Lula Wins Historic 4th Term in Brazil; Flavio Bolsonaro Refuses Concession, Vows Court Battle

UPDATED: Oct 26, 2026 09:24 ISTPresident Lula da Silva has secured a historic fourth presidential term in Brazil, defeating far-right rival Flavio Bolsonaro in a closely contested election. With nearly 99% of votes counted, Lula secured 51.75% against Bolsonaro's 48.25%, bucking a broader right-wing surge across Latin America. Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has refused to concede defeat, alleging fraud in the polling process and declaring plans to challenge the result in court to seek annulment. Speaking to India Today, Lula's foreign advisor Celso Amorim highlighted that the Brazilian people chose a stable democracy, social rights, and an independent foreign policy in a multipolar world without submitting to foreign hegemony. For India, Lula's victory is expected to strengthen ties within BRICS and the Global South, boosting bilateral trade and strategic cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSPunjab Firing: Five Youths Injured Outside Shop in Moga, Enmity SuspectedA shocking incident of indiscriminate gunfire has caused panic in the Angadpura neighbourhood of Punjab's Moga district. Attackers arriving in a black SUV opened fire on a group of young men sitting outside a local shop. Five youths were injured in the attack, with three critically wounded after sustaining bullet injuries to the head and abdomen. Senior police officials, including Moga Senior Superintendent of Police Sartaj Singh Chahal, reached the scene to inspect the area and review CCTV footage, while forensic experts were deployed to collect evidence. The victims' families have named suspects, and the police are actively recording statements. Preliminary investigations indicate that personal vendetta and long-standing rivalry between two groups may have triggered the shooting. The incident has once again brought the law and order situation in Punjab under intense scrutiny following recent violent episodes across the state.DMK Leader Sparks Row Over Ramayana Analogy, Stalin Schemes & TVK RuleA controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu politics following remarks by DMK leader Leoni referencing the Ramayana. Drawing a parallel to Lord Ram's footwear ruling Ayodhya, the DMK leader claimed that M.K. Stalin's slippers are ruling the state, arguing that the public continues to benefit from flagship initiatives introduced under the DMK regime, including the morning meal scheme, women's rights assistance, and the metro. Addressing party workers, he stated that the TVK government would not continue for long. Channel correspondent Pramod Madhav reported that this is not the first time the DMK leader has courted controversy with his speeches, noting how the remarks targeted the current political administration.Jamia Trespassing FIR Against Three MPs, Slogan Graffiti Row Spreads To JNUThe Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report against three Members of Parliament, including Congress Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood, for alleged trespassing into Jamia Millia Islamia following a complaint lodged by the university administration. The administration accused the leaders of forcefully entering campus premises to join student protests, while Masood dismissed the allegations and questioned university officials over security lapses. The controversy coincides with the calling off of a 14-day student agitation after the Jamia administration accepted demands regarding student body elections and revoking student rustications. Meanwhile, campus tensions expanded after controversial slogans appeared on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia, followed by counter-graffiti at Jawaharlal Nehru University featuring ideological messages. The student disputes have escalated into a fierce political debate between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over campus politics, academic unrest, and student union demands.BJP Nationwide Stir Over Kharge Remark; Congress Defends Chief Amid RowThe Bharatiya Janata Party has announced nationwide protests across district and state headquarters demanding an apology from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late father. The controversy erupted following an address by Kharge in Patna, where he reacted to an audience member's assertion that the Prime Minister would not go anywhere by stating, 'Modi ka baap bhi jayega.' The BJP condemned the comment as indecent, offensive, and an example of abusive politics, prompting a police complaint in Patna and sharp rebukes from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party spokespersons. Amit Shah accused the Congress president of crossing all norms of decency, while party leaders linked the remarks to political frustration. Meanwhile, the Congress party defended Kharge, arguing that the phrase was merely a colloquial manner of speaking in response to heckling and not intended as an insult.