Current Affairs 5 November 2026
36 stories from 4–5 November 2026 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD and EPFO aspirants: the early release of tax devolution to States, the ninth tranche of critical mineral auctions, the RBI's draft Priority Sector Lending Directions, TRAI's satellite network recommendations, the close of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit, new conservation guidelines, Exercise MALABAR and the Hon'ble Prime Minister's interaction with India's Asian Para Games medallists.
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Economy
8 storiesCentre releases ₹1,09,019 crore tax devolution to States ahead of schedule
The Union Government released a regular instalment of tax devolution amounting to ₹1,09,019 crore to State Governments on 5 November 2026, the Ministry of Finance said. The monthly instalment, which would normally have been released on 10 November, was advanced in view of the festive season so that States can accelerate capital spending and meet their development and welfare-related expenditure. Uttar Pradesh received the largest share at ₹19,208 crore, followed by Bihar at ₹10,845 crore, Madhya Pradesh at ₹8,010 crore, West Bengal at ₹7,866 crore and Maharashtra at ₹7,022 crore. Tax devolution is the transfer of a share of the Union's divisible pool of taxes to the States, distributed according to the formula recommended by the Finance Commission. Goa and Sikkim received the smallest amounts in this instalment, at ₹398 crore and ₹365 crore respectively.
Ninth tranche of critical mineral auction and third Exploration Licence tranche launched
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy launched the ninth tranche of the e-auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks, along with the third tranche of the auction of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks, in Goa on 5 November 2026 in the presence of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The ninth tranche offers 20 blocks in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal, with minerals such as graphite, rare earth elements, vanadium, gallium, titanium, tungsten and potash. In the previous eight tranches, 64 of the 100 unique blocks offered were successfully auctioned, while 11 EL blocks have been auctioned so far in two tranches. Exploration Licences, introduced through Section 10BA of the MMDR Act, allow private investment in the exploration of 29 critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Act. Under the Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2026, notified on 16 October, the minimum number of technically qualified bidders needed in the second round for Part D minerals has been reduced from three to two, and bids are due by 7 January 2027.
Fourth Conference of Mining Ministers in Goa; focus on coal gasification and critical minerals
The Ministry of Mines is hosting the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers in Goa on 5–6 November 2026, bringing together Mining Ministers of various States and senior officials of the Central and State Governments. Addressing the conference, Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy called for faster adoption of coal gasification so that India's large coal resources can be used more productively while supporting industrial diversification, employment and energy security. He stressed the need to strengthen domestic capabilities in the exploration, mining, processing, refining and recycling of critical minerals in order to reduce import dependence. The Minister urged States to operationalise auctioned mines quickly, auction new blocks, expand exploration and use artificial intelligence and digital tools in mining operations. He described closer Centre–State coordination, in the spirit of cooperative federalism, as essential for unlocking the full potential of the mining and coal sectors.
Inter-Ministerial Group recommends asset monetisation proposals worth over ₹1,100 crore
An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) chaired by the Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, and co-chaired by the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, has recommended asset monetisation proposals involving assets valued at over ₹1,100 crore, the Ministry of Finance said on 5 November 2026. The proposals mainly relate to surplus land and building assets of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). They will now be placed before the Cabinet-delegated Alternative Mechanism for consideration and approval, after which monetisation will proceed according to prescribed procedures. The IMG also reviewed the progress of monetisation initiatives facilitated by the National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC), a wholly owned Government company under the Department of Public Enterprises. NLMC was set up following an announcement in the Union Budget 2021–22 to monetise surplus land and other non-core assets of CPSEs and Government entities.
