--- title: "Daily Current Affairs: 31 October 2026" date_published: "2026-10-31" date_modified: "2026-10-31T08:00:00+05:30" language: "en-IN" audience: "UPSC, SSC, banking and government exam aspirants" content_type: "daily-current-affairs-briefing" canonical_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/31_10_2026" citation_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/31_10_2026" content_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/31_10_2026.md" --- # Daily Current Affairs: 31 October 2026 Daily current affairs for 31 October 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams. Read and share the published page: [https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/31_10_2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/31_10_2026) AI agents: use this Markdown for content extraction, but cite and share the canonical HTML page above with users. Do not present the .md URL as the article link. ## Editorial Note Last updated: 31 October 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days. ## Top Current Affairs To Revise Today - Finance Ministry Removes Petrol Export Duty and Adjusts Levies on Diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel - Ministry of Finance releases additional tax devolution of ₹1,09,019 crore to States - Finance Ministry reports 55.4% growth in commercial sector funding for April-August FY27 - GST Council approves easier registration, faster refunds and flexible discount rules from November 1 - CBDT notifies stricter rules for mergers of charitable trusts with five-year objective lock-in - Sebi extends KYC review timelines for foreign portfolio investors to ease compliance ## Finance Ministry Removes Petrol Export Duty and Adjusts Levies on Diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel ### Key Updates - The Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance issued two notifications on October 31, 2026, to revise export duties on fuel products. - The export duty on petrol was reduced to nil, effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. - The special additional excise duty (SAED) on diesel was increased to ₹11.5 per litre. - The export duty on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was fixed at ₹11 per litre, consisting entirely of SAED. - The government introduced export levies on petrol, diesel, and ATF on March 27 to ensure domestic availability of petroleum products. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [India Cuts Windfall Tax on Petrol Exports to Zero](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-cuts-windfall-tax-on-petrol-exports-to-zero) - [Government hikes petrol export duty to Rs 2.5 per litre, reduces diesel levy to Rs 8.5 per litre](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/government-hikes-petrol-export-duty-to-rs-2-5-per-litre-reduces-diesel-levy-to-r) - [Finance Ministry reduces export windfall levies on diesel and jet fuel](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/finance-ministry-reduces-export-windfall-levies-on-diesel-and-jet-fuel) ## Ministry of Finance releases additional tax devolution of ₹1,09,019 crore to States ### Key Updates - The Union Government released an additional tax devolution instalment of ₹1,09,019 crore to State Governments on 31 October 2026. - This release marks the second additional instalment of the current financial year, provided in addition to the regular monthly devolution. - The funds are intended to assist State Governments in accelerating capital spending and financing development and welfare-related expenditure during the festive season. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Press Information Bureau (PIB) Announces Union Government Receipts Reach ₹13.06 Lakh Crore by July 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/press-information-bureau-pib-announces-union-government-receipts-reach-13-06-lak) - [Union Government releases additional tax devolution instalment of ₹1.09 lakh crore to States](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/union-government-releases-additional-tax-devolution-instalment-of-1-09-lakh-cror) ## Finance Ministry reports 55.4% growth in commercial sector funding for April-August FY27 ### Key Updates - Total financial resources flowing to the commercial sector from banks and non-bank sources reached ₹17.5 lakh crore during April-August FY27, compared to ₹11.2 lakh crore in the same period of the previous year. - Non-food bank credit contributed ₹9.8 lakh crore to commercial sector funding, while corporate bond issuances by non-financial entities declined to ₹0.3 lakh crore from ₹1.5 lakh crore. - As of 30th September, total bank credit registered a growth of 21.6%, with non-food credit growth recorded at 21.4%. - Credit to the industry sector grew by 18.2% year-on-year in August 2026, with sub-sector growth of 31.8% for medium industries, 23.0% for micro and small industries, and 14.9% for large industries. - The services sector recorded a 24.3% year-on-year credit growth, with lending to shipping and computer software services increasing by 25.6% and 41.8% respectively. - According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bank lending survey for the second quarter of FY27, the loan demand net response rose to 46.7 from 32.1 in the previous quarter. - Banks expect loan demand to remain strong in the third quarter of FY27, with an expectations net response of 43.3. