Why in News?

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹53,866.50 crore with two defense public sector shipyards—Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)—for the construction of eight next-generation corvettes for the Indian Navy.

• The project aims to strengthen India's maritime security while giving a major boost to indigenous warship design and manufacturing.

Who Will Build These Warships?

The eight corvettes will be built by two Indian shipyards:

• GRSE: Five corvettes.

• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL): Three corvettes.

This is the first project in which the ships will be indigenously designed by the Indian Navy and constructed by defense PSUs selected through a competitive process.

What Makes These Corvettes Special?

The next-generation vessels will feature advanced missile weapons and sensor systems. They will be designed to perform a wide range of naval operations across air, surface, and underwater domains.

Their key roles will include:

• Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

• Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.

• Search-and-attack missions.

• Coastal and littoral defense.

• Protection of important maritime trade routes.

• Strengthening India's maritime presence and deterrence capabilities.

Why in the news?

Recently, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition by AITUC challenging the definition of 'industry' under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

AITUC argues that the new definition, by excluding certain institutions, dilutes worker protection and changes the scope of industrial disputes.

About the Industrial Relations Code, 2020:

It merges 3 laws: the Trade Unions Act, 1926; the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

Definition: Industry = any systematic activity with cooperation between employer and workers for production, supply, or distribution of goods and services.

It excludes:

• Institutions run by organizations substantially engaged in charitable, social, or philanthropic work.

• Govt activities relating to sovereign functions.

• Domestic services.

• Any other activity notified by the Central Govt at its discretion.

Grounds of Challenge:

• Violates Article 14: Exclusion is based on who runs the establishment, not what work is done. So, a nurse in a private hospital vs. a charitable hospital doing the same work gets different rights to go to the Industrial Tribunal for unequal treatment.

• Excessive Delegation: The Centre can exclude any other activity by notification without clear criteria in the law, giving arbitrary, unchecked discretion.

• Deviation from Bangalore Water Supply (1978): In Bangalore Water Supply vs. A. Rajappa, SC gave a triple test: systematic activity + employer-employee cooperation + production of goods/services, and held that the nature of the activity matters, not the motive or who owns it. The new code breaks that.

• Jai Bir Singh Case (Aug 2026): SC said the triple test will still apply to pending cases under the ID Act, 1947, but the definition under Sec 2(p) of the IR Code, 2020, will be interpreted independently, so this challenge becomes crucial.

• Impact: Workers in excluded sectors don't lose all rights but lose specific protections of the IR Code, retrenchment, layoff, closure safeguards, and access to conciliation/adjudication machinery.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 crew members aboard the hijacked fishing vessel Azini off the coast of Somalia.

How Was the Operation Conducted?

The fishing vessel was hijacked by armed pirates off Somalia’s north-eastern coast. There were concerns that the pirates could use it as a “mother ship” to launch further attacks on merchant vessels, threatening vital international shipping routes.

The Indian Navy responded with a coordinated operation involving multiple platforms and specialized forces.

• Surveillance and tracking: A mission-deployed Indian Navy warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, located and tracked the hijacked vessel.

• Containment: The Navy used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict the vessel’s movement and prevent its escape.

• Special forces deployment: Marine Commandos were reinforced through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

• Successful rescue: Indian Navy personnel secured the vessel, neutralized the pirate threat, and safely rescued all 20 crew members.

Why Is the Operation Significant?

The mission highlights the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and its ability to conduct complex maritime security operations. It also demonstrates effective coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

Somalia’s surrounding waters are strategically important for international shipping. Piracy in the region can endanger seafarers, disrupt trade, and increase maritime security risks.

Why in News?

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is discussing a three-point plan with Russia, Ukraine and Europe to address key humanitarian and economic concerns arising from the conflict.

Key Highlights

• India’s proposed three-point plan focuses on:

1. Protection of Civilian Shipping: Prevent attacks on civilian ships and seafarers.

2. Restoration of Grain Exports: Restore the flow of Russian and Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, which has declined sharply.

3. Non-Attack on Energy Infrastructure: Prevent attacks on energy infrastructure, including refineries, electricity grids and fuel-carrying ships.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts

• India is engaging with Russia, Ukraine and European countries.

• PM Narendra Modi and EAM S. Jaishankar have held discussions with Russian leadership.

• Jaishankar has maintained contact with Ukraine.

• India is coordinating the initiative with the United States, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Significance

• Restoration of grain exports is important for Global South countries, which are major purchasers of the grain.

• Protecting shipping and energy infrastructure can reduce global economic disruptions.

• India reiterated that there are no military solutions to major conflicts and called for a diplomatic pathway.

Why in News?

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colour to Chandigarh Police on its 60th Raising Day (Diamond Jubilee).

• The ceremony was held at Police Lines, Chandigarh.

About President’s Colour

• One of the highest honours awarded to a uniformed service in recognition of its exceptional service and achievements.

• Chandigarh Police received the honour for its contribution to:

1. Maintaining law and order.

2. Combating terrorism.

3. Ensuring regional security.

Chandigarh: Administrative Significance

• Became a Union Territory on 1 November 1966.

• Serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

• Houses the constitutional institutions and administrative offices of both states.

• Chandigarh Police coordinates with Punjab and Haryana Police for security management in the tri-city region.

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?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 on 2 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• Theme: ‘Invest. Innovate. Inspire.’

Major Areas of Focus

• Solar and wind energy.

• Green hydrogen.

• Energy storage.

• Renewable energy manufacturing and emerging technologies.

• Clean-energy investment and international technology partnerships.

Significance

• Builds on the legacy of RE-INVEST, India's flagship renewable energy investment summit.

• Aims to attract global investment, promote clean-energy manufacturing and strengthen international cooperation.

• Supports faster deployment of renewable energy and emerging clean-energy technologies.

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.