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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax Revenue Rises 23% to ₹2.31 Lakh Crore in October 2026

• India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections increased by approximately 23% year-on-year (YoY) to over ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, recording the second-highest monthly collection since the introduction of GST.
• The October 2026 GST growth rate of 22.9% was the fastest monthly growth recorded in FY 2026–27, supported by festive-season purchases and strong domestic demand.
• October marked the second consecutive month in which gross GST collections crossed ₹2 lakh crore.
• The highest-ever monthly GST collection remains approximately ₹2.43 lakh crore, recorded in April 2026.
• GST revenue from domestic sales increased by approximately 16% YoY to over ₹1.59 lakh crore, reflecting stronger domestic economic activity.
• GST revenue from imports rose by approximately 42% YoY to ₹72,246 crore, indicating a sharp increase in tax receipts from imported goods.
• The total gross GST collection of over ₹2.31 lakh crore comprised Central GST (CGST) of ₹42,935 crore, State GST (SGST) of ₹51,340 crore and Integrated GST (IGST) of over ₹1.37 lakh crore.
• GST refunds increased by 5% YoY to ₹27,934 crore in October 2026.
• After adjusting for refunds, net GST collections increased by approximately 26% YoY to over ₹2.03 lakh crore, compared with over ₹1.61 lakh crore in October 2025.
• During April–October 2026, gross GST collections grew by 2% YoY to over ₹14.77 lakh crore, while net GST collections increased by 13% to over ₹12.69 lakh crore.
• Major states contributing to the continued strength in GST collections included Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Securities and Exchange Board of India Grants Upstox Approval to Offer Corporate Bonds Through Its Online Platform

• Upstox (Upstox Securities Private Limited) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to operate as an Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP).
• The approval enables Upstox to offer corporate bonds directly to investors through its own platform without relying on third-party partnerships.
• Earlier, Upstox offered bonds through a partnership with IndiaBonds, which will be replaced by its direct bond-distribution arrangement.
• With this approval, Upstox joins major brokerage firms such as Groww, Zerodha and Angel One in the fixed-income investment segment.
• SEBI introduced the stock exchange registration framework for OBPPs to regulate online platforms offering debt securities to investors.
• Since 2023, nearly 40 firms have received approval under the OBPP framework.
• Investors can purchase corporate bonds through Upstox with a minimum investment starting at ₹1,000.
• The platform offers bonds across different risk categories, with indicative returns ranging from 8% to 16%.
• The initial bond offerings are expected to include securities rated between AAA and BBB-, subject to availability, with an emphasis on relatively lower-risk securities.

About Upstox :

• Founded : 2009 as RKSV Securities Private Limited and was rebranded as Upstox in 2016.
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Ravi Kumar.

Asian Development Bank Sanctions USD 139.55 Million Funding for Puducherry Urban Infrastructure Development

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 139.55 million loan for the Puducherry Integrated Urban Livability Improvement Project (PIULIP).
• The project marks ADB’s first engagement in the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry.
• The project aims to improve urban livability through climate-resilient water supply, sewerage and sanitation infrastructure, modernised public spaces and strengthened municipal governance and service delivery.
• Water Supply Infrastructure: The project will upgrade 100 km of existing water supply networks and lay 80 km of new pipelines.
• The project will also construct new overhead service reservoirs, establish district metered areas (DMAs) and develop brackish-water reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants.
• Sewerage Infrastructure: The project plans to construct 270 km of underground sewer networks, rehabilitate 80 km of existing sewer networks and establish a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 50 million litres per day (MLD).
• Urban Infrastructure: The project will develop 4.5 km of pedestrian walkways accessible to persons with disabilities.
• The project will improve urban drainage systems through concrete lining and stabilisation to reduce flooding, accidents and the impact of extreme weather events.
• The project will also strengthen municipal finances, institutional capacity, governance and public service delivery in Puducherry.

About ADB :

• Formation : 19 December 1966
• Headquarters : Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
• President : Masato Kanda
• Members : 69 countries

Government Extends Customs Duty Exemption on Cotton Imports Until 31 December 2026

• The Government of India extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports by two months, until 31 December 2026, to ensure adequate raw cotton availability for the domestic textile industry.
• The earlier exemption was scheduled to expire on 31 October 2026. The Finance Ministry extended it through an official notification.
• The 11% customs duty on cotton imports, which had been removed from 1 June to 31 October 2026, will remain exempt until 31 December 2026.
• The decision aims to improve cotton availability, meet the demand for specialised cotton varieties and support value addition across the textile and apparel value chain.
• The extension comes amid concerns over a possible decline in domestic cotton production during the 2026–27 cotton season, due to reduced acreage and drought conditions in key producing states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• Despite the arrival of the new cotton crop in various markets, domestic cotton prices remained firm because of weak market arrivals, lower expected yields and farmers holding back their produce in anticipation of better prices.
• Daily raw cotton arrivals were estimated at 70,000–80,000 bales, with each bale weighing 170 kg, below trade expectations.
• Cumulative cotton arrivals up to 23 October 2026 stood at 15 lakh bales, compared with estimated consumption of 23 lakh bales, according to CotYarn estimates.
• The duty exemption will help textile mills import cotton at competitive prices, reduce raw material costs and improve the competitiveness of Indian textile and apparel exports.
• The extension is also expected to put downward pressure on domestic cotton prices, which had rebounded in recent weeks.

