National
Exam importance: HIGH
Khadi Diwali Fest-2026 organised in New Delhi to promote Swadeshi products
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) organised Khadi Diwali Fest-2026 at NDMC Palika Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi, to promote Khadi, Swadeshi products, Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat among citizens, especially Gen-Z.
Key facts
- The event was organised by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
- It was held at NDMC Palika Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi, under the theme Khadi-wali Diwali.
- KVIC Chairman Manoj Goel attended the event as the chief guest.
- The festival commenced on 31 October 2026 and offered a 20% discount on Khadi products and a 10% discount on Village Industry products.
- KVIC launched the podcast Baat Khadi Ki to connect the younger generation with Khadi, innovation and youth entrepreneurship.
- According to the source, the Khadi and Village Industries sector recorded turnover of more than Rs 1.87 lakh crore in 2025-26 and provided employment to over 2.04 crore people.
- The event aimed to support Indian artisans, weavers, rural entrepreneurs and local employment.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries, Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, rural employment, Swadeshi promotion and government-supported initiatives for artisans and rural entrepreneurs.
National
Exam importance: LOW
Amit Shah addresses Shatabdi Samaroh 2026 in New Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the Shatabdi Samaroh 2026 organised by the Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar in New Delhi. The event marked 100 years of the birth of Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and the manifestation of Akhand Jyoti.
Key facts
- The event was organised by the Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar in New Delhi.
- Shatabdi Samaroh 2026 marked the completion of 100 years of the birth of Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma.
- The ceremony also commemorated 100 years of the manifestation of Akhand Jyoti.
- Amit Shah highlighted the role of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya in spreading the Gayatri Mantra.
- A four-day Gayatri Pariwar conference was held in Haridwar in January 2026.
- The event included a Deep Mahayajna symbolising sacrifice, cooperation and dedication.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on important events, personalities, organisations and cultural activities mentioned in national current affairs.
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: MEDIUM
Amit Shah inaugurates Chandigarh Administration projects worth ₹258 crore
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated projects and laid foundation stones for several development works of the Chandigarh Administration with a combined value of ₹258 crore.
Key facts
- The projects cover education, healthcare, justice, administration, research and innovation.
- A City-UT Bus Depot constructed at a cost of ₹68 crore was inaugurated.
- Type-3 residential quarters worth ₹68 crore were constructed for police personnel.
- The event was attended by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
- According to the address, Chandigarh was established in 1966 and the Chandigarh Police also came into existence that year.
- The Union Home Minister stated that the government aims to make the country, including Punjab, drug-free by December 31, 2029.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Chandigarh Administration, urban infrastructure, public projects, police housing and important developments in Union Territories.
National
Exam importance: HIGH
Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Flagged Off
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the SMVT Bengaluru–Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The overnight service is intended to improve connectivity between Bengaluru, Mumbai and important centres in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Key facts
- The train connects Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai.
- The route includes Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan.
- It departs Bengaluru at 19:45 and reaches Mumbai at 11:55 the following day.
- In the return direction, it departs Mumbai at 20:10 and reaches Bengaluru at 12:00 the next day.
- The service operates six days a week, except Monday from Bengaluru and Tuesday from Mumbai.
- The train strengthens overnight connectivity across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Vande Bharat services between Bengaluru and Mangaluru are expected to begin after electrification and testing are completed.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Indian Railways, Vande Bharat services, railway connectivity, transport infrastructure and the states connected by the Bengaluru-Mumbai route.
Environment
Exam importance: MEDIUM
National Zoological Park Observes 67th Foundation Day with Doodle Activity and Bird Walk
The National Zoological Park in New Delhi observed its 67th Foundation Day on 1 November 2026 through a visitor doodle activity and the 19th edition of its Sunday Bird Walk. The programmes promoted wildlife conservation, biodiversity awareness, environmental education and citizen participation in biodiversity documentation.
Key facts
- The National Zoological Park is located in New Delhi.
- It observed its 67th Foundation Day on 1 November 2026.
- Approximately 1,500 visitors participated in or appreciated the doodle activity.
- The 19th Sunday Bird Walk was held from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
- A total of 18 participants recorded 46 bird species and more than 500 individual birds.
- The bird walk was conducted under the guidance of ornithologist Dr. Paritosh Ahmed.
- Each Sunday Bird Walk is limited to 20–25 participants, with prior registration required.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on wildlife conservation, biodiversity documentation, environmental education, citizen science and the National Zoological Park.
Appointments
Exam importance: HIGH
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal Takes Over as AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command of the IAF on 1 November 2026.
