Current affairs · 2 November 2026

Current affairs — 2 November 2026

The day's most exam-relevant current affairs for UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and state exams — free, factual, revision-ready. 11 updates.

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Economy

  • IDBI Bank staff begin two-day nationwide hunger strike against privatisation

    IDBI Bank employees and officers announced a nationwide two-day hunger strike on 2 and 3 November against the proposed privatisation and stake sale of the bank. Separately, a new Supreme Court circular comes into effect on 2 November.

    Why it matters: Bank privatisation and disinvestment are recurring Banking-awareness and GS-3 themes.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. IDBI Bank workers are going on hunger strike for two days to protest against the government's plan to sell the bank to private owners.
    2. The employees and officers of IDBI Bank, a public sector bank, are leading this protest action.
    3. They are angry because the government wants to privatise the bank and sell its shares, which would change who owns and controls it.
    4. This affects common people who have accounts and loans at IDBI Bank, as privatisation may change how the bank operates and serves customers.
    5. Bank privatisation is an important government policy topic that often appears in competitive exams about banking and economics.
    BankingUPSCGeneralsource ↗
  • RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% in October 2026, shifts to calibrated tightening

    In its October 2026 meeting the RBI MPC unanimously raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, the first hike since February 2023. The stance moved from neutral to calibrated tightening. The SDF rate was raised to 5.25% and the MSF rate to 5.75%. The RBI projects FY27 CPI inflation at 5.2% and GDP growth at 7.1%. The next MPC decision is scheduled for 4 December 2026.

    Why it matters: Repo, SDF and MSF rates, MPC stance and RBI forecasts are core Banking and Economy exam content.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. The RBI increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% in October 2026, making borrowing more expensive.
    2. The RBI's decision-making committee did this unanimously, meaning all members agreed on this change.
    3. The RBI changed its approach from neutral to calibrated tightening because it wants to manage inflation carefully.
    4. When borrowing costs go up, banks pass this on to customers, so loans and deposits become more expensive for ordinary people.
    5. For exams, remember that repo rate changes affect the overall cost of money in the economy and the RBI's monetary policy direction.
    UPSCBankingSSCState PSCsource ↗
  • RBI's net short dollar forward position hits record $239.2 billion in September

    RBI's net short dollar forward position rose from $200.06 billion in August to a record $239.2 billion in September. The rise was driven by FCNR(B) swaps. A special concessional swap window for banks to mobilise FCNR(B) deposits was operationalised on 8 June 2026.

    Why it matters: FCNR(B) deposits and RBI forex operations are relevant to Banking exams and GS-3.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. The RBI's short dollar forward position reached a record high of 239.2 billion dollars in September.
    2. This happened because the RBI used special swap arrangements to help banks collect foreign currency deposits from Indians living abroad.
    3. The RBI did this to manage India's foreign exchange and bring in more dollars into the country.
    4. This affects common people because it helps control the value of rupee and makes foreign transactions easier.
    5. RBI's management of dollar positions through forward contracts and forex swaps is important for banking and economics exams.
    BankingUPSCGeneralsource ↗

Environment

  • Cyclone Murasu intensifies over Bay of Bengal; alerts in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha

    Cyclonic Storm Murasu has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast. An orange alert is in force for six Telangana districts and a yellow alert for five on 2 November. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up preparedness. IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh on 2-3 November.

    Why it matters: Cyclone naming, IMD alert colour codes and disaster management are common Prelims and GS-3 topics.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. A cyclone called Murasu has become stronger over the Bay of Bengal and will hit the coast soon.
    2. It is affecting Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha states.
    3. The Indian weather office has warned about heavy rainfall and told people to get ready for danger.
    4. People living in coastal areas and towns in these three states need to stay safe and follow instructions.
    5. Orange and yellow alert colour codes show how dangerous the cyclone is, and the government must prepare for disasters.

    Andhra PradeshOdishaTelangana

    UPSCState PSCSSCGeneralsource ↗
  • Delhi bars entry of non-BS6 vehicles registered in other states from 1 November

    From 1 November, Delhi has barred entry of non-BS6 vehicles registered in other states, as part of curbs on vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region.

    Why it matters: Vehicular emission norms (BS-VI) and air-quality management in the NCR are common environment and governance topics.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. Delhi has decided to stop letting old cars from other states enter the city starting from 1 November.
    2. The Delhi government made this rule to control pollution from vehicles that don't follow the newest emission standards.
    3. These older vehicles release more harmful gases, so the government wants to keep them out to improve air quality.
    4. People who own old cars from nearby states and travel to Delhi for work or business will be affected by this rule.
    5. BS-VI emission norms are the latest vehicle pollution standards that the government uses to manage air quality in cities.
    UPSCState PSCGeneralsource ↗
  • PM Modi to inaugurate Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026; ISA Assembly's 9th session begins

    PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 on 2 November at about 4:30 PM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Ninth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly is being held alongside. France's minister Mathieu Lefèvre is in India and will co-chair the Assembly with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, with France seeking a new two-year term as ISA co-chair.