Securities and Exchange Board of India Levies ₹1 Crore Penalty on Central Depository Services (India) Limited Over Multiple Regulatory and Compliance Violations

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) on 30 October 2026 for multiple regulatory and compliance violations.
• The penalty followed SEBI’s inspection of CDSL’s operations for Financial Year 2023–24 (FY 2023–24).
• SEBI directed CDSL to pay the penalty within 45 days, failing which recovery proceedings may be initiated.
• One major violation was CDSL’s failure to communicate the reasons for rejection of pledge requests to the Depository Participants (DPs) of both the pledgor and pledgee.
• Other violations included non-compliance with prescribed procedures for handling Client Unpaid Securities Accounts (CUSA) and inadequate measures to prevent unauthorised data transmission.
• SEBI also identified shortcomings in CDSL’s disaster recovery operations and drills.
• CDSL failed to fix identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the timelines prescribed by SEBI.
• Its Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) exercise was found to be inadequate because it did not cover all domains and external applications.
• SEBI stated that the remedial measures subsequently undertaken by CDSL had been considered while imposing the penalty.
• Earlier, in July 2026, SEBI had imposed another ₹1 crore penalty on CDSL for cybersecurity lapses linked to a malware attack in November 2022 that disrupted its systems.
• CDSL is an Indian central securities depository established in 1999, with its headquarters in Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Unified Payments Interface Payments Introduced for Online Bookings at Burj Khalifa and Resorts World Sentosa

• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for online bookings at major tourist attractions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore.
• In the UAE, UPI payments have been introduced at At the Top, Burj Khalifa, through a partnership between NIPL, NEOPAY and Emaar Entertainment.
• At the Top, Burj Khalifa has become the first tourist attraction in the UAE to accept UPI for e-commerce transactions.
• The UPI partnership for the UAE was announced on 29 July 2026.
• In Singapore, UPI acceptance has been expanded to Resorts World Sentosa through a partnership with FOMO Pay, a leading payment institution, announced on 9 September 2026.
• The facility covers online bookings for major attractions at Resorts World Sentosa, including Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
• Singapore welcomed 2 million Indian visitors in 2025, highlighting the importance of convenient digital payment facilities for Indian travellers.
• The initiative extends UPI beyond QR-based merchant payments to online bookings and e-commerce transactions at international tourist destinations.
• UPI is currently accepted in 10 countries, namely Singapore, UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece.
• Uzbekistan is set to become the 11th country to accept UPI following a commercial agreement announced on 30 August 2026 during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan.
• The UPI-based online ticket-booking facility for the Eiffel Tower in France was launched on 26 January 2024.
• The initiative aims to provide Indian travellers with seamless, secure and familiar digital payment facilities, reduce currency-related difficulties and strengthen India's cross-border digital payment connectivity.
• The expansion highlights the growing global acceptance of India's indigenous digital payment infrastructure and supports international digital commerce and tourism.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Coal India Limited Marks 51st Foundation Day with Record Coal Production and Supply in October 2026

• Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, celebrated its 51st Foundation Day on 1 November 2026, marking the occasion with record- breaking achievements in coal production, total coal supply and supply to the power sector during October 2026.
• CIL recorded its highest-ever monthly total coal supply of 70.3 million tonnes (MT) in October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 69.4 MT achieved in March 2026. This represented a 19% year-on-year growth.
• Coal supply to the power sector reached an all-time monthly high of 57.1 MT in October 2026, exceeding the previous record of 56.5 MT recorded in May 2024. The supply registered 19% year-on-year growth.

Key Highlights

• CIL achieved its highest-ever monthly coal production of 67.2 MT in October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 62.47 MT achieved in October 2024. Production also recorded 19% year-on-year growth.
• Railway coal evacuation also registered record performance, with daily rake loading for the power sector reaching 310 rakes per day in October 2026. This exceeded the previous record of 302.8 rakes per day achieved in March 2025.
• Coal India Limited was established on 1 November 1975. With the completion of 51 years, the company entered its 52nd year of service to the nation.
• CIL's annual coal production increased from 79 MT during its first year of operations to 768 MT in Financial Year (FY) 2025–26, representing an almost tenfold increase over five decades.
• The coal production target for FY 2026–27 has been fixed at 815 MT.
• The record performance in October 2026 reflects CIL's focus on increasing coal production, strengthening coal evacuation and ensuring adequate and reliable coal supplies to meet India's growing energy requirements.
• As it enters its 52nd year, CIL remains committed to building on its legacy of growth and transformation and contributing to India's energy security and national development.

