FirstUp: Modi to visit Udupi and Goa, ICC ruling on Duterte... News to watch out for

It is set to be a busy Friday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding a roadshow in Karnataka’s Udupi. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court will deliver its ruling on former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for interim release.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem is likely to deliver a televised address today. Meanwhile, a general strike is planned in Italy over the government budget proposal.

Here is all that is likely to take place throughout the day.

PM Modi to visit Udupi, inaugurate statue in Goa

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Udupi in the morning. As per his itinerary, the Prime Minister will hold a roadshow in Udupi on November 28. According to BJP district president Kutyaru Naveen Shetty, the roadshow is set to begin at 11.40 am from Narayanaguru Circle in Bannanje and proceed up to Kalsanka Junction.

After the roadshow, PM Modi is scheduled to visit the historic Sri Krishna Math around noon, where he will participate in rituals and address the public. Cultural events representing coastal Karnataka traditions, such as Yakshagana, tiger dance troupes, and Krishna-themed performers, will take place along the route.

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Following the programme in the city, he will return to Mangaluru Airport and then travel to Goa. In the South Goa district, he will unveil a 77-feet-tall bronze statue of Lord Ram at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt on Friday.

ICC to rule on appeal for release of Philippines ex-president Duterte

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber will deliver its ruling on former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for interim release on Friday.

The judgment will determine whether Duterte remains in custody at the ICC Detention Centre while awaiting trial for crimes against humanity, or if he will be granted temporary release under specific conditions.

Duterte was arrested in March 2025 and is facing charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, linked to his “war on drugs” campaign during his time as mayor of Davao City and president.

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Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem likely to deliver a televised address

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem is likely to deliver a televised address on Friday. Qassem often makes public statements, often via pre-recorded televised addresses from an undisclosed location, in response to developing events or on significant dates.

Although the address is yet to be confirmed, chances are he will take a firm stance to not lay down its weapons, which it considers essential for Lebanon’s defence against Israel. He likely to accuse Israel of violating the November 2024 ceasefire agreement and engaging in “genocidal war”.

General strike in Italy over government budget proposal

A nationwide general strike has been called by the USB and CUB trade unions in protest over the 2026 budget bill. They are also demanding greater investment in the public sector, contract renewal and wage increase. The strike is expected to affect public transport, schools, healthcare, air travel and public administration.

The USB has issued a clear ultimatum to the government. They are calling for massive disruptive action to “block everything,” specifically targeting the “war budget.” Their primary message is about a necessary trade-off, which urges the government to invest in people, not arms. They further demand that the retirement age be dropped to 62, a minimum starting wage of at least €2,000 on national contracts, and that spending be directed into social housing and healthcare instead of new weapons.

With inputs from agencies