SRI Fund has invested ₹21,330 crore in 824 MSMEs; workshop held for women-led enterprises
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises organised an awareness workshop on the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund for women-led MSMEs at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, on 4 November 2026 as part of the Yashashvini Campaign for women entrepreneurship. MSME Secretary Shri Bharat Khera said commitments of ₹8,305 crore have been made against the Fund's ₹10,000 crore corpus, and nearly ₹48,000 crore has been leveraged from private venture capital and private equity funds. Through 72 empanelled Daughter Funds, investments of ₹21,330 crore have been made in 824 MSMEs, about 74 per cent of which are micro enterprises, and six of the investee firms have since listed on stock exchanges. He noted that registrations on the Udyam and Udyam Assist portals crossed 10 crore on 30 October 2026, with women-owned enterprises accounting for 37.6 per cent of them. The Secretary also said MSME credit outstanding has grown from about ₹10 lakh crore in 2014 to over ₹40 lakh crore, and that an additional ₹2,000 crore has been provided to the SRI Fund for micro enterprises in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Over 65 crore gold articles hallmarked with HUID since 2021
A PIB backgrounder on Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking, issued on 5 November 2026, said that more than 65 crore gold articles had received Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) numbers as of 15 October 2026, since mandatory gold hallmarking was introduced in 2021. Over the same period, the number of BIS-registered jewellers rose from 43,153 to 2,36,624. Mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery began on 23 June 2021 in 256 districts and now covers 392 districts, with seven caratages from 9K to 24KS recognised under IS 1417. Silver hallmarking remains voluntary, but since 1 September 2025 every hallmarked silver article must carry a six-digit alphanumeric HUID code, and more than 90 lakh silver items have been marked so far. Consumers can check hallmarked jewellery through the BIS CARE app and should look for three marks: the BIS standard mark, the purity or fineness mark and the HUID.
Hon'ble PM highlights growth of India's Metro network to nearly 1,200 km
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the expansion of India's Metro rail network on 5 November 2026, noting that the country had 248 km of Metro lines across five cities in 2014 and now has nearly 1,200 km across 26 cities. He said that more than one crore people now travel by Metro every day. According to the Prime Minister, this expansion means less time spent in traffic, more time with family, higher productivity and better opportunities for urban residents. He cited Pune as an example of a city that benefited from the faster pace of Metro construction. The remarks came two days after he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Pune Metro projects worth around ₹21,800 crore through video conferencing on 3 November.
IICA and IAMC Hyderabad sign MoU to strengthen alternative dispute resolution
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC), Hyderabad, on 4 November 2026. IAMC is an autonomous institution set up with the support of the Government of Telangana and the High Court of Telangana to promote arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The partnership will focus on specialised capacity building, mediation support for MSMEs, policy-oriented research and the development of a trained pool of arbitrators and mediators. IICA Director-General and CEO Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh stressed the importance of mediation for the MSME sector because of its close links with economic growth and exports. The MoU was organised by IICA's Centre of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Banking & Markets
4 storiesRBI releases draft consolidated Directions on Priority Sector Lending
The Reserve Bank of India placed draft Directions on Priority Sector Lending (PSL) on its website for public comments on 5 November 2026, as part of its ongoing exercise to consolidate instructions issued over the years. Separate draft Directions covering PSL targets and classification have been issued for each type of regulated entity, namely commercial banks, small finance banks, local area banks, regional rural banks and urban co-operative banks. Instructions not included in the consolidated drafts will be repealed once the final Directions are issued, and this will be notified separately. Comments can be submitted until 26 November 2026 through the 'Connect 2 Regulate' section of the RBI website or by e-mail. Priority sector lending requires banks to direct a specified share of their credit to sectors such as agriculture, micro and small enterprises, education, housing and weaker sections.
RBI absorbs ₹7,767 crore through VRRR; G-sec and State bond auctions lined up
In the overnight Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on 5 November 2026 with a notified amount of ₹75,000 crore, the Reserve Bank of India received offers of ₹7,767 crore, all of which were accepted at a cut-off rate of 5.49 per cent. On the same day, the RBI announced an underwriting auction for the sale of Government Securities worth ₹36,000 crore on 6 November, comprising ₹23,000 crore of the 7.06% GS 2041 and ₹13,000 crore of the 7.43% GS 2076. The minimum underwriting commitment for each Primary Dealer has been set at ₹548 crore for the 2041 security and ₹310 crore for the 2076 security. Separately, twelve States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, will raise ₹29,050 crore through the auction of State Government Securities on 9 November 2026, with Tamil Nadu alone seeking ₹9,500 crore. These auctions are conducted on the RBI's E-Kuber system, and individual investors can place non-competitive bids through the RBI Retail Direct portal.
