1. Former Kenya PM Raila Odinga dies in Kerala Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, died at a private hospital in Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district of Kerala. He was 80. 2. Trade Deficit Widens 93% in September 2025 as Services Exports Decline India’s trade deficit almost doubled in September 2025 as imports surged and services exports weakened. The latest data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlights growing pressure on India’s external trade balance despite moderate growth in goods exports. 3. India Drops to 85th in 2025 Henley Passport Index The 2025 Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on visa-free access, has seen India fall from 80th to 85th position. Indian passport holders can now access 57 countries without a visa, down from 62 countries last year. 4. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth around 13,430 crore rupees in Kurnool Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth around 13,430 crore rupees in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, this afternoon. 5. HM Amit Shah inaugurates Extradition of Fugitives-Challenges and Strategies conference in New Delhi Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, crime, and terrorism. 6. Ahmedabad in Gujarat recommended as host for 2030 Commonwealth Games In a landmark development for Indian sports, Ahmedabad in Gujarat has been recommended as the host city for 2030 Commonwealth Games. 7. Veteran Singer Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi Passes Away at 97 Veteran actress and singer Raavu Balasaraswathi Devi, revered as the first playback singer in Telugu cinema, passed away at her residence in Hyderabad. 8. Veteran Actor Pankaj Dheer, Known for Role as Karna in Mahabharat, Passes Away at 68 Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known for playing Karna in B.R. Chopra’s famous TV show Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai today at the age of 68 after fighting cancer. His funeral will be held in Mumbai this evening.
RBI Intervention Boosts Rupee to Biggest Single-Day Gain in Months
Context: After weeks of weakness, the Indian rupee saw a sharp rebound as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervened in both onshore and offshore forex markets to stabilize the currency. Key Highlights:
SEBI Cracks Down on Insider Trading in IEX
Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) barred eight individuals from the securities market and impounded ₹173.14 crore in alleged illegal gains from trades in Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). What is Insider Trading? Insider trading refers to: Key Elements of Insider Trading: SEBI Regulations to Curb Insider Trading
Ageas Federal Life Partners with CSB Bank for SME Bancassurance
Source: BL Context: Ageas Federal Life Insurance has entered a SME Bancassurance partnership with CSB Bank to expand life insurance reach among SMEs and individual entrepreneurs across India. Key Highlights: What is Bancassurance? Key Components: Types of Bancassurance Models
Universal Sompo Partners with Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank for Rural Insurance
Source: BL Context: Universal Sompo General Insurance Company has partnered with Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank (APGB) to provide a wide range of general insurance products across all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Key Highlights:
Paytm Transfers Offline Merchant Payments to PPSL to Comply with RBI Guidelines
Source: BS Context: One 97 Communications Ltd, parent company of Paytm, has approved the transfer of its offline merchant payments business to its wholly owned subsidiary, Paytm Payments Services Ltd (PPSL). The move is aimed at complying with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Master Directions on Regulation of Payment Aggregators (September 15, 2025). RBI Norms for Payment Aggregators (PAs) Key Requirements for Payment Aggregators Implications for Paytm
Union Finance Minister Inaugurates Farmers’ Training cum Common Facility Centre at Koppal
Source: NABARD Date & Place: October 16, 2025; Methagal, Koppal District, Karnataka Key Highlights:
Krishi Mangal 3.0
Source: BL Context: Cisco India CSR and Social Alpha launched the third edition of Krishi Mangal, aimed at supporting farmer-centric innovations with a focus on climate resilience and income security. Key Highlights: Technological Focus Areas:
Bitcoin
Source: Mint Context: Amid global market turbulence, gold and silver have traditionally been viewed as safe-haven assets. However, Bitcoin has emerged as a surprising outperformer, gaining nearly 90% in the past year, and reinforcing its growing acceptance as a legitimate asset class and potential “digital gold.” Bitcoin vs Traditional Assets Global Recognition of Bitcoin Bitcoin and Gold India’s Regulatory Journey with Crypto
SEBI Extends Deadline for Angel Funds to Disclose Allocation Methodology in PPM
Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline for angel funds to disclose their allocation methodology in the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) to 31 January 2026. The earlier deadline was 15 October 2025. Key Update: Angel Funds: Private Placement Memorandum (PPM):
