Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 16 October, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
16 October, 2025

National Affairs

1. Vital Statistics of India Report on Civil Registration System (CRS) 2023

Source: TH

Context:

The Registrar-General of India (RGI), under the Civil Registration System (CRS), released the “Vital Statistics of India 2023” report, highlighting India’s demographic transition and post-pandemic stabilization in population dynamics. CRS is a continuous, compulsory system recording births, deaths, and other vital events, governed under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

Key Findings (2023):

• Births:
  • Total registered: 2.52 crore, a decline of 2.32 lakh from 2022.
  • Indicates continuing fertility decline and demographic transition.
• Deaths:
  • Total registered: 86.6 lakh, slightly higher than 86.5 lakh in 2022.
  • Shows post-pandemic stabilization, after the spike in 2021 (102.2 lakh).
• Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB):
  • National average remains skewed.
  • Lowest: Jharkhand (899), Bihar (900).
  • Highest: Arunachal Pradesh (1,085).
  • Highlights gender disparity concerns.
• Institutional Births:
  • 74.7% of births occurred in health institutions.
  • Reflects improved maternal healthcare access.
• Registration Levels:
  • Overall birth registration: 98.4%
  • Timely registration (>90%) achieved by 11 States/UTs within 21 days.

Implications:

• Demographic Transition: Declining fertility indicates movement toward population stabilization, influenced by urbanization and socio-economic factors.
• Health Policy Impact: High institutional births show success of programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana and LaQshya.
• Gender Concerns: Low SRB in northern states underscores the need for continued Beti Bachao Beti Padhao interventions.

2. ISRO Highlights Crew Escape System (CES) for Gaganyaan Mission

Source: TH

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) showcased the Crew Escape System (CES), a critical safety mechanism designed for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. CES ensures astronaut survival during launch emergencies by rapidly separating the crew module from a malfunctioning launch vehicle.

Key Features of CES:

• Purpose:
  • Provides a rapid ejection mechanism to move the crew module to safety in case of a launch anomaly.
  • Protects astronauts during critical phases of lift-off and early ascent.
• Development:
  • Fully designed and developed by ISRO as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
• Working Mechanism:
  • Located at the forward end of the LVM3 rocket.
  • Uses high-burn solid motors to accelerate the crew module faster than the rocket.
  • Triggered by Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) in case of an emergency.
  • Crew module separation is followed by multi-stage parachute deployment for controlled splashdown.
• Types of CES:
  • Puller Type (used by ISRO): Solid motors pull the crew module away (used in Gaganyaan, Soyuz, Saturn V).
  • Pusher Type: Liquid-fuel engines push the module away (used in SpaceX Falcon 9).

3. India Elected Unopposed to United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for 2026–2028

Source: News on Air

Context:

India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking its seventh tenure on the global body.

About UNHRC:

• Full Form: United Nations Human Rights Council
• Established: 2006 by the UN General Assembly, replacing the former UN Commission on Human Rights.
• Headquarters: United Nations Office, Geneva, Switzerland.
• Purpose: Promote and protect universal human rights, address violations, and strengthen international cooperation.

Functions of UNHRC:

• Monitors human rights of UN Member States through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.
• Appoints Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to monitor thematic or country-specific issues.
• Adopts resolutions on urgent crises and thematic challenges such as freedom of speech, education, and gender rights.
• Authorizes Fact-Finding Missions and Commissions of Inquiry for investigating human rights violations.
• Provides a platform for dialogue among governments, NGOs, and civil society.

India’s Participation:

• Previous UNHRC tenures: 2006–2007, 2011–2014, 2014–2017, 2017–2020, 2022–2024, and now 2026–2028.
• India has contributed actively on issues like inclusive development, digital rights, and gender equality.

4. The India Justice Report 2025

Context:

The India Justice Report 2025 has once again highlighted the glaring under-representation of women in India’s higher judiciary. Despite progress in other public institutions, gender diversity in the Supreme Court and High Courts remains alarmingly low.

