Current affairs — 15 October 2026

India Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 154 in Manama

India assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 in Manama on 11 February 2026 and has logged over 7,800 operational hours in maritime security operations, demonstrating India's growing role in international maritime security cooperation.

Why it matters: Important for maritime security, international naval cooperation, and India's defense diplomacy in the Persian Gulf region.

Raksha Mantri Inaugurates First ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum at MP-IDSA in New Delhi on 14 October 2026, emphasizing India's vision for an Indo-Pacific where countries of all sizes can make their own choices and protect their interests.

Why it matters: Significant for India-ASEAN relations, defence diplomacy, Indo-Pacific strategy, and regional security cooperation.

India's Wholesale Price Index Rises to 11.39% in September 2026

India's WPI inflation stood at 11.39% year-on-year in September 2026, with the index at 112.5. The Food Index showed 8.66% inflation. The trial Output PPI for manufacturing also stood at 112.5, while Input PPI was at 106.1.

Why it matters: Critical for economy section covering inflation, price indices, and monetary policy implications in all competitive exams.

SEBI Proposes Monitoring Agencies for All Public Issues

SEBI proposed mandatory monitoring agencies for public issues, with quarterly or half-yearly reporting requirements. A ₹50,000 penalty is proposed for each instance of non-cooperation, with restrictions on changing monitoring agencies while violations remain unresolved. SEBI invited public comments until November 3, 2026.

Why it matters: Important for capital markets, SEBI regulations, and corporate governance questions in banking and general awareness sections.

Cabinet Approves India's Accession to Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)

The Cabinet approved India's accession to SIOFA. India has been a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) to SIOFA since 2022, and this formal accession will strengthen India's role in sustainable fisheries management in the Southern Indian Ocean.

Why it matters: Relevant for international agreements, marine resource management, Blue Economy, and India's maritime interests.

First BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting Adopts Delhi Declaration 2026

The inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, formalizing regional security cooperation among seven member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The meeting focused on strengthening drug monitoring desks and regional trafficking intelligence.

Why it matters: Important for regional cooperation, BIMSTEC framework, India's neighborhood policy, and security cooperation questions.

India Opens Diplomatic Mission in Costa Rica

India expanded its diplomatic engagement by opening a new mission in Costa Rica, strengthening bilateral ties with Central American nations and enhancing India's global diplomatic footprint.

Why it matters: Relevant for India's foreign policy expansion, Latin America relations, and diplomatic missions coverage.

PM to Inaugurate Five Development Projects Worth ₹3,350 Crore in Ladakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and dedicate five major development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on 15 October 2026 at 12:30 PM via video conferencing, as announced on 14 October 2026.

Why it matters: Relevant for questions on infrastructure development, border area development, and regional development initiatives.

Cabinet Approves ₹2,009.61 Crore Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway Employees

The Union Cabinet approved a Productivity Linked Bonus of 78 days for approximately 11.40 lakh non-gazetted railway employees. The total outlay is ₹2,009.61 crore, with a maximum amount of ₹17,951 per eligible employee for the fiscal year.

Why it matters: Important for questions on employee welfare schemes, railway administration, and government expenditure for all competitive exams.

Cabinet Approves National Social Assistance Programme Outlay of ₹53,428 Crore

The Cabinet approved NSAP with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31, renamed as PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Divyangjan pension introduced with 40% benchmark disability from birth, with ₹375 monthly for 0-79 years age group and ₹625 for 80+ years age group.

Why it matters: Critical for social welfare schemes, pension system, and inclusive governance questions in prelims and mains.

Government Launches Joint Squad for Health (JOSH) Campaign

The Government of India launched the Joint Squad for Health (JOSH) Campaign on October 13, 2026. The campaign is being implemented on a pilot basis across 11 states and 55 districts to improve healthcare delivery.

Why it matters: Important for questions on health schemes, pilot projects, and government healthcare initiatives.

Lakshadweep Achieves 100% Literacy Under ULLAS Scheme

Lakshadweep was officially declared a 100% literate Union Territory by Administrator Praful Patel under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram scheme, marking a significant achievement in India's literacy mission.

Why it matters: Relevant for education policy, literacy schemes, Union Territory administration, and social development questions.