UPSC / PCS / PSSSB
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
THE HINDU | NEWS & EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
8 Important News • Editorial • Static GK • Prelims Facts • Mains Analysis • 10 MCQs
The Hindu Current Affairs — 31 October 2026
Prepare for UPSC CSE 2027, Punjab PCS, PPSC and PSSSB with DRONA IAS Academy, Patiala.
Today’s newspaper analysis covers Social Security, Employment, Public Service Commissions, Space Technology, Energy Security, Disaster Management, International Relations and Artificial Intelligence.
Our Approach: Why in News → Important Developments → Static GK → Prelims Facts → Mains Practice → 10 MCQs.
Language: English + Punjabi classroom explanation.
TODAY’S 8 MOST IMPORTANT NEWS
01. National Social Security Boards for Gig and Unorganised Workers
Why in News?
The Union Labour Ministry notified two national social security boards:
- 40-member Board for Unorganised Workers.
- 22-member Board for Gig and Platform Workers.
Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chairs both boards. They will recommend, monitor and review welfare schemes for workers and meet at least three times a year.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Code on Social Security: Statutory framework for the boards.
- Gig Worker: Person earning from work outside a traditional employer–employee relationship.
- Platform Worker: Worker whose services are arranged through an online platform.
- Board Chairperson: Union Labour and Employment Minister.
- Vice-Chairperson: Union Labour Secretary.
- Minimum Meetings: Three annually.
02. Kerala PSC Examination Manipulation Allegations
Why in News?
The Kerala Police Crime Branch alleged deliberate manipulation in a Kerala Public Service Commission examination conducted for the State Planning Board.
Investigators alleged that 10 questions were intentionally excluded from evaluation, potentially affecting candidate rankings. A Special Investigation Team issued notices to officials for questioning.
These are allegations under investigation, not final judicial findings.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 315: Union and State Public Service Commissions.
- Article 316: Appointment and tenure of PSC members.
- Article 317: Removal and suspension of PSC members.
- Article 320: Functions of Public Service Commissions.
- Article 16: Equality of opportunity in public employment.
- State PSC Members: Appointed by the Governor.
03. ISRO’s GSLV-F18 Launches NVS-03 Navigation Satellite
Why in News?
ISRO successfully launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard GSLV-F18 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.
The satellite was placed into its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It is part of India’s next-generation regional navigation satellite programme.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- ISRO: Indian Space Research Organisation.
- NavIC: Navigation with Indian Constellation.
- IRNSS: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.
- GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
- GTO: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
- Launch Centre: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- NavIC Coverage: India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its boundaries.
04. India Changes Crude Oil Import Sources
Why in News?
The Hindu reported changes in India’s crude-oil import pattern during September 2026.
Imports from the United States reportedly fell to zero, while Russian supplies declined sharply. The United Arab Emirates accounted for more than one-fourth of India’s reported crude imports.
The developments highlight how sanctions, international relations and supply-chain risks influence energy procurement.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Energy Security: Reliable and affordable access to energy.
- Import Diversification: Purchasing energy from multiple suppliers.
- Crude Oil: Raw petroleum refined into fuels and other products.
- Strait of Hormuz: Important shipping passage linking the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
- Trade Sanctions: Restrictions that can affect international transactions.
05. Cyclone Arnab — Andhra Pradesh Damage Assessment
Why in News?
The Andhra Pradesh government reported a preliminary damage estimate of ₹4,600 crore following Cyclone Arnab.
The government announced relief measures, including ₹5 lakh ex gratia for families of deceased persons and financial assistance for crop damage.
Restoration of essential services and assessment of infrastructure losses continued.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- IMD: India Meteorological Department.
- NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority.
- NDRF: National Disaster Response Force.
- Disaster Management Act: 2005.
- Storm Surge: Abnormal rise in seawater associated with a storm.
- Coriolis Force: Helps produce rotation in tropical cyclones.
06. Supreme Court Mediation in KG Basin Gas Dispute
Why in News?
The Supreme Court appointed former judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai as sole mediator in the Krishna–Godavari Basin gas-migration dispute involving Reliance Industries, its consortium partners and the Union government.
The Court encouraged a negotiated settlement in a technically complex natural-resource dispute.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- KG Basin: Krishna–Godavari sedimentary basin.
- Natural Gas: Fossil fuel used in energy and industrial sectors.
- Mediation: Dispute resolution assisted by a neutral third party.
- ADR: Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Energy Governance: Regulation and management of energy resources.
07. New York Introduces Child-Safety Rules for AI Chatbots
Why in News?
The Governor of New York signed legislation intended to protect minors from harmful AI-chatbot interactions and improve security for internet-connected baby monitors.
The measures address concerns relating to emotional dependency, harmful conversational content and unauthorised access to connected devices.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- AI: Artificial Intelligence.
