National Daily Current Affairs: 15/10/2026

National Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for a period of five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31. This extension ensures the continued provision of financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities from below-poverty-line households. Additionally, the government has sanctioned the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days' wages for over 11 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees for the financial year 2025-26.

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Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

• Defence & Maritime: The Indian Navy successfully completed its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), a multinational maritime partnership focused on security in the Middle East.
• Economy & Finance: The Cabinet approved a strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank Ltd. to optimize its operations and capital structure. Separately, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 121st issue of 'Sarvekshana', the official journal on statistics.
• Science & Technology: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and CSIR launched the 'Tech Familiarization Programme' for the Global South to share Indian innovations in sustainable technology.
• Agriculture: Two new improved soybean varieties, NRC 268 and NRC 270, have shown resilience and high yield potential (20 quintals per hectare) despite adverse weather conditions.
• Governance: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will honor districts and police stations for exceptional performance in recovering lost mobiles via the Sanchar Saathi portal.

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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• Indian Navy finishes its first command of the multinational Combined Task Force 154.
• Cabinet approves 78 days' wages as Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway employees.
• NSAP extension approved for five years until FY 2030-31.
• Ministry of Statistics releases the 121st issue of its journal 'Sarvekshana'.
• NRC 268 and NRC 270 are the latest high-yield soybean varieties developed for harsh weather.
• IDBI Bank to undergo strategic restructuring following recent government approval.
• PM Modi to interact with the 2026 Asian Games contingent on October 15th.
• Ministry of Minority Affairs launches Special Campaign 6.0 for office efficiency.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) falls under the jurisdiction of which Union Ministry?

• A) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• B) Ministry of Rural Development
• C) Ministry of Finance
• D) Ministry of Women and Child Development

Q2: For how many days has the Cabinet approved the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for Railway employees for 2025-26?

• A) 60 days
• B) 72 days
• C) 78 days
• D) 85 days

Q3: Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), recently in news, is associated with which domain?

• A) Space Exploration
• B) Cyber Security
• C) Maritime Security
• D) Counter-Terrorism

Q4: NRC 268 and NRC 270, which were recently released, are improved varieties of which crop?

• A) Wheat
• B) Soybean
• C) Rice
• D) Cotton

Q5: 'Sarvekshana' is the official journal of which organization/ministry?

• A) NITI Aayog
• B) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
• C) Reserve Bank of India
• D) Ministry of Commerce