Why in News?

• Following the recent Cyclone Arnab, Cyclone Murasu has now emerged.

• This cyclone originated from a low-pressure area in the Andaman Sea, the Bay of Bengal. States such as Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu could be affected by it.

Key Facts

• India had contributed the name ‘Murasu’ to the list of names designated for cyclones.

• When a weather system forming in the Bay of Bengal reached the intensity threshold defined for a cyclone, it was named ‘Murasu’ in accordance with this list.

• A cyclone is named not based on its projected path or the state it might affect, but according to a pre-determined list of names.

What does the word 'Murasu' mean?

• 'Murasu' is a Tamil word that refers to a traditional drum.

• In ancient Tamil society, this drum was used to convey important information to the people.

• It was used to make public announcements, issue warnings, and share news about significant events.

• It was also used to alert people, especially during times of crisis or danger.

• Therefore, the name 'Murasu' is associated not only with music but also with the tradition of conveying messages and warnings to the people.

Why in News?

• Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the National Organ Transplant Games 2026 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.

• Called organ donation a ‘Mahadaan’ (great donation).

Key Highlights

• Organised with the involvement of:

1. Renal Care Foundation.

2. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

3. National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• Vice-President released the ‘Zindagi Dobara’ Calendar.

• Felicitated medal winners of the World Transplant Games 2025, held in Dresden, Germany.

Important Facts About Organ Donation

• One deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives.

• Organ donation gives patients awaiting transplantation a second chance at life.

• The Vice-President called for greater awareness, dispelling myths and encouraging people to discuss their organ donation wishes with their families.

• Organ donation was linked to India's civilisational values of compassion and selfless service, with the example of Maharshi Dadhichi.

Why in News?

1. West Bengal Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari has told that 2.5 lakh Matuas in the state will be granted citizenship certificate by 31st December, 2026.

2. It is to be noted that most of the Matuas, who migrated from neighbouring Bangladesh during different time-periods do not have sufficient documents to apply for citizenship under the CAA.

3. CAA fast-tracks citizenship to Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, Parsi and Sikh refugees who entered India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014, to escape religious persecution.

Who are Matuas?

1. This community belonging to Hindu Namshudras, has roots in Bangladesh.

2. The Partition of India in 1947 hastened the ethnicization of the Matuas, as displacement and communal violence forced new ways of living and political participation for the community.

3. This religious sect was formed by social reformer Sri Harichand Thakur (1812-78).

4. The word Matua comes from hariname matoara (intoxicated with the name of God).

5. Matua philosophy directly challenged Hindu orthodoxy to attract marginalized communities in search of spiritual and social emancipation.

6. The community fought against inequality, denied brahmanical domination, casteism and exploitative practices.

Why in the news?

• On November 1, 2026, following his assumption of office as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit unveiled a vision for the future strategy of the Indian Air Force, titled ‘VAYU’.

• His primary objective is to enhance the combat strength of the Indian Air Force, strengthen indigenous defense technology, and foster better coordination among the three branches of the armed forces.

• He specifically emphasized prioritizing the Tejas, the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), Indian-made sensors, and indigenous weaponry.

What is VAYU Vision?
The term 'VAYU' represents four key priorities of the Indian Air Force.
V – Vigilance, Victory, and Readiness: This signifies that all aircraft, radars, air defense units, and personnel of the Indian Air Force must remain prepared to take immediate action in any emergency situation.

A – Aatmanirbharta (Self-reliance in the defense sector): This implies that India should increasingly develop indigenous aircraft, weapons, sensors, and technology to meet its defense requirements.

Y – Yukti (Innovation, Strategic Thinking, and Technical Proficiency): Drones, cyberattacks, artificial intelligence, and space technology are transforming the nature of warfare. Therefore, innovation in these domains must be prioritized.

U – Unity of Effort (Integrated Efforts Among the Three Services): This implies that the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force should operate under a unified strategy rather than functioning independently.

Why in the news?

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) celebrated its 74th Foundation Day in New Delhi on 1 November 2026.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports.

Key Initiatives to Be Launched

Dr. Mandaviya launched several EPFO initiatives, including:

• Automatic Settlement of Eligible Inoperative EPF Accounts: Accounts with balances up to ₹1,000.

• EPFO Services through WhatsApp: To facilitate easier access to EPFO services.

Presentation of Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2026 to recognize outstanding contributions by:

• Regional Offices.

• Zonal Offices.

• Individual officers and employees.

Significance

The celebration reaffirms EPFO's commitment to workers' social security. Its objective is to ensure that workers' years of labor translate into security, dignity, and peace of mind for them and their families.

Why in News?

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) on 31 October 2026.

He succeeds Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after 42 years of service.

Background and Career

• NDA alumnus; commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.

• Over 40 years of service experience.

