16th October 2025

1. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chaired 238th Meeting of CBT of EPF in New Delhi
2. MoM Classified ‘Limestone’ as Major Mineral to Boost Ease of Doing Business, Rural Income
3. IAF & UK’s CSG Conducted Joint Aerial Exercise Over Indian Ocean
4. MoL&E partners with Zomato to Boost Employment, Strengthen Gig Economy
5. India Elected For 7th time to UNHRC for 2026–28 Term
6. INS Sahyadri Participates in Inaugural of IN–RoKN Bilateral Naval Exercise
7. NIPL Signs MoU with NTT DATA Japan for UPI acceptance in Japan
8. Bharath Thammineni Becomes First Indian to Climb 9 Peaks Above 8,000m
9. Tarun Garg Appointed as MD and CEO of Hyundai India
10. FICCI Appoints Anant Goenka as President-Elect for 2025–26
11. Goa Agriculture Minister and former CM Ravi Naik passed away
12. Former Kenya PM Raila Amolo Odinga Passed Away in Kerala
13. Union Minister Rajnath Singh Releases book “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force”
14. International Day of Rural Women 2025 – October 15
15. Govt, Zomato Partner to Offer 2.5 Lakh Jobs Yearly
16. US Announces $20 Billion Aid to Stabilize Argentina
17. FASTag Annual Pass Crosses 25 Lakh Users in 2 Months
18. Messi Becomes Top Assist Maker in International Football
19. Airtel Partners IBM to Boost Cloud Services in India
20. IndiaAI Launches Face Authentication Challenge for Exams
21. Top 10 Sustainable Economies in the World 2025: India’s Rank Revealed and Global Comparisons
22. Jio Payments Bank to Launch ANPR Tolling on NH-48
23. Hindustan Shipyard Granted Mini Ratna Status
24. DRDO’s Combat Parachute System Tested at 32,000 Feet
25. WHO Warns of Toxic Indian Cough Syrups
26. World Anaesthesia Day 2025: History, Significance & Advances
27. World Food Day 2025: Theme, History, and Significance
28. Anant Goenka Named FICCI President-Elect for 2025–26
29. India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28
30. Ahmedabad Recommended to Host CWG Games By Executive Board
31. Overview of IWF World Weightlifting Championships 2025 held in Førde, Norway

National News

1. IndiaAI Launches Face Authentication Challenge

• What:
  • IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, launched the IndiaAI Face Authentication Challenge as part of the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI).
• Why:
  • The challenge aims to develop secure, scalable, and AI-enabled solutions for image verification and application de-duplication to ensure fairness in large-scale public examinations.
• Tell me more:
  • The challenge invites startups and companies to build AI-based applications using one-to-many image matching techniques against applicant databases.
  • The solution must move beyond logic-based methods, using advanced facial verification for automated duplicate detection.
  • Up to 10 shortlisted teams will receive ₹5 lakh each for testing solutions, and up to two top teams will get ₹1 crore and a two-year contract for final deployment.

Source: PIB

International News

1. US Announces $20 Billion Plan to Support Argentina

• What:
  • The United States has unveiled a $20 billion financial plan to help Argentina manage its ongoing currency crisis.
• Why:
  • The assistance aims to stabilize Argentina’s economy and support financial recovery amid severe currency turmoil.
• Tell me more:
  • His government has reduced spending, cut regulations, and dismissed thousands of public-sector employees.
  • Argentina faces high financial risk and potential economic collapse.
  • The US financial package was announced soon before the bilateral meeting in Washington, D.C.

