Listen: current affairs, 2 November 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.