Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (7th November, 2026) |

National News

Supreme Court Declares National Book Trust a State Under Article 12

The Supreme Court of India declared the National Book Trust (NBT) a ‘State’ under Article 12 of the Constitution on 6 November 2026.
The Court upheld the 2012 Delhi High Court judgment recognising NBT as an instrumentality of the State.
The bench comprised Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih.
The ruling was based on the Central Government’s deep and pervasive control over NBT’s administration, finances and governance.
It enables the enforcement of Fundamental Rights against NBT, but does not make it a government department.

Semicon 2.0 Portal Launched, 12 New ECMS Projects Approved

Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Semicon 2.0 portal, opening applications under three pillars: semiconductor machines and materials, fabrication facilities, and ATMP/OSAT.
The Cabinet-approved Semicon 2.0 programme has a total outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore and six strategic pillars.
The government approved 12 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
These projects involve an investment of ₹7,503 crore, expected production of ₹39,045 crore and creation of 7,127 direct jobs across seven states.
Key Fact: Total ECMS approvals have reached 118 applications, covering 34 products across 16 states, with projected investment of ₹77,051 crore.

VAJRA-SAT Exercise Strengthens India’s Preparedness for FMD SAT-1

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), in collaboration with ICAR-NIVEDI, Bengaluru, conducted the two-day national tabletop exercise VAJRA-SAT on 4–5 November 2026.
The exercise focused on preparedness for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT-1.
It was conducted under the theme “Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together.”
A total of 83 participants from 25 States, three Union Territories and national institutions took part.
Key Fact: Although SAT-1 has not been reported in India, its spread beyond Africa to parts of West Asia has prompted preventive preparedness.

Central Bureau of Narcotics Celebrates Its 77th Foundation Day

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) celebrated its 77th Foundation Day on 6 November 2026 at its headquarters in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Established on 6 November 1950, it functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Its responsibilities include regulating legal opium poppy cultivation and overseeing the import and export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
It also combats illegal drug trafficking under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Key Fact: Major initiatives include Operation Parivartan for eradicating illicit crops and Mission Yuva Raksha for drug-prevention awareness.

State News

Karnataka Names Malabar Tree Toad as State Amphibian

Karnataka became the first Indian state to designate an official state amphibian, selecting the Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus).
It is locally known as Malenadina Mara Gantikappe.
The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department issued the declaration order on 27 October 2026.
The species is endemic to the Western Ghats and inhabits moist evergreen forests.
Key Fact: It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Chhattisgarh Plans Return of Blackbucks to Gomarda Sanctuary

Chhattisgarh plans to reintroduce 50 blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) into Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary after more than five decades of local extinction.
The animals will be translocated from Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
A conservation programme launched in 2017–18 brought 77 blackbucks from Delhi’s National Zoological Park and Bilaspur’s Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden.
The Barnawapara population subsequently increased to more than 150.
Key Fact: The reintroduction aims to restore the locally extinct species, improve grassland biodiversity and strengthen habitat conservation.

Tamil Nadu Sanctions ₹1.3 Crore for Golden Jackal Conservation

The Tamil Nadu government sanctioned ₹1.3 crore in November 2026 for conserving golden jackals (Canis aureus) and Indian Bengal foxes (Vulpes bengalensis).
The initiative includes habitat assessment, threat monitoring, anti-poaching measures and community awareness.
It also proposes establishing a captive-breeding centre at Salem Zoo.
Golden jackals are medium-sized omnivorous canids found in grasslands, scrublands, river valleys and coastal areas.
Key Fact: Golden jackals are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in India.

Amit Shah Inaugurates 1857 First War Martyrs Memorial in Ambala

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Martyrs’ Memorial of the First War of Independence of 1857 in Ambala, Haryana, on 5 November 2026.
The memorial has been constructed across 22 acres at a cost of ₹594 crore.
It features 22 galleries displaying historical records, traditional crafts and modern technologies such as virtual reality and holography.
It honours freedom fighters including Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope and Rao Tula Ram.
Key Fact: The memorial’s open-air theatre has a seating capacity of 2,500 people.

International News

Stephen Miller Named White House Chief of Staff

US President Donald Trump appointed Stephen Miller as the 33rd White House Chief of Staff, effective 9 November 2026.
Miller, aged 41, previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser.
He is known for shaping Trump’s immigration agenda, including stricter border enforcement and mass deportation policies.
He graduated from Duke University.
Key Fact: Miller’s appointment followed the 2026 midterm elections, after which Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress.

India and EU Conclude Horizon Europe Association Negotiations

India and the European Union (EU) concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.
The announcement was made by the Department of Science and Technology on 7 November 2026.
Horizon Europe is a €93.5 billion funding programme covering the period 2021–2027.
India’s proposed association covers Pillar II, focusing on Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.
Key Fact: The association will enable Indian researchers, universities and industries to access research funding and undertake joint projects with European partners.

Business News

Noel Tata to Retire as Titan Company Vice-Chairman

Noel N. Tata will retire as Director and Vice-Chairman of Titan Company Limited on 12 November 2026, after attaining 70 years of age.
The company announced the decision through a stock exchange filing dated 5 November 2026.
The retirement follows Tata Group Governance Guidelines, which prescribe 70 years as the retirement age for Non-Independent Non-Executive Directors.
Noel Tata joined Titan’s board in 2003 and has been associated with the Tata Group for over four decades.
Key Fact: Noel Tata also serves as the Chairman of Tata Trusts.

