Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (2nd November, 2026) |

National News / राष्ट्रीय समाचार

National Zoological Park Celebrates 67th Foundation Day 2026

The National Zoological Park (NZP), New Delhi, celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on 1 November 2026.
The celebration featured a wildlife conservation doodle activity and the 19th Sunday Bird Walk.
Around 1,500 visitors participated in or appreciated the interactive doodle activity.
The bird walk was conducted from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM under ornithologist Dr. Paritosh Ahmed.
Eighteen participants recorded 46 bird species and over 500 individual birds.
The activities promoted biodiversity awareness, citizen science and understanding of birds’ ecological importance.

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu Approaches Andhra Pradesh Coast

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu intensified over the west-central Bay of Bengal in November 2026.
The IMD forecast landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, from midnight on 2 November to early 3 November.
The storm was expected to bring sustained winds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
Heavy rainfall, rough seas and a storm surge of 1–1.5 metres threatened low-lying coastal areas.
The IMD issued a red warning and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.
The name Murasu, meaning ‘drum’ in Tamil, was contributed by India.

National Organ Transplant Games 2026 Inaugurated in New Delhi

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the National Organ Transplant Games 2026 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, on 1 November.
The event celebrated organ transplant recipients and promoted awareness about organ donation.
The Vice-President described organ donation as ‘Mahadaan’ and highlighted that one deceased donor can save up to eight lives.
A collective Tadasana performance involving 570 transplant recipients and donors received recognition from the World Book of Records, New Delhi.
The event featured the release of the ‘Zindagi Dobara’ Calendar.
Winners of the World Transplant Games 2025 were also felicitated.

State News / राज्य समाचार

Chandigarh Police Receives President’s Colour on 60th Raising Day

Chandigarh Police received the prestigious President’s Colour (Rashtrapati ka Nishan) from Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2026.
The honour recognised its distinguished service in maintaining law and order and protecting citizens.
The award is given to police forces and uniformed organisations for exemplary service.
Chandigarh Police was reorganised on 1 November 1966, following the reorganisation of Punjab and formation of Haryana.
The force celebrated its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee in 2026.
During the celebrations, 141 new vehicles were inducted to strengthen patrolling, mobility and emergency response.

Manipur Launches BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh inaugurated BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026 at Khuman Lampak, Imphal.
The weeklong programme will continue until 7 November 2026.
The initiative promotes environmentally responsible lifestyles and public participation in conservation.
The Chief Minister administered an environmental protection pledge and participated in a sapling plantation drive.
He also flagged off a cyclothon involving around 200 cyclists across Imphal.
The programme promotes environmental awareness through cycling, tree plantation and community participation.

Bihar Announces State’s Tallest Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced plans to install the state’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31 October 2026.
The announcement was made during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebration at Bapu Sabhagar, Patna.
The proposed statue will honour Patel’s contribution to India’s national integration.
Details regarding its height, construction cost and completion timeline have not yet been disclosed.
Patel served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
He played a key role in integrating more than 560 princely states after Independence in 1947.

International News / अंतरराष्ट्रीय समाचार

UN Peacekeeping Mission MINURSO Enters Liquidation After 35 Years

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is set to end after 35 years.
The mission entered its liquidation phase from 1 November 2026 following the failure to renew its mandate.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that mission assets would be returned to troop-contributing countries.
Established in 1991, MINURSO was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
It was also responsible for organising a referendum on Western Sahara’s future status.
Disagreements over voter eligibility prevented the referendum; Morocco welcomed the decision, while Algeria and the Polisario Front expressed concern.

Economy News / अर्थव्यवस्था समाचार

India’s GST Collection Rises 22.9% to ₹2.31 Lakh Crore in October

India’s gross GST collection reached ₹2,31,290 crore in October 2026, registering 22.9% year-on-year growth.
It was the second-highest monthly GST collection since the tax was introduced in July 2017.
Net GST revenue increased by 25.6% to ₹2,03,356 crore.
Domestic collections rose 15.8% to ₹1,59,044 crore, while import revenue grew 42.2% to ₹72,246 crore.
Cumulative gross GST collections during April–October 2026 reached ₹14.78 lakh crore, up 13.2%.
Maharashtra recorded the highest state-wise collection at ₹35,150 crore, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.