About Ministry of Coal:

• Cabinet Minister: G. Kishan Reddy
• Constituency: Secunderabad, Telangana
• Ministers of State (MoS): Satish Chandra Dubey

Department of Posts Releases Commemorative Stamps and Picture Postcards to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

• The Department of Posts released two commemorative postage stamps and a set of picture postcards dedicated to breast cancer awareness during International Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
• The initiative aims to use India’s extensive postal network to spread awareness about breast cancer, early detection and preventive healthcare.
• The stamps were released by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and Director General of Postal Services Manisha Sinha.

Key Highlights

• The initiative was conceptualised and implemented by the Department of Posts, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare providing technical inputs, reference materials and background information for developing the health-related content of the stamps and postcards.
• Srivastava highlighted the importance of women's health in building healthy families and a healthy nation. She referred to the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, conducted from 17 September to 2 October 2025, which focused on women's health through screening and awareness initiatives.
• According to the Union Health Secretary, India recorded more than 2 lakh new breast cancer cases in 2024, with an estimated one in every 29 women at risk of developing the disease.
• The government is addressing the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
• Under the NP-NCD, screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers has been integrated into primary healthcare services across more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• The NP-NCD portal and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs, under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, support accessible health records and continuity of care across healthcare facilities.
• A total of 86.97 crore screenings for oral, breast and cervical cancers have been conducted under the NP-NCD. The breakdown is:
• Oral cancer: 49.02 crore screenings
• Breast cancer: 22.90 crore screenings
• Cervical cancer: 14.05 crore screenings
• Among those screened, 5.50 lakh individuals are currently undergoing treatment:
• Oral cancer: 2.70 lakh patients
• Breast cancer: 1.43 lakh patients
• Cervical cancer: 1.37 lakh patients
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually from 1 to 31 October as an international health campaign to promote early detection, education and support for people affected by breast cancer.

Ministry of Labour and Employment Constitutes National Social Security Boards for Unorganised, Gig and Platform Workers

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the constitution of National Social Security Boards for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020, bringing these categories of workers within a statutory framework for welfare planning and monitoring.
• The boards will recommend suitable social security schemes to the Central Government and monitor the implementation of centrally administered welfare schemes for unorganised, gig and platform workers.

Key Highlights

• The boards will be chaired by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
• Their membership will include representatives from:
• Central and State Governments
• Aggregator companies and employers
• Civil society organisations
• Workers’ unions
• Associations of gig and platform workers
• The initiative aims to address gaps in social security coverage among traditional unorganised workers and individuals engaged through digital platforms.
• The boards will meet at least three times a year and follow the procedures prescribed by the Central Government for conducting their business.
• Their major responsibilities include:
• Recommending suitable social security measures and schemes for the respective categories of workers.
• Advising the Central Government on matters referred to them concerning the administration of the Code on Social Security.
• Monitoring centrally administered welfare schemes.
• Reviewing record-keeping functions at the State level.
• Examining expenditure from the relevant fund and accounts.
• Performing other functions assigned by the Central Government from time to time.

About Ministry of Labour and Employment:

• Cabinet Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya
• Constituency: Gujarat
• Ministers of State (MoS): Shobha Karandlaje

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu Expected to Cross South Andhra Pradesh Coast on 3 November 2026

• A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone named Murasu on 1 November 2026. The name Murasu means “war drum”.
• The system is moving west-northwestwards and is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal before crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
• The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the morning of 3 November 2026, between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kmph.
• The cyclone developed after Cyclone Arnab, as another weather system over the Bay of Bengal intensified and moved towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast.

Key Highlights

• Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema on 2–3 November, while Telangana is expected to receive heavy rainfall on 3 November. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during the following three days.
• The Odisha government expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas on 2 November 2026 after the cyclone intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, according to officials.
• An orange alert was issued for six districts and a yellow alert for five districts in Telangana for 2 November 2026.
• The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority urged people to remain alert and follow official advisories.
• Due to the cyclone, 11 flights arriving at and departing from Chennai Airport and 10 IndiGo flights scheduled to operate from Gannavaram Airport were cancelled on 2 November 2026.
• The District Collectors of Chennai and Tiruvallur announced the closure of schools and colleges in their respective districts on 2 November 2026 due to heavy rainfall.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Chief Minister: Joseph Vijay
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
• Capital: Chennai
• National Parks: Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Palani Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Shri Amit Shah Presents President’s Colour to Chandigarh Police on Its 60th Raising Day

• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colour to the Chandigarh Police during its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the Police Lines in Chandigarh.
• The honour recognises the force’s contributions to maintaining law and order, combating terrorism and ensuring regional security.
• He highlighted Chandigarh’s administrative significance, noting that since 1 November 1966, it has served as a Union Territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