RBI extends directions on two urban co-operative banks by three months
The Reserve Bank of India on 5 November 2026 extended its Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 for two urban co-operative banks by three months, subject to review. For The Pusad Urban Co-operative Bank, Pusad, in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, the Directions first issued on 6 November 2025 will now remain in force until the close of business on 7 February 2027. For the Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Dehradun, the Directions first issued on 9 February 2026 have been extended to the close of business on 10 February 2027. The RBI said the extensions were necessary in the public interest and should not by themselves be read as a sign that it is satisfied with the banks' financial position. Section 35A empowers the RBI to issue directions to banks in the public interest or to protect depositors, and Section 56 applies these provisions to co-operative banks.
CCI approves Kotak Mahindra Bank's acquisition of Deutsche Bank's India retail and wealth business
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of certain businesses of Deutsche Bank AG by Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, along with related transactions, on 4 November 2026. The combination covers the retail banking, private banking and wealth management business that Deutsche Bank runs through its branches in India, which will be acquired as a going concern on a slump sale basis. The parties also plan, through their affiliates, to set up referral arrangements for customers of the investment advisory and portfolio management services of Deutsche Investments India Private Limited. The target business offers deposits, loans, investments, insurance and foreign exchange products, while its wealth management arm serves high-net-worth individuals. Under the Competition Act, 2002, combinations that cross the prescribed thresholds require the prior approval of the CCI.
Polity & Governance
5 storiesTRAI recommends new Satellite Communication Network Provider authorisation
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on the framework for a Satellite Communication Network (SCN) Provider Authorisation and the assignment of spectrum to such providers on 5 November 2026, in response to a reference from the Department of Telecommunications. TRAI has recommended that the new authorisation be introduced under Section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for the national area, with a validity of up to 20 years and renewal for up to another 20 years. SCN providers would offer Satellite Communication Network as a Service (SCNaaS) to licensed service providers but would not provide telecom services directly to users. The regulator has suggested that satellite spectrum for feeder and user links be assigned administratively for up to five years, and that direct-to-device (D2D) services using mobile satellite service spectrum in the L and S bands be permitted. It has also recommended allowing D2D services through IMT spectrum on a non-interference, non-protection basis without waiting for the outcome of WRC-27.
UIDAI onboards 300 entities for Aadhaar offline verification
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said on 5 November 2026 that it has onboarded 300 Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs) since the facility was rolled out in January. These entities, from sectors such as hotels, healthcare, education, events and the gig economy, can verify residents through Aadhaar offline verification in a consent-based and paperless manner. UIDAI said the framework gives users control and minimises the data shared, in line with the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The Aadhaar App has recorded nearly 7.5 crore downloads and has been used for over 86 lakh mobile number updates, 22.16 lakh address updates and 40.25 lakh email updates. The App has also recorded 4.6 crore biometric lock and unlock transactions, reflecting growing use of its security features.
Department of Justice holds eFiling 3.0 workshop for Government departments
The Department of Justice in the Ministry of Law and Justice organised a workshop titled 'eFiling 3.0: From Process to Practice' at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 4 November 2026 to familiarise officials of Union Ministries and Departments with the electronic filing platform. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal attended as Chief Guest, along with the Member (Systems) of the eCommittee of the Supreme Court and senior officers of the National Informatics Centre. eFiling is a key component of Phase III of the eCourts Mission Mode Project and allows litigants to institute cases electronically from anywhere in the country. The Secretary (Justice) noted that the Government is one of the largest litigants, yet the use of eFiling across Ministries and Departments is not uniform. Officials were told that eOffice credentials can also be used for eCourts Single Sign-On to track cases, and that court fees can be paid online through ePay.
Nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 5 to cover over 2,000 cities
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, will formally launch the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 5 at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, on 6 November 2026, the Ministry said on 5 November. Organised by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, the month-long campaign will run until 30 November and cover more than 2,000 cities and towns. It aims to make the submission of life certificates easier for pensioners, particularly through face authentication on the Jeevan Pramaan app. The campaign involves Public Sector Banks, India Post Payments Bank, UIDAI, MeitY, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, pensioners' associations and departments such as Defence, Railways and Posts. Special attention will be given to pensioners aged 80 years and above, women pensioners and those with health difficulties, with doorstep services for those unable to travel.
Hyderabad Central Prison sets up gender-neutral cell after NHRC intervention
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said on 5 November 2026 that the Central Prison in Hyderabad has set up a separate Gender-Neutral Cell for persons with diverse gender identities and expressions. The step followed a visit to the prison on 8 October 2026 by the Commission's Special Monitor for matters relating to transgender persons and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. During the visit, the Special Monitor stressed the implementation of the advisories of the NHRC and the Ministry of Home Affairs on the welfare of transgender persons. In its compliance report, the prison superintendent informed the Commission that the recommendation had been implemented and that persons housed in the cell are permitted affirmative clothing. The Commission said the initiative supports the dignity and human rights of such persons in correctional institutions.
International Relations
2 storiesIndia, as Kimberley Process Chair, holds consultation in Luanda ahead of New Delhi Plenary
India, which chairs the Kimberley Process (KP) in 2026, convened a stakeholder consultation in Luanda, Angola, on 3 November 2026 with the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of KP working bodies, the KP Vice-Chair Ghana and the former Chair, the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on 5 November. Led by KP Chair and Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Yashvir Singh, the consultation discussed responsible sourcing of rough diamonds, institutional governance, compliance, digitalisation of certification and reform of the definition of conflict diamonds. It was part of India's outreach ahead of the KP Plenary to be held in New Delhi from 30 November to 4 December 2026, under India's chairship theme of Confidence, Compliance and Credibility. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 20th anniversary of the African Diamond Producers' Association (ADPA), in which India and Russia are the two non-African observers. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is an international mechanism to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate rough diamond trade.
India and Canada hold inaugural Defence Dialogue
The inaugural India–Canada Defence Dialogue was held virtually on 3 November 2026, the Ministry of Defence said on 4 November. It was co-chaired by Dr. Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Ministry of Defence, and Mr. Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) in Canada's Department of National Defence. The two sides exchanged views on their defence policies and strategic outlooks and identified defence industrial cooperation, military-technical cooperation and defence research and development as priority areas. The Dialogue built on the Joint Statement issued on 2 March 2026 by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Mr. Mark Carney. Both sides discussed specific deliverables, exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, and agreed to remain in touch to take the proposals forward.
Schemes & Missions
3 storiesJoint advisory to boost fodder and livestock infrastructure under VB–G RAM G
The Department of Rural Development and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying have issued a joint advisory to all States and Union Territories to strengthen fodder security, pasture development and livestock infrastructure through convergence under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, known as VB–G RAM G, the Ministry of Rural Development said on 5 November 2026. The Act, which came into force on 1 July 2026, provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household and focuses on the creation of durable assets. The advisory identifies 22 relevant works out of 375 permissible works, including fodder cultivation, fodder banks and silage units, livestock shelters, community milk collection centres, veterinary health centres and Azolla tanks. States are encouraged to progressively raise spending on such works towards at least 5 per cent of total programme expenditure, with planning done through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans approved by Gram Sabhas. Particular attention may be given to Gram Panchayats where more than 30 per cent of the population depends on livestock.
National consultation held on watershed management guidelines under REWARD
The Department of Land Resources and the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), together with the ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, held the third national-level consultation on the draft National Technical Guidelines for Improved Watershed Management in Nagpur on 4–5 November 2026. The consultation was organised under the World Bank-assisted 'Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD)' programme. Department of Land Resources Secretary Shri Dilip Kumar said the guidelines should balance scientific rigour with practical implementation and give States flexibility according to their capacities. He called for robust baseline data and impact assessments of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 to draw lessons for the design of WDC-PMKSY 3.0. NRAA Chief Executive Officer Dr. C. S. Kumar stressed data accessibility and proposed a harmonised national Decision Support System drawing on the systems developed by Odisha and Karnataka.
'Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan' launched to strengthen intergenerational bonds
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the 'Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan', a national intergenerational bonding campaign under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), in New Delhi on 4 November 2026. He also released a handbook on the campaign and launched the Vayo SAATHI volunteer initiative to mobilise citizens in support of senior citizens. Two MoUs were signed with Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, to promote meditation, yoga and wellness programmes and community activities for older people. The Minister said India's population aged 60 years and above is projected to rise from about 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036, while urbanisation, migration and changing family structures have reduced contact between generations. The campaign is meant to reach every village and neighbourhood through Panchayats, local bodies and educational institutions.
Health & Nutrition
2 storiesImmediate licence suspension proposed for drugs failing critical quality tests
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 to allow immediate suspension of manufacturing licences for drugs declared Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) on specified critical parameters, the Ministry said on 4 November 2026. At present, suspension or cancellation of a licence follows a procedure that includes a show-cause notice, which can leave a time gap during which a substandard drug may remain in circulation. Under the proposal, the Central or State licensing authority would suspend the licence on receiving a Government Analyst's report declaring a drug NSQ on assay, dissolution, related substances, impurities or sterility. The suspension would be lifted only after the manufacturer completes a root cause analysis and its corrective and preventive action (CAPA) is verified by the licensing authority. The draft follows deliberations of the Drugs Consultative Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, and is open for public comments for 30 days.
AIIMS Awantipora: OPD services targeted before December 2026
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the progress of construction and operationalisation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, in Jammu and Kashmir on 5 November 2026. The Minister was informed that all major buildings have been completed, and he directed the agencies concerned to finish the remaining construction by March 2027. OPD services at the institute are targeted to start before December 2026, IPD services are proposed from July 2027, and MBBS classes are planned for the 2027–28 academic session. Procurement approval has been given for 180 medical equipment items worth ₹59.41 crore, and the Ministry has approved 652 positions for essential manpower to run the OPD and related services. Shri Nadda said the timely opening of the institute would expand access to quality tertiary healthcare and strengthen medical education in Jammu and Kashmir.
Environment
4 storiesIndia releases guidelines on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures at CBD COP-17
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav released the 'Guidelines for the designation of India's Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (I-OECMs) 2026' at a side event of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-17) in Yerevan, Armenia, on 3 November 2026. OECMs are areas outside legally protected areas that still deliver lasting in-situ conservation of biodiversity, and the illustrative sites listed include biodiversity parks, sacred groves, community irrigation tanks, seagrass beds and seasonal fishing ban areas. The guidelines support Target 3, the '30×30' goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the National Biodiversity Authority will decide applications in coordination with State Biodiversity Boards and the Ministry. Recognition will not change an area's ownership, legal status or existing activities, and each recognised site must be assessed at least once every five years. A GEF-8 project with total financing of USD 60.79 million will implement the guidelines in six demonstration landscapes and seascapes, including the Gori Valley in Uttarakhand and the Lakshadweep Islands.
Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 concludes with participation from 135 countries
The four-day Bharat Renewable Energy (BRE) Summit and Expo 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 5 November 2026, with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi saying it had reinforced India's position as a major global force in renewable energy. The Summit, inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 2 November, drew over 75,000 visitors, more than 400 exhibitors and over 627 speakers across 113 sessions, with about 800 delegates from 135 countries. High-level participation included 32 international Ministers, six Chief Ministers and 10 State Energy Ministers. According to the Ministry, India needs investments of about USD 220 billion to reach its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, and investors at the Summit indicated that availability of capital is not a constraint. The Ministry also noted that more than a quarter of India's annual electricity consumption in the last financial year came from renewable sources.
