Daily Current Affairs — 5 November 2026
· 16 min read · TS Police Hub (Anvil Edtech)
Hyderabad startup Cosmoserve Space opens Base 1 for space debris removal; Hyderabad Central Prison gets a Gender-Neutral Cell; AP votes in MPTC/ZPTC polls and the SEC orders fresh polls at three booths; the first National SARAS Mela outside Delhi-NCR ends in Vijayawada; ₹1,09,019 crore tax devolution released early (Telangana ₹2,370 crore, AP ₹4,597 crore); critical mineral auction Tranche IX with three Telangana blocks; TRAI's Network Anubhav; DRDO tests Pralay; INS Sahyadri at Yokosuka for MALABAR 2026; I-OECM Guidelines at CBD COP-17; India re-elected ISA President; SUVIKALP mine repurposing tool; Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan; inaugural India–Canada Defence Dialogue; India's 114 medals at the Asian Para Games; World Tsunami Awareness Day; steel consumption. Followed by 10 practice questions.
1. Telangana
Hyderabad Startup Cosmoserve Space Opens 'Base 1' for Space Debris Removal; Centre Sets a Debris-Free Space Vision for 2030
Why in news: Cosmoserve Space, a Hyderabad startup working on active debris removal (ADR) and in-orbit servicing, inaugurated its 'Base 1' facility at VSD Tech Park, Gachibowli, on 5 November 2026. Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, joining virtually, announced a vision of debris-free space by 2030.
⭐ Exam importance: High — a Hyderabad space-tech first with a clear national target (2030) and the ADR concept, both easy to ask.
Key facts
- The facility: About 14,800 sq ft, where space robots are designed, built, tested under space conditions and run from a mission control. It has orbital rendezvous and capture labs, space robotics labs, microgravity simulation platforms and satellite clean rooms.
- Who attended: Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu was Guest of Honour; Dr Chiranjeevi Phanindra is the founder and CEO of Cosmoserve Space.
- Mission EMBRACE: In July 2026 the company tested soft robotic 'petals' (a gripper for catching objects) in space, within a year of its formation.
- Partners: Pixel (satellite systems), Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands (propulsion) and Skyroot Aerospace (launch services).
- Numbers quoted by the Minister: India's space economy is nearly USD 9 billion and is projected at USD 40–45 billion in the coming decade; space startups have grown from single digits to nearly 450.
Static GK link
- Space debris: Dead satellites, spent rocket stages and fragments left in orbit; they travel at very high speed and threaten working satellites. ADR means catching such objects and moving them out of useful orbits.
- Space reforms: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is ISRO's commercial arm; IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) authorises and promotes private space activity.
NHRC: Hyderabad Central Prison Sets Up a Gender-Neutral Cell for Persons of Diverse Gender Identities
Why in news: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said on 5 November 2026 that, following its intervention, the Central Prison, Hyderabad, has set up a separate Gender-Neutral Cell for persons with diverse gender identities and expressions.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — a Telangana prison reform linked to the NHRC and transgender rights; useful for polity and police-related questions.
Key facts
- How it came about: NHRC's Special Monitor for transgender persons and LGBTQ+ rights visited the prison on 8 October 2026 and stressed the NHRC and Ministry of Home Affairs advisories on the welfare of transgender persons.
- Compliance: The Superintendent of the Central Prison, Hyderabad, reported that the cell has been set up; inmates housed there are also allowed affirmative clothing (clothes matching their gender identity).
- Purpose: Dignity and suitable living arrangements for such persons in correctional institutions.
Static GK link
- NHRC: A statutory body under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993; set up on 12 October 1993; headquartered in New Delhi.
- Transgender rights: NALSA v. Union of India (2014) recognised transgender persons as a 'third gender'; the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 followed.
- Prisons: 'Prisons' is a State subject (List II, Entry 4 of the Seventh Schedule).
2. Andhra Pradesh
AP MPTC/ZPTC Polling Held on 5 November; SEC Orders Fresh Polls at Three Polling Stations
Why in news: Polling for the second ordinary elections to MPTCs and ZPTCs in Andhra Pradesh was held on 5 November 2026. The same day, the AP State Election Commission (SEC) declared the poll void at three polling stations and ordered fresh polls there on 6 November.
⭐ Exam importance: High — AP local body elections; the constitutional article (243K) and the 'booth capturing → fresh poll' process are standard police-exam questions.