Current Status:

• Supreme Court: Women constitute only 3.1% of the total judges, with just one woman among 34 judges.
• High Courts: Women account for 14% of the total strength, with only one woman Chief Justice among 25 High Courts.
• The sole woman judge in the Supreme Court is expected to become the first woman Chief Justice of India, however, if no new appointments occur before her tenure ends, the apex court may once again have zero women representation.

Reasons for Under-Representation:

• The Collegium system—comprising the Chief Justice and senior judges—has been criticized for being an elitist, network-based structure, which limits access for women and marginalized groups.
• Lack of structural reforms and resistance to transparency have perpetuated this imbalance.

Proposed Reform – All-India Judicial Service (AIJS):

• The idea of creating an All-India Judicial Service has gained renewed traction, supported by President Droupadi Murmu in her 2023 Constitution Day address.
• The proposed system would introduce a merit-based, transparent, and competitive recruitment process for judicial appointments, similar to the IAS, IFS, and IPS.
• It aims to promote inclusivity by giving opportunities to women, OBCs, SCs, STs, and EWS candidates.

Constitutional Provision:

• Article 312 empowers Parliament to create new All-India Services, including the AIJS, ensuring uniform standards for recruitment, training, and service.
• Once established, the Supreme Court should retain control over the service, with the UPSC conducting exams in consultation with the judiciary.

5. PM GatiShakti Public

Source: PIB

Context:

The Government of India has launched PM GatiShakti Public, a public version of the national master plan for infrastructure, marking a key step towards transparent, data-driven, and integrated infrastructure development. This initiative extends the GatiShakti framework, launched in 2021, to the public and private sectors for improved planning and coordination.

About PM GatiShakti:

• Launched: 2021
• Objective: Enhance multi-modal infrastructure planning and coordination across sectors such as transport, energy, logistics, and urban development.
• Features:
  • Integrated Planning: Combines ministries’ infrastructure projects in a unified digital platform.
  • Technology-Driven: Uses GIS-based mapping and real-time project monitoring.
  • Coordination: Reduces delays and cost overruns by synchronising various government and private sector projects.

PM GatiShakti Public Platform:

• Key Initiative: Launch of PM GatiShakti Public via the Unified Geospatial Interface (UGI).
• Purpose: Democratizes access to geospatial and infrastructure data for private entities, researchers, consultants, and citizens.
• Functionality:
  • Access to 230 approved datasets on physical and social infrastructure assets.
  • Conduct site suitability analyses, connectivity mapping, alignment planning, compliance checks.
  • Generate analytical reports with pre-defined templates or user-defined criteria.
  • Visualize multi-layered geospatial data to improve project design and inter-agency coordination.
• Technology & Security:
  • Developed by BISAG-N and powered by National Geospatial Data Registry (NGDR).
  • Self-registration with strong authentication and data security protocols.
• Future Evolution: New data layers and analytical modules to be added based on user feedback and emerging needs.

6. IUCN Elects Vivek Menon as Chair of Species Survival Commission (SSC)

Source: IE

Context:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has elected Vivek Menon, founder and executive director of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), as the new Chair of the Species Survival Commission (SSC). This marks the first time an Asian has been appointed to this prestigious global conservation position.

Event Details:

• Announcement: Made during the World Congress of IUCN held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• Position: Chair, Species Survival Commission (SSC) — one of six expert commissions under the IUCN.
• Significance: The SSC advises the IUCN Secretariat on issues related to biodiversity conservation and species protection.

About the Species Survival Commission (SSC):

• Plays a pivotal role in preparing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a critical global index for assessing extinction risks.
• Coordinates thousands of global experts through its specialist groups to drive science-based conservation policies.

About Vivek Menon:

• Founder and CEO of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
• An elephant conservationist, author, and environmental policy expert with decades of experience in wildlife protection.
• Has contributed to several global initiatives on species recovery and wildlife crime prevention.

