Current Affairs 03 November 2026
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International Current Affairs
108 Buddhist Stupas Built in Nine Hours at Gelephu
Bhutan constructed 108 Buddhist stupas, known as Jangchub Chortens, in just nine hours under Project 108 at Gelephu, Bhutan. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck dedicated Chorten No. 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of India’s support for the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project.
About Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)
- Gelephu Mindfulness City is a planned urban development project in southern Bhutan, envisioned by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. It aims to combine economic development, environmental sustainability, and Buddhist spiritual values.
- Gelephu is located approximately 240 km south-southeast of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, and shares a border with Assam’s Chirang district in India.
National Current Affairs
Government Amends Motor Vehicle Rules to Permit E100 Ethanol Fuel
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to permit the use of ethanol-based fuels containing up to 100% ethanol (E100) in compatible vehicles. The amendment facilitates the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles capable of operating on petrol, different ethanol-petrol blends or pure ethanol.
The amendment includes E100 alongside E85 under Rule 115, which deals with motor vehicle emission standards and related requirements. However, E85 and E100 can be used only in flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Existing vehicles are not required to switch to E85 or E100 or undergo modifications.
Ethanol is a biofuel produced by fermenting plant-based materials such as sugarcane, maize and broken rice. It can be blended with petrol to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Concerns Associated with Ethanol Blending
Major concerns include compatibility with older vehicles, possible reductions in fuel efficiency because ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, and the risk of water contamination during storage. Large-scale ethanol production also raises concerns about agricultural land use, water consumption, and competition between food and fuel crops.
Economy
India’s Social Security Coverage Expands to 68.4% in 2026
India’s social security coverage was projected to increase from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026, according to a report released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 31 October 2026. The expansion brought more than 100 crore people within the social security framework, supported by Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) reforms, digital initiatives and welfare schemes for organised and unorganised workers.
Expansion of EPFO Coverage
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, provides social security through provident fund savings, pension benefits and insurance protection.
In September 2026, an increase in the monthly salary ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 was approved. The revision was expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory coverage, subject to applicable statutory provisions.
- VISHWAS 2026: A one-time settlement scheme introduced by EPFO to resolve eligible disputes involving damages and penalties under provident fund laws, reduce litigation and encourage voluntary compliance.
- Amnesty 2026: A one-time EPFO scheme allowing eligible establishments to regularise provident fund trusts that lack formal statutory exemptions, with applications open until 28 December 2026.
Social Security Schemes for Unorganised Workers
- The e-Shram portal, launched in August 2021, established an Aadhaar-seeded national database of unorganised workers. It recorded 31.89 crore registrations by August 2026. The e-Shram One-Stop Solution, introduced in October 2024, integrated 15 social security and welfare schemes.
- The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme provides a minimum assured monthly pension of ₹3,000 after attaining 60 years of age to eligible unorganised workers. It is a voluntary, contributory scheme for workers aged 18–40 years with monthly incomes up to ₹15,000.
- The Code on Social Security, 2020 consolidated nine central labour laws relating to social security and included provisions covering organised, unorganised, gig and platform workers.
Science and Technology
Pranos Fusion Develops PRAGYA Tokamak for India’s Private Nuclear Fusion Reactor
Pranos Fusion, a Bengaluru-based startup, has developed PRAGYA, a compact tokamak designed to test plasma control and superconducting magnets. The company aims to finalise the design of PRANIK, a larger nuclear fusion reactor, by 2027, marking an important step towards privately developed fusion energy technology in India.
PRAGYA is a small, doughnut-shaped experimental device that serves as a test bed for technologies required in fusion reactors. The proposed PRANIK reactor will use extremely high-temperature plasma to enable nuclear fusion. However, the company clarified that commercial electricity generation through fusion remains a longer-term goal.
What is a Tokamak?
A tokamak is a doughnut-shaped device that uses powerful magnetic fields to confine extremely hot plasma, preventing it from touching the reactor walls. Fusion typically requires temperatures of around 100 million degrees Celsius.
