate gets elected, the goal of the commissioner remains the same: which roads to repair and which sports arena to upgrade, among others.

Besides, she says there is now exhaustion with the incumbent commissioner, Todd Levent, who has been elected unopposed because “he intimidated and bullied” would-be opponents.

She acknowledged she has no political experience, and always felt there was “nothing I could do” to change things until someone approached her and sounded her out about running for office.

“It felt attainable. I felt I could make a difference in a very small section of my world. They also said my opponent has managed to bully and intimidate everyone who has dared to run against him. They said they need someone with thick skin and who is not afraid to stand up to a bully. So I said You got the right girl!”

She said her daughter, who is now seven, asked her why she is running for office if it is so hard. Patel told her, “I want this community to be better for you guys. I want you to have a beautiful community to grow up in. I want the future generations -- that means you guys and your friends -- I want you to have a beautiful world to grow up in.” PTI VJ APL

APL

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Germany Gen Z Protests: 100,000 Take To Streets As Riots Break Out In Some Cities

Deutsche Welle — Sun, 1 Nov 2026 19:21:42 +0530

People in Germany buying more organic food

Consumers in Germany bought more organic food products through the summer, with overall sales rising 2.8% to €4.42 billion ($4.95 billion) between July and September.

The German Federation of Organic Food Producers (BÖLW) reported that organic products' share of the German food market reached a record 8.1% in the third quarter.

"The growing organic market is a wake-up call," BÖLW head Tina Andres said, adding that many consumers see the organic sector as producing food locally and protecting water resources, insects and birds.

Supermarkets and discount retailers accounted for the largest share of third-quarter sales for organically produced food, at 31.3% and 27.8%, respectively. Drug store chains followed in third place with a market share of 12.7%. Specialty organic food retailers saw a 2.0% decline in sales, with a 17.3% market share.

Demand for organic products, which generally cost slightly more than traditionally produced products, has continued to grow steadily in Germany, except for a slowdown in 2022 caused by exceptionally high inflation at the time.

Interior minister blames left, migrant 'troublemakers' for post-protest violence

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt condemned the riots that followed demonstrations in several major cities, including Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt, blaming troublemakers for the violence and calling for severe criminal punishment of looters.

"Violent left-wing groups and troublemakers from migrant communities in the evening hijacked the peaceful demonstrations that took place," he told the mass-market Bild newspaper on Sunday without elaborating on the identities of those taken into custody.

"The rioters and looters will be identified and held accountable," he added. "Serious penalties must follow these breaches of the public peace."

Dobrindt said German police prevented widespread violence, such as that seen during protests in parts of some French cities.

"Excesses of violence like those seen in Paris were prevented thanks to the highly committed efforts of our police officers," said Dobrindt, a member of the conservative Christian Social Union. "The police operation strategy, involving a strong visible presence and the decentralized deployment of forces, proved successful."

Following peaceful demonstrations involving over 100,000 mainly young people, violent incidents and riots broke out after dark, particularly in Frankfurt and Cologne.

In France, protests continued largely peacefully for a third weekend after extensive riots and looting on October 17 left significant damage to shops, public buildings and businesses.

German Gen Z group calls for more demonstrations

The group that organized this weekend's protests, "Gen Z regelt" roughly "Gen Z takes charge," distanced itself from violent riots that occurred after the rallies and called for new demonstrations later this month.

The initiative's organizers issued a positive assessment of protests across Germany.

"Today, 100,000 people showed why they're taking to the streets," a spokesperson for the initiative said Saturday, adding that estimates of participation in six to eight cities would come later.

Gen Z regelt planned protests in 34 cities, including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich, and has called for people to take to the streets again on November 14.

The group has called for more funding for schools, addiction treatment, and psychotherapy as well as measures to combat rising living costs. While it promotes social justice and greater climate protection, it opposes the introduction of mandatory military service, as well as an expansion of government surveillance.

"We are here ‌today to fight for peace and freedom, rather than for war and coercion," Gen Z regelt spokesperson Lina Friedrich said Saturday in Berlin. "What matters most to us is better support for the health and education systems. We are against compulsory military service and we are in favor of a fairer distribution of the burden."

Gen Z regelt distanced itself from the violent riots and looting that followed the protests in some cities.

"We did not have any influence on what happened after the demonstrations," the group's spokesperson said.

Police also confirmed the demonstrations themselves were largely peaceful and that looting and riots afterward were set off by extremists using the protests for cover.

"The Gen Z protests turned out to be very peaceful," Andreas Rosskopf, chairman of the police union representing the Federal Police, told the Rheinische Post. He added that the groups responsible for the violence consisted of "autonomous and, in some cases, masked individuals."

In Cologne, which also saw looting, a police spokeswoman said the incidents were more likely linked to Halloween celebrations than to the aftermath of the Gen Z protests.

Police sent to protect vandalized shops in Frankfurt

Police were patrolling the streets of downtown Frankfurt on Sunday morning, following looting that saw shop windows smashed and what a police spokesperson said was "considerable" damage to property.

The unrest followed demonstrations by young people demanding better schools, relief from rising living costs and greater social justice. Though the protests were largely peaceful, there were incidents of violence and rioting in Frankfurt and some other big German cities.

In Frankfurt, rioters smashed shop windows, stole goods from shops and attacked police officers. More than 30 people were detained and officers cordoned off parts of the city center. It was not immediately clear how many people were injured in the protests.

The police spokesperson said shops that were looted during the unrest also needed protection.

Hesse's state Premier Boris Rhein said he was shocked "by the violent excesses in Frankfurt," which "will not remain without consequences."