Key Highlights

• Chandigarh also houses the constitutional institutions of both states, along with their respective Chief Ministers and senior government officials.
• The Home Minister appreciated the coordination between the Chandigarh Police and the police forces of Punjab and Haryana in maintaining security across the tri-city region.
• The Chandigarh Police has more than 6,000 personnel serving in different wings, including:
• Crime Wing
• Operations Cell
• Security Wing
• Traffic Police
• Police Control Room (PCR)
• Shah stated that the Chandigarh Police had performed its duties effectively and established benchmarks for police forces across the country.
• Earlier, the Home Minister shared a message on X, marking 60 years of the Chandigarh Police's dedication, discipline and public service. He also shared the live proceedings of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

About Haryana:

• Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
• Governor: Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhindawas Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Morni Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary

About Punjab:

• Chief Minister: Bhagwant Singh Mann
• Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Abohar National Park, Harike Wetland National Park, Jhajjar Bacholi National Park, Bir Moti Bagh National Park, Bir Bhadson National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Harike Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathlaur-Kushlian Wildlife Sanctuary, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhajjar Bacholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Takhni-Rehampur Wildlife Sanctuary

1^st November – Formation Day of Eight States and Five Union Territories Highlights India’s Federal Evolution

• 1^st November marks the formation day of eight Indian states and five Union Territories, reflecting the evolution of India's federal structure through linguistic identities, historical developments and regional aspirations.
• The eight states observing their formation day on 1 November are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

• The five Union Territories are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
• Evolution of Southern States from the Madras Presidency:
• The erstwhile Madras Presidency under British rule covered territories that now form parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka, besides parts of Odisha, Telangana and other neighbouring states. Its boundaries changed over time.
• Andhra Pradesh: The Telugu-speaking districts were separated from Madras State, leading to the formation of Andhra State on 1 October 1953. On 1 November 1956, Andhra State was merged with the Telugu-speaking Telangana region of the erstwhile Hyderabad State under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, forming Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad became its capital.
• Karnataka: Kannada-speaking regions from the former princely state of Mysore and neighbouring administrative units were brought together to form Mysore State on 1 November 1956. It was renamed Karnataka in 1973.
• Kerala: It was formed on 1 November 1956 by merging Travancore-Cochin with the Malabar district of Madras State and the Kasaragod area, consolidating Malayalam-speaking regions.
• Tamil Nadu: The Tamil-speaking Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969, formally recognising its Tamil identity.
• Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
• Telangana became India's 29th state on 2 June 2014, following a prolonged movement for separate statehood.
• The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 provided for the creation of Telangana.
• Hyderabad was designated as the common capital of Telangana and the residuary Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding 10 years. This transitional period ended in June 2024, leaving Hyderabad as Telangana's capital.
• Andhra Pradesh has pursued the development of Amaravati as its capital.
• Formation of Haryana, Punjab and Chhattisgarh:
• Haryana: Formed on 1 November 1966 after being carved out of Punjab on linguistic grounds, following the recommendations for the reorganisation of Punjab. The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 also made Chandigarh a Union Territory and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Haryana has developed a distinct identity in agriculture, manufacturing, sports and the National Capital Region.
• Chhattisgarh: Became India's 26th state on 1 November 2000, following its separation from Madhya Pradesh. The demand for statehood was associated with its distinct cultural traditions, tribal population, natural resources and aspirations for more responsive administration.
• Madhya Pradesh: It was substantially reorganised under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, bringing together Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, Bhopal and the Mahakoshal region. The resulting state represents diverse historical traditions, tribal communities and linguistic influences.
• Five Union Territories and their distinct features:
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep: Reflect India's island geography and maritime interests.
• Chandigarh: A planned city and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
• Delhi: The national capital with an elected government and constitutionally defined administrative arrangements.
• Puducherry: Reflects the historical legacy of former French settlements in India.
• Continuing demands for separate states: Demands for the creation of new states continue in regions such as:
• Vidarbha in Maharashtra.
• Gorkhaland in West Bengal.
• Mithilanchal in Bihar.
• Koshalanchal in western Odisha.
• Bundelkhand, covering parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• In November 2011, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, under the then Chief Minister Mayawati, passed a resolution proposing the division of Uttar Pradesh into four states: Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Avadh Pradesh and Paschim Pradesh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World Bank Report Highlights India’s Rapid Poverty Reduction, with Extreme Poverty Falling to 2.6% in 2023

• The World Bank (WB) released its latest report titled “India Poverty and Equity Brief: October 2026”, highlighting India's significant progress in poverty reduction.
• India's extreme poverty rate declined from 1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023, marking one of the fastest poverty reductions globally over the 12-year period.
• According to the report, approximately 496 million people moved above the Lower-Middle-Income Country (LMIC) poverty threshold of USD 4.20 per day, measured using 2021 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
• The decline in poverty was mainly attributed to robust consumption growth, improved employment opportunities, particularly for women, and expanded social transfers, including food subsidies.
• The proportion of India's population living below the LMIC poverty line of USD 4.20 per day declined from 7% to 16.1% during the period covered by the report.
• The World Bank projected that poverty at the USD 4.20 per day threshold could decline from 2% in 2026 to 12.1% by 2028, although the pace of reduction is expected to slow.
• India's non-monetary poverty, measured through the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), declined from 8% in 2005–06 to 16.4% in 2019–21.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Jatin Kumar Nayak Takes Charge as Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency

• Jatin Kumar Nayak has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) through an order issued by the MNRE.
• He succeeded Bijay Kumar Mohanty, who was holding the additional charge of CMD of IREDA.
• Jatin Kumar Nayak has over three decades of experience in the power sector and resource-intensive industries, including mining and metals.
• Before his appointment, he served as Executive Director (Finance) at REC Limited, formerly known as Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power (MoP).
• Earlier in his career, he worked with NHPC, Hindustan Copper, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited.

