Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (5th November, 2026) |

National News

Ministry of Coal Launches SUVIKALP Tool for Mine Repurposing

The Ministry of Coal launched the SUVIKALP (Mine Repurposing Tool) on 3 November 2026.
It was developed by the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) to promote the sustainable reuse of closed and abandoned coal and lignite mines.
The digital tool follows the Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mine, 2025.
It uses the TOPSIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach to assess suitable post-mining land uses based on environmental, technical, financial and socio-economic factors.
It includes RECLAIM for community participation and PRISM for implementation planning, investment mobilisation and monitoring.
Key Fact: SUVIKALP supports scientific planning and sustainable development of abandoned mines.

Supreme Court Directs Centre to Strengthen Child Labour Law Enforcement

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to establish a special cell to monitor the implementation of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
The direction was issued in an order dated 29 October 2026 by a Bench of Justices S.V.N. Bhatti and N.V. Anjaria.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development will coordinate with state enforcement agencies through their Chief Secretaries.
The 2016 amendment prohibits the employment of children below 14 years, subject to specified exceptions.
It also restricts adolescents aged 14–18 years from working in hazardous occupations and processes.
Key Fact: The special cell aims to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of child labour laws.

21st International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony to Be Held in Bodhgaya

The 21st International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony will be held from 2 to 12 December 2026 at the Mahabodhi Mahavihar complex in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
The ten-day event is expected to attract around 25,000 participants from more than 27 countries.
Its theme is “Different Languages, One Meaning”.
The ceremony will feature collective chanting, meditation and religious discourses.
It is organised by the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International–India and the International Tipitaka Chanting Council–India.
Key Fact: Tipitaka, meaning “Three Baskets”, comprises the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Chirag Paswan Launches Revamped MoFPI Website in New Delhi

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan launched the revamped official website of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
The launch took place at Panchsheel Bhawan, New Delhi.
The upgraded portal offers multilingual support, improved search functionality and enhanced data protection.
It has been developed according to the latest Government of India standards.
The website aims to improve transparency, accessibility and digital service delivery for citizens, industry stakeholders and government officials.
Key Fact: Avinash Joshi is the Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Nirmala Sitharaman Releases ₹250 Coin Honouring Muthuswami Dikshitar

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a ₹250 commemorative coin on 3 November 2026.
The coin marks the 250th birth anniversary of Carnatic music composer Muthuswami Dikshitar.
The event was held at IIT-BHU, Varanasi, alongside the release of the book Amara Guruguham Potruvam.
The 35-gram coin contains 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and 5% zinc.
Dikshitar (1775–1835), born in Tiruvarur, was one of the Carnatic Music Trinity, along with Tyagaraja and Syama Sastri.
Key Fact: His notable compositions include Navagraha Kritis and Kamalamba Navavaranam.

Supreme Court Says 24-Hour Arrest Limit Begins From Actual Detention

The Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional 24-hour limit for producing an arrested person before a Magistrate begins from actual detention, not formal arrest.
The judgment interpreted Article 22(2) of the Constitution.
The case involved four individuals detained at 2 pm on 29 September 2025 but formally arrested the following day.
They were produced before a Magistrate at 4:45 pm on 30 September, exceeding the constitutional time limit.
The Court ordered their immediate release and clarified that Section 37 of the NDPS Act cannot override fundamental rights.
Key Fact: The ruling also highlights safeguards under Sections 56, 57 and 58 of the BNSS, 2023.

State News

Fresh Sal Borer Infestation Threatens Dindori Forests

A fresh infestation of sal borer beetles has been reported in the Karanjia and Bajag forest ranges of Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh.
The Forest Department has ordered a fresh survey to assess the damage.
In 2025, around 1.5 lakh sal trees were affected, of which more than 45,000 were felled.
The pest damages trees through its wood-boring larvae, causing concerns about forest degradation and biodiversity loss.
The outbreak also threatens the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
Key Fact: The scientific name of the sal borer is Hoplocerambyx spinicornis.