Key facts
- Fresh poll orders: All three were issued on 5 November 2026 after reports from the district Collectors and District Election Authorities; each fresh poll was set for 6 November, 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Power used: Article 243K of the Constitution (superintendence of panchayat elections by the SEC) read with the A.P. Panchayat Raj Act, 1994; the Krosur and Marutla orders cite Section 231 of the Act.
- Indelible ink: The Krosur order directs that in the fresh poll the indelible ink be applied on the voter's left-hand middle finger.
- Counting: Counting is scheduled for 7 November 2026, together with the mandals of Eluru and East Godavari where polling was moved to 6 November because of Cyclone Murasu.
Fresh polls ordered by the AP SEC (orders dated 5 November 2026)| Polling station | Election | What the Collector reported |
|---|
| PS No. 43, Andukuru village, Krosur mandal, Palnadu | Krosur ZPTC | About 20 persons entered between 11.30 AM and 12.30 PM, switched off the CCTV camera and handled ballot papers; about 100 votes were polled by them |
| PS No. 5, Gangavaram village, Pullalacheruvu mandal, Markapuram | Pullalacheruvu ZPTC | Ballot box taken out and its seal broken; 64 ballot papers unlawfully inserted |
| PS No. 8, Marutla village, Kuderu mandal, Ananthapuramu | Both MPTC and ZPTC | At 11.45 AM a group destroyed the ballot box and tore ballot papers; about 285 votes had already been cast |
Static GK link
- Article 243K: Elections to panchayats are conducted by the State Election Commission; the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor. Article 243ZA does the same for municipalities.
- Three tiers in AP: Gram Panchayat (village) — Mandal Praja Parishad (MPTC members) — Zilla Praja Parishad (ZPTC members); the 73rd Amendment (1992) gave panchayats constitutional status.
First National SARAS Mela Outside Delhi-NCR Ends in Vijayawada with Over ₹12.8 Crore in Sales
Why in news: The Ministry of Rural Development released the outcome of the First National SARAS Mela held outside Delhi-NCR, organised with the Government of Andhra Pradesh at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada. It was inaugurated by the President on 15 October 2026.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — a first for Andhra Pradesh, linked to DAY-NRLM, SHGs and Lakhpati Didis.
Key facts
- Scale: About 1,500 women entrepreneurs from SHGs and Lakhpati Didis from 30+ States and UTs, 600 stalls, 45,000–50,000 visitors a day and a total footfall of over 12 lakh.
- Sales: Cumulative sales of over ₹12.8 crore; handloom and handicrafts made up 75%; the SARAS Shakti Food Court (50 stalls) sold over ₹1.9 crore; the top stall earned ₹15.6 lakh.
- Partners: NIRDPR (Hyderabad) and Kudumbashree (Kerala) supported it; AP's SERP ran an Entrepreneurship Development and Acceleration Programme (EDAP) with 15,231 Udyam registrations.
- AP model praised: The Union Rural Development Minister said AP's SHG marketing model — SHE Marts and the 'Swayam Andhra' brand — would be adopted more widely.
- Cyclone break: The Mela was closed on 28 and 29 October when Cyclone Arnab hit Vijayawada.
Static GK link
- DAY-NRLM: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, under the Ministry of Rural Development, organises rural poor women into SHGs. The target is six crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.
- Lakhpati Didi: An SHG member whose household earns a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.
3. National — Polity & Governance
Centre Releases ₹1,09,019 Crore Tax Devolution Instalment Early for the Festive Season; Telangana Gets ₹2,370 Crore, AP ₹4,597 Crore
Why in news: The Union Government released the regular monthly instalment of tax devolution to the States, ₹1,09,019 crore, on 5 November 2026 instead of the usual 10 November, to help States speed up capital spending ahead of the festive season.
⭐ Exam importance: High — Telangana and AP figures plus the constitutional basis of tax sharing (Articles 270 and 280) are favourite questions.
Key facts
- Total: ₹1,09,019 crore to 28 States.
- Telangana: ₹2,370 crore — 16th among the 28 States.
- Andhra Pradesh: ₹4,597 crore — 8th among the 28 States.
- Highest and lowest: Uttar Pradesh ₹19,208 crore (highest), then Bihar ₹10,845 crore; Sikkim ₹365 crore (lowest).
- Why early: To let States accelerate capital spending and fund development and welfare expenditure during the festive season.