    Why it matters: ISA (HQ in India) and renewable-energy diplomacy are recurring Prelims and Mains topics.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. The Prime Minister will open a big renewable energy summit and expo in New Delhi on November 2.
    2. This event happens together with the International Solar Alliance Assembly meeting for its ninth session.
    3. Countries are discussing solar energy and clean power, and France wants to lead the Alliance for two more years.
    4. This affects India's push for solar power and shows how countries work together on green energy.
    5. The International Solar Alliance has its headquarters in India and focuses on promoting solar energy worldwide.
    UPSCSSCState PSCGeneralsource ↗

Pay & Jobs

  • 8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM staff side seeks minimum basic pay of about ₹69,000

    After the 8th CPC's Mumbai consultations, the NC-JCM Staff Side has sought a rise in minimum basic pay from the present ₹18,000 (7th CPC) to around ₹69,000. The Commission has not arrived at a fitment factor figure. It is chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, with Pulak Ghosh as part-time member and Pankaj Jain as Member-Secretary. The Terms of Reference say the effect would normally be expected from 1 January 2026.

    Why it matters: Composition, ToR and the 18-month timeline of the 8th CPC are likely static-GK questions.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. Government workers are asking for their basic pay to be raised from eighteen thousand rupees to about sixty-nine thousand rupees.
    2. The staff side of NC-JCM made this demand after the 8th Pay Commission held talks in Mumbai.
    3. The 8th Pay Commission is deciding how much government workers should earn, and this new pay would likely start from January 2026.
    4. Government employees and their families would get more money each month if this pay increase is approved.
    5. The 8th Pay Commission is chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and has a timeline of eighteen months to finish its work.
    UPSCSSCGeneralsource ↗
  • Cabinet approves 3% DA/DR hike, taking rate to 63% from 1 July 2026

    The Union Cabinet on 28 October 2026 approved a 3% hike in Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief, raising it from 60% to 63% with effect from 1 July 2026. The 8th Pay Commission has not yet released its findings. Pending issues include the fitment factor, minimum pay, pay matrix and pension recommendations.

    Why it matters: DA/DR rates and the 8th CPC timeline are staple static-plus-current questions in SSC, Railways and UPSC Prelims.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. The government gave government workers and retired workers an extra 3% money allowance from July 2026.
    2. The Union Cabinet decided this on 28 October 2026 for all central government employees and pensioners.
    3. This happened because prices of things we buy keep going up, so the government increases this extra money to help them.
    4. Every government worker and retired government worker gets more money in their salary and pension now.
    5. Dearness Allowance increased from 60% to 63%, and the 8th Pay Commission is still making final decisions on other pay matters.
    GeneralSSCRailwaysBankingsource ↗
  • Railway and central recruitment drives open: RRB NTPC Graduate (3,548), Station Master (1,250), Cabinet Secretariat (250)

    RRB NTPC Graduate CEN 06/2026 is recruiting for 3,548 posts, including Goods Train Manager and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist, with a last date of 6 November 2026. The RRB Station Master drive has 1,250 vacancies, and the Cabinet Secretariat Deputy Field Officer drive has 250 posts, both closing 25 November 2026. APPSC Group 2 (686 vacancies) accepts applications from 10 to 30 November 2026.

    Why it matters: Several large railway and PSC application windows close this month, so aspirants should check deadlines.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. Railway and government offices are hiring thousands of people for different jobs right now.
    2. RRB is looking for train workers and office staff, while Cabinet Secretariat and APPSC are also recruiting.
    3. These are permanent government jobs, so many people apply and take the exams to get these positions.
    4. Anyone who wants a government job and meets the qualifications can apply before the deadlines close.
    5. Remember that RRB NTPC closes on 6 November and other jobs close on 25 November 2026.
    RailwaysSSCState PSCGeneralsource ↗

Sci-Tech

  • ISRO's TDS-01 and Gaganyaan G1 missions listed for November 2026

    TDS-01 is a technology demonstration satellite to be launched on a PSLV-XL from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It will test electric thrusters, atomic clocks, travelling wave tube amplifiers and a quantum communication suite. The uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 orbital test flight on LVM-3 is also listed as NET November 2026. Launch dates are tentative.

    Why it matters: Gaganyaan milestones and ISRO technology demonstrators are regular Sci-Tech questions.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. ISRO is planning to launch two important space missions in November 2026.
    2. TDS-01 is a satellite that will test new space technologies, and Gaganyaan G1 is an uncrewed test flight for human spaceflight.
    3. These missions will test electric thrusters, atomic clocks, and quantum communication systems that ISRO needs for future space work.
    4. These missions help India develop technology needed for sending people to space and improving satellite systems used by the country.
    5. Gaganyaan G1 is an important step in India's plan to send humans to space, so it appears frequently in government exams.
    UPSCSSCDefenceGeneralsource ↗

Sports

  • Lakshya Sen wins Hylo Open 2026, beating Jonatan Christie in the final

    Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen won the Hylo Open 2026 title by defeating Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in the final. Separately, India took the T20I series against New Zealand 3-2, though New Zealand won the final match by 7 wickets.

    Why it matters: Badminton tournament winners and bilateral series results feature in the sports section of SSC and Railways papers.

    In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)

    1. Lakshya Sen, an Indian badminton player, won the Hylo Open 2026 tournament by beating Jonatan Christie from Indonesia.
    2. Lakshya Sen is a professional badminton player who represents India in international competitions.
    3. Winning this tournament shows that Lakshya Sen is performing well at the international level in badminton.
    4. Indian badminton fans and sports followers are affected because this victory brings attention to the sport in India.
    5. For government exams, remember that Lakshya Sen won the Hylo Open 2026 badminton title against Jonatan Christie.
    SSCRailwaysState PSCGeneralsource ↗

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