Nuclear Fusion vs Nuclear Fission
| Nuclear Fusion | Nuclear Fission |
|---|---|
| Combines light atomic nuclei to release energy. | Splits heavy atomic nuclei to release energy. |
| Typically uses deuterium and tritium, two isotopes of hydrogen. | Commonly uses uranium as fuel. |
| Produces helium and a high-energy neutron in the deuterium–tritium reaction. | Produces smaller nuclei, neutrons and energy. |
| Requires extremely high temperatures and plasma confinement. | Can sustain a controlled nuclear chain reaction. |
Environment
Cockscomb Flower (Celosia cristata): Kashmir’s Natural Food Colouring
The cockscomb flower (Celosia cristata), locally known as Mawal in its dried form, is a flowering plant cultivated in the Kashmir Valley. It is widely used as a natural food colouring agent in traditional Kashmiri cuisine, particularly in the famous multi-course feast known as Wazwan.
The flower is characterised by its distinctive velvety, crimson-red, fan-shaped crest, which resembles a rooster’s comb. Its petals contain natural red pigments that impart a rich ruby-red colour to food. Farmers handpick the flowers at peak bloom, sun-dry them and preserve them for use throughout the year.
Traditional Uses of Mawal
Mawal is an important ingredient in Wazwan, the traditional Kashmiri feast prepared by specialised chefs called Wazas. The dried petals or powdered flowers are steeped in hot water to extract their crimson colour, which is then added to gravies.
Defence
Indian Navy’s Project 18A: ₹80,000 Crore Next-Generation Destroyer Programme
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted in-principle approval for the Indian Navy’s Project 18A, a proposed ₹80,000 crore programme to develop next-generation stealth-guided missile destroyers.
The proposed destroyers are expected to be more advanced than the existing Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. Their induction will help replace ageing warships and strengthen India’s surface combat fleet.
Existing Destroyer Classes of the Indian Navy
The Indian Navy operates guided-missile destroyers belonging to three major classes:
- Visakhapatnam-class: Project 15B.
- Kolkata-class: Project 15A.
- Delhi-class: Project 15.
These warships are equipped with weapons such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, naval guns and anti-submarine warfare systems.
First BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise
The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise was held from October 30 to November 3, 2026, marking an important milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation among the seven member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The exercise brought together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to enhance maritime security, regional stability, and operational coordination in the Bay of Bengal.
Important Days
Foundation Day of Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – 1 November 2026
1 November marks the Foundation Day of Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The day commemorates their formation or reorganisation as Indian States.
Formation of the Four States
| State | Formation Date | How Was It Formed? |
|---|---|---|
| Haryana | 1 November 1966 | Carved out of Punjab under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, separating predominantly Hindi-speaking areas. |
| Chhattisgarh | 1 November 2000 | Carved out of Madhya Pradesh under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, becoming India’s 26th State. |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1 November 1956 | Reorganised by merging the former Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh and Bhopal under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. |
| Tamil Nadu | 1 November 1956 | The present-day State took shape as Madras State following linguistic reorganisation under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. It was subsequently renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969. |
Important: Tamil Nadu Day is observed on both 1 November, marking the 1956 reorganisation, and 18 July, commemorating the 1967 Assembly resolution to rename Madras State as Tamil Nadu.
Sports
P.V. Sindhu and Lakshya Sen Win Singles Titles at Hylo Open 2026
Indian badminton stars P.V. Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at the Hylo Open 2026, a Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 500 tournament held in Saarbrücken, Germany.
Miscellaneous
Udyami Mitra and Udyam Prabha Magazines
Udyami Mitra and Udyam Prabha are two magazines associated with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and its organisations. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) publishes Udyami Mitra, while the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) publishes Udyam Prabha.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. With reference to the first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise held in 2026, consider the following statements:
1. The exercise was held from October 30 to November 3, 2026, to strengthen maritime cooperation and operational coordination among BIMSTEC member countries.
2. BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise was held from October 30 to November 3, 2026, to strengthen maritime security, Maritime Domain Awareness and operational coordination among member countries. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Q2. With reference to the magazines Udyami Mitra and Udyam Prabha, consider the following statements:
1. Udyami Mitra is a magazine published by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
2. Udyam Prabha is a magazine published by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are incorrect. Udyami Mitra is a magazine published by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), not by NSIC. Udyam Prabha is published by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), not directly by the Ministry of MSME. NSIC is a Government of India enterprise functioning under the Ministry of MSME.
