16 August 2025 Current Affairs MCQS with Explanation

Answer: (C) Simplify to 2 slabs of 5% and 18%

Explanation:

The Central Government proposed simplifying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) into two main slabs: 5% and 18%, and applying a special 40% rate for luxury and sin goods such as tobacco. The current 12% and 28% slabs are being eliminated under this proposal.

Answer: (B) Maharashtra

Explanation:

The Maharashtra Postal Circle released specially designed picture postcards and a presentation pack featuring a gold-toned cancellation to mark the golden jubilee (50 years) of the legendary film Sholay in August 2025.

Answer: (A) La Ganesan

Explanation:

La. Ganesan, who served as the Governor of Nagaland from February 2023 until his passing, died on 15 August 2025 at the age of 80. He passed away while receiving medical treatment in Chennai.

Therefore, Nagaland announced a seven-day state mourning from August 16 to 22 after the death of Governor La Ganesan. The nation flag flew at half-mast on all state buildings.

Answer: (C) Pakistan

Explanation:

Flash floods in Pakistan during August 2025 tragically claimed over 320 lives, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being the worst-affected region.

Answer: (B)

Explanation:

The Tamil Nadu government introduced the ‘Thayumanavar Thittam’ initiative in August 2025. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the program to deliver ration items directly to the doorsteps of senior citizens aged above 70 and persons with disabilities.

Answer: (C) Jharkhand
Explanation:

The Jharkhand Women’s Hockey Team clinched the title of the 15th Junior National Women’s Hockey Championship 2025, defeating Hockey Haryana 2–1 in the final. This marked their second straight win, and their fourth overall triumph in this tournament’s history.

Answer: (D)
Explanation:

India hosted the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Mumbai from 11 to 21 August 2025. The event was held by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. This major global STEM event brought together over 300 high school students from 64 countries, who competed in theoretical tests, observational exercises, and data analysis challenges.

Answer: (B)
Explanation:

The Burevestnik is a nuclear-powered cruise missile developed by Russia.

It is designed to have an unlimited range, as its nuclear propulsion system allows it to fly for very long durations without refueling. NATO has given it the reporting name SSC-X-9 Skyfall.

Answer: (B)
Explanation:

In August 2025, the Union Health Ministry (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) introduced the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH). This new initiative, developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), uses a data-driven ranking system to evaluate and strengthen the drug regulatory systems of states and Union Territories, ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of medicines across India.

Answer: (B) Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group
Explanation:

The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Dharwad district, Karnataka won the UNDP Equator Initiative Award 2025 (also known as the Equator Prize). This women-led group has supported over 5,000 farmers across 30 villages, promoting millet-based mixed cropping, seed conservation through community banks, solar-powered processing units, and sustainable, diversified farming practices. They were honoured under this year’s theme, “Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action.”