Hon'ble Vice-President addresses BRE Summit valedictory; Railways wins PM Surya Ghar award
Hon'ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the valedictory session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 on 5 November 2026, saying India's progress shows that economic growth and reduced dependence on fossil fuels can go hand in hand. He noted that India's non-fossil fuel installed capacity has crossed 300 GW, and that the country reached 50 per cent of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025, five years ahead of its commitment. Over 65 lakh households have joined the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and nearly 30 lakh farmers have benefited under PM-KUSUM, he said. At the event, the Vice-President presented the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award to the Ministry of Railways for solarising the most buildings among Central Ministries and Departments. The Railways has installed rooftop solar systems on 12,495 of its 15,868 feasible buildings and commissioned 351 MW of rooftop capacity against a target of 424 MW.
About one lakh rooftop solar installations every six days, says MNRE
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi said on 4 November 2026, the third day of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo, that the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has become a mass movement. He said India is now completing about one lakh rooftop solar installations every six days, helping many households reach zero electricity bills and earn income by selling surplus power to the grid. India's installed solar capacity has risen from about 3 GW in 2014 to 172 GW, while solar module manufacturing capacity has crossed 200 GW and solar cell manufacturing capacity has reached about 45 GW. The 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen, held alongside the Summit, reviewed progress under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Country sessions with Norway, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and France also discussed cooperation in hydrogen, offshore wind and clean energy finance.
Science & Tech
2 storiesSpace robotics facility opens in Hyderabad; vision of debris-free space by 2030
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually inaugurated the Base 1 facility of the start-up Cosmoserve Space at Gachibowli, Hyderabad, on 5 November 2026 and set out a vision of achieving debris-free space by 2030. The facility of about 14,800 square feet will design, build, test and operate space robots, and houses orbital rendezvous and capture labs, microgravity simulation platforms and satellite integration clean rooms. The company works on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing, and its Mission EMBRACE tested soft robotic petals in space in July 2026. The Minister said India's space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion in the coming decade, while the number of space start-ups has risen from single digits to nearly 450. He credited reforms including the setting up of NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe for reshaping the country's space ecosystem.
Star cluster UBC 63 found to be two clusters after a close flyby
A team led by Indian astronomers from Gauhati University and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, has found that the star cluster UBC 63, about 4,892 light years away, is actually made up of two distinct clusters, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on 5 November 2026. Using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission along with machine learning techniques and dynamical simulations, the researchers identified UBC 63A, about 21 million years old, and UBC 63B, about 562 million years old. The large difference in age shows that the two did not form as a single cluster. Simulations suggest that the clusters came within about 7 parsecs, or roughly 23 light years, of each other around 6 million years ago and are now about 26 parsecs apart and moving away, since they are not gravitationally bound. The study, published in the Astronomical Journal, offers a rare view of the aftermath of an encounter between star clusters in the Milky Way.
Defence
2 storiesINS Sahyadri reaches Yokosuka for Exercise MALABAR 2026
The indigenous guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on 4 November 2026 to take part in the multilateral naval exercise MALABAR 2026. The ship was welcomed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, with the Commandant of the Yokosuka District and India's Deputy Chief of Mission in attendance. MALABAR 2026 brings together the navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia to improve operational coordination and interoperability. The harbour phase will include professional interactions and joint planning, followed by a sea phase involving INS Sahyadri and units of the other three navies. The Ministry of Defence said the participation reflects the MAHASAGAR vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
INS Tarkash concludes port call at Port Louis, Mauritius
The Indian Navy's ship INS Tarkash concluded a port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, on 3 November 2026, the Ministry of Defence said on 5 November. During the visit, the ship took part in events marking the 192nd Aapravasi Diwas on 2 November and hosted an onboard cultural exchange, with the Minister of Education and Human Resource of Mauritius, Dr. the Hon. Mahend Gungapersad, as Guest of Honour. Its crew conducted cross-training for Mauritius Coast Guard personnel and an outreach activity at a local hospice. After leaving port, the ship carried out a passage exercise (PASSEX) with CGS Valiant and joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius with the Mauritius Coast Guard, supported by a Dornier aircraft. Aapravasi Diwas commemorates the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in Mauritius on 2 November 1834.
