Top 10 News Stories Across India on October 31, 2025

 

Top 10 News Stories Across India on October 31, 2025

Hey raa! October 31 brings a whirlwind of unity celebrations, cricket triumphs, and global jabs—fitting for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas honoring Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. I've sifted through fresh headlines from The Hindu, India Today, NDTV, and X buzz for the top 10, blending national pride with economic edges and sports glory. Each story's got the facts, plus why it's stirring the pot (with that deep-dive context). From Gujarat parades to oil deals dodging sanctions, here's India's beat today. Dive in!

1. PM Modi Leads Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade at Statue of Unity Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadia, Gujarat, before leading the grand 'Run for Unity' marathon and Ekta Diwas parade—marking the Iron Man's 150th birth anniversary. Thousands participated, with tableaus showcasing India's diverse unity; CM Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off events in Odisha too. Why it matters: In a polarized election season (Bihar polls looming), this reinforces "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat"—a timely reminder of Patel's role in integrating 562 princely states, inspiring 1.4 billion to bridge divides amid rising communal chats on X.
2. India Storms into Women's World Cup Final, Faces South Africa Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127 powered India to a thrilling five-wicket win over defending champs Australia in the Navi Mumbai semifinal, chasing 280 with nine balls left. The hosts, wearing black armbands for a late coach, now eye glory on November 2— their third final ever. Why it matters: Beyond the highs (Rodrigues' masterclass echoing Smriti Mandhana's flair), it's a gender milestone—boosting women's cricket viewership (up 40% post-2023) and aligning with India's sports equity push, especially as Bihar manifestos pledge youth jobs.
3. Justice Surya Kant Appointed 53rd CJI, Takes Oath November 24 The government approved the Supreme Court's recommendation, naming Justice Surya Kant (known for Article 370 and Kejriwal bail rulings) as next Chief Justice, succeeding DY Chandrachud. His tenure till 2027 promises progressive federalism focus. Why it matters: Amid contempt dismissals (like the shoe-throwing lawyer case), Kant's nod shapes judicial reforms—key for 2026 polls and rights battles, ensuring SC's independence in a year of voter revisions across 12 states.
4. CBSE Datesheet Out: Class 10-12 Exams from Feb 17 to April 9, 2026 The Central Board of Secondary Education released the schedule, giving ample eval time for timely results ahead of college admissions. Major subjects like Maths, Science, and English slotted early; practicals from Jan 1. Why it matters: For 20 lakh+ students, this eases post-Diwali prep amid AQI woes—reflecting edtech's role (Byju's rebounding) in a $200B skilling economy, but spotlights mental health needs in high-stakes boards.
5. NDA Releases Bihar Poll Manifesto: 10L Jobs, Free Electricity Pledge At a Muzaffarpur rally, Amit Shah unveiled the NDA's "Viksit Bihar" vision—promising 10 lakh jobs, 300 units free power, and women's safety hubs—while slamming INDIA bloc's "dynasty raj." Yogi and Rajnath echoed anti-corruption jabs. Why it matters: With Bihar's 243 seats up in Nov 2025, this targets youth (unemployment at 15%) and women voters— a high-decibel clash testing Modi's heartland grip post-Chhath, amid X memes on "no vacancy" for rivals.
6. India-EU FTA Talks Hit Halfway: 10 Chapters Finalized Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said negotiations crossed midpoint, with goods/services/investments nearing wrap-up—aiming for 2026 ink. This builds on $120B trade, eyeing EVs and pharma boosts. Why it matters: As US tariffs ease on China (down 10%), India's "China+1" pivot gains €100B edge—vital for $5T GDP dreams, but needs labor reforms to rival Vietnam's factories.
7. Indian Oil Buys 5 Russian Crude Cargoes, Dodges US Sanctions Despite Washington's pressure, IOC snapped five December deliveries via non-sanctioned traders—securing discounted barrels amid global volatility. This follows a 6-month Chabahar waiver. Why it matters: With 40% of India's oil from Russia (saving $10B yearly), it underscores energy pragmatism—balancing Quad ties while fueling 2% GDP growth, but risks Trump's "America First" backlash.
8. Trishul Tri-Service Exercise Kicks Off Along Pak Border A massive Army-Navy-Air Force drill from Oct 30-Nov 10 spans Gujarat-Rajasthan, honing interoperability against western threats. Rajnath Singh hailed it as "strategic readiness" post-Operation Sindoor. Why it matters: Amid Pak's Taliban jabs and LAC thaws with China, this bolsters India's 1.7M troop edge—key for Indo-Pacific ops, echoing Patel's unification in today's border chess.
9. Mumbai Cops Bust Fake Aadhaar Racket Targeting Trump An FIR against unknowns after NCP's Rohit Pawar demo'd forging Aadhaar in Trump's name for bogus US voter regs—highlighting cyber vulnerabilities in elections. Why it matters: With India's voter drive adding millions, this exposes ID fraud risks (Aadhaar hacks up 20%)—a wake-up for digital democracy, especially as US polls influence diaspora remittances ($100B+).
10. Delhi AQI 'Very Poor' Post-Diwali; Cloud Seeding Fails, GRAP IV On NCR's pollution spiked to 320+ after fireworks/stubble, with seeding yielding zilch rain. IIT-Kanpur calls it safe but ineffective; schools shut, odd-even returns. Why it matters: Hitting 2 crore lungs (hospital spikes 25%), it tests green pledges pre-COP30—linking to Patel's unity call for collective action against climate foes like Montha's aftermath.