7. India Conducts Multiple Bilateral Military Exercises – 2025

Context:

India conducted the inaugural India–South Korea naval exercise at Busan Naval Harbour, marking a key step in Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation. Simultaneously, India began AUSTRAHIND 2025 with Australia and INDRA 2025 with Russia, highlighting its expanding defence partnerships.

India–Republic of Korea (ROK) Naval Exercise:

• Nations Involved: India & South Korea
• Host: Busan Naval Harbour, South Korea
• Aim: Enhance naval interoperability, strengthen maritime partnership, and promote Indo-Pacific regional stability.
• Key Features:
  • Conducted in two phases:
    • Harbour phase: cross-deck visits, technical training, mutual familiarisation.
    • Sea phase: joint naval operations between INS Sahyadri and ROKS Gyeongnam.
  • Focus on operational synergy and maritime security under India’s Act East Policy.

Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025:

• Nations Involved: India & Australia
• Host: Perth, Australia
• Aim: Strengthen cooperation and interoperability in sub-conventional warfare and urban operations.
• Key Features:
  • Company-level tactical drills in open and semi-desert terrains.
  • Emphasis on integration of emerging technologies and combined operations.

Military Exercise INDRA 2025:

• Nations Involved: India & Russia
• Host: Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner, Rajasthan
• Aim: Enhance counter-terrorism coordination and operational readiness.
• Key Features:
  • Live-fire exercises, UAV reconnaissance, precision strikes.
  • Focus on hostage-rescue missions, artillery coordination, and joint tactical planning in desert conditions.

Banking/Finance

1. 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:

• Reason for Extension: Based on representations from the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) industry, which sought more time to comply with the new disclosure norms.
• Objective: To provide ease of compliance and allow angel funds adequate time to align their documentation with SEBI’s requirements.

Angel Funds:

• SEBI-registered Category I Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that invest in early-stage startups, providing risk capital and mentorship.
• Objective: Support innovation and entrepreneurship by funding high-growth potential startups.
• Eligibility: Typically raised from high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and family offices.
• Regulation: Governed under SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.

Private Placement Memorandum (PPM):

• A formal document issued to prospective investors by a fund manager detailing the investment strategy, risk factors, allocation methodology, fees, and terms of investment.
• Purpose:
  • Ensure transparency and informed decision-making.
  • Disclose allocation methodology — how investment funds will be distributed across startups.
  • Highlight risks, fund objectives, and regulatory compliance.
• Importance for Angel Funds:
  • Helps investors understand fund deployment strategy.
  • Mitigates regulatory risks and aligns with SEBI guidelines.

2. 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

• Gold: Surged 55% over the last year, reaching a record high of $4,000/ounce; 10g of 24K gold in India now costs ₹1.25 lakh.
• Silver: Crossed ₹1.5 lakh/kg domestically.
• Bitcoin: Despite recent volatility from Donald Trump’s new tariffs on China, it remains up 90% year-on-year in USD terms.
• Indian equity indices, meanwhile, have delivered zero returns in the same period.

Global Recognition of Bitcoin

• Launched in 2009, Bitcoin evolved from a niche digital payment tool to a globally traded asset.
• El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021.
• 2024: The US SEC approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, including from BlackRock and Fidelity.
• 2025: The US established a Bitcoin reserve using seized tokens — the first formal recognition of Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
• Deutsche Bank Research Institute predicts Bitcoin could be included in central bank reserves within this decade.

Bitcoin and Gold

• Both have limited supply — Bitcoin capped at 21 million coins.
• Both are independent of central banks and used as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.
• Deutsche Bank forecasts both will co-exist, with Bitcoin growing in private reserves and gold maintaining its dominance in official reserves.

