International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists | 2 November

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed annually on 2 November to raise awareness about the high rate of unsolved crimes against media workers and to push for justice and press freedom.

The Arab States was the region with the highest number of murders of journalists, according to the 2026 UNESCO Director-General’s Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity.

This year's observance focuses on how new technologies and weapons are transforming the threats journalists face, particularly in conflict zones.

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GST collections surge to Rs 2.32 lakh crore in October

Driven by festive restocking and robust sales, Goods & Services Tax (GST) collections reached Rs 2.31 lakh crore in October, according to data released by the GST portal. This is nearly 23 per cent higher than October 2025. Collections in October are related to goods consumed and services availed in September. According to the data, collections from domestic sources rose to around Rs 1.59 lakh crore, recording an increase of around 16 percent . Collections from imported sources rose over 42 per cent to over Rs 72,000 crore. During the month under consideration, refund was just around Rs 28,000 crore, which is 6.5 per cent higher than October last year. On account of this, net collections were over Rs 2 lakh crore, around 26 per cent higher.

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SEBI extends digital accessibility compliance deadline to January 31

SEBI has extended the deadline for regulated entities to complete key digital accessibility compliance requirements to January 31 next year, following requests from market participants. The extension covers the appointment of an International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) auditor, conducting accessibility audits of digital platforms and remediation of findings arising from the audits. The requirements are part of SEBI's earlier circulars on mandatory compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the rules framed thereunder by all regulated entities. The circular refers to five earlier communications issued by the regulator in July, August, September and December 2025, and July 31, 2026, relating to digital accessibility requirements. all other provisions of the earlier circulars will remain unchanged and must be complied with by regulated entities. The direction was issued to protect investors' interests, promote the development and regulate the securities market.

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Average daily value of UPI transactions crosses Rs 1 lakh crore in October 2026

The average daily volume of UPI transactions also rose to the highest level in a month so far at 821.69 million in October 2026 against 802.28 million in September 2026. Average daily value of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in a month for the first time in October 2026 , per National Payments Corporation of India’s data, UPI logged its highest average daily value of Rs 1,00,871.30 crore, respectively, in October 2026, against Rs 97,913.22 crore in September 2026. UPI is an instant payment system developed by the NPCI, an RBI regulated entity. The system is built over the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) infrastructure and allows instant transfer of money between any two parties bank accounts. When it comes to the volume and value of transactions, both were higher in October 2026 (volume: 25.47 billion and value: Rs 31.52 lakh crore) vs September 2026 (volume: 24.07 billion and value: Rs 29.37 lakh crore).

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IRDAI declares November 2026 as grievance resolution month for insurance policyholders

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is organising a “Grievance Resolution Month” during November 2026 across the insurance industry. It aims to speed up the meaningful resolution of pending policyholder grievances and disputes, particularly long-pending ones. As per IRDAI’s data, approximately 2.21 lakh cases were pending before Consumer Commissions and Judicial Courts as of March 2026, and around 72.49 per cent of them had been pending for over a year. Around 11 lakh cases were reportedly pending before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT). The Life Insurance Council, General Insurance Council and Counsel for Insurance Ombudsmen have been asked to support the initiative by sensitising member insurers.

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ADB approves $139.55 million loan to upgrade urban infrastructure, water supply in Puducherry

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $139.55 million loan to improve urban infrastructure and municipal governance in Puducherry, including the expansion and rehabilitation of water supply and sewerage networks, according to a statement by the development bank. The funding, under the Puducherry Integrated Urban Livability Improvement Project, aims to support the development of climate-resilient water supply and sanitation infrastructure, modernisation of urban public spaces and measures to strengthen municipal finances and institutional capacity. The project will enhance Puducherry’s water supply and sanitation services by upgrading 100 kilometres (km) of water supply network, laying 80 km of new pipelines, constructing new overhead service reservoirs, and establishing district metered areas and brackish water reverse osmosis desalination plants. According to ADB, the project will also upgrade urban public spaces by constructing 4.5 km of pedestrian walkways accessible to persons with disabilities and improving drainage systems through concrete lining and stabilisation.

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Centre approves Rs 989 crore for 39 road projects across Keralam

The Centre has approved Rs 988.75 crore for 39 road development projects in Keralam, with construction scheduled to begin in December.

The allocation has been made under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme and will facilitate the development of 486.33 km of roads across the state. Of the total allocation, Rs 570 crore has been earmarked for road projects in the Malabar region (north Keralam). The approval covers 21 projects spread across Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. The projects cover major district roads, ordinary district roads and Corporation roads. The state government has already accorded administrative sanction for the works. The roads will be developed in accordance with National Highway standards.

