Why in News?

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from 6–9 November 2026 and signed the bilateral Haj Agreement 2027 with Saudi Arabia.

India's pilgrim quota for Haj-2027 has been fixed at 1,75,025.

Key Highlights

• Kiren Rijiju held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah on 9 November 2026 at Jeddah Superdome.

• Both sides reviewed preparations for Haj-2027 and discussed:

• Pilgrim safety and welfare.

• Improved logistical support.

• Better coordination for a smooth pilgrimage.

• The Union Minister attended the inauguration of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition on 8 November 2026.

• He also interacted with Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.

• A review meeting was held with officials of the Indian Consulate, Ministry of Minority Affairs and Haj Committee of India.

Significance

• Strengthens India-Saudi Arabia cooperation in Haj management and pilgrims' welfare.

• Promotes cultural exchange and people-to-people relations.

• Reinforces bilateral strategic partnership and cooperation with the Indian diaspora.

1. Why in News?

Indian Naval Ship INS Surat arrived at Muscat, Oman, on 8 November 2026 to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr, followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman.

2. Key Highlights

• The exercise will include harbour and sea phases.

• Major activities:

Cross-deck visits.

Operational interactions.

Sporting events.

• Focus on improving operational interoperability, professional cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies.

• The deployment follows the 13th India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting, held on 24 November 2025.

3. About Naseem Al Bahr

• Meaning: Sea Breeze.

• Participants: Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman.

• Nature: Bilateral maritime exercise.

• Followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) to strengthen maritime surveillance and operational coordination.

Why in News?

Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme (NSS) organised nationwide Diwali Sneh Milan across 153 institutions, reaching 1,07,494 participants under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan.

Key Highlights

• It was the 8th weekly intervention, marking the conclusion of the campaign's second month.

• Nasha Mukt Deepotsav: Volunteers, elders and children lit earthen diyas to symbolise the victory of light over addiction.

• Deepotsav and Sneh Milan gatherings together engaged over 41,600 participants.

• Street plays (Nukkad Nataks), Rangoli-making and Nasha Mukt songs reached over 24,100 participants.

• Nearly 25,000 individuals and family members took the Addiction-Free Diwali Sankalp.

• More than 16,700 NSS volunteers visited old-age homes, orphanages, hospitals and slum areas, distributing diyas and sweets.

• Over 1,100 social media posts and reels were uploaded using #NashaMuktYuva.

NSS Motto

• “Not Me, But You” – emphasises community service, selflessness and social responsibility.

Why in News?

• The Permanent Missions of India and Mali jointly organised an event at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, on 7 October 2026 to commemorate World Cotton Day.

• Theme: “Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership”.

Key Highlights

• World Cotton Day: Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 75/318; observed annually on 7 October.

• Focuses on cotton's contribution to economic development, international trade, poverty alleviation and livelihoods.

• India's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, highlighted self-reliance, value addition, sustainability and international partnerships.

• Mali's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Issa Konfourou, highlighted cotton's importance to its economy and rural livelihoods.

• Indian MPs highlighted:

• Kantha embroidery (West Bengal): Traditional craftsmanship, women's livelihoods and resource efficiency.

• Cotton knitwear (Tamil Nadu): Small enterprises, skilled workers and textile manufacturing.

• Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted India's cotton sector and initiatives such as:

• Mission for Cotton Productivity.

• Kasturi Cotton Bharat.

• PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) initiative.

Major Discussion Areas

• Improving cotton productivity and quality.

• Supporting small and marginal farmers, artisans and small enterprises.

• Expanding domestic processing, value addition and market access.

• Promoting sustainable textile production and wastewater reuse.

• Strengthening South-South cooperation and international partnerships.

• Demonstration of Pen Kalamkari, showcasing India's traditional cotton craft.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on 12 October 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

Key Highlights

• The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

• Named after Mangrol, a coastal town and fishing harbour in Gujarat's Junagadh district.

• Continues the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper decommissioned on 7 April 2004.

• Built with over 80% indigenous content under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Features and Capabilities

• Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar for underwater threat detection.

• Lightweight torpedoes.

• Indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher.

• Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.

• Powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion for high manoeuvrability in shallow waters.

• Capable of underwater surveillance, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations and mine warfare-related tasks.

1. Why in News?

The Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with Blue Dart Express Limited on 9 October 2026 in New Delhi to strengthen India Post Parcel services across India.