Sports
2 storiesHon'ble PM interacts with India's Asian Para Games 2026 medal winners
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian contingent that took part in the Asian Para Games 2026 in New Delhi on 5 November 2026 and congratulated the athletes on behalf of the nation. He noted that India's tally of 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals included five new world records and nine Asian records, compared with only 14 medals, including one gold, at the 2010 Asian Para Games. The Prime Minister said 61 athletes competed at the Games for the first time and 36 of them returned with medals. Athletes supported under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) won 41 medals, while Khelo India athletes won 19. He also referred to the recently approved Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme of over ₹1,800 crore.
India win women's 10m air pistol team silver at ISSF World Championships
The Indian trio of Manu Bhaker, Suruchi Inder Singh and Sainyam won the silver medal in the women's 10m air pistol team event at the ISSF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, on 5 November 2026. India totalled 1,738 points in qualification, behind China with 1,745, with Manu scoring 583, Suruchi 580 and Sainyam 575. Manu and Suruchi qualified for the individual final in third and eighth place, but finished fifth and sixth respectively and missed out on medals and quota places for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. China won two of the three individual medals, and the three Olympic quota places went to shooters from China, Hungary and Iran. The team event does not carry an Olympic quota, and the silver was India's fourth medal of the Championships.
Art & Culture
2 storiesKashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 to be held from 28 November on the Thirukkural theme
A high-level meeting chaired by Higher Education Secretary Smt. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, on 3 November 2026 reviewed preparations for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 (KTS 5.0), the Ministry of Education said on 4 November. The fifth edition will be held from 28 November to 12 December 2026 on the theme 'Thirukkural Payilvom – Thirukkural Abhyas Karen', which aims to bring the ethical wisdom of the classical Tamil text closer to young people. About 1,400 participants from Tamil Nadu, in seven groups of around 200 each, will make an eight-day journey that includes visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. In addition, 50 teachers from Tamil Nadu will teach Thirukkural in schools and colleges of Uttar Pradesh, and a students' engagement programme will be run through 1,000 higher education institutions. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil, Chennai, is leading digital outreach, while IIT Madras and BHU are the nodal coordinating institutions.
Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat showcases artisans from marginalised communities
The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is under way at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, and will remain open to visitors until 15 November 2026, the Ministry said on 4 November. The 15-day fair is themed 'Prakash aur Parampara – Jyoti se Jyoti Jalaen' and is arranged across seven thematic zones covering live craft demonstrations, lamps and festive lights, devotional products, home décor, textiles, regional cuisine and cultural performances. More than 130 stalls display handicrafts, handloom and other products made by artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis and persons with disabilities. The Ministry has organised Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022, and more than 1,000 artisans have benefited from 15 such fairs. The event also highlights Bharat TULIP, which connects these artisans with wider markets through e-commerce platforms.
Quick-revision MCQs
Ten questions drawn from today’s stories. Tap an option to check yourself.
Q1.How much tax devolution did the Union Government release to the States on 5 November 2026?
Answer: B. The instalment, normally due on 10 November, was advanced in view of the festive season.
Q2.How many critical and strategic mineral blocks are on offer in the ninth tranche launched in Goa?
Answer: A. In the previous eight tranches, 64 of 100 unique blocks were successfully auctioned.
Q3.Exploration Licences for critical and deep-seated minerals were introduced through which section of the MMDR Act?
Answer: B. They cover 29 minerals listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Act.
Q4.By what date can comments be sent on the RBI's draft consolidated Priority Sector Lending Directions?
Answer: B. Separate drafts have been issued for commercial banks, SFBs, LABs, RRBs and UCBs.
Q5.TRAI has recommended that the new Satellite Communication Network Provider Authorisation be valid for a maximum of:
Answer: C. It would be for the national area and renewable for up to another 20 years.
Q6.India's I-OECM Guidelines 2026 were released at which event?
Answer: B. They support Target 3 (30×30) of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Q7.Which navies are taking part in Exercise MALABAR 2026?
Answer: A. INS Sahyadri arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 4 November 2026.
Q8.Where will the Kimberley Process Plenary be held from 30 November to 4 December 2026?
Answer: C. India chairs the Kimberley Process in 2026 with the theme Confidence, Compliance and Credibility.
