Daily Current Affairs Digest — 1 November 2026
Today's digest covers major developments including Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assuming charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's visit to Bhutan for the consecration of 108 Stupas, and record-breaking automobile and GST collections driven by festive demand in October 2026. Key national milestones, defense leadership changes, and international geopolitical tensions are also featured.
Why It Matters
Examiners across UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams frequently test direct appointments (such as the new Air Chief Marshal), major national infrastructure or foundation projects, bilateral cultural events, and macroeconomic indicators like monthly GST collections and automobile sales growth figures.
In Simple Words
The biggest developments on November 1, 2026, include major leadership transitions in the Indian Air Force with Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit taking over as the 29th Chief, and significant bilateral engagements like Union Minister Kiren Rijiju representing India at the 108 Stupas consecration in Bhutan. Additionally, the Indian economy saw a massive boost in October 2026 with record gross GST collections touching ₹2.31 lakh crore and robust auto sales led by festive demand.
For citizens and governance, these developments highlight India's strong defense readiness, deepening cultural diplomacy with neighboring countries, and robust economic growth driven by festive consumer spending. For competitive exam aspirants, questions from these events will likely focus on defense appointments, bilateral cultural projects, and key economic indicators like GST revenue milestones.
⚡ Quick 2-Minute Capsule (Key Highlights)
- Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumes charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attends the consecration of 108 Stupas in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan.
- India's gross GST collections surge 23% to the second-highest level of ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026.
- Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal takes over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command.
- India's coal imports decline by 5.83% in August 2026, dropping to 104.57 million tonnes.
- EPFO celebrates its 74th Foundation Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 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 Minister Kiren Rijiju Represents India at the Consecration of 108 Stupas in Bhutan
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju represented the Government of India at the ceremony for raising and consecrating 108 Stupas in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, led by His Majesty The King of Bhutan. The project reflects the shared spiritual and cultural ties and close friendship between India and Bhutan.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹258 Crore in Chandigarh
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated various development projects and laid foundation stones worth ₹258 crore for the Chandigarh Administration. He also attended the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the President's Colour Conferment Ceremony of Chandigarh Police.
EPFO Celebrates 74-Year Journey of Worker Welfare on its 74th Foundation Day
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) celebrated its 74th Foundation Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Union Minister for Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the event, highlighting EPFO's evolution into a premier social security institution.
National Zoological Park in New Delhi Celebrates 67th Foundation Day
The National Zoological Park (NZP) in New Delhi marked its 67th Foundation Day with creative outreach activities, including a doodle competition and bird walk. The event aimed to promote wildlife conservation and biodiversity awareness among approximately 1,500 participating visitors.
Top International & World Affairs (अंतरराष्ट्रीय घटनाक्रम)
Global summits, multilateral agreements, and bilateral strategic relations.
Iran Designates British Armed Forces and Intelligence Agency as Terrorist Entities
Escalating geopolitical tensions, Iran's Foreign Ministry officially designated the British Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the MI6 intelligence agency as terrorist organizations in response to hostile measures and previous bans imposed by London.
Qatar LNG Carrier Struck by Unidentified Objects in Gulf Region
A Qatar-bound LNG carrier was struck by unidentified objects while navigating through Gulf waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities and regional ministers reported that security measures are being closely monitored following the projectile attacks.
Former Brazilian Presidential Candidate Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to Miami
Reports emerged that defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro successfully fled Brazil to Miami with the assistance of a former Mossad officer, sparking intense political debates regarding international travel and political asylum in the United States.
Economy & Banking (अर्थव्यवस्था व बैंकिंग)
RBI policies, macroeconomic indicators, taxation, and financial markets.
India's Net GST Collections Surge 25.6% YoY, Total Gross Mop-Up Hits ₹2.31 Lakh Crore in October
Fueled by robust festive season consumer demand, India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 23% year-on-year to reach ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, marking the second-highest monthly collection level ever recorded.
India's Coal Imports Decline by 5.83% in August 2026 Due to Higher Domestic Production
India's total coal imports decreased by 5.83% in August 2026 to 104.57 million tonnes compared to 111.05 million tonnes in August 2025. The Ministry of Coal attributed this reduction to enhanced domestic coal production and optimized supply chains.
Automobile Giants Report Record October 2026 Sales Driven by Festive Demand
Major automotive manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki, Honda, and TVS recorded massive sales spikes in October 2026. Maruti Suzuki posted all-time high domestic dispatches crossing 2.12 lakh units, while Honda and TVS registered double-digit growth percentages.
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 assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on November 1, 2026. An experimental test pilot with over 3,500 hours of flying experience, he paid homage at the National War Memorial before taking command.
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal Takes Over as AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command on November 1, 2026. A fighter pilot commissioned in June 1989, he brings over 3,200 hours of flying experience on multiple fighter aircraft.
Indian Naval Ship Trishul Makes Port Call at Souda Bay, Greece
As part of its ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Naval Ship Trishul made a port call at Souda Bay, Greece. The visit aims to enhance maritime cooperation, professional interactions, and cultural exchanges between the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy.
Static GK Booster (आज के स्टेटिक GK फैक्ट्स)
Key factual static foundations directly relevant to today's news.
- • Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of India: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit (29th Chief).
- • Capital and Currency of Bhutan: Capital is Thimphu, and Currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum.
- • Union Minister of Labour & Employment: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
- • Headquarters of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): New Delhi.
- • Capital and Currency of Greece: Capital is Athens, and Currency is the Euro (€).
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 November 1, 2026?
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, bringing extensive experience as an experimental test pilot with over 3,500 flying hours.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently represented India at the consecration of 108 Stupas in which country?
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Gelephu Mindfulness City in Bhutan to attend the consecration of 108 Stupas, reflecting deep spiritual ties.
What was India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in October 2026?
India's gross GST collections surged 23% year-on-year to reach ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, marking the second-highest monthly collection ever recorded.
Which anniversary did the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) celebrate at its New Delhi event?
The EPFO celebrated its 74th Foundation Day at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, presided over by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
Which foreign country's armed forces and intelligence agency (including MI6) were officially designated as terrorist entities by Iran?
Iran's Foreign Ministry designated the British Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and MI6 as terrorist entities in response to hostile measures by London.
By what percentage did India's coal imports decline in August 2026 due to higher domestic production?
India's total coal imports decreased by 5.83% in August 2026 to 104.57 million tonnes due to enhanced domestic coal production.
Where is the National Zoological Park located, which celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on November 1, 2026?
The National Zoological Park is located in New Delhi and celebrated its 67th Foundation Day with wildlife conservation activities.
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of which command?
Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal assumed command of the Shillong-headquartered Eastern Air Command on November 1, 2026.
Indian Naval Ship Trishul recently made a port call at Souda Bay located in which country?
As part of its Mediterranean deployment, INS Trishul visited Souda Bay in Greece to enhance maritime cooperation with the Hellenic Navy.
What is the currency of Bhutan, where the 108 Stupas project was consecrated?
The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu and its official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum.
Source: PIB & Verified Sources
November 2026 Monthly Compilation & Archives
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