"Anyone who behaves like the attackers in Frankfurt's city center places themselves outside our society," Rhein said. "We will carefully assess the aggressors, perpetrator groups and the course of events, and draw our conclusions."

The group that organized the protests, "Gen Z regelt" roughly "Gen Z takes charge," had explicitly called for peaceful protests. German media in several cities observed extremists mixing into crowds of peaceful protesters.

IG Metall union begins warning strikes after pay talks collapse

Germany's IG Metall union began limited "warning strikes" in the metalworking and electrical sectors at midnight on Sunday.

The strikes began with about 300 night-shift employees at a factory in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate holding a rally outside the facility's entrance. A protest also began overnight at the mobile communications supplier RF 360 Europe/Qualcomm in Munich.

The warning strikes are set to spread across Germany next week. IG Metall is Germany's largest union and represents about 3.7 million workers in industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, and metal production.

The union has demanded a 5% pay increase over 12 months, as well as job and plant security.

In the second round of negotiations, employers presented an offer that included a one-time payment next year and a 1.3% step increase in July 2028, saying industry faced high cost burdens operating in Germany.

Union Chair Christiane Benner announced "major warning strikes" because the "so-called offer" met only with "incomprehension" in the workplaces, as the pay increases were well below the rate of inflation in Germany.

Berlin's Left Party votes in favor of coalition talks with Greens, SPD

The Left Party in Berlin overwhelmingly voted in favor of formal talks to form a three-party coalition government with the Greens and Social Democrats.

Negotiations could begin on Monday as the Greens and SPD both already agreed to open formal talks for a government led by The Left in the city-state.

"We will not let ourselves be ground down, and I will not give up," Elif Eralp, The Left's parliamentary group leader, told party members during a congress on Saturday. She aims to be Berlin's first governing mayor from her party.

"Not a day passes without someone trying to force us and me to give up," she said, accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of trying to "blackmail" the Greens and SPD into abandoning plans for a coalition.

The Left emerged as the strongest party with 25.7% of the vote in the state elections on September 20. Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) followed with 18.8%, the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) with 16.3%, the Greens with 14.3% and the SPD with 12.1%.

"The people of this city voted for us for change, and we will implement it," Eralp said. "They rightly expect us to pull every lever to improve their lives."

The three parties are expected to base their coalition negotiations on a preliminary agreement presented two weeks ago.

Its most controversial proposal would see around 160,000 flats owned by five major property companies transferred into public ownership in exchange for compensation.

Ahead of Saturday's vote, Berlin's Left Party has been dogged by allegations of antisemitism as well as a debate over Eralp's independence and ability to address crime in the capital after Der Spiegel published her interview comments indicating she chose not to mention a pro-Palestinian activist by name due to fears for the safety of her family.

Our coverage of Germany's Gen Z protests

We've been busy covering Gen Z protests in Germany in a separate blog.

The demonstrations were largely peaceful throughout the day, but reports switched to instances of violence and rioting in some cities, especially Frankfurt and Cologne, as night fell.

Follow the latest here.

Young Germans take to the streets

Youth protests have begun in cities across Germany, with demonstrators demanding better-funded schools, action on living costs and stronger climate protection. They also oppose a possible return to military conscription.

Cologne's tiny crossing barrier has a bigger future

A railway crossing barrier just 46 centimeters (18 inches) long has become an unlikely selfie attraction in Cologne — but the city's transport operator says it serves a purpose.

The miniature arm stands beside tracks leading to a tram maintenance depot in the Weidenpesch district. It has even appeared on Google Maps as "Germany's smallest barrier."

Despite online mockery, it is no mistake. "It serves as a placeholder," said Cologne transport operator KVB spokesman Stephan Anemüller.

Installed in 2020, the barrier is to be extended once a planned cycle path is built alongside a nearby housing development. That avoids having to overhaul the crossing equipment later.

KVB is enjoying the attention. Anemüller called it "an amusing attraction" and said the operator would try to secure it a place in Cologne's city museum when it is eventually removed.

Merkel calls for Germany's first female president

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a woman to succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, pointing out that no woman has held the office in the country's 77-year history.

Everyone should ask "whether it might finally be time," Merkel told MagentaTV.

She said she knew women capable of doing the job but declined to name anyone.

The Federal Convention elects Germany's next head of state on January 30. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term. The presidency is mostly a ceremonial role.

Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner has the backing of Markus Söder, leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU).

Other names being discussed include Bundestag president Julia Klockner, Education Minister Karin Prien and former Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, all from Merkel's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Merkel described the debate as "strange" and criticized its "unpleasant undertone."

She also challenged her party's direction, saying the CDU's identity went beyond economic policy. "The CDU was always about building bridges to all parts of society — and that must be brought back to the forefront."

Berlin's Left Party weighs coalition talks under tight security

Berlin's socialist Left Party is expected to approve coalition negotiations with the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) and environmentalist Greens, potentially paving the way for the city's first Left Party mayor.

The SPD and Greens have already backed talks, which could begin on Monday. But the Left Party's youth wing opposes the alliance, calling instead for a "strong socialist opposition."

Delegates gathered under tight security in Berlin's Lichtenberg district following calls for protests accusing the party of betraying voters. Its candidate for mayor, Elif Eralp, has been given personal protection.

The Left Party won September's election with 25.7% of the vote. The governing coalition of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and SPD lost its majority.

If the three parties reach a deal, Eralp, currently the Left Party's parliamentary leader in Berlin, could become the city's next governing mayor.