Source: NOA

2. WHO Flags Contaminated Cough Syrups Made in India

• What:
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified three adulterated cough syrups made in India, warning that they may cause severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
• Why:
  • The alert aims to prevent global circulation and use of these contaminated syrups, especially among children under five years of age.
• Tell me more:
  • The affected syrups are Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma.
  • The WHO said these products should not be prescribed or given to children below two years and are generally unsuitable for those under five.
  • Consumption of Coldrif syrup led to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The syrup, manufactured in Tamil Nadu, was contaminated with the toxic substance diethylene glycol, leading to the arrest of the manufacturer and cancellation of the company’s license.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. EPFO Simplifies Partial Withdrawal Rules under EPF Scheme

• What:
  • The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified and liberalised partial withdrawal rules, allowing up to 100% EPF withdrawal for members.
  • The decisions were made in the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees chaired by the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
• Why:
  • The new rules aim to improve the Ease of Living for EPF members and make retirement savings more secure.
• Tell me more:
  • 13 provisions for partial withdrawal merged into a single, streamlined rule with three categories: Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances.
  • Members can withdraw up to 100% of their eligible balance, with higher withdrawal limits for education (10 times) and marriage (5 times).
  • Minimum required service for partial withdrawals is set at 12 months for all cases.
  • At least 25% of contributions must remain in the account at all times to earn interest.

Source: IE

2. Limestone Classified as Major Mineral by Ministry of Mines

• What:
  • The Ministry of Mines has issued a notification making limestone a major mineral for all uses, removing its previous classification as both a major and minor mineral based on end use.
• Why:
  • The change aims to simplify regulations for limestone mining and boost business by removing end-use restrictions.
• Tell me more:
  • Lease holders get time till 31st March 2026 to register with IBM and pay royalty at existing state rates until then.
  • Existing mining plans by states will continue till 31st March 2027, with IBM approval required later.

Source: PIB

3. UPI to Be Accepted for Payments in Japan

• What:
  • NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) has signed an agreement with Japan’s NTT DATA to enable Indian tourists to make payments using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Japan.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to provide Indian travellers with a smooth and familiar digital payment experience and strengthen cross-border digital payment solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • UPI will be accepted at merchant outlets managed by NTT DATA, allowing travellers to scan QR codes and pay using their UPI apps.
  • The MoU creates a foundation for strategic cooperation to introduce UPI in Japan.
  • NTT DATA operates CAFIS, Japan’s largest card payment network, connecting merchants, banks, and ATMs.
  • Between January and August 2025, over 2.08 lakh Indian tourists visited Japan, showing a 36% rise from 2024.

Source: TOI

4. FASTag Annual Pass Crosses 25 Lakh User Mark

• What:
  • The FASTag annual pass has crossed 25 lakh users with over 5.67 crore transactions recorded within two months of its launch.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to provide a seamless and economical travel option for regular users of National Highways and Expressways.
• Tell me more:
  • It is applicable at around 1,150 toll plazas across National Highways (NH) and National Expressways (NE).
  • The pass requires a one-time fee payment of ₹3,000 for either one-year validity or 200 toll crossings.
  • It can be activated within two hours through the Rajmargyatra App or NHAI website.

Source: ET

5. Bharti Airtel Partners with IBM for Cloud Services

• What:
  • India’s second-largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel has partnered with IBM to offer IBM’s services through its recently launched Airtel Cloud platform.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to meet growing demand for computing capacity driven by artificial intelligence technology and local data storage requirements.
• Tell me more:
  • Airtel Cloud customers will be able to use IBM’s AI-ready servers for applications in regulated industries like banking, healthcare, and government.
  • The companies will establish two new Multizone Regions (MZRs) in Mumbai and Chennai to ensure data safety and uninterrupted operations.
  • Bharti Airtel’s digital unit Xtelify launched the Airtel Cloud service in August 2025.
  • The partnership comes after Google announced a $15 billion investment over five years to set up an AI data center in Andhra Pradesh.

Source: IE

6. Jio Payments Bank Wins Key MLFF Toll Project

• What:
  • Jio Payments Bank has secured a contract to deploy Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection at two toll plazas on the Gurugram-Jaipur highway.
• Why:
  • The project aims to create barrier-free, faster and digital toll payments on national highways using advanced technology.
• Tell me more:
  • The MLFF system, using FASTag Automatic Number Plate Recognition, will be installed at Shahjahanpur and Manoharpura toll plazas.
  • MLFF technology combines radio-frequency identification (RFID), automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and satellite navigation.
  • Jio Payments Bank has won two of the five pilot MLFF contracts so far and manages toll collection at 11 plazas since July 2025.
  • The contract was given by Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) as part of a national pilot project.

