In Current Affairs for 16 October 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 16 October 2025
India Elected to UNHRC for 2026–2028
India has secured an unopposed seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term beginning in 2026 and ending in 2028. This marks the nation’s seventh term on the Council, reaffirming its influential role in global human rights advocacy.
The election, conducted during the UN General Assembly, saw India receive unanimous backing from member states. As the sole candidate representing the Asia-Pacific group, India’s victory was uncontested.
The UNHRC, established in 2006 to replace the UN Commission on Human Rights, is the leading UN body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights across the globe.
Key Facts:
- Comprises 47 member countries, elected by the UN General Assembly
- Each member serves a three-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms
- Conducts Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR) to evaluate human rights practices in all UN member nations
India’s first election to the Council was in 2006, the same year of its establishment.
WHO Issues Warning Over Toxic Indian Cough Syrups
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an international health alert after detecting toxic contaminants in three cough syrups made in India — Coldrif (Sresan Pharmaceuticals), ReLife (Shape Pharma), and Respifresh TR (Rednex Pharmaceuticals).
The warning follows reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, traced to one of the tainted syrups. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a harmful chemical unfit for medical use, particularly dangerous for children.
WHO Details:
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The incident highlights lapses in pharmaceutical quality control and underscores the need for strict global drug safety monitoring.
India and Mongolia Celebrate 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa held bilateral talks in New Delhi to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of their strategic partnership.
During the visit, both sides signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse areas such as:
- Humanitarian cooperation
- Cultural and heritage restoration
- Immigration and mineral resource collaboration
- Digital innovation and cooperative development
India reaffirmed its commitment to the $1.7 billion Mongolian Oil Refinery Project, expected to process 1.5 million metric tons of crude oil annually by 2028.
Both leaders also emphasized their shared Buddhist heritage, announcing plans to connect Nalanda University with Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery. India will also send the sacred relics of Arahants Sariputra and Maudgalyayana to Mongolia in 2026.
Maldives Achieves Historic Health Milestone
The Maldives has become the first nation in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis, a breakthrough validated by the World Health Organization in October 2025.
This “triple elimination” marks a major victory in global public health and demonstrates the effectiveness of strong maternal and child healthcare systems.
Anant Goenka Named FICCI President-Elect (2025–26)
Anant Goenka, Vice Chairperson of the RPG Group, has been appointed President-Elect of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the 2025–26 term.
A key industrial leader, Goenka also serves as FICCI’s Senior Vice President and oversees major businesses within RPG, including CEAT Tyres, IT, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors.
Established in 1927, FICCI acts as a crucial platform for:
- Representing Indian industries in policy-making
- Facilitating global trade partnerships
- Hosting flagship events like FICCI Frames and India Innovation Summit
Lionel Messi Sets Record for Most International Assists
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading assist provider in international football.
In Argentina’s 6–0 victory over Puerto Rico, the 38-year-old maestro registered two assists, raising his tally to 60 and surpassing Neymar and Landon Donovan.
Remarkably, Messi’s first assist for Argentina came in 2006, also in a 6–0 match — against Serbia and Montenegro — creating a poetic link across his 19-year international career.
Ahmedabad Proposed to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has officially recommended Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, potentially bringing the event back to India after 20 years.
The final decision will be announced on November 26, 2025, during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.
If approved, Ahmedabad will become the second Indian city to host the CWG after New Delhi (2010), coinciding with the Centenary edition of the Games. The hosting opportunity promises major infrastructure and economic benefits for the region.
India Hosts 11th Asian Aquatics Championships
India achieved a sporting milestone by hosting the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships for the first time from September 28 to October 11, 2025, at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad.
The tournament drew 1,100 athletes from 29 nations and featured 65 medal events across four disciplines:
- Swimming – 42 events
- Artistic Swimming – 11 events
- Diving – 10 events
- Water Polo – 2 events
The event was organized by the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, enhancing India’s reputation as a capable host of international sporting competitions.
World Anaesthesia Day 2025
World Anaesthesia Day is observed annually on October 16 to commemorate the first successful use of ether anaesthesia in 1846, a moment that revolutionized surgery.
The 2025 theme, “Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies,” highlights the crucial contribution of anaesthesiologists during crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, and conflicts.
World Food Day 2025
Celebrated every October 16, World Food Day reaffirms the world’s commitment to eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable food practices.
The 2025 theme, “Sustainable Food Systems for a Healthy Planet,” stresses the importance of eco-friendly agricultural practices and fair food distribution.
The day commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945, underscoring the belief that food security is essential to global stability and health.
Review Questions
- India has been elected unopposed to the UNHRC for which term?
A. 2024–2026
B. 2025–2027
C. 2026–2028
D. 2027–2029
ANSWER: C - Which country became the first in the world to achieve triple elimination of
mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Maldives
C. Singapore
D. Thailand
ANSWER: B - Who has been appointed as the President-Elect of the FICCI for 2025–26?
A. Harsh Goenka
B. Anant Goenka
C. Uday Kotak
D. Sanjiv Bajaj
ANSWER: B - When was FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry)
founded?
A. 1917
B. 1927
C. 1937
D. 1947
ANSWER: B - Lionel Messi became the all-time leader in international assists with how
many assists?
A. 55
B. 58
C. 60
D. 62
ANSWER: C - In which match did Lionel Messi achieve his record for most international
assists?
A. Argentina vs. Brazil
B. Argentina vs. Puerto Rico
C. Argentina vs. Uruguay
D. Argentina vs. Chile
ANSWER: B - Which Indian city has been recommended as the proposed host for the 2030
Commonwealth Games?
A. Mumbai
B. Delhi
C. Ahmedabad
D. Bengaluru
ANSWER: C - The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships were hosted for the first time by India
in 2025 at which venue?
A. Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
B. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
C. Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad
D. Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad
ANSWER: C - World Anaesthesia Day is observed annually on which date?
A. October 10
B. October 12
C. October 15
D. October 16
ANSWER: D - What is the theme for World Food Day 2025?
A. “Healthy Diets for All”
B. “Sustainable Food Systems for a Healthy Planet”
C. “Zero Hunger by 2030”
D. “Food Security and Climate Change”
ANSWER: B
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