Current Affairs - November 2, 2026 Current Affairs

New Delhi is the host city for the 4th Indo-German Environmental Forum, scheduled for September 1, 2026. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Germany on climate and environmental policies. It will be co-chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and German Minister Carsten Schneider. Organised jointly by India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Germany’s BMUKN, the event will focus on low-carbon industries, biodiversity conservation, resource efficiency, circular economy models, sustainable finance, green skills and investment mobilisation. Its official theme is “Together For More Resilience.”

November 2 is observed annually as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared this day in 2013 through Resolution A/RES/68/163. It commemorates the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on November 2, 2013. The observance aims to raise awareness about violence against journalists and encourage governments to investigate attacks and hold those responsible accountable. It also highlights the importance of press freedom, freedom of expression and the public's right to information. The 2026 theme is "Threats Evolve, Impunity Persists."

Kimi Antonelli, an Italian Formula One driver representing Mercedes, became the youngest-ever F1 Drivers' World Champion in 2026 at the age of 20 years and 68 days. He secured the championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, 2026, after finishing third in the race. With this achievement, he broke Sebastian Vettel's long-standing record of winning the championship at 23 years and 134 days in 2010. Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme in April 2019 at just 12 years old and made his Formula One debut in 2025. He became the third Italian driver to win the F1 World Championship.

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections increased by 22.9% to ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, compared to ₹1.88 lakh crore in October 2025. This was the second-highest monthly GST collection since the tax system was introduced in July 2017. During the same month, net GST revenue increased by 25.6% to ₹2.03 lakh crore, while domestic revenue grew by 15.8%. Revenue from imports recorded a significant increase of 42.2%. For the April–October 2026 period, cumulative gross GST collections reached ₹14.78 lakh crore, registering an annual growth of 13.2%.

Bhutan dedicated sacred Buddhist Stupa No. 76 to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the consecration ceremony of 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City. The ceremony was performed by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on November 1, 2026. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the event. The 108 stupas, built under Project 108 along the banks of the Aie (Mau) River, symbolise enlightenment, wisdom and compassion. The dedication recognised Narendra Modi’s support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and the strong cultural and spiritual relationship between India and Bhutan.

Tim Cook is stepping down as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple on September 1, 2026, after serving in the role for 15 years. He became CEO on August 24, 2011, succeeding Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Following the leadership transition, John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is set to become the new CEO. Tim Cook will move into the position of Executive Chairman of Apple's board. Before becoming CEO, Cook joined Apple in 1998 as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations and later served as Chief Operating Officer. His leadership significantly strengthened Apple's supply chain and operational efficiency.

November 1 is observed as Foundation Day by eight Indian states and five Union Territories in India. The eight states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. Five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—also observe this day. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, were formed or reorganised in 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act. Haryana and Punjab took their current forms in 1966, while Chhattisgarh was created in 2000 after separating from Madhya Pradesh.

Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command on November 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on June 14, 1989, he has accumulated over 3,200 flying hours on various fighter aircraft. He previously commanded a frontline Sukhoi Su-30 fighter squadron and served as Senior Air Staff Officer of the South Western Air Command. He has also received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM) for his distinguished service.

Dinesh V. Ganvir was appointed as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and assumed charge on November 1, 2026. Before this appointment, he served as the Additional Director General and Head of GSI's Central Region in Nagpur, along with the responsibility of National Mission Head-II. He joined the Geological Survey of India on July 1, 1994, and has more than three decades of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration and engineering geology. His priorities include exploring critical and strategic minerals, improving mineral security, adopting advanced technologies and strengthening India's domestic mineral resources to support Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Cyclone Murasu is the severe cyclonic storm that developed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and approached the south coast of Andhra Pradesh in November 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast its landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, around midnight on November 2 to the early morning of November 3. The storm was expected to produce sustained wind speeds of 100–110 km/h, with gusts reaching 120 km/h, along with heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions. India submitted the name Murasu under the regional cyclone-naming system, and the word means "drum".