Awards News / पुरस्कार समाचार

Prasar Bharati Wins Two Honours at ABU Prizes 2026

India’s public broadcaster Prasar Bharati received two recognitions at the ABU Prizes 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Akashvani Bengaluru received the Audio Public Service Announcement Special Commendation for its programme Beyond the Call.
Jyoti Das accepted the recognition on behalf of Akashvani Bengaluru.
Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh received the ABU Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026.
Prasar Bharati also showcased its digital streaming platform, WAVES OTT, launched in November 2024.
WAVES OTT offers television, radio, films, documentaries and educational content, with over 15 million registered users and 19 million downloads across 130+ countries.

Prashant Chaudhary Wins Fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development

Prashant Chaudhary, founder of the CodeYogi Foundation, received the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development on 31 October 2026.
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant presented the award in New Delhi.
The prize recognises individuals below 40 years for their contributions to rural development.
It carries a cash award of ₹10 lakh, which Chaudhary announced he would donate to his foundation.
CodeYogi has provided technology and AI training to over 3.5 lakh students across nine states and 120 districts.
Its smartphone-based learning model uses Indian languages to improve digital education access in underserved communities.

Methil Radhakrishnan Selected for 34th Ezhuthachan Award 2026

Malayalam writer Methil Radhakrishnan was selected for the 34th Ezhuthachan Award 2026.
It is Kerala’s highest literary honour.
Cultural Affairs Minister P. C. Vishnunadh announced the award on 1 November in Thiruvananthapuram.
The award carries ₹5 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
A jury chaired by poet K. G. Sankara Pillai selected him for his contributions to Malayalam literature, particularly writings connecting science, philosophy and psychology.
His notable works include Sooryavamsam and Hitchcockinte Itapetal. The award is named after Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam.

Prashant Chaudhary Wins Fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development

Prashant Chaudhary, an IIT Delhi alumnus and founder of CodeYogi Foundation, received the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development in November 2026.
CodeYogi has provided technology and artificial intelligence education to over 3.5 lakh students across nine states and 120 districts.
Its smartphone-based learning model offers courses in Indian languages.
The model reduces dependence on computers, English-language instruction and specialised teachers.
Chaudhary developed a 30-day applied AI fluency programme covering practical AI tools and algorithmic bias.
The award includes ₹10 lakh, a citation and a trophy; he announced that he would donate the prize money to the foundation.

Appointments News / नियुक्ति समाचार

Dinesh V. Ganvir Assumes Charge as 55th Director General of GSI

Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir assumed charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) on 1 November 2026.
He has more than three decades of experience as a geologist.
Before the appointment, he served as Additional Director General and Head of Department of GSI’s Central Region in Nagpur.
He joined GSI in 1994 after completing his master’s degree in Geology from RTM Nagpur University.
As National Mission Head-II, he contributed to the preparation of 202 mineral blocks, of which 40 were auctioned.
His priorities include critical mineral exploration, advanced technologies, offshore investigations and disaster management. GSI was established in 1851 under the Ministry of Mines.

Defence News / रक्षा समाचार

Biten Singh Sets New Course Record at Ironman 70.3 Goa

Indian Army personnel Biten Singh won the men’s category at the sixth Ironman 70.3 Goa 2026.
He completed the triathlon in 4 hours, 24 minutes and 29 seconds.
He broke the previous course record of 4:25:47 set by Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov in 2025.
The event attracted over 2,000 athletes from more than 30 countries.
Russia’s Marina Shliakhtina won the women’s category in 5:30:29, followed by Sabina Iskakova and Mellanie Vendt.
The Ironman 70.3 competition comprises three disciplines: swimming, cycling and running.

Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as 29th Indian Air Force Chief

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.
He succeeded Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, who retired after 42 years of service.
Dixit was commissioned into the IAF’s Fighter Stream on 6 December 1986.
He has nearly four decades of experience and over 3,300 flying hours on aircraft including Mirage-2000, MiG variants and Jaguar.
He contributed to IAF modernisation and the development of the LCA Tejas.
Before his appointment, he served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff; his honours include PVSM, AVSM, VSM and Vayu Sena Medal.

