Stay updated with the top headlines from 16th May 2025. This GK update covers national, economy, appointments, agreements, defense, sports, and important days — curated for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What directive did the Supreme Court issue regarding POCSO cases?
Answer: The Supreme Court ordered the urgent establishment of exclusive POCSO courts across India to address judicial delays and ensure speedy justice for child sexual abuse cases.
2. Why was Celebi’s security clearance revoked by BCAS?
Answer: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security revoked Celebi’s clearance citing national security concerns, while ensuring continuity of airport services and protection of employee jobs.
3. What was the objective of Exercise Raahat 2025 in Assam?
Answer: Conducted by the Indian Army and NDRF, Exercise Raahat aimed to enhance disaster preparedness through live flood simulations and inter-agency coordination.
Economy News
4. What was India’s outward FDI in April 2025?
Answer: India’s outward FDI rose to $6.8 billion, nearly doubling from the previous year, driven by equity investments, loans, and guarantees.
5. What labour trends were highlighted in PLFS April 2025 bulletin?
Answer: LFPR stood at 55.6%, WPR at 52.8%, and unemployment at 5.1%, with urban female participation remaining low, based on a survey of 89,000 households.
6. What is India’s revised GDP growth forecast for 2025 according to the UN?
Answer: The UN lowered India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.3%, citing global headwinds, though India remains among the fastest-growing major economies.
Appointments News
7. Who was appointed India’s Ambassador to Sweden?
Answer: Anurag Bhushan, known for his diplomatic experience in clean tech and climate partnerships, was appointed Ambassador to Sweden.
8. What academic role was taken up by former CJI DY Chandrachud?
Answer: He joined NLU Delhi as a Distinguished Professor, contributing to legal scholarship and mentoring through the Centre for Constitutional Studies.
Agreements News
9. What joint research initiative was launched by India and the EU?
Answer: A ₹391 crore collaboration under the Trade and Technology Council to address marine plastic litter and develop waste-to-green hydrogen solutions.
Defense News
10. What desalination breakthrough was achieved by DRDO?
Answer: DRDO developed a high-pressure polymeric membrane for seawater desalination, tested successfully on an Indian Coast Guard vessel.
Sports News
11. What prize pool change was announced for the WTC Final 2025?
Answer: ICC doubled the prize pool, awarding $3.6 million to the winner and $2.1 million to the runner-up, promoting Test cricket globally.
12. What decision did FIFA make regarding Congo Republic’s football federation?
Answer: FIFA lifted its suspension after resolving third-party interference, restoring autonomy to the national football body.
13. Who became India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster?
Answer: Srihari LR from Chennai earned the title after securing his third norm at the Asian Individual Chess Championship.
14. Who won the 2025 CCI Billiards Classic title?
Answer: Pankaj Advani defeated Dhruv Sitwala 5–2 in the final, claiming his third CCI title and ₹2.5 lakh prize money.
Important Days
15. What milestone did Sikkim celebrate on 16th May 2025?
Answer: Sikkim marked 50 years of statehood, commemorating its transition from monarchy to democracy via the 36th Constitutional Amendment.
16. Why is National Dengue Day observed on May 16?
Answer: To raise awareness about dengue prevention, early diagnosis, and mosquito control under the National Health Mission.
17. What is the purpose of the International Day of Living Together in Peace?
Answer: To promote global harmony, unity in diversity, and reconciliation through education and community engagement.
18. What does the International Day of Light commemorate?
Answer: Celebrated on May 16, it honors the first successful laser operation in 1960 and promotes light-based technologies for sustainable development.