Cyclone Montha Nears Landfall
A sense of urgency and preparedness has gripped the eastern coast of India as Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha is expected to make landfall on the evening of October 28, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for 16 districts in Andhra Pradesh, with the storm anticipated to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada. Wind speeds are projected to reach 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-deployed 25 teams to vulnerable areas in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to assist with evacuation and relief efforts. Thousands of people from low-lying coastal regions have already been moved to safer locations. The Indian Railways has cancelled 32 trains as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. Authorities are on high alert, with emergency services and disaster management teams fully mobilized to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The public has been advised to stay indoors and take all necessary precautions.
Chhath Puja Concludes with Fervor
The four-day-long festival of Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, concluded on October 28, 2025, with devotees across the country offering 'Usha Arghya' (prayers to the rising sun). The festival was celebrated with immense devotion, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. In Delhi, the government had declared a public holiday and made elaborate arrangements at over 1,300 ghats along the Yamuna river for the devotees. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various chief ministers, extended their greetings to the nation on this auspicious occasion. The festival is a significant cultural event that sees millions of people gather at riverbanks and water bodies to perform the rituals. This year's celebrations were marked by a return to normalcy and large gatherings after a period of restrictions.
Bihar Assembly Elections Gain Momentum
The political landscape in Bihar is buzzing with activity as the state gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections. The opposition INDIA bloc is scheduled to release its election manifesto on October 28, 2025. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also set to join the campaign trail, with rallies planned in several constituencies. The political rhetoric is intensifying, with leaders from all major parties actively campaigning and making promises to the electorate. In a significant development, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expelled 27 of its leaders for alleged anti-party activities, indicating a move to enforce discipline within its ranks ahead of the crucial polls. The Bihar elections are being closely watched as they are seen as a key test for the ruling coalition and the opposition alliance in the state.
Passport Seva 2.0 Launched for NRIs in Dubai
In a move that will benefit a large number of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the United Arab Emirates, the Consulate General of India in Dubai has launched the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0) from October 28, 2025. This new system introduces e-passports embedded with a secure chip containing the holder's digitized data, which is expected to facilitate faster immigration clearance. Applicants will now have to use a new online portal to register and apply for passport-related services. The upgraded system also allows for minor corrections to be made directly by the service providers, aiming to simplify the application process and reduce waiting times at service centers. This initiative is part of the Indian government's ongoing efforts to leverage technology to provide more efficient and citizen-friendly public services.