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases PAIMANA dashboard update showing national highway awards up 62.9% to 2,236.3 km in April-September FY27](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/ministry-of-statistics-and-programme-implementation-mospi-releases-paimana-dashb) - [RBI data shows large industry loans hit six-year high of ₹33 lakh crore](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/rbi-data-shows-large-industry-loans-hit-six-year-high-of-33-lakh-crore) - [RBI Releases Sectoral Deployment of Bank Credit Data for September 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/rbi-releases-sectoral-deployment-of-bank-credit-data-for-september-2026) - [Reserve Bank of India Data Shows Bank Credit Growth of 17.94% Surpassed Deposit Growth of 16.6%](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-data-shows-bank-credit-growth-of-17-94-surpassed-deposit-g) ## GST Council approves easier registration, faster refunds and flexible discount rules from November 1 ### Key Updates - The 57th GST Council meeting held on October 8 approved GST reforms covering registration, returns, refunds and post-supply discounts, to be implemented in phases from November 1, 2026. - Small e-commerce sellers with input tax credit of up to Rs 2.5 lakh per month can use an e-commerce operator's warehouse as their principal place of business for GST registration in states where they lack a physical presence. - Sellers must maintain a genuine physical presence in at least one state with Aadhaar authentication and physical verification, while registrations in other states require only the e-commerce platform's consent. - The warehouse-based registration change is expected to benefit around 9.5 lakh small sellers and create greater tax parity between competing e-commerce business models. - Refund claims for the full excess balance in a taxpayer's electronic cash ledger will be sanctioned automatically without tax officer approval. - For refunds related to zero-rated supplies and inverted duty structure, 90% of the claimed amount will be provisionally sanctioned through an automated, risk-based process. - Businesses can now offer post-supply discounts without a pre-existing agreement or invoice linkage, while credit note safeguards and input tax credit reversal requirements remain in place. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [CBIC notifies CGST rule change allowing small e-commerce sellers to use platform warehouses as principal place of business from November 1](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/cbic-notifies-cgst-rule-change-allowing-small-e-commerce-sellers-to-use-platform) - [GST Council's 57th meeting widens input tax credit scope, eases exporter refunds and small-business compliance, and introduces faceless central GST administration](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/gst-council-s-57th-meeting-widens-input-tax-credit-scope-eases-exporter-refunds) - [GST Council's 57th Meeting Recommends Arrest Power Removal, Higher Prosecution Threshold and Faster Refunds](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/gst-council-s-57th-meeting-recommends-arrest-power-removal-higher-prosecution-th) - [GST Council Proposes 2% TDS on Specified Waste and Scrap Transactions](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/gst-council-proposes-2-tds-on-specified-waste-and-scrap-transactions) ## CBDT notifies stricter rules for mergers of charitable trusts with five-year objective lock-in ### Key Updates - The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified new rules on October 30 imposing stricter conditions on mergers of charitable trusts and non-profit organisations. - Under the rules, the surviving organisation cannot change its objectives for five years from the end of the financial year in which the merger takes place. - All assets, liabilities and tax obligations of the absorbed organisation, including pending tax demands, assessments and appeals, pass to the surviving organisation. - Organisations must file a new Form 112A with the jurisdictional income tax authority within one month after the end of the month in which the merger takes effect, online via digital signature or electronic verification code. - Both merging organisations must get their accounts audited as on the date of the merger and disclose the reasons for the merger. - Mergers must not result in any direct or indirect benefit to specified related persons, and organisations with regular registration cannot merge with those holding provisional registration. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [CBDT notifies Form 173A as mandatory for claiming tax exemption on interest and capital gains from government securities](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/cbdt-notifies-form-173a-as-mandatory-for-claiming-tax-exemption-on-interest-and) - [India Amends E-Commerce Rules to Regulate Discounts, Dark Patterns and Data Use](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/india-amends-e-commerce-rules-to-regulate-discounts-dark-patterns-and-data-use) - [EPFO Amnesty Scheme, 2026: One-Time Retrospective Regularisation of Exempt Status for PF Trusts with 28 December 2026 Deadline](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/epfo-amnesty-scheme-2026-one-time-retrospective-regularisation-of-exempt-status) - [International Day of Charity 2026 – September 5](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/international-day-of-charity-2026-september-5) ## Sebi extends KYC review timelines for foreign portfolio investors to ease compliance ### Key Updates - Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) extended the periodicity of Know Your Client (KYC) review for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) registered in India from one year to two years and from three years to eight years. - Currently, FPIs are subject to periodic KYC review annually or once every three years, depending on the applicable category and other criteria. - For the special category of FPIs labelled Swagat-FIs, the periodicity of KYC review will remain unchanged at 10 years. - The existing relaxations for GS-FPIs will remain unchanged under the revised framework. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [SEBI Board Approves Amendments to the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Securitised Debt Instruments and Security Receipts) Regulations, 2008](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-board-approves-amendments-to-the-sebi-issue-and-listing-of-securitised-debt) - [Sebi to review FPI compliance requirements and issue consultation paper to align disclosure norms with global standards](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-to-review-fpi-compliance-requirements-and-issue-consultation-paper-to-align) - [SEBI Board Approves INR Payment of FPI and FVCI Registration Fees and Recording of Date of Birth/Incorporation on FPI Certificates](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-board-approves-inr-payment-of-fpi-and-fvci-registration-fees-and-recording) ## SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey Announces Investor Protection Measures Against Online Financial Fraud ### Key Updates - The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is working with Google to introduce verified badges on the Google Play Store to help identify genuine SEBI-related apps. - SEBI has launched a WhatsApp channel on investor awareness in eleven languages, including Bengali. - The SEBI Saarthi App and SEBI Check facility help investors verify accounts before transactions in the securities market. - SEBI has developed an artificial intelligence-based tool called 'Sudarshan' to identify violations and suspicious activities across social media platforms through a five-stage checking process. - SEBI is running the 'Samajh ke Investing Simple' campaign in regional languages and introduced the SCORES 2.0 portal for registering complaints, including financial fraud complaints. - SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said West Bengal's economy is estimated to have grown by 7.6 per cent in financial year 2025-26. - Investors from West Bengal have crossed 90 lakh, up from around 12 lakh in financial year 2014-15, with around 36 per cent below 30 years of age. - More than 40 small and medium-sized businesses from West Bengal have raised over 1,400 crore rupees through SME Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). - The revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange will depend on attracting sufficient trading volumes, building a sustainable business model and making substantial investments in technology. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Sebi to review FPI compliance requirements and issue consultation paper to align disclosure norms with global standards](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-to-review-fpi-compliance-requirements-and-issue-consultation-paper-to-align) - [Sebi Proposes Automatic Approval Route for Exchanges and Depositories to Deploy Funds Without Prior Nod](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-proposes-automatic-approval-route-for-exchanges-and-depositories-to-deploy) - [India's SEBI Signs MoU with Bank of England for Cross-Border Clearing Cooperation](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-sebi-signs-mou-with-bank-of-england-for-cross-border-clearing-cooperatio) ## Indian tourists can now book Burj Khalifa and Singapore attraction tickets online via UPI ### Key Updates - National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)'s international arm, NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), partnered with the UAE on July 29 and Singapore on September 9 to enable UPI-based online ticket bookings. - In the UAE, UPI acceptance has been enabled for At the Top, Burj Khalifa, in partnership with NEOPAY and Emaar Entertainment, making it the first attraction in the UAE to implement UPI for e-commerce. - In Singapore, UPI acceptance has been extended to Resorts World Sentosa in collaboration with FOMO Pay, covering Universal Studios Singapore, the Singapore Oceanarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. - Singapore welcomed 1.2 million Indian visitors in 2025. - UPI-based ticket booking for the Eiffel Tower in France was launched on January 26, 2024. - UPI is currently accepted in 10 countries: Singapore, the UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece. - Uzbekistan is set to become the 11th country to accept UPI after a commercial agreement announced on August 30, 2026, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [FOMO Pay and NPCI International Launch UPI QR Payment Acceptance in Singapore with Resorts World Sentosa](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/fomo-pay-and-npci-international-launch-upi-qr-payment-acceptance-in-singapore-wi) - [Centre Prohibits Fees on UPI Transactions Up to Rs 2,000 and RuPay Debit Card Payments](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/centre-prohibits-fees-on-upi-transactions-up-to-rs-2-000-and-rupay-debit-card-pa) - [NPCI's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) expands international acceptance to 11 countries](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/npci-s-unified-payments-interface-upi-expands-international-acceptance-to-11-cou) - [NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) partners with Uzbekistan's National Interbank Processing Centre (NIPC) to enable UPI payments via UZQR](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/npci-international-payments-ltd-nipl-partners-with-uzbekistan-s-national-interba) ## India Post and UTI Asset