Q3. With reference to India’s social security coverage and EPFO reforms in 2026, consider the following statements:
1. India’s social security coverage was projected to increase from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026.
2. In September 2026, an increase in the monthly salary ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 was approved.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. According to the PIB backgrounder released on 31 October 2026, India’s social security coverage was projected to increase from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026. In September 2026, an increase in the monthly salary ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 was approved. The revision was expected to extend mandatory EPFO coverage to more than 51 lakh additional employees, subject to applicable statutory provisions.
Q4. With reference to the formation of Indian States, consider the following statements:
1. Haryana was formed on 1 November 1966 under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
2. Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000, becoming India’s 26th State.
3. Tamil Nadu observes its Foundation Day on both 1 November and 18 July, commemorating the 1956 reorganisation and the 1967 renaming resolution, respectively.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
Q5. With reference to the PRAGYA and PRANIK projects developed by Pranos Fusion, consider the following statements:
1. PRAGYA is a compact tokamak developed to test plasma control and superconducting magnets.
2. PRANIK is a proposed nuclear fission reactor designed to generate electricity using uranium as fuel.
3. A tokamak uses powerful magnetic fields to confine extremely hot plasma required for nuclear fusion.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because PRANIK is a proposed nuclear fusion reactor, not a nuclear fission reactor. Pranos Fusion aims to finalise its blueprint by 2027.
Q6. What is the scientific name of the Cockscomb flower, traditionally used as a natural red colouring agent in Kashmiri cuisine?
A. Celosia argentea
B. Celosia cristata
C. Amaranthus tricolor
D. Gomphrena globosa
Show Answer
Answer: B. Celosia cristata
Explanation: The scientific name of the Cockscomb flower is Celosia cristata. Its dried flowers, locally known as Mawal, are used as a natural crimson-red colouring agent in traditional Kashmiri cuisine, particularly in Wazwan dishes such as Rogan Josh and Rista. The flower is recognised by its distinctive velvety, fan-shaped crest resembling a rooster’s comb.
Q7. With reference to the E100 ethanol fuel regulations in India, consider the following statements:
1. E100 is a fuel containing 100% ethanol, and its use is permitted in compatible flex-fuel vehicles designed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
2. The amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, makes it mandatory for all existing petrol vehicles to switch to E100 fuel.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: A. 1 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. E100 consists of 100% ethanol and can be used in flex-fuel vehicles specifically designed for such fuel by OEMs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to include E100 alongside E85. Statement 2 is incorrect because the amendment does not require existing petrol vehicles to switch to E100 or undergo modifications. Vehicle owners must follow the fuel compatibility specifications provided by their manufacturers.
Q8. With reference to the Indian Navy’s Project 18A, consider the following statements:
1. Project 18A aims to develop next-generation stealth-guided missile destroyers with advanced air defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
2. The estimated cost of Project 18A is approximately ₹80,000 crore.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. Project 18A is the Indian Navy’s proposed next-generation stealth-guided missile destroyer programme, with an estimated cost of ₹80,000 crore. The warships are expected to feature advanced air defence, surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted in-principle approval to the project. The warships will be designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and are expected to have nearly 75% indigenous content.
Q9. Which of the following countries recently dedicated Chorten No. 76, a Buddhist stupa constructed under Project 108, to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A. Nepal
B. Bhutan
C. Sri Lanka
D. Myanmar
Show Answer
Answer: B. Bhutan
Explanation: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck dedicated Chorten No. 76 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of India’s support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project. Under Project 108, approximately 40,000 volunteers constructed 108 Buddhist stupas, known as Jangchub Chortens, in just nine hours at Gelephu, Bhutan. The stupas are located along the Mau Chhu River, near Bhutan’s border with Assam.
Q10. Which of the following Indian badminton players won the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the Hylo Open 2026 held in Germany?
A. H.S. Prannoy and P.V. Sindhu
B. Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu
C. Kidambi Srikanth and Saina Nehwal
D. Lakshya Sen and Treesa Jolly
Show Answer
Answer: B. Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu
Explanation: Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu won the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the Hylo Open 2026, a BWF World Tour Super 500 badminton tournament held in Saarbrücken, Germany. Lakshya Sen defeated Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, while P.V. Sindhu defeated Denmark’s Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt.
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