Daily GK 16th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs 16th October 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

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This post contains the daily current affairs 16th October 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related to Current Affairs 16th October 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these Current Affairs, we would recommend you to try 16th October, 2025 Current affairs test.

Sports News

Ahmedabad Recommended as Host for 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has officially recommended Ahmedabad as the potential host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG).
The final verdict regarding the host city will be announced on November 26, 2025, during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.
India previously hosted the CWG in 2010 (New Delhi). If chosen, the 2030 Games will mark India’s return as host during the centenary edition of this prestigious global sporting event.
Ahmedabad (Amdavad) was selected over Abuja, Nigeria, which also presented a strong bid.
Although Nigeria’s proposal was commendable, the Executive Board will devise a strategic plan to support Africa’s hosting of the 2034 Games, aligning with the long-term goal of bringing the event to the continent.

Lionel Messi Sets Record as Top International Assist Provider

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.
Top 5 in Men’s International Football Assists:
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 60 assists
2. Neymar Jr. (Brazil) – 58 assists
3. Landon Donovan (USA) – 58 assists
4. Ferenc Puskás (Hungary) – 53 assists
5. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) – 52 assists

11th Asian Aquatics Championships Conclude in Ahmedabad

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, competing in Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Diving, and Water Polo.
China dominated the competition with 54 medals (40 gold), while India ranked 11th, achieving its best-ever performance with 13 medals (4 silver, 9 bronze).
Srihari Nataraj emerged as India’s standout swimmer, securing 7 medals, while the Men’s 4×200m Freestyle Relay team set a new national record (7:23.38).
The event also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

National News

16th Finance Commission Tenure Extended

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, along with 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.

NHAI to Utilize All Municipal Waste in Road Construction by 2027

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
The plan also 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.

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches 80% Rural Coverage

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, over 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, empowering local authorities in managing water systems efficiently.
Additionally, India’s $1.7 billion credit line is supporting Mongolia’s oil refinery project, strengthening bilateral energy security

Business News

India’s Female Workforce Participation Reaches 42%

India’s female workforce participation has surged from 23% (2017–18) to 42% (2023–24), marking the highest increase among BRICS nations.
The rise is driven by government programs focused on skill development, formal employment, and progressive workplace policies like extended maternity and childcare leave.
This growth underscores India’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive national development.

EPFO Simplifies Rules for 100% Provident Fund Withdrawal

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)
The minimum service period has been reduced to 12 months, and the premature settlement period extended to 12 months.
However, 25% of the contributions must remain as a Minimum Balance to continue earning 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 to Resume Postal Services to the United States

India will resume international postal services to the U.S. starting tomorrow, after establishing a compliant Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
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 S. Executive Order enforcing new import duty rules by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

India–Mongolia Bilateral Ties Strengthened

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 and an initiative for annual youth cultural exchanges.
The partnership reflects deep spiritual and historical connections, notably between Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery.

Historic Gaza Peace Declaration Signed

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 Wins Unopposed Seat on UN Human Rights Council (2026–28)

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, headquartered in Geneva, oversees human rights protection and reviews member states’ compliance.
After completing two consecutive terms (ending 2024), India re-contested following the mandatory break.
India pledged to uphold “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the idea that “the world is one family”—and work toward reducing polarisation in the UN system.
Other elected members include Angola, Britain, Chile, Egypt, Italy, Pakistan, South Africa, and Vietnam, among others.

Defence News

DRDO and SECI Partner to Develop 300 MW Solar Projects

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.

Ranks & Reports News

Henley Passport Index 2025

The 2025 Henley Passport Index ranks Singapore as the most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan.
Traditional powerhouses like the 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.

Science & Technology News

Finance Minister to Launch dhaRti BioNest at IIT Dharwad

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, the centre aims to build innovation ecosystems, provide specialized mentorship, and strengthen entrepreneurship in North Karnataka.

Obituaries News

Actor Pankaj Dheer Passes Away at 68

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for portraying Karna in 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.

Important Days

World Food Day – October 16, 2025

Observed annually on October 16, World Food Day emphasizes the promotion of global food security, especially during crises.
The 2025 theme is “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

World Anaesthesia Day – October 16, 2025

World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated annually on October 16, uniting the global anaesthesiology community.
The 2025 theme is “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.