• More than 3,500 hours of flying experience.

• Aircraft flown include Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, and transport aircraft

Key Contributions

• Played an important role in IAF modernization.

• Contributed to Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrade projects.

• Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of LCA Mk-I Tejas.

• Commanded a Mirage-2000 Squadron, Forward Base Support Unit, and Air Force Station Bidar.

Important Appointments

• Air Defense Commander, Southern Air Command.

• Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command.

• Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.

• Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.

• Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.

• Vice Chief of the Air Staff (before becoming CAS).

Education and Awards

Institutions:

• National Defence Academy (NDA).

• Defence Services Command and Staff College, Bangladesh.

• National Defence College, New Delhi.

Military Decorations:

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM).

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).

• Vayu Sena Medal (VM).

• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

Why in News?

• The 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 will be organized at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, from 1 to 15 November 2026.

• Organized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• To be formally inaugurated on 2 November 2026 by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.

Theme: ‘प्रकाश और परंपरा – ज्योति से ज्योति जलाएँ’

• Celebrates India's traditional crafts, festive lighting and cultural heritage.

• Features artisan products, live craft demonstrations and cultural programmes.

Seven Thematic Zones

Zone Main Focus

कला आँगन Live craft demonstrations

प्रकाश चौक Lamps and lights

पूजा पथ Devotional products

सजावट बाज़ार Home décor

घराना Textiles and fashion

स्वाद चौक Food

मंच Cultural activities and performances

Key Highlights

• More than 1,000 artisans have benefited from Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022.

• For the first time, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) will jointly organise Shilp Utsav.

• Approximately 150 stalls will be set up under Bharat TULIP and Purple Fest.

• The initiative will bring traditional artisans, creative talent and inclusive participation together on a common platform.

Important Initiatives

Bharat TULIP

• Full form: Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme.

• Aims to market products made by aspirational groups to consumers in India and abroad through e-commerce platforms.

• Focuses on economic empowerment and preservation of traditional arts and crafts.

Purple Fest

• A multidimensional celebration of disability, creativity, talent and equal participation.

• Brings together persons with disabilities, organisations, institutions, businesses, artists and other stakeholders.

• Promotes inclusion, participation and greater understanding of disability.

Key Objective

• Provide traditional artisans and aspirational communities with a platform to showcase and market their products.

• Promote India's traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

• Encourage inclusive participation and economic empowerment.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026 for 490 personnel from various states, union territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Central Police Organisations (CPOs).

The award was announced on 31 October 2026.

Purpose of the Award

The medal recognizes excellence in five areas:

1. Police operations.

2. Outstanding investigative work.

3. Exceptional performance.

4. Intelligence services.

5. Contributions to forensic science.

Objective: To promote high professional standards and boost the morale of police and security personnel.

Institution and Eligibility

• Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a notification dated 1 February 2024.

• Conferred on personnel serving in:

• Police forces and security organizations.

• Intelligence wings.

• CAPFs and CPOs.

• National Security Guard (NSG).

• Assam Rifles.

• Forensic science establishments at central and state levels.

Important Features

• The award was initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

• Announced annually on 31 October.

• The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Why in News?

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant presented the N.R. Madhava Menon Memorial Tribute of Honour-II Award to Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani on 31 October 2026.

The award ceremony was jointly organized by:

Bar Council of Kerala.

Bar Council of Kerala Advocates’ Academy for Continuing Legal Education Trust.

About N.R. Madhava Menon

Considered the Father of Modern Legal Education in India.

Reimagined legal education by promoting socially relevant and practical legal training. Emphasized:

• Legal-aid clinics and access to justice for the poor and marginalized.

• Inclusion of social realities in legal curricula.

• Legal education beyond classrooms.

• Continuing legal education for practicing lawyers.

• Received the Padma Shri and, posthumously, the Padma Bhushan.

Key Observations by CJI Surya Kant

• Recalled Menon's belief in the principle that the welfare of the people is the supreme law.

• Highlighted how Menon placed poor and marginalized communities at the center of legal education through curricula and legal-aid clinics.

• Referred to the guru-shishya relationship between Menon and R. Venkataramani, stating that Venkataramani carried his teacher's conscience to the Supreme Court.

Significance

The award honors contributions to legal education and the legacy of N.R. Madhava Menon.

His approach connected legal education with social responsibility, access to justice, and the practical realities faced by marginalized communities.

Why in News?

CJI Surya Kant offered prayers at Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple, Thrissur, Kerala, on 31 October 2026.

Witnessed the Seveli procession and performed darshan.

Received prasadam and a sculpture of Lord Krishna playing the flute.

About Guruvayur Temple

• Location: Thrissur, Kerala.

• Deity: Lord Krishna (Guruvayurappan).

• Also known as Bhuloka Vaikuntham.

