Current Affairs 16th October 2025 : Daily GK Update in English
1. What is the new submission deadline for the report of India's 16th Finance Commission following the recent extension by the Government of India?
A) September 30, 2025
B) October 31, 2025
C) November 30, 2025
D) December 31, 2025
Answer: C) November 30, 2025
Explanation: In October 2025, the Government of India extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission by one month, shifting the report submission from October 31 to November 30, 2025, to allow more time for comprehensive recommendations on fiscal federalism.
2. Where did former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga pass away on October 15, 2025?
A) Nairobi, Kenya
B) London, UK
C) Koothattukulam, Kerala, India
D) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Answer: C) Koothattukulam, Kerala, India
Explanation: Raila Odinga, a prominent Kenyan opposition leader and former PM aged 80, died in Koothattukulam, Kerala, while reportedly on a visit; his passing has prompted international tributes and discussions on Kenya-India ties.
3. Which bilateral maritime exercise is the Indian Navy hosting at Visakhapatnam from October 14-17, 2025?
A) Varuna
B) Samudra Shakti
C) Malabar
D) Milan
Answer: B) Samudra Shakti
Explanation: The Indo-Indonesian exercise Samudra Shakti at Visakhapatnam focuses on enhancing naval interoperability, mutual understanding, and best practices for Indo-Pacific stability.
4. What is the value of the contract signed by India's Ministry of Defence on October 15, 2025, for Night Sight devices for SIG 716 rifles?
A) Rs 500 crore
B) Rs 659.47 crore
C) Rs 800 crore
D) Rs 1,000 crore
Answer: B) Rs 659.47 crore
Explanation: The contract procures Night Sight (Image Intensifier) devices and accessories for the Indian Army's 7.62 x 51mm SIG 716 rifles, boosting night combat capabilities.
5. Which country topped the medal tally at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from September 28 to October 11, 2025?
A) Japan
B) India
C) China
D) South Korea
Answer: C) China
Explanation: China won 54 medals (40 gold) across swimming, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo; India achieved its best-ever 13 medals (4 silver, 9 bronze), ranking 11th in the first continental event hosted by India.
6. Under what new framework did India's EPFO approve comprehensive member-centric digital transformation in October 2025?
A) EPFO 2.0
B) EPFO 3.0
C) EPFO 4.0
D) EPFO Digital
Answer: B) EPFO 3.0
Explanation: EPFO 3.0 modernizes provident fund services, including a MoU with India Post Payments Bank for doorstep Digital Life Certificates for EPS'95 pensioners.
7. What major mineral was reclassified by India's Ministry of Mines in October 2025 by removing end-use restrictions?
A) Coal
B) Limestone
C) Iron Ore
D) Bauxite
Answer: B) Limestone
Explanation: Under Section 20A of the MMDR Act, 1957, limestone's uniform classification as a major mineral eases business, boosts rural income, and transitions existing leases smoothly.
8. Which joint aerial exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force and the UK's Carrier Strike Group over the Indian Ocean in October 2025?
A) Garuda
B) Indradhanush
C) Unnamed Joint Exercise
D) Mitra Shakti
Answer: C) Unnamed Joint Exercise
Explanation: The exercise strengthens bilateral defence ties and operational coordination in the Indian Ocean Region amid rising regional security challenges.
9. What explosion at a manufacturing plant in Hickman County, Tennessee, killed 16 people on October 16, 2025?
A) Chemical Blast
B) Gas Explosion
C) Boiler Failure
D) Machinery Overload
Answer: A) Chemical Blast
Explanation: The incident at a US industrial site highlights regulatory gaps in hazardous materials handling.
10. What initiative did India's Ministry of Minority Affairs launch in October 2025 to promote heritage and classical languages under PMJVK?
A) Centres of Excellence
B) Language Preservation Fund
C) Cultural Heritage Grants
D) Minority Language Academy
Answer: A) Centres of Excellence
Explanation: The CoE, starting with Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya's Rs 27.16 crore Centre for Jain Studies in Indore, preserves languages like Jain under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.
11. Which joint military exercise began between India and Australia on October 13, 2025, in Perth?
A) Yudh Abhyas
B) AUSTRAHIND 2025
C) Hand-in-Hand
D) Nomadic Elephant
Answer: B) AUSTRAHIND 2025
Explanation: The fourth edition involves a 120-member Indian Army contingent from Gorkha Rifles, focusing on sub-conventional operations.