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Japanese major Omron targets 3 million BP machine capacity for new Chennai plant

Japanese conglomerate Omron inaugurated its first India manufacturing facility in Chennai.

Built as a dedicated unit for its medical devices arm Omron Healthcare, the facility currently has an annual capacity of 300,000 Omron Blood Pressure machines with plans to expand this to over 3 million within the first year.

The Kyoto-based company had, in 2023, signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a facility with a proposed investment of Rs 128 crore.

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One Planet Partners raises PE fund, ties up with Japan’s SMTB

India-focused private equity firm One Planet Partners launched its maiden fund and announced a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB) of Japan, targeting deployment of over Rs 3,000 crore with a first close planned by mid-2027. SMTB has made a strategic equity investment in One Planet Partners and anchored a dedicated private equity fund managed by the firm. The fund will provide scale-up capital of Rs 100–500 crore to mid-market businesses with revenues between Rs 200 crore and Rs 2,000 crore, focusing on energy transition, mobility, and manufacturing sectors. One Planet Partners was founded in 2024 by four partners.

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Coal India Marks 51 Glorious Years with Record-Breaking Performance in October 2026

Coal India Limited (CIL) under the Ministry of Coal, the country’s leading coal producer, marked its 51st Foundation Day on 1st November 2026 on a remarkable note, registering a series of record-breaking achievements during October 2026. The company recorded its highest-ever monthly coal production and total coal supply, while also achieving the highest-ever monthly supply to the power sector.

During October 2026, CIL achieved a highest-ever total coal supply of 70.3 Million Tonnes (MT) in any month, surpassing the previous record of 69.4 MT achieved in March 2026. This represents a year-on-year growth of 19%. Coal supply to the power sector also reached a new milestone, with CIL recording its highest-ever monthly supply of 57.1 MT to the power sector. The previous record stood at 56.5 MT, achieved in May 2024. The supply to the power sector registered a year-on-year growth of 19%.

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Coal India Marks 51 Glorious Years with Record-Breaking Performance in October 2026

The company also achieved a significant milestone in coal production, recording its highest-ever production of 67.2 MT during the month of October. This surpassed the previous record of 62.47 MT achieved in October 2024 and represents a year-on-year growth of 19%.

In another major achievement, railway coal evacuation witnessed record performance, with daily rake loading for the power sector reaching 310 rakes, the highest-ever achieved in any month. This surpassed the previous record of 302.8 rakes per day achieved in March 2025.

These remarkable achievements assume special significance as Coal India celebrates 51 glorious years of its existence and embarks on its 52nd year of service to the nation. Established on 1st November 1975, Coal India has witnessed several transformations and overcome numerous challenges over the past five decades, moving forward with unity, determination and collective resolve.

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Coal India Marks 51 Glorious Years with Record-Breaking Performance in October 2026

From an annual coal production of 79 MT in its first year of operations, Coal India has recorded sustained growth over the decades, increasing its production to 768 MT in FY 2025–26—representing an almost tenfold increase over the past five decades. The production target for FY 2026–27 has been fixed at 815 MT.

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Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal AVSM, VM Takes Over as Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, AVSM VM assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, IAF on 01 Nov 26. Air Marshal Deswal was commissioned in the flying branch of IAF as a fighter pilot on 14 Jun 1989. He has a flying experience of over 3200 hrs on a number of fighter aircraft He is a specialist in strike aircraft and Air Defence roles and a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor. The Air Officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), and National Defence College. During his career, he has held several field and staff appointments which includes Air Officer Commanding of two flying bases and Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron. He was posted at the Embassy of India in Pakistan as the Air Attaché. The Air Officer has also served as Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air HQs. Prior to taking over as AOC in-C, EAC, the air officer held the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at HO SWAC. In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Deswal has been awarded with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.

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Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit PVSM AVSM VM VSM, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, on 01 November 2026, commenced his tenure by paying homage at the National War Memorial to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation. An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has over 3,500 hours of flying experience. He has held several key operational and strategic appointments, including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), HQ IDS, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, and Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

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Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff

Chief in his opening address, outlined his vision and priorities for the Indian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff coined the guiding theme ‘VAYU', articulating four distinct pillars that will shape the IAF's future trajectory.

