Current Affairs for Friday, 16 October 2026

PLFS shows rise in women's labour force participation

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, the female Labour Force Participation Rate increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025, while the Worker Population Ratio rose from 22% to 38.8%.

📌 Static GK link: PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

NITI Aayog releases Data Centre Evaluation Framework

NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub unveiled the Data Centre Evaluation Framework on 14 October 2026 to assist states in planning sustainable growth of data centres.

📌 Static GK link: NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.

Deadline for Viksit Bharat Essay Challenge extended

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports extended the submission deadline for the Viksit Bharat Essay Challenge to 22 October 2026.

Sports Minister urges federations to build champion pipeline after Asian Games

Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya called on National Sports Federations to develop a continuous pipeline of champions following India's fourth-place finish at the 2026 Asian Games.

📌 Static GK link: The Asian Games are held every four years under the Olympic Council of Asia.

First meeting of Working Group on Tribal Languages held

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs convened the first meeting of the Working Group on Tribal Languages on 15 October 2026, chaired by Secretary Ranjana Chopra.

📌 Static GK link: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs focuses on the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.

ESTIC 2026 curtain-raiser highlights autonomous systems and AI

The curtain-raiser for ESTIC 2026 on 15 October 2026 at DST Technology Bhawan emphasised Autonomous Systems, Physical AI and Robotics as key thematic areas.

📌 Static GK link: ESTIC is organised by the Department of Science and Technology.

12th India-Japan Joint Working Group on Roads convened

The 12th session of the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Roads and Road Transportation Sector took place on 15 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

📌 Static GK link: The Joint Working Group meets annually to discuss bilateral road infrastructure cooperation.

India's Ramsar site count reaches 103

India designated Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh as Ramsar sites on 15 October 2026, raising the total to 103.

📌 Static GK link: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

MoD signs contracts for GSAT-7C satellite and Varunastra torpedoes

The Ministry of Defence approved contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore for the GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.

📌 Static GK link: GSAT-7C is a dedicated communication satellite; Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo.

TRAI assesses mobile network quality in South Andaman

TRAI conducted an independent drive test in South Andaman district in August 2026 to evaluate mobile network parameters such as coverage, call drop rate and data speeds.

📌 Static GK link: TRAI operates under the Ministry of Communications.

India's exports grow 13.84% in April-September 2026-27

India's merchandise and services exports for April-September 2026-27 were estimated at US$ 476.20 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 13.84%.

📌 Static GK link: Export data are compiled by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

President accepts resignation of Dr L Murugan from Council of Ministers

President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dr L Murugan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect on 15 October 2026, as advised by the Prime Minister.

📌 Static GK link: Article 75(2) of the Constitution provides for the resignation of ministers.