12. What is the literacy rate achieved by the Siddi Tribal Community in India, as highlighted in October 2025 reports?
A) 50%
B) 72%
C) 85%
D) 92%
Answer: B) 72%
Explanation: The Indo-African Siddi community, descendants of Bantu people arriving via Arab and colonial routes, has reached 72% literacy through targeted education efforts.
13. Which conclave is the Indian Army hosting in New Delhi from October 14-16, 2025, for UN Troop Contributing Countries?
A) Chiefs of Staff Committee Meet
B) UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave
C) Defence Ministers' Summit
D) Indo-Pacific Security Forum
Answer: B) UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave
Explanation: The event addresses peacekeeping challenges, with speeches by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S. Jaishankar, emphasizing Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
14. What is the theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction observed on October 13, 2025?
A) Build Back Better
B) Not a Disaster Yet
C) Resilience in Action
D) Global Solidarity
Answer: B) Not a Disaster Yet
Explanation: The UNDRR day promotes proactive risk reduction; Karnataka released a roadmap aligning with India's National Disaster Management Plan.
15. Which organization signed an MoU with DRDO for 300 MW solar-based renewable energy projects in October 2025?
A) NTPC
B) SECI
C) ONGC
D) BHEL
Answer: B) SECI
Explanation: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) partnership supports DRDO's green energy needs for defence installations.
16. What ceasefire phase commenced between Hamas and Israel in October 2025, involving hostage and prisoner releases?
A) Phase 2
B) Phase 1
C) Full Truce
D) Temporary Halt
Answer: B) Phase 1
Explanation: Announced by US President Donald Trump on October 9, Phase 1 freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and 20 Israeli hostages after over two years of captivity.
17. Who were awarded the 2025 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for work on innovation and growth?
A) Paul Krugman and Esther Duflo
B) Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt
C) Abhijit Banerjee and Michael Kremer
D) Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz
Answer: B) Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt
Explanation: The trio was honored for research on technological innovation's role in economic growth, announced on October 14 by the Royal Swedish Academy.
18. What prompted US journalists to exit the Pentagon in protest on October 16, 2025?
A) Budget Cuts
B) New Reporting Rules
C) Access Denial
D) Surveillance Concerns
Answer: B) New Reporting Rules
Explanation: The protest targets restrictive guidelines limiting independent journalism, seen as curbing press freedom under the current administration.
19. What deal did the IMF finalize with Pakistan in October 2025 to stabilize its economy?
A) $500 million
B) $1.2 billion
C) $2 billion
D) $3 billion
Answer: B) $1.2 billion
Explanation: The bailout emphasizes fiscal discipline, energy reforms, and inflation control amid Pakistan's economic challenges.
20. How many people have died due to flooding and landslides in eastern Mexico as of October 16, 2025?
A) 32
B) 64
C) 100
D) 150
Answer: B) 64
Explanation: Torrential rains in Hidalgo and Veracruz damaged 100,000 homes, 59 medical facilities, and 308 schools, with 257 still missing.
21. What significant event marked the start of the Gaza peace plan on October 16, 2025?
A) Full Withdrawal
B) Ceasefire and Hostage Release
C) Border Opening
D) Aid Convoy Entry
Answer: B) Ceasefire and Hostage Release
Explanation: Hamas and Israel began Phase 1, releasing hostages/prisoners; Pakistan's PM nominated Trump for Nobel Peace for mediation.
22. Who received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for pro-democracy activism in Venezuela?
A) Greta Thunberg
B) María Corina Machado
C) Alexei Navalny
D) Malala Yousafzai
Answer: B) María Corina Machado
Explanation: Machado was awarded for her efforts against authoritarianism, highlighting ongoing struggles for democracy in Latin America.
23. What conflict erupted in Gaza in October 2025 between Hamas and a local clan?
A) Fatah-Hamas Rift
B) Hamas–Doghmush Conflict
C) PIJ Escalation
D) Border Tribes Clash
Answer: B) Hamas–Doghmush Conflict
Explanation: Armed clashes between Hamas and the Doghmush clan have intensified internal Gaza tensions amid the ceasefire.
24. What caused at least 16 deaths in a Dhaka garment factory fire on October 16, 2025?
A) Electrical Short Circuit
B) Gas Leak
C) Arson
D) Machinery Failure
Answer: A) Electrical Short Circuit
Explanation: The fire in Bangladesh's readymade garment sector underscores persistent safety issues despite post-Rana Plaza reforms.
25. How many were injured in the train collision outside Jablonov nad Turňou, Slovakia, on October 16, 2025?
A) 20
B) 66
C) 100
D) 150
Answer: B) 66
Explanation: Around 16 serious injuries resulted from the head-on crash, prompting EU-wide rail safety reviews.