About IREDA :

• It is a public-sector financial institution that provides financial assistance for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects.
• Established : 1987 and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Dinesh V. Ganvir Assumes Office as 55th Geological Survey of India Director General, Prioritises Mineral Security and Scientific Advancement

• Shri 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, Government of India.

About Shri Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir :

• He brings more than three decades of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration, engineering geology and institutional leadership.
• He joined the Geological Survey of India on 1 July 1994, after completing his Master’s degree in Geology from RTMNU University, Nagpur.
• During his career spanning over 32 years, he served in the Central Region, North-Eastern Region and Northern Region of GSI.
• Before becoming Director General, he served as Additional Director General and Head of Department, Central Region, Nagpur, and also held the additional charge of National Mission Head-II.
• His major scientific contributions include thematic mapping in the Western Bastar Craton and gold and diamond exploration in the Sakoli Fold Belt of Maharashtra.
• He also contributed to geoscientific studies related to the conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Ellora Caves.
• He represented GSI at several international forums, including the India–Peru Joint Working Group, the Russia–India Mining Sub-Group and IMARC 2022 in Australia.
• As National Mission Head-II, he was associated with planning and monitoring multidisciplinary field programmes and nationwide mineral exploration.
• Under his leadership, investigations into critical and strategic minerals increased fivefold, strengthening India's mineral exploration efforts.
• During his tenure, GSI facilitated the handover of 359 Geological Reports and 377 Geological Memorandums for mineral exploration and resource development.
• Of the blocks handed over, 202 blocks pertained to critical minerals, of which 40 blocks were successfully auctioned.
• Under the Exploration Licence (EL) regime, 56 blocks were handed over, of which 11 blocks were auctioned under Tranche I and II.
• His key priority as Director General is to intensify exploration for critical and strategic minerals through integrated geoscientific investigations and advanced mineral prospectivity mapping.
• He will focus on generating scientifically robust, auction-ready mineral blocks to strengthen India's mineral security, reduce import dependence and support Atmanirbhar Bharat.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI) :

• Formed : 4 March 1851
• Headquarters : Kolkata
• It was the second survey agency to be established in British India after the Survey of India (founded in 1767).

About Ministry of Mines :

• Cabinet Minister : G. Kishan Reddy
• Minister of State : Satish Chandra Dubey

Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal Assumes Charge as Head of Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command

• Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, AVSM, VM assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 1 November 2026.
• He was commissioned into the flying branch of the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on 14 June 1989.
• He has accumulated over 3,200 hours of flying experience on various 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 (NDA) and the National Defence College (NDC).
• During his career, he served as Air Officer Commanding of two flying bases and Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron.
• He served as the Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Pakistan.
• He also held the position of Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air Headquarters.
• Before assuming charge as AOC-in-C of the Eastern Air Command, he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters South Western Air Command (SWAC).
• In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vayu Sena Medal (VM).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Prashant Chaudhary Wins Fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development

• Prashant Chaudhary, a technology educator from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, won the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development.
• Former Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant presented the award to Chaudhary in New Delhi on 31 October 2026.
• The prize carries a cash award of ₹10 lakh, along with a citation and trophy. A jury comprising members from civil society, academia and government selected the winner.

Key Highlights

• Chaudhary is the founder of the CodeYogi Foundation, which aims to equip underserved young people in India with practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology skills.
• Chaudhary graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, in 2010 and began teaching technology to students in villages. He was the first person from his village near Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to enter an IIT. He started expanding the initiative in 2020.
• The foundation's 30-day applied AI fluency programme provides students with practical experience in using AI tools for educational purposes and family-related tasks.
• The CodeYogi platform operates through family smartphones and in Indian languages, without requiring computers, laboratories, English-language proficiency or trained teachers.
• Over the preceding three years, the initiative has reached more than 3.5 lakh students across nine states and 120 districts.

About the Rohini Nayyar Prize:

• Instituted in 2022 by the Nayyar Foundation in memory of Dr Rohini Nayyar, a scholar-administrator and activist associated with rural development.
• It is awarded annually to individuals below 40 years of age for their contributions to rural development and social and economic progress.

