National Affairs
The Cyclone Montha, now a severe cyclonic storm, has strengthened over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is approaching the coast of Andhra Pradesh (between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam) with heavy rains and high winds expected across Andhra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Evacuations and transport disruptions are in progress.
The Election Commission of India has begun the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states and Union Territories, aiming to update, cleanse and verify the voter list ahead of upcoming elections.
Under the India Maritime Week 2025 being held in Mumbai, Narendra Modi will address the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave and chair the Global Maritime CEO Forum. The event, with delegates from 85 + countries, focuses on port-led development, shipping & ship-building, resilient logistics and maritime skill-building under the broader “Maritime Amrit Kaal” vision.
In diplomatic developments, India appears likely to skip the National Day events of Turkey (October 29) as a quiet signal of strained ties following Turkey’s repeated criticism of India’s Kashmir policy and alignment with Pakistan in international forums.
In a major repatriation operation, India plans to air-lift around 500 of its nationals who fled a cyber-scam complex in Myanmar and crossed into Thailand after a military raid. Legal verification cooperation is being sought from Thailand for direct pickup in Mae Sot.
Stock benchmarks in India are expected to open higher tracking Asian peers ahead of the Federal Reserve policy decision in the U.S. The focus remains on global monetary cues and domestic growth prospects.
International Affairs
In the Middle East, armed conflict escalated with reports of Israeli strikes in southern Gaza City: explosions and tank fire were heard and seen, with at least two civilians killed and several others wounded in an air-strike on a house in Al-Sabra.
The United Nations observance of the International Day of Care and Support falls on 29 October. The 2025 theme is “Care and Support for All – Addressing all rights-holders, including those providing and receiving care and support.” The day underscores global caregiving, disability support and social inclusion.
At a regional level, East Timor has become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expanding membership and regional integration dynamics.
Global financial markets remain attentive to central bank cues ahead of major policy announcements, especially from the U.S. Fed, which could influence capital flows, emerging-market currencies and inflation expectations worldwide.
Economy & Banking
India’s inflation outlook has softened significantly, providing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) scope to consider future rate cuts. The repo rate currently stands at 5.50%. A downward revision in inflation forecasts and upgraded GDP growth projections strengthen the growth-supportive policy narrative.
With Indian equity markets poised for gains, bank and financial-services aspirants should note: monetary policy signals, global risk-appetite shifts and domestic credit growth trends remain key for banking / IBPS / SBI exam topics.
The maritime sector push via India Maritime Week underscores logistics, shipping and port-led infrastructure as future investment areas — potential hot topics for banking awareness, economic-terms questions and GK.
In the electoral-roll revision programme, digital identity, voter verification and governance dynamics are emphasised: valuable for banking-awareness sections where public-policy, government schemes and electoral reforms crop up.
Sports & Events
The India contingent representing the country in the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain comprises 222 athletes (103 boys, 119 girls) across 21 sports. India’s performance rank is currently 11 with 4 gold, 10 silver and 13 bronze medals.
International pop-star Enrique Iglesias returns to India after 13 years, with live concerts on 29 & 30 October in Mumbai. This event highlights cultural-economy linkage, entertainment sector revival and market-interest in live performances.
The 30th edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) will open in Delhi on 31 October and will run till 9 November, showcasing 28 films from EU member states plus Ukraine. This cross-cultural event emphasises soft-power diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Important Dates & Quick-Facts for Exams
Date: 29.10.2025
International Day of Care and Support: 29 October (Theme: “Care and Support for All – Addressing all rights-holders…”)
East Timor becomes the 11th member of ASEAN
India’s stock benchmarks set to track Asian peers higher amid Fed policy focus
India likely to skip Turkey’s National Day events: diplomatic signal
Centre begins Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
India plans repatriation of approx. 500 nationals from Thai-Myanmar border
Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai: Focus on blue economy, shipping, ports
Cyclone Montha: severe warnings for coastal states