India’s Regulatory Journey with Crypto

• 2013: RBI issued its first cautionary note on virtual currencies.
• 2018: RBI banned banking access for crypto entities.
• 2020: Supreme Court overturned the ban.
• 2021: Companies required to disclose crypto holdings; draft Crypto Bill proposed to ban private tokens but introduce CBDC.
• 2022 Budget: Imposed 30% tax on virtual digital assets (VDAs) and 1% TDS on transactions.
• 2023: Crypto activities brought under PMLA, mandating KYC and FIU registration.

3. 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:

• RBI Action:
  • The central bank conducted market operations to curb excessive volatility.
  • Measures included buying/selling of dollars to maintain orderly movement and prevent abrupt depreciation.
• Reason for Weakness:
  • Prior weakness of the rupee was driven by:
    • Global macroeconomic uncertainties
    • Capital outflows from emerging markets
    • Rising crude prices impacting India’s import bill
• Impact of Intervention:
  • Stabilized the rupee against major currencies like the USD.
  • Supported market confidence and helped prevent negative spillovers to trade and investment flows.
• RBI Approach:
  • Focused on macro fundamentals, capital flows, and current account management.
  • Ensures that excessive volatility does not disrupt domestic financial markets.

4. 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:

• Buying or selling of securities by a person who has access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI).
• UPSI is confidential information that could materially affect the price of a security once made public.
• Illegal insider trading undermines market integrity and investor confidence.

Key Elements of Insider Trading:

• Insider: Directors, officers, employees, or connected persons of a listed company.
• Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI): Any info not yet in the public domain that can influence the security price.
• Trading/Tip-Off: Using UPSI for personal gain or passing it to others who trade.

SEBI Regulations to Curb Insider Trading

• SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015:
  • Defines insider trading and roles of insiders.
  • Mandates disclosure of holdings and trades by promoters and directors.
  • Prohibits trading based on UPSI.
  • Regulates communication or procurement of UPSI.
• Key Provisions:
  • Trading Window: Insiders can only trade in designated periods.
  • Pre-clearance: Required for trades above a threshold.
  • Penalties: Monetary fines and market bans; disgorgement of profits.
• Monitoring & Enforcement:
  • SEBI uses trading data analytics, digital evidence, and surveillance tools.
  • Encourages whistleblowing and cooperation with other authorities.

5. 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:

• The partnership will provide comprehensive financial solutions combining credit, savings, and life insurance.
• SME customers can access bespoke life insurance solutions aimed at protecting business continuity, wealth, and family financial security.

What is Bancassurance?

• Bancassurance is a collaboration between a bank and an insurance company where the bank sells the insurance company’s products to its customers.
• It leverages the bank’s branch network, customer base, and trust to distribute insurance products.

Key Components:

1. Bank: Acts as the distribution channel for insurance products.
2. Insurance Company: Provides life, health, or general insurance products.
3. Customers: Bank clients who gain easier access to insurance coverage.

Types of Bancassurance Models

• Corporate Agency Model:
  • Bank acts as a corporate agent of the insurer.
  • Bank earns commission on insurance sold.
• Referral/Lead Generation Model:
  • Bank refers customers to insurer; earns a referral fee.
• Distribution/Direct Model:
  • Insurance products are sold directly through bank branches.
• Joint Venture/Partnership Model:
  • Bank and insurer may form a JV for selling products, sharing profits and risks.

6. 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:

• The collaboration leverages the ‘State Insurance Plan’ to enhance access to affordable insurance solutions for rural communities.
• Focus areas include agriculture, MSMEs, self-help groups (SHGs), addressing risks such as crop loss, property damage, and health emergencies.
• Both organizations aim to offer customised and integrated financial and insurance solutions for farmers and rural enterprises.

7. 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)

• RBI regulates Payment Aggregators under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Master Directions on Regulation of Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways (issued 15 September 2025) define the rules.
• Purpose: Ensure financial stability, customer protection, and operational integrity of digital payment systems.

