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?

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).

Why in News?

The Ministry of Labour & Employment and the Madhya Pradesh Labour Department jointly organised “Shram Samvad” in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, on 5 November 2026.

Key Highlights

• Focused on capacity-building and awareness regarding Labour Codes, labour welfare and social protection.

• Organised in collaboration with the Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Presided over by S.R. Datta, Director, Ministry of Labour & Employment.

• More than 100 participants, including employers, industry representatives and HR, legal and finance professionals, attended.

• Officials from the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) and Directorate General Labour Welfare (DGLW) also participated.

Major Discussions

• Technical sessions covered employer compliance requirements under all four Labour Codes and the Central Rules.

• EPFO and DGLW representatives discussed:

• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme

• The Ministry shared the Handbook of Compliance for Employers and Compilation of Frequently Asked Questions.

• An interactive question-and-answer session addressed implementation and compliance-related queries.

Why in News?

WWF-India's EIACP Programme Centre appealed to citizens of Delhi-NCR to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali under the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign 2026 (20 October–8 November 2026).

Key Highlights

Supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

Special focus on 130 cities across 24 States and Union Territories covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's air quality was in the 'Very Poor' category, with forecasts indicating a possibility of reaching the 'Severe' category.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Green Diwali Initiatives

Use traditional earthen diyas and eco-friendly candles.

Choose locally made gifts with minimal packaging.

Avoid firecrackers to reduce air and noise pollution.

Use natural materials for rangoli and decorations.

Minimise waste, avoid single-use plastics and promote recycling.

Organise plantation drives and community clean-up activities.

Promote donation, reuse and sustainable mobility.

Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) through the CPCB's SAMEER app.

Why in News?

The seven-day exposition of the Sacred Relics of Shakyamuni Buddha at Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh, concluded on 7 November 2026, attracting around 31,000 devotees and visitors.

Key Highlights

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

The relics arrived in Tawang on 31 October 2026 from the National Museum, New Delhi.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the ceremonial reception.

Two exhibitions were inaugurated:

Unearthing the Sacred Piprahwa: Showcased the discovery of Buddha's relics at Piprahwa in 1898.

Crossroads of Dhamma: Highlighted the historical, artistic and cultural legacy of Buddhism.

On 2 November 2026, IBC organised an international conference on “Buddhism: Dissemination in the Himalayan Region and Beyond” at Tawang.

Further Journey of Sacred Relics

Location Public Darshan

TGL Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila 8–13 November 2026

Golden Pagoda, Namsai 14–20 November 2026

Return to National Museum, New Delhi 21 November 2026

The Indian Air Force transported the relics from Tawang to Bomdila on 8 November 2026.

1. Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Bastar (Chhattisgarh), on 8 November 2026.

2. Key Highlights

The PM shared sweets and festive greetings with security personnel and honoured their sacrifices in the fight against Naxalism.

He described Diwali 2026 as the first Diwali after the country’s victory over Naxalism, stating that every district was now free from Naxalism.

He highlighted the transformation of Bastar from a Naxal-affected region towards peace and development.

He noted that, for the first time in 47 years, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had completed a year without losing a personnel in operational duty.

He also cautioned that the threat posed by what he termed “Dimagi Naxals” remained a concern.

3. Significance

Recognises the contribution and sacrifices of security forces in counter-Naxal operations.

Highlights the link between improved internal security, peace and development in affected regions.

1. Why in News?

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invited applications from startups for the WaveX Startup Pavilion at WAVES Bazaar, during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa 2026.

2. Key Highlights

Eligibility: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)-registered startups working in film and allied technologies.

Selected startups will showcase innovative products, technologies and solutions to the national and international film and media industry.

Selection will be conducted through a screening and evaluation process by a committee constituted by WaveX.

Objective: Provide global visibility, networking, industry engagement and collaboration opportunities with filmmakers, production houses and investors.

3. About IFFI

Established in 1952, IFFI is one of Asia's significant film festivals.

Held annually in Goa, it promotes world cinema, creative exchange and international collaboration.

4. About WaveX

WaveX (WAVES Startup Accelerator) is an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

It promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the Media and Entertainment sector.

Focus areas include Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), along with media technologies.

Why in News?

• UNHCR (the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) warned that nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people live in countries highly exposed to climate hazards ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.

Key Findings

• Nearly 75% of displaced people live in countries exposed to severe climate risks.

