Here are the top national and international news updates for October 28 , covering key developments in politics, economy, diplomacy, and global events.
National
1. Chhath Puja 2025 Sandhya Arghya Observed Across India
On 27 October, devotees in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh gathered at riverbanks and water-bodies to perform the Sandhya Arghya ritual at sunset, the most sacred day of Chhath Puja.
2. Schools Holiday Declared in Delhi for Chhath Puja; 1,300 Ghats Prepared
The National Capital Region government announced a holiday on 27 October to mark Chhath Puja, and has prepared over 1,300 ghats for devotees, along with infrastructure and cleaning efforts near the Yamuna.
3. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Voter Rolls to Begin in 12 States/UTs
The Election Commission of India is set to launch Phase II of the SIR process covering 51 crore voters across 12 states and 6 union territories, aiming at comprehensive revision of electoral rolls.
4. Cyclone Montha Approaches Andhra Pradesh Coast; IMD Issues Warning
A severe cyclonic storm forming over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to make landfall near Kakinada late on 28 October, prompting warnings of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
5. Gold Prices Forecast to Trend Lower Amid Easing Global Tensions
Analysts in India are predicting a downward bias for gold over the coming days, driven by emerging signs of dtente in US-China trade relations and shifting safe-haven flows.
International
1. Donald Trump Receives Royal Welcome in Japan; Trade Deal With China in Sight
The US President is on a five-day Asian tour, arriving in Japan on 27 October. He announced new trade deals with several Southeast Asian nations and is preparing to meet Xi Jinping later this week in South Korea to finalise a truce in the US-China trade war.
2. Global Markets Rally as US-China Trade Tensions Ease
International stocks surged and safe-haven assets like gold and bonds fell as signs emerged of a framework trade deal between the US and China, boosting investor risk appetite.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Says Israel Blocking Aid Staff Entry into Gaza
3. The UN agency reported that Israel continues to bar its international personnel and humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza, while local staff (~12,000) press ahead with essential services amid the crisis.
4. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit: China Pushes for Stronger Economic Ties After US Departure
In the wake of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, China has called for deeper economic and trade integration, signalling its intent to anchor regional cooperation even as US attention shifts.
5. Japan Launches Yen-Pegged Stablecoin, Marking Shift to Blockchain Finance
Japanese startup JPYC introduced the world’s first fully Yen-convertible stablecoin, backed by savings and Japanese govt bonds, representing a major step for blockchain integration in Japan’s traditionally cash-dominated financial system.