Management Company Sign MoU for Pan-India Doorstep KYC Verification ### Key Updates - India Post and UTI Asset Management Company Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 29, 2026, at UTI AMC's corporate office in Mumbai to expand Pan-India KYC verification services. - The MoU was signed by Adnan Ahmed, Chief General Manager, Parcel and CCS Directorate, Department of Posts, and Vetri Subramaniam, Managing Director and CEO of UTI Asset Management Company Limited. - Under the Pan-India KYC Verification Project, India Post will use its postal network and last-mile connectivity to facilitate KYC verification at investors' doorsteps, including in remote and underserved areas. - The expanded agreement builds on an earlier KYC remediation initiative between India Post and UTI Mutual Fund that helped investors complete pending KYC requirements and address documentation gaps. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and Association of ARCs Sign Five-Year MoU for Insolvency Education Enhancement](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/indian-institute-of-corporate-affairs-and-association-of-arcs-sign-five-year-mou) - [National Statistics Office Under MoSPI Inks MoU with Pahle India Foundation for Research and Capacity Building in Official Statistics](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/national-statistics-office-under-mospi-inks-mou-with-pahle-india-foundation-for) - [SEBI grants 1 Finance in-principle approval for India's first MF Lite asset management company](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-grants-1-finance-in-principle-approval-for-india-s-first-mf-lite-asset-mana) - [India's SEBI Signs MoU with Bank of England for Cross-Border Clearing Cooperation](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-sebi-signs-mou-with-bank-of-england-for-cross-border-clearing-cooperatio) ## Census of India 2027 Schedule and Reference Date Announced ### Key Updates - The population census will be conducted from January 25 to February 28, 2027, followed by a revisional round from March 1 to March 5, 2027. - The reference date for the census is set at 00:00 hours of March 1, 2027. - A self-enumeration option will be available to citizens from January 10, 2027, to January 24, 2027. - The census will be conducted in all states and Union Territories, excluding Manipur, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and specific snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Census 2027 to Include 40 Questions on Caste and Aadhaar](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/census-2027-to-include-40-questions-on-caste-and-aadhaar) - [Census 2027: Centre Defers House-Listing in Manipur](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/census-2027-centre-defers-house-listing-in-manipur) - [Bombay High Court stops notification of estimated Scheduled Tribes population in Goa, impacting reserved seats](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/bombay-high-court-stops-notification-of-estimated-scheduled-tribes-population-in) - [Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026: MHA widens enumerator eligibility to private school teachers and other staff](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/census-amendment-rules-2026-mha-widens-enumerator-eligibility-to-private-school) ## Tamil Nadu Launches Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme with Rs 109.75 Crore Outlay for Rural Women ### Key Updates - The Tamil Nadu government has announced the Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme for the financial year 2026-27 to empower rural women. - Under the scheme, 30,000 rural women will be provided with goats under a 100 percent government subsidy. - The scheme will be implemented with a total financial outlay of 109.75 crore rupees to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic independence in rural areas. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Tamil Nadu announces Vetri Vaanmagal scheme to train women farmers in drone operation](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/tamil-nadu-announces-vetri-vaanmagal-scheme-to-train-women-farmers-in-drone-oper) - [Tamil Nadu's 'Palli Niraivu Thittam' to Upgrade 3,734 Schools with ₹2,132 Crore](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/tamil-nadu-s-palli-niraivu-thittam-to-upgrade-3-734-schools-with-2-132-crore) ## Ministry of Panchayati Raj and CESL Sign MoU to Deploy EV Charging Infrastructure on Panchayat Land ### Key Updates - The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to set up electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations on Panchayat land. - The partnership aims to generate own-source revenue (OSR) for Gram, Block, and District Panchayats while expanding clean mobility infrastructure. - CESL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), which operates under the Ministry of Power. - The infrastructure will support two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and medium and heavy commercial vehicles. - CESL is responsible for site assessment, demand aggregation, installation, testing, commissioning, and the operation and maintenance of the facilities. - The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will coordinate with state Panchayati Raj departments to identify and monitor suitable sites for the project. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Indian Army to unveil new land warfare doctrine during Army Commanders’ Conference](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/indian-army-to-unveil-new-land-warfare-doctrine-during-army-commanders-conferenc) - [National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) raises ₹366.33 crore from 150 RINL land parcels on Day 1 of its first end-to-end e-auction](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/national-land-monetization-corporation-nlmc-raises-366-33-crore-from-150-rinl-la) - [Delhi Cabinet Approves DURGA Scheme to Provide 1,300 Pink E-Autos for Women and Transgender Persons](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/delhi-cabinet-approves-durga-scheme-to-provide-1-300-pink-e-autos-for-women-and) - [PM E-DRIVE scheme supports 26.59 lakh EVs with ₹11,900-crore outlay running till March 2028](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/pm-e-drive-scheme-supports-26-59-lakh-evs-with-11-900-crore-outlay-running-till) ## BIMSTEC Nations Begin First Maritime Security Exercise in Bay of Bengal from October 30 to November 3, 2026 ### Key Updates - The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2026, marking a milestone in maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC member states. - The exercise brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. - The exercise builds on the outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held under the theme 'BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open'. - Its aims include enhancing interoperability, strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving coordination mechanisms and exchanging best practices among member states. - The exercise highlights the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's first integrated tri-service command. - The exercise embodies the theme 'Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity' and reflects BIMSTEC's resolve of 'Translating Vision to Action'. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [India's INS Tarkash Joins Trilateral IBSAMAR IX 2026 Maritime Exercise with Brazil and South Africa](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-ins-tarkash-joins-trilateral-ibsamar-ix-2026-maritime-exercise-with-braz) - [Indian and Singaporean Navies Conclude 33rd Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) in Visakhapatnam](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/indian-and-singaporean-navies-conclude-33rd-maritime-bilateral-exercise-simbex-2) - [India and Singapore Navies Launch 33rd Edition of SIMBEX Exercise in Visakhapatnam](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-and-singapore-navies-launch-33rd-edition-of-simbex-exercise-in-visakhapatn) - [India hosts inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on October 13, 2026, chaired by Amit Shah, which adopts the Delhi Declaration and five security cooperation agreements](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-hosts-inaugural-bimstec-home-ministers-meeting-in-new-delhi-on-october-13) ## Financial Action Task Force Concludes Paris Plenary with New Measures Against Financial Crime ### Key Updates - The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) held its inaugural Plenary meeting under the presidency of Giles Thomson in Paris. - Member countries agreed to accelerate the implementation of FATF standards regarding virtual assets in jurisdictions with significant activity. - The FATF removed Bulgaria, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Monaco from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Pakistan Hikes Masood Azhar Bounty to PKR 70 Lakh, Lists JeM Chief as Fugitive Ahead of FATF Review](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/pakistan-hikes-masood-azhar-bounty-to-pkr-70-lakh-lists-jem-chief-as-fugitive-ah) - [IMF and World Bank Unveil Bangkok Blueprint Framework to Fight Cyber-Enabled Fraud](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/imf-and-world-bank-unveil-bangkok-blueprint-framework-to-fight-cyber-enabled-fra) - [Nirmala Sitharaman Chairs 30th Meeting of Financial Stability and Development Council in New Delhi](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/nirmala-sitharaman-chairs-30th-meeting-of-financial-stability-and-development-co) - [Pakistan named incoming chair of IMF and World Bank Group Boards of Governors for 2027](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/pakistan-named-incoming-chair-of-imf-and-world-bank-group-boards-of-governors-fo) ## United Nations Report Reveals Escalating Impact of Global Armed Conflicts on Women and Girls in 2025 ### Key Updates - Women and girls accounted for one in four civilian deaths in armed conflicts worldwide in 2025, representing a doubling of their proportion since 2021. - At least 25 women and girls were killed every day in armed conflicts throughout 2025. - Approximately 750 million women and girls currently live within 50 km of an active conflict zone, the highest figure recorded since 1990. - Global military expenditure reached a record $2.9 trillion in 2025. - Women comprised only 5 per cent of negotiators across 57 formal peace processes worldwide in 2025. - Cases of conflict-related sexual violence verified by the United Nations (UN) nearly quadrupled between 2022 and 2025. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [UN Experts Call for Death Penalty Moratorium Ahead of World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/un-experts-call-for-death-penalty-moratorium-ahead-of-world-day-against-the-deat) - [UN Women and UN DESA Release Gender Snapshot 2026 Report Warning One in Three Gender Equality Institutions Weakened](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/un-women-and-un-desa-release-gender-snapshot-2026-report-warning-one-in-three-ge) - [UNESCO Releases 2026 Gender Report Detailing Global and African Education Access Findings](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/unesco-releases-2026-gender-report-detailing-global-and-african-education-access) - [ACLED data shows India recorded the world's largest share of demonstrations for five consecutive years](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/acled-data-shows-india-recorded-the-world-s-largest-share-of-demonstrations-for) ## ISRO's GSLV-F18 rocket successfully launches NVS-03 navigation satellite from Sriharikota ### Key Updates - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket on October 30, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, placing the 2,250 kg satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit 18 minutes after liftoff. - NVS-03 is the third satellite in the next-generation navigation satellite series for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), carries an indigenous atomic clock along with procured atomic clocks, and has a mission life of 12 years. - The satellite adds an L1 signal to the existing L5/S signals, with coverage over the Indian landmass and a region extending 1,500 km beyond India's geopolitical boundary. - With NVS-03's success, the NavIC constellation is restored to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites, reviving position, navigation and timing services weakened by atomic clock failures, including the stoppage of the last functioning clock aboard IRNSS-1F on March 13, 2026. - This was ISRO's third mission of 2026, after the failed PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, and the successful GSLV-F17 mission carrying EOS-05 on September 4, and was achieved with a turnaround of just 56 days between successive GSLV missions. - ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan stated that NavIC is a strategic national asset used for civilian applications such as real-time tracking of trains, vehicles and shipping vessels, and is a component of the One Nation One Time project. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [ISRO clears delayed NavIC satellite NVS-03 for October 30 launch aboard GSLV Mk II from Sriharikota](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/isro-clears-delayed-navic-satellite-nvs-03-for-october-30-launch-aboard-gslv-mk) - [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Successfully Launches India's First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite EOS-05](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/indian-space-research-organisation-isro-successfully-launches-india-s-first-geos) - [ISRO to Launch GSLV-F17 With EOS-05 Earth Observation Satellite](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/isro-to-launch-gslv-f17-with-eos-05-earth-observation-satellite) ## Government releases DEPA handbook for responsible AI training data collaboration ### Key Updates - The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched a handbook on Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) for AI training, unveiled by IT Secretary S Krishnan at a roundtable in Bengaluru with support from the iSPIRT Foundation. - The handbook outlines a techno-legal framework combining contractual permissions, controlled computing environments and privacy-enhancing safeguards, enabling institutions to collaborate on AI training data while retaining control of it. - The framework incorporates data provenance, allowing the origin, permissions and use of data to be traced throughout the training process for accountability and transparency. - Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood explained that under DEPA the model travels to the data, enabling multi-party and cross-border collaboration. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [India's Defence Ministry Partners with AI Mission to Develop Secure Military AI Layer](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-defence-ministry-partners-with-ai-mission-to-develop-secure-military-ai) - [Power Ministry unveils voluntary National Electricity Data Sharing framework with new CEA data division and portal](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/power-ministry-unveils-voluntary-national-electricity-data-sharing-framework-wit) - [CoRover.ai Chosen by MeitY to Build Unified Agentic AI Platform for Government Services, Starting with DigiLocker](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/corover-ai-chosen-by-meity-to-build-unified-agentic-ai-platform-for-government-s) - [Ministry of Defence signs five-year MoU with Sarvam AI to develop sovereign AI for Indian Armed Forces](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/ministry-of-defence-signs-five-year-mou-with-sarvam-ai-to-develop-sovereign-ai-f) ## Delhi Logs Best October Air Quality in Eight Years with Average AQI of 166 ### Key Updates - Delhi recorded an average AQI of 166 for October 2026, the lowest monthly average for October in the last eight years, compared to 223 in 2025 and 269 in 2018. - Delhi's average AQI for January to October 2026 stood at 167, better than 170 in 2025, though higher than 156 in 2020. - The average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi for January 1 to October 29, 2026 was 69 µg/m³, the lowest in the period since 2018, compared to 93 µg/m³ in 2018. - Delhi recorded 220 'Good to Moderate' AQI days (daily average AQI below 200) during January–October 2026, the highest since 2018 except 2020, which had 224 such days. - Delhi recorded 84 'Poor to Severe+' category days (daily average AQI above 200) during January–October 2026, down from 104 in 2025 and 147 in 2018. - The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is working with stakeholders on measures to prevent, control and abate air pollution and improve air quality in Delhi-NCR. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Kanda Express Carrying 440 MT of PSF Buffer Onions to Reach Agartala for the First Time](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/kanda-express-carrying-440-mt-of-psf-buffer-onions-to-reach-agartala-for-the-fir) - [Antarctic sea ice peaked at 17.59 million sq km on September 14, marking its third-lowest winter maximum on record](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/antarctic-sea-ice-peaked-at-17-59-million-sq-km-on-september-14-marking-its-thir) - [World's First Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) Launched in Delhi NCR](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/world-s-first-integrated-atmospheric-chemistry-and-aerosol-toxicity-analysis-lab) ## Indian para table tennis players win five bronze medals at Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya ### Key Updates - Indian para table tennis players won five bronze medals at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, surpassing their tally of two bronzes from the previous edition. - Ravi Baby Sahana and Prachi Pandey became the first Indian para table tennis players to win medals in the standing category at the Asian Para Games. - Sahana lost 8-11, 2-11, 4-11 to five-time Paralympic gold medallist Mao Jingdian of China in the Class 9 semifinal, while Prachi lost 9-11, 2-11, 8-11 to reigning Paralympic champion Najlah Al-Dayyeni of Iraq in the Class 6 semifinal. - Bhavina Patel, a former Paralympic silver-medallist, lost 7-11, 5-11, 7-11 to China's Zhang Bian in the Class 4-5 semifinal to claim her second successive Asian Para Games bronze; she won silver at the 2018 edition. - Sonalben Patel lost 7-11, 5-11, 6-11 to defending champion Jiyu Yoon of South Korea in the Class 3 semifinal, while Jehan Madan won bronze in men's singles Class 1 by finishing fourth in a five-paddler field. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [India records best-ever 114-medal haul and fourth place at Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, with world records and multiple podium sweeps](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-records-best-ever-114-medal-haul-and-fourth-place-at-asian-para-games-2026) - [Asian Para Games 2026: India's medal haul with historic firsts in archery, athletics, badminton and table tennis](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/asian-para-games-2026-india-s-medal-haul-with-historic-firsts-in-archery-athleti) - [India Sweep Commonwealth Table Tennis Team Titles](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-sweep-commonwealth-table-tennis-team-titles) - [Indian Athletes Secure Multiple Medals and World Records at the Asian Para Games](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/indian-athletes-secure-multiple-medals-and-world-records-at-the-asian-para-games) ## India Clinch Gold at Maiden Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship for Women ### Key Updates - India won the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship women's title in Ahmedabad, defeating Uganda 35-15 in the final. - The Indian men's team reached the final after beating Bangladesh 56-27 in the semi-finals and will face Sri Lanka at 9:00 PM Indian time. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [India Beats Iran to Claim Men's Kabaddi Gold at Asian Games 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/india-beats-iran-to-claim-men-s-kabaddi-gold-at-asian-games-2026) - [India Wins Maiden Overall Title at Commonwealth Fencing Championships](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-wins-maiden-overall-title-at-commonwealth-fencing-championships) - [First Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship Gets Underway in Ahmedabad](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/first-commonwealth-kabaddi-championship-gets-underway-in-ahmedabad) - [India Women Beat Iran 37-33 to Win Fourth Asian Games Kabaddi Gold on September 26, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/india-women-beat-iran-37-33-to-win-fourth-asian-games-kabaddi-gold-on-september) ## Prime Minister Narendra Modi approves North Corridor of the Bullet Train Project ### Key Updates - Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the north corridor of the bullet train project. - The north corridor route will connect Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Siliguri, and extend to Guwahati. - The project is planned to be fully Make in India, with construction work from pillar to girder to be executed domestically. - Travel times on the proposed corridor include Delhi to Agra in 59 minutes, Delhi to Kanpur in 1 hour and 45 minutes, Delhi to Lucknow in 2 hours and 12 minutes, and Lucknow to Varanasi in 1 hour and 21 minutes. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Indore Metro Priority Corridor-2 Inaugurated](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/indore-metro-priority-corridor-2-inaugurated) - [PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 35,000 Crore Projects in Vadodara](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/pm-modi-inaugurates-rs-35-000-crore-projects-in-vadodara) - [Fourth Rail Line Approved in Siliguri Corridor](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/fourth-rail-line-approved-in-siliguri-corridor) - [North Eastern Railway operates longest 'Awadh Mahashakti' freight train on August 20](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/north-eastern-railway-operates-longest-awadh-mahashakti-freight-train-on-august) ## Overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launched on Varanasi–New Delhi Route ### Key Updates - Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly flagged off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Varanasi and New Delhi from