Static GK link
- Article 270: Central taxes (other than cesses and surcharges) form a divisible pool shared between the Union and the States.
- Article 280: The Finance Commission, appointed by the President every five years, recommends the States' share and how it is split among them.
4. National — Economy & Schemes
Mines Ministry Launches the Ninth Tranche of Critical Mineral Block Auctions; Telangana Offers Three Blocks and Three Rare Earth Exploration Blocks
Why in news: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy launched Tranche IX of the e-auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks and Tranche III of the Exploration Licence (EL) auction in Goa on 5 November 2026, alongside the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers.
⭐ Exam importance: High — Telangana has three critical mineral blocks and three rare earth exploration blocks on offer; MMDR Act sections and auction formats are frequently asked.
Key facts
- Tranche IX: 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks in 8 States. In the first eight tranches, 64 of 100 blocks offered were sold (64% success).
- Telangana blocks: 3 critical mineral blocks (titanium, vanadium, scandium, gallium, aluminous laterite) and 3 EL blocks for rare earth elements (REE).
- Andhra Pradesh: 1 graphite block in Tranche IX.
- Exploration Licence: Introduced by Section 10BA of the MMDR Act for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals in its Seventh Schedule; 11 EL blocks were sold in the first two tranches; Tranche III offers 11 blocks.
- Reform: Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2026 (16 October 2026) cut the minimum technically qualified bidders for the second round from three to two for Part D minerals.
- Auction format and dates: Mineral blocks: ascending forward auction (highest revenue share wins); EL blocks: descending reverse auction (lowest share wins). Bids are due by 7 January 2027.
Static GK link
- MMDR Act: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 — the central law on mining leases and mineral auctions.
- Rare earth elements: 17 elements — the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium; scandium is among the minerals in Telangana's blocks.
TRAI Launches the 'Network Anubhav' Platform to Map Mobile and Broadband Quality
Why in news: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched the Network Anubhav Platform on 4 November 2026 — a geospatial dashboard of speed and call tests run by users and of TRAI's own independent drive tests, along with a web interface for Do Not Disturb (DND) services.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — a new regulator platform; the TRAI apps and the regulator's basics are easy one-liners.
Key facts
- Data sources: Tests from TRAI's MySpeed and MyCall apps, plus TRAI's independent drive tests.
- What users see: Results by operator and technology for mobile and fixed broadband; P50 is the median speed, P80 is used for mobile and P90 for fixed broadband.
- DND: Users can set preferences for commercial messages and file and track complaints about unsolicited commercial communication.
- Portal and chairman: anubhav.trai.gov.in; TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti.
Static GK link
- TRAI: Set up on 20 February 1997 under the TRAI Act, 1997; headquartered in New Delhi; works with the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
5. National — Science, Space & Defence
DRDO Flight-Tests the Quasi-Ballistic Missile 'Pralay'; Induction Now 'Imminent'
Why in news: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the quasi-ballistic missile 'Pralay' from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast at about 11:10 AM on 5 November 2026, as part of user evaluation trials.
⭐ Exam importance: High — a Hyderabad-developed missile (Research Centre Imarat, BDL); test site and developer are classic questions.
Key facts
- Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, with other DRDO laboratories — indigenously developed.
- Producer: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Development-cum-Production Partner, produced the system.
- Tracking: All test objectives were met, as confirmed by range instruments of the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
- Status: The test was part of user evaluation trials; with it, induction of the system 'has become imminent'. DRDO Chairman: Rajesh Kumar Singh (also Defence Secretary).
Static GK link
- Quasi-ballistic missile: Flies a lower, flatter path than a pure ballistic missile and can manoeuvre in flight, which makes it harder to intercept.
- Test sites in Odisha: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island) and ITR Chandipur, both on the Odisha coast.
INS Sahyadri Reaches Yokosuka, Japan, for Exercise MALABAR 2026
Why in news: The Indian Navy's indigenous guided-missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri of the Eastern Fleet arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 4 November 2026 to take part in the multilateral naval exercise MALABAR 2026.
⭐ Exam importance: High — MALABAR's members and history are a standard defence question.
Key facts
- Participants: The navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia.
- Phases: A harbour phase (professional interactions and planning) followed by a sea phase.
- Welcome: Received by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF); Vice Admiral Yagi Koji, Commandant, Yokosuka District, attended.
