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.

Why in News?

India's Defense Minister, addressing the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, offered to share India's counter-terrorism expertise with ASEAN and its dialogue partners.

• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: India proposed joint exercises, capacity building, and intelligence sharing, drawing from its operational experience. Operation Sindoor was cited as an example of India's approach to cross-border and state-sponsored terrorism.

• Indo-Pacific Vision: India called for a secure, stable, and resilient Indo-Pacific based on cooperation and respect for international law.

• Maritime Security: 2026 has been declared as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, with the 2nd ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise planned. India stressed freedom of navigation, security of trade routes, and adherence to UNCLOS. The Indian Navy's continuous presence in Gulf of Aden since 2008 shows its commitment to protecting shipping.

• Defense Youth Bridge: India proposed a 'Youth Bridge' to boost people-to-people ties, digital innovation, and capacity building among youth.

About ADMM-Plus:

• It is a platform of ASEAN members plus 8 dialogue partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the USA, to strengthen security and defense cooperation.

• First held in Hanoi in 2010, it has met annually since 2017. It focuses on 7 areas, such as maritime security, counterterrorism, HADR, peacekeeping, military medicine, humanitarian mine action, and cybersecurity, through experts' working groups. India and Malaysia are co-chairing the Counterterrorism Working Group for 2024-27.

Why in the news?

India's automobile industry, valued at around Rs 22 lakh crore, has now become the world's 3rd largest auto market by new vehicle sales, overtaking Japan and standing just behind China and the USA.

• Industry Growth: The industry has grown from about Rs 14 lakh crore to Rs 22 lakh crore in recent years, driven by strong domestic manufacturing and rising demand. As per OICA, India sold around 55.18 lakh new vehicles in 2025, higher than Japan's 45.66 lakh.'

• Economic Contribution: The sector is a major pillar of the economy. It contributes about Rs 4.5 lakh crore in taxes and revenue to the center and states and provides livelihood to nearly 4.5 crore people directly and indirectly, boosting ancillary industries like steel, tires, and components.

• Automobile Exports: India is also becoming an export hub. Vehicle exports grew by nearly 24% to over 67 lakh units in FY 2025-26, led by passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles.

• Infrastructure Development: Better highways and expressways have cut logistics costs by about 6% and reduced travel time, which further supports auto demand and economic activity along corridors.

• Green Hydrogen & Energy Linkage: The next phase is linked to clean energy. Farmers are being seen as potential producers of green hydrogen, which can reduce India's dependence on imported fuel. If scaled up, domestic hydrogen production could even make India an energy exporter.

• Significance: Overall, the auto sector's growth strengthens manufacturing, creates massive jobs, boosts exports, supports MSMEs and ancillaries, and improves India's global competitiveness.

Why in News?

• Sacred relics of Lord Buddha, preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi, is being displayed in Arunachal Pradesh from 31 October to 21 November 2026.

• Exposition locations: Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai.

• Organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Government, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and National Museum.

• The exposition coincides with Lhabab Düchen, an important Tibetan Buddhist festival commemorating Buddha's descent from the heavenly realm.

Origin and Discovery of Relics

• Origin: Piprahwa, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Associated with ancient Kapilavastu and the Shakya tradition.

• 1898: British engineer William Claxton Peppé excavated a stupa and discovered reliquaries containing bone fragments and precious objects.

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat.

• The festival marks the beginning of celebrations for the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Bharat Parv will continue until 15 November 2026.

Key Attractions

• Bharat Parv: Celebrates the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

• Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations

• Observed on 31 October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Ekta Parade by security forces.

• Theatrical presentation on Naxal Mukt Bharat by the National School of Drama.

India’s Poverty Reduction: World Bank Report

• 496 million people lifted out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.

• Poverty rate (below $4.20/day) declined from 57.7% to 16.1%.

• Extreme poverty (below $2.15/day) fell from 27.1% to 2.6%.

• Rural-urban extreme poverty gap narrowed from 7.7 to 1.7 percentage points.

• Gini coefficient declined from 28.8 to 25.1, indicating reduced income inequality.

Five states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh—accounted for nearly two-thirds of extreme poverty reduction.

• Poverty is projected to decline further by 2028.

Significance: Rising disposable incomes can boost domestic demand, consumption, manufacturing and services.

Major concerns

• Housing affordability.

• Energy prices and inflation.

• Youth unemployment and underemployment.

• Stagnant real incomes and pressure on public services.

• Key contributing factors: COVID-19 disruptions, Russia–Ukraine war and US-driven trade tensions.

Suggested measures

Investment in education, healthcare, job quality and affordable housing.