Bharti Airtel Regains Second Position Among India’s Valuable Companies

Bharti Airtel regained its position as India’s second-most valuable company by market capitalisation on 6 November 2026, overtaking Jio Platforms.
Airtel’s market capitalisation reached ₹13.15 lakh crore, compared with ₹12.95 lakh crore for Jio Platforms.
Reliance Industries retained the top position with a market capitalisation of ₹17.86 lakh crore.
Airtel shares gained 2.45% to close at ₹2,107.20.
Key Fact: Airtel reported Q2 FY27 revenue of ₹60,878 crore, while its India mobile Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) increased to ₹271.

Awards News

Uttarakhand Police Receives President’s Colour as 16th State Force

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to Uttarakhand Police in Dehradun on 6 November 2026.
Uttarakhand became the 16th state police force in India to receive this honour.
The recognition acknowledges the force’s 25 years of service, discipline, professionalism and contribution to public safety.
Its achievements include disaster-response operations, pilgrim safety, digital policing and border-area support.
Key Fact: Uttarakhand Police recorded a score of 93.46 on the CCTNS/ICJS 2.0 Dashboard. Its motto is Karm Satyam Shauryam.

Defense News

India and Myanmar Conduct First Tri-Services HADR Exercise RAHAT MITRA

India and Myanmar conducted their first bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, RAHAT MITRA, in Chennai on 5–6 November 2026.
More than 300 personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force of both countries participated.
The Indian Navy coordinated the exercise.
It was conducted under the theme “Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership.”
Key Fact: The exercise aims to strengthen disaster-response coordination and reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR vision.

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 Concludes in Visakhapatnam

The fifth edition of the India–US bilateral Tri-Service HADR Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam on 5 November 2026.
The exercise was conducted from 31 October to 5 November 2026.
It focused on improving interoperability and joint disaster-response capabilities, particularly combined amphibious operations.
It comprised a Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and a Tabletop Exercise (TTX).
Key Fact: India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) participated in the exercise for the first time.

INS Amini Delivered to Indian Navy to Strengthen Coastal Defence

The Indian Navy received INS Amini, an indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), from GRSE on 5 November 2026.
The vessel was delivered at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
It has over 80% indigenous content and is equipped with sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and waterjet propulsion.
The vessel is named after Amini Island in Lakshadweep.
Key Fact: INS Amini is the fifth of eight ASW shallow-water craft being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Science & Tech News

New Flowering Plant Species Discovered in Assam and Meghalaya

A new flowering plant species, Disporum kamakhasiense, was discovered in the forests of Assam and Meghalaya.
The discovery was reported in the international botanical journal Novon.
It belongs to the family Colchicaceae and genus Disporum.
The perennial herb was recorded at Garbhanga Reserve Forest and Laisong in Assam, and Barapani in Meghalaya.
Key Fact: The plant can grow up to 180 cm and is found in semi-evergreen forests at elevations of 200–1,100 metres.

Sports News

Mohammed Shami Retires from Test Cricket After 229 Wickets

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on 6 November 2026, ending a 13-year career.
He made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 6 November 2013.
He finished with 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71.
His career included six five-wicket hauls, with best innings figures of 6/56.
Key Fact: Shami will continue playing white-ball cricket, domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship Scheduled in Karnataka

The 73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship 2027 is scheduled to be held in Karnataka.
The tournament is organised under the aegis of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI).
It is expected to feature around 30 teams and more than 400 players.
The reported venue is Sir M Vishveshvaraiah Stadium, Mandya.
Key Fact: Indian Railways will enter as defending champions after defeating Maharashtra 49–31 in the 72nd edition held in Vadodara, Gujarat, in February 2026. The dates differ between the report (7–10 January) and AKFI calendar (15–18 January 2027).

India Wins Record Sixth Asian Champions Trophy Title, Beats Japan

India defeated Japan 4–1 in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 final at Mohali, Punjab, on 5 November 2026.
Japan took an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute.
India’s goals came from Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Sukhjeet Singh.
India completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles after winning in 2023 and 2024 and remained unbeaten with seven victories.
Key Fact: India secured its sixth Asian Champions Trophy title, while Harmanpreet Singh was named Player of the Tournament and top scorer with 10 goals.

Important Days News

National Cancer Awareness Day Observed Across India on 7 November

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed in India every year on 7 November to promote cancer prevention, early detection and timely treatment.
It was initiated in 2014 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under then Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, born on 7 November 1867.
According to IARC’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India recorded approximately 14.13 lakh new cancer cases and 9.17 lakh deaths.
Key Fact: Population-based screening under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases targets oral, breast and cervical cancers among people aged 30 years and above.

Obituaries News

South African Media Pioneer Ramprakash Gopidayal Passes Away

South African media personality Ramprakash Gopidayal, popularly known as Ramu, passed away on 5 November 2026, aged 70.
He joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 1980 as its first Indian-origin technician.
In 1986, he launched Impressions, SABC’s first television programme dedicated to the Indian community, and served as its executive producer.
He contributed to Radio Lotus by establishing the resident music band Kamal Sungeeth.
Key Fact: He organised South Africa’s first Indian songwriting competition in five languages: Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati and Telugu.