Current Affairs — November 2026

AwardsKendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak awarded to 490 police personnel on National Unity Day

The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was awarded to 490 police personnel on National Unity Day 2026. The medals recognise excellence in police work and are announced each year on 31 October.

Why it matters: Names and years of police and gallantry medals are regular Awards questions.

EconomyCentre releases additional ₹1,09,019 crore tax devolution to states

The Finance Ministry released an additional instalment of ₹1,09,019 crore to states ahead of the festive season to speed up capital spending. Uttar Pradesh got the most at ₹19,208 crore (about 17.6%), followed by Bihar (₹10,845 crore) and Madhya Pradesh (₹8,010 crore).

Why it matters: Centre-state fiscal transfers (tax devolution under Finance Commission awards) are a recurring Polity/Economy topic.

EconomyRBI central board meets; repo rate stands at 5.50% after October hike to 'calibrated tightening'

The RBI's 625th Central Board meeting, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, reviewed economic conditions and risks to the outlook on 30 October. In the 7 October policy the MPC unanimously raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% and shifted its stance from neutral to 'calibrated tightening'. The SDF rate is 5.25% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate are 5.75%.

Why it matters: Repo/SDF/MSF rates and policy stance are core Banking and Economy exam facts.

EconomyGovt extends customs duty exemption on cotton imports till 31 December 2026

A Department of Revenue notification dated 30 October extends the cotton import duty exemption by two months, to 31 December 2026. The exemption had been granted in May for five months, up to 31 October 2026.

Why it matters: Trade-policy measures on agricultural commodities and textiles are useful for Economy and Mains GS-3.

EconomyRBI October Bulletin: only about 74% of 125 bps rate cuts passed on to fresh loans

The RBI's October 2026 Bulletin found that the weighted average lending rate on fresh rupee loans fell 93 bps against the 125 bps repo cut between February 2025 and March 2026, a pass-through of about 74%. It also noted rising global inflation risks from West Asia tensions, while India's high-frequency indicators remained resilient.

Why it matters: Monetary policy transmission and WALR are important Banking and Economy concepts.

InternationalNepal PM's India visit planned; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Kathmandu

As plans are made for the Nepal Prime Minister's visit to India, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Kathmandu. The visit is part of preparations for the bilateral engagement.

Why it matters: India-Nepal relations under the Neighbourhood First policy are frequent International Relations topics.

NationalRashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026: PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel on 151st birth anniversary

PM Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar (Gujarat), on 31 October, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. He also attended the Ekta Diwas parade, which highlighted the end of armed Naxalism in 2026, and administered the Oath of Unity. The cultural programme's theme was 'Vande Mataram'.

Why it matters: Days, anniversaries and the Statue of Unity are common static-current crossover questions.

Pay & JobsCabinet approves 3% DA/DR hike, taking rate to 63% from 1 July 2026

The Union Cabinet on 28 October approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, raising the rate from 60% to 63% effective 1 July 2026. The 8th Pay Commission has not yet announced a fitment factor, while employee bodies are demanding a minimum basic pay of ₹69,000.

Why it matters: DA hikes and the 8th CPC timeline are regularly asked in economy and government-scheme sections.

Pay & Jobs8th Pay Commission completes Mumbai consultations; one year of operation on 3 Nov

The 8th Central Pay Commission held stakeholder consultations in Mumbai on 22-23 October 2026. It completes 12 months of operation on 3 November 2026 and has until about May 2027 to submit its recommendations. The 7th CPC fitment factor was 2.57, and no 8th CPC fitment factor has been announced.

Why it matters: The 8th CPC's constitution, tenure and chairperson (Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai) are likely static-GK and current-affairs questions.

Pay & JobsRecruitment watch: RRB NTPC (5,236), TNPSC Group 4 (6,274), UP TGT (17,735) and more open

Currently open notifications include RRB NTPC with 5,236 posts (last date 13 Nov 2026), Railway Station Master with 1,265 posts (25 Nov), TNPSC Group 4 with 6,274 posts (5 Nov) and UP TGT with 17,735 posts (23 Nov). OUSSSC is also hiring for 7,268 Constable, Firefighter and Driver posts (last date 12 Nov 2026), and OPSC for 89 Scientific Officers.

Why it matters: Aspirants should track these closing dates, with several deadlines falling in the first half of November.

SchemesGovt launches 2026-27 festive-season capex push and sets up panel on RELIEF scheme uptake for exporters

The Centre has set up a panel to improve uptake of the RELIEF scheme for exporters. Separately, it has cut the MRPs of trade-margin-capped cancer medicines by up to 93%. Both were reported by Business Standard on 31 October 2026.

Why it matters: Export-support schemes and drug price controls are useful for the Schemes and Economy sections.

Sci-TechISRO's GSLV-F18 successfully launches NVS-03 navigation satellite for NavIC

ISRO's GSLV-F18 lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, carrying the 2,232-kg NVS-03 and placed it in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit after about 18 minutes of flight. It was the 20th flight of the GSLV and NVS-03 is the third satellite of the next-generation NavIC series. ISRO plans NVS-04 and NVS-05 to build a seven-satellite constellation.

Why it matters: NavIC (India's regional navigation system) and GSLV launches are staple Science & Tech and Prelims questions.

EconomyIDBI 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.

EconomyRBI 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.

EconomyRBI'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.

EnvironmentCyclone 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.

EnvironmentDelhi 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.

EnvironmentPM 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.

Pay & JobsCabinet 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.

Pay & Jobs8th 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.

Pay & JobsRailway 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.

Sci-TechISRO'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.

SportsLakshya 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.