Chhattisgarh Assembly to Become Paperless Digital House Under NeVA

The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly is set to become a paperless digital institution under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).
The project is expected to be completed within three months, before the upcoming Budget Session.
The initiative is being implemented under the Digital India Programme.
The Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS) will act as the nodal implementing agency, with technical support from NIC and NICSI.
MLAs will receive tablets to access questions, notices, agendas and other legislative documents electronically.
Key Fact: NeVA was developed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

International News

Kazakhstan Releases Second Amur Tiger into Wild Under Conservation Programme

Kazakhstan released a male Amur tiger named Amur into the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve on 31 October 2026.
It was the second release under the country’s tiger reintroduction programme.
The first tiger, a female named Ümit, was released on 31 July 2026.
The initiative aims to restore tigers to their historical Central Asian habitat, where the Caspian or Turan tiger became extinct more than 70 years ago.
Amur tigers were selected because of their close genetic relationship with the extinct population.
Key Fact: Kazakhstan aims to establish a self-sustaining population of approximately 50 tigers.

Bhutan Sets Guinness Record by Consecrating 108 Buddhist Stupas

Bhutan set a Guinness World Record by consecrating 108 Buddhist stupas in nine hours.
The ceremony was held on 1 November 2026 at the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The stupas were consecrated along an 11.7-km stretch beside the Mau Chu River.
Known as Jangchub Chortens, the stupas were consecrated on Lhabab Duechen and Bhutan’s Coronation Day.
GMC Governor Dr Lotay Tshering announced the achievement on 3 November.
Key Fact: Stupa No. 76 was dedicated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Jaishankar Announces $500 Million Credit Extension for Guyana

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali on 5 November 2026.
The meeting took place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Jaishankar announced an extension of a USD 500 million Line of Credit for Guyana.
The credit will support projects in roads, healthcare and defence.
Both countries signed agreements covering manufacturing projects, Quick Impact Projects and digital infrastructure cooperation.
Key Fact: The discussions also covered digital public infrastructure and a UPI-like payment system in Guyana.

Banking News

NPCI Establishes Technology Subsidiary, Appoints Vishal Kanvaty CEO

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) established NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL) on 4 November 2026.
NTSL is the fourth wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI and will serve as its technology and innovation arm.
It will focus on artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital financial infrastructure, Global Capability Centre services and digital public infrastructure.
Vishal Kanvaty, NPCI’s Chief Technology Officer, has been appointed Managing Director and CEO of NTSL.
He joined NPCI in 2017 and became its CTO in April 2023.
Key Fact: NTSL will support platforms such as eKYC Setu and the Unified Ticketing Platform.

Awards News

Nirmala Lakshman Wins Sharjah International Non-Fiction Book Award

Indian author and journalist Nirmala Lakshman won the Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction Book.
She received the award for her book The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community.
The award was presented on 4 November 2026 at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair in the UAE.
She received the award from Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi.
Published by Aleph Book Company in January 2025, the book explores Tamil history, literature, society, politics, religion and cultural identity.
Key Fact: The award carries a cash prize of AED 50,000.

Edmund Richardson Wins 2026 Baillie Gifford Nonfiction Prize

British academic Edmund Richardson won the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction.
He received the award for his biography Alexander: God, King, Man, which explores the life and conquests of Alexander the Great.
The award was announced in London on 4 November 2026.
The book draws on more than a decade of research and historical sources from 12 ancient languages.
Established in 1999 as the Samuel Johnson Prize, the award was renamed in 2016.
Key Fact: Richardson’s book became the first ancient-history book to win the prize, carrying a reward of £50,000.

MANAGE Hyderabad Recognised as Agriculture Skills Centre of Excellence

The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, was recognised as a Centre of Excellence-Skills in the Agriculture Sector.
The recognition was granted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
The certificate was presented on 2 November 2026 at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.
MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee presented the Certificate of Recognition.
The recognition is valid for three years and aims to strengthen agricultural skill development, professional training and entrepreneurship.
Key Fact: Established in 1987, MANAGE functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Defence News

Cabinet Approves Two-Year Additional Engagement for Agniveers

The Union Cabinet approved an additional two-year engagement period for Agniveers not selected for regular service after their initial tenure.
Under the Agnipath Scheme, 25% of Agniveers will continue to be considered for regular employment based on merit.
The remaining 75% may opt for the extended engagement period.
After completing the extended period, they may be considered for regular enrolment, subject to willingness and prescribed selection criteria.
The extended engagement will provide higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
Key Fact: The decision follows a four-year assessment of Agniveers’ fitness, discipline, skills and technological adaptability.

