Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (10th November, 2026) |

National News

India Becomes World’s Third-Largest Startup Ecosystem with 2.62 Lakh Recognised Startups

India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2.62 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups and more than 25 lakh jobs generated up to October 2026.
During FY 2025–26, over 55,200 startups received recognition, the highest number in a single financial year since the launch of Startup India. Startup recognition grew by 51.6%, while direct employment increased by 36.1%.
As of March 2026, over 1.07 lakh recognised startups (around 48%) had at least one woman director or partner. Nearly 52% of startups originated from non-metropolitan cities.
The Startup India initiative, launched on 16 January 2016, supports entrepreneurship through funding, incubation, mentorship and regulatory assistance.
Major supporting schemes include the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Atal Innovation Mission, PMEGP and MUDRA.
Key Fact: The original Fund of Funds for Startups has an allocation of ₹10,000 crore, while the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme has an allocation of ₹945 crore.

State News

Amit Shah Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹1,400 Crore in Ahmedabad, Announces Drug-Free Gujarat Push

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹1,400 crore in Ahmedabad on 9 November 2026. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the programme.
Around ₹1,024 crore of the projects are associated with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
The Ramapir No Tekro slum rehabilitation project aims to provide permanent housing and is expected to benefit more than 55,000 people, along with educational, healthcare and recreational facilities.
Major infrastructure works include two primary schools, smart schools, a drainage pump house in Bopal-Ghuma, the 4-km ISKCON overbridge and the Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant.
Shah called for Gujarat to become drug-free by 31 December 2028, one year ahead of India’s national target of 31 December 2029.
Key Fact: Drug-related information can be reported through helpline 1033. A control room is scheduled to become operational on 1 December 2026, with action to be initiated within three hours of receiving information.

Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹4,708.64-Crore Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project at Ranibahal in Kalahandi district.
The project has an estimated cost of ₹4,708.64 crore and is targeted for commissioning in FY 2030–31.
Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Limited (OHPC) will implement the project, while Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) has been selected as the EPC contractor.
It is expected to generate around 1,040 million units of electricity annually during peak hours. Pumped storage technology helps balance electricity supply by storing surplus power and releasing it during peak demand.
The Cabinet also approved unlimited attempts for the Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCS) until candidates reach the prescribed upper age limit.
Key Fact: Under Odisha Shikshanet, ₹393.62 crore has been approved to provide free campus Wi-Fi in 601 government and aided colleges, with up to 1 GB of free internet data daily for students.

Delhi Launches First Yamuna River Cruise Service: Route, National Waterway-110 and Key Details

Delhi launched its first recreational river cruise service, Namo Yamuna River Safari, on 10 November 2026.
The service operates along the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna River and covers approximately 6 km as a round trip.
The cruise uses electric-powered vessels to promote cleaner inland water transport and river-based tourism.
The initiative is led by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in collaboration with the Delhi Government.
Project partners include the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Jal Board and Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
Key Fact: The Yamuna is designated as National Waterway-110 (NW-110) under the National Waterways Act, 2016, covering approximately 1,080 km between Jagatpur in Delhi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

International News

US to Become First Country to Fully Skip UN Human Rights Council Review

The United States is set to become the first country to completely skip its scheduled Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The review was scheduled for 10 November 2026. The Trump administration declined to send a national delegation, questioning the Council’s credibility.
The US withdrew from the Human Rights Council in 2025, citing alleged anti-US and anti-Israel bias.
Established in 2006, the UPR examines the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. Each country undergoes a review once every four and a half years.
The review process includes national reports, assessment of UN and civil society information, interactive dialogue, recommendations and follow-up.
Key Fact: The UN Human Rights Council was established on 15 March 2006, is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has 47 members elected by the UN General Assembly.

Bill in US Congress to recognise Diwali as federal holiday

US lawmakers led by Grace Meng have reintroduced the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives to recognise Diwali as a federal holiday.
The bill has the support of 19 lawmakers, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, along with several South Asian, Southeast Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.
The legislation highlights Diwali’s message of the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, while promoting cultural inclusion.
If passed by Congress, Diwali would become the 12th federally recognised holiday in the United States, providing a day off to eligible federal government employees.
Key Fact: Grace Meng is also the author of the Lunar New Year Day Act.

