Current Affairs - October 15, 2026 Current Affairs

Justice K.V. Viswanathan, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, was appointed to chair the Standing Committee on Judicial Well-being constituted by the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, on October 11, 2026. The committee aims to address occupational stress among judicial officers and develop appropriate welfare measures. Its members include Dr Savita Malhotra, psychologist Rajat Mitra, Advocate-on-Record Mrinal Kanwar and Aarti Singh, Registrar at the Centre for Research and Planning. The initiative is based on research examining workload, infrastructure limitations and staffing shortages in the district judiciary. It seeks to promote judicial health and well-being through institutional coordination and sustained support.

October 15 is observed as Mahila Kisan Diwas in India to recognise the significant contributions of women farmers to agriculture and rural development. In 2026, the national-level celebration will be organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The occasion coincides with the International Day of Rural Women and forms part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, declared by the United Nations. The day highlights women's roles in crop cultivation, livestock management, conservation of natural resources, sustainable farming and agricultural entrepreneurship.

2047 is the target year for India to increase its crude steelmaking capacity to 604 million tonnes (MT) under the draft National Steel Policy – Vision 2047. Released on October 12, 2026, the policy outlines a roadmap to expand domestic steel production, reduce import dependence and promote sustainable industrial growth. It also targets finished steel demand of 505 MT and an increase in per capita steel consumption from 116 kg to 302 kg. The policy aims to reduce dependence on imported coking coal and lower the average emission intensity of steel production from 2.54 to 1.54 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of crude steel through cleaner technologies, hydrogen-based steelmaking and greater use of scrap.

Dilip Bhosale, a retired judge, was appointed chairman of the high-level committee constituted by the Maharashtra government on October 12, 2026, to recommend a comprehensive overhaul of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). The committee aims to improve the commission’s organisational structure and examination processes to ensure greater efficiency. Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe was appointed secretary of the committee. Other members include IPS officer Laxmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and retired judge P. D. Naik. The MPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution and conducts recruitment examinations for Group A and Group B civil services in Maharashtra.

April 2029 is the proposed starting date for the first phase of India’s Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and SUVs The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a draft notification on 12 October 2026 proposing stricter limits on harmful vehicle emissions, including nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. The rollout is planned in three phases: 1 April 2029, 1 April 2031 and 1 April 2035. This gradual implementation is intended to give vehicle manufacturers time to adapt their technologies and comply with the new requirements. The proposal follows the introduction of BS-VI standards in April 2020.

Himachal Pradesh inaugurated its first solar power project with a battery storage facility at Rongtong in Spiti Valley. The 2 MW solar power plant was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Developed at a cost of ₹4.42 crore, the project is expected to generate approximately 36 lakh units of electricity annually. It also includes a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which stores electricity for use when required. The project is particularly important for Spiti Valley because of its high altitude, remote settlements and difficult terrain. It supports renewable energy utilisation and aims to strengthen the region’s electricity infrastructure.

October 27, 2026, is the date from which Indian Railways must extend insurance coverage to tickets booked at railway station counters, following a Supreme Court order issued on October 6, 2026. The directive aims to provide offline ticket passengers with insurance benefits similar to those available to eligible passengers booking tickets through the IRCTC website or application. Under the existing railway travel insurance scheme, coverage includes ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses due to injuries. The Railway Board is responsible for implementing the directive.

KAUMARACON-2026 is the third international conference on Kaumarabhritya, a specialised branch of Ayurveda concerned with child healthcare. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the conference on October 15, 2026, in New Delhi. Organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), the conference was scheduled from October 15 to 17, 2026, at the institute’s Sarita Vihar campus. Its theme focuses on advancing child health through global perspectives, research innovations and clinical developments. The conference brings together scientists, clinicians, academics and medical professionals to discuss child nutrition, development, disease prevention and improvements in traditional medical practices.

October 15 is observed as World Students’ Day in honour of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and renowned aerospace scientist. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he inspired generations of students through his contributions to science, education and national development. Kalam played important roles in India’s space research and missile development programmes and was popularly known as the “Missile Man of India.” He received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1997. The day highlights his commitment to education, scientific thinking, creativity and youth empowerment.

Sikkim released Chocolate Mahseer fish into the Rangeet River on October 11, 2026, as part of an initiative to conserve aquatic biodiversity and protect indigenous freshwater species. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang carried out the release during the second day of the Chirbirey River Fest near Jorethang. The initiative aims to protect freshwater ecosystems and maintain the ecological balance of the Himalayan river system. The programme also focuses on fisheries development, sustainable fish farming, food security and improving local livelihoods. The Rangeet River is a major perennial river in Sikkim and a primary tributary of the Teesta River. Sikkim is also recognised as India's first 100% organic state.