UPSC / PCS / PSSSB
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
THE HINDU | NEWS & EXPLAINED ANALYSIS
8 Important News • Separate Explained Analysis • Static GK • Prelims Facts • Mains Practice • 10 MCQs
The Hindu Current Affairs — 2 November 2026
Prepare for UPSC CSE 2027, Punjab PCS, PPSC and PSSSB with DRONA IAS Academy, Patiala.
Today’s focused selection prioritises fresh, exam-relevant issues while reducing repetition of recent SIR, cyclone and NavIC topics.
Our Approach: Why in News → Static GK → Prelims Trap → Mains Question → 10 MCQs.
Language: English notes with Punjabi classroom explanation.
TODAY’S 8 MOST IMPORTANT NEWS
01. Anti-Defection Law — Independent MLCs in Bihar
Why in News?
A controversy involving independently elected members of the Bihar Legislative Council has renewed attention to the constitutional rules on joining political parties after election. The legal outcome depends on the facts and the competent presiding authority’s decision.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Tenth Schedule: Disqualification on grounds of defection.
- 52nd Amendment, 1985: Inserted the Tenth Schedule.
- 91st Amendment, 2003: Strengthened anti-defection provisions.
- Independent member: Joining a political party after election attracts disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
- Nominated member: Separate six-month rule for joining a party.
- Decision: Speaker or Chairman, subject to judicial review.
- Kihoto Hollohan (1992): Judicial review of disqualification decisions.
02. Indian Navy — Project 18A Next-Generation Destroyers
Why in News?
The Hindu reports in-principle Defence Acquisition Council approval for proposed next-generation stealth-guided missile destroyers under Project 18A. The reported programme estimate is around ₹80,000 crore, with approximately 75% indigenous content envisaged; these are proposals, not completed deliveries.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- DAC: Defence Acquisition Council; chaired by the Defence Minister.
- AoN: Acceptance of Necessity; an acquisition approval stage.
- Project 18A: Proposed next-generation destroyer programme.
- Warship Design Bureau: Indian Navy organisation involved in indigenous ship design.
- Destroyer: Large surface combatant for air, surface and anti-submarine warfare.
- BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile used on Indian naval platforms.
- Indian Ocean Region: Strategically significant maritime region.
- Visakhapatnam class: Existing Indian Navy destroyer class.
03. October GST Collections — Fiscal Federalism
Why in News?
The Hindu reports gross GST collections exceeding ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, up around 23% year on year. Reported net collections exceeded ₹2.03 lakh crore after refunds, supported by festive demand and import-related revenues.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- GST: Goods and Services Tax.
- 101st Amendment: Constitutional foundation for GST.
- Article 279A: GST Council.
- Article 246A: Special legislative power regarding GST.
- Article 269A: GST on inter-State supplies.
- CGST / SGST: Central and State components of intra-State GST.
- IGST: Generally levied on inter-State supplies and imports.
- Gross vs Net GST: Net collections account for refunds.
04. Judicial Pendency — Access to Justice
Why in News?
The Chief Justice of India has raised concerns about delays in High Court hearings and litigants seeking expedited relief before the Supreme Court. The issue highlights timely justice, institutional capacity and the appropriate role of different courts.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 32: Right to constitutional remedies before Supreme Court.
- Article 226: High Courts’ writ jurisdiction.
- Article 21: Life and personal liberty; includes fair and timely process in relevant jurisprudence.
- Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
- High Courts: Constitutional courts with broad writ jurisdiction.
- Pendency: Cases remaining undecided.
- e-Courts: Judicial digitisation initiative.
- Judicial Vacancies: One of several factors affecting case disposal.
05. India–Sri Lanka Fishermen Issue
Why in News?
Reports of detention of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities bring renewed attention to fishing rights, maritime boundaries and livelihoods in the Palk Strait region. Specific incident details should be checked against the dated report.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Palk Strait: Sea passage between India and Sri Lanka.
- Gulf of Mannar: Marine region south of Palk Strait.
- Katchatheevu: Island situated between India and Sri Lanka.
- IMBL: International Maritime Boundary Line.
- UNCLOS: UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- Bottom Trawling: Fishing method associated with ecological concerns.
- Tamil Nadu: Indian coastal State central to the issue.
- Bilateral Diplomacy: Dialogue to address arrests and sustainable fishing.
06. Citizenship Amendment Act — Matua Community
Why in News?
The Hindu reports a stated West Bengal government target concerning citizenship certificates for members of the Matua community under the Citizenship Amendment Act. Treat the target as an announced goal rather than completed grants.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Articles 5–11: Constitutional provisions concerning citizenship at commencement and Parliament’s powers.
- Article 11: Parliament may regulate citizenship by law.
- Citizenship Act, 1955: Principal citizenship legislation.
- CAA, 2019: Amended specified citizenship provisions.
- CAA Rules, 2024: Rules notified for implementation.
- Matua Community: Community with historical roots in eastern Bengal.
- Citizenship vs Voting: Distinct legal concepts and requirements.
- Application Process: Eligibility and documentation matter.
07. AMU Women’s College — Student Voting Rights
Why in News?