• In the first half of 2026, over two-thirds of refugee returns were to climate-vulnerable countries.

• By 2050, one-third of refugee settlements in Sub-Saharan Africa may face at least 100 days of dangerous heat annually.

• Only 10% of climate finance reaches fragile and conflict-affected countries.

Major Climate Threats

• Droughts, floods and extreme heat.

• Water scarcity and food insecurity.

• Increased risk of displacement and health emergencies.

• Forecast El Niño may worsen climate-related risks.

Significance

• UNHCR called for increased climate adaptation finance for vulnerable and displaced communities.

• Highlights the link between climate change, conflict and forced displacement.

Why in News?

• Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Amini’ was delivered to the Indian Navy .

• Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

• Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and sonars.

• Uses waterjet propulsion.

• More than 80% Indigenous Content.

Significance

• Strengthens anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance and mine-laying capabilities.

• Reduces dependence on defence imports.

• Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Important Fact

• Named after Amini Island, Lakshadweep.

• Continues the legacy of erstwhile INS Amini, decommissioned in 2002.

Why in News?

India's national telemedicine service, e-Sanjeevani, has facilitated over 50 crore (500 million) consultations since its launch in November 2019. It is expanding healthcare access in remote, rural, and underserved areas through digital technology.

What is e-Sanjeevani?

e-Sanjeevani is India's free, government-run telemedicine service that connects patients with doctors through online consultations.

• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

• Developed by: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Mohali, under MeitY.

Two Major Service Models

• Provider-to-Provider (Hub-and-Spoke Model): Healthcare workers at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs connect patients with doctors and specialists at higher-level hospitals through digital platforms.

• Patient-to-Provider (eSanjeevaniOPD): Patients can directly consult doctors from their homes using smartphones or computers.

Recent Technological Developments

• AI-powered Clinical Decision Support System: Helps doctors assess patients' conditions and make clinical decisions.

• ERSS-112 Integration: The platform has been integrated with the Emergency Response Support System-112, India's emergency response service.

Significance

e-Sanjeevani strengthens India's digital healthcare infrastructure and supports:

1. Digital India

2. Ayushman Bharat

3. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

It is particularly beneficial for rural and remote communities with limited access to doctors and specialist healthcare facilities.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide medical consultations and healthcare services to patients located at a distance.

It allows doctors and patients to connect digitally without being physically present at the same location.

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court allowed their use in New Delhi for two days during Deepavali, bringing them into focus.

What Are Green Firecrackers?

• Green firecrackers are specially designed fireworks that release fewer pollutants than conventional firecrackers.

• Developed by CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), these crackers are designed to emit around 30% less particulate matter, or 20% less particulate matter, along with 10% fewer gases, compared to conventional firecrackers of the same category.

Three Types of Green Firecrackers

CSIR-NEERI has developed three major varieties:

• SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): Releases water vapor during combustion to suppress some particulate emissions.

• STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Uses a thermite-based composition to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.

• SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): Contains less aluminium, helping lower pollution.

These technologies use modified fuel and oxidizer combinations, dust-suppressing additives, and reduced quantities of certain metals.

How to Identify Genuine Green Firecrackers?

Genuine products carry the CSIR-NEERI logo and a QR code on their packaging, allowing buyers to verify their certification.

Are Green Firecrackers Completely Safe?

• No. Green firecrackers are a relatively less polluting alternative, not a pollution-free option. They still release fine particulate matter and harmful gases that can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. They also produce noise.

• Moreover, a city using only green firecrackers may still experience high pollution. The overall impact depends on the number of crackers burst, weather conditions, and existing air quality.

• The takeaway: Green firecrackers may reduce the environmental impact of celebrations, but cleaner air ultimately requires fewer emissions, not merely a different type of firecracker.

Why in News?

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications, Tamil Nadu Government and TANFINET(Tamil Nadu Fibrenet Corporation Limited) have signed an agreement under the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP).

Key Highlights

• 5 lakh+ rural household fibre connections to receive subsidy support.

• Agreement aims to strengthen rural broadband and last-mile connectivity.

• Enables access to e-Governance, online education, telemedicine and digital payments.

About Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP)

Approved by Union Cabinet on 4 August 2023.

Objectives:Upgrade and expand the existing BharatNet network.

Provide future-ready broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and villages on demand.

Strengthen rural digital infrastructure.

About Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

• Formerly known as Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

• Renamed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

• Established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003, effective from 1 April 2002.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Communications.