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Home Minister Amit Shah presents President's Colour to Chandigarh Police on 60th Raising Day

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attended the Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking the establishment of Chandigarh Police and graced the President’s Colour Award Ceremony of Chandigarh Police as the Chief Guest. Chandigarh Police currently ranks second in the country in terms of response time and, with the addition of 141 new vehicles, it will rank first nationwide. On November 1, 1966, Chandigarh was made a Union Territory and designated as the joint capital of both states. Coordinating closely with the Haryana Police and Punjab Police, Chandigarh Police has effectively managed the tri-city region. Chandigarh has transformed a justice system once notorious for “Tareekh Pe Tareekh”, achieving an 85% conviction rate and an average case disposal time of just 140 days.

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Home Minister Amit Shah presents President's Colour to Chandigarh Police on 60th Raising Day

Chandigarh was the first to introduce the Beat Policing system after 2015. The three new criminal laws were also introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Chandigarh, marking the country's transition away from the three punitive laws enacted by the British. Chandigarh will be the first city in the country to become drug-free. Chandigarh Police has won a total of 145 medals at the All India Police Duty Meet, including 35 gold, 38 silver and 72 bronze medals. Financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per month is being provided to 130 families of widowed police personnel. Educational and sports scholarships amounting to approximately Rs 2.25 crore are also being provided. He further said that 154 new vehicles were inducted into the force in 2026, while the housing satisfaction rate stands at 48 per cent.

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GSLV-F18/NVS-03 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully accomplished the GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission on 30 October 2026 at 23:51 hours from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The GSLV-F18 launch vehicle injected the Navigation Satellite NVS-03 into a precise Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequently, first orbit manoeuvre completed on 31 October 2026 at 16:48 hours. Further manoeuvres are planned to place it in its designated geosynchronous orbital slot at 111.75° East.

The satellite is the third in India's series of five next-generation Navigation satellites and is designed to strengthen the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), enhancing India's capabilities in satellite-based navigation.

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GSLV-F18/NVS-03 Mission

A spacecraft destined for geosynchronous or geostationary orbit is generally first placed in an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This orbit has a low perigee (closest point to Earth) and a high apogee (farthest point from Earth). For a conventional GTO, the apogee is approximately 35,786 km above Earth's surface. Near apogee, the spacecraft fires its onboard propulsion system to raise its perigee and circularise its orbit. Additional manoeuvres may adjust its orbital inclination and position, depending on the target orbit. The propulsion system used for these orbit-raising manoeuvres is commonly called an Apogee Motor. In the case of NVS-03, the orbit-raising manoeuvre was performed using its Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM), a type of chemical rocket engine.

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National Unity Day 2026 | 31 October

National Unity Day 2026 (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) 2026 was observed on October 31, 2026, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Ministry of Ayush is promoting the message of ‘Yoga for Unity’, highlighting the role of Yoga in fostering national integration, social harmony and collective well-being. The initiative, integrated with Yoga 365, aims to encourage citizens to make Yoga an integral part of their daily lives while strengthening the spirit of togetherness and shared responsibility towards health and well-being.

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Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise

The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, being conducted from 30 Oct to 03 Nov 2026, marks a significant milestone in advancing maritime cooperation among the member states of BIMSTEC. Bringing together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the exercise reinforces the shared commitment of member states towards regional security, stability and prosperity in the Bay of Bengal. Building upon the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, the exercise provides a practical framework for enhancing maritime cooperation and operational linkages among participating nations. It reflects BIMSTEC’s collective resolve towards “Translating Vision to Action” by advancing cooperation in areas of mutual maritime interest and strengthening regional security mechanisms.

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India wins 14 medals at 46th International Tammer Boxing Tournament in Finland

India has won 14 medals, including four gold, two silver and eight bronze, at the 46th International Tammer Boxing Tournament held in Tampere, Finland. The Indian contingent finished at the top of the medal tally at the international event.

Aarti Dhariyal in the women’s 54-kilogram category, Ankushita Boro in the women’s 65-kilogram category, Arundhati Chaudhary in the women’s 70-kilogram category and Pawan Bartwal in the men’s 55-kilogram category clinched gold medals for the country.

Mohammed Hussamuddin in the men’s 60-kilogram category and Jaismine in the women’s 57-kilogram category secured silver medals.

The eight bronze medallists for India included Vivek Meena (men’s 65kg), Hitesh (men’s 70kg), Akshay (men’s 80kg), Bobin Chauhan (men’s 90kg), Chetan Choudhary (men’s 90+kg), Tanu (women’s 51kg), Disha Patil (women’s 60kg) and Imroz Khan (women’s 75kg).

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Hylo Open 2026: Lakshya Sen & PV Sindhu win Men’s and Women’s Singles titles

Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu won their respective men’s and women’s singles titles at the Hylo Open 2026 in Saarbrucken, bringing home double badminton glory for India. PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win the Hylo Open women’s singles crown, beating Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the final.