China’s Trade Surplus Tops $1 Trillion for Second Consecutive Year

China’s goods trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion between January and October 2026, putting it on course to surpass its 2025 record of $1.2 trillion.
According to China’s General Administration of Customs, exports in October 2026 stood at $412.3 billion, while imports reached $307.1 billion.
October exports grew by 35.2% year-on-year and imports by 41.6%. The monthly trade surplus was $105.3 billion, compared with $133.5 billion in September.
Strong overseas demand for electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, computer chips and data-centre equipment supported export growth.
The widening surplus has increased trade tensions with major partners, particularly the United States and the European Union. Trade relations were expected to be discussed at the APEC Leaders’ Summit in Shenzhen on 18–19 November 2026.
Key Fact: China’s economic growth target for 2026 is 4.5%–5%, compared with 5% growth in 2025.

Awards News

British author M. John Harrison, 81, wins 2026 Booker Prize

British author M. John Harrison won the 2026 Booker Prize on 9 November 2026 for his dystopian novel The End of Everything.
At 81, he became the oldest winner in the history of the award, surpassing Margaret Atwood, who was 79 when she jointly won in 2019.
Harrison received the £50,000 prize at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate, London. The award was presented by 2025 winner David Szalay.
The End of Everything is Harrison’s 13th novel, published by Serpent’s Tail, an imprint of Profile Books. The 198-page novel is set on England’s Kent coast after a mysterious catastrophe.
The judging panel, chaired by historian and broadcaster Mary Beard, unanimously selected the novel from 163 submissions. Harrison became the first author primarily associated with science fiction to win the Booker Prize.
Key Fact: The Booker Prize was established in 1969 and recognises outstanding fiction written in English and published in the UK or Ireland.

Indian Students Win Five Medals at 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors 2026

India won five medals—two gold, two silver and one bronze—at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr) 2026.
The competition was held from 1–8 November 2026 in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, with participants from 25 countries.
Gold medals were won by Siddharth Laxmisha of Puducherry and Swara Srujal Patel of Gujarat. Aarna Chaplot and Krish Bhaskar of Rajasthan won silver medals.
Akshara Gulab Ambone of Maharashtra secured the bronze medal. The competition featured 104 students and was designed for students below 16 years of age.
The event included theoretical examinations, daytime observations, night-sky observations and astronomy-related activities.
Key Fact: India’s participation and preparation were facilitated by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture through its Junior Astronomy Olympiad programme.

Books & Authors News

Sonia Gandhi Releases Memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love was scheduled for worldwide publication on 10 November 2026.
The book is published in India by HarperCollins India. Alfred A. Knopf is publishing the US edition, while William Collins is publishing the UK edition.
The memoir traces Sonia Gandhi’s journey from her childhood in Italy’s Veneto region to her life in India.
It recounts her meeting with Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, England, in 1965, when she was 19, and their marriage in 1968.
The book also covers major personal events, including the deaths of Sanjay Gandhi (1980), Indira Gandhi (1984) and Rajiv Gandhi (1991), along with her political journey.
Key Fact: Sonia Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress in 1997 and became its president in 1998.

Defense News

Oman-India Joint Naval Exercise “Sea Breeze 2026” Begins

The India-Oman bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr 2026 began on 9 November 2026 in the Al Batinah maritime area of Oman and will continue until 12 November.
The exercise involves ships from the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. Its 15th edition includes harbour and sea phases.
Initiated in 1993, the exercise strengthens the strategic and maritime partnership between India and Oman.
INS Surat arrived at Muscat to participate in the exercise. Activities include naval manoeuvres, professional exchanges and cross-deck visits.
The sea phase includes gun firing at surface targets, anti-aircraft firing, manoeuvres and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS). INS Trikand’s helicopter also conducted cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment with RNOV Al Seeb.
Key Fact: Oman was the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to conduct bilateral naval exercises with India.

Sports News

Craig Ervine Becomes Third-Oldest Test Double-Centurion After Unbeaten 206 Against Afghanistan

Zimbabwe batter Craig Ervine scored an unbeaten 206 off 279 balls against Afghanistan in the first Test at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE, on 9 November 2026.
At 41 years and 82 days, he became the third-oldest player in Test cricket history to score a double-century.
Ervine became the first batter aged over 40 to score a Test double-century since England’s Graham Gooch, who scored 210 against New Zealand in 1994.
He also became the oldest Zimbabwean to score a Test century and crossed 2,000 Test runs.
Ervine shared an unbeaten 208-run sixth-wicket partnership with Wessly Madhevere, who scored his maiden Test century with 100 not out.
Key Fact: The two older Test double-centurions are Eric Rowan (42 years, 6 days) and Jack Hobbs (41 years, 195 days).

