Daily Current Affairs & GK – 15 October 2026
For UPSC, SSC, Banking, IBPS, RRB, NTPC, Railways and State PSC examinations
This edition of daily current Affairs and General Knowledge covers important developments reported on 15 October 2026, prioritising official government announcements from PIB,Akashvani and other reliable reports.
1. National Affairs
1.1 PM inaugurates five development projects worth ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated five major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh through video conferencing.
Major projects
Leh airport terminal: A ₹650-crore facility designed to increase annual passenger-handling capacity from 10 lakh to 35 lakh. It incorporates geothermal heating and solar energy.
Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road: A strategic road project costing approximately ₹2,500 crore, expected to reduce travel time on the route from 12 hours to around three hours.
Hanu hydroelectric project: Strengthens electricity generation and associated transmission infrastructure.
Project Amrit Him Sarovar: Forty newly constructed reservoirs to improve irrigation and water availability.
Petroglyph Conservation Park: India's first such park, inaugurated in Leh to preserve ancient rock art.
The projects aim to improve connectivity, energy security, water availability, tourism and the preservation of Ladakh's cultural heritage.
Exam Points: Ladakh became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019. Leh is its largest urban centre and an important administrative hub.
Source: PIB – Five development projects worth ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh
1.2 Defence Ministry signs ₹4,106-crore contracts for satellite and torpedoes
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore for two indigenous defence systems.
| System | Contract value | Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force | ₹2,563 crore | NewSpace India Limited |
| Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy | ₹1,543 crore | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
The GSAT-7C satellite will strengthen secure and resilient communications for Indian Air Force assets.
Varunastra is an indigenous, ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. It is designed to engage enemy submarines over long ranges.
The contracts support the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives in defence manufacturing.
Exam Points:
GSAT-7C: Military communication satellite.
Varunastra: Heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo.
NewSpace India Limited: Commercial arm of ISRO.
Bharat Dynamics Limited: Defence public-sector enterprise.
Source: PIB – Defence contracts worth ₹4,106 crore
1.3 President pays tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on his birth anniversary.
Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam was an eminent aerospace scientist and India's 11th President, serving from 2002 to 2007.
He is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his contributions to India's missile and space programmes. He also inspired generations of students through his writings and interactions with young people.
Exam Points: Dr Kalam's birth anniversary is observed on 15 October. He received the Bharat Ratna in 1997.
Source: PIB – President pays tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
2. International Affairs
2.1 India and Japan discuss advanced road infrastructure
The 12th India–Japan Joint Working Group on Roads and Road Transportation met at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 15 October.
The meeting brought together representatives of both governments, relevant institutions and industry stakeholders.
Key areas of cooperation
Advanced road-construction technology.
Tunnel and bridge engineering.
Sustainable infrastructure development.
Digital technologies for road management.
Planning, construction, operation and maintenance of roads.
The discussions seek to expand technical cooperation and improve the quality, safety and durability of road infrastructure.
Exam Point: India and Japan cooperate in infrastructure development, transport technology and connectivity projects.
Source: PIB – 12th India–Japan Joint Working Group on Roads
2.2 EU–Gulf Cooperation Council summit postponed
The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) postponed their planned summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which had been scheduled for 24 October 2026.
The decision followed escalating regional security concerns after attacks affected Saudi infrastructure and aviation operations.
The postponement highlighted the potential impact of geopolitical instability on diplomacy, international travel, energy markets and economic cooperation.
GCC members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Source: Reuters – EU and GCC postpone their Riyadh summit
3. Economy and Banking
3.1 India's total exports grow 13.84% during April–September
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released India's trade data for September 2026 on 15 October.
India's combined merchandise and services exports during April–September 2026–27 were estimated at US$476.20 billion, compared with US$418.31 billion during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Key trade figures
| Indicator | April–September 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| Total exports: goods and services | US$476.20 billion |
| Year-on-year export growth | 13.84% |
| Merchandise exports | US$259.89 billion |
| Services exports | US$216.31 billion |
| Total imports: goods and services | US$551.13 billion |
| Total trade deficit | US$74.93 billion |
During September 2026, merchandise exports reached US$44.40 billion, compared with US$36.08 billion in September 2025.
Electronic goods exports rose approximately 70.44% year-on-year to US$5.31 billion, while engineering-goods exports rose approximately 20.91%.
The figures reflect the contribution of manufacturing, engineering, electronics and services to India's external trade. September services data were estimates based on the latest available RBI figures.
Source: PIB – India's trade performance, April–September 2026
3.2 National Strategic Trade Command Centre launched
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
The centre is intended to strengthen data-driven monitoring, trade intelligence and evidence-based decision-making.
Main functions
Product-wise and market-wise trade analysis.
Identification of export opportunities.
Monitoring of trade trends and strategic sectors.
Support for evidence-based trade policy.
Improved processing and monitoring of applications involving controlled technologies.
The centre also features a dashboard connected with SCOMET, which stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies.
SCOMET controls apply to specified sensitive items and technologies whose exports require regulation because of potential strategic, security or dual-use concerns.
Source: PIB – National Strategic Trade Command Centre
4. Science and Technology
4.1 Indigenous 32-slice CT scanner receives government support
The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology, signed an agreement with Panacea Medical Technologies Private Limited, based in Malur, Karnataka, to support the development and commercialisation of an indigenous 32-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.
The initiative supports India's efforts to develop advanced medical-imaging technologies domestically.
CT scanners use X-rays and computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are widely used in diagnosis, including the detection of injuries, tumours and other medical conditions.
