Daily Current Affairs Digest — 31 October 2026
Today's current affairs digest covers major national developments including Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Kevadia and the conclusion of MoEFCC's Special Campaign 6 focusing on e-waste management. Key defence appointments feature Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit taking charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, alongside the inauguration of the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise. Economic highlights include NTPC reporting a 41% jump in Q2 consolidated profit to Rs 7,351 crore and discussions surrounding India's expanding social security net via EPFO and welfare schemes.
Why It Matters
Aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams can expect direct questions on defence leadership appointments like the new Chief of the Air Staff, multilateral security frameworks such as the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise, and flagship government campaigns like the People's Plan Campaign and Special Campaign 6. Economic indicators such as NTPC's Q2 results and EPFO wage ceiling updates are vital for banking and finance papers.
In Simple Words
The major highlight of October 31, 2026, is the nationwide observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with central events led by the Prime Minister in Kevadia, Gujarat. Simultaneously, administrative governance witnessed key structural milestones such as the successful conclusion of the Union Ministry of Environment's Special Campaign 6 targeting cleanliness and e-waste disposal, and Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assuming command as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
These developments directly impact citizens by reinforcing national integration, institutional efficiency in public offices, and national security preparedness. For students and aspirants, these events highlight crucial administrative frameworks, defence leadership structures, and public sector governance models that frequently feature in competitive exams.
⚡ Quick 2-Minute Capsule (Key Highlights)
- Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumes charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on October 31, 2026.
- Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change successfully concludes Special Campaign 6 with a focus on e-waste management.
- NTPC reports a 41% jump in Q2 consolidated net profit to Rs 7,351 crore and declares an interim dividend of Rs 3.
- Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise begins, bringing together member states in the Bay of Bengal region.
- Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) MP Unit seizes 2,774.650 kg of illicit poppy straw and arrests four persons in anti-drug operations.
- The 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment set to begin at Dilli Haat, New Delhi.
Exam Angle
A. Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
10 MCQs embedded directly below this article with instant scores.
Detailed Daily Coverage & Analysis
Top National Affairs (राष्ट्रीय घटनाक्रम)
Key policy reforms, central government schemes, and legislative milestones.
Union Ministry of Environment Concludes Special Campaign 6 Focusing on E-Waste Management
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) along with its constituent bodies successfully concluded Special Campaign 6. The campaign emphasized institutionalizing Swachhata, minimizing pendency, and effectively collecting, segregating, and disposing of e-waste as per administrative guidelines.
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Urges Concerted Efforts for 'Atmanirbhar Panchayats'
Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh addressed the National Workshop on the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2026-27 in New Delhi. He called for active stakeholder participation to build self-reliant and developed Panchayats across the country.
15-Day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 to Begin at Dilli Haat, New Delhi
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing the 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, until November 15, 2026. The Mela aims to showcase products and empower marginalized artisans and persons with disabilities.
Top International & World Affairs (अंतरराष्ट्रीय घटनाक्रम)
Global summits, multilateral agreements, and bilateral strategic relations.
Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise Commences in Bay of Bengal
The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise is being conducted from October 30 to November 3, 2026. It brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to enhance regional security and maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.
Poland Political Crisis Deepens Amid Institutional Clashes Between PM and President
Poland is facing a constitutional and political crisis driven by a dispute over court legitimacy and judicial independence involving Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Nawrocki ahead of the 2027 polls.
Economy & Banking (अर्थव्यवस्था व बैंकिंग)
RBI policies, macroeconomic indicators, taxation, and financial markets.
NTPC Q2 Consolidated Net Profit Jumps 41% to Rs 7,351 Crore, Declares Interim Dividend
State-run power major NTPC reported robust financial results for Q2 FY27, with consolidated net profit surging 41% year-on-year to Rs 7,351 crore, driven by higher power generation and improved operational efficiencies. The company also declared an interim dividend of Rs 3 per share.
India's Social Security Framework Expands Through EPFO Wage Ceiling Revision and Digital Reforms
India's social security network has expanded with proposals to raise the mandatory EPFO coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, bringing over 51 lakh additional employees under its umbrella. Complementary digital initiatives and e-Shram registrations continue to streamline welfare delivery.
Sports, Science & Defence (खेलकूद व रक्षा)
Defense trials, military exercises, space research, and championship medals.
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumes Charge as 29th Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit PVSM AVSM VM VSM took over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who superannuated after 42 years of distinguished service. An NDA alumnus, Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream in December 1986.
CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit Seizes 2,774.650 kg of Poppy Straw in Major Anti-Drug Operations
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Madhya Pradesh Unit, conducted three major anti-drug enforcement operations, seizing 2,774.650 kg of illicit poppy straw (Dodachura), five vehicles, and arresting four individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking.
4.1-Billion-Year-Old Martian Meteorite Discovered in the Sahara Desert
NASA-funded researchers have confirmed that an 800-gram pink rock meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2022 originated from Mars more than 4.1 billion years ago, making it one of the oldest Martian meteorites ever found.
Static GK Booster (आज के स्टेटिक GK फैक्ट्स)
Key factual static foundations directly relevant to today's news.
- • Headquarters of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): New Delhi
- • Current Chief of the Air Staff of India: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit (29th CAS)
- • BIMSTEC Secretariat Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Birth Anniversary (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): October 31
- • Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC Limited: Gurdeep Singh
Practice Today's 10-MCQ Current Affairs Quiz
Click any option to test your recall with instant visual feedback and complete explanations.
Who assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on October 31, 2026?
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
Which ministry successfully concluded Special Campaign 6 with a core focus on e-waste management?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) concluded Special Campaign 6, emphasizing e-waste management and institutionalizing Swachhata.
What is the consolidated net profit reported by NTPC for Q2 FY27, which marked a 41% year-on-year jump?
NTPC reported a 41% jump in Q2 consolidated net profit to Rs 7,351 crore and declared an interim dividend of Rs 3 per share.
Where is the inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise being conducted to enhance regional security in the Bay of Bengal?
The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise brings together member states to enhance regional security and maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.
The 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is being held at which venue?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing the 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi.
Proposals to expand India's social security network include raising the mandatory EPFO coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to which amount?
Proposals to expand India's social security network involve raising the mandatory EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 to cover more employees.
Which agency's Madhya Pradesh Unit recently seized 2,774.650 kg of illicit poppy straw (Dodachura) in anti-drug operations?
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Madhya Pradesh Unit, seized 2,774.650 kg of illicit poppy straw and arrested four individuals in anti-drug operations.
Where is the permanent secretariat of BIMSTEC located?
The permanent secretariat of BIMSTEC is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, facilitating regional cooperation among South and Southeast Asian littoral states.
An 800-gram pink rock meteorite discovered in the Sahara Desert was confirmed to have originated from which planet over 4.1 billion years ago?
NASA-funded researchers confirmed that an 800-gram meteorite found in the Sahara Desert originated from Mars more than 4.1 billion years ago.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is celebrated annually across India on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of which leader?
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated on October 31 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Source: PIB & Verified Sources
October 2026 Monthly Compilation & Archives
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