Mehtab Singh Deswal Takes Charge of Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF’s Eastern Air Command on 1 November 2026.
He was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 14 June 1989.
He has over 3,200 hours of flying experience and commanded a Sukhoi Su-30 squadron and two flying bases.
Before this appointment, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command.
He also served as Director General (Weapon Systems) and Air Attaché at India’s Embassy in Pakistan.
A recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal, he succeeded Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia.

Sports News / खेल समाचार

India Wins Men’s and Women’s Titles at Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship

India won both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The men’s team defeated Sri Lanka 54–20 in the final on 31 October.
India completed an unbeaten men’s campaign with eight victories; Aditya Shinde scored 10 raid points and Yogesh Dahiya recorded a High 5.
The women’s team defeated Uganda 35–15 to win the championship.
Sakshi scored nine raid points in the women’s final, and the team remained unbeaten across all six matches.
The men’s team inflicted four All-Outs in the final and finished the tournament with 380 points.

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Ballon d’Or of All Time Award

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or of All Time (BOAT) award after finishing ahead of Lionel Messi in a fan vote reported on 29 October 2026.
Ronaldo’s winning season was 2007–08 with Manchester United.
He scored 42 goals across all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League.
He helped Manchester United win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Messi finished second for his 2012 Ballon d’Or-winning campaign.
The top 10 rankings featured five seasons each from Ronaldo and Messi; Ronaldo has won five career Ballon d’Or awards.

Kimi Antonelli Becomes Formula One’s Youngest-Ever World Champion

Italian driver Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Formula One Drivers’ World Championship at the age of 20 years and 68 days.
Representing Mercedes, he secured the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on 1 November 2026.
He finished third in the race behind winner Max Verstappen.
Antonelli broke Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest F1 world champion.
Vettel had won the title at 23 years and 134 days.
Born on 25 August 2006, Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in April 2019 and made his F1 debut in 2025.

P.V. Sindhu Wins Hylo Open 2026 Women’s Singles Title

Indian badminton player P. V. Sindhu won the women’s singles title at the Hylo Open 2026 on 1 November.
She defeated Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the final.
The victory marked her second tournament title of 2026 and third final appearance of the year.
Sindhu dominated through powerful smashes, net play, drop shots and tactical variations.
Improved court positioning and shot selection under coach Irwansyah contributed to her recent performances.
She dedicated the victory to her Strength and Conditioning coach, Wayne Lombard, on his birthday.

Lakshya Sen Wins Hylo Open 2026 Men’s Singles Title

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen won the men’s singles title at the Hylo Open 2026 in Saarbrücken, Germany.
He defeated Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-10 in the final on 1 November.
The 39-minute victory secured his first BWF World Tour title of the season.
It was his second Hylo Open crown, following his 2019 victory.
The win ended his title drought since the Australian Open in November 2025.
The BWF Super 500 tournament offered total prize money of USD 500,000; P. V. Sindhu also won the women’s singles title.

Ishan Kishan Breaks Indian Record for Most T20I Runs

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan became India’s highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals in a calendar year.
He surpassed Suryakumar Yadav’s previous record of 1,164 runs, set in 2022.
Kishan achieved the milestone during the fifth T20I against New Zealand on 1 November 2026.
He scored 1,220 runs in 37 matches at an average of 35.88 and a strike rate of 171.58.
His tally included one century and eight half-centuries; Abhishek Sharma followed with 1,153 runs.
The overall calendar-year T20I record belongs to Austria’s Karanbir Singh, who scored 1,488 runs in 2025.

Important Days News / महत्वपूर्ण दिवस समाचार

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Observed on 2 November

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed annually on 2 November.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2013 through Resolution A/RES/68/163.
It commemorates the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.
The 2026 theme highlights emerging threats from new technologies and weapons, particularly in conflict zones: “Threats evolve. Impunity endures.”
According to UNESCO, more than 1,700 journalists have been killed since 1993, with approximately nine out of ten cases remaining unpunished.
UNESCO leads international efforts to monitor attacks on journalists and promote accountability.

