Daily Current Affairs

Daily digests (5-8 items/day).

GS3 · Infrastructure · GS1 · Art and culture

PM inaugurates five Ladakh projects: Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, Leh terminal, Hanu hydro

On 15 October 2026 the Prime Minister inaugurated, by video conference, five projects worth about ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh: a new passenger terminal at Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, the 298-km Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road built by BRO, the 9 MW Hanu small hydro project with a 66 kV line, India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat, and 40 water bodies under Project Him Sarovar.

15 Oct 2026
GS3 · Economy

September 2026 trade data: merchandise exports up 23% to US$ 44.40 billion

India's merchandise exports rose 23.04% to US$ 44.40 billion in September 2026, data released by the Commerce Ministry on 15 October show. Imports were US$ 74.61 billion, leaving a goods trade deficit of US$ 30.21 billion. Counting services, exports reached about US$ 80.75 billion and the combined deficit was US$ 13.30 billion.

15 Oct 2026
GS2 · International relations · GS3 · Economy

PM addresses Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi

On 13 October 2026 the Prime Minister addressed the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, welcomed Bloomberg's plans to expand in India, spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the Strategic Partnership, and met former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Forum.

14 Oct 2026
GS2 · Welfare schemes

Cabinet extends NSAP to 2030-31 and renames it Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

On 14 October 2026 the Union Cabinet extended the National Social Assistance Programme for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31, with Rs. 53,428 crore. It is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The disability pension now needs 40% benchmark disability instead of 80%, starts from birth, and pays Rs. 375 or Rs. 625 a month.

14 Oct 2026
GS3 · Economy

IDBI Bank strategic sale: Fairfax arm wins 60.72% stake for ₹52,878 crore

On 14 October 2026 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved 10955230 Canada Inc., a Fairfax Financial Holdings entity, as strategic buyer of 60.72% of IDBI Bank for about Rs. 52,878 crore. The Government sells 30.48% and LIC 30.24%. The winning bid of Rs. 81 a share beat the Rs. 75.99 benchmark.

14 Oct 2026
GS3 · Agriculture and Blue economy

India to accede to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)

On 14 October 2026 the Centre approved India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement. India, a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party since 2022, will become a full Contracting Party. Indian vessels can then fish squids, toothfish, alfonsino and other non-migratory stocks in the SIOFA area and join its scientific and compliance bodies.

14 Oct 2026
GS3 · Agriculture

Ramesh Chand committee to examine sugarcane farmers’ and sugar sector issues

On 14 October 2026 the Centre set up a committee under Prof. Ramesh Chand, former NITI Aayog Member, on issues raised by sugarcane farmers. It will examine returns to cane growers, the ex-mill Minimum Selling Price of sugar, how sugar recovery is tested, weighment at mills, and deductions on mechanically harvested cane.

14 Oct 2026
GS3 · Economy

WPI inflation rises to 11.39% in September 2026, led by fuel and food

Wholesale Price Index inflation (base 2022-23) rose to 11.39% in September 2026, provisional, from 9.92% in August. Fuel and Power led at 25.85%, with mineral oils at 40.02%. Primary Articles rose 8.67%, Manufactured Products 9.76% and the WPI Food Index 8.66%. July's final figure stayed at 9.78%.

14 Oct 2026
GS2 · International relations

First ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum opens at MP-IDSA

On 14 October 2026 Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh opened the first ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum at MP-IDSA in New Delhi. The two-day meeting brings India and all 11 ASEAN members together on maritime security, emerging tech and defence-industry ties, under the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

14 Oct 2026
GS1 · Art and culture

HAL, NCF and ASI sign MoA for Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort

On 13 October 2026 HAL, the National Culture Fund and ASI signed an MoA for conservation and visitor works at Hampi, the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort. HAL has approved about ₹23.60 crore in CSR support over three years; NCF facilitates the projects and ASI supervises them technically.

14 Oct 2026