๐ Elite10: India’s Top 10 News — 16 October 2025 (English)
1. Ahmedabad recommended to host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has recommended Ahmedabad as the host city for the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games; the recommendation will be put to a vote at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on Nov 26. If ratified, the Games will mark a milestone for India’s sports ambitions and infrastructure legacy after New Delhi 2010. Officials say Ahmedabad’s proposal highlights upgraded stadiums, transport links and a legacy plan aimed at boosting regional development. The recommendation also provides India a platform to showcase capabilities ahead of longer-term aspirations in elite sports hosting. [oai_citation:0‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/ahmedabad-india-recommended-host-2030-commonwealth-games-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2. SEBI issues interim order against CERC officials over IEX insider trading
India’s markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI), has issued an ex-parte interim order against certain officials of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and associated individuals in a case alleging insider trading in shares and derivatives of Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). SEBI says traders used confidential information about an upcoming “market coupling” policy change to make illicit gains; it has ordered the disgorgement of roughly ₹1.73 billion and barred the named parties from trading. The action underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of market integrity in energy-related securities. [oai_citation:1‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/sebi-passes-interim-order-against-officials-indias-power-regulator-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
3. Google to invest $15 billion in India for AI data centres — biggest single investment
Google announced plans to invest about $15 billion over the next five years to build large AI-capable data-centre infrastructure in South India — the company’s largest-ever investment in India. The investment aims to expand cloud capacity, attract AI startups, and accelerate local chip and software partnerships. Officials expect the project to create construction jobs and long-term technical roles, and to help India deepen its participation in generative AI value chains. Observers note this could accelerate the country’s cloud, AI and semiconductor ambitions but also raises questions about local supply-chain development and data governance. [oai_citation:2‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/google-invest-10-billion-data-centre-south-india-2025-10-14/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
4. Infosys wins £1.6 billion NHS contract in UK — major outsourcing deal
Indian IT major Infosys secured a £1.6 billion deal with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) to provide IT and digital services, marking one of the larger cross-border public-sector contracts this year. The multi-year engagement will include cloud migration, patient record modernization and managed services. The win underscores deep demand for Indian IT services in regulated, high-value public-sector projects and is positive for Indian software exporters amid mixed global tech spending. [oai_citation:3‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-infosys-wins-16-billion-deal-uks-national-health-service-2025-10-14/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
5. RBL Bank to consider fundraising plan at board meeting on Oct 18
Private lender RBL Bank announced its board will consider a proposal to raise capital at a meeting scheduled for Oct 18. Market reports say the bank is exploring equity or equity-linked instruments, and sources have suggested potential strategic investors may be in talks. The decision comes as smaller private banks seek to augment capital buffers and shore up balance sheets amid competitive pressure and changing loan growth dynamics. Investors will watch the board decision for clarity on timing and dilution. [oai_citation:4‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-rbl-bank-consider-fundraising-plan-october-18-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
6. Metallurgical-coke shortages hit India’s steel mills in H1 2025
India’s steelmakers faced a shortfall of metallurgical coke (met-coke) in the first half of 2025, sourcing only about half of requirement domestically, Reuters reported. The shortage has pushed some mills to cut output or pay higher prices for imports, squeezing margins. Industry groups are lobbying for eased import curbs and smoother supply arrangements; prolonged shortages could raise input costs and affect construction and manufacturing across the economy. [oai_citation:5‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/met-coke-shortages-hit-indias-steel-mills-first-half-2025-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
7. Apple pressing India to tweak tax law seen as hurdle to expansion
Apple has lobbied Indian authorities to amend aspects of the 1961 Income Tax Act that treat ownership of high-value iPhone production equipment as creating a taxable “business connection” — an interpretation that could expose Apple to larger tax bills in India. Apple’s requests reflect tensions between tax rules and big tech’s manufacturing expansion. Indian officials say they are studying requests carefully, balancing the need to attract investment with maintaining tax sovereignty. Any change could materially affect the plans of big manufacturers and contract assemblers in India. [oai_citation:6‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/apple-lobbies-india-change-tax-law-seen-hindering-its-expansion-sources-say-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
8. India’s trade deficit widens to 13-month high in September on gold imports
India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $32.15 billion in September — a 13-month high — driven largely by surging gold and silver imports ahead of the festival season and weaker exports to the U.S., which have been affected by tariff actions. The widening gap raises near-term forex and policy considerations, especially with RBI and government monitoring import mix and export support. Analysts expect seasonal demand to moderate but urge vigilance if trade headwinds persist. [oai_citation:7‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-trade-deficit-widens-11-month-high-3215-bln-september-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
9. Air India in expanded talks for up to 300 new jets as fleet overhaul continues
Air India is reportedly in talks with Airbus and Boeing to expand proposed aircraft purchases by as many as 300 jets, including wide-body and narrow-body types, sources say. The expanded discussions come as the carrier accelerates fleet renewal and international network expansion under Tata ownership. Such a large order — if it materialises — would be among the biggest airline purchase programmes and could reshape capacity planning and leasing arrangements for the region. [oai_citation:8‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/air-india-expanded-talks-up-300-new-jets-sources-say-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
10. US regulators poised to offer capital relief to community banks — potential global ripple
U.S. regulators are reportedly preparing a plan to ease certain capital requirements for community banks to encourage lending — a move that, if approved, could calm stress in regional banking systems and influence global funding conditions. While a US-centric initiative, market participants foresee flow-on effects for emerging markets’ sovereign and corporate funding costs if investor risk appetite improves. The news is being monitored by Indian financial markets for possible spillovers. [oai_citation:9‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/us-regulators-poised-offer-capital-relief-community-banks-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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