2. Key Highlights

• Blue Dart will utilise India Post's extensive postal network for last-mile parcel delivery across urban, semi-urban and rural areas, including remote regions.

• Services will include:

• Prepaid and Cash on Delivery (COD) parcels.

• One-Time Password (OTP)-based delivery authentication.

• Real-time shipment tracking.

• Focus on faster deliveries, technology integration and improved operational coordination.

• Supports India's growing e-commerce and logistics sector.

3. Benefits of the Partnership

• Blue Dart: Access to DoP's network of 1.64 lakh Post Offices, expanding its delivery reach, particularly in remote areas.

• Department of Posts: Additional parcel business, stronger engagement with organised logistics and access to private-sector operational expertise.

4. About the Department of Posts

• Functions under the Ministry of Communications.

• Operates the world's largest postal network, with over 1.64 lakh Post Offices across India.

• Provides communication, logistics and financial services.

Why in News?

The 15th AITIGA Joint Committee Meeting was held from 6–9 October 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia, to review progress in negotiations for the AITIGA.

Key Highlights

• Held in hybrid mode and co-chaired by:

• Nitin Kumar Yadav: Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India.

• Mastura Ahmad Mustafa: Deputy Secretary-General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia.

• Participating ASEAN members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

• Three of the eight AITIGA sub-committees also met:

• Sub-Committee on Legal and Institutional Issues (SC-LII).

• Sub-Committee on National Treatment on Market Access (SC-NTMA).

• Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin (SC-ROO).

• The Joint Committee directed all sub-committees to expedite pending chapters through time-bound deliverables and closer coordination.

3. Outcome

• India and ASEAN reaffirmed their commitment to a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement.

• Both sides agreed to resolve outstanding policy issues, deepen economic integration and modernise AITIGA.

• Next Meeting: January 2027 in India (hybrid mode).

1. Why in News?

• An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, participated in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.

• The Assembly was held from 5–9 October 2026.

2. Key Highlights

• Emergency Item: “Urgent parliamentary action to address climate-related disasters and strengthen resilience in the Himalayan region and other vulnerable regions”, proposed by Nepal.

• General Debate: “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all”.

• Dr. Anurag Singh Thakur: Supported the emergency item and participated in the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights.

• Dr. Sasmit Patra: Participated in discussions on the UN machinery for conflict prevention and resolution.

• Dr. Lata Wankhede: Participated in a discussion on Artificial Intelligence and the future of work.

• The Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha participated in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) meeting and explained India's parliamentary budgetary processes.

3. Election of IPU President

• Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, was elected President of the IPU on 9 October 2026.

• The Indian Parliamentary Delegation congratulated him on his election.

4. About IPU

• The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organisation of national parliaments.

• It promotes parliamentary diplomacy, democracy, peace, sustainable development and international cooperation.

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

• Established: 1889.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Team India representatives at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai 2026, at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• The interaction focused on skill development, vocational training and India's potential to become a global hub of skilled human resources.

• PM emphasised that practical skills are as important as academic degrees.

• He stated that skill training institutions are no less important than IITs and IIMs.

• He urged youth to continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to emerging technologies.

• Participants shared their experiences of using new tools, software, technical systems and work processes.

• PM encouraged them to become ambassadors of skill development and contribute suggestions to improve India's skill-training ecosystem.

India at WorldSkills Competition 2026

• Edition: 48th WorldSkills Competition.

• Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China.

• Dates: 22–27 September 2026.

• India's Rank: 10th position.

• Achievements: 6 Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence.

• Indian Contingent: Largest-ever team of 70 competitors across 63 skills.

Why in News?

US President Donald Trump initiated the process on 2 November 2026 to terminate South Africa and Rwanda's benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer formally notified the US legislature.

2. About AGOA

• Enacted in 2000 under US President Bill Clinton.

• Provides eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products.

• Eligibility is reviewed annually, and the programme requires legislative renewal.

3. Reasons for Proposed Removal

• South Africa: US cited trade barriers, corruption and threats to US interests.

• Rwanda: US additionally raised concerns over human rights and political freedom, along with Rwanda's alleged support for M-23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

4. Impact on South Africa

• South Africa has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of AGOA.

• Its exports under the programme declined from $4 billion in 2024 to $1.7 billion in 2025.

• Key affected sectors include automobiles, citrus fruits and wine.

• Loss of duty-free access could make its products less competitive against European and South American exporters.

• Trade unions warned that up to 10,000 jobs could be at risk.

