Top News Headlines for October 26, 2025
Here's a roundup of the major news stories from today, sourced from global outlets. Focusing on key developments in international diplomacy, weather alerts, politics, and more.
World News
- Trump Brokers Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire: U.S. President Donald Trump attended a signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur for an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, marking a diplomatic win on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian PM Hun Manet signed the agreement, with Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim present.
- US-China Trade Talks Yield Preliminary Consensus: During Trump's Asia tour, U.S. and Chinese officials reached an early framework on trade issues, described as "successful" by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Negotiations continue ahead of a potential Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea on October 30.
- Louvre Crown Jewels Heist Suspects Arrested: Two suspects in the daring theft of eight priceless French Crown Jewels from the Louvre were detained in Paris. The brazen daylight robbery has left France reeling culturally, with investigations ongoing.
- East Timor Joins ASEAN: In a historic first expansion since the 1990s, East Timor (Timor-Leste) was formally admitted to ASEAN during the Kuala Lumpur summit. PM Xanana Gusmao hailed it as "history made."
- Iranian Rescue Helicopter Crashes: At least two killed and others injured when a Red Crescent helicopter with nine aboard crashed in Lorestan province.
- New Zealand's Invasive Species Eradication Push: The nation advances its ambitious plan to wipe out all invasive species by 2050 to save over 4,000 native species at risk.
India News
- Cyclone Montha Forms in Bay of Bengal: A depression intensified into a cyclonic storm, expected to hit near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, by Tuesday night with winds up to 110 kmph. Schools closed, fishing banned in Andhra and Odisha; heavy rain forecast for coastal areas.
- India-ASEAN Summit: Modi Highlights Strategic Ties: PM Narendra Modi addressed the virtual summit, calling the partnership a "powerful foundation" for global stability and a pillar of India's Act East Policy.
- India Resumes Direct Flights to China: IndiGo restarts Kolkata-Guangzhou route today, the first since 2020 border clashes, amid thawing ties.
- Kurnool Bus Crash: Driver Was Drunk: Forensic report confirms the motorist who collided with a bus, killing 19 in a fire, was intoxicated. Excise probe reveals alcohol purchase at a wine shop.
- Subansiri Hydro Project Unit Tests Successfully: First 250 MW unit of India's largest hydropower plant begins wet commissioning, signaling full operations soon.
- Delhi AQI Hits 'Very Poor' at 318: Smog blankets the capital; unseasonal rains helped curb Diwali pollution in Mumbai, but experts urge government action.
US News
- Government Shutdown Drags On: Federal workers miss first full paycheck; food banks brace for surge as benefits threatened. Parks and monuments remain closed.
- Social Security COLA Delayed: 2026 adjustment announcement postponed due to shutdown; early estimates point to 2.7% increase based on September CPI.
- Inflation Report Sparks Debate: September CPI rose less than expected, but White House warns shutdown may skip October data, disrupting markets and Fed decisions.
- ACA Coverage Droops Amid Shutdown: Young, healthy enrollees eye dropping plans over health care tax credit disputes fueling the impasse.
Other Notable Stories
- Czech Coalition Talks Advance: Incoming parties agree on draft government program; ANO leads post-election with 35% but seeks right-wing allies.
- Former French President Sarkozy Jailed: Nicolas Sarkozy begins five-year sentence in Paris prison.
- Nigeria: Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs: Over 50 generals to retire in military shakeup; new appointees named.