Source: TOI

7. Hindustan Shipyard Limited Granted Mini-Ratna Status

• What:
  • Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, has been granted Mini-Ratna status by the Government of India.
• Why:
  • The recognition was given for HSL’s consistent financial performance, operational improvements, and resilience over the past years.
• Tell me more:
  • HSL recorded net profits in nine of the last ten financial years, except during 2020-21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • The shipyard’s measures since 2015 include strengthening financial management, improving productivity, and modernising operations.
  • Cmde Girideep Singh, Chairperson and Managing Director of HSL, credited the achievement to teamwork and support from the Ministry of Defence and partners.
  • With the new status, HSL will now have greater flexibility in administrative and financial decision-making.

Source: IE

Reports and Indices

1. Sustainable Trade Index 2025

• What:
  • The United Kingdom has topped the 2025 Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index (STI), ending New Zealand’s three-year reign.
• Why:
  • The index highlights the shift in global trade from resilience to economic unilateralism, driven by tariff escalations among major trade partners.
• Tell me more:
  • New Zealand ranked second, while Australia and Singapore retained third and fourth positions.
  • South Korea and Hong Kong climbed in rankings, whereas Japan slipped two places.
  • The United States placed ninth, showing reduced reliance on natural resource exports and lower per capita carbon emissions.
  • India ranked 23rd with an overall score of 33.2 out of 100, scoring 60.0 (18th) in the economic pillar, 23.4 (27th) in the societal pillar, and 37.4 (28th) in the environmental pillar.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. India–UK Conduct Joint Air Exercise over Indian Ocean

• What:
  • The Indian Air Force carried out a joint exercise with the UK’s Royal Navy aircraft from HMS Prince of Wales over the Indian Ocean Region.
• Tell me more:
  • IAF aircraft including Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguars, AWACS, and AEW&C participated along with Royal Navy’s F-35B fighter jets.
  • The exercise followed the successful “Exercise Konkan” between the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant-led group and the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales-led Carrier Strike Group.
  • Commodore Blackmore of the UK Carrier Strike Group stated that the cooperation shows partnership in both maritime and air domains.

Source: IE

2. INS Sahyadri Joins Maiden India–South Korea Naval Exercise

• What:
  • Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri participated in the first-ever India–Republic of Korea Navy Bilateral Exercise at Busan Naval Harbour.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Sahyadri made a port call at Busan as part of its operational deployment to the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific.
  • The exercise includes harbour and sea phases involving cross-deck visits, sharing of best practices, and sports events.
  • INS Sahyadri and ROKS Gyeongnam will carry out joint drills during the sea phase.

Source: PIB

3. Indian Air Force Tests Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System

• What:
  • The Indian Air Force successfully tested the indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) with a combat freefall jump from 32,000 feet.
• Why:
  • The test aimed to demonstrate India’s self-reliance in aerial delivery systems and ensure safer, more efficient parachuting for armed forces.
• Tell me more:
  • The MCPS is the only system in use by Indian forces capable of deployment above 25,000 feet.
  • It was developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bengaluru.
  • It is compatible with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), ensuring freedom from foreign interference or denial of service.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Bharath Thammineni Becomes First Indian to Climb Nine 8,000m Peaks

• What:
  • Bharath Thammineni from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, became the first Indian to summit nine of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks after successfully climbing Cho Oyu on October 14, 2025.
• Why:
  • The achievement marks a major milestone in Indian mountaineering and honours the spirit of Indian climbers aspiring to conquer the world’s highest peaks.
• Tell me more:
  • He is the founder of “Boots & Crampons,” a leading Indian mountaineering organisation.
  • He has led various successful expeditions, including the Everest 2025 Expedition, where Angmo became the first blind woman to summit Everest and Karthikey became the youngest Indian to complete the Seven Summits challenge.