Andhra Pradesh Formation Day Marks State’s Creation on 1 November 1956

Andhra Pradesh Formation Day is observed annually on 1 November to commemorate the state’s formation in 1956.
Andhra State was created on 1 October 1953, becoming India’s first post-independence linguistic state, with Kurnool as its capital.
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, merged Andhra State with the Telugu-speaking Telangana region of the former Hyderabad State.
The movement for a separate Telugu-speaking state gained momentum after Potti Sriramulu’s death following a 58-day hunger strike in December 1952.
Hyderabad became the capital of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh.
In 2014, Telangana was separated from Andhra Pradesh to become a distinct state.

Punjab Formation Day Marks 60 Years of State Reorganisation in 2026

Punjab Formation Day is observed annually on 1 November to mark the state’s reorganisation in 1966.
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, came into effect on 1 November.
The reorganisation created the present-day Punjabi-speaking state of Punjab and the Hindi-speaking state of Haryana.
Certain hilly areas were transferred to Himachal Pradesh.
Chandigarh became a Union Territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
The 2026 observance marks 60 years of reorganisation; Article 3 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to create new states and alter state boundaries.

Karnataka Rajyotsava 2026 Marks 70 Years of State Unification

Karnataka Rajyotsava, also known as Kannada Rajyotsava, is celebrated annually on 1 November.
It commemorates the integration of Kannada-speaking regions into the enlarged Mysore State in 1956.
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, brought together Kannada-speaking areas from Mysore, Bombay, Madras and Hyderabad states, along with Coorg.
The Karnataka Ekikarana Movement, supported by leaders and intellectuals such as Aluru Venkata Rao, contributed to the unification campaign.
Mysore State was renamed Karnataka on 1 November 1973.
The 2026 celebration marks 70 years of linguistic unification and highlights Karnataka’s language, literature and cultural heritage.

Haryana Day 2026 Marks 60 Years Since State Formation

Haryana Day is celebrated annually on 1 November to commemorate the state’s formation in 1966.
The Government of India appointed the Shah Commission, headed by Justice J. C. Shah, in April 1966 to recommend Punjab’s reorganisation.
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, came into effect on 1 November 1966.
Haryana was created as a separate state for Hindi-speaking areas of the former Punjab.
Chandigarh became a Union Territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, while some hill areas were transferred to Himachal Pradesh.
Bhagwat Dayal Sharma became Haryana’s first Chief Minister; the 2026 observance marks 60 years of statehood.

Chhattisgarh Formation Day 2026 Marks 26 Years of Statehood

Chhattisgarh Formation Day, also known as Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava, is celebrated annually on 1 November.
The state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000 under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000.
Chhattisgarh became the 26th state of India, with Raipur as its capital.
Ajit Jogi became the state’s first Chief Minister.
The 2026 celebrations mark 26 years of statehood and are scheduled from 1 to 3 November at Nava Raipur.
The theme is “Sashakt Nari, Yuva Udaan”, focusing on women’s empowerment and youth development.

Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day 2026 Marks 70 Years of Statehood

Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, also known as Madhya Pradesh Diwas, is celebrated annually on 1 November.
The state was formed in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
The reorganisation brought together regions including Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, Bhopal and parts of the Central Provinces and Berar.
The States Reorganisation Commission, headed by Fazl Ali, provided recommendations for the reorganisation.
Bhopal became the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000; the 2026 observance marks 70 years of statehood.

Kerala Piravi 2026 Celebrates 70 Years of State Formation

Kerala Piravi, also known as Kerala Day, is celebrated annually on 1 November.
It commemorates the formation of Kerala in 1956 through linguistic reorganisation.
The state was formed by merging Malayalam-speaking regions of Travancore-Cochin with Malabar and Kasaragod from Madras State.
Travancore and Cochin had earlier merged to form Travancore-Cochin on 1 July 1949.
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956, provided the legal basis for Kerala’s formation.
The 2026 observance marks 70 years of statehood and celebrates Malayalam language, literature and cultural heritage.