Key Requirements for Payment Aggregators

• Separate Entity Requirement
  • All payment aggregation activities must be housed in a single regulated entity.
  • Objective: Avoid commingling of funds, improve oversight, and strengthen risk management.
• Capital Requirements
  • Minimum net worth for a Payment Aggregator is ₹15 crore (for entities handling card/UPI/BBPS transactions).
• Trust and Escrow Accounts
  • Customer funds must be held in a separate escrow account with a scheduled commercial bank.
  • PAs cannot use customer funds for operational expenses.
• Customer Protection Measures
  • Funds must reach merchants within T+1 day for domestic transactions.
  • Grievance redressal mechanism must be in place.
• Operational & IT Security Standards
  • Data localization: All payment data must be stored in India.
  • Regular cybersecurity audits and IT risk management frameworks required.
  • Compliance with RBI circulars on security controls and PCI DSS standards.
• Reporting & Audit
  • PAs must submit periodic reports to RBI on transaction volumes, merchant onboarding, complaints, and frauds.
  • Annual statutory audit and certification by auditors on adherence to norms.
• Board & Governance Norms
  • Board-approved risk management and compliance policies.
  • Independent directors to oversee operational and regulatory compliance.
• Restriction on Fund Usage
  • PAs are not allowed to lend, invest, or offer deposit-like services using merchant or customer funds.
• Certification & Licensing
  • Must obtain in-principle approval from RBI to operate as a Payment Aggregator.
  • Only then can the entity collect payments on behalf of merchants.

Implications for Paytm

• Transferring offline merchant payments to PPSL, a wholly owned subsidiary, ensures:
  • All merchant payment activities under one regulated entity.
  • Compliance with RBI’s norms on fund segregation, risk management, and reporting.
  • Strengthened corporate governance and operational oversight.

Agriculture

1. 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:

• Objective: Empower farmers by scaling startups that provide climate-smart, technology-driven solutions to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
• Selected Startups: Seven startups chosen for scale-up:
  • Ekosight Technologies
  • ArkaShine Innovations
  • Terracroft Agritech
  • Surobhi Agro Industries
  • Agribotic Systems
  • Bhairaj Organics
  • Rudra Solar Energy
• Support Mechanism:
  • Deployment-focused, milestone-based non-dilutive funding of up to ₹50 lakh per startup.
  • Potential additional funding of up to ₹2 crore for expansion.
  • Access to 200,000+ farmers and 150 FPOs for scaling solutions.
  • Lab access for product design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

Technological Focus Areas:

• AI, IoT, robotics, renewable energy in agriculture.
• Solutions addressing soil degradation, water management, farm mechanisation, post-harvest losses, and supply chain inefficiencies.

2. 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:

• Inauguration & Purpose:
  • Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a Farmers’ Training cum Common Facility Centre for Agro-Processing.
  • Aim: Empower farmers and agro-entrepreneurs by providing training, processing, and storage facilities.
• Central Schemes for Farmers:
  • Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME): Supports small-scale food processors.
  • Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana: Enhances farmer incomes through crop-focused support.
  • PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN): Provides ₹6,000/year in three installments to 43 lakh farmers in Karnataka via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Budget & Funding:
  • ₹24,000 crore allocation for PM FME in 2025-26.
  • Since 2020, ₹3,700 crore distributed to states for farmer loans and support, generating over 1 lakh agriculture entrepreneurs.
  • The Koppal centre was partly funded through MPLAD funds and NABARD support.
• GST Reforms for Agriculture:
  • Reduction of taxes on farm equipment, tractors, solar power, and machinery to 5%.
  • GST cut on bio-pesticides, micronutrients, and bio-fertilisers to reduce input costs.
• Centre’s Facility Capacity & Certification:
  • Facility can process 840 tonnes of mangoes and 600 tonnes of papaya.
  • All products will be certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• Significance:
  • Boosts agripreneurship, value addition, and storage infrastructure for farmers.
  • Promotes profitability, skill development, and formalization of micro food processing units in Karnataka.

Facts To Remember (16 October 2025)

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.