Today's Current Affairs 15 October 2026 | India and World News

According to a report published by The Indian Express, the Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to provide insurance coverage to passengers purchasing train tickets offline. The reported direction is scheduled to take effect on 27 October 2026.

The Railway Board was also asked to ensure proper implementation. Passengers should consult official railway announcements for the applicable terms, coverage and implementation details.

Key Points

• Organisation involved: Indian Railways.
• The reported direction concerns passengers purchasing tickets offline.
• Reported implementation date: 27 October 2026.
• The Railway Board is responsible for overseeing implementation.

Source: Read the news report

The Government of India approved the strategic sale of a combined 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank held by the government and the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to a company associated with Fairfax Financial Holdings.

According to the Ministry of Finance's published information, the transaction is valued at approximately ₹52,878 crore. The proposed stake sale includes 30.48% held by the Government of India and 30.24% held by LIC. The transaction remains subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Key Points

• Bank: IDBI Bank.
• Strategic buyer's parent company: Fairfax Financial Holdings.
• Total stake covered by the transaction: 60.72%.
• Government of India stake included: 30.48%.
• LIC stake included: 30.24%.
• Reported transaction value: approximately ₹52,878 crore.

Source: Ministry of Finance / PIB | Reuters report

The Union Cabinet approved a productivity-linked bonus equivalent to 78 days' wages for approximately 11.4 lakh eligible railway employees ahead of the festive season.

According to published reports, the maximum payout for an eligible employee is expected to be ₹17,951. The bonus recognises the contribution of railway employees to the functioning of the national railway network.

Key Points

• Decision-making body: Union Cabinet.
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 11.4 lakh eligible railway employees.
• Bonus period: Equivalent to 78 days' wages.
• Reported maximum payout: ₹17,951 per eligible employee.

Source: Read the news report

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations (TNDGE) announced the reported schedule for the 2027 state board examinations.

According to The Indian Express, Class 12 examinations are scheduled from 3 March to 29 March 2027, while Class 10 examinations are scheduled from 17 March to 12 April 2027. Students should consult the official board timetable for subject-wise dates and any subsequent changes.

Key Points

• State: Tamil Nadu.
• Board authority: Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations.
• Class 12 examination period: 3–29 March 2027.
• Class 10 examination period: 17 March–12 April 2027.

Source: Read the education update

According to a report published by Education Times, the Delhi government announced direct benefit transfer assistance of ₹1,370 for eligible students studying in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools.

The reported assistance is intended to help eligible students purchase school uniforms and bags. Direct benefit transfer provides financial assistance through the designated banking channel, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.

Key Points

• Location: Delhi.
• Beneficiaries: Eligible MCD school students.
• Reported assistance: ₹1,370 per eligible student.
• Purpose: Support for school uniforms and bags.
• Reported payment method: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Source: Read the education report

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand during her visit to India on 14 October.

According to published reports, the discussions covered strengthening bilateral relations, trade, technology, energy, security and education. The developments indicate efforts by both countries to improve engagement and expand cooperation across several sectors.

Key Points

• Countries involved: India and Canada.
• Indian Prime Minister: Narendra Modi.
• Indian External Affairs Minister: S. Jaishankar.
• Canadian Foreign Minister: Anita Anand.
• Areas discussed included trade, technology, energy and education.

Source: Read the India-Canada news report

A report published by The Indian Express said that Oman became India's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in September 2026, replacing the United States.

The report linked the shift in import sources to disruptions affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Changes in energy suppliers can influence import logistics, energy security and the diversification of supply sources.

Key Points

• Reported leading LNG supplier: Oman.
• Reporting period: September 2026.
• Previous leading supplier mentioned in the report: United States.
• LNG means liquefied natural gas.
• The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global energy shipments.

Source: Read the energy news report

According to a report published by The Indian Express, Indian batters Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma and Shreyas Iyer occupied three of the top four positions in the reported ICC men's T20 International batting rankings.

The report placed Ishan Kishan first, Abhishek Sharma second and Shreyas Iyer fourth. Rankings may change when the ICC publishes updated tables, so the latest official rankings should be consulted for subsequent developments.

Key Points

• Sport: Cricket.
• Format: Men's T20 International cricket.
• Reported first position: Ishan Kishan.
• Reported second position: Abhishek Sharma.
• Reported fourth position: Shreyas Iyer.

Source: Official ICC website | Read the rankings report

According to The Indian Express, Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry reported a limited fire at the headquarters of Saudi Aramco in Dhahran following an attack attributed in the report to Houthi forces.

The report stated that no deaths or injuries were reported. The development highlighted continuing security concerns affecting Saudi Arabia and the wider West Asian region.

Key Points

• Country: Saudi Arabia.
• Company: Saudi Aramco.
• Reported location: Dhahran.
• The incident involved a reported limited fire.
• The report stated that no deaths or injuries occurred.

Source: Read the international news report

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) deferred the reported implementation of a proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for certain person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000.

According to Reuters, the change had originally been expected to take effect on 15 October but was postponed until after Diwali 2026. A separate effective date was expected to be announced.

The proposal concerns certain merchant transactions and should not be interpreted as a fee applying automatically to every UPI payment. The final scope and applicable rules should be checked against official notifications.

Key Points

• Organisation: National Payments Corporation of India.
• MDR stands for Merchant Discount Rate.
• The report concerned certain merchant transactions above ₹2,000.
• The reported rollout was deferred until after Diwali.
• A separate implementation date was expected to be announced.

Source: Official NPCI website | Read the Reuters report