The project aligns with the government's Make in India initiative and aims to strengthen domestic medical-device manufacturing and improve access to diagnostic equipment.
Source: PIB – Indigenous 32-slice CT scanner project
4.2 NHAI introduces independent design checks for major bridges
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced a standardised mechanism for independently checking the designs and drawings of major bridges and other critical structures built under its projects.
Designs will be checked by empanelled IITs, government technical institutions and experienced technical firms with expertise in bridge engineering and hydraulic studies.
The initiative aims to improve structural safety, quality assurance and the durability of important highway infrastructure.
Exam Point: NHAI operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Source: PIB – Independent checking of major bridge designs
4.3 Three AIIMS Nagpur faculty members enter the World’s Top 2% Scientists List
Three faculty members of AIIMS Nagpur were featured in the World's Top 2% Scientists List 2026.
The researchers are:
Dr Prashant P. Joshi – Executive Director and CEO.
Dr Jaya Prasad Tripathy – Additional Professor.
Dr Aravind P. Gandhi – Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine.
The list uses citation and bibliometric indicators to assess researchers' scientific influence. It is compiled using data from Elsevier's Scopus database in collaboration with researchers at Stanford University.
The recognition highlights AIIMS Nagpur's research contributions and the importance of scientific publications, citations and academic collaboration in healthcare.
Source: PIB – AIIMS Nagpur faculty in the World's Top 2% Scientists List
5. Sports and Culture
5.1 India vs West Indies 4th T20I Match
6. Awards and Recognition
6.1 AIIMS Nagpur researchers receive international research recognition
The inclusion of three AIIMS Nagpur faculty members in the World's Top 2% Scientists List 2026 recognises their research impact.
The list uses citation-based indicators, including total citations and the h-index, to assess scholarly influence. It includes both career-long and recent-year research-impact assessments.
The recognition is relevant to healthcare research, evidence-based medicine and India's academic-scientific ecosystem.
Source: PIB – Research recognition for AIIMS Nagpur faculty
7. Days Observed
7.1 International Day of Rural Women – 15 October
The International Day of Rural Women is observed annually on 15 October to recognise the contribution of rural women to agriculture, food security, poverty reduction and community development.
The United Nations General Assembly established the observance in 2007, with the first celebration in 2008.
The day also highlights persistent challenges faced by rural women, including unequal access to land, credit, technology, education, healthcare and decision-making opportunities.
Source: United Nations – International Day of Rural Women
7.2 Mahila Kisan Diwas – India
India observed Mahila Kisan Diwas on 15 October 2026 to recognise women's contribution to agriculture and allied activities.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organised the national event in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra.
The observance promotes recognition of women as farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, livestock managers and contributors to rural livelihoods.
Source: PIB – Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026
7.3 World Students' Day – India's observance
In India, 15 October is commonly observed as World Students' Day in memory of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, whose birthday falls on this date.
Kalam emphasised the role of education, scientific curiosity and young people in national development. The observance encourages students to pursue knowledge, innovation and public service.
Clarification: This is a widely used Indian observance associated with Kalam's birthday, rather than an official United Nations-designated international day.
Source: PIB – Tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
7.4 Global Handwashing Day – 15 October
Global Handwashing Day is observed every year on 15 October to promote handwashing with soap as a simple and affordable way to prevent disease.
The initiative was launched in 2008 by the Global Handwashing Partnership.
Its continuing campaign message, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” encourages individuals, schools, communities and institutions to promote effective hand hygiene.
Source: Global Handwashing Partnership – Global Handwashing Day
8. Static GK – Essential Facts
| Topic | Key fact |
|---|---|
| Ladakh | Became a Union Territory on 31 October 2019 |
| GSAT-7C | Dedicated military communication satellite for the Indian Air Force |
| Varunastra | Indigenous ship-launched heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo |
| NSTCC | National Strategic Trade Command Centre |
| SCOMET | Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies |
| CT scan | Computed Tomography |
| NHAI | National Highways Authority of India |
| International Day of Rural Women | 15 October |
| Mahila Kisan Diwas | 15 October in India |
| Global Handwashing Day | 15 October |
| World Students' Day in India | 15 October, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's birthday |
9. Quick Revision – 15 October 2026
What is the passenger-handling target of the new Leh airport terminal? – 35 lakh passengers annually.
Which road project was dedicated in Ladakh? – Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road.
How much were the GSAT-7C and Varunastra defence contracts worth together? – Approximately ₹4,106 crore.
Which company will supply the GSAT-7C satellite? – NewSpace India Limited.
What is Varunastra? – An indigenous ship-launched heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo.
What is India's total medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games? – 85 medals.
What was India's rank at the Asian Games? – Fourth.
What is the full form of NSTCC? – National Strategic Trade Command Centre.
What were India's total exports during April–September 2026–27? – US$476.20 billion.
What was the year-on-year growth in total exports? – 13.84%.
What were merchandise exports in September 2026? – US$44.40 billion.
Which Indian company is developing an indigenous 32-slice CT scanner? – Panacea Medical Technologies.
When is International Day of Rural Women observed? – An annual observance on 15 October.
When is Mahila Kisan Diwas observed in India? – 15 October.
Who is commemorated through India's observance of World Students' Day? – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
When is Global Handwashing Day observed? – 15 October.
Which three AIIMS Nagpur faculty members featured in the World's Top 2% Scientists List? – Dr Prashant P. Joshi, Dr Jaya Prasad Tripathy and Dr Aravind P. Gandhi.
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