• Administered under the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, 1978.

Modern India: Important Connections

Guruvayur Satyagraha (1931–32)

• Launched on 1 November 1931 against caste-based discrimination and untouchability.

• Leaders: K. Kelappan (Kerala Gandhi) and A.K. Gopalan.

• Important milestone in Kerala's social reform movement and temple-entry struggle.

Constitutional Linkages

• Article 14 – Equality before law.

• Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination.

• Article 17 – Abolition of untouchability.

• Articles 25–26 – Freedom of religion and religious affairs.

Other Contemporary Aspects

• Religious tourism supports Kerala's local economy and employment.

• Online darshan and accommodation services promote digital pilgrimage management.

• Temple elephants raise concerns regarding animal welfare and humane treatment.

Why in News?

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with representatives of the EU, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, USA.

Key Discussions

Country/Organization Key Discussion Areas

European Union (Kaja Kallas) Ukraine conflict and Gulf situation

Germany (Johann Wadephul) Bilateral relations and global issues

Brazil (Mauro Vieira) Bilateral relations and global issues

Mexico (Roberto Velasco Álvarez) Strengthening bilateral relations

Canada (Anita Anand) Progress of bilateral cooperation

Argentina (Pablo Quirno) Trade, critical minerals, defense, and nuclear cooperation

Other Important Highlights

The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to participate in a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Major issues on the G20 agenda:

• Energy security.

• Resilient supply chains.

• Security of international sea lanes.

• Disruptions in global trade and energy flows.

Significance for India

Strengthening partnerships across Europe, North America, and Latin America.

Expanding cooperation in technology, defense, energy, and critical minerals.

Promoting India's role in addressing global and regional challenges.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers on the successful launch of GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03.

The mission aims to strengthen NavIC, India's indigenous satellite navigation system.

Key Highlights

• Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F18 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle).

• Satellite: NVS-03.

• Objective: Strengthen NavIC and improve navigation services.

• NVS-03 has enhanced capabilities to support India's self-reliance in critical technologies.

• The mission will strengthen navigation services for citizens.

About NavIC

• Full Form: Navigation with Indian Constellation.

• India's indigenous regional satellite navigation system.

• Developed by ISRO.

• Provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.

• Designed to provide coverage over India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its boundaries.

Why in News?

The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from 30 October to 3 November 2026.

It aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, regional security, and interoperability among BIMSTEC member countries.

BIMSTEC Member Countries

Seven members are participating: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka,

Thailand

Key Objectives

• Enhance maritime interoperability among member states.

• Strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

• Improve coordination mechanisms.

• Exchange operational experiences and best practices.

• Promote regional security and stability in the Bay of Bengal.

Strategic Importance of the Bay of Bengal

• Connects South Asia and Southeast Asia.

• Important for international trade and connectivity.

• Supports regional energy security and economic growth.

• Requires cooperation to maintain a secure and stable maritime environment.

Role of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)

• India's first integrated tri-service command.

• Strategically located near important sea lanes of communication.

• Important capabilities include:

• Maritime surveillance.

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

• Search and Rescue (SAR).

• Regional maritime engagement.

Important Themes

Exercise theme: Translating Vision to Action.

Central message: Shared Seas, Shared Security, and Shared Prosperity.

Builds upon the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open."

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Navy’s indigenously designed stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan Naval Harbour, South Korea, in October 2026 to participate in the India–Republic of Korea Navy (IN–RoKN) bilateral exercise.

The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve coordination between the two navies in the Indo-Pacific region.

About INS Sahyadri

• It is the third ship of the Shivalik Class Guided Missile Stealth Frigates, built by Mazagon Dock Ltd., Mumbai. Indigenously designed and constructed, it was commissioned in 2012.

• It is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors that allow it to detect and neutralize threats from air, surface, and underwater.

• Capacity: The ship has a displacement of 6,800 tons and can achieve a top speed of 32 knots. It is part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy based at Visakhapatnam.

• Weapon Systems: It carries Barak-1 and Shtil-1 3S90M missiles, BrahMos anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine rocket launchers and can operate multi-role helicopters.

• Significance: Shivalik-class frigates—INS Shivalik, INS Sahyadri, and INS Satpura—are the first stealth warships built in India, marking the coming of age of India's warship-building capability.

Key Highlights of the Exercise

INS Sahyadri received a warm welcome from the Republic of Korea Navy, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

The exercise will take place in two phases:

• Harbour Phase: Naval personnel from both countries will participate in professional discussions, cross-deck visits, joint training activities, and sporting events. These interactions will help them exchange operational knowledge and best practices.

• Sea Phase: INS Sahyadri will undertake coordinated maritime activities with the South Korean warship ROKS Munmu the Great to improve operational coordination and interoperability.