Students at Aligarh Muslim University’s Women’s College have raised concerns about exclusion from the main university student-union voting process. The issue raises questions about institutional rules, representation and gender equality.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 14: Equality before law and equal protection of laws.
- Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on specified grounds.
- Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.
- AMU: Aligarh Muslim University.
- Student Union: Institutional student representation.
- Lyngdoh Committee: Recommendations on student-union elections.
- Gender Equality: Equal access to participation and opportunity.
- University Rules: Specific voting eligibility requires examination of applicable regulations.
08. Jal Jeevan Mission — Implementation Challenges
Why in News?
Implementation and funding challenges associated with rural household tap-water connections remain relevant to Jal Jeevan Mission. Review the current Kerala-specific report and distinguish targets, sanctioned works and functioning connections.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- JJM: Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Har Ghar Jal: Household tap-water service objective.
- Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- FHTC: Functional Household Tap Connection.
- Water Quality: Safe drinking-water standards and monitoring.
- Centre–State Cooperation: Shared implementation responsibilities.
- Gram Panchayats: Important local-level role.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
SEPARATE EXPLAINED & EDITORIAL-STYLE ANALYSIS
01. Decent Work vs Employment Numbers
Central Issue
Unemployment rates alone do not describe job quality. Informal work, wages, social security, productivity and underemployment matter for inclusive growth.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- ILO: International Labour Organization.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
- PLFS: Periodic Labour Force Survey.
- Labour Codes: India’s four consolidated labour-code statutes.
02. India–Bhutan & Gelephu Mindfulness City
Central Issue
Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative provides a useful lens for studying India–Bhutan connectivity, Himalayan development and diplomatic cooperation.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Bhutan: Landlocked Himalayan neighbour of India.
- Gelephu: Located in southern Bhutan.
- Chorten: Buddhist stupa or religious monument.
- Hydropower: Major area of India–Bhutan cooperation.
03. Aviation Safety — Char Dham Helicopter Operations
Central Issue
Following a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand, a two-pilot requirement for specified Char Dham charter flights has generated debate about safety and operational feasibility.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- DGCA: Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
- UCADA: Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority.
- Char Dham: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
- Safety Regulation: Risk management and aviation oversight.
QUICK REVISION — 2 NOVEMBER 2026
Tenth Schedule; 52nd and 91st Amendments; Kihoto Hollohan.
DAC; Destroyers; BrahMos; Indigenous Shipbuilding.
Article 279A; CGST, SGST, IGST; Gross vs Net Revenue.
Articles 32, 226, 39A; e-Courts; Access to Justice.
Palk Strait; Katchatheevu; IMBL; UNCLOS.
Articles 5–11; Citizenship Act 1955; CAA 2019.
Articles 14–15; AMU; Lyngdoh Committee.
Har Ghar Jal; FHTC; Ministry of Jal Shakti; SDG 6.
ILO; SDG 8; PLFS; Employment Quality.
Gelephu Mindfulness City; Chorten; Hydropower.
DGCA; UCADA; Char Dham; Two-Pilot Rule.
10 UPSC / PCS / PPSC / PSSSB PRACTICE MCQs
Test Your Understanding — 2 November 2026
Click each question to reveal the correct answer and explanation.
Q1. An independently elected legislator joins a political party after election. Which Schedule is relevant?
A. Fifth Schedule
B. Tenth Schedule
C. Eleventh Schedule
D. Twelfth Schedule
The Tenth Schedule contains anti-defection provisions, including a rule for independently elected members.
Q2. Who chairs the Defence Acquisition Council?
A. Prime Minister
B. Defence Minister
C. Chief of Defence Staff
D. Navy Chief
The Defence Minister chairs the Defence Acquisition Council.
Q3. Which Article provides for the GST Council?
A. Article 280
B. Article 279A
C. Article 262
D. Article 324
Article 279A provides for the GST Council.
Q4. Which Article empowers High Courts to issue writs?
A. Article 32
B. Article 72
C. Article 226
D. Article 356
Article 226 provides for High Court writ jurisdiction.
Q5. The Palk Strait lies between India and which country?
A. Maldives
B. Myanmar
C. Sri Lanka
D. Indonesia
The Palk Strait separates parts of Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.
Q6. Which Article empowers Parliament to make laws on citizenship?
A. Article 11
B. Article 17
C. Article 21
D. Article 40
Article 11 empowers Parliament to regulate citizenship by law.
Q7. Which Article guarantees equality before the law?
A. Article 14
B. Article 19
C. Article 23
D. Article 32
Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
Q8. Jal Jeevan Mission is associated with which Ministry?
A. Ministry of Education
B. Ministry of Jal Shakti
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Jal Shakti oversees Jal Jeevan Mission.
Q9. SDG 6 primarily concerns:
A. Quality Education
B. Climate Action
C. Clean Water and Sanitation
D. Decent Work
Sustainable Development Goal 6 concerns clean water and sanitation.
Q10. Which committee is associated with student-union election recommendations?
A. Sarkaria Committee
B. Lyngdoh Committee
C. Punchhi Commission
D. Finance Commission
The Lyngdoh Committee is associated with recommendations on student-union elections.