Schemes News

Cabinet Approves ₹14,500 Crore VGF Scheme for Energy Storage

The Union Cabinet approved a ₹14,500 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for developing grid-scale energy storage capacity.
The scheme aims to establish 92 GWh of storage capacity between FY 2026–27 and FY 2030–31.
It will support 60 GWh of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects, 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 2 GWh of emerging technologies.
The estimated investment under the scheme is ₹97,600 crore, with projects selected through tariff-based competitive bidding.
BESS projects must meet a minimum 40% Domestic Content Requirement to promote domestic manufacturing.
Key Fact: India’s estimated energy storage requirement is 411 GWh by 2031–32.

Cabinet Extends Fast Track Special Courts Scheme Until 2031

The Union Cabinet extended the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO Courts, for five years.
The extension will remain effective from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹3,788.04 crore.
The Centre will contribute ₹2,353.15 crore, while States and Union Territories will contribute ₹1,434.89 crore.
The Central share will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Key Fact: The government aims to increase functional courts from 779 to 850.

Cabinet Approves ₹2,814 Crore Critical Mineral Processing Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Capex Support Scheme to Promote Critical Mineral Processing on 4 November 2026.
The scheme has an outlay of ₹2,814 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
It aims to establish four domestic processing plants, including two each for lithium and nickel.
It provides a 30% capital subsidy on eligible investments.
Maximum financial support is ₹500 crore per lithium beneficiary and ₹900 crore per nickel beneficiary.
Key Fact: The scheme will also promote the recovery of cobalt as a by-product.

Cabinet Approves ₹4,371 Crore VISTAR Scheme for Statistical Transformation

The Union Cabinet approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research (VISTAR).
The scheme has an outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
It aims to modernise India’s official statistical system through real-time data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital processes.
It has three components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) and Economic Census.
The initiative includes 59 surveys, compared with 43 previously, and the 8th Economic Census.
Key Fact: VISTAR aims to strengthen statistical capabilities and provide granular district-level data for evidence-based policymaking.

Science & Technology News

India Targets First Human Deep-Sea Mission by 2028 Under Samudrayaan

India aims to conduct its first human deep-sea mission by 2028 under the Samudrayaan Mission.
The mission targets a depth of 6,000 metres using the indigenously developed Matsya 6000 submersible.
Matsya 6000 is designed to carry three aquanauts.
The mission is being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
It aims to advance deep-sea research, underwater technologies and sustainable exploration of marine resources.
Key Fact: Samudrayaan is part of the Deep Ocean Mission, launched in September 2021.

NASA’s Swift Observatory Re-enters Earth’s Atmosphere After 22 Years

NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory re-entered Earth’s atmosphere over North Sumatra, Indonesia, on 4 November 2026.
Its re-entry ended nearly 22 years of scientific operations.
The observatory was launched on 20 November 2004 and weighed 1,452 kg.
It was designed primarily to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and also observed supernovae, black holes and other cosmic phenomena.
Its three major instruments were the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), X-ray Telescope (XRT) and Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT).
Key Fact: Swift contributed to approximately 7,000 scientific research papers.

JNCASR Develops Silicon Chip Achieving 100 Gbps Terahertz Transmission

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, developed a silicon chip for terahertz-wave transmission.
The chip achieved data transmission speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) in laboratory experiments.
The technology uses topological photonics and a phenomenon called photonic Klein tunnelling.
It guides electromagnetic waves through barriers and sharp bends with minimal signal loss.
The chip was tested across frequencies of 310–360 GHz and demonstrated potential for future 6G communication networks.
Key Fact: The research, led by Dr Abhishek Kumar, was published in Advanced Materials on 11 October 2026.

Important Days News

World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 Highlights Community Preparedness

World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on 5 November to promote tsunami risk awareness and disaster preparedness.
The 2026 theme is “Be Tsunami Ready: Resilience Starts With You”.
The observance encourages communities to recognise natural warning signs, identify evacuation routes and prepare emergency plans.
It also promotes evacuation drills and effective last-mile communication of official warnings.
The campaign highlights the role of individuals and communities in reducing disaster risks, particularly in coastal areas.
Key Fact: The observance aligns with the Sendai Framework, the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative and UNESCO-IOC’s Tsunami Ready Programme.

Sports News

Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on 5 November 2026.
The announcement brings his 23-year career with the Portugal national team to an end.
The 41-year-old forward will hand back the iconic No. 7 jersey after the November 2026 international break.
Ronaldo described representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility in his farewell message.
He began his international career in August 2003 and remained one of the most successful players in men’s international football.
Key Fact: Ronaldo retires as Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.