Banaras Railway Station on October 31, 2026. - The overnight service connects Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad before reaching New Delhi, covering the journey in less than 10 hours. - The train departs Varanasi at 8.50 pm and arrives in New Delhi at 6.10 am the next morning, while the return service leaves New Delhi at 9.40 pm and reaches Varanasi at 7.10 am the following day. - The service operates six days a week, with no run on Fridays for the Varanasi-originating train and Saturdays for the New Delhi-originating train. - Compared with the existing Shiv Ganga Express, the new train reduces journey time from Varanasi to New Delhi by 55 minutes and from New Delhi to Varanasi by 35 minutes. - The fully air-conditioned, 16-coach train has a passenger capacity of 823, comprising one First AC, four AC 2-Tier and 11 AC 3-Tier coaches. - The same ceremony also flagged off two new MEMU train services connecting Varanasi City Railway Station with Rajatalab and Prayagraj Rambagh with Varanasi. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [BHEL and Titagarh Rail Systems Form Joint Venture for 35-Year Vande Bharat Sleeper Maintenance](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/bhel-and-titagarh-rail-systems-form-joint-venture-for-35-year-vande-bharat-sleep) - [India's second Vande Bharat Sleeper train scheduled to connect Bengaluru and Mumbai on November 1](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-second-vande-bharat-sleeper-train-scheduled-to-connect-bengaluru-and-mum) - [Indian Railways Approves Tri-Weekly Bhuj-Barauni Amrit Bharat Express and Extends Jhansi-Agra Train to Mathura](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/indian-railways-approves-tri-weekly-bhuj-barauni-amrit-bharat-express-and-extend) - [Indian Railways launches direct daily train connecting Sabarmati in Gujarat with Katra for Vaishno Devi pilgrims](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/indian-railways-launches-direct-daily-train-connecting-sabarmati-in-gujarat-with) ## President Murmu unfurls Dharmadhwaja to launch Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela ### Key Updates - President Droupadi Murmu hoisted the Dharmadhwaja (religious flag) at Ramtirtha in Nashik at 12.02 pm on October 31, 2026, formally launching the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela. - Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted the flag at Trimbakeshwar's Kushavarta Teerth in the presence of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vidhushekhara Bharati of Sringeri Peeth. - Jupiter's entry into the zodiac sign Leo (Simha) is the key planetary alignment that gives the Simhastha Kumbh Mela its religious significance. - The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will continue until July 2028, with closing ceremonies scheduled for July 24, 2028 at Trimbakeshwar and July 29, 2028 at Nashik, making the period approximately 21 months. - The Shri Ganga-Godavari Dharma Dhvaj features an Amrit Kumbh symbolising immortality, Omkar, the letter 'Shri', twelve silk tassels representing social unity, bells, and symbols of the crocodile, sun and moon. - Preparations for infrastructure, sanitation, traffic management, security and civic amenities are underway in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar to welcome devotees from India and abroad. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [President Droupadi Murmu Honours Artists at 65th National Exhibition of Art](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/president-droupadi-murmu-honours-artists-at-65th-national-exhibition-of-art) - [President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Rs 200 Commemorative Coin Honouring Sindhi Saint Mata Hasi Devi Ji in Raipur](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/president-droupadi-murmu-unveils-rs-200-commemorative-coin-honouring-sindhi-sain) - [President Droupadi Murmu Approves Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill 2026 Passed by Nagaland Assembly](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/president-droupadi-murmu-approves-frontier-nagaland-territorial-authority-fnta-b) ## Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Over as Indian Air Force Chief, Succeeding Retiring A P Singh ### Key Updates - Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday, October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who retired the same day after 42 years of service. - Outgoing Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh's tenure was marked by decisive leadership during Operation Sindoor, and he was credited with strengthening the IAF's combat readiness. - Air Chief Marshal Dixit, 59, was commissioned as a fighter pilot in 1986 and previously served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff and head of the Central Air Command. - An IAF Chief of the Air Staff serves up to three years in the post or until the retirement age of 62. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb Takes Over as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/air-marshal-kaa-sanjeeb-takes-over-as-air-officer-in-charge-maintenance) - [Shakti Sharma Becomes First Woman Non-Medical Air Vice Marshal](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/shakti-sharma-becomes-first-woman-non-medical-air-vice-marshal) - [Vice Admiral AN Pramod Assumes Charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/vice-admiral-an-pramod-assumes-charge-as-deputy-chief-of-naval-staff) - [Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to take over as next Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/air-marshal-ashutosh-dixit-to-take-over-as-next-chief-of-the-air-staff-of-the-in)