Prasar Bharati Engineer Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh Wins Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026

• Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh, an engineer from Prasar Bharati, won the prestigious Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026 for his contributions to broadcast technology and innovation.
• His notable innovations include:
• DDPlayout: An indigenous automated playout software adopted by multiple Doordarshan Kendras.
• DDSlowMo: A cost-effective slow-motion replay system used during national-level sporting events.

Key Highlights

• The award was presented by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), a regional organisation comprising approximately 224 broadcasting and media organisations across 66 countries.
• The 63rd ABU General Assembly and Associated Meetings are being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 30 October to 3 November 2026.
• The five-day gathering brings together broadcasters, media leaders, engineers and industry experts for technical, programme and sports group meetings. It also includes the Broadcasting for All Forum, Media Leaders’ Forum and Super Panel.
• The assembly is being held under the theme “Media for Peace and Humanity: Truth, Trust, and Transformation”.
• The event provides a platform for discussions on broadcasting innovation, emerging technologies and the future of the media industry.
• The award recognises India's contribution to broadcast engineering excellence and technological innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

BIMSTEC Conducts First-Ever Maritime Security Exercise to Strengthen Cooperation Among Seven Member Nations

• The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from 30 October to 3 November 2026 to strengthen maritime cooperation among the seven member countries.
• BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
• The seven BIMSTEC member countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• The exercise aims to improve maritime security, interoperability, maritime domain awareness, operational coordination and the exchange of best practices among member states.
• The exercise builds on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 4 April 2025, under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”.
• The summit adopted Bangkok Vision 2030, BIMSTEC’s first vision document, which provides a roadmap for regional cooperation.
• The exercise reflects BIMSTEC’s commitment to “Translating Vision to Action” and the shared principle of “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”.
• The Bay of Bengal is strategically important because it connects South Asia and South-East Asia and supports regional trade, maritime connectivity, energy security and economic growth.
• The exercise seeks to promote a secure, open and inclusive maritime domain through stronger regional cooperation and coordination.
• The exercise highlights the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), which is India’s first integrated tri-service command.
• The ANC became operational on 8 October 2001 and brings together elements of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard under an integrated command structure.
• The ANC plays an important role in maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue (SAR) and regional maritime engagement.
• The BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation was signed in Bangkok on 3 April 2025 to strengthen maritime partnerships and regional connectivity.
• The 6th BIMSTEC Summit also included a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to broaden regional cooperation.
• The Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement focuses on the movement of goods and people, while the Maritime Security Exercise focuses on operational coordination and shared maritime security challenges.
• The exercise provides a practical platform for strengthening regional solidarity, maritime cooperation and security among all seven BIMSTEC countries.

INS Trishul Makes Port Call at Souda Bay in Greece During Mediterranean Deployment

• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul visited Souda Bay, Greece, on 31 October 2026, during its ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
• The port call aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and professional ties between the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy (Greek Navy).
• The crew will participate in professional discussions, cross-deck visits, cultural exchanges and interactions with senior officials of the Hellenic Navy and the Indian Embassy in Athens.
• The crew will also familiarise themselves with facilities at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay and the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC).
• The ship’s crew will pay homage at the Souda Bay War Cemetery.
• INS Trishul will remain open to visitors during the port call.
• The visit is intended to further strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and professional linkages between India and Greece.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Space Research Organisation Successfully Places NVS-03 Navigation Satellite into Orbit Using Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F18 from Sriharikota

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NVS-03 next-generation navigation satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) on 30 October 2026.
• The satellite was launched from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Highlights :

• The GSLV-F18 mission marked the 20th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• The 2,250-kg NVS-03 satellite successfully separated from the launch vehicle and reached its intended elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) after approximately 18 minutes of flight.
• NVS-03 is the third satellite in ISRO's second-generation navigation satellite series, developed to ensure continuity, improve availability and enhance the capabilities of India's indigenous NavIC navigation system.
• The successful launch restored India's indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites.
• NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock, along with procured atomic clocks, to provide precise timing for navigation services.
• The satellite introduces the L1 navigation signal alongside the existing L5 and S-band signals, improving compatibility with navigation receivers.
• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is also known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and provides independent Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services across India and an area extending up to 1,500 km beyond India's borders.
• NavIC is designed around a constellation of seven satellites, comprising three satellites in geostationary orbit and four satellites in inclined geosynchronous orbit.
• NavIC provides two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic users.
• ISRO plans to launch NVS-04 within five months and NVS-05 within ten months to further strengthen India's navigation satellite constellation.
• NavIC also supports India's efforts to establish reliable Indian Standard Time (IST) infrastructure and implement the 'One Nation, One Time' initiative.
• NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with signals from other global navigation satellite systems, including GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union) and BeiDou (China).
• Thomas Kurian served as the GSLV Project Director and Mission Director for the GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre Awards Seed Grants of Up to ₹1 Crore Each to Six Private Space-Sector Companies Under AI INSPIRED Programme