Key facts
- Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal assumed charge as AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, on 1 November 2026.
- He was commissioned into the flying branch of the IAF as a fighter pilot on 14 June 1989.
- He has over 3,200 hours of flying experience on several fighter aircraft.
- He is a specialist in strike aircraft and air defence roles and a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor.
- He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the National Defence College.
- He previously served as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters South Western Air Command.
- He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on defence appointments, the Indian Air Force, military commands, and gallantry or distinguished-service medals.
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM
Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Boost Rail Connectivity
The Prime Minister highlighted the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train as an important step towards improving rail connectivity and making travel more convenient. The service is expected to benefit people in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, especially youth, IT professionals and students.
Key facts
- The train connects Bengaluru and Mumbai.
- It is a Vande Bharat Sleeper service.
- The Prime Minister described it as a major boost to rail connectivity.
- The service is intended to make travel between Bengaluru and Mumbai more convenient.
- People in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are expected to benefit.
- Youth, IT professionals and students were identified as key beneficiaries.
Exam relevance: The development is relevant to questions on Indian Railways, Vande Bharat trains, inter-state connectivity and transport infrastructure involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
National
Exam importance: HIGH
President Droupadi Murmu Attends Balidan Shatabdi Samaroh of Swami Shraddhanand in Kurukshetra
President Droupadi Murmu attended the Balidan Shatabdi Samaroh of Swami Shraddhanand at Gurukul, Kurukshetra, Haryana, on November 1, 2026. She highlighted his contributions to Vedic education, social unity, removal of untouchability, and the upliftment of Dalits.
Key facts
- President Droupadi Murmu attended the event at Gurukul, Kurukshetra, Haryana.
- The ceremony marked the 100th anniversary of Swami Shraddhanand's martyrdom.
- Swami Shraddhanand's earlier names included Munshiram and Mahatma Munshiram.
- He worked for the revival and strengthening of the Gurukul system of education.
- He advocated social unity, mutual goodwill, and national unity.
- He considered the eradication of untouchability and upliftment of Dalits essential for India's progress.
- He promoted the ancient Aryan system of education associated with Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and the Arya Samaj.
- The President linked his ideals with the vision of a developed, self-reliant, harmonious, and empowered India.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the President of India, Swami Shraddhanand, Gurukul education, Arya Samaj, social reform, untouchability, and national unity.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
Bhoomipujan Held for Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Sindi Railway
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari performed the bhoomipujan of a Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Sindi Railway in Wardha. The project aims to improve export connectivity for Vidarbha, reduce cargo transportation costs and support local employment.
Key facts
- The project is being developed at Sindi Railway in Wardha.
- National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), an NHAI special purpose vehicle, is developing the project through AMARA TRANZ Solution.
- NHLML and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority are jointly developing the park across 150 acres.
- The facility will support direct exports of cotton, textiles, oranges and vegetables from Vidarbha.
- Cargo will be connected to international markets through Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and routes including Haldia.
- The project is expected to reduce transportation costs per container from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹1 lakh.
- Planned facilities include cold storage, warehouses, exporter clusters and a customs office.
- The first rake carrying Maruti cars had already started operations from the project.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on logistics infrastructure, multimodal transport, export promotion, NHAI-linked institutions, dry ports and regional development.
Economy and Banking
Exam importance: HIGH
Coal India Records Highest-Ever Monthly Coal Production and Supply in October 2026
Coal India Limited recorded its highest-ever monthly coal production, total coal supply and supply to the power sector in October 2026. The achievements were reported around the company’s 51st Foundation Day on 1 November 2026.
Key facts
- Coal India Limited is under the Ministry of Coal.
- The company recorded total coal supply of 70.3 million tonnes in October 2026.
- Coal supply to the power sector reached 57.1 million tonnes during the month.
- Coal production reached a record 67.2 million tonnes in October 2026.
- Daily railway rake loading for the power sector reached a record 310 rakes.
- Coal India was established on 1 November 1975.
- Its production increased to 768 million tonnes in FY 2025–26.
- The production target for FY 2026–27 is 815 million tonnes.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Coal India Limited, the Ministry of Coal, India’s energy security, coal production and supply statistics, public sector enterprises, and important organisational milestones.
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: MEDIUM
President Murmu Attends Haryana’s Hirak Jayanti Celebration
President Droupadi Murmu attended the Hirak Jayanti celebration marking the 60th year of Haryana’s formation in Kurukshetra on November 1, 2026. She highlighted Haryana’s contributions to national development, women’s empowerment, education, health and sports.
