Today Current Affairs 15 October 2026 – (Compiled from official public sources). Important news and authentic facts for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC, Defence, Banking and State competitive exams.
Economy
Cabinet Approves Sale of Government Stake in IDBI Bank
The Union Cabinet approved the sale of a 60.72 percent stake in IDBI Bank to a Fairfax entity for Rs 52,878 crore in New Delhi on 14 October 2026.
- The transaction involves the disinvestment of a combined 60.72 percent equity stake held by the government and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in IDBI Bank.
- The buyer of the majority stake is an entity associated with the multinational investment firm Fairfax.
- The total financial valuation of this strategic stake sale is pegged at Rs 52,878 crore.
India’s WPI Inflation Rises to 11.39% in September 2026
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released provisional data in New Delhi on 14 October 2026 showing that India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose sharply to 11.39% in September.
- The annual inflation surge was driven by higher prices across sectors including mineral oils, food articles, crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, basic metals, and chemicals.
- Year-on-year inflation in the Fuel and Power group surged to 25.85% in September, while Manufactured Products and Primary Articles inflation rose to 9.76% and 8.67% respectively.
- Cumulative WPI inflation during the first half of the financial year stood at 9.85%, compared to a contraction of 0.2% in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Government Schemes
Union Cabinet Approves Continuation of National Social Assistance Programme
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for a five-year period from 2026-27 to 2030-31 during a meeting held in New Delhi on 14 October 2026.
- The approved continuation entails a total financial outlay of 53,428 crore rupees.
- The decision includes the renaming of the main scheme and its sub-schemes.
- The approval encompasses revisions to the eligibility criteria, coverage, and rate of assistance specifically for divyangjan.
International
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Visit India for Strategic Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Mumbai and Jamnagar on 21 October 2026 to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation and the strategic partnership between India and the United States.
- The official tour is being coordinated by the US State Department to review ongoing bilateral initiatives.
- Mr. Rubio is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with senior government officials during his itinerary.
National
Cabinet Approves 78 Days’ Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway Employees
The Union Cabinet approved a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for eligible railway employees during its meeting held on 14 October 2026.
- The bonus scheme is designed to recognize the performance and productivity of eligible non-gazetted railway staff.
- The decision aims to benefit over one million railway employees across the country ahead of the festive season.
- The financial implication and exact operational guidelines for the disbursement are managed through the Ministry of Railways.
Sports
Anandkumar Velkumar Wins Silver at World Skating Games
India’s Anandkumar Velkumar secured a silver medal in the men’s 1000-meter sprint category at the World Skating Games in Paraguay on 14 October 2026.
- He narrowly missed the gold medal, finishing second on the podium after an impressive display of performance.
- The achievement was registered in the men’s 1000-meter sprint event at the international championship.