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), under the Department of Space (DoS), selected six private space-sector companies for seed-fund grants of up to ₹1 crore each under its AI INSPIRED programme.
• AI INSPIRED stands for AI for INnovating Space Performance with Intelligent Resilient Engines Development and aims to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solutions in the Indian space sector.
• The programme has a total funding outlay of up to ₹6 crore and supports start-ups and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in developing indigenous AI-based space technologies.
• The programme focuses on three key areas: Edge Intelligence in Orbit, Space for Earth Intelligence and Smart Access to Space.
• The six selected companies and their respective areas of work are:

1. Agnikul Cosmos was selected for developing AI-based precision landing solutions.
2. Digantara was selected for space object evaluation and space surveillance.
3. EON Space Labs was selected for space debris detection.
4. OrbitAid Aerospace was selected for satellite servicing and refuelling technologies.
5. Omnipresent Robot Technologies was selected for automated target recognition for defence and docking.
6. TakeMeToSpace was selected for AI-based spacecraft autonomy and control.

• The programme aims to support advanced space technologies such as precision landing, space surveillance, space debris detection and spacecraft autonomy.

About IN-SPACe : 

• Established : 24 June 2020 as a single-window autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DoS).
• Headquarters : Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Chaired by : Pawan Goenka.

24-Year X-ray Study Uncovers the Mystery Behind One of the Brightest X-ray Sources in Nearby Galaxies

• Astronomers investigated the changing X-ray behaviour of NGC 4490 ULX-8, one of the brightest Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (ULXs) in a nearby galaxy, using observations collected over 24 years.
• Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (ULXs) are extremely bright X-ray emitters found in nearby galaxies, excluding the emission from the supermassive black holes located at their centres.
• ULXs are believed to be powered by compact objects such as neutron stars or black holes that attract matter from a companion star through a process known as accretion.
• As the matter falls towards the compact object, it becomes extremely hot and releases intense X-ray radiation.
• ULXs can appear brighter than the maximum luminosity predicted by the Eddington limit, which describes the balance between the inward gravitational force and the outward pressure of radiation.
• Understanding the compact objects powering ULXs is important for studying super-Eddington accretion, powerful gas outflows and the growth of compact objects in extreme environments.
• A research team from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI), both autonomous institutes under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with researchers from other institutions, studied the long-term X-ray variations of ULX-8.
• The study found that ULX-8 remained exceptionally luminous throughout the 24-year observation period, although its brightness varied considerably.
• Despite changes in brightness, ULX-8 showed no evidence of dramatic transitions between different accretion states, which are commonly observed in many black hole X-ray binaries.
• The findings indicate that ULX-8 maintains a persistently active ultraluminous accretion flow, suggesting stable extreme accretion conditions.
• The study provides strong evidence that ULX-8 is powered by a black hole that accretes matter at rates exceeding the classical Eddington limit.
• The results suggest that ULX-8 is most likely powered by a stellar-mass black hole accreting matter at or near the Eddington limit, making it an important laboratory for studying extreme mass accretion and energy generation.
• Future observations using the European Space Agency’s (ESA) NewAthena mission and India’s proposed next-generation timing and spectroscopy mission XSat are expected to improve the study of ULXs.
• NewAthena and XSat will provide improved sensitivity and monitoring capabilities to investigate the evolution of ULXs and the physics of super-Eddington accretion.
• The study was authored by Tarang Vashisht (IISER Mohali), Aru Beri (IIA) and researchers from the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI).
• The research was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest Formula One World Champion at 20

• Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One (F1) World Drivers’ Champion in history at the age of 20, securing his maiden title after finishing third at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix.
• Antonelli achieved the milestone in only his second season in Formula One. He joined Mercedes in 2025, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Key Highlights

• He broke the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who won his first F1 world championship in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
• Antonelli’s victory ended Italy’s 73-year wait for another Italian Formula One world champion. Italy had produced three of the first four F1 champions:
• Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina won the inaugural championship with Alfa Romeo in 1950.
• Alberto Ascari secured consecutive championships with Ferrari in 1952 and 1953.
• After an inconsistent rookie season, Antonelli secured his maiden F1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in March 2026, followed by a remarkable run of five consecutive victories, which helped him establish and retain the championship lead.
• His other notable victories included the Belgian Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix.
• At the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Antonelli started from 19th on the grid and won the race. He became the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
• His Mercedes teammate George Russell, who won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, had entered the season as a leading championship favourite but was increasingly overshadowed by Antonelli as the season progressed.
• Antonelli’s championship marked the crowning of a first-time Formula One world champion for the second consecutive season, following Lando Norris of McLaren in 2025.
• At the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, Antonelli finished third behind Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who won the race, and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, who finished second.
• Antonelli needed to finish ninth or higher in the Mexico City Grand Prix to secure the championship. His third-place finish confirmed the title with four races remaining in the season.
• He became the 36th different driver to win the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship. Among the previous 35 champions, 18 had won the title once, while 17 had secured at least one additional championship.

