Top News Headlines for October 29, 2025
Here's a roundup of today's major stories, based on the latest developments from global and regional sources. Focus is on key events in disasters, politics, economy, and sports. Stories like Hurricane Melissa and the Fed's rate decision are evolving rapidly—check NPR, The Hindu, or Reuters for live updates.
World News
- Hurricane Melissa Ravages Caribbean: The Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record with 185 mph winds, slammed Jamaica, causing flash flooding, landslides, and mandatory evacuations. It's now heading toward Cuba, with non-stop rain reported in Santiago de Cuba and Haiti under red alerts. Recovery crews are staged in eastern Cuba as the storm weakens slightly but remains dangerous.
- Brazil Anti-Drug Raid Turns Deadly: Police and soldiers raided a trafficking gang in Rio de Janeiro, sparking shootouts that killed at least 60 suspects and 4 officers. The operation highlights escalating violence in favelas amid efforts to curb drug flows.
- Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Tested: Israeli forces launched heavy airstrikes on Gaza, violating the October 10 truce, per Netanyahu's orders. At least 61 Palestinians killed in attacks across Gaza City; Hamas returned remains of three hostages. West Bank operations killed three militants amid rising tensions.
- Peru Amazon Coca Expansion: Drug traffickers are pushing coca cultivation into indigenous lands, causing deforestation and violence against isolated tribes.
- North Korea Missile Tests: Successful sea-to-surface cruise missile firings demonstrate growing capabilities, amid U.S. tensions.
- Sudan El Fasher Crisis: Rapid Support Forces advance worsens humanitarian situation, with disease outbreaks and attacks on facilities.
US News
- Fed Meeting: Rate Cut Expected: The FOMC concludes today with a near-certain 0.25% cut (96.7% probability), following September's first reduction of 2025. Powell's presser at 2:30 PM ET could signal December moves amid labor slowdown concerns. Markets steady, with S&P futures up slightly; mortgage rates may dip further (now ~6.19% for 30-year).
- Government Shutdown Hits 4 Weeks: Senate fails to advance GOP funding bill for 13th time; SNAP benefits face November 1 cutoff without resolution. States scramble for food aid gaps; VP Vance at Capitol amid blame game.
- Amazon's Massive Layoffs: Company announces 30,000 office job cuts amid AI expansion—the largest in its history.
- Coast Guard Strikes Drug Boats: Operations sink four vessels, killing 46 suspects since September, targeting Caribbean threats.
- Rockefeller Tree from NY: The 2025 holiday icon sourced locally, boosting regional pride.
Business & Tech
- Google Revives US Nuclear Plant for AI: Plans to restart facility to power data centers amid energy demands.
- India-EU Trade Talks Advance: Gaps narrowed after Brussels discussions; focus on investments and cooperation.
- 8th Central Pay Commission Approved: Guidelines set for 50 lakh employees and 69 lakh pensioners, effective 2026.
- Verizon Q3 Earnings Today: Webcast at 8:30 AM ET; materials released pre-market.
India News
- Cyclone Montha Landfall Aftermath: Storm crossed Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast overnight, causing heavy rain, waterlogging in Ongole and Visakhapatnam. Red alerts for 16 districts; 54 trains canceled, schools shut in AP and Odisha. IMD warns of more downpours today.
- Chhath Puja Celebrations: Observed across northern India; Delhi declares holiday, traffic alerts near ghats. Devotees perform rituals amid weather concerns.
- Delhi AQI 'Poor' at 293: Post-Diwali smog persists; Wazirpur worst-hit. Health advisories for masks and limited outdoor activity.
- Bihar Election Manifesto: INDIA bloc releases 32-page promises; Rahul Gandhi joins campaign from today in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.
- Great Nicobar Project Boost: Amit Shah announces plans to rank India top-5 in shipbuilding, enhancing ports and global trade.
- Services Sector Growth: NITI Aayog reports 55% GVA contribution, 30% employment; added 40M jobs since 2017-18.
Sports
- India vs Australia T20I Opener: Suryakumar Yadav leads in Canberra today; both teams unbeaten in last 9/10 matches.
- Smriti Mandhana Tops Women's ODI Rankings: Career-best 828 rating after strong World Cup; India semis vs Australia Oct 31.
- Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Teammate: Joins India squad for World Cup semifinal.
- Cape Verde Qualifies for World Cup: First time after 3-0 win over Eswatini.
Science & Other
- Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Approaches: Perihelion today at 1.356 AU; speeds to 68 km/s. Safe 1.8 AU from Earth; no threat, but sparks comet jet observations.