Source: N18

Important Days

1. International Day of Rural Women 2025 – October 15

• Theme: Rural women rising – shaping resilient futures with Beijing+30

Source: UN

2. World Anaesthesia Day 2025 – October 16

• Theme: Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies

Source: ET

3. World Food Day 2025 – October 16

• Theme: Hand in hand for better food and a better future!

Source: UN

Sports

1. Lionel Messi Becomes Leading Men’s International Assist Provider

• What:
  • Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the player with the most assists in men’s international football, reaching 60 assists after Argentina’s 6-0 win over Puerto Rico.
• Tell me more:
  • Argentina is ranked third in the FIFA World Rankings, while Puerto Rico stands at 155th.
  • Messi lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and continues to play for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
  • He currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and will face Nashville SC next.
  • The 6-0 win over Puerto Rico featured goals from Gonzalo Montiel and an own goal by Steven Echevarria.

Source: IT

2. Ahmedabad Recommended to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

• What:
  • The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.
• Why:
  • The recommendation aims to mark the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games with an event showcasing the diversity and unity of member nations.
• Tell me more:
  • The proposal will be presented at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26 for final approval.
  • Ahmedabad was chosen over Abuja, Nigeria, after an evaluation of bids.
  • It will be India’s second time hosting the event; Delhi hosted the games in 2010.
  • The first Commonwealth Games were held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and 2022’s edition took place in Birmingham after Durban’s withdrawal.

Source: DD

3. Førde Hosts 2025 IWF World Weightlifting Championships

• What:
  • The 2025 IWF World Championships were held in Førde, Norway, from October 2 to 11, marking the first time a small city hosted a major global weightlifting event.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to showcase global talent under the new 16 weight classes approved by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
• Tell me more:
  • The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is responsible for governing global weightlifting competitions.
  • The newly approved weight classes were implemented for the first time at this championship.
  • Karlos Nasar and Olivia Reeves are among the most prominent figures in international weightlifting.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Labour Ministry Signs MoU with Zomato to Boost Gig Jobs

• What:
  • The Ministry of Labour & Employment has signed an MoU with Zomato to create around 2.5 lakh job opportunities annually through the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen the gig economy, formalise platform-based jobs, and expand access to technology-enabled livelihoods.
• Tell me more:
  • Zomato will list about 2.5 lakh flexible livelihood opportunities each year on NCS under a new ‘Aggregator’ category.
  • The collaboration supports the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • The NCS portal, launched in 2015, has mobilised over 7.7 crore vacancies, connecting job seekers and employers.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28

• What:
  • India has been elected unopposed to the Human Rights Council for a three-year term (2026-28) starting next year.
• Tell me more:
  • The Human Rights Council has 47 members and provides a forum for discussion and review of human rights situations.
  • India is serving its seventh term on the Council.
  • India was first elected when the Council was formed by the General Assembly in 2006.

Source: NOA

2. Tarun Garg Appointed as Managing Director of Hyundai India

• Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has promoted Tarun Garg as the Managing Director and Chief Executive, making him the first Indian to hold this position in nearly three decades.
• Hyundai is the first Korean company to appoint an Indian as the head of its India operations.

Source: ET

3. Anant Goenka Named President-Elect of FICCI

• Anant Goenka, vice chairman of RPG Group, has been named president-elect of FICCI for 2025-26.

Source: TH

Miscellaneous

1. Goa Agriculture Minister and Former CM Ravi Naik Passed Away

• Goa Agriculture Minister and two-time former chief minister Ravi Naik died at age 79 after suffering a heart attack.

Source: ET

2. Kenyan Leader Raila Odinga Passes Away in Kerala

• Former Kenyan Prime Minister and opposition leader Raila Odinga died of cardiac arrest.

Source: TOI

3. Rajnath Singh Releases Book ‘Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II’

• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh released the book ‘Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force’ authored by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

Source: PIB

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