Important Days News

World Science Day for Peace and Development 2026: Theme, History and Significance

World Science Day for Peace and Development is observed every year on 10 November under the leadership of UNESCO.
The idea emerged from the 1999 World Conference on Science held in Budapest, Hungary. UNESCO proclaimed the observance in 2001, and the first worldwide celebration took place in 2002.
The 2026 theme is “Common ground through science diplomacy”, highlighting scientific cooperation and dialogue to address shared global challenges.
UNESCO uses the observance to promote public awareness of science, international cooperation and scientific development.
On 10 November 2026, WHO is launching the global initiative Together for Science and Health to strengthen the use of scientific evidence in policymaking and public trust in science.
Key Fact: The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development covers 2024–2033 and was declared by the UN General Assembly in August 2023.

World Immunization Day 2026: Date, Importance, India’s Universal Immunization Programme and Vaccination Schedule

World Immunization Day is observed in India on 10 November to highlight the importance of vaccination, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Immunization develops protection against infectious diseases, usually through vaccination. Vaccines train the immune system to recognise pathogens and reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
According to WHO, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past 50 years and protect against over 30 life-threatening diseases and infections.
India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides vaccines against 12 major vaccine-preventable diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles and rubella.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination is also provided in identified endemic districts. The programme includes vaccines such as BCG, OPV, IPV, pentavalent, MR, rotavirus and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
Key Fact: World Immunization Day is distinct from World Immunization Week, observed by WHO from 24–30 April.

Gujarati New Year 2026: Bestu Varas Celebrated on 10 November

Gujarati New Year, popularly known as Bestu Varas, was celebrated on 10 November 2026, marking the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083.
It falls on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, known in Gujarati as Kartak Sud Ekam, and is observed two days after Diwali.
According to the Ahmedabad Panchang, Pratipada began at approximately 12:31 PM on 9 November and ended at 2:00 PM on 10 November.
Bestu Varas follows the Kartikadi calendar tradition, under which the new year begins in Kartik rather than Chaitra. Celebrations include prayers, temple visits and family gatherings.
Chopda Pujan is an important business tradition during Diwali Lakshmi Puja, when traders worship new account books and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati.
Key Fact: Businesses traditionally resume operations on Labh Pancham, which falls on 14 November 2026.

World Freedom Day 2026: Date, History, Significance and the Fall of the Berlin Wall

World Freedom Day was observed on 9 November 2026. It is an annual US observance proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2001.
The day commemorates the opening of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, which had divided East and West Berlin since 1961.
After the Second World War, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union.
In 1949, this division led to the formation of West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) and East Germany (German Democratic Republic).
The fall of the Berlin Wall followed public protests in East Germany, political reforms under Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and democratic movements across Eastern Europe.
Key Fact: The opening of the Berlin Wall paved the way for German reunification on 3 October 1990. World Freedom Day is a US observance, not an official UN international day.

Govardhan Puja 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Significance and Rituals

Govardhan Puja 2026 was celebrated on 10 November, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. It is also known as Annakut and is generally observed after Diwali.
The festival commemorates the episode in which Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people and cattle of Braj from heavy rainfall sent by Lord Indra.
Krishna encouraged the people of Gokul to worship Govardhan Hill and nature instead of Indra.
Major rituals include preparing a symbolic Govardhan Hill using cow dung or clay, decorating it with flowers and leaves, and offering vegetarian dishes, sweets, fruits and grains.
Devotees perform Govardhan Parikrama and Gau Puja, worshipping cows and bulls with flowers and tilak and offering them fodder.
Key Fact: The Annakut offering symbolises abundance and gratitude for food and agricultural produce.

Obituaries News

Pandit Manilal Nag: Sitar Maestro and Exponent of Bishnupur Gharana Dies at 87

Renowned sitar player Pandit Manilal Nag passed away in Kolkata on 9 November 2026 at the age of 87.
Born on 16 August 1939 in Bankura district, West Bengal, he received his initial sitar training from his father, Gokul Nag, and made his concert debut in 1954.
He was a leading exponent of the Bishnupur gharana, a tradition of Hindustani classical music associated with Bankura district.
Nag received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001, becoming the first musician from the Bishnupur gharana to receive the award.
His other honours included Alauddin Purashkar (2012), Banga Bibhushan (2015) and Padma Shri (2020).
Key Fact: The Bishnupur gharana is known for its Dhrupad-based style and developed under the patronage of the Malla rulers.