National News - India

Cyclone 'Montha' Intensifies, Expected to Make Landfall on Andhra Pradesh Coast

A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm named 'Montha' and make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to cross the coast near Kakinada on the night of October 28 with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. In response, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, has reviewed the preparedness of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Puducherry. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has put all district collectors and senior officials on high alert, anticipating a severe impact from October 26 to 29. The IMD has warned that coastal Bengal could also experience heavy rain and squally winds between October 28 and 30, coinciding with Chhath Puja festivities.

  • Expected Landfall: Near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on the evening or night of October 28.
  • Wind Speed: Expected to be a severe cyclonic storm with speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.
  • Government Response: High-level meetings are being held to review preparedness, and a red alert has been issued in Andhra Pradesh.

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Prime Minister Modi to Virtually Attend 22nd ASEAN-India Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually participate in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit today. The summit will serve as a platform for the Prime Minister and ASEAN leaders to review the progress of their bilateral relations. Discussions will also focus on new initiatives to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the ASEAN nations. The External Affairs Ministry emphasized that strengthening the relationship with ASEAN is a cornerstone of India's 'Act East Policy' and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. Following this, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Prime Minister at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27.

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Regional Spotlight

West Bengal: CM Orders Heightened Security at State-Run Hospitals After Assaults

In response to a series of recent sexual assault incidents at state-run hospitals, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a significant tightening of security measures at all government medical facilities. During a high-level meeting on Saturday, the Chief Minister expressed her distress over the security lapses and directed that security staff will not be permitted entry without proper photo identification cards and that CCTV surveillance must be enhanced. This move follows several alarming incidents, including the assault of a female doctor at Uluberia Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Government Medical College and Hospital and the alleged sexual assault of a minor at SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Health portfolio, stated that she would be personally responsible for any future security lapses.

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Uttar Pradesh: Government to Provide Subsidies on Eco-Friendly Farm Equipment

The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a new scheme offering a 40-50% subsidy on agricultural equipment designed to prevent stubble burning, a major cause of air pollution in North India during the winter. The subsidy will be applicable to machinery such as mulchers and treaders, which help farmers mix crop residue back into the soil, turning it into organic matter. This initiative aims to promote environmentally friendly residue management practices. Farmers can apply for this subsidy through the Agriculture Department's online portal. To ensure a transparent process, a token payment system has also been introduced for equipment of varying costs.

"The initiative seeks to promote eco-friendly residue management practices and reduce air pollution caused by crop burning."

In other news from the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday to request a date for the inauguration of the Noida International Airport's first phase in November. Security is also being bolstered, with the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF) set to secure 21 stations along the Noida-Greater Noida Metro Rail Corridor.

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Assam: Train Services Disrupted by Midnight Blast on Railway Track

An IED blast on a railway track near Kokrajhar in Assam has disrupted train services in the region. The midnight explosion caused significant damage to the track and sleepers. This incident has raised security concerns in the state. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the government will continue with its eviction drives against illegal encroachments, despite opposition from activists. He also announced that the government plans to introduce bills against 'love jihad' and polygamy in the upcoming Assembly session. The state is also dealing with the aftermath of the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, with visiting hours at his memorial site being extended due to the large number of fans paying their respects.

  • Security Incident: An IED blast damaged a railway track near Kokrajhar, halting train services.
  • Government Policy: Chief Minister Sarma remains firm on continuing eviction drives and plans to introduce controversial bills on 'love jihad' and polygamy.

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International Desk

Pakistan: Security Forces Thwart Major Terror Attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistani security forces successfully foiled a significant terrorist incident in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing three terrorists. According to a statement from the military's media wing, the forces conducted an intelligence-based operation that averted a potential catastrophic attack involving a vehicle-borne suicide bomber. The operation is part of the country's ongoing counterterrorism campaign, 'Azm-i-Istehkam'. Pakistan has seen a recent surge in terrorist activities, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, which primarily target security personnel.

In foreign affairs, Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has issued a stark warning of a potential "open war" with Afghanistan if peace talks in Istanbul fail to yield an agreement. The talks aim to establish a lasting ceasefire following recent deadly border clashes. Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing sanctuary to militants who launch attacks on Pakistan, a charge the Taliban denies.

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Bangladesh: Political Tensions Rise Ahead of National Election

Political tensions are reportedly escalating in Bangladesh as parties appear to be preparing for confrontation ahead of the next national election. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam cautioned that these tensions could become more apparent in the coming months. In other news, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has stated it will not sign the 'July Charter' until it has reviewed the draft implementation order, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape. On a positive note for the nation's economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Bangladesh for its gains in foreign reserves. Furthermore, a Bangladeshi initiative has led to the inclusion of a provision in the Geneva Consensus at UNCTAD16, ensuring continued international support for graduating Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

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Sports Update

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup: India Faces Bangladesh in Key Clash

The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup continues today with two crucial matches. India is set to take on Bangladesh at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Having already secured a semi-final spot, this match offers India a chance to build momentum. With regular wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh nursing a finger injury, reserve keeper Uma Chetry might make her World Cup debut.

In the other match today, England Women will play against New Zealand Women at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Fans can look forward to a packed week of cricket.

  • Today's Matches (October 26, 2025):
    • India Women vs. Bangladesh Women
    • England Women vs. New Zealand Women
  • Upcoming Key Matches:
    • October 29: India in Australia 2025 - 1st T20I
    • October 31: India in Australia 2025 - 2nd T20I

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References