Entering her second BWF tournament final in as many weeks, double Olympic medallist Sindhu dominated the game to clinch her first title since the Japan Open in July. On the other hand, Lakshya defeated defending champion Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 21-17, 21-10 to win the Hylo Open men’s singles crown for the second time. It is Lakshya’s first BWF title of the year and makes him the first Indian to win two titles at the Hylo Open.

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Indian archers win three silver and one bronze at Swiss Open IWS Championship

In Archery, India has registered an impressive medal haul at the ongoing Swiss Open IWS Archery Championship, with Sachin Chechi, Tania Rani and Priya Gurjar winning silver medals and Aditya Wadhwa securing bronze.

Sachin claimed medal in the Compound Under-21 Men’s category, in a closely contested final against Germany’s Simon Moritz. Chechi went down narrowly by 145-147 against the Under-21 World Record Holder and U-18 World Champion.

In the Compound Under-21 Women’s category, Tania Rani also finished with a silver medal. She faced Youth World Championship medallist Fenna Stallen in the final, bringing India its second medal at the championship. In the compound Women’s category, Priya Gurjar defeated Mexican Andrea Maya Becerra Arizaga to clinch the white medal. Aditya Wadhwa secured bronze in the Recurve Under-21 Men’s category. He defeated Slovenia’s Gal Frank by 6-2 in the bronze medal match to seal his place on the podium.

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Indian Army’s Biten Singh wins Ironman 70.3 Goa 2026, sets new course record

Indian Army personnel Biten Singh has won an international endurance sports competition, the Ironman 70.3 Goa, India 2026 international triathlon, in the men’s category. He also set a new course record by completing the event in four hours, 24 minutes and 29 seconds. Earlier record was made by Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov in 2025 in four hours, 25 minutes and 47 seconds.

Ironman 70.3 is an internationally recognised triathlon event comprising three stages: 2 kilometres of swimming, 90 kilometres of cycling and 21 kilometres of running. The event was held today along the Miramar beach in Goa. More than 2,000 athletes from over 30 countries participated in the sixth edition of the event.

In the women’s category, Marina Shliakhtina clinched the title, completing the event in five hours, 30 minutes and 29 seconds. Sabina Iskakova finished second, while Mellanie Vendt secured third place.

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India Clinch both Men’s & Women’s Titles at Inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad

The Indian men’s and women’s teams became champions of the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad . The Indian Men’s team clinched the gold medal after defeating Sri Lanka 54 – 20 in the final. Earlier, the Indian women’s team also bagged a gold medal after registering a convincing 35-15 victory over Uganda in the final. With these victories, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams made history by winning the maiden edition of the championship on home soil.

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Bhutan raises 108 sacred Buddhist stupas simultaneously in Gelephu Mindfulness City

In a remarkable display of faith, devotion and collective participation, Bhutan witnessed the simultaneous raising of 108 sacred Buddhist stupas, each standing 15 metres tall, in Gelephu Mindfulness City. The raising of the 108 structures was heralded by the sounding of 58 sets of traditional dungchen, or long Buddhist horns.

Envisioned by the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the initiative brought together around 40,000 volunteers from across the hill nation.

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Bhutan raises 108 sacred Buddhist stupas simultaneously in Gelephu Mindfulness City

Each chorten stands 15 metres tall, with 108 metres between consecutive structures. Together, they form an approximately 12-kilometre spiritual corridor along the banks of the Mau Chhu river, making the project remarkable both in its religious significance and physical scale.

The main ceremony is being held in the presence of the Bhutanese Royal Family, with the country’s highest spiritual authority, Je Khenpo leading the religious observances. The King also addressed the gathering.

The historic occasion coincides with Lhabab Düchen, commemorating Lord Buddha’s descent from the heavenly realm, and the 18th Coronation Anniversary of the King.

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Gujarat presents Vibrant Gujarat 2027 pitch to Dubai’s business community

Gujarat is reaching out to the global business community ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2027, sending multiple delegations to important countries to invite investors and industry leaders to participate in the state’s flagship investment event. The 11th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be held from January 10 to 12, 2027, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The flagship investment summit was conceptualised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. As part of this global campaign, a high-level Gujarat Government delegation visited Dubai and held a series of meetings with the industry leaders in the UAE; cutting across various sectors including oil & gas, logistics, financial institutions, manufacturing groups and real estate. The delegation also interacted with Indian entrepreneurs and the diaspora residing in the UAE, at an event organised by the Indian People’s Forum (IPF) UAE. The presentations by the State government were followed by an interactive Q&A Session wherein the delegation addressed the queries raised by the participants.

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