📊 Index & Rankings
The 2025 Henley Passport Index ranks Singapore as the most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations.
| Rank | Country | Visa-Free Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 193 |
| 2 | South Korea | — |
| 3 | Japan | — |
| 85 | India | — |
Traditional powerhouses like the U.S. and U.K. have slipped to historic lows.
India has fallen to Rank 85, reflecting global mobility trends and evolving diplomatic and travel frameworks.
🇮🇳 National News
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has officially recommended Ahmedabad as the potential host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG).
The final verdict will be announced on November 26, 2025, during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.
- India previously hosted CWG in 2010 (New Delhi)
- If chosen, 2030 Games will mark India’s return as host during the centenary edition
- Ahmedabad was selected over Abuja, Nigeria
The Executive Board will devise a strategic plan to support Africa’s hosting of the 2034 Games.
The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships took place from September 28 to October 11, 2025, at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, marking India’s first time hosting this major continental event.
Jointly organized by the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) and the Government of Gujarat, the tournament attracted over 1,100 athletes from 29 nations.
| Country | Rank | Medals |
|---|---|---|
| China | 1st | 54 (40 Gold) |
| India | 11th | 13 (4 Silver, 9 Bronze) |
- Srihari Nataraj emerged as India’s standout swimmer with 7 medals
- Men’s 4×200m Freestyle Relay team set a new national record (7:23.38)
- India achieved its best-ever performance
The event also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The Government of India has extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, now concluding on November 30, 2025.
Led by Arvind Panagariya, the commission’s mandate involves:
- Recommending tax distribution between the Centre and states for the 2026–2031 period
- Revisions in disaster management financing
Initially scheduled to submit its report by October 31, the commission will now provide key guidance on fiscal federalism and revenue augmentation for the next five years.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) aims to utilize 100% of India’s municipal waste for road construction by 2027.
Currently, 80 lakh tonnes of such waste are being used in projects such as the Ahmedabad–Pune and Mumbai–Delhi highways.
The plan includes the use of bio-bitumen derived from livestock waste, proven more effective than petroleum bitumen, promoting eco-friendly infrastructure and waste-to-energy technologies.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, over 15.71 crore rural households (80%) across India now have access to tap water connections, as per the Jal Shakti Ministry.
The mission is now prioritizing sustainability, functionality, and service reliability to ensure long-term success.
- The first-ever Peyjal Samvad held in New Delhi encouraged district-led governance, innovation, and peer learning
- India’s $1.7 billion credit line is supporting Mongolia’s oil refinery project, strengthening bilateral energy security ties
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed an MoU with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to establish 300 MW of solar power projects at various DRDO facilities.
The collaboration aims to achieve Net-Zero campuses by 2027 and promote sustainable and self-reliant energy within India’s defence infrastructure.
💼 Business & Economy
India’s female workforce participation has surged from 23% (2017–18) to 42% (2023–24), marking the highest increase among BRICS nations.
- Government programs focused on skill development
- Formal employment initiatives
- Progressive workplace policies like extended maternity and childcare leave
This growth underscores India’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive national development.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) now allows its 7 crore subscribers to withdraw up to 100% of their provident fund, encompassing both employee and employer contributions.
Approved by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) on October 13, the new liberalised rules consolidate 13 withdrawal provisions into 3 categories:
- Essential Needs
- Housing
- Special Circumstances (no justification required)
- Minimum service period reduced to 12 months
- Premature settlement period extended to 12 months
- 25% of contributions must remain as Minimum Balance to continue earning 8.25% interest
Four fund managers—SBI, HDFC, Aditya Birla, and UTI—will oversee EPFO’s debt portfolio for the next five years.
🌐 International News
India will resume international postal services to the U.S. after establishing a compliant Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) mechanism.
The Ministry of Communications stated that this system ensures regulatory compliance, quicker customs clearance, and timely deliveries without extra duties.
Services had been earlier halted due to a U.S. Executive Order enforcing new import duty rules by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa held discussions in New Delhi, signing several MoUs spanning heritage restoration, geology, digital solutions, and humanitarian aid.
The leaders released commemorative stamps marking 70 years of India–Mongolia relations.
- PM Modi announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens
- Initiative for annual youth cultural exchanges
- Partnership reflects deep spiritual and historical connections between Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery
U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, signed a landmark declaration to end the Israel–Hamas war and restore peace in Gaza at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit.
Trump hailed India as a “great country” and described Prime Minister Modi as “a very good friend who has done a fantastic job.”
He also expressed optimism about improving India–Pakistan relations, with the peace pact receiving global praise, including from PM Modi.
India has been elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking its seventh tenure on the council.
With 177 out of 188 votes, India’s election reaffirms its commitment to human rights and global unity.
- The HRC is headquartered in Geneva
- After completing two consecutive terms (ending 2024), India re-contested following the mandatory break
- India pledged to uphold “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—”the world is one family”
Other elected members include Angola, Britain, Chile, Egypt, Italy, Pakistan, South Africa, and Vietnam.
Lionel Messi has achieved yet another milestone by becoming the all-time leader in international football assists.
During Argentina’s 6–0 victory over Puerto Rico, the 38-year-old star contributed two assists, elevating his total to 60 assists, surpassing Neymar Jr. and Landon Donovan.
| Rank | Player (Country) | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 60 |
| 2 | Neymar Jr. (Brazil) | 58 |
| 3 | Landon Donovan (USA) | 58 |
| 4 | Ferenc Puskás (Hungary) | 53 |
| 5 | Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) | 52 |
🔬 Science & Technology
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the dhaRti BioNest Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad, designed to foster startups in biotech, deep tech, and healthcare.
- Supported by MPLADS and BIRAC
- Build innovation ecosystems
- Provide specialized mentorship
- Strengthen entrepreneurship in North Karnataka
📅 Important Days
Observed annually on October 16, World Food Day emphasizes the promotion of global food security, especially during crises.
“Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”
Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, the day was officially declared a global observance in 1979 during the 20th FAO Conference.
Today, over 150 countries commemorate the event, focusing on ending hunger and poverty worldwide.
World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated annually on October 16, uniting the global anaesthesiology community.
“Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies”
The day highlights the importance of anaesthesia in critical care and serves as an influential advocacy platform to enhance global healthcare standards.
🕊️ Obituaries
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for portraying Karna in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai at age 68 after battling cancer.
His contribution to Indian television and cinema remains monumental, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
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