- Vision cited: MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Static GK link
- MALABAR history: Began in 1992 as an India–US bilateral exercise; Japan became a permanent member in 2015 and Australia rejoined in 2020 — the same four countries as the Quad.
- INS Sahyadri: A Shivalik-class (Project-17) stealth frigate built by Mazagon Dock, Mumbai; named after the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) range.
6. National — Environment & Geography
India Releases Guidelines for 'Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures' (I-OECMs) at CBD COP-17; Srisailam–Cumbum Among Six Demonstration Landscapes
Why in news: Union Environment Minister 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.
⭐ Exam importance: High — new conservation concept, the 30x30 target and an AP–Telangana landscape (Srisailam–Cumbum) in the pilot.
Key facts
- What an OECM is: An area outside legally protected or conserved areas that still delivers long-term in-situ conservation of biodiversity — e.g. biodiversity parks, sacred groves, community irrigation tanks, seagrass and seaweed beds, fishing-ban areas.
- Four mandatory criteria: Not a legally protected area; governed under Central/State frameworks or by recognised local bodies (Panchayats, Biodiversity Management Committees); defined boundaries with no overlap with the World Database on Protected Areas; recognition must not change existing activities or governance.
- Process: Applications go to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), which forwards them to the State Biodiversity Board within 30 days; the Board replies within 30 days; MoEFCC authorises recognition. Sites are monitored at least once every five years.
- Not a protected area: I-OECM recognition does not change ownership or legal status.
- GEF-8 project: 72 months (15 May 2026 – 15 May 2032); USD 60.79 million in total (GEF grant USD 6.65 million); aims to add 3% of land and marine area to the conservation estate over the existing 27%, and 50,000 hectares of new terrestrial conservation areas.
- Six demonstration sites: Gori Valley (Uttarakhand); Kumbhalgarh–Mount Abu–Jaisalmer (Rajasthan); Satkosia–Kalahandi (Odisha); Srisailam–Cumbum (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana); Sahyadri–Konkan (Maharashtra and Goa); Lakshadweep Islands Marinescape.
Static GK link
- 30x30 target: Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (adopted at CBD COP-15, December 2022): conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030.
- NBA: Set up in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002; headquartered in Chennai.
India Elected President of the International Solar Alliance for a Third Consecutive Term; France Re-elected Co-President
Why in news: Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said on 3 November 2026, during the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 in New Delhi, that India has been elected President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term, with France re-elected Co-President.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — ISA founders, headquarters and India's role are standard static questions.
Key facts
- Membership: 130 signatory and member countries, as stated by the Minister.
- Africa focus: A USD 200 million Africa Solar Facility, with India's commitment of about ₹225 crore (USD 25 million); a USD 300 million Nigeria Distributed Renewable Energy Fund.
- Capacity building: 17 Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STARCs), the Global Capability Centre–SHINE and the AI-enabled ISA Academy.
- Agri-PV: ISA aims to empower 3 million farmers through solar energy and agri-photovoltaics, drawing on India's PM-KUSUM.
Static GK link
- ISA: Launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris (30 November 2015); its Framework Agreement entered into force on 6 December 2017; headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. Guiding idea: 'One Sun, One World, One Grid'.
SUVIKALP: Coal Controller Organisation's Digital Tool for Repurposing Closed Coal and Lignite Mines
Why in news: The Ministry of Coal described SUVIKALP – Mine Repurposing Tool, a digital decision-support platform developed by the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) to find the best post-mining use for closed and abandoned coal and lignite mines.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — mine closure and land reuse matter for Telangana's Singareni belt; the tool's name and its parent body are likely one-liners.
Key facts
- Basis: Aligned with the Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mine, 2025.
- Method: Multi-Criteria Decision-Making using TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) to rank reuse options.
- RECLAIM: A community engagement framework built in, so that local priorities are weighed alongside technical and economic factors.
- PRISM: Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategic Model — guides the move from a ranked idea to an actual project (strategy, investment, monitoring), with case studies and sample tenders.
Static GK link
- Coal Controller Organisation: An attached office of the Ministry of Coal, headquartered in Kolkata.
- Telangana link: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), jointly owned by Telangana and the Centre, mines coal in the Godavari valley coalfields.
7. National — Society, Health & Culture
Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan: A National Campaign to Bond Generations, Launched Under AVYAY
Why in news: Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister 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.