Q9.Data from which space mission helped show that the star cluster UBC 63 is actually two clusters?
Answer: B. UBC 63A is about 21 million years old and UBC 63B about 562 million years old.
Q10.How much rooftop solar capacity has the Ministry of Railways commissioned so far?
Answer: D. The target is 424 MW; 12,495 railway buildings have been solarised.
Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| Tax devolution, 5 Nov 2026 | ₹1,09,019 crore released early (due 10 Nov); UP largest at ₹19,208 crore | MoF, 5 Nov |
| Critical mineral auction, Tranche IX | 20 blocks; earlier 64 of 100 auctioned; EL Tranche III launched | Ministry of Mines, 5 Nov |
| Exploration Licence | Section 10BA, MMDR Act; 29 critical and deep-seated minerals (Seventh Schedule) | Ministry of Mines, 5 Nov |
| 4th Conference of Mining Ministers | Goa, 5–6 Nov 2026; coal gasification and critical minerals | Ministry of Coal, 5 Nov |
| Asset monetisation (IMG) | Proposals worth over ₹1,100 crore; to Cabinet-delegated Alternative Mechanism | MoF, 5 Nov |
| SRI Fund | ₹21,330 crore in 824 MSMEs; 72 Daughter Funds; ₹10,000 crore corpus | MSME, 5 Nov |
| Gold hallmarking | 65 crore+ articles with HUID; 392 districts; 2,36,624 jewellers | PIB, 5 Nov |
| Metro network | 248 km in 5 cities (2014) → nearly 1,200 km in 26 cities | PMO, 5 Nov |
| RBI PSL drafts | Five RE-wise draft Directions; comments by 26 Nov 2026 | RBI, 5 Nov |
| RBI VRRR, 5 Nov | ₹75,000 crore notified; ₹7,767 crore accepted at 5.49% | RBI, 5 Nov |
| State Government Securities | ₹29,050 crore auction on 9 Nov 2026 | RBI, 5 Nov |
| CCI approval | Kotak Mahindra Bank to acquire Deutsche Bank's India retail and wealth business | CCI, 4 Nov |
| TRAI SCN Provider Authorisation | Under Section 3(1)(b), Telecom Act 2023; up to 20 years | TRAI, 5 Nov |
| UIDAI OVSEs | 300 entities onboarded; Aadhaar App ~7.5 crore downloads | UIDAI, 5 Nov |
| DLC Campaign 5 | 6–30 Nov 2026; over 2,000 cities and towns | DoPPW, 5 Nov |
| Kimberley Process Plenary | New Delhi, 30 Nov–4 Dec 2026; theme Confidence, Compliance, Credibility | Commerce, 5 Nov |
| India–Canada Defence Dialogue | Inaugural edition held virtually on 3 Nov 2026 | MoD, 4 Nov |
| MALABAR 2026 | India, Japan, US, Australia; INS Sahyadri at Yokosuka | MoD, 5 Nov |
| I-OECM Guidelines 2026 | Released at CBD COP-17, Yerevan; supports KM-GBF Target 3 (30×30) | MoEFCC, 4 Nov |
| BRE Summit 2026 | 135 countries; 75,000+ visitors; USD 220 bn needed for 500 GW | MNRE, 5 Nov |
| Railways rooftop solar | 12,495 buildings; 351 MW commissioned; PM Surya Ghar award | Railways, 5 Nov |
| VB–G RAM G fodder advisory | 22 of 375 permissible works; aim of 5% of spending | MoRD, 5 Nov |
| UBC 63 | Two clusters: UBC 63A (~21 Myr) and UBC 63B (~562 Myr); Gaia data | DST, 5 Nov |
| Asian Para Games 2026 | 30 G, 35 S, 49 B; 5 world records and 9 Asian records | PMO, 5 Nov |
| ISSF World Championships, Doha | Women's 10m air pistol team silver (1,738); India's 4th medal | Sportstar, 5 Nov |
| Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 | 28 Nov–12 Dec 2026; theme on Thirukkural | MoE, 4 Nov |
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reserve Bank of India and Sportstar (The Hindu).
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