5. Impact on Rwanda

• Major exports to the US include coffee, tea and minerals.

• The US recently imposed sanctions on Rwanda's Defence Ministry over alleged links with M-23 rebels.

• Rwanda has denied supporting the rebels.

6. Response and Significance

• South African Trade Minister Parks Tau termed the decision unfortunate and stated that Pretoria would protect jobs and diversify export markets.

• The proposed termination highlights growing US-Africa trade and diplomatic tensions.

• Both countries face uncertainty over their preferential trade access ahead of the January 2027 deadline

Why in News?

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) began winding down operations on 1 November 2026 after its mandate was not renewed by the UN Security Council.

Key Highlights

• The mission's mandate expired following a geopolitical deadlock at the UN Security Council.

• Russia vetoed a US-backed resolution to extend the mandate, objecting to the proposal's emphasis on Morocco's autonomy plan. A rival Russian proposal also failed.

• The UN has begun the phased closure of 13 MINURSO sites and withdrawal of personnel.

• A smaller team under the UN Department of Operational Support will oversee the closure and handover of the sites.

Background: Western Sahara Dispute

• Location: Resource-rich territory on the north-western coast of Africa, rich in phosphates and Atlantic fishing grounds.

• Western Sahara remained a Spanish colony until 1975.

• After Spain's withdrawal, Morocco and Mauritania claimed the territory. Morocco launched the Green March (1975), involving around 350,000 civilians.

• The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist politico-military organisation, launched an armed struggle for independence.

• Mauritania withdrew its claim in 1979, but conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front continued.

• Algeria supported the Polisario Front.

MINURSO: Key Facts

• Established in 1991 following a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

• Objective: Organise a referendum allowing the Sahrawi people to choose between independence and integration with Morocco.

• The referendum never took place due to disagreements over voter eligibility.

• The mission primarily monitored the ceasefire and the sand wall separating the two sides.

Current Positions and Concerns

• Morocco: Supports autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.

• Polisario Front: Demands a referendum on full independence.

• The United States recognised Moroccan sovereignty in 2020 under President Donald Trump.

• The mission's withdrawal has raised concerns about civilian security and possible military escalation, particularly among Sahrawi refugees living in camps in Algeria.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara would continue diplomatic efforts.

Why in News?

According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Diwali-related trade across India is expected to exceed ₹7 lakh crore, while Delhi's sales have crossed ₹1 lakh crore in 2026.

Key Highlights

• Nationwide Diwali business had already crossed ₹6 lakh crore, with strong consumer demand and increased market footfall.

• Major sectors witnessing strong sales:

• Jewellery: Gold, silver and jewellery.

• Electronics: Mobile phones, LED TVs and home appliances.

• Clothing: Sarees, suits, kurtas and readymade garments.

• Festive goods: Diyas, idols, puja materials, sweets and food products.

• Automobiles: Cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

• Swadeshi products: Khadi, handloom, handicrafts and locally made goods.

Economic Impact

• Increased festive spending benefited small and medium traders, street vendors, daily-wage workers, micro and cottage industries, women entrepreneurs, artisans, transport and logistics businesses.

• CAIT attributed the growth partly to rising consumer preference for Indian products, reflecting the impact of Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi initiatives.

Why in News?

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri led a 5-km community run organised by the Consulate General of India in Dubai on 6 November 2026.

2. Key Highlights

• Organised in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism as part of the Dubai 30×30 Fitness Challenge.

• The run took place at Kite Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai.

• Consul General of India Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy and over 60 Indian business leaders and entrepreneurs participated.

• Participants included members of the Indian Business and Professionals Council, UAE-India Business Council and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO).

3. About Dubai Fitness Challenge

• Launched in 2017.

• Encourages residents and visitors to undertake 30 minutes of physical activity daily for 30 consecutive days.

• Promotes fitness, healthier lifestyles and community participation.

Why in News?

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance and calling for development to reach the most deprived sections of society.

Key Highlights

• The Deepotsav journey began in 2017 on the banks of the Saryu River.

• CM Yogi described the festival as a symbol of the revival of Sanatan culture, restoration of national self-respect and revival of Ayodhya's historical and spiritual identity.

• Lakhs of earthen lamps at Ram Ki Paidi symbolised the victory of light over darkness, faith, social upliftment and local self-reliance.

• Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, diplomats, international dignitaries, saints and devotees were among the invited guests.

• The celebrations highlighted the ideals of equality, harmony, cultural unity and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).