⭐ Exam importance: High — new welfare campaign for senior citizens with acronyms (5C, Vayo SAATHI) and population figures that suit MCQs.
Key facts
- Why: India's population aged 60+ is projected to grow from about 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036; urbanisation and migration have cut contact between generations, causing loneliness and exposure to cyber fraud.
- 5C model: Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue.
- Twelve themes: Including '30 Minutes Together', 'Teach Me – I'll Teach You', 'My Story, My India', 'Digital Dada-Dadi / Digital Saathi' and 'Silver Skills – Seniors as Mentors'.
- Vayo SAATHI: Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health and Inclusion — a volunteer drive open to citizens aged 18+, who register on the SCW SAMAVESH Portal or the JEEVAN App.
- MoUs: Signed with Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, for meditation, yoga and wellness programmes.
Static GK link
- Elderly in the Constitution and law: Article 41 (Directive Principle: public assistance in old age); Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007; National Policy on Older Persons, 1999.
- Days: International Day of Older Persons — 1 October.
8. International
India and Canada Hold Their Inaugural Defence Dialogue
Why in news: The first India–Canada Defence Dialogue was held virtually on 3 November 2026, co-chaired by Dr Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, and Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Department of National Defence, Canada.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — an 'inaugural' bilateral mechanism; first editions are often asked.
Key facts
- Priority areas: Defence industrial cooperation, military-technical cooperation and defence research and development.
- Background: Builds on the Joint Statement of 2 March 2026 issued by the Prime Ministers of the two countries (Canada: Mark Carney).
- Format: Held virtually; both sides also discussed regional and global issues and agreed to stay in touch on specific deliverables.
Static GK link
- Canada: Capital Ottawa; a member of the G7 and the Commonwealth.
9. Sports
Asian Para Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya): India Wins 114 Medals Including 30 Gold
Why in news: The Prime Minister met the Indian contingent of the Asian Para Games 2026 in New Delhi on 5 November 2026. India won 114 medals — 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze — at the Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
⭐ Exam importance: High — medal tally, host city and the '14 to 114' comparison are certain MCQ material.
Key facts
- Tally: 114 medals: 30 gold, 35 silver, 49 bronze.
- Records: 5 world records and 9 Asian records; Indians swept the podium in 4 events; 9 gold medals came on the final day.
- Women and debutants: 34 of 56 women athletes won medals; 36 of 61 debutants won medals.
- Then and now: At the 2010 Asian Para Games India won 14 medals with just one gold.
- Schemes: TOPS-supported athletes won 41 medals and Khelo India athletes 19. Shooters Avani and Manish have already secured quotas for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Static GK link
- TOPS: Target Olympic Podium Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, supporting elite athletes for the Olympics and Paralympics.
10. Awards, Appointments & Important Days
World Tsunami Awareness Day — 5 November
Why in news: World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed on 5 November 2026. The UN theme reads 'Be tsunami ready: Resilience starts with you'.
⭐ Exam importance: Medium — important days are regular one-mark questions; the Hyderabad tsunami warning centre adds a Telangana link.
Key facts
- Origin: Designated by the UN General Assembly in December 2015 (resolution 70/203); the idea came from Japan.
- Toll: Per the UN, 58 tsunamis in the past 100 years killed more than 2,60,000 people — about 4,600 per disaster; the deadliest was the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004.
Static GK link
- Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre: Run by INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences; operational since 2007.
- Cause: Most tsunamis are set off by undersea earthquakes that suddenly lift or drop the sea floor.
11. In Brief / Static Recap
In Brief: Finished Steel Consumption Reaches 99.3 Million Tonnes in April–October 2026
Why in news: The Ministry of Steel's monthly data (5 November 2026) show finished steel consumption of 99.3 million tonnes (Mt) in April–October 2026, up 7.5% from 92.4 Mt a year earlier.
⭐ Exam importance: Low — useful background figures for economy questions.
Key facts
- Production (Apr–Oct): Crude steel 99.1 Mt (+2.6%); finished steel 95.5 Mt (+3.9%).
- Trade: Imports 4.90 Mt against exports 3.98 Mt — India was a net importer of finished steel by quantity.
- Capacity: Annual crude steel capacity is 223.0 Mt; the seven large producers include SAIL and RINL (Visakhapatnam).
Static GK link
- National Steel Policy, 2017: Targets 300 Mt of crude steel capacity by 2030–31.