Key facts
- President Droupadi Murmu attended the Hirak Jayanti celebration in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
- The event marked the 60th year of the formation of Haryana.
- The President highlighted Haryana’s contributions to the freedom struggle, social change, democracy, literature and science.
- The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign was launched from Panipat in January 2015.
- The gender ratio at birth in Haryana increased in 2025 compared with 2014, according to the address.
- The President praised Haryana’s women athletes for their achievements in international sports championships.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Haryana state current affairs, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, women’s empowerment and the President’s official engagements.
International
Exam importance: HIGH
India-Bhutan Cooperation Highlighted at 108-Stupas Ceremony
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the consecration ceremony of 108 Stupas in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan. The event highlighted the spiritual, cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan.
Key facts
- Kiren Rijiju represented the Government of India at the ceremony in Bhutan.
- The ceremony for raising and consecrating 108 Stupas was held on 1 November 2026.
- The event took place in Gelephu Mindfulness City along the Aie (Mau) River.
- Each Stupa is 15 metres tall, with 108 metres separating successive Stupas.
- The Stupas extend across an 11.7-kilometre stretch.
- The project aims to promote Gelephu as a centre of Vajrayana Buddhism.
- Stupa No. 76 was dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support to Gelephu Mindfulness City.
- India and Bhutan discussed cooperation in development, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and culture.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Bhutan relations, Gelephu Mindfulness City, Vajrayana Buddhism, bilateral cooperation and important international events involving India.
Environment
Exam importance: HIGH
Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 to be inaugurated on 2 November
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 2 November 2026. The four-day event will promote clean-energy investment, technology partnerships and international cooperation.
Key facts
- Bharat RE 2026 will be held from 2 to 5 November 2026.
- The summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Its theme is “Invest. Innovate. Inspire.”
- Participants from over 130 countries, including more than 40 ministers, are expected to attend.
- Australia, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are Country Partners.
- The summit will be held alongside the 9th ISA Assembly and the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen.
- More than 400 exhibitors will showcase technologies in solar and wind power, green hydrogen and energy storage.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on renewable energy, international cooperation, green hydrogen, the International Solar Alliance and India's clean-energy investment initiatives.
Defence
Exam importance: HIGH
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as 29th Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on 1 November 2026. He introduced the guiding vision ‘VAYU’, based on vigilance, Aatmanirbharta, Yukti and unity of effort.
Key facts
- Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit became the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
- He assumed office on 1 November 2026.
- He paid homage at the National War Memorial and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station New Delhi.
- He is an Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor with over 3,500 hours of flying experience.
- His guiding vision for the IAF is ‘VAYU’.
- The four pillars of VAYU are Vigilance, Victory and Readiness; Aatmanirbharta; Yukti; and Unity of Effort.
- The vision focuses on operational preparedness, indigenous capabilities, innovation, AI-enabled command and control, counter-drone capabilities and jointness.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on defence appointments, the Indian Air Force, military leadership and the VAYU vision. It also covers Aatmanirbharta, defence innovation and jointness among the armed forces.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
Digi Yatra Begins International Passenger Trials at Seven Airports
Digi Yatra has started trials for eligible Indian e-passport holders travelling on select international flights at seven Indian airports. The November–December 2026 trial will test biometric and digital document-based access at designated airport points and may support a wider rollout in 2027.
Key facts
- International passenger trials are being conducted from November to December 2026.
- The trials cover Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports.
- Eligible Indian nationals must hold e-passports and travel on select international flights operated by Air India or IndiGo.
- Passengers can use Digi Yatra at terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas and boarding gates where infrastructure is available.
- Users must create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential through the Digi Yatra mobile application.
- The process uses the e-passport’s Machine Readable Zone, NFC-enabled chip, selfie capture and identity verification.
- Digi Yatra has over 26.5 million users and has enabled more than 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports.
- A further 25 domestic airports are planned to be covered by 2027.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Digi Yatra, digital governance, airport modernisation, e-passports, biometric identity verification, civil aviation and the Digital India initiative.
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: HIGH
Chandigarh Police Receives President’s Colour
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Chandigarh Police and the President’s Colour Conferment Ceremony. The event highlighted the force’s policing performance, technology adoption, response time and welfare initiatives.
Key facts
- Chandigarh Police received the President’s Colour in recognition of its service, discipline and dedication.
- Chandigarh Police was established in 1966, and Chandigarh became a Union Territory on November 1, 1966.
- The force has more than 6,000 personnel and coordinates with Haryana Police and Punjab Police in the tri-city region.
- Chandigarh Police has a reported average response time of 4 minutes and a Quick Response Time benchmark of 10 minutes.
