Current Affairs: 16 October 2025 (For Indian Govt. Job Exams)

A comprehensive overview of key events from October 16, 2025, with detailed background information for exam preparation.

India-Mercosur Expand Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA)

What happened? India and the South American trade bloc Mercosur announced an expansion of their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). This move is aimed at significantly boosting bilateral trade by offering greater tariff concessions on a wider range of products.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Mercosur:
    • What is it? A regional economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
    • Established: 1991, with the signing of the Treaty of Asunción.
    • Objective: To promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency among its members. It's one of the world's most dynamic and promising economic alliances.
  • India-Mercosur PTA:
    • Original Agreement: The first PTA was signed in 2004 and became effective in 2009.
    • Original Scope: Covered only a limited number of items, which restricted the potential for trade growth.
    • Latest Development: This expansion, decided on October 16, 2025, is a strategic move for India to deepen its economic footprint in Latin America and diversify its export markets, especially in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and auto components.
India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Flagged Off in Varanasi

What happened? The Prime Minister flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train in Varanasi. This initiative is part of India's commitment to sustainable mobility and supports the 'Make in India' campaign by utilizing indigenous technology.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Varanasi:
    • Significance: A significant cultural and political hub, its selection for the launch highlights the blend of technological progress with heritage preservation. It is also the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency.
  • Indian Railways:
    • Initiative: This project is a crucial step towards achieving Indian Railways' goal of 'Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030'.
    • Technology: The train uses hydrogen fuel cells, which produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. The only byproduct is water, making it a highly eco-friendly option.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission:
    • Launch: Approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023.
    • Objective: Aims to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
    • Connection: The hydrogen train project directly aligns with the mission's objectives by promoting hydrogen as a key fuel for sustainable transport.
India Elected to UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

What happened? India secured a seat on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term. This marks India's seventh term on the council, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC):
    • Established: 2006, replacing the former UN Commission on Human Rights.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Purpose: An inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It consists of 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly.
    • Significance for India: Re-election to the UNHRC enhances India's diplomatic stature and provides a platform to address human rights issues from a non-partisan perspective, countering negative narratives while championing universal human rights values.
Fujitsu and IISc Partner for AI and Materials Development Research

What happened? Japan's Fujitsu Limited and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have launched a joint research collaboration. The project will focus on developing advanced AI technologies to accelerate reaction-diffusion simulations, which are critical for materials development.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Fujitsu Limited:
    • What is it? A Japanese multinational information technology equipment and services company.
    • Founded: 1935.
    • Significance: Known for its contributions to computing and digital technologies, this partnership strengthens its presence in the Indian research and development ecosystem.
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc):
    • What is it? A premier public research university for scientific research and higher education.
    • Established: 1909, with support from Jamsetji Tata and the government.
    • Location: Bengaluru.
    • Notable Personalities: Sir C. V. Raman (Nobel Laureate) was its first Indian Director.
  • Collaboration Focus:
    • The project aims to develop software utilizing Fujitsu's Arm-based CPUs to enhance AI capabilities.
    • This initiative is part of a broader trend of international partnerships between Indian and global tech giants, emphasizing India's growing role as a hub for high-tech research.
UIDAI Launches SITAA to Boost Digital Identity Innovation

What happened? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched the "SITAA" (Secure, Inclusive, and Trusted Aadhaar Applications) initiative. SITAA is designed to promote innovation within the digital identity ecosystem, supporting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • UIDAI:
    • What is it? A statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
    • Headquarters: New Delhi.
    • Function: Manages the unique 12-digit identification number (Aadhaar) for all residents of India.
  • SITAA Initiative:
    • Objective: To create a sandbox environment for startups, fintech firms, and developers to build secure, privacy-respecting, and innovative applications utilizing the Aadhaar framework.
    • Purpose: Strengthens the digital infrastructure by encouraging new use-cases for Aadhaar, from financial services to e-governance, while ensuring robust security and privacy protocols.
Anant Goenka Appointed FICCI President-Elect

What happened? The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) announced that Anant Goenka will be its President-Elect for the 2025–26 term, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Anant Goenka:
    • Current Role: He serves as the Vice Chairman of the RPG Group, a diversified Indian conglomerate.
  • FICCI:
    • What is it? The largest and oldest apex business organization in India.
    • Established: 1927, on the advice of Mahatma Gandhi, by G.D. Birla and Purshottamdas Thakurdas.
    • Headquarters: New Delhi.
    • Role: Acts as an interface between the government and the Indian corporate sector, shaping policy and fostering economic growth.
5th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) to be held in Rajasthan

What happened? The 5th edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) was officially announced to be hosted by the state of Rajasthan.

Background Story & Key Facts

  • Khelo India Programme:
    • Launch: 2017-18.
    • Objective: Revive the sports culture in India at the grassroots level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country.
    • Components: Includes various initiatives like the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and Khelo India Centres.
  • Khelo India University Games (KIUG):
    • Purpose: Acts as a platform for university athletes to showcase their talent and for identifying promising young athletes for professional training.
    • Previous Editions: KIUG has seen participation from thousands of students, boosting university-level sports.