Practice questions with answers
With reference to the tax devolution instalment released on 5 November 2026, consider the following statements:
- The instalment was advanced from its normal date of 10 November because of the festive season.
- Andhra Pradesh received a larger amount than Telangana.
- Uttar Pradesh received the highest and Sikkim the lowest amount.
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 only
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are correct. Of the ₹1,09,019 crore, AP got ₹4,597 crore and Telangana ₹2,370 crore; UP got ₹19,208 crore and Sikkim ₹365 crore.
With reference to the critical mineral auctions launched on 5 November 2026, consider the following statements:
- Tranche IX offers 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks, three of them in Telangana.
- Exploration Licences were introduced through Section 10BA of the MMDR Act, 1957.
- Exploration Licence blocks are sold through a descending reverse auction.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are correct. Telangana also has three rare earth Exploration Licence blocks in Tranche III; in an EL auction the bidder quoting the lowest share wins.
With reference to India's I-OECM Guidelines, 2026, consider the following statements:
- A site recognised as an I-OECM becomes a protected area under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- They were released at CBD COP-17 in Yerevan, Armenia.
- The Srisailam–Cumbum landscape is one of the six demonstration sites of the linked GEF-8 project.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is wrong: I-OECM recognition does not make an area a protected area or change its ownership or legal status.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The missile 'Pralay', flight-tested on 5 November 2026, was developed mainly by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.
Reason (R): Pralay is an intercontinental ballistic missile produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (C) A is true, R is false
Explanation: A is true. R is false: Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile, and its production partner is Bharat Dynamics Limited.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission could declare the 5 November 2026 poll void at certain polling stations and order fresh polls.
Reason (R): Article 243K vests the superintendence, direction and control of panchayat elections in the State Election Commission.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R explains A
Explanation: Both are true and R explains A: the SEC's orders cite Article 243K along with the A.P. Panchayat Raj Act, 1994; fresh polls were held on 6 November at three polling stations.
Match the term with what it stands for or describes:
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Vayo SAATHI | 1. TRAI's map of user and drive tests of network quality |
| B. SUVIKALP | 2. Volunteer initiative for senior citizens under the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan |
| C. Network Anubhav | 3. India's maritime vision cited for MALABAR 2026 |
| D. MAHASAGAR | 4. Coal Controller Organisation's mine repurposing tool |
- A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
- A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
- A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
Answer: (B) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
Explanation: Vayo SAATHI is the volunteer drive for seniors (2); SUVIKALP is the CCO's mine repurposing tool (4); Network Anubhav is TRAI's platform (1); MAHASAGAR is the maritime vision (3).
Match the event of November 2026 with its venue:
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Harbour phase of MALABAR 2026 (INS Sahyadri) | 1. Goa |
| B. Release of the I-OECM Guidelines | 2. Gachibowli, Hyderabad |
| C. Launch of critical mineral auction Tranche IX | 3. Yokosuka, Japan |
| D. Cosmoserve Space's Base 1 | 4. Yerevan, Armenia |
- A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
- A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Answer: (D) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Explanation: MALABAR: Yokosuka (3); I-OECM Guidelines: Yerevan, at CBD COP-17 (4); Tranche IX: Goa, at the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers (1); Base 1: Gachibowli, Hyderabad (2).
India's medal tally at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya was:
- 111 medals: 29 gold, 31 silver, 51 bronze
- 114 medals: 35 gold, 30 silver, 49 bronze
- 114 medals: 30 gold, 35 silver, 49 bronze
- 104 medals: 30 gold, 25 silver, 49 bronze
Answer: (C) 114 medals: 30 gold, 35 silver, 49 bronze
Explanation: India won 114 medals — 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze — with 5 world records and 9 Asian records. At the 2010 edition India had only 14 medals.
The 'Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan' launched on 4 November 2026 is implemented under which scheme?
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
- National Social Assistance Programme
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Answer: (B) Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
Explanation: It is a National Intergenerational Bonding Campaign of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under AVYAY, built on the 5C model with Vayo SAATHI volunteers.
World Tsunami Awareness Day (5 November) was designated by the UN General Assembly in:
- December 2004
- March 2011
- June 2017
- December 2015
Answer: (D) December 2015
Explanation: Resolution 70/203 of December 2015 designated the day, on Japan's initiative. December 2004 is when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck; India's warning centre is at INCOIS, Hyderabad.