- AI Chatbot: Software generating conversational responses.
- IoT: Internet of Things.
- Data Privacy: Protection of personal information.
- Child Online Safety: Safeguards against harmful digital interactions.
- Connected-Device Security: Protection from unauthorised access and hacking.
08. UN Inquiry Report on Gaza and the West Bank
Why in News?
A United Nations independent commission of inquiry reported allegations of continued serious violations of international law in occupied Palestinian territory, including after the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The commission also raised concerns regarding military operations in the West Bank.
The findings are attributed to the commission and should not be confused with final judgments of an international court.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- UN: United Nations.
- UNHRC: United Nations Human Rights Council.
- International Humanitarian Law: Rules governing armed conflict.
- Gaza Strip: Palestinian territory on the Mediterranean coast.
- West Bank: Distinct Palestinian territory.
- Commission of Inquiry: Investigative mechanism, not a criminal court.
IMPORTANT EDITORIAL — DIGITAL ARREST SCAMS
Digital Arrest Fraud — Beyond Victim-Blaming
Editorial Background
The Hindu editorial discusses the growing threat of digital arrest scams and argues that such fraud cannot be explained simply by blaming victims.
Fraudsters exploit fear of police and investigating agencies. The editorial highlights financial losses and the importance of strengthening banking safeguards.
Central Argument
Public awareness is important, but preventing digital fraud also requires institutional accountability, better transaction monitoring and faster detection of suspicious bank accounts.
The editorial discusses the RBI’s proposed KYC Amendment Directions, 2026, including stronger action against suspected mule accounts.
Important Static GK
- RBI: Reserve Bank of India.
- RBI Act: 1934.
- Established: 1 April 1935.
- KYC: Know Your Customer.
- Mule Account: Bank account used to receive or transfer fraud proceeds.
- Cybercrime Helpline: 1930.
- Cybercrime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in.
QUICK REVISION — 31 OCTOBER 2026
40 and 22 Members, Gig Workers, Social Security Code
Articles 315–323, Article 16, Recruitment Transparency
GSLV-F18, NavIC, ISRO, Sriharikota
Russia, UAE, Energy Security, Import Diversification
₹4,600 Crore Preliminary Loss, IMD, NDRF
Natural Gas, Supreme Court, Mediation
New York, AI Chatbots, IoT, Privacy
Gaza, West Bank, International Humanitarian Law
RBI, KYC, Mule Accounts, Cybercrime Helpline 1930
10 UPSC / PCS PRACTICE MCQs
Test Your Understanding — 31 October 2026
Click each question to reveal the correct answer and explanation.
Q1. The newly notified social security boards have how many members respectively?
A. 40 and 22
B. 22 and 40
C. 40 and 40
D. 22 and 22
The Unorganised Workers Board has 40 members, while the Gig and Platform Workers Board has 22.
Q2. Which Article governs the removal of State PSC members?
A. Article 315
B. Article 316
C. Article 317
D. Article 320
Article 317 deals with removal and suspension of Public Service Commission members.
Q3. Which launch vehicle carried the NVS-03 satellite?
A. PSLV-C61
B. GSLV-F18
C. LVM3-M4
D. SSLV-D3
The newspaper reported the successful launch of NVS-03 using GSLV-F18.
Q4. NavIC is primarily associated with:
A. Weather forecasting
B. Regional satellite navigation
C. Ocean-floor drilling
D. Nuclear fuel production
NavIC is India’s indigenous regional satellite-navigation system.
Q5. Which country accounted for more than one-fourth of India’s reported September crude imports?
A. Japan
B. United Arab Emirates
C. Australia
D. France
The newspaper reported a sharp rise in the UAE’s share of India’s crude-oil imports.
Q6. The ₹4,600 crore Cyclone Arnab loss figure was:
A. A final audited figure
B. A preliminary state estimate
C. An insurance payout
D. A central tax allocation
The Andhra Pradesh government described the damage estimate as preliminary.
Q7. Who was appointed mediator in the KG Basin gas dispute?
A. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
B. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
C. Justice B.R. Gavai
D. Justice K.M. Joseph
The Supreme Court appointed the former judge as sole mediator.
Q8. The AI chatbot child-safety laws discussed in the newspaper concern:
A. India
B. New York, United States
C. Singapore
D. Canada
The legislation was signed by New York’s Governor.
Q9. A UN commission of inquiry is best described as:
A. A criminal court issuing final convictions
B. An investigative mechanism
C. A national legislature
D. A commercial arbitration tribunal
A commission investigates and reports findings; it is not itself a criminal court.
Q10. Who chairs the newly notified national social security boards?
A. Finance Minister
B. Union Labour and Employment Minister
C. Chief Justice of India
D. RBI Governor
The newspaper identifies Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as chairperson of both boards.
