International News 29 October 2026
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Fed Holds Rates Steady at 3.75%–4.00% in 10-2 Vote, Says Inflation Remains Elevated
The US Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), in line with market expectations, as the central bank waits for additional data to determine the direction of inflation and its next policy move. Citing Reuters, the Fed held the policy rate in a range of 3.75%–4.00% in a 10-2 vote. The central bank also stressed that inflation remains elevated, while upgrading its assessment of the US economy. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said additional information will help it determine the appropriate policy to bring inflation back to its 2% target on a sustained and timely basis.
Singapore’s Shanmugam Meets 10 Companies Linked to Haze-Causing Activities, Says They Agree to Cooperate Fully
Singaporean media have reported on a meeting between Senior Minister K Shanmugam and the heads of 10 Singapore-based companies suspected of being linked to activities that cause haze in Indonesia. The meeting took place on Wednesday (October 28, 2026). Business Times reported that the companies, which are suspected of ties to haze-causing activities, have agreed to cooperate fully with the Singapore government. Shanmugam told reporters this after meeting with the companies’ senior management on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).
UN Rapporteur Albanese Urges Indonesia to Reconsider Role in Trump’s Board of Peace
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, has asked Indonesia to reconsider its involvement in the Board of Peace (BoP) set up by US President Donald Trump. Albanese argued that the BoP’s mechanism risks sidelining the voices of the Palestinian people, as the process is seen as heavily influenced by the United States and Israel. In her view, Indonesia’s participation in the body could also affect its relationship with Palestine. “I understand Indonesia’s good intentions. But I still think this is very dangerous because it risks normalizing a mechanism that is highly abnormal,” Albanese said in an interview with Reuters in Jakarta on Thursday (October 22, 2026). She also said Israel should not have any role in determining the future of the Palestinian people.