India Wins Both Men’s and Women’s Gold Medals at Inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad

• The Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams won gold medals at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Key Highlights

• The Indian men’s team defeated Sri Lanka 54–20 in the final to secure the gold medal.
• The Indian women’s team also clinched gold after defeating Uganda 35–15 in the final.
• With these victories, both Indian teams became champions of the maiden edition of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, winning the titles on home soil.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Veteran BJP Leader and Former Rajya Sabha MP Ravindra Kishore Sinha Passed away at 75

• Ravindra Kishore Sinha (R.K. Sinha), a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 75 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• He was born on 22 September 1951 in Bahiyara village, Bhojpur district, Bihar.
• He began his professional career as a journalist with a Hindi newspaper and worked as a war correspondent during the 1971 India–Pakistan War.
• In 1974, he founded Security and Intelligence Services (SIS), a private security company that provided employment opportunities to retired defence personnel, particularly ex-servicemen.
• SIS later expanded its operations into security services and business support services and became one of India's largest private security firms.
• Sinha was ideologically influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from his student days and was counted among the founding members of the BJP.
• He served on the BJP National Executive Committee and was among the party’s early members.
• He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar in 2014 and served as a Member of Parliament until 9 April 2020.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Vegan Day 2026 Observed on 1 November to Promote Veganism

• World Vegan Day is observed annually on 1 November to promote veganism and encourage people to adopt a vegan lifestyle.
• The date marks the anniversary of the establishment of The Vegan Society in 1944.
• The organisation was founded by Donald Watson, who coined the term “vegan” in 1944.
• The source also mentions Louise Wallis in connection with the Society’s formation; however, this attribution requires verification.
• The term “vegan” was coined by Donald Watson and his wife Dorothy Morgan in 1944, according to the source.
• The observance aims to promote vegan diets and lifestyles worldwide and increase the number of people adopting vegan practices.
• The date of 1 November is also described as falling between Halloween (31 October) and All Saints’ Day (1 November), giving the observance additional significance.
• The Vegan Society marked its 50th anniversary in 1994, commemorating its establishment in 1944.
• The three commonly described categories of vegans are:
• Dietary Vegans: People who avoid animal-derived food products, including meat, dairy products and other animal-based foods.
• Ethical Vegans: People who avoid animal exploitation and promote vegan principles across different areas of life.
• Environmental Vegans: People who avoid animal products because of concerns about the environmental impact of animal agriculture, including industrial animal farming, which they consider environmentally damaging and unsustainable.

Daily CA One- Liner: 3^rd November

• Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, celebrated its 51st Foundation Day on 1 November 2026, marking the occasion with record- breaking achievements in coal production, total coal supply and supply to the power sector during October 2026
• The Department of Posts released two commemorative postage stamps and a set of picture postcards dedicated to breast cancer awareness during International Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the constitution of National Social Security Boards for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020, bringing these categories of workers within a statutory framework for welfare planning and monitoring
• A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone named Murasu on 1 November 2026. The name Murasu means “war drum”.
• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colour to the Chandigarh Police during its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the Police Lines in Chandigarh
• 1^st November marks the formation day of eight Indian states and five Union Territories, reflecting the evolution of India's federal structure through linguistic identities, historical developments and regional aspirations
• Prashant Chaudhary, a technology educator from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, won the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development
• Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh, an engineer from Prasar Bharati, won the prestigious Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026 for his contributions to broadcast technology and innovation
• Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One (F1) World Drivers’ Champion in history at the age of 20, securing his maiden title after finishing third at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix
• The Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams won gold medals at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• World Vegan Day is observed annually on 1 November to promote veganism and encourage people to adopt a vegan lifestyle.
• India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections increased by approximately 23% year-on-year (YoY) to over ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, recording the second-highest monthly collection since the introduction of GST.
• Upstox (Upstox Securities Private Limited) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to operate as an Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP).
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 139.55 million loan for the Puducherry Integrated Urban Livability Improvement Project (PIULIP).
• The Government of India extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports by two months, until 31 December 2026, to ensure adequate raw cotton availability for the domestic textile industry.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) on 30 October 2026 for multiple regulatory and compliance violations.
• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for online bookings at major tourist attractions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore.
• The World Bank (WB) released its latest report titled “India Poverty and Equity Brief: October 2026”, highlighting India's significant progress in poverty reduction.
• Jatin Kumar Nayak has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Shri 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, Government of India.
• Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, AVSM, VM assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 1 November 2026.
• The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from 30 October to 3 November 2026 to strengthen maritime cooperation among the seven member countries.
• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul visited Souda Bay, Greece, on 31 October 2026, during its ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NVS-03 next-generation navigation satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F18) on 30 October 2026.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), under the Department of Space (DoS), selected six private space-sector companies for seed-fund grants of up to ₹1 crore each under its AI INSPIRED programme.
• Astronomers investigated the changing X-ray behaviour of NGC 4490 ULX-8, one of the brightest Ultraluminous X-ray Sources (ULXs) in a nearby galaxy, using observations collected over 24 years.
• Ravindra Kishore Sinha (R.K. Sinha), a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 75 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.