- The force has achieved an 85% conviction rate and an average case disposal time of 140 days, according to the address.
- The Government of India has provided Chandigarh with 2,152 Artificial Intelligence-enabled CCTV cameras.
- Chandigarh Police has won 145 medals at the All India Police Duty Meet, including 35 gold, 38 silver and 72 bronze medals.
- Monthly financial assistance of ₹8,000 is being provided to 130 families of widowed police personnel.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Chandigarh’s administrative status, police modernisation, President’s Colour, criminal justice performance, artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance and police welfare measures.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: MEDIUM
Ministry Rejects Claim of Unverified Placement-Based Payments by MAPCET
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment rejected a report alleging that MAPCET released crores of rupees on the basis of unverified placement data. It stated that only the first two instalments were paid to training providers, while the placement-linked third instalment has not been released.
Key facts
- The Scheduled Caste Development Department sanctioned Rs. 3,241.37 lakh for skill development training.
- Rs. 2,945.37 lakh was made available to MAPCET during 2021–22.
- MAPCET selected 34 training provider organisations for training SC beneficiaries from BPL families.
- Six selected organisations did not commence the work, while 28 institutions trained 4,952 trainees.
- The first instalment was paid after a training batch commenced and trainees were physically verified.
- The second instalment was paid after training completion and trainee assessment.
- No third-instalment payment was made because no payment claims were generated through the portal.
- The Ministry stated that the report alleging placement-based payments without verification was incorrect and baseless.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Scheduled Caste welfare, skill development programmes, MAPCET, instalment-based government funding, and the role of digital portals in monitoring training and placement data.
Appointments
Exam importance: HIGH
Dinesh V. Ganvir Assumes Charge as 55th Director General of Geological Survey of India
Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir has assumed charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines. His priorities include critical-mineral exploration, technological advancement, mineral security and stronger geoscientific research.
Key facts
- Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir assumed charge as the 55th Director General of GSI.
- GSI is an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
- He joined GSI on 1 July 1994 after completing a Master's degree in Geology from RTMNU University, Nagpur.
- Before becoming Director General, he was Additional Director General and Head of Department of GSI's Central Region, Nagpur.
- During his tenure, GSI handed over 359 Geological Reports and 377 Geological Memorandums.
- Of the 202 critical-mineral blocks handed over, 40 were successfully auctioned.
- His priorities include critical and strategic mineral exploration, advanced data analytics, laboratory upgrades and offshore exploration.
- GSI will also continue work on landslide early warning, glacial studies, infrastructure projects and hazard assessment.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on appointments, the Ministry of Mines, the Geological Survey of India, critical minerals, mineral exploration and government efforts towards mineral security and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
EPFO Marks Its 74th Foundation Day with Technology-Enabled Social Security Initiatives
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) observed its 74th Foundation Day in New Delhi. The organisation highlighted its social security role, technological transformation, faster claim settlement, WhatsApp-based services and automatic settlement of eligible inoperative accounts.
Key facts
- EPFO celebrated its 74th Foundation Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
- EPFO’s founding commitment dates back to 1952.
- The organisation manages a retirement corpus of nearly ₹32 lakh crore.
- EPFO serves approximately 8 crore contributory members and 85 lakh pensioners.
- Average claim settlement time declined to 2.57 days in October 2026.
- Through its verified WhatsApp service, subscribers can access PF balance, recent transactions and passbook information.
- Aadhaar-verified inoperative EPF accounts with balances up to ₹1,000 may be settled automatically after identity and bank-account verification.
- Approximately one lakh accounts involving ₹5 crore are expected to benefit from automatic settlement.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on EPFO, India’s social security framework, provident fund administration, labour welfare, digital governance and government initiatives for workers and pensioners.
National
Exam importance: HIGH
Conference of Public Accounts Committee Chairpersons to Be Held in Thiruvananthapuram
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate a two-day conference of Chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures in Thiruvananthapuram on 3 November 2026. The conference will focus on strengthening audit, accountability, transparency and legislative oversight of public expenditure.
Key facts
- The conference will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam, on 3–4 November 2026.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate and address the valedictory session.
- The theme is ‘Audit, Accountability and Good Governance – The Evolving Role of the PAC’.
- Chairpersons and members of PACs from Parliament and State/UT Legislatures will participate.
- The conference will facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices in public financial management.
- Public Accounts Committees examine public expenditure and assess whether public funds are used according to legislative intent.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on parliamentary committees, legislative financial control, public expenditure, accountability and good governance.
